Costa Rica is a naturally
great country for golf, thanks to its mountainous topography and excellent
climate. Several excellent championship courses are found in San Jose,
on the North Pacific Coast and Central Pacific Coast.
San Jose:
Cariari Country Club:
18-hole Championship Course, designed by George Fazio, completed in
1974. Difficult course with lots of hills in a great setting with
mature trees. Only playable if you stay at the Melia Cariari Hotel.
Parque Valle del Sol:
18-hole Championship Course, designed by Tracy May. Well-maintained,
country club course, but open to the public. Beautiful setting with
undulating hills.
North
Pacific Coast:
Garra de Leon:
18-hole Championship Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. at
Paradisus Conchal Resort. This is a big
course with wide fairways and lots of water. It is an excellent design
and very consistently well-maintained.
Hacienda Pinilla:
18-hole Championship Course, designed by Mike Young. This is a spectacular
ocean-side, links-style course where prevailing winds come into play
a lot.
Four Seasons: 18-hole
Championship Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, which is perhaps one
of the top 100 courses in the World. This was completed in 2004 and
features an incredible layout and design. Can be very windy January
- April.
Central
Pacific Coast:
La Iguana: 18-hole
Championship Course at the Los Sueños
Resort, designed by Ted Robinson.
Some holes literally go into the rainforest. Others go along the coast.
Excellent design and layout. Not always well maintained, but a spectacular
setting.
