I have been fortunate to play some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses—Pebble Beach in California, Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic, and Costa Navarino in Greece, to name a few. When I heard about a course in Costa Rica that belonged to the same elite company, my expectations were high. I was not disappointed. This was a place where even the most battle-hardened writer could run out of superlatives. The sheer beauty of the setting, combined with the immersive experience of the course, creates an assault on the senses—both visual and kinesthetic.
Nestled in the Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, the Peninsula Papagayo Golf Course is a true gem. This region is renowned for its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and world-class resorts. Yet, for golfers, the main attraction is this Arnold Palmer signature design, a course that seamlessly blends exceptional architecture, ecological harmony, and breathtaking scenery into an unforgettable experience.
A Course Unlike Any Other
A walking course, this is not. The nine miles of cart paths wind through the jungle with more switchbacks, elevation changes, and curves than a Six Flags roller coaster. As you navigate the terrain, you’re enveloped in the sights and sounds of Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife. While I didn’t spot any sloths or pumas, I did encounter iguanas, parrots, eagles, and the unmistakable calls of howler monkeys. Any ball that strayed into the jungle was left to the creatures of the rainforest—search parties were out of the question. Fortunately, the fairways are generous enough that such mishaps were kept to a minimum.
An Overview of the Course
This 18-hole, par-72 course stretches 6,788 yards and is celebrated for its challenging layout and integration with the natural landscape. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, it embodies his philosophy of crafting courses that challenge seasoned golfers while remaining accessible and enjoyable for amateurs.
The course offers a remarkable variety of terrains and playing conditions, from rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers to expansive water features and dense tropical vegetation. One of its most striking elements is the dramatic elevation changes that present players with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding forest. Every hole delivers a visual feast, with postcard-worthy scenery that enhances the joy of the game. Picking the best holes is extremely challenging, for there are so many excellent holes that many might get overlooked solely because the vistas from some holes are so spectacular.
The 2nd hole gives you your first glimpse of the ocean on the course.
The par 3, second hole plays 174 yards from the tips and is the first of five excellent and diverse par threes, with a perfect blend of long, short, and intermediate shots. As beautiful as this is, I’d rank the view third of the five, just showing you what you have to look forward to so early in the round. Variety is another hallmark of good design, and the player finds himself using every club in the bag.
The 440-yard sixth hole plays severely downhill and offers a superlative view of the Papagayo Bay from the tee. Your second shot with a mid-iron, from a downhill lie to a huge green with the Pacific as the backdrop, is as visually appealing as it is challenging. The downhill aspect makes it tough to get the distance right, and a lengthy putt is a typical result. After an exciting ride back uphill through the jungle, you come to the seventh tee with an equally unique view of the short 133-yard par three. Don’t let the length fool you or the beauty distract your concentration. This is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Miss it left, and you are dead. Miss it right, and it may bounce down the steep embankment or stay in the rough, leaving a very delicate chip. Club selection is paramount due to the 100-foot drop in elevation.
The 6th and 7th tees offer amazing views and challenging holes.
The par 5, ninth rounds out a memorable front nine, but the best is yet to come.
The back nine begins with a gruelling four-hole stretch, easily the toughest on the course. It kicks off with a demanding 423-yard par 4, a sharp dogleg left requiring a precise tee shot, followed by a challenging approach over a ravine. Next is a long 207-yard par 3, playing uphill, and then a massive 601-yard par 5 that relentlessly climbs toward the green. The gauntlet concludes with a monstrous 468-yard par 4, where the second shot must scale a steep incline to a dramatic cliffside green.
Fortunately, with six sets of tees, you can tailor the challenge to your game. From the tips, the course stretches to 6,522 yards, while the whites measure 6,147 and the golds a more manageable 5,579. The forward tees play at 5,579 and 4,880 yards, respectively, ensuring every golfer finds their ideal test.
Flora and Vegetation
Beyond its stunning fairways, the course is a lush sanctuary of vibrant flora. The landscape is a mesmerizing blend of towering ceiba trees and swaying coconut palms that provide welcome shade. At the same time, tropical flowers such as heliconias, bougainvillaea, and hibiscus burst with colour against the deep greens of the course. The carefully curated vegetation doesn’t just enhance the aesthetic appeal—it creates a thriving habitat for Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, from fluttering butterflies to melodious birds. Even the rough areas contribute to sustainability, with hardy native grasses that require minimal water and maintenance while preserving the course’s natural beauty.
Environmental Sustainability
The Papagayo Golf Course exemplifies Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Designed with minimal disruption to the ecosystem, the course seamlessly integrates with the surrounding jungle, preserving native plant life and wildlife habitats.
Water conservation is a key priority, with an advanced irrigation system that optimizes usage, reducing waste while keeping the course in pristine condition. Eco-friendly maintenance practices ensure the fairways remain lush without relying heavily on chemical fertilizers. This dedication to sustainability has earned the course recognition as one of the most environmentally responsible courses in the region, making it a haven for golfers and nature lovers alike.
Birdies for the Talking on The Back Nine
The final five holes shift in tone, offering prime birdie chances. With short irons into all but one, this stretch rewards precision and aggression. The 16th stands out as a personal favourite—a beautifully framed tee shot through towering trees leads to an inviting green
complex, well-defended by bunkers and a charming stone wall. Then, the closing duo serves up spectacular ocean views. The 17th, a stunning mid-length par 3, is one of the best of its kind anywhere, while the expansive 18th provides ample landing areas for your drive and second shot before demanding a pinpoint approach over water and into a well-guarded green.
Beyond the final putt, the unusual clubhouse architecture delivers a memorable finish, perched above the lake with the Pacific shimmering in the background. A cold beer on the patio? It’s the perfect way to toast a round well played.
The Papagayo Peninsula Experience
The peninsula is home to some of Costa Rica’s most prestigious resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. These opulent properties offer world-class spa treatments, gourmet dining, and exclusive beach access, ensuring a truly indulgent stay. The surrounding landscape is a playground for adventure seekers. From hiking through verdant rainforests to zip-lining high above jungle canopies, every experience immerses visitors in Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty.
The 17th is a spectacular mid-length par three, playing 163 yards across a jungle ravine with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean from the green.
Crystal-clear waters provide snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing opportunities, where marlin and sailfish await.
Accessibility and Logistics
Getting to the Papagayo Peninsula is easy. Just a 30-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the region is easily accessible via direct flights from major cities in North America and Europe. Visitors can opt for private transfers, rental cars, or resort-provided shuttles to ensure a seamless journey. Golfers staying at nearby resorts can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to and from the course, making the experience as convenient as it is unforgettable.
A Must-Play Destination
For those who appreciate both the artistry of golf course design and the raw beauty of nature, the Peninsula Papagayo Golf Course is an unparalleled destination. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior, playing here is an experience that lingers in your memory long after the final putt drops. If you ever find yourself in Costa Rica, this is one course that should be at the very top of your list. https://peninsulapapagayo.com
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