Tee Time in Paradise: My Top Picks for Golf Courses in Costa Rica

Discover Golf Courses in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a golfer’s dream, offering a variety of courses that suit every skill level. Whether you’re in the lively city of San Jose or the tranquil beaches of Guanacaste, there’s a perfect spot for you to tee off.

Golfing in Guanacaste

Guanacaste is a golfer’s haven, with some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in Costa Rica. The area combines lush greenery with stunning coastal views, making it a top choice for golf lovers.

• Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course: This 7,200-yard, par-72 course, designed by Mike Young, is a real treasure. It blends the natural beauty of the region with breathtaking ocean views and lush tropical scenery. It offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. For more details, check out our section on Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course.

• Reserva Conchal Golf Club: Located within a luxury resort, this 18-hole, par-71 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Known for its eco-friendly practices, it offers a unique golfing experience with its well-kept greens and stunning views. Reserva Conchal also hosts major tournaments like the Costa Rica Golf Classic, putting Guanacaste on the global golfing map.

Course Name	Designer	Par	Yardage
Hacienda Pinilla	Mike Young	72	7,200
Reserva Conchal Golf Club	Robert Trent Jones II	71	N/A

Golf Courses in San Jose

San Jose, the capital, boasts some of the most prestigious golf courses in Costa Rica. These courses offer a mix of challenging layouts and beautiful scenery, perfect for any golf enthusiast visiting the city.

• Cariari Country Club: Designed by George Fazio, this prestigious golf club is famous for its challenging layout and stunning landscape. It features tree-lined fairways and strategically placed water hazards, making it a favorite among seasoned golfers. The club has also hosted numerous international tournaments, adding to its allure.

• Los Reyes Country Club: This 9-hole course offers a more relaxed but equally enjoyable golfing experience. It consists of 6 holes Par 4, 2 holes Par 3, and 1 hole Par 5, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players (Caracara Travel). The fresh air and comfortable climate add to the overall experience.

Course Name	Designer	Holes	Par	Notable Features
Cariari Country Club	George Fazio	18	71	Tree-lined fairways, water hazards, international tournaments
Los Reyes Country Club	N/A	9	Varies	Suitable for all skill levels, comfortable climate

For those planning to explore golf courses in Costa Rica, it’s also worth checking our guide on best places to visit in Costa Rica to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re looking for beachfront hotels or all-inclusive resorts, Costa Rica has it all.

Top Golf Courses in Costa Rica

If you’re into golfing and find yourself in Costa Rica, you’re in for a treat. Two courses really shine here, thanks to their awesome design, jaw-dropping views, and top-tier amenities. Let’s talk about Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course and Reserva Conchal Golf Club.

Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course

Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course, tucked away at the JW Marriott in Guanacaste, is a real gem for golf lovers. Designed by Mike Young, this 7,500-yard, par-72 course offers fantastic playing conditions right by the sea, along Langosta Beach (Costa Rica Experts). The course has a cool “ranch-like” vibe, giving you a rustic yet fancy golfing experience.

Hacienda Pinilla is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, recognized for its top-notch conservation efforts. The course uses its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and sea breezes to give you a challenging but stunning golfing experience. You get to enjoy amazing views of the ocean and the surrounding tropical dry forest (Luxury Villas Hacienda Pinilla).

Feature	Details
Designer	Mike Young
Yardage	7,500 yards
Par	72
Location	Langosta Beach, Guanacaste
Certification	Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Planning a trip? The course offers a great pro shop, golf lessons, and other services. Just remember, proper golf attire is a must.

Reserva Conchal Golf Club

Next up is Reserva Conchal Golf Club, also in Guanacaste. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, this famous course has 18 holes stretching up to 7,021 yards. It’s set along a beautiful coastline, giving golfers a challenging yet gorgeous experience with crashing waves and rolling hills.

Reserva Conchal is known for its perfect course conditions and breathtaking scenery. Expect a mix of challenging holes, each with unique views and obstacles. The course’s design blends with the natural landscape, making for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Feature	Details
Designer	Robert Trent Jones II
Yardage	7,021 yards
Holes	18
Location	Guanacaste
Special Features	Stunning coastline views

Besides the golfing, Reserva Conchal offers a well-stocked pro shop and private lessons. And yes, proper golf attire is required here too.

