Golf Insider

In all the years I've played and written about golf in Florida, I'm ashamed to say I've never visited Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Well, not really "ashamed." "Abashed" is more like it.

Until now.

I've just returned from a golf-rollicking weekend at Sandestin and I have to say: I'll be back.

The place is nirvana for golfers looking to get in some quality swings in northwest Florida. For one thing, it's huge, with four excellent courses to choose from: The Raven, Burnt Pine, Baytowne and the Links, each with its own distinct character.

The resort is spread out over 2,400 acres. That's three-and-a-half miles between the Gulf Coast and serene Choctawatchee Bay. It's a world unto itself, the only resort to be situated alongside both the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.

There are four resort "areas," Beachside, Village, Dockside and Linkside, and you can choose from 1,800 accommodations (I stayed in a cottage at Laurel Grove, a short cart ride from the clubhouse for the Raven and Baytowne).

You can play tennis, get toned at the day spa or go shopping. You could spend most of your vacation at the Village of Baytowne Wharf alone, with all of its nightclubs, boutiques and restaurants. There is literally something to do for everyone.

Still, let's get real here. We're here to golf and to me that's what Sandestin does best.

The Destin area has some quality golf courses and some of the best are located within a long 5-iron of each other right here at Sandestin. Look for my full course reviews/blogs this week and next of the Raven, Burnt Pine and Bayside. Also, be sure to check back here for a video coming soon as well.

For more information, call 800-622-1038.