The new golf course at Buenaventura, designed by the renowned firm Robert Trent Jones II, represents an innovative step forward for the development of golf and tourism in Panama. With 18 holes, Par 72, technical challenges, and spectacular landscapes, this course is set to become a continental benchmark, offering a unique and demanding experience for players of all levels.

For years, Buenaventura has established itself as one of the most exclusive and challenging golf destinations in the region. The existing course has hosted PGA TOUR Latinoamérica events and has been named Panama’s best golf course multiple times by the World Golf Awards. It has earned a solid reputation among both local and international players, not just for the beauty of its design and exceptional maintenance, but also for the ever-changing playing conditions throughout the year.

Today, Buenaventura Golf Club proudly announces the launch of a second course, designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones II firm—its 300th course worldwide—which complements the original with a layout that not only challenges players’ skills but also integrates harmoniously with the natural landscape. This new course is poised to become a gem for golf enthusiasts, elevating Buenaventura as one of the premier golf destinations in Latin America.

Miguel Marín, one of the project’s key leaders, emphasized that choosing Robert Trent Jones II as the designer was essential to crafting a completely different experience from the original Nicklaus Design course.

“We wanted a layout that made players feel as though they were playing in a completely different place. Even though it’s in the same resort, this new course offers a distinct experience—shorter, more technical, and above all, more fun, requiring players to think carefully about their strategy,” said Marín.

Strategy vs. Power

At 6,810 yards compared to the existing course’s 7,383 yards, the new layout is shorter but significantly more technical, demanding a more strategic and less power-dependent approach.

The vision from the start was clear: to offer a golfing experience that blends technical challenges with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Throughout the 18 holes, players will encounter a variety of landscapes—from open prairies to dense jungle areas, and stretches near the river and sea. Each hole is designed to surprise, with unique challenges and stunning visuals that make the journey as enjoyable as the game itself. “Here, the player has to think more. It’s not a course where you can rely solely on power. The key lies in technique and making the right decisions with every shot,” explained Marín, highlighting the importance of precise planning.

One of the most notable features of the new course is the diversity of landscapes. For instance, hole 5, a Par 5 set in a prairie that slopes down toward the sea, is both visually stunning and technically demanding due to its length, streams, and a green protected by beautiful Corotú trees. It even needs to be played differently depending on the season and the direction of the wind, whether from the north or the sea.

Beyond its technical challenge, this hole offers players the sensation of strolling through open fields, adding an aesthetic dimension to the technical test. This seamless integration with the environment is one of Robert Trent Jones II’s most remarkable achievements, capitalizing on Buenaventura’s natural features to create an immersive and visually striking golf experience.

Hole 7, a Par 3 with an “island green,” is another highlight of the course. It forces players to land their ball over water, delivering both a technical challenge and a visually unforgettable moment. “The island green at hole 7 will be a fan favorite. It’s a spectacular hole, both for its technical demands and for the beauty of the surrounding landscape,” said Marín. Players will face a delicate, precise shot, knowing any mistake could mean losing the ball to the water.

Another standout is hole 9, a Par five that finishes on the beach. With elevated tee boxes providing panoramic views of the ocean, it offers an entirely different experience. Ending the front nine on the beach adds a unique flair to the round, memorable for both its difficulty and its breathtaking setting.

What truly sets this course apart from others in the region is the blend of technical difficulty and stunning scenery.

Marín also highlighted hole 11 as one of his favorites. This Par 4 runs parallel to a river and finishes deep in the jungle, offering a total sense of immersion in nature. “With such dense vegetation, it feels like you’re in a completely different setting. That kind of variety is what makes this course special,” he noted. This diversity across the same round gives players the impression of playing multiple courses in one, providing an ever-evolving experience throughout the game.

One of the most innovative aspects of the design is the reduction in the number of sand traps. While the original course features 110 bunkers, the new design will have around 40, resulting in a cleaner and less punishing appearance. However, that doesn’t mean it’s any less challenging—streams and lakes have been added to create new layers of complexity. “We wanted the course to look natural, as if it were part of the landscape. So we chose less sand, less water, and to play with the property’s diverse vegetation,” explained Marín, emphasizing the importance of environmental integration.

Hole 17, a Par 5, is another example of how nature plays a key role in the layout. With large trees standing in the middle of the fairway, this hole offers players multiple strategic options—whether to go right or left of the trees—adding another layer of decision-making to each shot. This type of design makes the course not only beautiful but also intellectually stimulating, pushing players to adapt to the changing conditions on each hole.

The Pride of Belonging to Buenaventura Golf Club

One of the most attractive aspects of the new course is its exclusivity. Members of the Buenaventura Golf Club will have access to both courses, adding tremendous value to their membership. “Being a member of Buenaventura now means having access to two world-class courses, designed by two of the most legendary architects in golf history. That’s something very few places in the world can offer,” said Marín.

While details regarding membership policies are still being finalized, it’s clear that access to this new course will be a highly valued privilege among players.

For Miguel Marín, expectations are high: “There are people who travel just to play courses designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Now, Panama is on that list, which is a great achievement for the country and for us as a resort.”

With few courses of this caliber in Latin America, Buenaventura is positioning itself as one of the region’s most exclusive golf destinations. The combination of technical design, breathtaking scenery, and exclusivity will draw players from around the world. “It’s a unique opportunity to play two spectacular courses at the same resort—each with its personality and challenges. Very few destinations can offer that,” Marín concluded.

With an opening planned for 2026 or 2027, the future of golf at Buenaventura looks brighter than ever, solidifying Panama as a must-visit destination for golf lovers.