Destin isn't just known for its pristine beaches, water sports and deep-sea fishing, it's also home to numerous challenging and award-winning golf courses. Though it's a known fact that "true" golfers will play during any weather, Destin is famous for its balmy, subtropical climate. With 343 days of sunny skies and an average temperature of 67.2 degrees, it's the perfect weather for any golfer.

KELLY PLANTATION GOLF CLUB
This beautiful, championship 18-hole, par 72 course is nestled along Choctawhatchee Bay. What was once a turpentine plantation is now one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses in Northwest Florida. The course was designed by PGA Tour Player Fred Couples and provides picturesque waterfront views, intricate bayous, towering trees, and high-definition hazards.

REGATTA BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
This award-winning 18-hole, par 72 "bay" course was ranked in the "Top 15 Courses in Florida" by Golf Digest. It is located among the nature preserves along Choctawhatchee Bay and was designed by Robert C. Walker, who was the former lead architect for Arnold Palmer. Hole 18 has been named by the locals as "Tin Cup" because of its drastic two-tiered green.

EMERALD BAY GOLF CLUB
This championship 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by Robert E. Cupp, ASGCA and was ranked in Golf Digest's "Top New Courses in the Country." As you reach the back nine, you will have breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay. The greens are fast and the water is challenging and requires pin-point accuracy.

SEASCAPE RESORT
This 18-hole, par 71 championship course was designed by Joe Lee, and is known for its many par 3 water holes (15 of the 18 holes have water features), but the challenge also lies in the green placement. Even the most skilled players have to maneuver the course with precision shots. The course is situated among a series of fresh water and coastal dune lakes, but you also have breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from many of the holes.

In nearby Sandestin, legend has it that a Scottish sea captain buried a treasure chest at the base of a pine tree charred by lightning over 130 years ago. Though no one has found the chest of treasure, the land has become a treasure for golfers at four award-winning championship courses:

BAYTOWNE COURSE
This 18-hole, par 71 course was designed by Tom Jackson; expansively renovated in 2005; and given 4 stars by Golf Digest in 2006 as "Places to Play." The course runs from the beach to the bay with many elevation changes; a heavily bunkered front nine; and 13 holes present water hazards. They added a fifth set of junior tees, which makes it a great course for beginners.

RAVEN COURSE
This 18-hole, par 71 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and given 4  stars by Golf Digest in 2006 as "Places to Play." The course annually hosts the PGA Champions Tour Stop. In 2006-2007, it was home to the Boeing Championship. The course runs through pine trees, marshes and wetlands and correct club selection is a must on their large undulating greens.
 
THE LINKS COURSE
This 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by Tom Jackson and received a 4-star rating in 2002, 2004 and 2006 by Golf Digest as "Places to Play." The course is a links-style course that winds around the Baytowne Marina and Choctawhatchee Bay. With 13 water holes and 5 holes that run along the shore, accurate club selection is a must because of the prevailing winds.

BURNT PINE COURSE
This 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by Rees Jones. The course was named "The Crown Jewel of Florida Golf" by Golf Magazine and received a 4 -star rating in 2006 by Golf Digest as "Places to Play." Its front nine meanders through pine forests and wetlands, while the back nine offers views of Choctawhatchee Bay.

As a beginner golfer, most of the courses are a challenge to me, but as long as I can continue to shoot straight off the tee and the wind from the ocean or the bay doesn't grab my ball and carry it away, I'm okay!  I've found that the best time for a beginner to play is in mid-afternoon when all the great golfers have finished and the not-so-great "I just love to play" duffers show up.  But no matter your skill level, you will find a golfing vacation like no other in Destin!

This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Sharon Lea Hill.

After a long day on the links, treat yourself to a relaxing soak in your relaxing tub, in your relaxing Destin vacation home!  (And then use the money you saved to buy some new clubs to help you relax during tomorrow's game!)