Golfing Costa Rica

If there’s ever been a place to commune with nature on the golf course, it’s Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush rainforests and accompanied by passing macaws or curious monkeys, spend some time on the green at these courses throughout the country.

Guanacaste
In the Guanacaste area, there are a number of options for golfers. Reserva Conchal is a Robert Trent Jones course located in Brasilito/Playa Conchal, and was the first Audubon-certified course in Costa Rica. At Hacienda Pinilla, near the town of Tamarindo, golfers will find beautiful ocean views and a course designed to compliment the natural landscape, created by Mike Young. A 6,788-yard Arnold Palmer championship course can be visited at the Four Seasons on the Papagayo Peninsula, with stunning views of the ocean from more than half the holes.

Mid-Pacific Area
The Marriott resort in the Herradua/Jaco area is home to a Ted Robinson course highlighted by exotic native plants, banana trees and orchids. Wildlife is often spotted on the course as well, including more than 150 species of birds, monkeys and other animals. Los Delfines, located in Tambor, offers nine interesting holes amidst beautiful tropical scenery.

San José
Located in the Santa Ana area, the Valle del Sol championship course offers ample fairways with an average of 4 to 5 tees per hole for different levels of game. The surrounding scenery – which includes 15 large lakes and majestic trees – attracts a diversity of wildlife, for an added element of fun. Cariari, in the Cuidad Cariari community is a George Fazio championship course that has hosted many international tournaments and is a popular favorite among the locals due to its challenging fairways, wooded rough and guarded greens. Other options in San José include Los Reyes, a Robertson Ward course in La Guacima; the par 3 Monteran course on the east side of San José; and the Costa Rica Country Club’s Charles Donovan course in the Escazu area.