Westin Playa Conchal Beach & Golf Resort
Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones II
Par 72
Distance from Playas del Coco & Hermosa: about 45 minutes
The golf flagship in the west is the Westin Playa Conchal Beach & Golf Resort. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, Conchal stretches to a mighty 7,033 yards from the back markers. Not only does Conchal challenge golfers with its length, it also confronts them with constant elevation changes. Sometimes subtle and sometimes dramatic (e.g., the 100-foot drop from the tee box to the fairway on the 435-yard, par-4 12th hole), the elevation shifts play an integral part of every club selection you make.
Architect’s Comment - "It was great fun to work in an ecological wonderland," Jones says. "The feeling is that you come into that valley, and you're in a sanctuary."
Four Seasons Golf Resort
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste
Course Architect: Arnold Palmer
Par: 72
Distance from Playas del Coco & Hermosa: about 45 minutes
About an hour North of Paradisus Playa Conchal on the Papagayo Peninsula you'll find the new Four Seasons Resort and their incredibly beautiful Arnold Palmer golf course. This land was chosen for the golf course because of the spectacular views and also the natural elevation changes that occur and create holes that are unforgettable. The Palmer team did a wonderful job taking advantage of what they were given and I doubt that they have ever had a better piece of land to work with.
The front side of the golf course is set up with three Par 3's, 4's, and 5's. The back is the traditional setup five, two and two configuration. The first hole is a very fair Par 5 that lets you get over the first hole nerves without putting up a big number. From there you simply play the course: a combination of great views, elevation changes with interesting holes, wind that is always present but not a major factor the day I played, greens that roll true and will be running about a 9 or 10 on the stimp meter, and rough that is still forgiving but will get tougher as time goes by.
The vistas are spectacular and are equal to any that you will experience at Kauri Cliffs or Pebble Beach. The elevation changes and changing wind conditions make each round a new experience. Similar to Pacific Dunes in that when the wind is quiet the course is manageable, but when the wind picks up even the best players will have their hands full.
Playing the course at the Four Seasons can only be accomplished by staying at the resort and this makes it the most expensive round in Costa Rica. But an overnight at the hotel with an afternoon round upon check-in and then followed by a round in the morning is a good option. Due to fact that they don't allow outside play you can count on a course that is not packed and allows for plenty of time to take photos and simply enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Helpful Hint - In addition to bringing lots of balls as out of bounds can be serious crevices or thick jungle, bring a camera and lots of film as this is one of the most picturesque courses you can play.
Hacienda Pinilla
Playa Langosta, Guanacaste
Course Architect: Mike Young
Par: 72
Distance from Playas del Coco & Hermosa: about 1 hour
The Hacienda Pinilla golf course is a 7,500-yard Mike Young design. This golf course is groomed to perfection with head-high grasses rustling in the wind or with the movement of unseen animals, so that playing here has the feel of an African safari.
Architect’s Comment - “While we haven’t sacrificed any pleasures or challenges for you, every effort has been made to keep human impact on the land to a minimum. I hope you enjoy playing it as much as I enjoyed creating it".
Tres Volcanoes Golf Course (formerly Vista Ridge Golf Course or Papagayo Golf Resort)
La Libertad, Guanacaste
Distance from Playas del Coco & Hermosa: 15 minutes
The $3 million Tres Volcanoes Golf Course is located in Libertad, about ten kilometers south-east of Playas del Coco. An 18-hole golf course, there’s a practice tee, a driving range, and a club-house. 335 acres of peace and tranquility. The fairways, tees and greens are in, the flags are up. Presently under new ownership and management, so watch for news about upcoming improvements and events.
