Golf

You can also visit this Golf CR for more information. 

Cariari Country Club - Since coming on board as head pro last March, Phil Krick has brought many positive changes to Costa Rica's oldest 18 hole golf course. The pro shop, whose inventory formerly consisted of a few balls and some tees, is now a fully stocked store that serves both the membership and those who visit this San Jose course. In addition, Phil has improved the driving range and has promoted the junior golf program. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, there is a skins game open to members and guests. It would be a mistake to visit Costa Rica and only play the new Guanacaste courses. This George Fazio designed/Tom Fazio constructed golf course is still as tough as ever and only getting better. Caddies are mandatory and carts may be rented. Rental clubs are available.

Conchal Campo de Golf - The pressures of living up to pre-opening expectations is difficult for any new golf course, but Conchal Campo de Golf did so effortlessly. Robert Trent Jones, II, known in golf circles as the premier naturalist designer, has done a marvelous job of blending the course into the existing landscape. Visitors to this beautiful resort find it hard to believe that Conchal Campo de Golf was only completed last September. This spectacular ocean front course appeals to players of all skill levels. Carts are mandatory, as are soft spikes. Both Titleist and King Cobra rental clubs are offered.

Rancho Las Colinas - Rancho las Colinas, a short 20 minute drive from Conchal Campo de Golf, also completed their 18 hole championship course in September. This Ron Garl designed course offers an interesting complement to the wide open spaces at Conchal. The front nine is relatively flat and many of the holes follow a river bordering the western edge of the course. The rocky, hilly terrain of the back nine makes these holes interesting and a lot of fun to attack. The first phase of Rancho Las Colinas' golf condo project is close to completion and these units are available for visiting golfers. Every Saturday, visitors are encouraged to join in with the locals for a Captain's Choice Scramble starting around 8:30. Carts are highly recommended and fore caddies are mandatory. Rental clubs are available.

Tango Mar - During the past year, the 10 hole executive course at Tango Mar Beach and Golf Resort has undergone a facelift under the supervision of local resident, Uli Lang. A number of sand traps have been added and the quality of the greens has improved dramatically. If you are looking for an intimate beachside resort with great food and service, this would be a wonderful spot to relax and work on your short game. For the best view of the course and the surrounding area, take off on fairway one with Uli in his new UltraLight! Carts are available as well as Ping rental clubs.

Parque Valle del Sol - The first nine holes of this residential community course were opened in February. The early response has been very positive. The coursed is nestled at the foot of the mountains just south of San Jose's international airport. These nine holes are challenging with water hazards, mature trees, and varying grass treatments around the greens. The plans for the final nine and projected completion date are not available at present. Álvaro Ortiz, the former pro at Conchal Campo de Golf, has settled in at Parque Valle del Sol. Alvaro has started a caddie program and carts are on order. King Cobra and Dunlop clubs may be rented.

Here's a look at courses currently under construction:

Los Sueños - This Ted Robinson championship course will be part of a new Marriot project under construction at Playa Herradura. Located along the Pacific coast southwest of San Jose, this promises to be a first class resort, marina, and golf course. I visited the site last month and was impressed by the work done to date. By the year 2000, we will be enjoying great golf at this beautiful new destination.

La Roca - La Roca Beach Resort & Country Club is a large scale project with many facets. When completed, this ocean side club and resort will offer a hotel and villas as well activities including polo, skeet shooting, tennis, watersports, and an 18 hole championship golf course. The course was designed by Phillips Golf Design of Tempe, AZ. Several holes will offer spectacular view views from cliffs overlooking the Pacific and the cruise ship port of Caldera. La Roca's strategy is to complete all aspects of this project at approximately the same time. I anticipate completion of this course in the year 2000.

Cacique del Mar - Along the northern Pacific coast, about an hour's drive (or a 30 minute boat ride) from Guanacaste's existing courses, another championship course is ready for construction. Part of an ambitious project being developed by the Ryan Group, this 18 hole course was originally scheduled to be a Hale Irwin signature course. Unfortunately, the arrangement was never finalized due to problems beyond the developer's control. To their credit, the Ryan Group has succeeded in signing another major name in the world of golf, Greg Norman. Greg Norman and his group have drawn up the plans and anticipate completion by the end of 1999. The course and its surrounding residential community are situated on a high ridge that extends out into the Pacific offering panoramic ocean views.

Los Delfines Golf & Country Club - Located in Playa Tambor along the southeast coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Barceló group has begun construction of an 18 hole course on gently rolling land that was formerly used for cattle grazing. This will be a golf course community adjacent to the all inclusive Playa Tambor Resort. The course will be open to resort guests as well as residents. They expect to have the first nine holes open by November.