Florida’s Historic Golf Trail Features

Did you know Florida has a historic golf trail, each course showing off the state’s rich golfing history? The Florida Historic Golf Trail has four golf courses in this scenic stretch of the Panhandle. It features the newly renovated Eagle Springs Golf Course as part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail.

Start a unique golfing journey through DeFuniak Springs’ rolling hills and Pensacola’s beachfront beauty. These Emerald Coast Historic Golfing Gems offer an unforgettable experience for all golfers. Famous architects designed courses during this era of Florida golf that shaped the “Golden Age.”

Experience the challenge of the Eagle Course at Eglin Golf Course in Niceville and the history of the A.C. Read Golf Club in Pensacola. Golf Travel plans we have at the bottom of the article, making planning easy. Florida is famous for golfing in America, and with so many excellent golf courses to choose from, The Emerald Coast offers a nostalgic offering with plenty of beachfront places to stay and play. From Pensacola Beach to  Destin and South Walton Beaches, all close by each course.  Come on for an affordable golfing experience and nice military discounts for veterans like me.

Florida’s Golf Trails Key Takeaways

• • The Emerald Coast Golf Trail features five historic courses along the Florida Historic Golf Trail

• • Courses span from DeFuniak Springs to Pensacola, offering diverse landscapes and challenges.

• • Renowned architects designed many courses during the early 20th century “Golden Age.”

Discover the Emerald Coast’s Golfing Florida Historic Gems

Start your golfing journey on the Emerald Coast’s slice of the Florida Historic Golf Trail. You’ll find beautiful courses that highlight the area’s natural beauty and golfing history. From Walton County’s hills to Pensacola’s shores, these courses offer a variety of experiences for golfers at all levels.

Eagle Springs Golf Course in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County

Eagle Springs Golf Course in DeFuniak Springs is a hidden gem in Walton County. It features a challenging layout with hills and lakes, offering a scenic backdrop for your game. The course has well-kept greens and bunkers, making it a true test of skill.

Eglin Golf Course – Eagle Course in Niceville, Okaloosa County

Experience history at the Eglin Golf Course’s Eagle Course in Niceville, Okaloosa County. This course dates back to the 1920s and has been updated to keep it playing well³. It has a classic design with tree-lined fairways and tricky greens that require accuracy and finesse. It is named after the F-15 Eagle, which is one of my personal favorites.

The 18-hole, par-72 Eagle Course at Eglin Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 5,100 to 6,500 yards. 

Eglin Golf Course Complex offers a second 18 hole course, the Falcon. The 36-holes of championship golf sit on 450 acres with 250 acres of fairways and greens covering two golf courses. Open year-round, Eglin is one of the top ranked courses in the military. Eglin Golf Course offers a lighted driving range and a practice complex with a chipping area, a sand bunker and a large lighted putting green. -FHGT Eglin Golf Eagle Course

A.C. Read Golf Club in Pensacola, Escambia County

The A.C. Read Golf Club in Pensacola sits on the Gulf Coast, honoring the region’s military and golf history. It offers stunning views and a challenging layout. With open fairways and hazards, it’s a must-play for golfers in Escambia County.

The A.C. Read Golf Club is a 27-hole golf complex consisting of three 9-hole courses that are played in 18-hole combinations (Bayou, Lakeview, and Bayview).  Each 9-hole course features three sets of tees playing from 2,600 to 3,200 yards and the 18-hole combinations play from 5,400 to 6,600 yards. The Bayou course is routed among two salt water bayous and is the most scenic of the three nines. The Bayview course offers views of Bayou Grande and Pensacola Bay and is the newest of the 27 championship holes. The Lakeview course is characterized by the Live Oak lined fairways and includes seven of the original 18-holes.

The A.C. Read Golf Club also includes an 18-hole, par-60 executive golf course featuring three sets of tees playing from 4,000 to 4,300 yards. The executive course was built on top of a portion of the original holes and incorporates several of the original fairways. –FHGT AC Read Today

Osceola Golf Course in Pensacola, Florida

The Osceola Golf Course in Pensacola is a historic gem recognized by the Florida Department of State It’s a favorite among locals for its challenging yet fun layout. The course’s well-kept greens and fairways show the Emerald Coast’s dedication to golfing heritage.

The 18-hole, par-72 Osceola Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 4,900 to 6,400 yards. Operated by the City of Pensacola, Osceola prides itself on being very affordable, and is the area’s leader in promoting junior golf.

Osceola Golf Course is a proud partner of the First Tee Gulf Coast, which uses golf to teach youth life lessons and leadership skills. Teaming up with experts in positive youth development, The First Tee “helps youth become good golfers and even better people.” Visit First Tee Gulf Coast for more details. –FHGT Osceola Today

Featured Florida Historic Golf Trail Golf Courses along the Emerald Coast of Florida.

The Historic Significance of Florida’s Golf Courses

Florida’s golf courses are more than just places to play golf. They are filled with history, built during the “Golden Age” of golf course design from the early 1910s to the late 1930s. This period saw a huge increase in golf course building across Florida. Famous architects made their mark on the state’s golf scene.

Florida’s Golf History and the “Golden Age” of Course Architecture

During the “Golden Age” of golf course design, Florida saw a golf course building boom. Architects like Donald Ross, Seth Raynor, Tom Bendelow, and Herbert Strong were key in shaping Florida’s golf scene. They designed courses that tested golfers and highlighted Florida’s natural beauty.

Eglin Golf Course’s Eagle Course: A Closer Look

The Eagle Course at Eglin Golf Course is a key part of the Emerald Coast’s golf history. It’s located in Niceville and has a design that tells a story. Golfers love to play here and learn about its history.

The History of Eglin Golf Course and Its Association with Valparaiso

James E. Plew, a Chicago businessman who saw the potential in Northwest Florida, started the Eagle Course in the early 1920s. Plew helped build the Bank of Valparaiso and the Valparaiso Inn, making the town a hub for finance and hospitality.

He also created the Chicago Country Club of Valparaiso, which has a 9-hole golf course. This club became the Eagle Course we know today. It’s a place where members can relax and enjoy golf.

The Evolution of the Eglin (Eagle Course): From 9 Holes to 18

The club’s popularity grew, and golfers wanted more. So, in 1927, William Langford and Theodore Moreau designed an 18-hole course. This new course was a big hit, drawing golfers from all over.

Over time, the course faced challenges but got a new lease on life in 1949. The U.S. government bought the property and named it the Eglin Golf Course Complex after Lieutenant Colonel Frederick I. Eglin. This brought new life to the historic course.

Today, the Eagle Course honors James E. Plew’s vision and the hard work of many. It’s known for its beautiful fairways, tough greens, and lovely views. Golfers give it a high rating, with an average of 3.2 out of 5. The staff is also highly praised, earning a 4.3 out of 5 rating.

When you play the Eagle Course, you follow in the footsteps of golf legends. From its start as a 9-hole course to its current status, it’s a top spot for golfers. So, pick up your clubs and experience the magic of this historic course.

The Emerald Coast, Historic Golf Trail, Featured Courses, Stay and Play,

The Emerald Coast features four Historic Golf Courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail, perfect for golf lovers. It offers a mix of golf, relaxation, and exploration. You can enjoy challenging rounds on historic courses and stay in luxurious resorts right by the beach. So Why Golf the Emerald Coast section of Florida?

Imagine playing on courses designed by famous architects like Donald Ross or Pete Dye. Florida’s scenic golf destinations add to the beauty. The Emerald Coast Historic Golf Trail has top golf trails that celebrate the area’s golfing history. Golf fans from all over come to play here.

“Playing on a course with such historical significance adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. It’s like walking in the footsteps of golfing legends.”

When planning your golf trip, look at these great stay-and-play packages. Resorts along the Emerald Coast offer them:

These packages are a great deal. They let you play on famous courses and enjoy the comfort of beachfront resorts⁸. You can pick from many options to fit your budget and preferences.

1. 1. Look into the courses and resorts on the Florida Historic Golf Trail.

1. 1. Compare packages to find the best deal for your group. We have sourced some of the best resort accommodations.

1. 1. Book early to get the dates, then book your tee times before arriving.

1. 1. Time to pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable Emerald Coast golfing experience.

Don’t miss the chance to combine golf with a great vacation. Book your stay-and-play package on the Emerald Coast Historic Golf Trail today. See why it’s a top golf trail in Florida.

Planning Your Golfing Getaway on the Emerald Coast

Planning a golf trip to the Emerald Coast means exploring beautiful golf spots and beachfront resorts on this stretch of  Florida’s panhandle paradise. You’ll find everything from peaceful DeFuniak Springs to lively Pensacola, and over Destin and Sandestin at Miramar Beach are golfing hubs. Each spot on the Emerald Coast Historic Golf Trail offers an exceptional experience for golf lovers at all levels.

Many golf resorts offer stay-and-play packages. These let you enjoy golf, luxury, and fun together. Packages include hotel stays, golf with carts, daily fees, and more.  See our Stay and Play Resort Directory of amazing Resorts, Hotels, and Inns on the Emerald Coast.

Scenic Golf Destinations Along Florida’s Panhandle

The Emerald Coast has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the U.S. It combines stunning nature with challenging golf courses. From DeFuniak Springs’ hills to Pensacola’s beaches, each spot highlights Florida’s unique beauty and culture. You’ll find courses for all skill levels, from traditional parkland to links-style and challenging layouts.

Beachfront Golf Resorts and Stay and Play Packages

Booking a stay-and-play package at a beachfront golf resort is a great way to enjoy the Emerald Coast’s golf. These packages include top hotel stays and golf at famous courses. You get to focus on golf and enjoy the beautiful views without the hassle of planning your trip.