Golfing along the Pacific beaches of Panama By Playa Community
It's no wonder that North Americans are investing in property all along the Pacific beach and in its developments that have golf compontents. Panama offers tropical beaches with golf courses that are open 12 month of the year, with world-class shopping in the business hub of Panama City just an hour away.
Golf: a long-lived tradition at the beaches
The Coronado Golf Course, attached to the Coronado Beach and Golf Club, along with Mantaray, attached to the Royal Decameron in Rio Hato, are the two courses that have long ruled the beaches. However in the last two years, a number of new developments have opened links in the area.
The additions are not only attracting golfers from around the world, but they also offer a course variety for people who live in the area. Most courses are located in waterfront residential projects, many of which have a hotel or tourism angle to round out the offer.
In addition to golf courses, these destination residence communities also offer different amenities like All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) rental, equine facilities, dining, pools and private areas where some of the best parties of the season take place. Golf tourists too can experience more of the beaches, but visiting other area courses on the coast.
The Vista Mar golf course has nine-holes and stunning ocean views. It has a newly-opened driving range and putting green. Plans are in place to open the back nine holes as well. The course is open to the public. Call 345-4096 to book a tee time.
Bijao has a new nine hole golf course in Santa Clara. This is an executive course with ocean views. It has received rave reviews from the local golfing community on the quality of the fairways and greens. It is a public course, so call 304-9800 to book a tee time. Located on the eastern border of the property is the luxurious all-inclusive Sheraton Bijao Resort.
Perhaps the most ritzy beach development, Buenaventura recently opened its first nine holes. This course is the first Jack Nicolaus design in Panama and is reported to be seeded with Paspalum grass, which means the course will stay greener with less chemicals. The back nine holes are reportedly scheduled to open in June. Like, Coronado Golf, this course is for members, guests and those who are checked in at the Bristol Buenaventura Hotel. Resort reservations at 908-3333.
Mantaray is attached to the Decameron Resort in Farrallón. This 18-hole course has a number of challenging fairways. It is open to the public and a favorite among many local golfers. The course was designed by Randall Thompsen. It includes two driving ranges, a practice putting green and six flood-lit par three holes for after-dark enjoyment. For a tee time, call 214-2016.
Coronado's Tom Fazio designed course is the home course of the local expat golfing community and hosts many monthly tournaments. This 18-hole course also has a flood lit nine hole executive course with driving range and putting green. It is a private course for members, member's guests and Coronado community resort guests only. For resort reservations call 640-4444.
