Part of our Panama Tour guide to Coronado. Browse local businesses in Coronado on Coronado Digital Directory.
Coronado Golf Course is the centerpiece attraction of the Coronado Golf & Beach Resort and one of the best-known golf destinations on Panama’s Pacific coast. Located in the heart of the Coronado community in Chame, Panama Oeste, this mature, tree-lined course has anchored the town’s identity for decades and remains a major reason golfers and second-home buyers are drawn to the area.
Playing Coronado Golf Course in Panama
The course was designed by acclaimed American golf architect George Fazio, whose reputation lends the layout real pedigree. Over the years the fairways have matured into a genuinely established, parkland-style course with mature trees, water features, and well-shaped greens. It plays as a full-length 18-hole championship layout, and its heritage as a competition venue is part of what makes a round here feel special rather than merely scenic.
What to expect on the course
Golfers can expect generous but strategic fairways framed by decades-old trees, a routing that rewards accurate placement over raw power, and greens that ask for a thoughtful short game. The tropical setting means lush conditioning through much of the year, along with the local wildlife, birdsong, and warm coastal air that make golf in Panama a distinctly relaxed experience. Because the resort sits just inland from the beach, breezes off the Pacific can influence club selection, especially in the dry season from roughly December through April.
Facilities and the wider resort
- Full resort amenities. The golf course is part of a larger resort complex that has long included accommodation, dining, pools, tennis and other sports, and a private beach club.
- Pro shop and rentals. Visitors can typically arrange clubs, carts, and tee times through the resort rather than needing to bring everything themselves.
- Practice areas. A driving range and practice facilities help you warm up before a round.
How to get there and visitor tips
Coronado is about 80 to 90 minutes west of Panama City via the Pan-American Highway; exit at Coronado and follow signs into the resort community. Tee times and access policies vary, and some facilities lean toward members and resort guests, so the single most useful tip is to call or book ahead to confirm current availability, green fees, and any guest requirements before you drive out.
Additional practical advice for a comfortable round:
- Play early. Morning tee times avoid the strongest midday heat and the higher chance of afternoon showers in the green season (roughly May to November).
- Hydrate and cover up. Sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water are essential this close to the equator.
- Pace yourself with the climate. Even fit players feel the humidity, so a cart is a sensible choice for many visitors.
For the many retirees and expats who live in Coronado year-round, the course is more than a visitor attraction; it is a social hub where regular groups, casual games, and friendly competitions fill the weekly calendar. Combined with the resort’s beach club and the town’s easy access to shops, restaurants, and medical care, the golf course helps explain why Coronado has become one of the most golf-oriented expat communities in Central America. Whether you are a serious player chasing a Fazio design or a newcomer looking to sample the lifestyle, a round at Coronado Golf Course is one of the definitive things to do in the area.