Costa Rica golfers net worth represents a very small but growing professional presence. The country’s most famous golfer, Paul Chaplet, made history by winning the 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship at just 16 years old.
That victory earned him a Masters Tournament invitation, putting Costa Rica on the global golf map.
The combined wealth of Costa Rica’s top professional golfers sits around $3-5 million total. That’s modest, but for a nation of five million people where soccer dominates and golf stays expensive, producing any tour-level player counts as success.
Discover the Costa Rican golf players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| PGA Tour | DP World/Other |
| Luis Gagne |
Top Richest Costa Rican Golfers
| Rank | Golfer | Net Worth | Career Earnings | Major Wins | Active/Retired | Primary Tour |
| 1 | Paul Chaplet | ~$1M-$1.5M | Limited pro earnings | 0 | Active | PGA Tour Americas |
| 2 | Robert Twine | ~$500K-$800K | Regional earnings | 0 | Active | Latin America Tour |
| 3 | Juan Marín | ~$400K-$600K | Regional earnings | 0 | Active | Latin America Tour |
| 4 | Alejandro Duque | ~$300K-$500K | Regional earnings | 0 | Active | Regional Tours |
| 5 | Valentín Quirós | ~$200K-$400K | Regional earnings | 0 | Active | Regional Tours |
Paul Chaplet dominates Costa Rican golf wealth and recognition. His 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship victory at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic changed his life.
He shot 3-under-par 285 to win by one stroke, earning invitations to the 2016 Masters, The Amateur Championship, and U.S. Amateur Championship.
That Masters appearance made him the first Costa Rican to play at Augusta National. He missed the cut, shooting 79-76, but the experience alone was priceless. The international exposure from that week elevated Costa Rican golf’s profile dramatically.
His professional career has been challenging. After turning pro, he’s competed primarily on PGA Tour Americas and developmental tours.
Unlike major tour earnings, these circuits pay modestly. Winning a PGA Tour Americas event might pay $30,000-$40,000 compared to seven-figure PGA Tour purses.
Who is the Richest Golfer from Costa Rica?
Paul Chaplet holds the title with an estimated net worth of $1-1.5 million. His wealth comes from a combination of amateur achievements, limited professional earnings, and his status as Costa Rica’s most recognizable golfer.
His amateur career peaked with that 2016 LAAC victory at age 16. The following year, he defended his title and finished T-16, then immediately won the South American Amateur Championship, beating future star Joaquin Niemann by two strokes. One month later, he won the Central American Championship by five strokes.
Those victories established him as Latin America’s top amateur. But the transition to professional golf proved brutal. His first year as a pro was, in his own words, a struggle that “beat me up quite good.”
The pressure of sudden fame at such a young age created mental hurdles that took a full year to overcome.
He’s competed on various developmental tours including PGA Tour Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Americas.
These circuits provide pathway opportunities but limited financial rewards. Most events feature $175,000-$200,000 total purses with winners taking home $30,000-$35,000.
His endorsement income stays modest. Local Costa Rican brands and regional sponsors provide support, but nothing approaching the deals major tour players secure. His value comes from being Costa Rica’s golf ambassador rather than consistent tour success.
The Masters Experience That Changed Costa Rican Golf
Chaplet’s 2016 Masters appearance transcended personal achievement. For Costa Rica, it represented the nation’s arrival on golf’s biggest stage.
He became the youngest player in the 2016 Masters field at 16 years old. Walking the Augusta National grounds, playing practice rounds with legends, competing on TV against the world’s best—these experiences shaped his entire career outlook.
The tournament itself was challenging. He missed the cut with rounds of 79-76. But the Masters doesn’t measure success purely by scores. The exposure, the learning, the connections made during that week provided value far beyond two rounds of golf.
That appearance inspired young Costa Rican golfers. Suddenly kids could see one of their own competing at the highest level. Golf academies saw increased interest. Parents considered golf as a viable path for talented children.
The Essential Costa Rica Classic on PGA Tour Latinoamerica became more prestigious after Chaplet’s Masters run. The tournament attracted stronger fields knowing Costa Rica could produce competitive talent.
Why Costa Rica Produces Limited Tour Talent
Golf infrastructure remains minimal. Costa Rica has approximately 20-25 courses for a population of five million. Most concentrate around San José with limited access for the general public.
Cost presents major barriers. Green fees at quality courses run $50-$150 for tourists and members. Equipment, lessons, and club memberships push total costs beyond what most Costa Rican families can afford.
Climate favors year-round play, but the tropical environment creates maintenance challenges. Heavy rains and humidity make keeping courses in tour-quality condition difficult and expensive.
Soccer completely dominates sports culture. Every child dreams of football glory. Golf barely registers as an option outside wealthy families. The talent pool stays tiny by default.
Despite these challenges, Costa Rica keeps producing competitive amateur golfers. The country’s success at Latin America Amateur Championships proves proper development works even with limited resources.
FAQs
Who is the richest golfer from Costa Rica?
Paul Chaplet is Costa Rica’s richest and most accomplished golfer with an estimated net worth of $1-1.5 million. He won the 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship at age 16, becoming the first Costa Rican to play in the Masters Tournament. He also won the 2017 South American and Central American Amateur Championships.
Has a Costa Rica golfer played in the Masters?
Yes, Paul Chaplet played in the 2016 Masters Tournament after winning the Latin America Amateur Championship. At 16 years old, he became the youngest player in that year’s field. He missed the cut with rounds of 79-76 but made history as Costa Rica’s first Masters participant.
How many Costa Rica golfers play professionally?
Approximately 10-15 Costa Rican golfers compete professionally, primarily on PGA Tour Americas, PGA Tour Latinoamerica, and regional developmental circuits. Most earn modest incomes from tournament play supplemented by teaching and local sponsorships, with total career earnings typically under $500,000.
What was Paul Chaplet’s biggest amateur victory?
Paul Chaplet’s biggest victory was the 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. He shot 3-under-par 285 to win by one stroke at age 16, earning invitations to the Masters, The Amateur Championship, and U.S. Amateur Championship along with Open qualifying spots.
