A Guide to Enjoying COLOMBIA
With coasts on two oceans, snow-capped peaks, verdant mountains and lush jungles, Colombia offers a...
A Guide to Golf in Colombia
Thanks to their design, climate and diverse landscapes, the golf courses of this Latin American country have become prime international destinations. Here are five of the best.
The impeccable green at Medelli?n Club El Rodeo (La Macarena).
When it comes to impressive golf courses, Colombia is clearly on par with the rest of the world, an assertion confirmed by The Rolex World’s Top 1000 Golf Courses (2010), which recognized the quality of the settings created for the sport in Colombia. This praise reinforces the endorsement given some years ago by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), which certified the country as an international destination.
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“Without a doubt, Colombia is a great place to play golf,” says Germán Calle, a journalist who specializes in the sport. “The golf courses of Colombia are just gorgeous, thanks to their natural settings, lush forests and impressive lakes. The courses are surrounded by mountains or coastline and adapt to the local scenic diversity. Best of all, thanks to our tropical climate, you can enjoy a game of golf 365 days a year.”
Colombia is home to 50 world-class golf courses. In the Latin American rankings, its courses place third, following those of Argentina and Brazil. Course designers as prestigious as Robert Trent Jones, Scott Miller, Joe Lee, Mark Mahannah and Jack Nicklaus have left their stamp on the country. And according to the Federación Colombiana de Golf, visitors from abroad need only bring documentation accrediting them as a club member in their home country in order to enjoy these glorious courses.
Now, let´s hit the green.
Eje Cafetero
CLUB CAMPESTRE DE PEREIRA
The golf course at Club Campestre in the city of Pereira (located in the heart of the Coffee Triangle) offers a wonderful experience surrounded by the lush green hills of this coffee-growing area, thanks to the region’s warm climate, with average temps of 73ºF.
WHERE TO STAY
$$$Hotel de Pereira: The most important hotel complex in the Coffee Triangle.
WHERE TO EAT
El Balcón de los Arrieros: Traditional Colombian fare.
WHAT TO DO
It’s easy to explore the Coffee Triangle, the cities of Manizales, Armenia and Pereira, as its cities and communities are all close together. Visit the Parque del Café (Coffee Park), the Parque Nacional Agropecuario (Panaca) and the municipality of Salento.
Bogotá
COUNTRY CLUB
One of the most famous golf courses in Colombia is that of the Country Club, located in the heart of Bogotá. With flat fairways and classic designs, this is the only course in the country to host a European tour event. It also offers magnificent views of the hills surrounding Bogotá. Country Club was the headquarters of the 2010 Nationwide Tour.
WHERE TO STAY
$$$ Sonesta Hotel Bogotá: ubicado en el centro comercial Metro 127, con restaurantes, tiendas y centros de belleza.
WHERE TO EAT
Café Renault: en pleno Parque de la 93, ofrece lo mejor en comida internacional.
WHAT TO DO
Recorra los parques, cafés, bares, cinemas y restaurantes de Usaquén, uno de los barrios más tradicionales y entretenidos de Bogotá.
Medellín
CLUC EL RODEO (La Macarena)
Inaugurated in 1972, this Mark Mahannah course is notable for its trees and impeccable greens. The average temperature is 64ºF.
WHERE TO STAY
$$$ Hotel Estelar Milla de Oro: This hotel near Avenida el Poblado features elegant and modern facilities.
WHERE TO EAT
Qué haré para enamorarte: The best in traditional fare, including the bandeja paisa (beans, rice, ground beef, a fried egg, pork cracklings, blood sausage, fried plantain and avocado).
WHAT TO DO
Make a visit to Pueblito Paisa, located in the heart of the city’s downtown. Take in the architecture and traditions of the people who colonized the region and the intricacies of coffee culture.
Cali
CLUB CAMPESTRE
With an average temperature of 77°F, this golf course is dotted with flower gardens and lakes. Howard Watson of Canadian Gold Landscaping Ltd. designed the vast and verdant expanse.
WHERE TO STAY
$$$ Hotel intercontinental: Enjoy exclusivity and comfort in this fine hotel.
www.hotelesestelar.com
WHERE TO EAT
Platillos voladores: Asian and Mediterranean influences, with a Colombian touch.
tel. 57-2-681-3630
www.platillosvoladores.com
MORE TO EXPLORE
Head to the statue of Cristo Rey (the Colombian version of Rio de Janeiro’s Cristo Redentor), visit the zoo and discover the everyday life of Cali locals in Plaza de Caicedo. In Loma de la Cruz, you’ll enjoy a bohemian atmosphere, and in Pance (40 minutes away), you can go for a refreshing swim.
Cartagena de Indias
KARIBANA BEACH CLUB
Like the golf course at the iconic Club Campestre de Cartagena, the Karibana Beach Club was intended to make history. This luxurious golf course was designed by the famous Nicklaus Design firm and also features condominiums.
WHERE TO STAY
$$$ Sofitel Cartagena Hotel Santa Clara: The most luxurious and comfortable hotel in Cartagena.
WHERE TO EAT
Juan del Mar: The best fish and seafood.
MORE TO EXPLORE
The world-renowned city of Cartagena offers the chance to explore the walled city and discover the beautiful colonial architecture of the Old Quarter, where you’ll find the finest restaurants and bars.
LAN FLIGHTS
Daily flights to Bogotá from Lima. Five times a week from Santiago and three times a week from Miami. To Medellín, four flights a week from Quito. To Cali, three flights a week from Quito. For more information visit lan.com
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