Perhaps one of the most surprising attractions in Costa Rica is the world-class golf courses found across the country. While Costa Rica traditionally attracts surfers, backpackers, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts, keen golfers are starting to flock to Costa Rica for its championship courses in San Jose and along the Pacific Coast.
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Costa Rica’s first golf course was built in 1944, known as the Costa Rican Country Club. It was the only course in the country for over 25 years. The 1990s saw massive investment in new greens, often linked to large-scale resorts. Today, there are over 10 Costa Rica golf courses, most of which incorporate the country’s stunning natural landscapes and coastal views.
If you’re looking to play golf on your vacation or planning a unique golfing trip with friends, Costa Rica is certainly Central America’s premier destination. Let’s take a look at the best golf courses in Costa Rica to head for a game.
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Best Golf Courses in Costa Rica
Reserva Conchal Golf Club
Nestled within the exclusive Westin Resort at Playa Conchal, the 18-hole par-71 championship golf course is laid out between the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the dense forests of Guanacaste. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones II, the challenging course extends to almost 7,000 yards from the back markers.
It’s arguably the best golf course for experienced golfers looking to play on one of the cleanest courses in the country. With plenty of native Banyan trees, plus small lakes and lagoons designed to catch runoff from the green, the expansive course is open for reservations from both guests and visitors alike.
Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo
Ranked amongst the best courses outside of the US, the Arnold Palmer Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo is located within the Four Seasons Resort. It’s a world-class 18-hole, par 72 Arnold Palmer-designed course, with wide, undulating fairways and large, contoured greens.
Most of the holes also boast incredible views of Culebra Bay, making it one of the most memorable places for playing golf in the country. It’s also a champion of eco-golf, with each hole a veritable botanical garden home to rare species, howler monkeys, and plenty of birds.
With a pro shop selling and renting all the equipment you’ll need, plus a warm-up driving range, and complimentary transport to and from the resort, the Ocean Course makes playing golf pretty easy.
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
The golf course at the expansive Hacienda Pinilla Resort occupies one of the most exotic locations. Nestled on pristine beaches along the Guanacaste coast, the 7,500-yard, par-72, 18-hole golf course is the masterwork of Mike Young.
The layout of the course weaves through a tropical forest with the backdrop of crystal clear water crashing right up to the last holes. It’s earned a reputation as being another eco-friendly golfing experience, with the surrounding forest being a designated sanctuary for wildlife and birds.
The golf club has a pro shop, plus an adjoining restaurant and bar for a post-game meal or drink. You can play 9 holes for $75 or 18 holes for $150, including a cart and practice balls.
READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Hacienda Pinilla in Costa Rica
La Iguana Golf Course at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Laid out towards the back of the Los Suenos Marriott Ocean Resort at Playa Herradura, the golf course is surrounded by a 1,100-acre tropical rainforest filled with more than 150 species of birds and wildlife. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed by Ted Robinson Jr and was initially opened in the late 1990s.
Using the natural forms of the land, the holes are challenging for those of all levels, with plenty of chances to improve your driving skills. The signature hole is “El Tucan,” the 545-yard, dog-legged 4th, where a stream cutting across the fairway threatens your ball to the green.
The golf resort offers everything for a stay-and-play package, including rental equipment, a golf academy with world-class instructors, tournaments and a vast driving range. It’s open every day from 6:30 am to both guests and visitors, although resort guests receive a nice little discount on 18-hole tee times, which costs $179 per player.
Parque Valle del Sol Golf Course
Located just 16 km west of the city center of San Jose, Valle del Sol is known as “the local’s course”. Redesigned by Tracy May in the 1990s, the 18-hole, par-72 golf course covers over 7,000 yards. It’s a great place to interact with expats and local golfing enthusiasts.
Views from the green include the distant volcanoes of Irazu, Barva, and Poas. The course is home to interfering water in the form of small ponds and streams which demands a bit of attention. The golf club is open to both members and walk-ins alike, with local tournaments held every week.
It’s the only golf course in Costa Rica with moderate prices, with visitors paying around $71 +VAT for 18-holes. While it’s even cheaper for nationals and residents.
Cariari Country Club
Considered Costa Rica’s national course, this was the first 18-hole golf course to be built in Costa Rica and the only championship layout in Central America for two decades. What was once a coffee plantation near San Jose has been transformed into a huge parkland of rolling fairways that single-handedly established golf in Costa Rica. The golf course features three long par 5s: the 8th (499 yards), 12th (513 yards) and 14th (522 yards) holes.
It’s extremely affordable, but you’ll find it’s busy with locals and some exclusive members-only meets. You can reserve a tee online for $79 per player for an 18-hole game.
Reserva de Golf Condominio Los Reyes
Another golf course west of the capital city, Los Reyes Golf Club has a more local feel with a 9-hole course in the central valley. A welcoming environment for beginners, renowned local instructor Carlos Viquez Aguilar is available for classes almost every day of the week.
The golf store is home to both new and second-hand equipment, as well as plenty of essential gear to rent. Members receive plenty of perks like access to all the facilities and discounts on games, but non-members are still welcome at increased yet still modest pricing.
Los Delfines Golf & Country Club
While it might lack the elegance and luxury of some of the other golf resorts in northern Costa Rica, if you find yourself down on the Nicoya Peninsula, Los Delfines has a 9-hole golf course over a 6,300-yard space. It’s a pretty challenging course, so it’s ideal for enthusiasts trying to improve their skills, with the longest hole at 8th, a par-5 472-yard hole requiring navigating through trees and around water.
It’s open to both members and visitors alike from 7 am until 4 pm every day. An 18-hole game with a cart costs $100 per player, while rental clubs cost $40 for the day.
