Colombia, The New Golf Paradise Of The World: Here Are Some Must-Visit Courses, Including Ruitoque, Los Lagartos And Caujaral Lakes – Travel And Tour World

In recent years, Colombia has emerged as a surprising yet compelling destination for golf enthusiasts. From lush jungles to breathtaking mountain vistas and stunning Caribbean coastlines, this South American gem is quickly establishing itself as a world-class golfing haven. With over 50 active golf courses, Colombia offers a diverse and affordable golf experience that rivals traditional golf destinations like the United States, Spain, or Mexico. Its year-round playability, lower costs, and rich cultural backdrop make it an appealing choice for golfers from all over the globe.

An Expansive Array of Golf Courses

One of Colombia’s standout features as a golf destination is the sheer diversity of courses available. With golf courses spread across the country, players can enjoy different types of landscapes, altitudes, and climates, ensuring a varied and exciting golfing experience no matter where they choose to play. Colombia offers options for every level of golfer, from beginners to seasoned professionals, making it a destination for everyone.

The Colombian golf scene is rapidly growing, with both established clubs and new, modern facilities opening throughout the country. These courses are known not only for their technical quality but also for their stunning surroundings. From high-altitude courses with cool, crisp air to tropical courses with sea breezes, Colombia’s golf offerings have something for every player.

Notable Golf Courses in Colombia

Colombia is home to a number of exceptional golf courses, each offering its unique character and challenges:

• Club Los Lagartos (Bogotá): Located in the capital, this course is a favorite among local golfers and international visitors. Redesigned by Nicklaus Design, it has hosted significant tournaments, including the Colombian Open and Copa Los Andes. With its expansive fairways and beautiful views, Club Los Lagartos provides an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
• Bogotá Country Club (Fundadores): This iconic course has been a venue for the Korn Ferry Tour since 2010. Located in the heart of Bogotá, it provides a challenging layout that weaves through mature trees, offering a traditional golfing experience with modern facilities. The high-altitude course creates a unique challenge, particularly for international visitors not accustomed to the thinner air.
• San Andrés Golf Club (Bogotá): Designed by renowned golf architects Thompson and Trent Jones, this course is modeled after the Scottish Old Course, with wide fairways and deep bunkers. Its classic design and strategically placed hazards make it one of the most charming golf courses in Colombia.
• Club Campestre de Medellín (Llanogrande): Located in the Andean region near Medellín, this course is one of the best-maintained in the country. The course is dotted with picturesque lakes and offers both strategic challenges and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Ruitoque Golf & Country Club (Bucaramanga): A Nicklaus Design masterpiece, this course has hosted the PGA Tour Latinoamérica’s Colombia Classic. Its layout incorporates rolling hills and strategic water features, providing a challenge even for experienced golfers. Ruitoque is situated in a region known for its stunning landscapes, making it not only a great place to play golf but also a beautiful place to relax.
• Caujaral Lakes (Barranquilla): Known as one of the most demanding courses in Colombia, Caujaral Lakes is located in Barranquilla, along the Caribbean coast. Its challenging design includes several water hazards, testing golfers’ skills in both precision and strategy.

Year-Round Golfing Paradise

What sets Colombia apart from other golfing destinations is its unique geographic location, straddling the equator. This allows golfers to play year-round in a temperate climate without the worry of harsh winters or rainy seasons. Whether you are on the Caribbean coast enjoying the tropical heat of Cartagena or at high-altitude courses in Bogotá with cooler temperatures, Colombia’s climate ensures that the game can be enjoyed all year long.

Colombia’s variety of thermal zones means players can enjoy a round of golf at any time of year, without worrying about extreme weather conditions. For example, the coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm and sunny conditions, perfect for golfing under the sun, while Bogotá and the Andean highlands maintain mild temperatures throughout the year, making them ideal for a more relaxed golfing experience.

Golf Tourism Growth in Colombia

The rise of golf tourism in Colombia has been nothing short of remarkable. According to the Colombian Golf Federation, the country now has over 14,000 registered golfers and nearly 35,000 regular players—a 75% growth in just five years. What was once considered an elite sport in Colombia has now become an accessible and increasingly popular activity among both locals and tourists.

In 2024, Colombia saw record numbers of international visitors, including a 37.3% increase in foreign tourism. This surge includes golfers from countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. Colombia’s well-developed golf tourism infrastructure and competitive prices continue to draw players from around the world. International golf tourism is expected to grow at a rate of 9.7% annually between 2025 and 2030, further solidifying the country’s place on the global golf map.

Events such as the Colombian Open, Korn Ferry Tour in Bogotá, and various local club tournaments have helped position Colombia as a major player in international golf. These events not only showcase the country’s golf offerings but also attract golf enthusiasts from abroad, adding to the country’s growing reputation as a prime golf destination.

Golf Resorts and Accommodations

Colombia offers a range of luxurious resorts and hotels designed specifically for golf tourists. For example, Punta Diamante Hotel in Bucaramanga is a premier destination for golf lovers, located adjacent to the Ruitoque Golf & Country Club. The hotel offers top-tier accommodations, dining, and spa experiences, making it an ideal base for those looking to enjoy both golf and relaxation.

Conrad Cartagena offers a stunning seaside resort experience near TPC Cartagena at Karibana. With world-class golf facilities, luxurious rooms, and fine dining, it’s the perfect place for golfers to unwind after a day on the course.

Other golf resorts like Estelar Paipa Hotel offer great golfing opportunities in more serene mountain settings, combining relaxation with recreation.

Conclusion

Colombia has quickly become one of the most exciting golf destinations in Latin America. With its vast selection of courses, favorable climate, and growing tourism infrastructure, it’s easy to see why golfers from all over the world are flocking to this vibrant country. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself on a high-altitude course in Bogotá or enjoy the coastal charm of Cartagena, Colombia offers the perfect blend of golf, nature, and culture. As the country continues to develop its golf tourism sector, Colombia is set to become a global leader in golf destinations in the years to come.

(Sources: Colombian Golf Federation, Colombia Ministry of Tourism, Ruitoque Golf & Country Club, Bogotá Country Club, Golf Digest, Conde Nast Traveler)