On the Green Magazine

By James McAfee
Spring 1998

Psst! Want in on one of the great golf destinations before others find out?

While Eco-tourism will probably remain the primary reason that people from all over the world visit, don’t be surprised if Costa Rica--especially the Golf Coast on the Pacific Ocean side--becomes a golf Mecca by the turn of the century.

The Ticos, as the Costa Ricans call themselves, are polite and peaceful, and know how to make visitors feel welcome. In the midst of all of the political unrest in Central America, Costa Rica has remained an island of stability and peace, not even supporting an army.

Although Garra de León hugs the coast, it doesn’t have any dramatic ocean holes--the 16th green is 30 yards from the beach. But there are still beautiful vistas to enjoy and "mucha agua" to contend with, including water on a pair of par-5s where gamblers can take a risk and get home in two. The Campo de Golf is a formidable par-72 course. The 318-yard first hole challenges golfers with a wide ditch in front of the green to catch shots that aren’t long enough--just like at St. Andrews. Seven of the other par-4 holes measure more than 400 yards, and there is a good mix of par-3s that range from 138 to 207 yards, and require well-struck irons over water. Higher handicappers will be happy to learn that Jones does offer "bail out" areas near many of the greens where they can play safe and make bogey, or even save par with a good putt.

Near Conchal is Rancho Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole Ron Garl design. The front nine is relatively open and features gently rolling fairways surrounded by water hazards. In contrast, the back nine is cut through rocky terrain where a premium is placed on accuracy.

...Although many new courses are springing up along the coast and in the central region, a golf vacation in Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without visiting Meliá Cariari in San José, and playing at least one round at the George Fazio-designed Cariari Country Club. A par 71 layout with more than 1,000 local members (only 200 golf members), the course was Costa Rica’s first 18-hole design. Built on a coffee plantation 25 years ago, the trees put a premium on accuracy off the tee with landing areas as tight as those in the U.S. Open.