Costa Rica Golfer Interview

Bob Sims and his wife are constructing a home in Costa Rica. Bob loves to golf.

Since he lives in the Central Valley, near his daughter’s family, he usually plays at Valle del Sol. Bob answered a few questions about golf. He also shared some ideas on his life in Costa Rica.

Where are you from originally, and why did you decide to come to Costa Rica?

I am originally from Amarillo, Texas; attended Texas A & M University; and in the military spent 13 months in Korea, which was a special experience not just because of the country and culture, but I met and married my wife Sandy there. She was an Army nurse.

We are in Costa Rica because my daughter Michele, son-in-law Jean-Paul, and granddaughter Isabella live in Costa Rica, and we wanted to have the opportunity to spend quality time with them….and other grandchildren to come.

Where did you decide to live while in Costa Rica and why?

My wife and I, with the assistance of Michele and Jean-Paul, searched the area of San Jose for potential condo sites and visited many condos for sale until we found the location we wanted in Santa Ana. The condos were under construction, and we liked the area and floor plan.

We have experienced some problems with the location, such as many power outages and low water pressure and some construction problems, but hopefully everything will work out positively. The location is also near the Valle del Sol golf course, which I visit frequently.

What are the most difficult and the most pleasurable things about living in Costa Rica?

I think the most difficult experience in Costa Rica is currently the language barrier for me, and I hope to overcome that by learning Spanish. I am working on it, but it takes time.

The traffic is a major problem in moving about the San José area. Some expert traffic engineering and money to construct an effective loop around San Jose complete with interchanges to major streets would help, but that is a dream.

The red tape (processes) when dealing with various business and government entities is also annoying, but one just has to be very, very patient. The most pleasurable things about Costa Rica are the friendly people and the beauty of the country.

How does the golf rate here – compared to other places you’ve played – and have you played other courses in Costa Rica?

I have played golf at Garre de Leon, Playa Conchal several times and very much enjoyed the course. It is a high quality championship course that is well maintained and, during my play there, not very busy.

Probably the green fees are cost prohibitive to some…$100-125, so most likely only tourists or folks with memberships play there. It is certainly worth playing at least once though and more often if a person can afford it. I have also played at Los Reyes several times and very much enjoyed the nine hole layout.

Jean-Paul, my son-in-law, hooked me up with the owner/builder for a round a couple of years ago for my first golf in Costa Rica. It was very enjoyable, but the language was a bit of a problem. We played 18 holes without communicating too much other than gestures and a few obvious words.

Afterward, we had drinks with a host of golfers at a large table. Since I do not speak Spanish, I was not able to pick up much of the conversation, but a lady from Switzerland (who did speak Spanish) finally did speak some English with me, and I was then a bit more comfortable.

At that point, one of the other golfers tried his hand at some English and did quite well. It was a great experience, and the people were very nice.

I play mostly at Valle del Sol and very much enjoy the course. I have probably played the course 10 times, mostly by myself. A couple of years ago, I joined the course superintendent, pro and Che for a “friendly game.” I partnered with Che (he works at the driving range at the Marriott and also gives golf lessons).

I have also joined the manager of the Clarion Hotels in Guatemala and a couple from Escazú for rounds. Meeting and playing golf with other people is most enjoyable.

Certainly, the golf in Costa Rica is a bit different from the States because of the Bermuda grass greens and fairways, but that makes it similar to courses in Hawaii and Jamaica that I have played.

Bent grass is more prevalent in the states on the courses I normally play. I work part-time at Canterberry Golf Course in Parker, Colorado and play that course a couple of times a week, but also play many courses in the area and around the United States.

I have also played sand green courses in Texas (oh, but that was in the 60s). Golfing is enjoyable on any course, and Costa Rica golf is most enjoyable.

In not speaking Spanish – How do you get along – not only on the course but in day to day life?

I do not speak Spanish, but am trying to learn using CDs and just listening for now. I may take classes later on. My wife and I have been shopping (without the aid of Michele or Jean-Paul) at places like Cemaco, PriceSmart, and grocery stores, and we have gotten by quite well.

There are a few people who speak some English, and those who do not are generally receptive to sign language of one sort or another.

The Costa Rican people are very receptive to making life enjoyable and functional, so that works for me. It sure will be easier though when I learn Spanish.

What tips or bits of information could you give someone considering on moving to Costa Rica?

My tips for people considering moving to Costa Rica are to buy the books on Exploring Costa Rica, Fodor’s book and get information from professional associations.

It helps to have family (Michele, Jean-Paul and his family) in Costa Rica who can assist with all types of questions and informational needs. It also helps to have a good lawyer like Jean-Paul’s good friend Mory. I think making good connections and having people you can trust are most important.

What advice do you have for your fellow golfers if they are thinking about getting in a round when they visit or choose to live here?

Anyone who wants to play golf while in Costa Rica should be able to find golf course locations on the Costa Rica website. There are still not too many courses in the country, but there are enough courses scattered around that golf should be possible.

I did not mention Cariari or the Marriott course near Jacó (I have played neither course). Both are supposed to be very good courses.

Bob Sims, along with a host of other international golfers, ushers in a new century of golf in Costa Rica. While golfing the fine courses on the beach or in the Central Valley, there’s a great chance of making new friends and business contacts from around the world. Golf serves so much more than exercise and making par.

Deepak Chopra says that golf is a game played from the inside out. According to Chopra, “Golf comes down to what your ego wants you to do, what your mind tells you to do, and what your nerves will let you do.”

After finishing a round of golf in Costa Rica, the ego, the mind, and the nerves have been tested and tried, but you’ll always come back for more – it’s too beautiful not to.

Before golfing in Costa Rica, it’s recommended to please call for the most up-to-date prices and information concerning policy and tee times.

Susan Carmichael is a freelance writer living in Costa Rica. She has developed several education curriculums for children and adults. She has also taught journalism. Susan produced and hosted radio programs and documentaries in Costa Rica including a short story program called “In the Moment” and an hour long interview program focused on the issues of women called “A Woman’s Voice”.

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