Golf in Panama: Where Championship Golf Meets the Tropics
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Today
When most travellers think of Panama, they picture the famous canal, bustling Panama City, or the dense rainforests that connect Central and South America. But golf in Panama is a story waiting to be told. The country offers a rare blend of championship tradition, modern resort luxury, and cool-climate highland golf — all packed into a small, easily accessible destination. Whether you’re flying in for a quick escape or planning a week-long adventure, Panama surprises golfers with both variety and atmosphere.
Club de Golf de Panamá – The Nation’s Tournament Stage
Founded in 1922, Club de Golf de Panamá is the country’s oldest and most prestigious course. Known internationally as the host of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Panama Championship, it has welcomed some of today’s PGA Tour stars early in their careers. The par-70 layout demands accuracy with narrow fairways and well-protected greens, creating a stern test that feels every bit like a championship venue. For visiting golfers, it’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of professionals and experience Panama’s golfing heritage firsthand.
Santa Maria Golf & Country Club – Nicklaus Design in the Capital
On the edge of Panama City, Santa Maria Golf & Country Club offers a modern counterpoint to the traditional Panama Golf Club. This Nicklaus Design course, managed by Troon, features pristine conditioning, bold bunkering, and water hazards that create both challenge and beauty. Access is private but available through select partner hotels, making it one of the most exclusive and polished rounds in the country.
Tucán Country Club – Golf Beside the Canal
For a truly Panamanian setting, Tucán Country Club delivers. Situated across the Bridge of the Americas, the course offers glimpses of the Panama Canal, lush jungle surroundings, and tropical birdlife that accompany golfers from hole to hole. More forgiving than the city’s championship layouts, Tucán provides a relaxed yet memorable round where the scenery is every bit as important as the scorecard.
Buenaventura Golf Club – Nicklaus by the Pacific
Two hours west along the Pacific Riviera lies Buenaventura Golf Club, widely regarded as one of Panama’s finest courses. Another Jack Nicklaus creation, it stretches over 7,300 yards with Platinum Paspalum turf that thrives in the coastal climate. Sweeping bunkers, expansive fairways, and ocean breezes create a challenging but enjoyable experience. Combined with a luxury resort, it offers the full package of golf, leisure, and beachside relaxation.
Coronado Golf Club – A Fazio Classic
Among the first resort courses in the country, Coronado Golf Club carries the legacy of George and Tom Fazio. Its design emphasises precision, with clever green complexes and strategic tee shots shaping the experience. Located in a popular beach community, Coronado balances laid-back resort play with genuine shot-making demands, making it a favourite among both locals and visiting golfers.
Vista Mar Golf & Beach Resort – Oceanfront Challenge
A little further down the coast, Vista Mar Golf & Beach Resort showcases dramatic ocean panoramas alongside its 7,200-yard course designed by J. Michael Poellot. Resort-friendly but long enough to test low handicaps, Vista Mar is both playable and spectacular. With Pacific horizons in view from several holes, it offers one of Panama’s most striking seaside golf experiences.
Lucero Golf & Country Club – Golf in the Highlands
In the highlands of Boquete, Lucero Golf & Country Club provides a refreshing contrast to coastal golf. As Panama’s highest-elevation course, it is set among coffee plantations and misty mountain ridges. The Poellot design uses the terrain to dramatic effect, with holes that plunge and climb while revealing sweeping valley views. For many, Lucero represents the most scenic and unique golf round in the country.
Valle Escondido – Nine Holes of Serenity
Also in Boquete, Valle Escondido offers a gentler introduction to mountain golf. This 9-hole executive course is nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by lush gardens and resort amenities. It may not have Lucero’s drama, but its serene atmosphere makes it perfect for couples, families, or anyone who prefers a relaxed pace of play.
Panama as a Golf Destination
What sets Panama apart is its variety. In just a week, golfers can play a Korn Ferry Tour venue in the capital, tee it up on Nicklaus and Fazio designs by the Pacific, and finish with cool-air golf in the highlands. Travel is easy, the season is year-round, and the mix of culture, scenery, and golf is unlike anywhere else in the region.
The Final Word
Panama is no longer just a bridge between oceans — it’s becoming a bridge between golf worlds as well. From coastal resorts to mountain retreats, from historic fairways to modern luxury designs, the country offers golfers the chance to play diverse and memorable rounds within a compact destination. For those seeking something new, authentic, and unforgettable, Panama might just be the next golf destination to add to the bucket list.
