I have played this Course over the years and it's not as nice as the Raven but I wanted to get out early. The Course was in fair sharp for the winter conditions. The greens were not cut close which caused them to be slow. The price was $80.00 with my stay at Sandestin resorts. The layout is challenging but don't come thinking you will have a private Golf experience.

Played Raven in late June '26. Course is cool and fun, staff was great, but man oh man, the terms Pace of Play do not exist here. It may be because it's resort golf (I'm told), and I guess people are there to chillax, but you're staring at 5.5 hour rounds. My group left after 9 holes being forced to watch a beginner tee off 3 times in a row with 2 groups stacked up behind. If they ever get a Marshall to enforce it, place would be a blast. Also, maybe we just got it on a bad day which happens.

If you’re looking for a golf course near Destin or Sandestin that’s actually fun to play more than once, Baytowne Golf Club delivers. A lot of resort courses in Florida look pretty but feel repetitive after a few holes. Baytowne is different. Every hole feels unique with elevation changes, doglegs, water hazards, pine trees, and bay views that make you think through every shot instead of just grip and rip driver all day. The course is inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and is one of the more challenging public golf courses in the area without being miserable for average golfers. The front nine winds through wooded areas with tighter fairways while the back nine opens up with more elevation and incredible views toward Choctawhatchee Bay. Hole layouts are memorable, especially the par 3s and risk reward par 5s where one bad decision can absolutely wreck a scorecard in a hurry. Course conditions were excellent. Greens rolled smooth and fast without being unfair, tee boxes were clean, and fairways had great coverage. Drainage here is also noticeably better than a lot of Florida courses after rain. Pace of play moved well, which matters because nobody wants a 5 and a half hour round in the heat. The staff was friendly from check in to the cart guys, and the clubhouse area is clean and organized. Rental clubs were solid quality, practice facilities were better than expected, and GPS carts made the round easy for people visiting from out of town. It’s also one of the better courses in the Destin area for mixed skill levels because higher handicaps can still enjoy it while better golfers can play from the back tees and get a serious challenge. If you’re comparing golf courses around 30A and Destin, Baytowne is worth booking. Great scenery, memorable layout, well maintained greens, and enough variety that you’ll remember specific holes long after the round is over. Definitely one of the best public golf courses near Destin, Florida.

Tee boxes ok. Fairways lush and very nice. Greens hairy and bumpy. Had a quick afternoon round

Truly deserves no stars. Cart guys outside are great but the pro shop staff sucks. Brought my wife with me to play a tournament and make a weekend of it. We had to head straight home before the tournament started because they don’t allow spectator carts. What’s a waste, played it yesterday and the greens were slow. Not worth the money at all.