Robert Trent Jones II sets sail on a 2nd Panama course

On Nov. 11, Robert Trent Jones Jr. is slated to receive the Donald Ross Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

At 85 years old, Jones shows no sign of slowing down. His firm, 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 No. 2 — was recently unveiled.

Set within a sprawling resort of 800 acres of gently rolling terrain along Panama’s Pacific coast, the 6,810-yard, par-72 layout will blend the site’s natural beauty, including magnificent specimen Corotu amd Panama trees, with a thoughtful design that emphasizes enjoyment for all skill levels. The ever-changing landscape — a 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.

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 Nos. 9 and 10.

While designed to be a distinctly different experience from Course No. 1, the shorter Course No. 2 will place an emphasis on fun and playability. However, No. 2 at Buenaventura will also place a premium on strategic play commensurate to each golfer’s level of skill and confidence. Natural streams, twisting barrancas and water features will 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.

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 situated just 90 miles from Panama City. The first 18-hole championship course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. A late 2025 opening is expected for the new Jones course.