For a month, my wife and I lived in San José and Guanacaste, Costa Rica, immersing ourselves in the culture and lifestyle. While she spent her time working remotely, I dove deep into the golfer community, golf courses, and the people who make Costa Rica a special place.
In this GOLFPEDIA Costa Rica featured article, international golf content creator Aron Levinson from bogey2putt recounts his firsthand experience of golfing in Costa Rica, sharing his personal insights from planning to blending into the tico¹ golf community—and even negotiating fairway space with iguanas. Aron takes us through his month-long journey exploring Costa Rica: the land of Pura Vida Golf.
¹ Costa Ricans proudly call themselves ‘Ticos,’ a beloved slang term unique to the country.
This article is not sponsored.
Welcome & Pura Vida!
Costa Rica Golf: Assumptions vs. Reality
Before my month-long golf trip to Costa Rica, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Costa Rica’s golf scene.
From my initial research, it seemed like most of the courses were private country clubs, making me question whether bringing my clubs would be worth the hassle.
I worried that I’d land in Costa Rica only to find myself with nowhere to play. But once I arrived and connected with the local golf community, I quickly realized that accessibility wasn’t an issue—it just required being friendly and asking the right questions.
For example, Valle del Sol is a public 18-hole course, and Los Reyes Country Club is a public 9-hole course, even though it’s inside a private living community.
The word “country club” initially made me assume it was private, but that wasn’t the case. I also learned that while Ocean Course – Peninsula Papagayo is a private course, guests staying at the Four Seasons or Andaz can book tee times and pay to play.
The more I spoke with local golfers, the more I was guided to courses I could access as a non-member. Some even invited me to play as their guest, reinforcing the welcoming nature of Costa Rica’s golf community.
Beyond golf, my weather concerns were also off base. The February forecast for San José showed daily showers, so I packed two umbrellas, a rain jacket, and rain gloves—none of which I ever used. A local reminded me that Costa Rica has multiple microclimates, meaning the weather apps aren’t always reliable. If I had trusted the forecast, I might have reconsidered bringing my clubs, and I would have missed out on some incredible golf experiences.
After 20 Years of Visiting Costa Rica, Why We Keep Coming Back
Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability. It’s admired for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and active volcanoes, making it a top destination for eco-tourism and adventure seekers.
Costa Rica is also recognized for its Pura Vida lifestyle, which embodies a laid-back, positive, and community-oriented way of life. It extends beyond just a slogan you see on a billboard—it’s a cultural philosophy that emphasizes happiness, gratitude, and simplicity. When someone says, “pura vida” they mean it.
Beyond nature and culture, Costa Rica is gaining recognition for its growing golf scene, with world-class courses offering stunning ocean and rainforest backdrops, top-tier hospitality, and a welcoming golf community. It’s easy to see why we keep coming back.
A Month of Firsts on Costa Rican Golf Courses: 20 Unforgettable Moments
During my time here, I played six incredible courses, each offering unique challenges, breathtaking views, and world-class hospitality.
I played at Cariari Country Club, Valle del Sol, Los Reyes Country Club, Tres Volcanes Golf Course, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course, and my last round was at the private course, Ocean Course – Peninsula Papagayo.
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course – Located in Guanacaste
Learn more about the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo – Located in Guanacaste
Learn more about the Ocean Course
The hospitality and openness to shoot content and tell genuine golf stories welcomed me with open arms. But beyond the scorecards, which never broke 90, this trip was filled with firsts that made it unforgettable:
- Played with a caddie, who not only helped me navigate Cariari Country Club but also read the greens and shared insights into the local culture.
- Experienced golf in Spanish, navigating tee times, small talk, and camaraderie in my second language while learning a ton of new golf vocabulary like hierros² and hoyos³.
- Played the 15th hole at Hacienda Pinilla with an ocean backdrop that made me pause mid-round just to take it all in. (I also par’d it from the fringe.)
² Hierros is the Spanish term used to refer to golf irons.
³ When talking golf in Spanish, Hoyos is the word for holes.
- Saw monkeys swinging through the trees on the course, a beautiful moment that reminded me I wasn’t in my usual Los Angeles golf environment.
- Stored my golf gear overnight at the course, a testament to the hospitality and trust ingrained in the culture.
- Ate maracuyá (passion fruit) on the course, a refreshing and healthy mid-round snack I didn’t know I needed, but will wish I had back home in Los Angeles.
- Visited an indoor simulator in San Jose (Par5CR), proving the golf culture extends beyond the traditional courses.
- Witnessed the most creative mini-golf course I’ve ever seen at Mini Golf CR (The Land Rover hole is a must play)
- Played with a former golf professional player and Top ranked golf coach by US Kids, USGTF and GAA (Alejandro Duque), gaining insights into the game (both mentally and physically) from someone who has competed at the highest level.
- Created my first What’s In The Bag golf content, in Spanish.
- Battled 25+ mph winds, learning how to adjust my game and stay patient through the challenge.
- Made my first quadruple bogey in Costa Rica, a humbling reminder that golf doesn’t care about location.
- Witnessed a chip-in for birdie!
- Enjoyed mahi mahi ceviche at the 19th hole at Tres Volcanes, it was the best ceviche I’ve eaten and by far the best food after a round of golf.
- Played nine holes with my wife, sharing a special moment (and plenty of laughs) in a country we both love and appreciate.
- Didn’t break 90 in Costa Rica, which only means one thing—I have to come back and try again.
- Met some of the friendliest greenskeepers, taking time to personally thank them for their work and having Yeffrey of Hacienda Pinilla take my approach shot from 74 yards out. Without this hardworking and dedicated crew, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this incredible game.
- Forgot some golf clubs at the JW Marriott Guanacaste and, after a five-day hunt, found them right where I left them—a rollercoaster of emotions ending in relief.
- Saw that pace of play expectations were printed on the scorecard, a great way to reinforce the importance of keeping up the pace.
- Had to wait to cross the bridge to the next hole, as an iguana held his ground. Tough negotiation, but ended civilly.
More Than Golf—It’s About the People
One of the most memorable moments of this trip was participating in a Challenge Golf Charity Tournament at Cariari Country Club, where I saw firsthand how the game of golf can bring people together for a greater cause. The willingness to connect, to share stories, laugh, and to embrace new friendships made me realize how special this place is.
The Costa Rican golf community embodies the true spirit of Pura Vida—offering before expecting, giving without asking, and creating bonds that feel like they could last a lifetime.
This trip wasn’t just about playing golf in a new country—it was about discovering a new way of living, one where relationships, experiences, and genuine human connections matter more than the final score.
If you’re a golfer looking for an unforgettable destination, Costa Rica should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re after championship-caliber courses, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, or simply the chance to experience Pura Vida on the fairways, Costa Rica has something special waiting for you.
And if I ever needed another reason to return? Well, I still haven’t broken 90 in Costa Rica.
About the Author:
Aron Levinson
After years of baseball and dismissing golf as a waste of land and water, Aron embraced the golf challenge. He’s now creating genuine and relatable golf stories worldwide, breaking 80 (twice), and proving that golf isn’t just a game—it’s a journey. Follow along at bogey2putt.
More of Aron Levinson’s best golf experiences in Costa Rica:
PAR5CR Golf Center & Simulator – Located in San José
Zoom calls and 6 birdies at Valle Del Sol Golf Course
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Local Small Businesses and ‘Tico’ Brands mentioned in this article:
- PAR5CR Golf Center
- Mini Golf CR
- Diego Chavarria
- Costa Rica Challenge Golf
- Alejandro Duque
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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of GOLFPEDIA Costa Rica, its affiliates, or partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. GOLFPEDIA Costa Rica does not necessarily endorse any specific opinions, products, or services mentioned in this article. While GOLFPEDIA Costa Rica strives for accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
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