Golf is an exhilarating sport played worldwide. Argentina boasts beautiful courses with breathtaking views that will mesmerise you as soon as you step onto them. In the City of Buenos Aires and its surroundings, you can find clubs with rich histories and international acclaim.
As many are aware, Argentina offers a vast array of natural landscapes for various activities. Among them, golf has gained significant prominence in recent years. This outdoor sport provides a combination of physical exercise and a connection with nature, along with the opportunity to play individually or in teams.
Throughout Argentina, there are numerous circuits across different provinces. Many of these are surrounded by unique landscapes, situated by rivers and magnificent bodies of water, while others are immersed in lush vegetation or encircled by forests.
In this article, we present some of the finest golf courses in Buenos Aires, so you can explore and enjoy this sport amidst the incredible scenery that Argentina has to offer.
History
Towards the end of the 19th century, golf was a little-known sport in Argentina, with only five clubs where it could be played. Each of these clubs regulated its internal competitions and assigned handicaps to its members. In 1897, the River Plate Amateur Championship Executive was founded, taking charge of organising the championship and adopting Match Play as its system of play. This marked the beginning of golf’s growth as a sport in the country, resulting in an increase in the number of clubs with courses for practice, as well as a sudden interest from the upper social standings in Buenos Aires.
Over time, in 1905, the first genuinely Argentine club, the Golf Club Argentino, was established, and interclub tournaments began to take place three years later. This led to the emergence of new clubs and an increase in competitions, necessitating the adoption and interpretation of golf rules from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, and the standardisation of handicaps.
The Argentine Golf Association was founded in 1926 and currently has 243 affiliated entities, including 27 par 3 courses. This organisation manages the handicaps of 43,494 players across the country and oversees more than 30 official competitions.
Argentina now boasts approximately 313 golf courses located within clubs, country estates, or private neighbourhoods. Interest in this sport has grown over the years, with more than 80,000 golfers in the country, including 50,000 registered and 30,000 recreational players.
The City Golf Course
The golf course was constructed on land granted on concession by the Municipality of the City of Buenos Aires within the Tres de Febrero Park, corresponding to its current location. The original design of the course was created by its first captain, Tom Watson, along with the first professional, John Park. Subsequently, Allister Mackenzie redesigned it, altering its layout to its current configuration.
It is the only Public Golf Club in South America situated within the urban area of a capital city. Located in the heart of the city, a significant part of Argentine golf history has unfolded on its grounds. It attracts thousands of enthusiasts and has hosted some of the country’s most distinguished professionals, including José Jurado, Leopoldo Ruiz, Fidel de Luca, Roberto de Vicenzo, Vicente Fernández, Ángel Cabrera, and Eduardo Romero.
The renowned architect Allister Mackenzie designed this short par 72 course measuring 6,585 yards for the Golf Club Argentino in 1922, but the land was expropriated by the government in the 1950s, leading the club to relocate its course. A few years later, it reopened as a public course and is one of the few in the world with 18 holes set among buildings in a bustling city.
Although it may appear straightforward at first glance, its layout conceals several challenges for visitors. The treacherous obstacles, including terrain and trenches, are ideal for professional golfers. Among its greatest challenges is the famous par three hole 7, which requires an exceptionally precise tee shot over a tall eucalyptus forest.
The course also features an internal parking area with a capacity for 70 vehicles, as well as schools offering golf lessons for children, individuals with special needs, and adults. However, it does not have a clubhouse or a practice area.
Avenida Ernesto Torquinst 6397, Belgrano
Buenos Aires Golf Club
Designed by Robert Vonn Hagge in 1994, featuring nine interconnected lagoons, excellent greens, and well-maintained conditions throughout the year, the Buenos Aires Golf Club is a must-visit among the best golf courses in Buenos Aires. Although it is one of the newer clubs in the country, it already has a long history of hosting golf tournaments.
Located in Bella Vista, in the San Miguel district, it boasts the finest course in the country and one of the most significant in Latin America. It has a 27-hole circuit with a course par of 72 strokes.
Its founders aimed to equip this country club of superior quality with everything necessary to maintain international standards. The club offers golf lessons, a Pro Shop, and an impressive clubhouse. It hosted the World Cup in 2000, which crowned the American duo Tiger Woods and David Duval. It has also hosted the Argentine Open and the Copa Los Andes, both of which are events of international significance.
With a length of 6,860 yards, this course is regarded as one of the best in South America. While it represents a considerable challenge due to the variety of tees, it remains versatile for all levels of play.
Mayor Irusta 3777, B 1661, Bella Vista
Olivos Golf Club
Founded in 1926 and designed by Luther Koontz, Olivos Golf Club is home to a golf course considered one of the best in Argentina and South America. The course extends 6,705 yards and has a par of 72, featuring 27 holes on undulating terrain, adorned with beautiful trees and excellent-quality greens. The main 18 holes belong to the Blanca and Colorada courses, while the remaining 9 are part of the Azul course.
The club includes a practice range, a golf school, and a children’s park. Additionally, you can purchase golf equipment at the Pro Shop, which also offers club and cart rentals.
Olivos Golf Club has hosted the Masters Tournament and the Argentine Open multiple times. Regarded by many as “the Augusta of Argentina”, its course presents a significant challenge due to the need for varied shots from the tee. Its large, undulating greens stand out due to their exceptional maintenance, comparable to the world’s top clubs.
Olivos Golf Club is renowned for its tradition, reputation, and challenging golf, making it a must-visit course.
