Shalimar Pointe Country Club

Shalimar Pointe Country Club: Tucked away in the quiet surroundings of Shalimar on the western shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, Shalimar Pointe is a busy and popular member of the Emerald Coast's burgeoning array of fine golf courses. Although the two nine-hole loops weave through a residential development, for most of the time the housing is unobtrusive and set well back.

There are many excellently crafted holes, usually lined by a pleasant scattering of oaks and pines. Rolling mounds and stylish bunkering also provide good definition to each hole, as well as a challenging array of defences. Water hazards take the form of ponds that sit menacingly alongside six of the greens.

This well-maintained, fun and challenging layout combines a good array of straight and doglegging holes. A mix of good-width and some tighter holes are flanked by a combination of well crafted bunkers and sandy waste areas, with the Emerald Coast's sandy duneland much in evidence beyond some of the fairways.

The subtly-sloping putting surfaces can sometimes present a relatively slim target, requiring accurate approach shots to avoid the awaiting water and/or bunkers. The par-4 12th and par-3 16th are played to an opulently sized double-green.

Choctawhatchee Bay is glimpsed on occasions, but alas none of the holes are played directly along its shoreline. Arguably the layout's best holes are found on the back-nine, with the excellent, though bunkerless, long par-4 17th bringing you to one of those threateningly water-defended greens.