By: Tamarindo News Staff .Photos courtesy: Reserva Conchal
- Sport event featured 108 participants
- Four Seasons, Hacienda Pinilla and Reserva Conchal presented La Anexión Tournament
- Participants competed in four handicap divisions
For years, there has been a golf tournament at the beaches of Guanacaste that brings national and international golfers together to compete, and above all, to enjoy the exuberant natural beauty.
This year, the Guanacaste Classic tournament took place on July 23, 24 and 25 at the prestigious courses of the Four Seasons Hotel, Hacienda Pinilla and Reserva Conchal, respectively.
Golfers competed individually in four categories: three of men and one of women, according to their handicaps.
The golf courses have 18 challenging holes, many of which are located among beautiful landscapes: facing the sea, in rocky places and by the ocean.
The tournament had its 14th edition and is a tradition in Guanacaste. It continues to challenge the best golfers by its characteristics and by the climate.
Carlos Soto, Golf Manager of Reserva Conchal, said that the event is very competitive in the country given that its held at three golf courses and enables amateur participants to play at the same level as the pros.
This becomes very challenging because the chances of winning are high. The tournament recognizes the best gross player per category.
“In general, amateurs compete in tournaments with a handicap, which is the player´s numerical advantage according to their proficiency that is subtracted from the course´s par score. The handicap system equalizes players of different skill levels.
The gross score refers to the total number of strokes taken during the round,” Soto explained.He added that the event was conceived as a small tournament in order to create bonds of friendship at the golf courses in Guanacaste.
“Originally, the only golf courses were in Reserva Conchal and in Hacienda Pinilla, and local golfers played every July 25. Popularity increased and many golfers from San José came up.
Nowadays, the three courses in Guanacaste are considered to be the best in the country. Guanacaste Classic Golf is a crowded and favored tournament. Besides, thanks to the sponsors, the event is a good thing to bring social assistance,” Soto said.
After three rounds, these are the results:
Women Grade Gross:
Victoria Callahan Grade
Net: Martine Collart
Second Place: Adriana Calvo
Third Place: Elizabeth Herrera
A Category Grade Gross: Jason Fraze
Grade Net: Trent Michaud
Second Place: Francisco Vargas
Third Place: Carlos E. Villalobos
B Category
Grade Gross: Alvaro Valverde
Grade Net: Jesús Serrano
Second Place: Alex Bidorini
Third Place: Mark Pare
Tournament Category
Grade Gross: Alvaro Ortiz
Grade Net: Richard Manthorne
Second Place: Chris Fortenberry
Third Place: Wilberth Centeno
The registration fee for the tournament was $325 and it included the right to play at the three golf courses, snacks and drinks during the three-day competition and an award luncheon with a guest.
The award ceremony took place at the Reserva Conchal Beach Club, on July 25, immediately after the final round and in the framework of the anniversary of the annexation of Nicoya to Costa Rica.
INTERNATIONALLY PRESTIGIOUS GOLF COURSES
Four Seasons Hotel, Península Papagayo
Designed by Arnold Palmer
Opened in 2004
Par: 72 Length: 6,800 yards
Holes: 18 (5 par 3, 5 par 5 and 8 par 4)
Hacienda Pinilla, Tamarindo, Santa Cruz
Designed by Mike Young
Opened in 2001
Par: 72 Length: 7,300 yards
Holes: 18 (4 par 3, 10 par 4 and 4 par 5)
Reserva Conchal, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz
Designed by Robert T. Jones
Opened in 1996
Par: 71
Length: 6,956 yards
Holes: 18 (5 par 3, 9 par 4 and 4 par 5)
