Top 5 Golfing Countries in South America
South America is the place to head with your golf clubs if you want a break from the cold in the north. Some of the best golfers in the world actually originate from South America. This continent boasts of some of the best golf courses in the world that have been designed by the best golf course designers. It is also a place with several historic golf courses. RunRex highlights the top 5 golfing countries in this part of the world.
1. Brazil
Brazil is known to be the largest country in South America, and it has so much to offer. The different regions and the vibrant culture of the Brazilian people could take weeks and even months to explore. Another unique aspect that Brazil is known for is its sporting culture, and golf is one of the major sports in the country. It has 100 golf resorts that are mainly located in the major cities across the country.
You cannot talk of golf in Brazil without mentioning Terravista. Terravista was designed by a golf course architect named Dan Blankenship and is the most important and most reputable golf course in Brazil. Sao Fernando Golf Club is yet another golf course based in Sao Paulo. It is one of the toughest golf courses to play on and among the best in the country. Ilha de Commandatiba in the far north, another masterpiece of Dan Blankenship, does not disappoint either.
2. Argentina
The Europeans gifted Argentina the best gift for golfers by introducing golf in the country late in the 19th century. The Argentinians did not disappoint either given the level to which golf has grown since it was introduced there. 300 golf courses characterize the country’s golf industry and among them are some of the best golf courses in the entire South America. If you are still debating whether or not you should fly to Argentina for your next golf vacation, the answer should be a resounding yes.
Some of the highly esteemed golf courses in Argentina include the reputable Jockey Club that was established back in 1882, Buenos Aires Golf Club that is listed among the best golf courses in this South American continent, Chapelco Golf and Resort, Olivos Golf Club, Hurlingham, Cordoba Golf Club and many more. When it comes to offering a memorable golfing experience, Argentina never disappoints.
3. Colombia
Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America. It is also a country that cherishes sports and golf is among them. You will find more than 60 golf courses in the country making it a destination worth considering for anyone looking for a South American golfing experience. The end of the reign of the drug lords in the country has boosted the confidence of tourists with thousands of tourists flocking the country every year.
Colombia is home to El Rincon, a golf course that hosted the 1980 World Cup. Other reputable golf courses in Colombia can be found at TPC Cartegena, Cauharal, Cali, San Andres, Los Lagartos, Medellin, Bucaramanga and Bogota. Being home to golf courses designed by some of the best golf architects in the world, Colombia is definitely a perfect golf destination for any golfer.
4. Chile
To the west of South America lies a long coastal strip named Chile. The 100-mile width of the country has not hindered it from establishing its position as one of the top golfing countries in South America. Golf was first introduced in Chile in the 1930s. This was also the decade when the first golf association in the country was established. The sport has grown and now boast of 60 incredible golf courses. They are spread out along the length of the country, but a majority of them are found in Santiago and Aconcagua.
Patagonia Virgin, Los Leones, La Serena, Rocas de Santo Domingo, Magallanes, Valle Escondido, Hacienda Chicureo and Granadilla are some of the names you will come across in the list of the best golf courses in Chile. It is one of the most vibrant golfing nations bordering the Pacific.
5. Venezuela
Venezuela is known for having incredible landscapes and natural features like lakes, waterfalls, sandy beaches and mountains. Other than the beauties of nature, Venezuela has something else to offer – Golf. The sport has greatly grown especially after the reign of Hugo Chaves ended in 2013. Federacion Venezilana de Golf is the main golf body in the country, and 20 of the golf clubs in Venezuela are its affiliates.
The best golf courses are the ones that offer the best golf experience, and Venezuela has some. Lagunita Country Club is one such course. It is known for having hosted the 1979 Venezuelan Open and has, on several occasions, hosted the Caracas Open. Other incredible Venezuelan golf courses include Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, Izcaragua, Caracas and Maracaibo. If you are wondering whether there is something in store for golfers in Venezuela, then the answer is yes. Therefore, consider sharpening your Spanish a little more and jet into Venezuela for your next golf trip.