TEE OFF PANAMA CITY BEACH
The Gulf Coast has long been known as a golfer’s paradise, given that the weather is conducive to playing year-round. Home to three championship courses, 320 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 74 degrees, Panama City Beach is no exception. Whether a beginner, an amateur or a seasoned professional, there is a course to fit all skill levels when golfers come to Florida to hit the links.
“Golfers from all over the country continue to visit to Panama City Beach for its challenging but beautiful courses and endless sunshine,” shares President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach Dan Rowe. “With greens and fairways that never disappoint, visitors always come back for an unparalleled golf vacation at the Real. FUN. Beach.”
Take a look below for more information on Panama City Beach’s golf scene and discover why this coastal destination has been named one of the nation’s top three golf towns by Golf Digest.
Sheraton Bay Point Golf Club at Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort
The Nicklaus Course at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort is the first and only Nicklaus Design course in Northwest Florida. Recognized for its premium conditioning and risk reward opportunities, the Nicklaus Course is situated in a nature preserve and set against the backdrop of St. Andrews Bay with scenic coastal vistas throughout. In fact, the signature fifth hole offers a spectacular tee shot to an island fairway in the middle of the Grand Lagoon, with a second shot to a peninsula green overlooking St. Andrews Bay.
The par-72 championship layout has a challenging course rating of 74.3 and slope of 143 as it stretches more than 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Located only minutes from the beach, the celebrated course has hosted numerous regional and local events including the USGA U.S. Open Qualifier in 2016. In the summer of 2018, the Nicklaus Course underwent a greens conversion which involved a full-till process. This major renovation included upgrading the original specs of the greens sprigged with ultra-dwarf grass to improve course playability, green speeds and green receptiveness year-round. The renovation also included new green-side bunkers on all the holes throughout the course.
Whether an amateur, professional or beginner golf enthusiast, there is something for guests of all skill levels and interests. For those looking to learn tips and tricks from the pros, the resort offers Dewsweepers Golf Instruction, providing state-of-the-art lessons that include video analysis. The Resort Golf Club also includes a full-service practice facility as well as Bar 72 Pub & Eatery to enjoy a hearty lunch and refreshing cocktail after a round. The Sheraton Bay Point Golf Club is located at 4701 Bay Point Road in Panama City Beach. For more information or to book tee times, call 850-235-6950 or visit www.baypointgolf.com
Holiday Golf Club
Centrally located in the heart of Panama City Beach is the one and only Holiday Golf Club. Designed by Jim Dunkerley in 1964, the 6,859-yard, 18-hole championship course features forgiving fairways and TifEagle Turf, ideal for speed and consistency and a favorite among both locals and visitors. For junior golfers and beginners, the Holiday Golf Club offers the area’s only lighted par-3 course. Open into the night, this course allows golfers to play a quick 60-minute game on its 1,003 yards. With PGA Professional Class A pros available for private, 60-minute lessons, the practice facilities also provide the perfect setting for every golfer to work on his or her game, from pitching to putting. The Holiday Golf Club also features a pro shop and Mulligans Bar & Grill, offering breakfast, lunch and a fully stocked bar. Holiday Golf Club is located at 100 Fairway Boulevard in Panama City. For more information or to book tee times, call 850-234-1800 or visit www.holidaygolfclub.com
Signal Hill Golf Course
Signal Hill Golf Course opened in 1962, making it the oldest course in Panama City Beach. Rich in history and natural splendor, it has delighted guests with reasonable rates and a kind, attentive staff for decades. With 5,617 yards of golf from the longest tees, challenging greens and precise fairways, golfers quickly find out why the 18-hole course is the perfect golf experience for families, the beginner golfer or an old pro who wants to enjoy a relaxing round. Signal Hill is also Panama City’s Beach closest golf course to the beach, featuring relatively flat but masterful holes that are both challenging and laid back. With a pro shop and snack bar on property, Signal Hill has all the amenities golfers need for an afternoon on the course. Designed by John Sherman and now owned by his daughter Beth Langford, the course is still a local family affair. Langford’s son is also a course manager and her grandson works in the pro shop. Signal Hill Golf Course is located at 9615 Thomas Drive in Panama City. For more information about the facility, or to book a tee time, call 850-234-5051 or visit www.signalhillgolfcourse.com.
Whether seeking a relaxed afternoon on the links, perfecting a swing, or making a once in a lifetime shot, the right course is waiting for you in Panama City Beach. Planning the perfect golf getaway has never been easier, with over 16,000 accommodations options available, including convenient and luxurious rooms at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort and ocean-front vacation rental homes and condos just steps from the white-sand beaches and emerald-green waves.
In addition to offering a collection of courses for novice, leisure and serious golfers, Panama City Beach provides ample entertainment off the course as well. From offshore fishing charters, kayak tours, standup paddleboard adventures and sunset dolphin tours to pristine beaches, premier shopping, live music venues and the best seafood restaurants on the Gulf, there is truly something for everyone in the destination known for some of the “world’s most beautiful beaches.” Book your trip today and see why most come for the golf but stick around for the memories.
For a comprehensive look at the destination – on and off the course – visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com