News Summary
Panama City and its surrounding areas are set to enhance their sporting and leisure landscape with various new golf courses, luxury resorts, and entertainment venues. Notable additions include the Jack Nicklaus-designed courses at Buenaventura Resort and Santa Maria, alongside the upcoming 18-hole championship course at Watersound Club. Additionally, a new Topgolf venue enriches the local entertainment scene, providing diverse options for both golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.
Panama City and Surrounding Areas Unveil Exciting New Golf and Leisure Developments
Numerous new golf offerings and recreational developments are set to enhance the sporting and leisure landscape in Panama City and nearby areas. These developments include luxury resort golf courses, a new private club course, and the launch of a popular entertainment venue, providing a diverse array of options for golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.
Luxury Resorts Showcase Premier Golf Facilities
At the Buenaventura Resort in Panama City, guests can now enjoy an unforgettable vacation experience centered around a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The resort’s golf program includes a complimentary round of golf for each guest, available the day after check-in, with prior reservation required at least 24 hours ahead. For tee time bookings, interested parties should contact the resort via email at reservations@buenaventuraresort.com.
In addition to golfing, the Buenaventura Resort offers amenities such as breakfast for two, self or valet parking, and complimentary use of bicycles, tennis, and volleyball courts, subject to availability. These features aim to provide guests with a comprehensive, enjoyable stay suitable for families, couples, and groups seeking relaxation and recreation.
Similarly, in Panama City, the Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, provides access to an 18-hole, par-72 golf course, which is also designed by Jack Nicklaus. The hotel emphasizes luxury accommodations and includes daily breakfast along with one complimentary round of golf per paid night, offering a quality experience for golf travelers and business visitors alike.
Expansion and Management of Golf Operations
The Marriott International’s Global Golf Division oversees a portfolio of 45 golf courses across 14 countries on five continents, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf. With a history dating back to 1970, Marriott has established extensive expertise in integrated resort and golf course operations, ensuring high standards for golf services and guest satisfaction.
New Championship Course Opening at Watersound Club
Exciting news arrives from Panama City Beach, where Watersound Club is preparing to welcome a new 18-hole golf course, named “The Third”. Designed by renowned golfer and course architect Davis Love III, the course is scheduled to open on March 20. It will be part of a private membership club, adding to the existing 36 holes at Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses, for a total of 54 championship holes.
Exclusive access to “The Third” will be available for club members and guests staying at Camp Creek Inn. The course will feature six sets of tees, ensuring players of all skill levels can enjoy the game. Additional amenities at Watersound include a wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool complex, and diverse dining options, positioning the club as a comprehensive recreational destination.
Local Policy and Safety Considerations
Panama City officials are evaluating an ordinance that would permit golf carts in various neighborhoods. The proposed regulation includes safety measures, such as restrictions for children under five riding in carts, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure safety while expanding recreational mobility. It is important to note that golf carts differ from low-speed vehicles, which are already lawful for operation on city streets within existing regulations.
New Entertainment Venue and Enhancements in Panama City Beach
Offering a fresh entertainment and leisure option, Topgolf officially opened to the public on June 27. Located behind Walmart in Pier Park, the venue hosted a VIP launch earlier and now features accessible gameplay for visitors. During opening day, free gameplay was available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., along with live entertainment and promotional giveaways.
The facility includes two main floors dedicated to golf simulation and dining, equipped with TopTracer game technology and free Wi-Fi. The venue caters to families and adult guests, with rules in place requiring guests under 16 to be supervised by an adult aged 21 or older, especially after 9 p.m. Its goal is to reduce travel needs for local golf enthusiasts, offering convenience combined with entertainment in a central location.
Summary
Overall, Panama City and the surrounding region are experiencing a surge in high-quality golf courses, leisure amenities, and entertainment venues. From luxury resort courses designed by world-renowned architects to new private club offerings and modern entertainment complexes, the developments aim to attract tourism, support local recreation, and provide diverse options for both residents and visitors. These initiatives underline a growing commitment to enhancing the region’s reputation as a premier destination for golf and leisure activities.
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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
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