Directory
Los Suenos Golf Resort
Nestled alongside an exotic rainforest with breathtaking ocean views, also a spectacular gallery featuring brightly hued macaws. Just an hour from San Jose and 10 minutes from Jaco, you will find the Marriott Los Suenos resort – home of the La Iguana golf course.
Reserva Conchal Golf Resort
Cariari
Location: San José
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,590
Architect: George Fazio
The Cariari, long considered to be the best course in Central America, is a natural to play when arriving in Costa Rica. Situated on land that was once a coffee plantation, the Cariari was designed by golf course architect George Fazio and built by his now famous nephew, Tom Fazio. This par 71 course measures 6,590 yards from the Championship tees, but plays much longer. The course is heavily wooded, the fairways are narrow with few fairway bunkers, and the greens tend to be on the large side with sand traps throughout. The greens are Bermuda and roll fast and true. The course record is held jointly by Raymond Floyd and Costa Ricans Álvaro Ortiz and Mario Pérez. The Cariari was the site of the Friendship Cup in 1979 & 1980. These PGA sponsored events were won by Larry Zeigler (2 under) and Raymond Floyd (9 under). Rental clubs available.
Hacienda Pinilla
Location: North Pacific Coast
Par: 72
Yardage: 7274
Architect: Mike Young
Hacienda Pinilla, located on Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast is just a short drive from Melia Playa Conchal’s Garra de León Golf Course. This newly created 18 hole championship links style layout was completed in February of 2001. Mike Young designed the course on what used to be a working cattle ranch and is now part of a 5,000 acre mega-development.
The course is a coastal layout with wide, open fairways and the prevailing winds come into play on just about every hole. The bump and run is recommended for most approach shots as the greens are hard and fast. A truly distinguishing characteristic of Hacienda Pinilla is the many well-placed pot bunkers that are cleverly placed around most greens. It is challenging, and will reward conservative play more often than not. Carts are mandatory.
Four Seasons Costa Rica
The closest course to Liberia is the Arnold Palmer design at the Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. This spectacular 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed with the resort golfer in mind. Spanning over 50 hectares (125 acres), this beautiful piece of property sits on the tip of Peninsula Papagayo, nestled in the mountainside along the Pacific Ocean. Twelve holes feature spectacular views of the ocean. The course plays 6,788 yards from the championship tees, but is accessible to golfers all all levels with four other sets, including the forward tees at only 4,880 yards. “Keep in mind you have to stay at the resort in order to play the golf course,” Blanks noted.
