Panama's only Nicklaus course
Santa María Golf · Jack Nicklaus course in Panama
Santa María Golf Club is the only 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course in Panama. A par-72 layout playing 7,153 yards from the back tees, set inside the gated Santa María Golf & Country Club community in Panama City.
Quick answer
Santa María Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72, 7,153-yard parkland golf course designed by Nicklaus Design (the firm founded by Jack Nicklaus) and opened in 2012. It is the only Nicklaus course in Panama. Located inside Santa María Golf & Country Club in Panama City, it is managed by Troon (the world's largest golf management company) and hosted the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) on January 18–21, 2024. The course offers four tee box locations to accommodate players of every level.
A Nicklaus layout inside Panama's most exclusive gated community
Santa María is the only private community in Panama City with a Nicklaus golf course inside its own grounds. The layout, described by Nicklaus Design as a parkland course, takes advantage of the natural landscape with undulating greens, well-placed bunkers, and lakes that come into play on several holes. The design strategy is classic Jack Nicklaus: there is always a safe route to the green, but a well-placed bunker punishes the player who takes the aggressive line without executing the shot. Short game and green reading are decisive. The operation is managed by Troon, ensuring an international standard from course maintenance to clubhouse service and pro shop. In January 2024, Santa María hosted the Latin America Amateur Championship (the region's most important amateur tournament, founded by the Masters Tournament, The R&A, and the USGA), confirming the course as a venue at the international level.
The course by the numbers
18
Holes
Par 72
7,153 yards (back tees)
2012
Year opened
Nicklaus
Design firm
The course at a glance
Course features
18 holes · Par 72 · 7,153 yards
Regulation layout with four tee box locations to accommodate players of every level: from beginners to scratch handicaps.
Nicklaus Design
The only course in Panama signed by Nicklaus Design, the global design firm founded by Jack Nicklaus, who has authored more than 410 courses in 45 countries.
Managed by Troon
Troon, the world's largest golf management company, operates Santa María. International maintenance, service, and operating standards.
Undulating greens, bunkers, and lakes
Parkland style: water comes into play on several holes, bunkers are strategically placed, and greens are well-contoured.
2024 LAAC host venue
Santa María hosted the Latin America Amateur Championship on January 18–21, 2024, a tournament organized by the Masters Tournament, The R&A, and the USGA.
Inside Santa María Golf & Country Club
The course is integrated into the private community with 24/7 security. It's the center around which the neighborhood's premium residences are built.
Practical information
Access, tee times, and contact
Santa María Golf Club operates under a membership and guest-play model. Tee time bookings are handled by the local operation managed by Troon. Current membership pricing, visitor green fees, and reservations are not published on the official site: they are arranged directly with club administration at +507 340-9300 or info@santamariapanama.com.
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Santa María Golf & Country Club · Properties
Mansions on the green, penthouses overlooking the course, and luxury apartments from $500,000.
See properties in Santa María →Santa María Country Club · the social club
The community's social and athletic club: 6 paddle tennis courts, 3 tennis courts, gym, restaurants, and more.
See the social club →FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Santa María golf course
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