With the 2023 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic less than two months away, teams are finalizing game plans for this year’s competition. Tournament registration, securing a slip, accommodations and making travel arrangements top the list. The ECBC is the most popular event on the Gulf big-game circuit, not only for the fishing but also the venue. The Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort is one of the top vacation destinations in the Southeast because it has so much to offer families and guests, including four world-class golf courses. The ECBC Golf Scramble is highly-anticipated part of the tournament line-up for the week.
“The Golf Scramble is always a good turnout,” says Assistant Tournament Director Jonathan Boone. “It’s good to see the teams enjoying themselves in a non-fishing environment and our sponsors Hancock Whitney and Tito’s Handmade Vodka make sure everyone has a fun time.”
The Golf Scramble, limited to 36 teams, is played on The Links Golf Club at the resort. The four-person scramble format starts around 8 am on Wednesday, June 21. Players have four balls in play at all times and the team chooses the preferred shot to advance to the hole. Pre-registration is required ($300 per team, cash only) and trophies are awarded to the winners. But non-golfers have a wide variety of leisure activities to choose from at Sandestin, too.
In addition to its sugar-sand beaches and emerald green water, the Gulf-side options include inflatables, kayaks and jet skis, a putting golf course, basketball, pickleball and shuffleboard courts. The Baytowne Marina also offers a protected beach with nightly bonfires, along with kayak, jet ski and paddleboard rentals. The bike shop also rents bikes and a Crab Island cruise boat departs from the marina.
The popular tennis facility has regulation courts, plus pickleball. Within walking distance is the Baytowne Village with restaurants, shopping, live music, a Zip Line and fireworks. There is also a fitness center and the Spa Lilliana in the Hotel Effie.
Finally, for a freshwater fishing tune-up, the resort has 72 ponds on the property that are stocked with largemouth bass, perch, bluegill and catfish. Guests don’t need a license and tackle is available to rent at the bike shop at the Baytowne Marina.
“The family-friendly atmosphere and all the amenities sets us apart from the other tournaments,” Boone explains. “It’s one of the reasons why, besides great competition and fishing, the ECBC is always such a favorite.”
You can register for the 2023 tournament at www.fishecbc.com/entry-form/. Registration can also be completed by calling Julia at 910-264-3947.
The Early Bird deadline for a chance to win free dockage at the Baytowne Marina and $1,000 is May 31, 2023.
To register for the Golf Scramble, visit www.fishecbc.com/scramble/.
To make reservations at the Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort, call 800-320-8115 and use Group Code FISH23.
