St. James Bay Golf Resort

Immersed in the untouched beauty of Florida's Forgotten Coast, St. James Bay Golf Resort provides a distinctive blend of golfing, nature, and luxury. Just an hour southwest of Tallahassee and a 90-minute drive southeast from Panama City, Florida, this resort allows guests to experience a uniquely different Florida vacation, reminiscent of the state's landscape from decades ago. With luxurious accommodations, a challenging golf course, and exquisite casual dining, every aspect of the stay is designed to impress.

Designed by Robert Walker, the golf course at St. James Bay winds through the region's natural vegetation and wetlands, offering a golfing environment that truly stands apart. Each hole is secluded from the others, offering golfers an isolated haven, lending a unique feeling of tranquility to the game. This is the only golf course in the area designated as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary, a testament to the rich wildlife the habitat supports. Encounters with cranes, hawks, eagles, black bears, and even alligators lend an extra layer of enjoyment and photographic opportunities to every round.

Here, success on the course requires accuracy and strategy. The course presents risk-reward options on nearly every hole. While power hitters can exploit the relatively short yardage on the par fives, it is often the player who consistently keeps their ball in play that triumphs. Even though the fairways are generous, straying from them isn't an option if you're aiming for par.

Even though it measures only 6600 yards from the tips and just 6000 from the regular tees, the course plays longer than its yardage suggests. The cooling breezes from the Gulf can often affect club selection, depending on which direction the hole is facing. Every round offers an opportunity for score improvement, as familiarity with each hole's line increases.

St. James Bay Resort isn't just about golf, though. There are also a variety of other recreational amenities on offer. A new fleet of Yamaha golf carts, equipped with GPS, phone charger, and Bluetooth, ensures you'll traverse the course in style. A driving range, two putting greens, and a chipping area cater to those seeking game improvement, while a well-stocked pro shop ensures guests are always looking their best. For those seeking alternative activities, the resort also boasts two pools, four pickleball courts, and a tennis court.

Accommodations include 16 villas and 24 luxury condominiums, all of which can be part of attractive stay-and-play packages. After a day on the course, guests can unwind at The Crooked River Grill, which serves the best and freshest Coastal Comfort Cuisine, drawing people from across the region. Additionally, the area boasts world-class fishing in Carrabelle and the famous beaches at St George Island and Cape San Blas.

Experienced golfer or novice, nature enthusiast or luxury seeker, St. James Bay Golf Resort offers a unique getaway that strikes a balance between sporting challenge, natural beauty, and luxurious comfort. This blend of untouched wilderness, world-class golf, and high-end amenities ensures that every visitor leaves with lasting memories.