News Summary
Panama City is enhancing its appeal to golf enthusiasts with new offerings such as the Buenaventura and Santa Maria resorts, both featuring Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. Additionally, the Watersound Club is set to open ‘The Third,’ a new course designed by Davis Love III. Moreover, Panama City explores a new ordinance to allow golf carts in residential neighborhoods, while Topgolf has recently opened, blending golfing with entertainment. These developments position Panama City as a prime destination for both avid golfers and leisure seekers.
Panama City is set to become an exciting new hub for golf enthusiasts with several recent developments and offerings in and around the area. Prominent among these are the enriching experiences available at the Buenaventura resort, The Santa Maria resort, and the upcoming Watersound Club golf course dubbed “The Third.”
Buenaventura Resort’s Premier Offerings
The Buenaventura resort, located in Panama City, aims to provide unforgettable vacation experiences, spotlighting an exceptional golf experience with its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Guests can enjoy one complimentary round of golf per person the day following their check-in, with prior reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. Tee time reservations can be made via email at reservations@buenaventuraresort.com.
Apart from golf, Buenaventura offers a range of amenities, which include breakfast for two guests, options for self or valet parking, and complimentary use of bicycles. Tennis and volleyball courts are also available to guests but are subject to availability.
The Santa Maria Luxury Collection
In addition to Buenaventura, The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort in Panama City, features its own Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course comprising 18 holes and a par-72 layout. Guests at The Santa Maria enjoy deluxe accommodations along with daily breakfast. Each paid night’s stay entitles them to a complimentary round of golf as well.
Marriott’s Global Golf Division, responsible for managing The Santa Maria’s course, oversees 45 golf properties across 14 countries and five continents, contributing nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has demonstrated expertise in integrated resort and golf operations since its inception in 1970.
Watersound Club Developments
Meanwhile, Watersound Club in Panama City Beach is preparing for the opening of a new 18-hole golf course named “The Third,” designed by renowned golfer Davis Love III. This course is part of a private membership club and will bring the total number of holes at Watersound Club to 54, complementing the existing Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses. The anticipated opening date for “The Third” is set for March 20, and it will be available for both members and guests at Camp Creek Inn.
Watersound Club also boasts a variety of amenities, including a wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool complex, and dining options. The new course is designed to be inclusive for golfers of all skill levels, offering six sets of tees.
Golf Cart Ordinance Considerations
In conjunction with these golfing developments, Panama City is currently exploring a new ordinance that would permit golf carts in several residential neighborhoods. Proposed safety measures would require children under five to adhere to specific riding guidelines. It is important to note that golf carts are distinct from low-speed vehicles, which are already permitted on city streets, making this ordinance a significant consideration for local residents and visitors alike.
Topgolf Launch
Adding to the golfing landscape, Topgolf officially opened its doors to the public on June 27 at a newly constructed location behind Walmart in Pier Park, Panama City Beach, following a VIP launch event. The opening day featured free gameplay from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., live entertainment, and giveaways to celebrate the occasion. Topgolf combines golf with dining across two primary levels, offering a unique blend of leisure through activities such as TopTracer games and complimentary Wi-Fi.
For families, it’s notable that guests under 16 years old must be supervised by an adult aged 21 or over, and those under 16 must have adult supervision after 9 p.m. This establishment aims to cater to the entertainment and recreational needs of the community, offering a golfing experience that minimizes long travel distances for enthusiasts in the Panama City Beach area.
As these various initiatives unfold, Panama City is poised to enhance its reputation as an increasingly attractive destination for both avid golfers and casual visitors seeking engaging vacation experiences.
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
