News Summary
Panama City is enhancing its reputation as a premier golf destination with new developments including luxury resort courses and a cutting-edge golf entertainment venue. Notable highlights include championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus at Buenaventura and The Santa Maria resorts, along with the upcoming ‘The Third’ course at Watersound Club. Additionally, Topgolf has opened in Panama City Beach, offering a unique blend of golf and entertainment. Plans are also underway to allow golf carts in certain neighborhoods, integrating golf culture into daily life in the city.
Panama City is experiencing an exciting surge in golf offerings and developments, enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for both local and visiting golf enthusiasts. Key highlights include new golfing opportunities at luxury resorts and the opening of a state-of-the-art golf entertainment venue.
At the forefront is the Buenaventura resort, showcasing a championship golf course designed by renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus. Guests at the resort can enjoy a round of golf on the day following their check-in, with prior reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. To book a tee time, prospective visitors can reach out via email at reservations@buenaventuraresort.com. Additional amenities at Buenaventura enhance the overall experience, offering breakfast for two, self or valet parking, and complimentary access to bicycles, tennis, and volleyball courts, based on availability.
Meanwhile, The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, features another Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, an 18-hole, par-72 layout. The resort not only boasts deluxe accommodations and a daily breakfast offer but also includes one round of golf per paid night’s stay for guests. Under the management of Marriott’s Global Golf Division, which operates 45 golf courses in 14 countries across five continents, these offerings reflect the longstanding expertise in integrated resort and golf operations since 1970.
Further enhancing golfing prospects in the region, the Watersound Club in Panama City Beach is on track to unveil a new addition, an 18-hole golf course named “The Third,” designed by distinguished architect Davis Love III. Set to open on March 20, this course will cater to members of the private membership club and guests of the Camp Creek Inn. “The Third” will augment the club’s existing total of 54 holes of championship golf, which includes the Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses. This new course is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring six different sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
The Watersound Club also boasts various amenities, including a wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool complex, and multiple dining options, creating a complete and enjoyable environment for visitors.
In an effort to further integrate golf culture into everyday life, Panama City is considering an ordinance that would permit the use of golf carts in several neighborhoods. The proposed measures aim to ensure safety for children under five who may ride in these vehicles. Notably, golf carts differ from low-speed vehicles already allowed on city streets.
The excitement for golfers extends to the newly launched Topgolf, which opened to the public on June 27. Located behind Walmart in Pier Park, Panama City Beach, this venue provides a vibrant environment combining golfing and entertainment. Opening day festivities included free gameplay from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., live music, and giveaways. Topgolf features two main floors offering golf and dining experiences, along with TopTracer games and complimentary Wi-Fi access for visitors. To ensure safety, guests under 16 must be accompanied by someone aged 21 or older, and supervision is required for younger guests after 9 p.m.
With these new developments in Panama City and its surrounding areas, golf enthusiasts now have a variety of modern and accessible options for engaging with the sport. From premier resort courses to innovative entertainment venues, Panama City is solidifying its position as a golf destination.
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Additional Resources
- The News Herald: Panama City Beach Welcomes New Golf Course
- WJHG: Panama City Expanding Golf Cart Access
- The News Herald: Topgolf Opening Day in Panama City Beach
- Google Search: Panama City Golf
- Topgolf Press Release: Panama City Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Resorts
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
