As published in the February 2025 issue of Golf Central Magazine
By Dave Finn
Colombia may be the most underrated country in South America. After years of uncertainty, challenge and change, Columbia has emerged as the newest travel destination for curious travellers and naturalists. According to World Wildlife Magazine, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, with ecosystems that range from the Andes mountains to Amazonian rainforests and oceans that border the country. These elements are part of what makes golfing here so exciting.
Bogota Street Art
Bogotá is the capital, with over 10 million inhabitants. It is the third-highest capital city in South America, at 8.600 feet above sea level. With average temperatures ranging from 45°F – 60°F, it’s cool in more ways than one, so make sure you bring extra layers of clothes. There are 20 courses within a 45-minute radius, but regrettably, I only had the opportunity to play four.
Club El Rincon de Cajica
El Rincón de Cajicá Golf Club is a private country club with panoramic views of the Andes. This heathland-style course was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr in 1957 and has hosted numerous national and international tournaments. At one time, Golf Magazine considered it among the best 50 golf courses in the world.In 1980, El Rincón proudly hosted the World Cup. Since 2022, it has also been home to the PGA Tour Americas Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship. This course has a walkable tree-lined layout but beware the water that is evident on twelve holes, and the huge bunkers should be avoided at all costs.
Club Campestre Guaymaral is also a private facility. They offer two magnificent 18-hole courses that are both ranked among the best in the country. Even though there is less water, the greens are well protected by bunkers, and I found it the best-conditioned course.
La Cima Golf Club
La Cima Golf Club is a public course 9,850 feet above sea level, potentially making it the world’s third-highest golf course. Do not expect any amenities. The conditioning is rough around the edges, but it offers stunning views. This par-70 is a minimalist design that follows the natural topography, and the tight fairways will challenge your every shot, but remember that your ball flies further at this altitude. There are plenty of blind shots, and the elevation changes are extreme. Green fees range between US$20 to $40.
Briceno 18 – 1st Hole
Briceño 18 Golf Club is another public course that stretches to 7319 yards, making it one of the longest courses in Colombia. Briceño is a tale of two distinctive layouts. The front nine is a parkland design that meanders through a well-forested landscape, whereas the back nine is more links-style with wide open fairways peppered with deep-faced bunkers and rolling terrain. For 18 holes, green fees range from US$10.50 to $25.70.
Here are a few things to consider when planning your trip. Most courses are private but accessible when you book through a local tour operator like Pelecanus SAS. Caddies are mandatory for guests and range from US$8 to $14 + $3.50 for caddy snacks + tip. The dress code requires long pants, and it is traditional to stop and dine after nine holes.
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