By Dave Finn as published on pages 36 and 37 of the January Issue of Golf Central Magazine
Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world. In fact, 25% of the land mass is dedicated to parks, marine reserves and wildlife refuges. It’s no wonder they have adopted the motto “Pura Vida” which translates to “Good Life”.
Costa Rica offers temperatures that hover between 70 and 80 degrees all year round. Perfect weather for golf. There are two main seasons – the ‘dry season’ and the ‘green season’ which starts in mid May and lasts until mid November. Either way you can always get you round in during the mornings as it only rains like clockwork in the afternoon. There are 11 golf courses to be tested and below are my favourite 4 courses in descending order.
Valle del Sol Golf Course
#4 Valle del Sol Golf Course is an Audubon International certified course that is set on a plateau almost 3,000 feet above sea level with outstanding views of the surrounding Cordillera Central Mountain that form the Continental Divide. The topography is rather flat with some fairway mounding but beware water comes into play on almost every hole and the big undulations on over-sized Bermuda greens can make for some dastardly pin placements. The 18th hole is the longest in the country and one of the best finishing holes you will find anywhere. Green fees are US$75 + 13% tax.
Cariara Country Club
#3 Cariara Country Club is a George Fazio design. When completed in 1973 it became the first 18-hole golf course ever to be built in Central America. This mature parkland layout offers very tight tree-lined fairways. I’d call it “target golf on steroids” having played some of the toughest par-4s you will find anywhere. This is a private course, but visitors can play if you book through www.teetimescostarica.com
Reserva Conchal
#2 Reserva Conchal is a Robert Trent Jones II par-71 parkland design that offers great elevation changes, multiple lakes and three holes that feature ocean views. The fairways are generous off the tee, but your approach shots are much more demanding with a number them being uphill to well protected greens. Green fees range from $155 to $175 for resort guests only.
La Iguana Golf Course
#1 La Iguana Golf Course boasts as having more than 150 species of birds as well as monkeys on their 1,100-acre property. In 2018 they reseeded the entire golf course with ‘Zoyia’ that requires a lot less water and half the all-natural fertilizer. The first 9 holes traverse through a rainforest valley whereas hole 10 and 15 though 18 are open and out of the jungle. The course is tight but not as punishing as Cariari Country Club. 2025 rates are $199.
What is truly impressive is the entire 201-room Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is carbon negative, which means that they actually remove more carbon CO2 from the atmosphere than they are responsible for creating. A mighty feat indeed and one that should be mimicked around the world.
Costa Rica is one the most biodiverse countries in the world and proud of it. Come live and play the ‘Pura Vita’.
To read the entire Volume 25 Issue 10 of Golf Central Magazine click here.
