Every Panama resident has certain aspects of this country that he or she loves best. For some, it’s the long stretches of picturesque beaches. Others can’t get enough of the quaint mountain towns with their year-round cool temperatures. And for others, still, it’s the action and energy of the capital city. Another Panama offering that makes this a great place to live? Amazing golf courses! For anyone who loves to shoot a few holes, there are tons of great places to golf in Panama. 

In fact, Panama is fast becoming one of the best golf destinations in Latin America. Traditionally, course designers have taken advantage of Panama’s diverse topography to create coastal, mountain, and parkland courses. Many of these older courses have been remodeled in recent years, thus attracting new attention. Additionally, there are several new courses adding options for where to golf in Panama. 

Add to this diversity of courses the fact that golf in Panama is a year-round sport thanks to the consistently great weather, and it’s clear why our country is becoming a hot golf destination. Read on for a comprehensive look at our favorite courses across the country.   

Club de Golf de Panama

Many would consider Club de Golf de Panama to be the best course that Panama has to offer. This 18 hole, par 72 course is one of the oldest in the country. The Panama Golf Club (its name in English) has hosted PGA Tour events for over a decade. And, this course’s proximity to the city makes it a popular choice for golf-loving capital dwellers. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Panama City in Cerro Viento, this course is easy enough to access any day of the week. 

Golf enthusiasts love the stately atmosphere of the Panama Golf Club. Throughout the course, you’ll find mature trees, dramatic elevation changes, and plenty of lakes. All of these features make the Club de Golf a challenging course with great visual interest. Additionally, this course meets international requirements, with both holes 9 and 18 ending close to the clubhouse. Add to this the driving range, pro shop, locker rooms, multiple restaurants, and spa, and it’s no wonder this is a favorite destination for playing golf in Panama. 

Ready to enjoy this amazing course? Then, check out Panama Golf Club green fees and get ready for a great day of golf!

Mantarraya Golf Club at Royal Decameron 

About a 90-minute drive southwest of Panama City, you’ll find Mantarraya Golf Club at Royal Decameron. The Mantarraya Golf Course features 18 holes and a total length of 7,098 yards. Designed by renowned Randall Thompson, this course offers a serene and natural setting that’s perfect for a relaxing game. From the course, you’ll be able to enjoy vistas of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way up the greenway.  

In addition to the course itself, golfers can rent carts, shop at the pro shop, visit the driving range or putting green, or relax in the clubhouse. And, given that the Royal Decameron Panama is an all-inclusive resort, there are also plenty of non-golf related activities to take part in. For example, you might lounge by the pool, take a stroll on the beach, or enjoy a gourmet meal after your game. 

If you’d like to reserve a tee time, check out the green fees here. And, for the ultimate golf experience, you might consider buying a home at the Royal Decameron. If this sounds like your idea of paradise, click here to view some of our Royal Decameron properties on the market. 

Santa María Golf and Country Club

The Santa María Golf and Country Club provides the best country club experience in Panama City. Just a ten-minute drive from downtown, Santa María is the perfect place for a day of golf in Panama. This course manages to feel a world away from the chaos of the city, while still providing stunning views of the skyline. Consequently, this unique perspective provides a dynamic backdrop to a great course. 

A product of Nicklaus Design, Santa María is one of the newest golf courses in Panama. The course measures 7,153 yards and boasts even and wide fairways in impeccable condition that make for a pleasurable round of golf. Add to this several water elements and large bunkers, and the course presents a fun challenge. As it is located within the Santa María housing development, this course is only open to residents and guests. As a result, this is also one of the most exclusive places to golf in Panama. 

Interested in Santa María, and all this community has to offer? Check out some of the properties we have available in this prestigious community. 

Tucan Country Club and Resort

If you head 20 minutes outside of Panama City in the opposite direction, crossing the Bridge of the Americas, you’ll arrive at Tucan Country Club and Resort. Many expats choose to call this community home, in part to take advantage of the amazing golf course. Once a U.S. Military recreational course, today Tucan is open to the public. Tucked just next to tropical rainforest and offering panoramic views of the Panama Canal and city skyline, the golf course at Tucan Country Club is chock full of visual interest. 

And it isn’t just the surroundings and views that make this course unique. The expansive, rolling greens add rigor to the level of play on this 18-hole course. This is also an incredibly convenient and unique place to live close to a great golf course. With homeownership and rental opportunities, this is a popular residence for golf-enthusiasts who want a bit more nature and tranquility than the city offers. Apart from some of the best golf in Panama, residents enjoy a wellness center and spa, a gourmet restaurant, a full gym, and so much more. 

