The Links Course at Sandestin

The Links Course at Sandestin: Just east of Destin on Florida's Emerald Coast, the Sandestin Resort boasts four impressive championship golf courses - set apart from the other three in terms of look, feel and location, the relatively open Links course offers many fabulous views onto Choctawhatchee Bay - its is arguably the most forgiving layout when there's no wind; and definitely the fiercest when there is - the par-4 6th to the par-5 9th on the front-nine, and the closing stretch on the back-nine from the par-5 13th are as scenic as you'll find on the Florida panhandle - many of these holes hug the Bay's shoreline and bordering wetlands - the stunning par-4 14th includes a dramatic carry onto an island green, while the par-4 15th threads its way to the green with water on both sides - the par-3 16th requires yet another well judged iron-shot across water, and the closing par-4 18th comprises an island fairway and water-surrounded green - the bayside splendour of the par-5 9th (which might evoke thoughts of the last at Harbour Town, or even Pebble !) more than compensates for holes 2 through 5, the layout's least interesting stretch, which loops around a residential development and alongside the Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy 98) - although not as impressively mounded or maintained as Sandestin's two standard-bearers (Burnt Pine and Raven), the Links course is all about having fun beside the Bay, with stunning views and great scenery to be enjoyed along the way.