Meticulously manicured fairways, 360º ocean views, ancient lava flows, long yardage, and scenery so spectacular, you’ll want to pack your driver and your camera… These are just some of the promises held by the top three award-winning, tournament-hosting, certification-earning golf courses in Guanacaste.
Because here, these courses offer the links, the luck, and the long game you’ll love to play, over and over. And then, there are the accouterments: the pro shops and the restaurants, the golf pros and the Beach Clubs – the everything and everything golf, greens, and gear to make you want to pack your clubs and never look back.
Best of all, you can live either at or near all three of our golf courses in Guanacaste: From south to north, the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course, the Reserva Conchal Golf Course, and the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo.
These championship courses promise up to 7,200 yards of play over 18 holes (both par-71 and par-72 courses) and challenging hazards to meet any handicap, traveling the width and breadth of our province’s astounding natural wonders, striking Pacific coastline, and cowboy culture. Bring your “A” game!
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
Designer: Mike Young
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: up to 7,200
Live Here: Hacienda Pinilla (golf course location), Playa Avellanas, Playa Langosta, Tamarindo, Playa Grande
Pro Tip: With several short par-3 holes, Hacienda Pinilla is, by far, the most tempting Guanacaste course for a hole-in-one. Be careful, though; many of those par-3s are wrought with hazards!
Home to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful settings and greatest golf challenges, the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course delivers 18 holes with up to 7,200 yards of play overlooking ocean and tropical dry forest views.
A design and ecological masterpiece, this Mike Young-designed course is designated an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in recognition of its above-and-beyond conservation efforts, which including restoring natural ecosystems, fiercely protecting wildlife, and respecting its setting and the natural contours of the land. Beautiful, jaw-dropping, and impressive are all understatements if you appreciate sweeping landscapes and value nature.
Young has been quoted as saying that “the best golf courses are the ones that provide solid, strategic challenge within a natural environment.” At Hacienda Pinilla, he has achieved just that: Without pomp and circumstance and eminent grace, this par-72 course leverages its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and sea breezes (plus the occasional croc!) to deliver an unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re snapping selfies at Hole 15 or shooting your best shot at a hole-in-one, this course is one you’ll be happy to play, over and over.
In addition to tee times, the Golf Course at Hacienda Pinilla offers an impeccable pro shop, golf lessons, and other related services.
Greens Fees (as of early 2022):
High Season (November-March)
- 18 Holes: $150
- 9 Holes: $75
- Twilight (after 1 p.m.): $90
- Super Twilight (after 3 p.m.): $75
Low Season (April-October)
- 18 Holes: $125
- 9 Holes: $65
- Twilight (after 1 p.m.): $90
- Super Twilight (after 3 p.m.): $75
Reserva Conchal Golf Course
Designer: Robert Trent Jones II
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yards: up to 7,021
Live Here: Reserva Conchal (golf course location), Playa Conchal, Brasilito, Playa Flamingo
Pro Tip: Night golf is a real experience, with an after-dark Glow Party featuring fluorescent golf balls, driving-range glow golf, putting-green laser games, and cocktails and appetizers
Hugging a striking coastline of crashing surf and rolling hills, the course at Playa Conchal is not only exceptionally beautiful but just plain exceptional: Host to the first professional golf tournament ever held in Guanacaste (the 2008 Costa Rica TLA Masters, the highest-level professional golf tour in Latin America!), this scenic retreat promises a course with fairly fast greens, undulating fairways, and plenty of challenge to keep you coming back for another round.
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones II, this Top 25 Foreign Golf Resort (Conde Nast Magazine) and Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary incorporates comprehensive environmental management to protect the flora, fauna, and ecosystems that make their home where you take your swing. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
Know that, though it’s billed as an all-levels course, Reserva Conchal offers a serious challenge. (Beginners and novice golfers may prefer to start out with a more approachable 9 holes.) Be prepared to combat the elements – and the occasional errant iguana, as it scuttles across the green. When you’ve completed your round, be sure to reserve a table for lunch; there are five excellent restaurants located within Reserva Conchal!
In addition to tee times, the Reserva Conchal Golf Course offers private lessons, group instruction, 9-hole personal lessons, children’s clinics, and more. There are two well-stocked pro shops: one at the Beach Club and one at the Westin. Proper golf attire is required but comfortably relaxed, comprised of a collared shirt and fashionable pants (no jeans).
Greens Fees (as of early 2022):
High Season (December-May)
- 18 Holes: $160
- 9 Holes: $100
- Juniors (under 13): $20
Low Season (June-November)
- 18 Holes: $135
- 9 Holes: $90
- Juniors (under 13): $20
The Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo (also known as the Palmer Signature Course)
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: up to 6,788
Live Here: Peninsula Papagayo (Playas del Coco)
Pro Tip: This widely diverse and geographical course may be too difficult for beginners. Don’t let that stop you, though! The scenery is so spectacular, you won’t mind the occasional bogey.
Note: In late 2021, the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo is now private to community members. Only owners, residents, and guests of the Four Seasons may play the links.
A Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and ranked as “one of the Top 100 Courses Outside of the United States” by Golf Digest, Peninsula Papagayo’s The Ocean Course, designed by the renowned Arnold Palmer, is a feather in the cap of the already esteemed golf courses in Guanacaste.
Set along the scenic Pacific coast and tucked into the biodiverse Nacascolo Forest, this 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course unfolds over old-growth forests and ancient lava flows, sea cliffs and hilly valleys. Its dramatic elevation changes (note: a golf cart is a necessity) and wide fairways provide a perfect contrast: ever-changing sights (from lush hillsides to 360º ocean views a several holes), sounds (howler monkeys), and scenery (spectacular oceanfront), paired with 18 manicured opportunities to test your skills and finesse your shot.
You’re going to find your own favorite – or favorites, plural, because it’s all beautiful here! – but one of our favorite Ocean Course experiences is Hole 3: Buena Vista, or “Good View,” so named for its striking 360-degree views to the Pacific, forest, and Papagayo’s peninsular cliffs. Even better: Par-4 Buena Vista (357 yards) challenges you to successfully negotiate “Palmer’s Tree” – and the only way is either over or around it.
In addition to tee times (rates unpublished), The Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo offers a full range of lessons and clinics, a well-stocked pro shop, and equipment rental. Golf attire required.
Greens Guru? Links Lover? Live Onsite at One of These Golf Courses in Guanacaste!
One of the greatest things about life in paradise is that it’s paradise: It is whatever you make of it! And for many of the world’s golfers, life in paradise is not complete without a course close by.
If life near the beach, the forest, amenities, and the course sounds like your version of paradise, then know that all three of these golf courses in Guanacaste are not only livable, but incredibly sought: The gated communities of Hacienda Pinilla, Reserva Conchal, and Peninsula Papagayo offer some of most upscale homes and the most luxurious amenities in the province, from championship golf courses to multi-million-dollar Beach Clubs, onsite restaurants, hiking & biking trails, tennis courts, and a lot more. (Learn more about the gated communities of Tamarindo and Playas del Coco.)
And if you have questions, we have answers! Whether you’ve yet to play all of Guanacaste’s golf courses or have not only played but chosen your absolute favorite, we’d love to help you explore the world of golf course living.
At Blue Water Properties of Costa Rica, we’re committed to you. Not to selling you a property or spamming you with all the options, but to helping – genuinely and with good intent – to match you to the perfect property for your needs and wants. We thrive on relationships and promise the fastest communication and best services in the industry.
Go ahead – try us. Give us a chance to show off our expertise – and wow you with the possibilities! We look forward to it.
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