Sound like your idea of paradise? Click here to find out more about some of the Tucan Country Club properties that are on the market now. 

Vista Mar Golf & Beach Resort 

If you’re looking for unbeatable views from a stunning course, then book yourself a day of golf at Vista Mar Panama. This exclusive golf community is about a 90-minute drive southwest of Panama City and is well worth the journey. The name Vista Mar translates to sea view in English. And this course doesn’t disappoint. Here, you’ll find 18 holes of stunning scenery and challenging holes. 

Apart from an exclusive golf experience complete with imported natural grass and hydroponics, Vista Mar also offers plenty of other amenities. Restaurant Terraza Del Mar is on-site and is a great place for upscale dining. Additionally, Boga Bar offers a fantastic destination to unwind over a drink after a great game of golf. There’s also a premier beach club with a beachfront infinity pool. 

Ready to make Vista Mar your go-to destination for golf in Panama? Consider investing in a home within this special community. Click here to see some of the Vista Mar Panama properties that are on the market right now. 

Buenaventura Golf Club

Drive another 30 minutes past Vista Mar from Panama City and you’ll arrive at the magnificent Buenaventura Golf Club. A show-stopping Nicklaus design course, Buenaventura offers 18 holes of entertaining play with delightful views, water features, and well-placed bunkers. The course features Paspalum Platinum grass across its 7,383 yards. Additionally, there is an option for multiple tee placements in order to adjust the rigor of each hole for a variety of skill levels.

Golfers at Buenaventura will also enjoy the community’s luxurious clubhouse as the ideal place to relax after a game. There is also a driving range, chipping and putting green, and Buenaventura Hotel for those looking to stay on site. While membership to the golf club is only available for Buenaventura residents,  eight rounds per day are available to external guests that can book in order to enjoy this phenomenal course. 

Want to become a member and enjoy some of the best golf in Panama as part of your regular routine? Consider investing in a piece of highly desirable Buenaventura real estate. There are plenty of great properties on the market that you won’t want to miss. 

The Coronado Golf Course

A bit closer to the capital just outside of Coronado, you’ll find the Coronado Golf Course. Here, golf aficionados flock to enjoy one of the best golf in Panama. Designed by Tom and George Fazio, this course features 18 holes and 7,116 yards of beautiful surroundings and entertaining holes.

Visitors to this course can also enjoy the driving range, pro shop, and club fittings. The course is also home to the Coronado Golf Academy. Here, golfers of all levels can sign up for lessons to fine-tune their game. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics, or a veteran golfer hoping to perfect a specific technique, the Coronado Golf Academy can help. They even offer children’s lessons to start shaping the next generation of golfers. 

With plenty else to do in Coronado, this is a great option for those looking for a second home, retirement home, or full-time residence. Check out some of the great Coronado properties on the market here. 

Conclusion 

So whether you enjoy golf as a daily hobby or an occasional way to unwind, there are plenty of great courses to golf in Panama. And with so many amazing real estate options located near golf courses, Panama is the perfect place to purchase a golf home. 

You’ll love the variety of entertaining games and stunning landscapes that Panama’s golf courses provide. Add to this the great year-round weather, frequent international flights, and incredible price points on golf course real estate, and it’s no wonder why buying a golf home in Panama is an increasingly popular option for avid golfers.

Looking for the perfect Panama golf home? Panama Equity is a leading provider of golf home real estate. Check out our listings today to find the course-side home of your dreams. Fore! 

Kent Davis (PJ-0752-09)

Kent Davis, founder of Panama Equity Real Estate, is a leading expert in Panama’s competitive real estate market. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, he holds a Marketing Information Systems degree from James Madison University. After a successful corporate career managing multimillion-dollar inventories at Hajoca Corporation, Kent pursued his dream of living abroad, moving to Panama in 2007.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he established Panama Equity to connect buyers, sellers, and investors with Panama’s top properties. Known for his transparency, expertise, and market insights, Kent has helped hundreds navigate Panama’s real estate landscape. Fluent in Spanish, he frequently publishes market reports to empower clients with informed decisions.
Beyond real estate, Kent is passionate about Panama’s culture, landscapes, and surf-friendly beaches. He lives in Panama with his wife and three sons, embracing the vibrant lifestyle the country offers.