
Nicklaus Course
Bay Point Golf & Tennis Club

About this course
The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point Golf & Tennis Club occupies a waterfront setting along St. Andrew Bay in Panama City, Florida. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in the mid-1980s, the layout reflects the architect's approach to resort golf during that era, incorporating strategic bunkering, water hazards, and elevated greens that reward accurate approach play. The course takes advantage of its coastal location with several holes offering views across the bay, though the routing moves through a mix of bayfront property and interior terrain typical of Florida's Panhandle landscape. The design features water in play on numerous holes, with lagoons and wetlands integrated into the strategic framework. Fairways are generally generous off the tee, but approach shots demand precision to greens that are often protected by bunkers and water hazards. The course plays through stands of pine and oak, with the natural vegetation framing holes and defining playing corridors. Elevation changes are modest, as is typical for the region, but Nicklaus incorporated subtle contouring to create visual interest and strategic variety. Bay Point has served as a venue for various professional and amateur tournaments over the years, contributing to its profile among Florida Panhanama courses. The club operates as a resort facility with tennis amenities alongside its golf offerings, catering to both members and resort guests. The Nicklaus Course remains one of two championship layouts at the property, providing a test that balances resort accessibility with competitive challenge.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in FL
Quick facts
- Location
- Panama City, FL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2005
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,152 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.3/119
- Course Vaults score
- 7.3
Getting there
Most arrivals to Bay Point Golf & Tennis Club begin at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, a straightforward twenty-minute drive west along Highway 98 as it skirts the northern edge of St. Andrew Bay. Private aviation guests often favor Panama City's Tyndall Air Force Base or nearby regional facilities, though the commercial gateway proves equally convenient for this waterfront enclave. The final approach crosses the Hathaway Bridge, offering sweeping views of emerald-green waters before turning into the gated, palm-lined entrance of a resort community that has quietly anchored Panama City's golf tradition since the mid-1980s.

FAQ
Common questions about Nicklaus at Bay Point Golf & Tennis Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Nicklaus at Bay Point Golf & Tennis Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.3 out of 10 based on 36 logged golfers.
Nicklaus was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. Nicklaus at Bay Point Golf & Tennis Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Nicklaus is 72.
Nicklaus plays 7,152 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Nicklaus is 119.




