Kelly Plantation Golf Club

Kelly Plantation Golf Club: Constructed on a former turpentine plantation, this very classy, immaculately maintained layout is widely acclaimed as one of Fred Couples best designs. In the predominantly natural setting of Kelly Plantation, there are no real elevation changes to speak of, but a nicely rolling feel has been created with attractive landscaping and mounding.

Good width fairways journey through a wonderful array of flora, not least avenues of tall pines (from which turpentine resin was once extracted). The scenic highlight comes early in the round at the beautifully crafted par-4 4th; this stunning signature hole is played right alongside the shoreline of Choctawhatchee Bay.

Excellent bunkering adds great definition to each hole, while large, expansive bunkers stoutly defend the subtly sloping greens. A mischievous pot bunker sits in the middle of the large double-green at which the par-4 7th and 11th holes arrive.

With several small lakes and ponds scattered around, water hazards also play their part in this thoroughly enjoyable layout. Square-cut tee boxes also contribute to the impressive look and feel of one of the Emerald Coast's undoubted jewels.

To close-out each of the nine-hole loops, the par-4 9th and par-5 18th are both flanked by the same small lake, their respective greens dangerously jutting out over the water's edge. Where the course wanders through residential areas, the upmarket homes are set well behind the treeline, and usually out of sight.