Panama City Expands Golf and Recreation Facilities

News Summary

Panama City is enhancing its golf and recreational landscape with new developments including upgraded resorts, golf courses, and entertainment venues. Notable additions like the Buenaventura resort and the upcoming Watersound Club course highlight the city’s commitment to providing diverse leisure options. Additionally, the launch of Topgolf adds a unique entertainment experience for both locals and tourists. With new policies on golf cart usage also being considered, Panama City is poised to become a leading hub for sports and recreation in the region.

Panama City Leads New Developments in Golf and Recreation Facilities

Panama City is experiencing significant growth in its golf and recreational offerings, with several new amenities and developments aimed at attracting both residents and visitors. These initiatives include new golf courses, resort upgrades, and community access improvements that highlight the city’s focus on providing a diverse range of leisure activities.

Resort Offerings and Golf Experiences

Among the prominent developments is the Buenaventura resort, which emphasizes creating memorable vacation experiences. A key feature of the resort is a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, renowned for its challenging layout and scenic beauty. Guests staying at the resort are entitled to play a round of golf per person the day after check-in, although reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Interested players can contact the resort via email for tee time reservations.

Additional amenities at Buenaventura include complimentary breakfast for two, options for self or valet parking, and access to recreational courts such as bicycles, tennis, and volleyball, subject to availability.

The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort in Panama City also offers a comprehensive golf experience. Its 18-hole, par-72 golf course, designed by the same famed architect Jack Nicklaus, provides a premium setting for golfers. The resort package features deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast, and one round of golf included for each paid night, making it a popular option for travelers seeking luxury combined with sport.

Marriott’s Global Golf Presence

Building on its extensive experience in golf management, Marriott’s Global Golf Division oversees 45 golf courses spread across 14 countries on five continents. The division has been operating in this space since 1970, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf and providing expertise in integrated resort and golf operations around the world.

Upcoming Golf Course: The Third at Watersound Club

Anticipating further growth in golf offerings, the Watersound Club located in Panama City Beach is set to debut a new 18-hole golf course called “The Third”. Designed by professional golfer Davis Love III, this course will complement the existing two courses—Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek—bringing the total to 54 holes of championship golf.

Scheduled to open on March 20, The Third will serve both club members and guests staying at the Camp Creek Inn. The new course is designed with six different sets of tees, ensuring a suitable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The amenities of Watersound include a wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool complex, and various dining options, enhancing the overall recreational experience for visitors and residents alike.

Local Policy Considerations for Golf Cart Usage

In response to increasing golf and outdoor activity demands, Panama City authorities are considering an ordinance that would allow golf carts in several neighborhoods. The proposed regulation aims to balance recreational convenience with safety, especially with measures for children under five to ride in these carts. It is distinguished from low-speed vehicles, which are already permitted to operate on city streets.

Major New Entertainment Venue: Topgolf Panama City Beach

Completing the recreational landscape is Topgolf, which officially opened to the public on June 27. The venue features multiple floors dedicated to golf games, dining facilities, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of games and simulations, including those using the TopTracer technology. The debut included a VIP event followed by a grand opening with free gameplay from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., along with live entertainment and giveaways.

The venue caters to a broad audience, including families and groups, with guests under 16 requiring supervision by an adult aged 21 or older. After 9 p.m., supervision standards remain, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. Its strategic location behind Walmart in Pier Park, Panama City Beach, aims to provide easy access for locals and tourists, reducing the need for long-distance travel to find entertainment or play golf.

Summary

Overall, Panama City is expanding its landscape of leisure and recreation through new golf courses, resort upgrades, and entertainment venues. These developments aim to enhance the city’s appeal as a tourism destination and a vibrant community for residents interested in golf, outdoor activities, and family entertainment. With additional policies under consideration and major venue openings, the city is positioning itself as a growing hub for sports and recreation in the region.

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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.

STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.

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