First impressions are important. And when first driving into the Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center in DeFuniak Springs one can’t help but think, “Wow, this is nice!”

First, the greens are impeccably well-groomed, a stately appearance for a course celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The facility is anchored by a clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop, and one can’t help but be impressed. Another sign of success? We had to search for a parking space!

The 192-acre Eagle Springs golf course opened in 1924 as a 9-hole course and the greens were sanded, which was common in the early days of golf.

The golf course remained a 9-hole layout until the late 1960s when land was cleared for an additional 9 holes. The 18-hole course was completed in 1996.

Today, the former DeFuniak Springs Country Club includes an 18-hole, par-72 course featuring five sets of tees playing from 4,100 to 6,600 yards.

Carved from gently rolling hills and pine forests, the course includes five spring-fed lakes, 23 sand traps and natural hazards, including towering trees, sandy scrub brush, hardpan and a variety of flowering shrubs.

Tree-lined, tight fairways lead to small Bermuda grass greens that are not only elevated but pitched and undulating enough to make the very best of putters a bit nervous. Eagle Springs is also quite affordable, boasting some of the lowest green fees in the area! Truly a hidden gem of a course with beautiful views from every vantage point.

In 2019, Walton County purchased the course and surrounding property. The 190-acre site included an 18-hole golf course, public swimming pool and clubhouse at a cost to the county of only $50,000. The 2 million dollar renovation and expansion plans include fishing docks, walking trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, renovation of the Olympic size swimming pool, irrigation for the golf course and more. “We’re trying to make it a recreational facility where people can come out and enjoy the family, be outdoors; it’s safe and not expensive,” said Parks and Recreation director Shane Supple.

The county will continue its 100-year celebration on Saturday, August 17 at 9 a.m. with a golf tournament, hole-in-one contest and a corn hole tournament beginning at 4 p.m. The day will be filled with activities and prizes. The public is invited to come out and celebrate the launch of this stunning county property!

The Eagle Restaurant is a wonderful addition with reasonably priced food. Breakfast is served from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. – close, Wednesday to Monday.

While celebrating its 100th anniversary, it seems Eagle Springs Park and Recreational Facility and Golf Course has a bright future!

Find Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center at 171 Country Club Ln. in Defuniak Springs, FL 32435. Call (850) 892-3812 for more information or visit their website at www.eaglespringsgolf.com.

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