Those who know and use the phonetic alphabet need not be reminded that Golf follows Hotel.
Those that know us as writers will recognise that while we are very much at home on the water, we are somewhat out of our environment on a golf course.
The Four Seasons Golf Course on the Papagayo Peninsular is however something quite different to the point that we were persuaded by the Golf Pro to take our very own very first ever golf lesson!
Designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed with the resort golfer in mind and is ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest.
Your experience atop one of Peninsula Papagayo’s highest plateaus, overlooking the jewelled waters of Bahía de Culebra.
The course is a wildlife habitat that preserves, enhance and protects the national resources that are in abundance here. Not only is it set amid crystalline waters but it also features deep green forests, has labelled important trees, that turn the cart path into a botanical garden. Hole to hole, the course offers a chance to see and appreciate a diversity of colourful plant, tree, bird and animal species.
The congo (howler) and capuchin (white-faced) monkeys are among our own personal favourites.
Spectacular water views await you at 14 of the 18 holes. The signature hole, number 6, El Bajo, features a dramatic 446-yard par-4 with a tee shot that plays 61 metres (200 feet) downhill to a receptive valley-shaped fairway. The green is perched out on a cliff with the ocean behind it, and your round will culminate on the scenic 18th green, with views of the Pacific Ocean and Bahía de Culebra.
The Resort offers a driving range, a sand-bunker practice area and putting and chipping greens. Players can enjoy one or both of our two complimentary weekly clinics, and professional private instruction is available seven days a week.
The 1,400-square-foot (130-square-metre) Pro Shop, open daily from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, carries an assortment of high-end men’s and women’s golf and tennis apparel, hats and gear. Special occasion gifts, merchandise, lessons and playing certificates are also available. Tee times are offered from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Shoe and club rental services as well as full-service locker rooms are available. Complimentary transportation from the main hotel lobby to the course and back is provided (approximately seven minutes each way).
Oh and if you get hungry while you are working your way around the course, the take away food menu is in the buggy. Just phone and your selection will be delivered to the next hole.