The golf scene in Costa Rica continues to move forward. In July two new 18 hole courses were opened to create a total of three championship courses in Costa Rica. In addition, two other courses will open their first nine holes in the fall with completion dates set for 1998 and 1999. The combination of these courses, along with Central America's premier course, the Meliá Cariari, is establishing Costa Rica as the world's newest golf travel destination.
In response to the increased popularity of golf in Costa Rica, the existing clubs are upgrading their facilities and improving their courses. The following is a summary of the latest developments here, as well as what you can expect for the remainder of 1997. Located at Playa Grande in Guanacaste, Rancho Las Colinas Golf and Country Club will complete their eighteen hole course in July.
This course, designed by Ron Garl, has been playing nine holes since last September. Judging from the first nine, this course will be a lot of fun to play - challenging but fair. When the course is officially rated I would expect a slope in the 130 range. I will be there on the first day all eighteen are open for play and will bring you a complete course description.
Melia Conchal Golf Club, the Robert Trent Jones, II course, at the Melia Playa Conchal Beach and Golf Resort will open their 18 holes in July. I toured this ocean-side course with Xavier Urbina, the project manager, and I am really excited about playing here. Beautiful vistas, sweeping fairways, undulating greens, lots of water - simply put, a big golf course. This may be one of Jones' best efforts to date. No expense was spared to create a course on par with the spectacular resort it surrounds.
Another course will soon be open for play in the San Jose area. This is a big plus for both vacationers and residents alike. The course, Parque Valle del Sol, is located near the Juan Santamaria International Airport and their first nine holes will be completed this fall. I recently had the pleasure of walking the course with Mark Dinan, the golf course superintendent. Nested in the Central Valley, the course has a very interesting layout. Look for lots of water- lagoons and wetlands - and many different treatments surrounding the greens. My wife was particularly impressed by the variety of birds we encountered, including roseate spoonbills and wood storks. Check here for an update in a few months.
If you are headed to Nicaragua via the Pan American Highway, you will pass Resort Rancho Mary. Situated just south of the border, near La Cruz, the completion of this course will fulfill the dream of owner Irvin Wilhite. Originally from North Dakota, Mr. Wilhite purchased this huge tract of land along the northern Pacific coast 20 years ago.
He later donated 4 thousand acres to become part of the protected lands surrounding Volcan Orosi. He is using a portion of the remainder to develop his golf course and resort. Under the direction of Canadian, Greg Jackson, the first nine holes of this course should be ready for play in the fall. Resort Rancho Mary will be a gem in the wilds - an ocean view course with Nicaraguan and Costa Rican volcanoes for a backdrop. I plan to revisit the course soon and I will be back to you with my impressions.
Costa Rica's premier golf course, the Meliá Cariari, was built in 1972 by George Fazio. This is a challenging championship golf course and the site of two former PGA events. The course record of 66 is held jointly by Raymond Floyd and Costa Rican Alvaro Ortiz. In March, PGA Professional, Phil Krick, formerly of the Las Vegas Country Club became the head professional at the Cariari Country Club. Phil is currently working on upgrading the pro shop and making improvements to the golf course. The Cariari is located in the San Jose area and is a definite "must play" course when visiting Costa Rica.
The ten-hole executive course at the Tango Mar Beach and Golf Resort is undergoing a facelift. Director of Golf Uli Lang is overseeing the changes to the golf course and has added a pro shop. Don't panic if you've forgotten your clubs, a full range of new Pings are available as rentals. This is a tough little course measuring 2000 yards and it is part of the intimate and beautiful Tango Mar resort.
Activities and Sports 
