Costa Rica Challenge Golf

Costa Rica Challenge Golf

Algo Mas Por Que Vivir – Something Else to Live For!

by Jane Finn

I’ve listened to hundreds of TED talks and paid big bucks to listen to motivational speakers, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been as inspired as I was today after having lunch at the 18th with José Quesada.

José Quesada

José is a natural redhead, a spitfire, a bundle of energy, and a force to be reckoned with, who just happens to be the PGA Director of Golf for Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. When José is not dreaming up innovative destination events or making improvements to an already exceptional course, he’s giving back to the community and that is the focus of this post.

Golf is an amazing game and a challenging sport for those of us who are able bodied. Just imagine how much more challenging it would be if you were blind, had autism or Down’s syndrome, were missing a limb, or were completely paralyzed.

Challenge Golf Amputee

Twelve years ago, after a close friend became disabled after an accident, José set out, with the support of his employer, on a mission to help people with physical or mental disabilities find hope to overcome their difficulties to not only survive but thrive.

Disabled golfer at Costa Rica Challenge Golf

As José tells the story of how he started out teaching his friend in his backyard, and then acquired seven, then fifteen students before launching a series of free monthly clinics, there’s a light in his eyes and a fire in his belly that burns bright. Today, La Iguana is the Challenge Golf participant’s home course, but Valle del Sol, Cariari and the Westin in Guanacaste also support this worthy cause by providing free facilities, food, and of course fun along with a ‘can do’ spirit.

Costa Rica Challenge Golf

With every word, you can hear how proud he is of his students. Through golf they’ve learned discipline, and some have regained physical mobility. Others have acquired new skills, but most importantly, every Challenge golfer has discovered new strengths and a sense of purpose that has enhanced not only their life, but also their families’.

Challenge Golf Costa Rica

José’s students are a source of inspiration, living proof that the more you do, the more you can do. Who says one person can’t make a difference? To quote Thomas Edison, “If we did all did that we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves!”

Challenge Golf is totally self-funded. For more information, visit them at: http://www.costaricachallengegolf.org/

Stay tune for more posts from Costa Rica with Tee Times Costa Rica.

Jane Finn is the co-publisher of Golf Travel and Leisure. You can also follow their adventures  at https://golfcodeweekly.com/david-finn/ and https://www.top100golfcourses.com/reviewer/4956