By Barbara Palmgren
Before there was Regatta Bay, before there was Kelly Plantation, before there was Emerald Bay, there was iconic Indian Bayou.
As one of four Destin courses in Okaloosa County, Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club is recognized as the first course to invite tourists to play golf as well as enjoy the pristine waters and sugar sand beaches of Destin.
The beautiful Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club course, located in the heart of Destin, is an 18-hole semi-private challenge suited for all skill levels. This 72 Par challenge is visited by tourists and enjoyed by over 150 members as their home course. Members include faithful snowbirds who appreciate the comradery that membership brings. Several golf tournaments are also offered throughout the year for special groups and charities.
Indian Bayou was built in 1978 by local families. They recognized the need for a golf course in the upscale community of Indian Bayou. In 199,2 another nine holes were added to the original 18 holes. Each nine holes is named for a historic Indian nation: Seminole, Choctaw and Creek. In 2018, however, the nine holes of Creek were closed and sold for other development.
Golf manager and Director of Golf, Jim Carpenter, has served Indian Bayou Golf Club since 1984. Like the course itself, Jim follows the present golf course Indian heritage lineage. Graduating from Choctawhatchee High School (Choctaw) and attending Florida State University (Seminole) Jim is definitely “Mr. Indian Bayou.” Jim’s pride in the course is evident as he shares credit for the course success with a talented golf course superintendent and devoted staff. Jim talked about the well-conditioned course and the signature putting greens that are among the reasons visitors return to play golf along the Destin corridor.
Morning rates with carts included are $159 with the lowest afternoon rates of $105. With 7,038 yards of challenging holes, Jim chooses hole number 15 as his favorite. It is a short dog leg left. For those who know how to make a golf drive obey, they can draw the ball slightly left in order to place a second shot on the green. The striking landscape throughout 18 golf holes contains water, sand traps and bunkers ready for errant golf shots that miss the perfectly manicured fairways.
Prior to a round, golfers can practice at the driving range or practice putting green. There are also golf items for purchase from the well-stocked pro shop. Shoes, shirts, golf clubs and hats, no problem! Golf memorabilia for home or for gifts is available as well. Lunch is served seven days a week beginning from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a lounge invites golfers to relax and enjoy a variety of drinks. Indian Bayou provides all the amenities to go with a daily round of golf.
So, as the sun sets on the Florida Panhandle and golfers head home after a round of golf, you can almost hear the approval of those who once shared this special space:
On this Indian Bayou
Once lived tribes who knew it well.
Apalachee and Miccosukee,
Seminole, Creek and Choctaw, too.
A way of life with food and water
River trade routes to connect.
For years we lived together,
For years we worked and shared.
Today, golfers tee up golf shots,
See green fairways, waters blue,
View wildlife, spans of marshland,
Know what our forefather always knew.
That this paradise is precious and eternal,
A place for all who stay and play,
A place to honor for the future,
Indian Bayou on Choctawhatchee Bay.
