Golfing - El Tamarindo Golf Course
El Tamarindo has been rated "The best hidden link in the world" and "Top 10 on spectacular, beauty and fun to play."
No less than 14 holes could qualify for signature status with amazing plant diversity and breathtaking views that rival the greatest golf courses in the world.
The stunning 18-hole championship-style golf course at El Tamarindo is set amidst a 2,040-acre natural ecological reserve, the fairways are beautifully lined with scores of Mojote and Cuba palms, and the views of the rocky untouched coastline that meets the crystal blue Pacific, are simply breathtaking.
View the complete El Tamarindo 18 Hole Golf Course Map.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. originally designed the El Tamarindo Golf Course. However, due to preservation laws that went into effect while the course was still in the drawing stage, Jones enlisted the expertise of David Fleming to complete the course. Together Jones and Fleming designed El Tamarindo, and created a masterpiece in a manner that leaves the natural landscape of the area virtually untouched, leaving a lasting impression of the area's serene beauty.
The par 72 course is an accommodating 6,750 yards, which allows time to take in the beauty of the area. The longest hole, hole 11, is 547 yards, while the shortest, hole 4, is 127 yards. Eight of the course's holes offer unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean.
El Tamarindo is user-friendly for players of all levels, yet offers numerous challenges for experienced golfers. Temperatures are ideal almost year-round, ranging from the high 70s to the mid 80s, with a bit of high humidity from July through September.
There is not one imperfect hole on this par 72 course and no less than fourteen holes could qualify for signature status. The excitement of El Tamarindo begins immediately at the 371 yard par four 1st. A blind tee shot must be played to the left to avoid the encroaching jungle. The 3rd hole is an enticing par four that runs straight out to the beach, with a green flanked by side and back bunkers.
Numbers six, seven, eight and nine may be the best string of four holes in the world. Before dismissing this as an exaggeration, "try them", says Golf Odyssey Magazine.
Six is a solid 472-yard par four from an elevated tee with a slight dogleg left. On the demanding par five 7th, a double dogleg, one can cut off some of the first dogleg, but specimen trees prevent any shortcuts on the second. The short par four 8th is pure magic due to its very elevated tee, long carry over a mire of wild bushes to the fairway far, far below, and trap-protected green framed by the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
After the breathtaking splendour of the 8th, players climb up to the tee of the par three 9th. This peninsula perch looks down toward a shallow green, and an inspiring stretch of untamed, rocky coastline. Hit a few shots from here... it will be a while before one comes upon a hole like this again.
One need not rush at this club, you'll probably feel as if you have the place to yourself. To enjoy the tranquility of El Tamarindo, linger on the greens and take in the fresh ocean breezes and serene views.
The course is very strategic. Along with the challenge and sheer beauty of the topography, it can be more of a pleasure to play here because of the casual pace and exceptional beauty. Even on busy days, El Tamarindo entertains only a few selected golfers.
Look here for all the El Tamardindo Course Specs.
El Tamarindo is well irrigated, and from tee to green the Bermuda grass is exquisitely conditioned. Jones and Fleming have accomplished marvellous things with El Tamarindo's greens. They are expertly cut and although not at PGA speed, they are certainly fast enough. Heed warnings not to venture into the bush to look for wayward golf balls, lest you come upon snakes and other jungle creatures.
The utmost challenge of the design was to not overwork the property, but to assist "mother nature" with what was given. The site contains a remarkable nature preserve with amazing plant diversity and exhilarating view corridors that rival the greatest golf courses of the world.
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