Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJII) has been awarded the contract to design a second course at the Buenaventura Resort in Panama, already recognized as Central America’s premier golf destination. The layout for the new course – called Course #2 – is expected to open in late 2025.
Set within a resort of 800 acres of gently rolling terrain along Panama’s Pacific coast, the new course will blend the site’s natural beauty, including specimen Corotu and Panama trees with thoughtful design that emphasizes enjoyment by golfers of all skill levels. The ever-changing landscape – lush jungle, expansive meadows, and stunning beachfront – will be an integral part of the golf experience. The use of meandering “ribbon tees” will allow players to choose a course length that best suits their ability.
“As they play, golfers will journey through a variety of distinct environments,” said Bruce Charlton, President, RTJII. “The jungle holes will be surrounded by dense foliage and towering Guanacaste trees, punctuated by a series of running streams, and offering an adventurous experience of navigating winding fairways. The meadow holes, with their wide-open spaces, provide expansive scale and invite bold, strategic play. Players will encounter the challenge a breathtaking beach and ocean view hole, a one-of-a-kind challenge comprised of ocean breezes and sandy shores.”
Built as a traditional continuous 18-hole loop, the course will feature a halfway house, as well as a member-only gathering spot between holes 9 and 10.
While designed to be a distinctly different golf experience from Course #1, the shorter Course #2 will place an emphasis on fun and playability. However, Course #2 at Buenaventura will place a premium on strategic play commensurate to each golfer’s level of skill and confidence. Natural streams, twisting barrancas, and water features provide multiple options and angles on every hole. Better golfers will face numerous risk/reward options; higher-handicappers will find bail-out areas and opportunities to play safe. Tightly mown chipping areas near the green complexes will give all golfers the chance to demonstrate finesse and creativity with a variety of short-game shots. As a result, each round on the RTJII #2 Course will be a fresh and exciting challenge for all lucky enough to play it.
Reinforcing RTJII’s commitment to respecting the environment, many areas of rough will be irrigated only by natural rainfall, enhancing the unique atmosphere of the Riviera Pacifica. Eschewing land-moving, existing elevation changes will be incorporated to produce stunning sightlines, ocean views, and the thrill of playing from elevated portions of the ribbon tees and to a few uphill greens.
Buenaventura is a vibrant luxury beach community that offers a unique blend of tropical beauty, sophisticated living, and world-class amenities. Situated just 90 miles from Panama City, Buenaventura exudes a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, surrounded by lush gardens, lagoons, and beachfront access. This premier residential and resort destination provides both residents and guests with an unparalleled lifestyle experience.
The community boasts a wide range of real estate options, including luxurious apartments, villas, and plots. Buenaventura is also home to a variety of high-end amenities, including three private beach clubs with over three kilometers of beachfront, an elegant marina, a full sports club, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, eight restaurants and bars, the Corotú Spa, a Wildlife Center, horseback riding, several pools, and the original 18-hole championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Offering a perfect balance between comfort, adventure, and natural beauty, Buenaventura provides a welcoming environment for families seeking a peaceful retreat or an active outdoor lifestyle, making it one of Panama’s most desirable beachfront communities to live in.
Photo: Bruce Charlton, President of RTJII, on the site at Buenaventura Resort in Panama (Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects)