Hats off to Panama

Golf Channel:

‘Go for the Canal and Stay for the Golf’

There are few golf experiences more satisfying than playing a round of golf in an enchanting locale with the aromatic scents of the tropics, vistas of turquoise seas, palm trees gently blowing in the ocean breezes and beautiful exotic wildlife that welcome every shot. Panama offers that and so much more.

Touched by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans there are hundreds of ‘escape’ islands, distinct and rich ecosystems, mountainous terrain, unique Indian cultures and a modern cosmopolitan city. As the southernmost country of Central America, nestled between Costa Rica to the West and Colombia to the south it was recently rated by a New York Times survey as the ‘Number One Place to Go’’.

A five billion dollar expansion of the Canal has created an economic boom with construction cranes in evidence throughout the capital of Panama City, a new underground subway system, modernization of the city’s Tocumen International airport and the revitalization of the historic quarter, Casco Viejo, a world heritage site.

Two hours west of the capital, between Punta Chame and Farallon another international airport is close to completion, in Rio Hato, which will allow visitors quick access to miles of beautiful beaches, world class surfing, kite boarding and sports fishing locales. Golf is quickly becoming a part of this growth as resorts and real estate developments attract the likes of Nicklaus, Fazio, Garl and Poellot in the creation of world class golf facilities.

The game was first introduced to the country when Americans building the Canal opened the first course in 1930. Under the guidance of the Panama Golf Association [APAGOLF], golf in the country has shown positive growth thanks in part to the lure of prestigious events such as the BMW Golf Cup, the world’s largest international amateur tournament and Panama City is a regular stop on the Web.com Tour.

The domestic and international draw of the game is very evident in the Rio Hato district:

Vista Mar Golf and Beach Resort features a J. Michael Poellot eighteen hole 7273 yard championship course that will become one of the country’s finest golf centers. Managed by the US based KemperSports Group it is being designed as a full service teaching academy.

Individuality and challenge describe every hole as the award winning Poellot has created a layout that features numerous elevation changes, spectacular bunkering and immaculate greens. With the perennial sea breeze a player must play strategically to enjoy success. With five sets of tees it will be a memorable experience for all levels of golfer.

Located a half hour west is the resort course of Buenaventura Golf Club, opened in 2012, it is under the management of the internationally esteemed Troon Group and this superb Nicklaus Design has incorporated the contours of the terrain in the construction of this signature layout. With lush wide fairways, strategically placed bunkering and dramatic water hazards it is a pleasure to play. An esthetically pleasing course it can be a ‘bear’ when the winds are gusting. The course is associated with the luxury community of Buenaventura and the striking JW Marriott Panama Golf and Beach Resort.