Heritage Plantation Golf and Country Club, Laurel Hill, Florida - a Florida Golf Course Reminiscent of Pinehurst and Southern Pines

The first things golfers notice about the Heritage Plantation course are its exciting changes in elevation and the gorgeous wetlands that serve as buffers. The course is nestled amid a nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary not far from the pristine, white-sand beaches of Destin and Florida's Emerald Coast.

The course was designed by the highly regarded course architect Bill Bergin, and was voted the 5th Best New Public Golf Course in America by Golf Digest magazine. The design features 125 feet of natural elevation changes, lush fairways that wind through natural wetlands and pine-laden preserves, along with TifEagle putting greens that meet the highest golfing standards.

While the course is reminiscent of some of the world-famous courses in North Carolina's Sand Hills region (such as Pinehurst and Southern Pines), it's also one of the most unique golf courses in Florida and one of the highest-rated courses in the country. The Bergin design and the natural topographical features of the area deliver a course that challenges expert golfers to make use of every club in their bags, while also providing beginning golfers with an enjoyable experience.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to a lengthy 7,328 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 73.3 and a slope rating of 133. From the White tees the course is significantly short at only 6,333 yards.

Some of the more noteworthy holes include #3, a par-4 that plays up to 448 yards from the gold tees. This is possibly the most picturesque holes on the course, as the fairway descends and then stops abruptly at a sizable wetland crossing.

Hole No. 5 is also one of the most challenging and noteworthy, as golfers must play up to the top of a ridgeline landing area and then descend down the most dramatic elevation change on the course toward the green. From the top of the ridge, long-hitting and adventuresome golfers will try to challenge another wetland crossing that guards the putting surface.

Hole No. 8 is not especially long for par-3, but it's Heritage Plantation's version of an "island green.'' Hitting this peninsula, which is almost completely surrounded by wetlands, is a must for any golfer hoping for par or better.

Practice facilities include an expansive driving range - with private tee boxes for members - practice putting green, chipping green, and bunker. PGA instruction is also available, including individual and group lessons.

For dining and relaxing, the course features a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse/welcome center. The Plantation Grill offers breakfast and lunch daily, and is known for its famous Reuben & Homemade Soup special, as well as its Basil Wraps and salads.

Surrounding the golf course is the Heritage Plantation community, which includes 1,000 acres, and is a landmark of Southern hospitality and the natural splendor of living on Florida's Emerald Coast. Nearby attractions include amusement parks, museums, zoos, miles of scenic trails, and, of course, of the natural beauty of the ocean and the Florida coast.