Marsh/Bay at Bluewater Bay Resort

Bluewater Bay Resort in Niceville, Florida, features two eighteen-hole courses that share the property's distinctive Panhandle setting along Choctawhatchee Bay. The Marsh and Bay nines, which can be combined with other nines on the property, were designed by Tom Fazio and later redesigned by Jerry Pate, reflecting the evolution of golf architecture at this resort community over several decades. The courses occupy relatively flat terrain typical of the Florida Panhandle, with routing that incorporates wetlands, natural marsh areas, and views of the bay's tidal waters.

The Marsh nine takes its character from the wetland corridors that define several holes, requiring carries over marshy ground and strategic positioning to avoid hazards that are integral to the coastal ecosystem. The Bay nine features holes that play closer to Choctawhatchee Bay, offering water views and exposure to prevailing winds off the Gulf Coast. Both nines utilize the sandy soil and native vegetation common to northwest Florida, with pine trees framing fairways and waste areas reflecting the region's natural landscape.

Bluewater Bay operates as a resort and residential community, serving both guests and local members. The courses provide accessible golf in a region known more for its beaches than its golf density, offering a straightforward test suited to recreational play. The facility includes practice areas and clubhouse amenities typical of Florida resort properties, and the courses remain a fixture in the Niceville area for visitors to the Emerald Coast.