Somewhere Between a Birdie and a Mulligan…

Introducing the First Annual HOWLER OPEN, happening Sunday, December 13, 2026, at Tres Volcanes Golf Club.

SAVE THE DATE

And before anybody gets too excited, yes, there will actually be golf.

But this is not just another day of chasing a little white ball around 18 holes while insisting that the next shot is definitely going to be the one that turns things around.

The Howler Open is a Charity Golf Tournament & Community Fiesta benefiting International Animal Rescue Costa Rica and the Nosara Wildlife Rescue Center.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 255

International Animal Rescue (IAR) Costa Rica—formerly known as the Refuge for Wildlife—is a non-profit organization that provides 24-hour emergency rescue, specialized veterinary hospital care, and rehabilitation for injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife across the Nicoya Peninsula. The sanctuary, based in Nosara, treats species like sloths, anteaters, and birds, with a primary focus on howler monkeys suffering from habitat loss and electrical line shocks. Through its proactive “Stop the Shocks” campaign, IAR works to insulate local power lines and install canopy bridges while offering a lifelong sanctuary for animals unable to return to the wild. They work closely with the Local Salve Monos Group in the Papagayo Area.

They provide emergency rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and sanctuary for animals throughout the Nicoya Peninsula and beyond. These are the folks who get the call when wildlife has been injured by electrocution, road accidents and the many other unfortunate consequences of sharing paradise with several hundred thousand humans.

Their goal is simple: rescue, rehabilitate, release and protect.

And keeping that mission going is a big job. The rescue hospital, rehabilitation center and sanctuary cost approximately $45,000–$50,000 every month to operate.

So we thought, why not get the community together, play some golf, have a fiesta and raise some money to help keep the whole operation going?

ENTER THE HOWLER OPEN

 

The plan is to bring together golfers, businesses, residents and visitors from around Guanacaste for a day that involves a little competition, a lot of community and, hopefully, fewer lost balls than expected.

There will be tournament play, plenty of opportunities to get involved and a Community Fiesta to round out the day.

And because not everyone wants to spend four or five hours proving that golf is harder than it looks, there are plenty of ways to participate without ever touching a 7-iron.

Want to put your business in front of the crowd?

There are Event Sponsorships, 18 Hole Sponsorships, 15 Golf Cart Sponsorships and a Scorecard Sponsorship available.

There is also one Beat Dany Sponsorship up for grabs. If you consider yourself a good golfer or just have a big heart this one might be for you. Stay tuned for details.

Want to donate something spectacular?

Prize and Silent Auction donations are welcome.

Contact Michael Simons at michael@tanktopsflipflops.com for sponsorship info and details.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, December 13, 2026
Tres Volcanes Golf Club, Guanacaste

Benefiting the International Animal Rescue Costa Rica – Rescue. Rehabilitate. Release. Protect.

Full tournament, registration and sponsorship details will be coming soon.

For sponsorship information, contact Michael Simons at michael@tanktopsflipflops.com

For everyone else, the instructions are considerably simpler:

Tell your golf buddies.  Tell the people who would rather drink beer at a golf tournament than actually play golf.

Tell the animal lovers.  And tell the guy who claims he can still shoot par.

Because on December 13, Guanacaste is getting a new annual tradition.

The Howler Open.  Come hit a few balls.  Have a few laughs.  Support some very good people doing very important work.

COME ON DOWN BABY!

Pura Vida,

Michael Simons