Costa Rica is not yet a world-class golfing destination, but that doesn’t mean visitors can’t have plenty of fun golfing in Costa Rica. Six regulation 18-hole golf courses offer golfing in Costa Rica for the general public and for tourists too, with many more courses planned or under construction.
Guanacaste is shaping up to become a golfer’s dream when all current projects are complete, so Costa Rica golfing might not be a sidelight for long. Expect great things, because they are definitely in the works.
The best option for golfing in Costa Rica near the capital of San Jose is the Parque Valle del Sol (www.vallesol.com), located just west of downtown in the suburb of Santa Ana. Greens fees run $75 for $18 and include a golf cart.
Also just outside of San Jose, the Cariari Country Club Golf Course is unfortunately part of a private club, but if you can wrangle an invitation from a member you can expect to pay $60 for greens fees, $25 for a cart, and you will be assigned a mandatory caddy who should be tipped at least $10.
Golfers who stay at the Paradisus Playa Conchal resort (www.solmelia.com) in Guanacaste have access to the beautiful Garra de Leon course, where greens fees run a hefty $140 and include a cart. Depending on tee times and availability, golfers staying at other Playa Conchal hotels may be able to reserve time as well.
In Playa Herradura, also located in Guanacaste, visitors looking for golfing in Costa Rica have access to the course at the Los Suenos Marriott Beach and Golf Resort. Greens fees run $90 for guests of the Marriott and include a cart, and $140 for golfers staying elsewhere in the area.
Hacienda Pinilla (www.haciendapinilla.com) offers an 18-hole links-style course and is located just south of popular Tamarindo. Possibly the most challenging course for golfing in Costa Rica, the Hacienda Pinilla course features top notch facilities, and is open to visitors staying in the area. Advance reservations are required, and greens fees run $150 including a cart.
The Four Seasons Resort (www.fourseasons.com) boasts the newest and most spectacular golf course in Costa Rica, but is open only to guests staying at the Four Seasons. Expect to shell out $180 per round of golf for greens fees at this four star luxury establishment.
If golfing is near the top of your list of favorite vacation activities and you’d like to include more affordable and frequent opportunities for golfing in Costa Rica, consider purchasing a golfing package deal. You can arrange play at a variety of courses, often at reduced rates, at Costa Rica Golf Adventures (www.golfcr.com) and check all the latest developments and fees at their website.
Related links:
Retirement in Costa Rica – Things you should know
Playas Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, and Conchal
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