When most people think of Costa Rica, they picture lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and dreamy Pacific sunsets — but for golf lovers, this Central American paradise offers something equally exciting: world-class golf courses in truly unforgettable surroundings.
Nestled between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica has quietly become one of the top emerging golf destinations in Latin America. Its dramatic landscapes — ranging from coastal plains and volcanic hills to cloud forests — create natural canvases for some of the most scenic golf courses in the region. Whether you’re a serious player or a vacationing amateur, golfing in Costa Rica promises a mix of challenge, relaxation, and tropical beauty.
A Growing Golf Destination
Golf arrived in Costa Rica in the mid-20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1990s and 2000s that the country saw a surge in golf tourism, thanks to luxury resorts and developers like Four Seasons and Marriott investing heavily in golf-centered travel. Today, Costa Rica boasts more than a dozen courses, most of which are concentrated around San José, the Guanacaste Province, and along the Pacific Coast.
Although it doesn’t have the sheer number of courses found in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, what Costa Rica lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality and setting. Many of the country’s premier golf courses have been designed by industry legends such as Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones II, and Ted Robinson.
Top Courses to Explore
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo – Ocean Course (Arnold Palmer Signature Design)
Arguably the crown jewel of Costa Rican golf, the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo blends championship-level design with jaw-dropping views. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 18-hole course features dramatic elevation changes, native vegetation, and ocean breezes that challenge even seasoned golfers. The course is reserved for resort guests and members, making it exclusive and impeccably maintained.
Reserva Conchal Golf Club (Robert Trent Jones II)
Located in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, Reserva Conchal is part of the Westin Golf Resort & Spa. The 7,021-yard, par-71 course is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and its eco-friendly design winds through tropical forests, lakes, and coastal ridges. Expect iguanas, howler monkeys, and birds as your audience during a round here.
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course (Mike Young Design)
A 7,200-yard layout near Tamarindo, Hacienda Pinilla combines traditional golf design with the wild beauty of Costa Rica’s dry tropical forest. This par-72 course emphasises strategy over brute strength, rewarding precision and smart shot placement. It’s also a favourite for travellers who want a more laid-back, countryside experience.
Valle del Sol Golf Course – Santa Ana
Closer to the capital city of San José, Valle del Sol is a popular choice for locals and expats. It features a flat but well-manicured course with plenty of water hazards and mountain views. With a driving range, golf academy, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to play or practice while staying in the Central Valley.
Why Golf in Costa Rica Feels Different
One of the most unique aspects of golfing in Costa Rica is the environment. Courses are often carved into or adjacent to national parks, beaches, or rainforest preserves. That means you’re more likely to see a toucan or sloth during your round than a golf marshal. The courses harmonise with nature, and many are certified for sustainability, with wildlife corridors, native plant landscaping, and minimal chemical use.
Another factor that sets Costa Rica apart is its “Pura Vida” lifestyle. The phrase, which translates to “pure life,” is a national ethos of positivity, simplicity, and living in the moment. This is reflected in the relaxed pace of golf rounds, the friendly caddies and staff, and the overall atmosphere at the resorts and courses.
Planning Your Trip
Many of Costa Rica’s golf resorts offer stay-and-play packages, including accommodations, green fees, transportation, and spa or adventure add-ons. Popular add-ons for golfers include:
In terms of travel logistics, Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste is the best entry point for golfers heading to the Pacific Coast, while San José International Airport (SJO) serves the central and southern parts of the country.
Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next Golf Destination
Golf in Costa Rica offers a rare combination: world-class design, untamed natural beauty, and the spirit of adventure that defines this Central American gem. Whether you’re teeing off beside howler monkeys, soaking in post-round hot springs, or playing under the golden light of a Pacific sunset, golfing here is about more than just the scorecard — it’s about the experience.
So if you’re ready to trade in your usual golf destination for something more vibrant, wilder, and deeply rewarding, Costa Rica may just be the perfect swing in your travel plans.
