La Mantarraya Golf Course
A challenging and scenic golf course on Panama's Pacific coast, famous for its demanding layout and the iconic 18th island green.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
2-for-1 green fees!
La Mantarraya Golf Course
Best Time
2-for-1 green fees!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging and scenic golf course on Panama's Pacific coast, famous for its demanding layout and the iconic 18th island green.
"A challenging course with spectacular scenery, especially the 18th island green!"
🎯 Hire a Caddie
Essential for navigating the challenging layout and hazards. They're great hosts! :man_golfing:
💰 Look for Deals
Thursdays offer 2-for-1 green fees, and twilight rates are also available. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 18th Island Green
Hole 18
A spectacular and challenging par-3 directly on the ocean, recently reopened after extensive repairs. A true test of skill!
Scenic Fairways and Elevated Greens
Throughout the course
Experience picturesque fairways and unique elevated greens that offer both beauty and strategic play.
Hole 1 Views
Hole 1
Enjoy views of the golf course from this prime location, especially if staying nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Tee Times
Embrace the Challenge & Caddies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire a Caddie
Essential for navigating the challenging layout and hazards. They're great hosts! :man_golfing:
💰 Look for Deals
Thursdays offer 2-for-1 green fees, and twilight rates are also available. :moneybag:
🏌️♂️ Be Prepared for Trouble
Lots of bunkers and water hazards. You might donate a few balls! :water_wave:
👍 Friendly Staff
The team, from caddies to cashiers, are helpful and make you feel welcome. :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire a Caddie
Essential for navigating the challenging layout and hazards. They're great hosts! :man_golfing:
💰 Look for Deals
Thursdays offer 2-for-1 green fees, and twilight rates are also available. :moneybag:
🏌️♂️ Be Prepared for Trouble
Lots of bunkers and water hazards. You might donate a few balls! :water_wave:
👍 Friendly Staff
The team, from caddies to cashiers, are helpful and make you feel welcome. :star:
🛠️ Course Improvements
The course is undergoing ongoing grounds work and improvements. :construction_worker:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Mantarraya Golf Course offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience, particularly praised for its unique holes like the 18th island green and picturesque fairways. While some visitors note that course conditions, especially greens and bunkers, could be improved, the friendly staff and ongoing efforts to enhance the course are frequently highlighted. It's a course that many enjoy playing despite its demanding nature, especially when taking advantage of deals. +2
"Nice course, will definitely play again. Can get good deals depending on time and day. Club rentals included everything. The friendly staff is a solid team and helped with everything. Definitely a course to go to if you’re in town and need to get out and play.
Don’t expect perfect greens and sand traps. But I’m not in the PGA…so I had a blast out there🤙🏼"
Eduardo Cruz
"Very challenging course but lots of fun, we took a caddie (Marcos) who was great,for several rounds which is necessary due to the layout.
The caddie & master (Lucas) speak our language and along with the cashier and drink server are very helpful and excellent hosts. The signature hole is the 18th island green ( recently reopened after extensive repairs) right on the ocean and spectacular and tough to par. We were golfing over a period of 3 weeks and noticed lots of grounds work and improvements to the course during this period."
Mark
"The layout is not for the faint of heart...lots of trouble all around the golf course...bunkers, water hazards and not so forgiving fairways throughout the track. Be prepared to donate more than a few balls for the locals to find...the down side was the greens...due the the hurricane that came through a couple years back. It did a number on the course...but they are trying diligently to bring it back hence my 3 star rating...otherwise a 4.5 minimum."
John Barbosa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Mantarraya Golf Course is located in the Pacific coast region of Panama. Visitors typically arrive by car or taxi from nearby resorts or towns. If you're flying in, the closest major airport is in Panama City (PTY), from which you can arrange further transportation.
Yes, ample parking is generally available for golfers at La Mantarraya Golf Course. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially if you have a prime tee time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary. Weekdays are around $120 USD, with twilight rates at $65 USD. Thursdays are particularly popular due to a 2-for-1 green fee special.
It is highly recommended to book your tee time in advance, especially for popular slots like Thursdays or weekend mornings, to ensure availability.
Yes, club rentals are available and often included in packages, providing a convenient option for travelers.
The course typically opens early in the morning and operates throughout the day. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current operating hours.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
La Mantarraya is considered a very challenging course with a demanding layout, numerous hazards, and not-so-forgiving fairways. Many golfers find it requires strategic play and a good understanding of the course.
Many visitors strongly recommend hiring a caddie. They are invaluable for navigating the course's tricky layout and can significantly improve your playing experience.
While efforts are being made to improve the course, some reviews mention that greens can be slow and bumpy, and sand traps may be hard. The 18th hole's island green has undergone recent repairs. +1
The signature 18th island green on the ocean is a major highlight. Additionally, many fairways are picturesque, and the elevated greens offer unique views and challenges.
While specific details vary, golf courses of this caliber typically offer a clubhouse with amenities such as a pro shop, and dining facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most golf courses of this caliber offer on-site dining. You can expect a clubhouse restaurant or snack bar for refreshments and meals during your round.
Yes, drink servers are often available on the course to provide refreshments during your game.
📸 📸 Photography
The 18th island green with the ocean backdrop is a must-capture shot. Many of the picturesque fairways and elevated greens also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
While focusing on your game is key, there are many scenic points where you can pause for a quick photo. Having a caddie can also help you identify great photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨🏌️♂️ Golf Enthusiasts Seeking a Challenge
To make the most of your round, hiring a caddie is highly recommended. They are invaluable for navigating the course's complexities and can offer insights that will help you avoid trouble and play smarter. The iconic 18th island green is a bucket-list hole for many golfers, offering a dramatic and memorable finish.
💰 Budget-Conscious Golfers
Consider booking packages that might include club rentals, as this can sometimes offer better value. Even with potential course condition variations, the unique holes and overall experience can be worth it when snagging a good deal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating La Mantarraya's Challenging Layout
Beyond the hazards, the course boasts elevated greens and picturesque fairways, offering a visually engaging experience. The signature 18th hole, an island green situated right on the ocean, is a spectacular and notoriously difficult par-3 that provides a memorable finale to any round. Recent improvements, including repairs to this iconic hole, aim to enhance the overall playing conditions.
While the course presents a significant challenge, the friendly and helpful staff, including caddies, cashiers, and drink servers, contribute to a positive overall experience. They are often praised for their hospitality and willingness to assist, making the demanding nature of the course more manageable and enjoyable.
Course Conditions and Ongoing Improvements
However, it's important to note that the course is actively undergoing grounds work and improvements. Many visitors observed these efforts during their stays, indicating a commitment from the management to restore and enhance the course's quality. The recent reopening and repairs to the 18th island green are a testament to these ongoing efforts.
Despite some current challenges with turf conditions, the unique design and spectacular scenery continue to draw golfers. The combination of challenging play and the promise of future enhancements makes La Mantarraya a destination that many are willing to play, with the expectation that conditions will continue to improve.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit