Vacationing as a golf family —and more specifically —to a paradise destination like Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast can get you excited as much as make you debate yourself internally about golf: should I book a tee time or not? —It’s family time after all, right? To be, or not to be…

La Iguana Golf Course in Herradura, Costa Rica is advertised online among the best golf courses in Costa Rica– but does it really meet expectations?

This GOLFPEDIA Costa Rica article is meant to help you acquire basic knowledge about this highly-coveted golf course in Costa Rica, as well as things to know and expect when visiting La Iguana for the first time.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored, but rather written by a golf mom who values spending meaningful family time, while enjoying outdoor & indoor activities during tropical vacations.

Welcome & Pura Vida!

Before you book your tee time at The Westin Golf Course in Costa Rica, make sure to check out our list of eight essential things to know. From course details to special considerations and local tips, this quick guide will ensure that your golfing vacation journey at this beautifully-designed Golf Course in Costa Rica is nothing short of extraordinary.

You should book your tee time as early as possible

If you prefer to play in the morning –and want to make the most of your golfing experience at the Westin Golf Course in Costa Rica– it’s highly recommended to secure your tee time as early as possible, ideally between 5:45am and 6:30am (the earlier the better). The idyllic Guanacaste region boasts glorious sunshine and beautiful tropical surroundings; however, temperatures can rise rapidly as the day progresses. By starting your round in the early morning, you can enjoy cooler conditions and avoid the intense midday heat. Guanacaste’s humidity levels can contribute to a higher thermal sensation, making morning tee times a wise choice for comfort and enjoyment. By embracing this early tee time strategy, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the spectacular vistas, navigate the course with ease, and relish every moment of your golfing adventure at the Westin Golf Course.

Costa Rica is among the most sought-after golf destinations in Central America; with numerous world-class courses designed by renowned golf course architects including Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones II. In this article, we’ll provide you answers to the Ten most asked questions by golfers planning a vacation to Costa Rica: from what is the best time for your tee time, to what to expect on the course —depending on which area of the country you’re playing in. We’ll cover everything you need to know, and hopefully help you make the most of your upcoming golf vacation in Costa Rica. ‘Pura Vida‘ and let’s get started!

Costa Rica is mostly known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife; but it has also made a name for itself in the world of golf. With world-class ocean view courses designed by renowned architects, golf Costa Rica is gaining popularity among golf enthusiasts from all over the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the top ocean view golf courses in Costa Rica, providing you with all the information you need to plan your perfect Costa Rica golf vacation.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What are Top Oceanfront Golf Courses in Costa Rica.
• The best Golf Resorts where you can stay for a Costa Rica golf vacation.
• World renowned beach golf destinations in the Costa Rica Pacific Coast.

Four Seasons Costa Rica Golf Course

Location: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Papagayo Peninsula.

The Four Seasons Costa Rica Golf Course is located on the prestigious Papagayo Peninsula. This Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course offers golfers a world-class playing experience with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding tropical landscapes. This 18-hole, par 72 course is a must-play for any golf enthusiast or professional visiting Costa Rica on a golf vacation.

Golf Course Features and Amenities

Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer himself, this 18-hole course boasts spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean on 14 of its holes, offering a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop as you play.

It has been ranked by Golf Digest among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States”, and gently sits through 125 acres of old-growth forest, valleys, and sea cliffs marvelously shaped by an ancient lava flow. Wide fairways and substantial greens offer a fair and challenging test for golfers of all skill levels on this world-class golf course, which also features dramatic elevation changes and a lush scenery that stir the senses.

An Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, the Four Seasons Golf Course in Costa Rica has been ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States.”

Golf Digest

Nearby Attractions and Accommodations

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a range of recreational activities, including sportfishing, scuba diving, and eco-adventures. In addition, the Papagayo Peninsula is home to several other world-class golf courses, making it the perfect destination for a Costa Rica golf vacation.

Reserva Conchal Golf Course (Westin Golf)

Location: Westin All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa at Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Reserva Conchal Golf Course is one of the top-notch ocean view golf courses in Costa Rica, located within The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa in the North Pacific coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Originally named “Garra de Leon”, or ‘lion claw’ in Spanish, this course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and features 18 holes of championship golf.

The course is surrounded by exotic forests, pristine beaches, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, providing a truly unique golfing experience.

Golf Course Features and Amenities

This 18-hole, par 71 course winds its way from the sea to the hills of an old teak ranch and back to the sea again, offering a diverse range of hole layouts and challenges. The course finishes with a dramatic par 5 that curves like a lion’s claw around the final pin, hence its original name “Garra de Leon”.

Reserva Conchal Golf Course is both an ecological treasure and a challenging test, providing an unforgettable golfing experience.

Nearby Attractions and Accommodations

The Westin Golf Resort & Spa at Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, is an all-inclusive luxury resort, offers world-class amenities, including fine dining, spa facilities, and numerous recreational activities. Guanacaste Costa Rica is renowned for its beautiful beaches, national parks, and eco-adventures, providing plenty of options for non-golfers as well.

La Iguana Golf Course is the prestigious venue for the highly anticipated 21st edition of the Annual La Iguana Invitational Golf Tournament.  Hosted by the renowned Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Herradura, Costa Rica, this tournament is not just a championship; it stands as a celebration of golfing excellence. 

Picture the stillness of the Guanacaste dawn, greeted by the sound of waves meeting the shore, in the background: howler monkeys and birds setting preparation for your tee time at an Arnold Palmer signature Golf Course. Welcome to Nekajui: a Ritz Carlton Reserve located in Guanacaste, and nestled within the Peninsula Papagayo resort.

This luxury residential development features 36 properties, ranging in value from $3 million to over $13 million. Reservations began in November of 2023. As per the Nekajui Papagayo website, the promise is clear: an extraordinary world apart, set as the perfect scenario for a deeply personal experience, crafted for those who appreciate beauty and uncommon luxury.

Since at Golfpedia we love to provide you with valuable insights to improve your Costa Rica – golf and overall – experience, here are seven facts you should know about Nekajui: A Ritz Carlton Reserve.