Golfing in Panama
Golfing in Panama: When people hear about Panama, the Canal is the first thing they think of, but few know that Panama is quickly becoming a first class golfing destination. This small country has more golf courses per person than any country in the region—and more on the way—no hurricanes or earthquakes, the U.S. dollar as its currency, free travelers insurance, a vibrant capital city full of great restaurants and nightlife, and a whole slew of other nearby attraction to keep you occupied when you’re not golfing.
Panama also offers a diversity of climates that few countries can rival. Whether you are looking golf courses that are easily accessible from Panama’s lively metropolis yet covered in relaxing verdant landscapes, or in the costal breezes of Panama’s vast and beautiful Riviera only an hour from the City, or in its cool volcanic highlands where coffee plantations and one of the world’s rarest and most beautiful bird, the Quetzal, abounds—Panama is hard to beat.
Panama’s various incentives are now attracting world-class golfing events such as the BMW Golf Cup International (the world largest golf tournament for amateurs) and the Panama Claro Championship (part of the PGA Nationwide Tour—and since Panama also has the best Retiree Benefits Program in the world, which includes discounts on green fees, it is also attracting a growing crowd of retirees who have found their paradise.
Golfing near Panama City:
Santa María Golf and Country Club:
Located alongside the prestigious Costa del Este neighborhood of Panama City, their 18 hole Nicklaus Design golf course is a great in-the-city choice. It will open its doors in May of 2012 and be completed by 2013. Potential real estate buyers will enjoy an array of lifestyle options and resort-style amenities, including a grand country club.
Radisson Summit Golf Club and Resort:
Panama’s premiere golf course, recently renovated into a 18 hole, 72 par golf course designed by Jeffrey Meyers. Right next to the Panama Canal, it is surrounded by Panama´s tropical rainforest with panoramic views, as well as the luxurious Radisson Hotel.
Golfing in Panama’s Riviera:
Coronado Golf and Beach Resort:
Created by the famous designers Tom and George Fazio, this is an 18 hole, par 72 course. Located in a beautiful beach resort with a private beach, fine dining, pools, jacuzzis, sauna, 4 professional tennis courts, 4 restaurants, beach club, equestrian club, full service gym and more.
Mantaraya Golf Club by Royal Decameron:
Next to one of Panama's best beaches, an 18 hole, par 72 course designed by Randall Thompsen. Includes two driving ranges, a practice putting green, and 6 flood lit par 3 holes for after-dark enjoyment, as well as the all inclusive Royale Decameron Resort with 3 whirlpools, 8 specialty restaurants and pizzerias, beach, lobby and pool bars, gym, spa, tennis courts, convention center, casino, discotheque, Hard Rock Café and much more.
Bristol Buenaventura Resort:
This 18 hole, par 72 golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 2011. Carefully planned to enhance the natural landscape, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for players. Its signature hole cuts into the Pacific Coastline with stunning views of Buenaventura’s white sand beach. From caddy concierges to specialized golf instructors, golfers will be assured that all their needs are attended to.
Golfing in Panama’s highlands:
An 18-Hole Private Championship Golf Course designed by J. Michael Poellot, Full Service Clubhouse, and Country Club including Tennis, Squash, Pools, Fitness Center, and Spa. Cielo Paraiso is of unprecedented proportion in Panama. Their master-planned gated resort community encompasses over 300 hectares of land yet will be home to only a fortunate few.
Valle Escondido’s Quebrada Grande Golf Course:
The Quebrada Grande (Big Creek) nine hole executive golf course plays through Valle Escondido, crossing a beautiful river four times. This is one of the only courses in the world that plays through a working coffee plantation. The spring weather keeps it cool, fresh and green year round. Facilities include carts, a full-service shop and adjacent El Pueblo for restaurants, bar and coffee shop.