Golfing in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers some of the world's least crowded golf courses. Carefully tucked into the natural surroundings, the courses vary from rolling fairways, lined with rare tropical hardwoods, to open links style nestled between mountains and flowering valleys with challenging greens overlooking sandy beaches and the ocean. Golfing in Costa Rica is a unique experience! Blessed with near perfect weather, majestic mountain peaks and volcanoes, secluded coastlines, luxurious golf resorts and a passionate and friendly people, it is no surprise that Costa Rica has now become a premier golfing destination. Here you will find all the ingredients for a great golf vacation and the added bonus of experiencing the scenic beauty and natural attractions of Costa Rica. You will re-discover "no-hassle" tee times and the enjoyment of playing unhurried rounds of golf on courses designed by well known golf architects George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Ted Robinson, Jr., Mike Young and Tracy May.

We advise teeing off in the morning, since Costa Rica's close proximity to the Equator creates a constant 12 hours of daylight throughout the year. You will have the remainder of the day to enjoy the local attractions. It is not just all 'tee times' though! Costa Rica is exploring tropical rainforests, bird-watching, hiking, whitewater rafting, world famous deep sea fishing and almost every other water sport and out-doors adventure under the sun.

Standing out as equally beautiful and challenging is the Cariari Golf Course, halfway between the International Airport and the capital of Costa Rica. The par 71 course is elegant yet traditional, heavily treed, with amazing cacti and exotic native plants and stately palms as accents; the premium is on accuracy off the tee. The par fours are especially strong while the fives are reachable only with precise shots. One of the full staff of caddies will help, especially on the greens.

Local golfers are very friendly and enjoy meeting and playing with visitors. Many lasting friendships have originated from a starter joining a single with a local threesome; so don't worry about going solo. The hospitality and friendliness of the Costa Rican people is well documented, and this is especially true with golfers.