4 Best Costa Rica Golf Courses

Whether your idea of the perfect day involves 36 holes or a few rounds between your sportfishing and scuba diving agenda, we’ve got you covered! Costa Rica is rapidly becoming a world-class golf destination, with several championship courses in the capital city of San Jose as well as along the tropical Pacific Coast. Costa Rica golf is on its way to becoming a popular pastime.

Arnold Palmer Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo

The crown jewel of Costa Rica golf, the Arnold Palmer Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo, is a masterpiece of design and setting. Located at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, this 18-hole, par-72 course winds through tropical forest and along pristine coastline. Fourteen of its holes boast dramatic ocean views, making it one of the most breathtaking golf experiences you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Arnold Palmer himself envisioned the course as a true challenge for serious players while still accessible for beginners. You’ll encounter wide fairways framed by dense greenery, strategically placed bunkers, and rolling greens that demand both precision and patience. What makes this course stand out is its ability to blend into its environment—no two holes feel alike, and each brings a fresh perspective of the Pacific.

Expert Tip: Plan your tee time early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chance of spotting wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds. And don’t rush the 14th hole—it’s a picture-perfect spot where the ocean feels close enough to touch.

La Iguana Golf Course at Los Sueños Marriott

If you want a blend of golf and wildlife, La Iguana Golf Course at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort delivers like no other. Designed by Ted Robinson Jr., this par-72 course is set in a secluded cove on the Central Pacific, just two hours from San José. With rainforest on one side and the Pacific coastline on the other, La Iguana immerses you in nature from the first swing.

The course is home to more than 150 species of birds and dozens of animals, from scarlet macaws to white-faced capuchin monkeys. As you play, you’ll hear the call of howler monkeys echoing through the trees and maybe catch a glimpse of a sloth lazily hanging nearby. The fairways are lush, the greens fast, and the scenery unbeatable.

Expert Tip: Hire a caddie for the round. Not only will they help with your game, but they’re also great spotters for wildlife—you won’t miss the chance to see Costa Rica’s animal life in its natural setting.

Garra de Leon Golf Course at Playa Conchal

On Guanacaste’s famed Playa Conchal, the Garra de León Golf Course (formerly Reserva Conchal Golf Course) is a Robert Trent Jones II design that balances challenge with beauty. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and tropical forest, the course flows through rolling hills, teak ranchlands, and pristine beaches. The par-71 layout is as demanding as it is scenic, with water hazards, sand traps, and tight fairways that will test your accuracy.

The final hole, a par 5 nicknamed “the lion’s claw,” is as dramatic as its name suggests. It bends and arcs toward the ocean, challenging players to stay focused as the views tempt you to stop and take it all in.

Expert Tip: This course is particularly stunning in the early evening light, when the sun sets over Playa Conchal and casts a golden glow across the fairways. Stay nearby at the Westin Reserva Conchal or the W Costa Rica for seamless access.

Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course at JW Marriott

For golfers who want a rugged, natural setting, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course in Guanacaste is unmatched. Designed by Mike Young, this 7,500-yard, par-72 course sprawls across a former ranch on Langosta Beach. The setting combines rolling hills, dry tropical forest, and dramatic coastal views, giving the course a unique “wild” ambiance.

What sets Hacienda Pinilla apart is its variety—some holes hug the coastline, others weave through dense forest, and a few stretch across open ranchland where cattle once grazed. This diversity keeps the round engaging and unpredictable.

Expert Tip: Don’t miss the signature oceanfront holes, especially hole 15, where waves crash against the rocks just beyond the green. Bring your camera—you’ll want proof of that backdrop.

Golf Beyond the Fairways

Golf in Costa Rica isn’t limited to the courses—it’s part of a bigger experience. Many players combine their rounds with eco-adventures, wellness escapes, or luxury indulgences. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Golf + Spa: After a long day on the course, unwind with volcanic mud treatments, thermal springs, or oceanfront massages. Resorts like Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo and Westin Playa Conchal offer world-class spas.
• Golf + Adventure: Swap your clubs for a surfboard in Tamarindo, a fishing rod in Los Sueños, or a zipline harness in Monteverde. Costa Rica makes it easy to balance golf with high-octane fun.
• Golf + Wildlife: Where else can you birdwatch, monkey-spot, and swing your way through tropical forest on the same day? Costa Rica’s courses are essentially eco-parks with fairways.

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Why Golf in Costa Rica?

• Year-Round Play: With a tropical climate, golf is possible 12 months a year. The dry season (December–April) offers sunny skies, while the Green Season (May–November) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
• Luxury Meets Nature: Costa Rica’s golf resorts combine high-end amenities with natural settings—imagine staying in a five-star suite and waking up to toucans outside your window.
• Accessibility: Courses are located near major airports like Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO), making them easy to reach within hours of landing.

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Planning Your Costa Rica Golf Vacation

When planning your golf getaway, consider combining two or more regions. For example:

• Luxury Escape: Stay at Four Seasons Papagayo for the Arnold Palmer Ocean Course and add on a few rounds at Hacienda Pinilla.
• Golf + Adventure: Pair La Iguana at Los Sueños with a sportfishing charter or canopy zipline tour nearby.
• Golf + Relaxation: Mix rounds at Garra de León with spa days and beach lounging at Playa Conchal.

Costa Rica Experts can customize itineraries that balance golf with the country’s other highlights—whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as part of a corporate retreat.

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Final Thoughts

Costa Rica might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of golf—but maybe it should be. With world-class courses designed by legends like Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones II, plus backdrops of rainforest, ocean, and mountains, the country offers a golfing experience like no other. Here, golf isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to immerse yourself in nature, luxury, and adventure all at once.

So, whether you’re chasing a low score, soaking in the scenery, or simply enjoying the company of monkeys and macaws along the fairways, golfing in Costa Rica is an experience you won’t soon forget.

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