Are you looking to take a journey through a challenging 18-hole golf course perfected by waterfront views? If so, you definitely need to put the Kelly Plantation Golf Club on your itinerary. Their semi-private course demands long drives and strategic thinking to make it to the end under par. At 7,099 yards total, it’s a long trek, too, letting you soak in the beauty of Destin swing after swing.
You can start your oceanside golfing adventures with a trip over to the pro shop or with a meal at the restaurant. Or you can kick off each visit with a trip to their training facilities to practice your long drives and precise putts. They even offer golf academy lessons to help zero in your efforts and ensure you’re ready to master every hole.
Then, when you’re ready, just check-in for your tee time and hop on a GPS-equipped golf cart for the experience of a lifetime. The screen on the golf cart will jumpstart your strategic thinking with its clear view of each hole and total yardage ahead. You’ll need it, too, as their tranquil waterfront setting features 11 lakes and bunkers galore.
Their scenic views are absolutely mesmerizing as well, often distracting from the game. Watch out on hole four, in particular, as the breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay often frame dolphins in the distance. As you take in all the views all around, you’re sure to see trees with holes in their trunks, which serve as a reminder of the history of the course as a turpentine plantation.
Keep in mind that the personality of the course changes from the front to the back nine. You may need to change your approach entirely to keep the ball going in the right direction with every swing. The wind off the waterfront complicates things even further, especially later in the day when it typically picks up. Thankfully, you can stop at the 10th tee box to enjoy chilled apples and reflect on how to switch things up appropriately.
Their offerings include:
Pro Shop
Their Pro Shop always serves as a great place to kick off your oceanfront golfing experience. They have all the gear and apparel you could ever want, including branded polo shirts, gloves, and balls. Need to rent a set of clubs? They can do that, too. Just call well ahead of your visit to ensure they’ll have a set ready to go.
Restaurant
The Grille at Kelly Plantation serves up delightful breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare to the public each day. Plus, they roll out a wickedly delicious brunch spread each Sunday, featuring Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Swing by before your game to build your own omelet or come by after Lemon Pepper Ahi made with care.
Academy Lessons
For a chance to learn all the top tips and tricks in the world of golf, sign up for an academy spot. Rob Strano serves as the director of instruction for their state-of-the-art training program. After just a couple of sessions, you’re sure to see a marked improvement in your golf game, increasing your ability to come in well under par every time.
Are you planning a special event in the near future? If so, take it to the next level by selecting the golf club as your venue of choice. They regularly host rehearsal dinners, weddings, and many other events, accommodating anywhere from 20 to 500 guests. The event planner will help you decide between their Dining Room, Clubhouse Patio, and Outdoor Wedding spaces. Then, they’ll go above and beyond in pinning down the rest of the details for your big day.
Insider Tips:
-When dining with six or more in your party, expect to see a 20% gratuity automatically added to your restaurant bill.
-On Fridays, The Grille offers two entrée specials that change every week. If you want to get a taste, you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time.