In Costa Rica you’ll find all the important elements to spend a great vacation honing your passion: golf. The country is considered one of the best destinations to play golf, not only because of the quality of the courses, but also because of it’s spectacular landscapes! Some courses have been designed by famous architects, such as Mike Young and Ted Robinson.

History of Golf in Costa Rica

The first golf course of the country was created in 1944 in Cariari. The “Costa Rica Country Club” used to be a 9 holes course and was extended to an 18 holes in the 70’s. Since then, around 25 courses have been built throughout the country: 5, 18-holes and around 20, 9-holes. The most recent one is the magnificent Four Seasons green in the Guanacaste with it’s beautiful views over the Papagayo Gulf and the Pacific Ocean from almost the entire course… We love it!

Where to Golf in Costa Rica?

THE CENTRAL VALLEY

CARIARI COUNTRY CLUB – 18 HOLES  – PAR: 71

The Cariari Country Club was created in May 1971 and is composed of a hotel, a residential complex and a shopping mall, covering the 53 hectares of the property. It is located 7 kilometers west of San José, in the heart of the mountains and the forests and close to a lake. Some of the best golfers in the world have played on the Cariari Country Club greens, which have hosted big events like the PGA Tour, the PGA European tour and the PGA American Tour. Designed by the famous architect George Fazio, the course has 18 holes. The course is very enjoyable, but you will need to use several clubs because of the sloping and narrow fairway.

PARQUE VALLE DEL SOL – 18 HOLES – PAR: 72

Parque Valle del Sol, in Santa Ana, is located in the central highlands. The Parque Valle del Sol has 18 holes (each offering an average of 4 or 5 tee positions), making the course a challenge for professionals, while remaining enjoyable for those with a bit less experience. This course was the first one to open to the public and a golf academy organizes classes for children, teenagers and adults. Several tournaments are also organized each year for professionals and amateurs.

GUANACASTE, NICOYA PENINSULA

GARRA DE LEON, PLAYA CONCHAL – 18 HOLES – PAR:71

Built on a 2300-hectare sinte in the Guanacaste, the Reserva Conchal Beach Resort Golf and Spa is a tropical paradise. On one side of  the golf course you’ll find breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean; on the other, the lush forests of the Northern Costa Rican Coast stretch towards the azure sky. As the jewel of the Costa  Rica golf experience, this 18-hole golf course – meticulously designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones II – delivers sheer relaxation and spectacular fun for golfers of all levels.

HACIENDA PINILLA, PLAYA AVALLANA – 18 HOLES – PAR: 72

With three-miles of unspoiled Guanacaste Province and Nicoya Peninsula coastline, Hacienda Pinilla’s 4,500 acres of historic ranch property, pristine beaches and untouched natural landscapes offer every way to enjoy the best of Costa Rica. Take close look at the fairways and greens of the hotel. Created by architect Mike Young, the layout conforms gracefully to the natural flow of the land, weaving through the tropical forest along the shores of the Pacific to provide an unparalleled blue water backdrop (hole 15).

FOUR SEASONS GOLF CLUB, PAPAGAYO GULF – 18 HOLES – PAR: 72

Designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-holegolf course is ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest. Perched atop one of Peninsula Papagayo’s highest plateaus, Four Seasons Costa Rica Golf Club preserves and enhances the   surrounding wildlife habitat and protects national resources. Hole to hole, the course offers a chance to see and appreciate a diversity of colorful plants, trees, birds and animal species like capuchin monkeys. We love it!

CENTRAL PACIFIC

LOS SUENOS MARRIOT OCEAN & GOLF RESORT, PLARA HERRADURA – 18 HOLES – PAR: 72

The advantage of this golf course is that it is situated only two hours from San José. Designed by Ted Robinson in 1999, this 18-hole is integrated in a tropical environment, alongside an exotic rain forest with breathtaking ocean views. Knowledgeable golf guides will be happy to point out all the beautiful Costa Rica highlights of our thrilling course. But make no mistake: The mesmerizing scenery masks challenging game – one well worth conquering. Between two swings, you may be able to spot some of the 150 species of birds and trees of the area.