Since its inception in 1998, Destin's Kelly Plantation Golf Course has been consistently rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, named in the "Top 5% of Golf Courses in North America" by Golf Digest, voted "Top Premium Golf Courses for Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction" by the National Golf Foundation, and named to "America's Top Golf Courses" by Zagat Survey.
The overall layout is fun and encouraging for novice golfers from the forward tees, with hardly any forced carries; however, from the back tees, it’s an entirely different game. This Destin golf course stretches 7,099 yards – a serious driving test for long hitters. The low-handicapper will find it a true test of golf where strategy and accuracy are vital to beating par.
The Bermuda greens of this premium Destin golf course are large, contoured and smooth providing the playability one might expect of a premium class golf course. Kelly Plantation’s greens are quite unique on almost every hole - they roll fast yet true. The putting surface on Hole No. 9 is one of the few holes rated a “5” on a five point scale by the Florida State Golf Association. You’ll even find a 14,000 square-foot double green that serves for holes No. 7 and 11, with a pot bunker strategically placed in the middle. A few holes offer multi-tiered greens that will put your putting skills to the test, along with several subtle greens which are less severe yet equally challenging. And, the golf course conditions are exceptional with meticulously manicured fairways, pristine Bermuda greens, and neatly raked bunkers.
Kelly Plantation rates high in scenic appeal. You’ll be mesmerized by Hole No. 4’s spectacular, panoramic view of Choctawhatchee Bay - you may even see a porpoise or two. The surrounding Magnolias and Palmettos, native to the northwest Florida region, add to the tranquil setting. You’ll observe miles of waterfront including 11 lakes – the largest is 7.5 acres that surround holes No. 9 and 18.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club is rich in history, too. This Destin golf course is located on the former site of a turpentine plantation owned by Mattie and Coleman Kelly. Many of the trees on the course still have holes located at the bottom where the turpentine was drained. The tees (other than the back ‘Couples’ tees) were named after the local vegetation found on the plantation -Plantation, Palmetto and Magnolia - which add to the charm of the course.
