Golf in Argentina
Understand
Golf is a well-established sport in Argentina. It has more than 280 golf courses according to the Secretaria de Turismo.
The country's top championship is the Campeonato Abierto (Open Championship)
The following is a selection of top courses available to play in the different areas of the country. Although most courses are private, most welcome visitors when booked either through a member or through travel organizations.
When to visit
The best time to play in Argentina varies by the region. In Buenos Aires, the best time is between September and April. In Patagonia the season is shorter, usually October to March. In most of the country, however, golf can be played all year.
Destinations and courses
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires hosts the majority of the courses in Argentina, including many famous clubs and courses used for major national and international tournaments. Some of the most famous and best regarded courses include:
- The Jockey Club is one of the most important courses in Argentina, site of the many Argentina Opens, several European Tour events oand other professional tournaments. There are two golf courses, the Red and the Blue. The first was designed by Alliser Mackenzie in 1928 (one of the most important classical designers in the world), featuring large greens and superb bunkers. The two golf courses have 18 holes each, the Blue (6,229 yards) and the Red (6,628).
- Pilar Golf Club has 27 holes (Blue, White, and Red courses) in an undulating area, surrounded by lakes, lagoons, and a landscape of different colors and shades.Designed to challenge the expert golfer and entertain the amateur. It was the venue of the Argentinean Professional Championship in 2004 and for the last 2 years. With an American style, this golf course has 5 starting tees per hole (Black, Blue, White, Yellow, and Red). It is the only Par 6 hole in South America (665 yards).
- Buenos Aires Golf Club was opened in 1994 to host two important international events: the Argentina Open and Los Andes Cup, and hosted the WGC World Cup in 2000, where the most important golfers participated, including Tiger Woods. The golf course, designed by the Architect Robert Von Hagge, is regarded as one of the most important in South America and the best in Argentina. The main attraction is its American Style, not very common among the Argentinean courses, full of uneven areas which forces players to use all parts of their game.
- Olivos Golf Club is one of the most traditional and famous courses in the country. It is a typical English-style circuit and it can be an easy or difficult layout depending on the setup of the tees and flags. Many famous golfers have played here, including Jack Nicklaus, George Archer, Peter Allis, David Graham, Bob Charles, Tommy Aaron, and many more.
- Los Lagartos Country Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Buenos Aires. It was built by Alberto and Emilio Serra and opened in 1973. Its American-layout features wide fairways and huge tees and the length of the course makes rough unnecessary, except for tournament play. The well-designed dog legs and the strategic location of the water hazards complicate the game, making this course a challenging one. The 27-hole course is divided into 3 nine's: La Vieja, Del Agua, La Larga.
Outside of Buenos Aires
- Los Acantilados in Mar del Plata is a beautiful 18-hole course along the cliffs.
- Llao Llao is a grand resort in Patagonia.
- Rosario Golf Club in Litoral.
- Club del Campo Mendoza, in Cuyo wine country.
- The Cordoba Golf Club, set in a former Jesuit site.
- Salta Polo Club is 5 minutes from Salta city and surrounded by hills and colourful vegetation.
Go next
- Uruguay has golf courses in Colonia, Montevideo, Punta del Este, Fray Bentos, and Carmelo. All but Punta del Este can be reached directly from Argentina.