News Summary
Panama City is enhancing its golfing landscape with new luxurious accommodations, championship courses, and recreational amenities aimed at golf lovers and vacationers. Key highlights include Buenaventura Resort with a Jack Nicklaus-designed course and Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort. A new course, ‘The Third’, will open at Watersound Club, increasing options for golfers. Topgolf also recently opened in Panama City Beach, adding to the leisure experience. The city is considering an ordinance to allow golf carts on neighborhood streets, promoting convenience for residents.
Panama City is expanding its golfing landscape with several new offerings and developments designed to enhance the experience for golf lovers and vacationers alike. New luxurious accommodations, championship golf courses, and recreational amenities are set to attract both residents and visitors to the area.
The Buenaventura Resort is a prime destination featuring a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, which stands as a highlight of the resort experience. Guests can enjoy one round of golf per person included with their stay, available the day after check-in with a minimum 24-hour prior reservation required. To secure a tee time, guests can email reservations@buenaventuraresort.com. Along with golfing, the resort offers amenities including breakfast for two, self or valet parking, and complimentary access to bicycles and sports courts, all subject to availability.
In addition to Buenaventura, the Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort in Panama City also features an 18-hole, par-72 golf course, also designed by Nicklaus. Guests benefit from deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast, and one round of golf included for each paid night. The significance of Marriott’s Global Golf Division is notable here, as it manages a remarkable 45 golf courses across 14 countries, emphasizing its extensive knowledge in integrated resort and golf operations, a legacy that spans back to 1970.
Meanwhile, in Panama City Beach, a new golf course named “The Third” is set to open at the Watersound Club on March 20. Designed by Davis Love III, this 18-hole course will be part of a private membership club and will increase the total number of championship holes to 54, alongside existing facilities like Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses. The new course caters to golfers of all skill levels with its six sets of tees. The Watersound amenities also include a wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool complex, and various dining options, making it a well-rounded destination for leisure and sport.
Adding to the excitement is the recent opening of Topgolf on June 27, located behind Walmart in Pier Park, Panama City Beach. This entertainment venue features two main floors for golfing and dining, complete with TopTracer games and free Wi-Fi. On opening day, guests were treated to free gameplay from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., along with live entertainment and giveaways. Topgolf policies include supervision requirements for guests under 16 years of age, further ensuring a family-friendly environment.
Notably, Panama City is also considering an ordinance to allow golf carts on various neighborhood streets, aiming to enhance convenience for local residents. This initiative comes with proposed safety measures, particularly for children under five who would be riding in these vehicles. It is important to note that golf carts differ from low-speed vehicles that are already permitted on city streets.
As these new developments unfold, Panama City and its surrounding areas are set to become increasingly attractive for golf enthusiasts, offering various venues, accommodations, and recreational opportunities. The combination of luxury, accessibility, and community-oriented initiatives positions Panama City as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors seeking an engaging golf experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
