By Barbara Palmgren
Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community in south Walton County. Close to Sandestin and Destin, this beach town has an atmosphere that is all its own. Clear aqua-green waters and white sand beaches are enjoyed by visitors and local residents who have fallen under the spell that is the Emerald Coast.
Not to be confused with Santa Rosa County, situated between Escambia and Okaloosa County, the Spanish who first visited the area, began naming towns, rivers and bays usually after saints. In the 17th century, following Saint Rose’s death and Sainthood, the Spanish named a major bay in Northwest Florida “Santa Rosa Bay.” The name of the bay was changed by the British around 1778 to Choctawhatchee Bay. Eventually, the name Santa Rosa was used again, both for a county in the Florida Panhandle and for this special area in Walton County.
Golfers have found this is the place where they will stay and participate in a sport that can be enjoyed regardless of skill level. That place is the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club.
Santa Rosa Golf Club opened in 1969 and underwent complete renovation in 2021. After renovation, the 18-hole course became fully private with 400 equity members. There are six sets of tees ranging from 4233 to 6820 yards. Bill Bergin was the course architect for the renovation and the work was completed by Medalist Golf.
Members enjoy food service at Schoony’s 19th hole before or after a round. The club also owns the Vue on 30a restaurant to provide southern coastal cuisine. The pool and beach club are located there as well. I personally visited the course in 2023 to write an article for the U.S. Amateur Qualifier, and was impressed with the new course renovation and the delicious French fries at Schoony’s. Patrons can dine inside or on the lovely patio that overlooks the course. Scenic view and comraderies are part of the total club experience.
All of this is skillfully managed by the Director of Golf, Zach Phillips, and his staff with lead assistant professional, Kevin Snyder, assistant professional AJ Forster, Golf Shop Manager, Annie Workman, and shop and golf cart attendants. Care for the course itself is led by the Agronomy team of Director of Grounds, Kelly Barker, and Lead Assistant Ty Stewart with their crew who manicure the course on a daily basis.
Zach has been in the leadership position since June of 2021. His background has always been golf and his father was a PGA professional. Prior to this, Zach spent six years as an Assistant Golf Professional in Atlanta at the Altana Country Club.
Zach’s favorite holes are the 4/5 combo. Hole 4 is a Par 4 that stretches out of 30A and hole 5 is a Par 5 hat comes back. These holes run parallel to each other and have a double fairway. Visually they are appealing as they back up to 30A. His other favorite is hole 16, a short Par 3 over water. It requires an accurate shot to hold the green.
Besides daily golf, a variety of tournaments are offered for members and outside organizations. The list of hosted tournaments includes Member Guest, Member Member, Club Championship, Men’s Golf Association, Couples Golf, and outside tournaments like the U.S. Amateur Qualifier, the Mid-Am Fourball, and other local charity tournaments.
This area of the Emerald Coast with its outstanding private course in Walton County, entices golfers in the community to echo the thoughts voiced in “Santa Rosa,” a song made famous by the singing group ABBA.
“I’d give anything to be back home in Santa Rosa
How I wish this road would take me home where I belong
‘Cause I have found no other place where I will stay.”
Yes, staying and playing golf at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is a dream come true for novice and expert golfer alike. Who wouldn’t want to craft a drive that would land perfectly on that Par 3 across the water?
