South and Central America
Once a nation reliant on exporting bananas, pineapples and coffee, today Costa Rica has a booming tourism trade with over two million visitors a year taking advantage of its stunning scenery and eco-tourism credentials. Tours can incorporate visits to volcanoes, rainforests and the coast, with time to tee off on Costa Rica's top courses. Most championship layouts can be discovered around San José or the northwest corner of Guanacaste where the most legendary one is the situated at the Four Seasons Resort.
The one to play: Four Seasons Resort, Peninsula Papagayo Perched on a hill overlooking two golden sandy beaches, this hotel impresses with its spa, top- notch restaurants and eco-adventure activities. But it's the Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole, par-72 championship course that's the icing on the cake. The signature hole is number 6, El Bajo, with its dramatic 446-yard par-4 and a green perched out on a cliff with the ocean behind it. Green fee: Around £193 for 18 holes, but when you start your game overlooking the sparkling waters of Bahia de Culebra and end with views of the Pacific Ocean, you certainly get your money’s worth.
fourseasons.com/costarica What’s near: Adventure-seekers will love the Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour — a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Harness up and slide along zip lines suspended over valleys and among the trees. Expect to see plenty of wildlife including tree frogs, vine snacks, howler monkeys and birds. If you’re prepared to head out further, the Palo Verde National Park is worth the two-hour drive with its rich ecosystem of rivers, mangroves, dry forests and marshlands,. When to go: December-April is high season.
visitcostarica.com
From the buzz of Buenos Aires to the thundering Iguazu Falls, Argentina’s allure continues to pull in the tourists. With around 300 courses, there is plenty of choice here with some of the most prestigious layouts — such as the Jockey Club Red Course and Golf Club Argentino — situated close to the capital. Venture further afield and golfers can tee off in the shadow of Patagonia's remarkable landscapes. At Chapelco Golf Resort, majestic views of the Andes frequently distracts players from their game and the 19th hole gives visitors the opportunity to savour the country's most famous export — wine.
Keel-billed toucan with banana, Costa Rica; Olivos Golf Club, Argentina
The one to play: Olivos Golf Club Around 90 years old, this English-style circuit is one of the most traditional in the country with a scenic parkland setting. The 27-hole course offers three distinctive nine-hole layouts designed by Luther Koontz and plays host to the annual Argentine Masters Tournament. Green fee: £80 Monday to Friday, £120 on Saturdays and £100 on Sundays.
olivosgolf.com.ar What’s near: Only a short drive away the legendary city of Buenos Aires is the main attraction. Stroll through its many barrios (neighbourhoods) to soak up the atmosphere of this extraordinary city which has a European feel with a very Latin heart. When to go: Argentina’s spring (September to November) is the ideal time to visit before the hot summer (December to February) makes golf playing a bit sticky and uncomfortable.
countrybycountry.com 71
IMAGES: GETTY; OLIVOS GOLF CLUB
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228