Resting between Costa Rica and Columbia lies a growing golf player, rooted in culture, and home to a golf industry that continues to grow. Panama is home to 9 championship golf courses and scenic views that rival all other Caribbean golf giants. The Web.com and Euro Tours have both hosted events here, but why? What draws them to Panama? It doesn’t have the reputation like Mexico, or the Dominican in the golf world. It isn’t front of mind when planning your next big golf vacation. But quietly, Panama is taking steps to become a force in the Central America’s and with the properties described here…there is no doubt they will be front of mind sometime down the road.
Bordered by lush tropical forests the Tucan Country Club & Resort is just 15 minutes from the City of Panama. It’s an easy jaunt across the bridge of the Americas, to stroll the lush fairways and pristine greens. It almost feels like its own bit of paradise. The golf course borders the rainforests famous to Panama and offers Panoramic views of the Panama Canal and Sky line.
Tucan Golf Course is designed to ensure the integrity of the surrounding tropical flora and fauna and is friendly for the beginner and demanding for the seasoned golfer. With the option of staying on site, Tucan becomes a one stop shop with the opportunity to travel into the city at night and enjoy the Casino and other activities the city has to offer.
Summit Golf ClubThis world class, 18 hole facility is located on the east bank of the Panama Canal on the Gaillard Highway in Panama City.
Designed by noted golf-course architect Jeffery Myers, this 6, 626 –yard, par 72 championship course features rolling hills, that overlook the famous Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal and the “Camino de Cruces” National Park. The course itself boasts generous landing areas, contoured putting surfaces, multiple tee boxes, a full service practice area and a six hole par three course that is good for all ages. A true test, Summit has a bit for everyone.
If the beach is more your preference….check out these….
Coronado Golf Club and HotelBoasting one of the top properties in Panama this course is a Tom and George Fazio Latin specialty. It stretches past 7,100 at the tips, which would be a test for even the top golf travelers.
This resort is just an hour away from Panama City, and would prove to be worth the day trip or even a few day stop over. They boast 8 restaurants, Spa and Wellness Center, and a number of after hour’s activities once the sun goes down. Certainly, potential to be a cornerstone of any trip.
Vista Mar Golf Club & Beach Resort Community
This 18 hole golf course is one of the only courses in the world to boast ocean views from every hole.
One of the best experiences for any golfer is getting the opportunity to play along the shoreline. Keeping in line with the aspirations of every golf enthusiast world renowned architect J. Michael Poellet designed an incredible championship golf course for Vista Mar.
The Par 72, 7,273 yard golf course spans the hills right above the beach front and offers quintessential challenges of the game. The golf courses signature hole, playing back to the beach offers an approach shot that will become your favorite for years to come. A must play on your trip to Panama.
BuenaventuraJack Nichlaus carefully designed this par 72- championship course to enhance the natural landscape within this luxurious community providing a challenging and enjoyable experience. The course measures 7,383 yards from the back tee and allows for multiple tee placements in order to accommodate skill levels.
The well placed bunkering and water features combined with the natural landscape will require one to think their way around the golf course with proper shot selection and ultimately be rewarded for good shots.
A community that offers anything from golf to swimming and fishing, this is a must see on your Panama excursion.
Mantarraya Golf CourseLocated only 90 minutes from Panama City, Mantarraya Golf Club is located in the area of Farallon. This region offers the best micro-climate in Panama since it is located in a “Dry Arch” and sunny days can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. Which makes this area the most ideal destination in Panama.
This 18 hole par 72, 7087 yard, 2 driving range facility was designed by Randall Thompson and across the street from one of Panama’s top beaches. Villa options are located right beside the course, making another great option for a few day stay.
BijaoBijao Golf Club was designed by the renowned and award winning designer, Ron Garl. During construction, this property was held to only the highest standards and has some of the best topography in the country. Its design offers a challenge to players of all skill levels while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
With all this recent talk of irrigation, Bijao boasts 700 irrigation heads to ensure their fairways and greens are always in the best possible shape.
This certainly is a Panama favorite and cannot be missed.
After some sun on the beach, the mountain courses in Panama are a must see….
Valle EscondidoYou’ll find there aren’t many places in the world with a year-round climate averaging between 70 to 78 degrees. This makes for a perfect climate for any golfer, and this 9 hole gem has water in play on every hole!
Pack enough balls and enjoy this small piece of paradise. This property makes for another option away from Panama City, and certainly a much different experience being in the mountains.
A phrase to describe this property, First Class. This friendly, but challenging world-class par 72 18 hole course was designed by J. Michael Poellot.
Every hole is a golfing experience of its own accented by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges from Panama’s highest golf course. With a slope rating from the tips of 153, Lucero can be as challenging as they come in Latin America.
Adding to its one-of-a kind beauty is the fact that because of the high elevation, and cool weather, Lucero has the distinction of being the only Championship course with bent grass greens and fairways!
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to experiencing a trip to Panama. The natural beauty, combined with some A+ golf will leave you wanting more. Keep an eye on this slowly rising golf nation, I feel like you will be hearing more from them very soon.
January 2015
