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The History of Golf in Panama

With its amazing weather and breathtaking landscapes, Panama has become one of the premiere destinations in the world for golf. Though newer courses are being designed and constructed, the history of Panama’s original golf courses provides a rich portrait of why this sport was perfect for bringing out the best in Panama’s natural qualities.

The First Golf Course in Panama

Club de Golf de Panama, or Panama Golf Club, is the oldest golf course in Panama City. This private, par 70, 18-hole course was conceptualized and created after the Armistice was signed. After realizing how lush and beautiful the surrounding area was, a handful of officers from the Army and Navy decided to bring the beloved sport of golf to Panama. Soon, these officers got together a group of interested friends in 1918, and an initial team of sixteen “founders” were finally able to bring Panama’s first golf course to reality.

The Two Most Popular Golf Courses in Panama

While the Panama Golf Club is still a favorite among players, the two most popular Panama golf courses are the Summit Golf Resort and the Coronado Golf Club. Originally opening in the 1930’s for Americans working in the Panama Canal Zone, the Summit Golf Resort is made up of two courses located in the forests of the Panama Canal. These beautiful courses were originally designed with 18 and 6 holes, and recent GPS technology has made the Summit Golf Resort into a groundbreaking one of a kind golf experience. Out of all the golf courses in Panama, the Coronado Golf Club, which was the first course constructed outside of Panama City, is considered by many to be the “jewel” of Latin America. The Coronado Golf Club is a 7,092 yard, 18-hole, par 72 golf course, and is known for its large collection of fruit trees, including mango trees, palms, teak, rubber, and acacia. This championship golf course was designed and created by Tom Fazio, who has been ranked as one of the best golf course designers in the entire world. Professionally, the Coronado Golf Club has hosted the European Challenge Tour’s Panasonic Panama Open.

Newer Golf Courses in Panama

Though the older courses are still held in high regard, some of Panama’s newer golf courses are also favorable and challenging to golfers. For instance, the Tuscan Country Club and Resort is a par 72, 18-hole championship course, and is beloved for its rich surroundings of rare wildlife, including macaws, sloths, and the toucan bird. Players at the Tuscan Country Club also enjoy rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking views of the Panama Canal. In the future, a number of other exciting golf courses are being developed, such as the Buenaventura, which will feature a layout that includes white sandy beaches.

For those professional or novice golfers who are staying at Panama hotels for a relaxing vacation, there are a number of historical and new golf courses that are sure to provide a totally unique golfing experience.