Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course is more than just a place to play; it is a 4,500-acre journey through the heart of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. As a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, this course offers a rare harmony between world-class championship golf and the raw, rugged beauty of the tropical dry forest.
Established: Opened in 1997, Hacienda Pinilla was one of the first courses to put Costa Rica on the map as a global golf destination.
The Architect: Designed by Mike Young, an architect renowned for his “minimalist” approach. Young’s philosophy was to follow the natural contours of the historic cattle ranch rather than forcing a layout onto the land.
The Turf: The course features Tif Eagle Turf on the greens and Bermuda Grass on the fairways, meticulously maintained to provide a fast, consistent playing surface year-round.
Par & Yardage: A true championship test—Par 72 stretching up to 7,296 yards from the back tees.
Rating/Slope: With a 75.4 rating and 131 slope, it challenges even the most seasoned low-handicappers.
The Signature 15th: Often cited as the most beautiful hole in Costa Rica, this Par-3 plays directly toward the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Nature First: The course was the first in the country to receive Audubon certification, protecting local water resources and providing a habitat for Howler Monkeys, white-tailed deer, and over 100 species of birds.
Climate Dynamics: Depending on the season, the course changes character. During the “Green Season,” it is lush and tropical; during the “Gold Season” (December–April), the Guanacaste winds add a links-style challenge to your game.
The layout at Hacienda Pinilla is designed to be fair but firm. With six sets of tees, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the round. The front nine winds through the interior forest, featuring wide fairways and strategic bunkering. As you move to the back nine, the salt air begins to pick up, culminating in the stunning coastal views that make this course a bucket-list destination.
Pro Shop: A fully stocked shop featuring premium apparel and top-tier rental clubs (Callaway/TaylorMade).
The Turn House: “El Corral” offers quick refreshments to keep you fueled.
Practice Facilities: A full-length driving range, chipping area, and putting green are available for pre-round warm-ups.
The Beach Club: Guests booking through Jaco360 can arrange access to the exclusive Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club, located just steps from the final green, perfect for a post-round lunch or sunset cocktail.
Hacienda Pinilla is a private gated community. At Jaco360, we provide seamless access, including:
Pre-booked, guaranteed tee times.
Private, air-conditioned transportation from your villa or hotel.
Customized multi-round packages including nearby Reserva Conchal.
Ready to experience the 15th hole for yourself?
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Mike Young |
| Opened in | 1997 |
| Location | Tamarindo, Guanacaste |
| Opening Hours | Monday-Sunday: 05:00 – 17:00 |
| Prohibitions & Limitations | Pets are not allowed inside the venue, with the exception of service animals with valid identification. |
| Features | Golf Carts, Driving Range, Putting Greens, Practice Area, Chipping Area, Wireless Internet |
Answer: For the 2026 season, championship golf rates at Hacienda Pinilla are approximately $125 for guests staying on-site at a luxury villa or the JW Marriott, while outside visitors can expect rates of $150 or more. Twilight savings typically begin after 1:00 PM, offering a significant discount for those looking for a quick afternoon round before sunset.
Answer: As of 2026, the 12.75% short-term rental tax has been standardized across all booking platforms in Costa Rica. For large golf groups, staying in a private luxury villa within the Hacienda Pinilla gated community remains the most cost-effective way to bundle high-end lodging with proximity to the course while managing these standardized costs.
Answer: Yes. While the Mike Young-designed course is a par-72 challenge that can play over 7,000 yards from the tips, it features multiple tee boxes. The open layout and coastal breezes make it an approachable yet exciting course for both high-handicap players and seasoned pros.
Corporate offices:
Jaco Beach & San Jose, Costa Rica
Email: info@jaco360.com
Phone: +01 506 8302 4168