Miramar Beach, FL
Four courses, sugar-white sand and Baytowne nightlife — the Emerald Coast all-rounder.
A 2,400-acre resort between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay on Florida's Emerald Coast, an easy half-day drive from Birmingham. Four courses cover every mood — Rees Jones's guests-only Burnt Pine is the trophy round, the Raven brings polished tournament-style golf, and Baytowne and The Links keep it fun with bay views. Between rounds you have sugar-white sand, a marina, and the Village of Baytowne Wharf's restaurants and bars inside the gate — no designated-driver math required.
| Course | Designer | Notes | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnt Pine | Rees Jones | The guests-only trophy round through pines and bay marsh — the reason to stay on site. | resort |
| Raven | Robert Trent Jones Jr. | Polished, tournament-style golf — the resort's second marquee. | resort |
| Baytowne | Tom Jackson | Friendly resort golf between the bay and the beach — a great opener. | resort |
| The Links | Tom Jackson | The original Sandestin course, with signature holes along Choctawhatchee Bay. | resort |
The resort
Hotel Effie is the flagship — rooftop pool, spa, and Ovide downstairs — with the Grand Sandestin and village condos steps from Baytowne Wharf.
◆ The private house
A golf-course home inside the gates — private pool, golf cart in the garage, five minutes to every first tee and the beach tram. Resort rental programs and VRBO list them across Sandestin's neighborhoods.
5-6 BR · sleeps 10-12 · ~$800–$2,500/nt
AM Leave Birmingham after breakfast — on the coast by early afternoon.
PM Check in, beach hour, then dinner and drinks at Baytowne Wharf.
AM Open on The Links along Choctawhatchee Bay.
PM Pool or paddleboards; grill night at the house or Ovide at Effie.
AM The Raven's manicured test.
PM Diehards add Baytowne; everyone else takes the beach. Big night out in the village.
AM The guests-only headliner for the team match.
PM Trophy dinner on the water; last lap of Baytowne Wharf.
AM Beach walk or a quick nine, then the easy half-day drive home.
The easiest Florida trip from Birmingham: one gate, four courses, a walkable village of bars and restaurants, and the Gulf's best beaches. Golf all morning, beach all afternoon, Baytowne all night.
Burnt Pine is reserved for resort guests — staying on property is the key that unlocks it. Golf packages through the resort bundle all four courses; spring and fall beat the summer family crush.