Sandestin Resort

The Links at Sandestin occupies the northern portion of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort along Florida's Emerald Coast, situated between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Designed by Tom Jackson and opened in 1977, the course was among the earliest layouts at this expansive resort property in the Destin area. The routing takes advantage of the coastal terrain, with several holes playing along or near the bay shoreline, offering views across the water and exposure to prevailing Gulf breezes that can significantly affect club selection and strategy. The design incorporates natural wetlands, native grasses, and stands of pine characteristic of the Florida Panhandle landscape. The course features relatively open fairways compared to more tree-lined inland Florida layouts, though water hazards and waste areas frame many holes. The closing stretch includes holes that run parallel to the bay, where wind direction becomes a primary consideration. The layout generally favors accuracy over distance, with strategic bunkering and forced carries that reward thoughtful course management. As part of the Sandestin resort complex, The Links serves both resort guests and members, functioning within a larger golf destination that includes multiple courses. The property caters to a mix of vacationing families, corporate groups, and seasonal residents drawn to the white-sand beaches and recreational amenities of the area. The course provides a more traditional links-inspired experience within a resort setting, contrasting with the other layouts on the property that offer different design philosophies and challenges.