The Destin Winter Classic

History of the Destin Winter Classic

In February 2002, at an awards party capping the end of the first Emerald Coast Club professional Match play Invitational (an event created to foster competitive camaraderiw among Emerald Coast Club professionals), the idea for a winter amateur event was a topic of discussion. That discussion planted the seed that eventually grew into the Destin Winter Classic. A few meetings later and the "trial baloon" Destin Winter Classic was held December 6-8, 2002 over the first three courses to become involved in the event: Emerald Bay, Regatta Bay and Kelly Plantation.

Despite minimal advance publicity, word of mouth resulted in overwhelming response with entries far exceeding the 60 team cap. The initial success led to an expnasion of the event to two divisions in 2003, with teams assigned to divisions based on each teams' total handicap, and led to the addition of 3 courses: Indian Bayou, Raven, and Baytowne. Again, response was huge, with a third division and 54 holes added: The Links at Sandestin and Bluewater Bay's 36 holes. The committee also added senior flights for players 55 years of age and older.

The original format was scratch, with the first 18 holes played scramble and the second 18 holes played best ball. After 36 holes, the 60 team field was divided into 3 flights based on 36 hole scores, with the final 18 holes played modified alternate shot. In 2009 the format was changed by popular demand, to scramble on Friday, modified alternate shot on Saturday, and best ball on Sunday.

In 2007, entries decreased and the event returned to the original 6 golf courses. The event also evolved into its current format of A and B divisions with senior flights in each division.