If you’re looking to mix your golfing with some luxury, many nearby all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica offer packages that include access to these top-notch golf courses. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Costa Rica’s golf courses provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable golfing adventure. For more info on the best places to visit in Costa Rica, check out our travel guide.

Golfing in Costa Rica: A Slice of Paradise

Perfect Weather for Golf

Costa Rica’s warm, tropical climate makes it a golfer’s dream all year long. The country has two main seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April (Jaco Royale). During the dry season, expect sunny, warm days—ideal for hitting the greens.

Season	Months	Weather
Dry Season	December – April	Sunny, Warm
Rainy Season	May – November	Tropical Showers, Warm

Even in the rainy season, mornings are usually clear, with showers in the afternoon. So, you can golf in the morning and chill or explore in the afternoon.

Where to Stay

Costa Rica has a range of places to stay that are perfect for golfers. From luxury resorts to private rentals, you’ll find a comfy spot close to the action.

Stay Close to the Course

Many top golf courses in Costa Rica offer onsite accommodations. These include luxury resorts with world-class amenities, making it easy to blend golf and relaxation.

Golf Course	Accommodation	Features
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course	Luxury Villas	Championship 18-hole course, near Tamarindo
Reserva Conchal Golf Club	Beachfront Resorts	Eco-friendly design, native forest

For example, the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course near Tamarindo offers luxury villas right by the championship 18-hole course. The Reserva Conchal Golf Club features beachfront resorts that mix golfing with Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

More Than Just Golf

Staying at these places not only gives you access to top-notch golf but also other activities. Many resorts offer spa services, swimming pools, and fine dining. If you’re up for more adventure, check out our articles on zip-lining in Costa Rica and hot springs in Costa Rica.

Whether you’re looking to golf under the tropical sun or relax in luxury, Costa Rica has it all. Plan your trip and experience this Central American gem. For more travel tips, visit our Costa Rica travel guide.

Must-See Golf Tournaments in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Golf Classic: A Quick Look

The Costa Rica Golf Classic is a big deal in the local golf scene. It kicked off with a bang on September 30, 2008, during a press conference in San Jose. Held at the stunning Reserva Conchal Golf Club from December 11-14, the event boasted a hefty prize of $125,000. It was the grand finale of a three-event series co-hosted by the Tour de las Americas and the Canadian Tour (IAGTO).

This tournament put Costa Rica on the international golf map, especially in Guanacaste, a region now known for its top-notch courses. Reserva Conchal, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is a gem on Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast (IAGTO). The course wowed everyone with its beauty and design, making it the perfect spot for such a high-profile event.

The tournament drew at least 136 players from across the Americas, including special invites for Costa Rica’s top talents: Central America Amateur Champion Alvaro Ortiz and local pro Alejandro Duque. Plus, four spots were up for grabs for Costa Rican citizens or residents through a 36-hole qualifier.

Why These Tournaments Matter

The Costa Rica Golf Classic has made a huge splash both locally and internationally. It wrapped up the Tour de las Americas’ 2008 season and kicked off the 2009 season for the Canadian Tour. This was the Canadian Tour’s first foray into Costa Rica, shining a spotlight on the country’s growing golf reputation (IAGTO).

The tournament didn’t just showcase amazing golf talent; it also gave a big boost to local tourism. Players and their families flocked to Costa Rica, bringing in a lot of business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many visitors stayed longer to check out other attractions like the best beaches in Costa Rica, hot springs, and national parks.

The success of the Costa Rica Golf Classic has also raised the country’s profile in the global golf community. More international tournaments are now eyeing Costa Rica, and local interest in golf is on the rise. This event has shown that Costa Rica is a top-tier golf destination with world-class courses and breathtaking scenery.

If you’re thinking about a golf trip, Costa Rica should be on your list. With its fantastic courses and beautiful landscapes, it’s a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re staying at luxurious beachfront hotels or exploring the country’s rich biodiversity, there’s something for every golfer to love in this tropical haven.