Canadian architect Dan Lavis designed the course in 2007. Construction of the first 9 holes started in early 2008 with an 8-acre grass nursery for the Paspalum Platinum and a 20,000+ tree and shrub nursery.
The earth moving started in February 2008 and the golf course greens and tees were planted with “sprigs” harvested from the grass nursery in April 2008.
The Osa Golf Course greens are Paspalum Platinum. The greens are a hybrid that originated along the seashore in Australia. It is a rhizome that grows from cuttings—not seeds. It has a fine blade size like bentgrass but is highly drought tolerant and can be watered with saltwater. This is a great benefit because you can spray weeds with saltwater and not damage the grass.
Plans for 9 more holes were put on hold when the 2008 recession hit. As we emerge from the COVID pandemic, there is an economic resurgence sweeping through the Osa with the opening of Hilton’s Botanika Osa Peninsula Curio Collection in Puerto Jimenez and new interest in the completion of the back 9 holes.
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