Ruta Panamericana Ramal Pilar Km 32 – Ing. Pablo Nogués
San Andrés Golf Club
San Andrés Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Argentina and the oldest course in South America. Its course was designed by Mungo Park, and the club takes its name from the Scottish course St. Andrews.
The club’s history mirrors that of many clubs from that era when the British community settled in the country. Over time, the Argentine descendants of these pioneers have kept the traditions of those communities alive. Even today, when most members are born in Argentina, many traditions of their British forebears are still observed.
With a length of 6,472 yards, it presents numerous challenges for seasoned players. The 18-hole golf course, designed by Park in 1907, is similar to that of the Jockey Club in its characteristics. This par 72 for men and 73 for women features a classic British park setting with centuries-old trees and medium-sized greens with gentle slopes.
Among the services offered by San Andrés Golf Club are a practice area, putting green, Pro shop, lockers, children ‘s park, bar, and restaurant. It also provides trolleys and caddies.
This course is part of the history of golf in Buenos Aires. Its previous course (near the current one) hosted the first official golf match in Argentina in 1894, and it has received the Argentine Open more times than any other venue, totalling 21 occasions.
Street Ituzaingó 2736, B 1651 San Andrés
Jockey Golf Club
Founded on April 15, 1882, the Jockey has a unique tradition in Argentina’s history, as all the presidents of the nation have been members of this prestigious club.
In its over 100 years of history, it has hosted the Argentine Open, the World Cup, and the European Tour, events that have welcomed legends such as Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Craig Stadler, and Byron Nelson, among others.
The Jockey Club golf circuit is located in San Isidro and spans eighty hectares, divided into two 18-hole courses, known as Azul (6,378 yards) and Colorada (6,577 yards). Both golf courses were designed in 1930 by Allister Mackenzie, who also created Cypress Point, Augusta National, Royal Melbourne, and Crystal Downs. Both courses are strategic and offer a significant challenge for low handicappers while remaining friendly for high handicappers.
Its majestic English-style clubhouse consists of two floors and features numerous amenities and services, including changing rooms and lockers. The Pro Shop is also located here, where apparel and sporting goods can be purchased.
It is important to note that the Jockey Club is a private club with many members and offers limited spots for non-members. Additionally, it does not provide buggies or caddies.
Avenida Bernarbé Márquez 1702, San Isidro
Hurlingham Golf Club
Established in 1888 by prominent members of the British community, Hurlingham Club was created to emulate a traditional gentlemen’s club. Inspired by its London counterpart and under the direction of John Ravenscroft, Hurlingham Club opened its doors on November 22, 19th century. It features a sprawling 73-hectare estate that includes an 18-hole golf course, five polo fields, stables for 250 horses, 18 tennis courts (six of which are grass), a cricket field, and two swimming pools.
Golf has been played at Hurlingham Club since 1892, when the first nine holes of the course were inaugurated. This was one of the first courses in the country, and it was expanded to 18 holes in 1922, reaching its current layout in the 1930s. This par 71 course spans 6,349 yards, with a unique and wooded design, distinguished by its small, competitive greens and narrow fairways.
The impressive clubhouse is built in traditional English style and usually hosts players after their rounds, where camaraderie thrives.
Hurlingham Club is an institution that was among the founders of the Argentine Golf Association and continues to be a benchmark among clubs dedicated to this sport in the country. With multiple facilities, Hurlingham Club is one of the most distinguished sports and social establishments in Argentina. It has evolved over the years to meet the needs of successive generations, yet it remains the same traditional and conservative place it has always been.
The club has hosted numerous important national and international championships, including the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires and the Argentine Open.
Av. Roca 1411,Hurlingham
Golf Club Argentino
Golf Club Argentino is one of the most traditional and prestigious courses in the country, and it is also one of the most competitive, having hosted the Argentine Open several times, witnessing victories by great names such as Eduardo Romero and Vicente Fernández.
The original golf course was designed by Mungo Park and later modified by Alister Mackenzie in the early 1930s. The new course was designed by Luther Koontz in 1949 and opened for play in 1952. Some greens were modified by Emilio Serra in the 1980s, and the local designers Caprile-Capdepont redesigned greens 1, 2, and 8 in 1993.
It is located in the heart of the country club, maintaining a significant distance between houses and the holes, which gives the course a special atmosphere. The course is maintained to one of the highest standards in the country, ensuring that its greens, fairways, and roughs are well cared for. As you play, you will appreciate fast and small greens, along with a rich variety of wildlife and lagoons, which add an extra element of beauty to the course thanks to its magnificent landscapes.
The hallmark of Golf Club Argentino is its greens: small, hard, fast, and with an inverted plate shape. The course currently measures 6,757 yards from the back tees, with a par of 72. The most demanding holes are 2, 8, and 11, but the stretch of the last three holes is known in Argentina as one of the most challenging, particularly the par 3 of hole 17.
At Club de Golf Argentino, the number of members is not as high as in other clubs, creating a more familial atmosphere. It is common to encounter groups of a few golfers of varying ages, often friends.
The club maintains the traditions of the golfing society and is often referred to as the best “Golf Club” in the country, not only for upholding and maintaining the British tradition of golf (or for its outstanding course) but also for the camaraderie among its members. This is a course that every golfer should visit.
Ruta Nacional 8 Km 41.5, B1669 José C. Paz.
Everything for Golf Lovers
Golf enthusiasts and nature lovers will find in Buenos Aires courses that meet the highest international standards. Not only due to the quality of the playing surfaces but also because of the scenic beauty and facilities, the golf courses of Buenos Aires boast a rich history and tradition. We hope this guide leads you to discover these incredible spots.
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