Costa Rica:
Golfing in Paradise


Costa Rica has just recently been ‘discovered’ as a fabulous golf destination. Within the Central Valley near the capital, San José, there are several courses, and there are now four or five courses on the Pacific coast.

Because the golf scene has been changing so rapidly, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest information. Keep in mind that accessibility to a course and prices can vary, particularly depending on the season. The knowledgeable travel consultants at Costa Rica’s Travel Web are able to provide updated information to help enthusiasts make their choice of where to golf in Costa Rica.

Also, as major international hotel chains absorb some hotels and the affiliated golf course, the names change. For the golfer who spends considerable time in Costa Rica, it pays to inquire about green fees. GolfCostaRica.com is your gateway to this information.

Golf is not a sport with a mass following in Costa Rica, so a visitor will be pleasantly surprised to find courses uncrowded. Usually a tee time unnecessary. Most of the golfers you will meet on the 19^th hole will probably be local businessmen, members of the diplomatic community, the foreign - mainly American - community, or tourists. The conversation will probably be in English. All the club pros are bilingual. In fact, do not be surprised to have your caddy line up your putt or give the distance to the pin in English.

The oldest golf club in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Country Club in the suburb of Escazú. Its a private club but short - what most North Americans would describe as an ‘executive’ course. If you choose to play this nine-hole course, which boasts the most beautiful clubhouse in Central America, it’s best to either go with a member or, if you are a member of some club in North America, sometimes membership reciprocity will get you out. But call the pro first.

If you’re staying at one of Costa Rica’s major hotels, the hotel front desk can usually get you a tee time. Expect a round of golf to run you about $25. P.S.: This last bit of advice is really applicable to all the courses we mention.

The next oldest club is the Cariari or Meliá Cariari. The Cariari has hosted many international tournaments and has been the crown jewel of Costa Rican golf for many years. The Cariari’s policy for guests can be confusing at times, so it’s important to get some local knowledge before going out.

The Cariari is a narrow, challenging course. Several international professionals say some of the holes are the most challenging and beautiful they’ve ever played. The Cariari is the course you pass while coming in to San José from the airport; it’s a definite must visit for the visiting golfer. Expect a round, after a few beers, to run about $90 (green fees run at about $75 per person; with obligatory caddie - a cart is extra). For access to the course, visiting golfers should stay at the Herradura Resort and Conference Center; otherwise, if you don’t know a current member of the Cariari, you might be out of luck..

Giving the Cariari a run for its money now is the new Parque Valle del Sol, near Santa Ana west of the capital. This is a spectacular 18-hole course, in a beautiful setting. Since it is not as mature as the Cariari, all the trees have not filled out yet, but it is beautifully designed.

Valle del Sol has benefitted from seeing the Cariari’s mistakes, particularly when it comes to drainage, and therefore is eminently playable even during some of Costa Rica’s rainiest months. The club has a very courteous, helpful staff, with one or two of the country’s best teachers. Why not try to get a lesson on a visit. Maybe a Latino assessment of your swing is just what your game needs? A round with a shared cart is about $90. The course is public but within a gated community. Just tell the guard you’re going to the golf course.

For the golfer who wants to be surrounded in luxury, there are some excellent hotels relatively near Valle del Sol. One is the Hotel Intercontinental near Multiplaza in Escazú. Economical and efficient transportation to and from Valle del Sol can be arranged through GolfCostaRica from any of San José´s hotels.

Also in the Central Valley, but slightly further out of town is Los Reyes. It boasts just nine holes, but is certainly a legitimate test of golf. There are no electric carts but caddies are always available. Gaining entrance to the club is much like getting out at Valle del Sol, because it’s in a gated community.

About two hours' drive from San Jose on the Pacific near Jacó is a new course, Los Sueños. It’s a beautiful course and well worth the drive for the avid golfer, but it is associated with the Mariott group. Players are expected to be guests of the Marriott, but if you book with GolfCostaRica ahead of time, we can get you on this wonderful new course. A round with cart will be about $120.

One of the newest courses in Costa Rica is the 7,500-yard, par 72 Hacienda Pinilla in Guanacaste near the beach community of Tamarindo. Designed by Mike Young, who is responsible for some of the finest courses in the southwest United States, this is certainly a spectacular layout meandering along the Pacific cliffs. Visiting golfers tend to describe it as one of the most beautiful and well maintained courses they’ve ever played.

For the serious golfer, Hacienda Pinilla is a must. No one walks away from a round without raving about the course. And because it’s new and in a relatively remote area, it is no surprise to see maybe only 10 or 12 golfers on the course all day.

The flight from San José is about 45 minutes and there are hotels throughout the area for every pocketbook.

The course is open to the public. A round for a tourist during the high season will cost about $100 and can be booked through either Costa Rica’s Travel Web or golfcostarica.com.

Keep in mind that Guanacaste can get very warm, so most golfers should try to get out early in the morning or late in the afternoon in the sunny season.

Also in that area is the Las Colinas Country Club. This club has recently been going through management/owner changes, so maintenance may be suffering right now. If you do intend to play there, it’s best to have us check the scene out ahead of time.

Las Colinas is a legitimate test of golf. Due to the management change, the name of Las Colinas will probably change.

Also on the Pacific coast, but across from the port of Puntarenas on the Nicoya Peninsula, are two courses near Playa Tambor: Barceló Los Delfines and Tango Mar. Each is just nine holes, and each is associated with the respective hotel, although open to the public. They’re both definitely well worth playing if you happen to be in the area.

Keep in mind the Costa Rican golf scene is in its infancy and changing rapidly, but always for the best. There are several new clubs scheduled to open shortly, each designed by an international professional. It’s only going to get better and better.

Golf packages and vacations designed for enthusiasts of the game are available through Costa Rica’s Travel Web. To speak to a travel consultant, call 1-800-788-7857 toll-free.

For the latest News and Information in Costa Rica and around the globe, visit Costa Rica.net

Golf