Golfing Vista Mar
Last month a friend and I played a round of 18 holes on the Vista Mar Golf Course. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the day, although that may have something to do with the fact I birdied the 1st hole and nearly had a hole-in-one on another. As a player with a 20 handicap, it was a bumper day! The Vista Mar Golf Course is located just off the Pan American Highway, near San Carlos. It is part of a larger residential development and is managed by KemperSports, which manages some of the finest golf courses in the world. Consisting of 18 holes, each with 4 tee stations, this J. Michael Poellot designed golf course is in very good condition. Although not on the ocean, the Pacific is visible from several holes.
The design is challenging but not too daunting for the average golfer. The fairways, greens and tee boxes are in excellent shape, with a few exceptions. I have however learned that Pacific course conditions can change from day-to-day due to the humidity, rain and irrigation systems. Vista Mar fairways have healthy grass, due to the fact they are mowed at least 5 times each week.Vista Mar is a semi-private course, meaning there are paid memberships but the public is also allowed to play for a fee. Currently there are 85 members. Greens fees run from $75 - $140, but the “twilight fee” starting at noon, is $40, including cart. That’s a very good deal. Particularly considering the carts are pretty new electric Club Cars and come with an ice chest and a yardage book. Walking is permitted, but I don’t recommend it. There is a lot of up and down and some of the tees are a long distance from the previous green with little shade anywhere. It can also get pretty windy.
There is a small pro shop with a limited inventory and an attached restaurant with a limited menu. I’m told a larger clubhouse is in the plans.
Bolivian, Juan Carlos Patino is the Director of Golf and his assistant, John Christopher is American. Juan Carlos is very experienced, having worked in Panama at Summit Golf and Coronado Golf before Vista Mar and he speaks excellent English. In addition to overseeing the golf operation, Juan Carlos also gives lessons, organizes tournaments and the golf academy as well as serving as the food and beverage manager.
Custom fitted and designed golf clubs are also available for little more than the cost of the same clubs in the USA. There is also a new, high tech teaching device called a FlightScope, which analyzes your swing. A certified Flightscope teaching instructor is needed to interpret the data and provide feedback to help improve your game. Vista Mar is the second Flightscope certified school in Latin America.
Other things I liked about Vista Mar: plenty of good signage to point to the next tee, numerous yardage markers, an excellent practice area with free balls and a large putting green, lots of rakes at each bunker and large greens. Also, a big positive in my book: NO GARBAGE on the course. The restrooms are very nice and properly maintained. There are a lot of bunkers, even in some pretty odd places, like behind and beside some tees. Currently the sand traps are full of shells and pebbles, but Juan Carlos tells me they are in the process of renovating and will soon be screen the sand in the future.
Vista Mar Golf Course
Ph: 345-4096
Website: Vistamargolf.com
Hours: 7am – 5pm
Greens fees: $70 - $100 $40 after 12:00
Rental clubs available: $35.00
