Best Golf Courses in South America | Top Destinations 2026

South America offers some of the most spectacular and underrated golf courses in the world. From championship layouts nestled against the Andes Mountains to tropical coastal gems overlooking the Atlantic, the continent delivers unforgettable golfing experiences that combine world-class design with breathtaking natural beauty.

Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or adding rounds to your South American adventure, this comprehensive guide covers the best golf courses across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru. We'll show you where to play, what to expect, and how the Hole19 Golf App can help you navigate these incredible courses with confidence.

What Makes South American Golf Courses Special?

South American golf courses stand out for their incredible diversity and dramatic settings. Unlike golf destinations in Europe or North America, South America offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and challenging golf that remains relatively uncrowded compared to traditional golf travel hotspots.

Stunning Natural Landscapes

From the snow-capped Andes to pristine Atlantic beaches, South American golf courses showcase some of the planet's most spectacular scenery. You'll play rounds with views that rival anything found at Pebble Beach or St Andrews, often at a fraction of the cost and with far fewer crowds on the course.

Year-Round Golf Opportunities

Thanks to diverse climates across the continent, you can find excellent playing conditions throughout the year. While Argentina and Chile offer prime golf during their spring and summer months (October through March), tropical destinations like Brazil and Colombia provide consistent year-round play.

Championship-Quality Designs

Many South American golf courses feature designs from legendary architects including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Greg Norman. These layouts challenge golfers of all skill levels while incorporating the continent's unique topography and natural features.

Exceptional Value

Compared to golf destinations in the United States or Europe, South America offers outstanding value. Green fees at championship courses often cost 40-60% less than comparable layouts in North America, and many facilities provide premium amenities at reasonable prices.

Cultural Experiences

Playing golf in South America isn't just about the courses—it's about immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, enjoying world-class cuisine, and experiencing the legendary hospitality that defines the continent. Every round becomes part of a richer travel experience.

Using the Hole19 Golf App, you can access detailed course information, accurate GPS yardages, and track your performance across these incredible South American layouts, making every round more enjoyable and helping you play your best golf while traveling.

Argentina: Home to Championship Golf and Breathtaking Landscapes

Argentina leads South America in golf course quality and quantity, with over 340 courses spread across this vast nation. The country's golf culture dates back to 1878, making it one of the oldest golf destinations in South America.

Jockey Club (Red Course) – Buenos Aires

Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in South America, Jockey Club's Red Course represents Argentine golf at its finest. This championship layout hosted the World Cup of Golf and features classic parkland design with mature trees, strategic bunkering, and immaculate conditioning.

The course demands strategic thinking rather than pure power. Accuracy off the tee proves essential, as narrow fairways lined with towering trees punish wayward drives. The greens are fast and true, rewarding precise approach shots and confident putting strokes.

Located just outside Buenos Aires, Jockey Club provides easy access for international travelers. The club's facilities match the quality of the golf course, with excellent practice areas, elegant clubhouse amenities, and professional staff who ensure memorable experiences for visiting golfers.

Chapelco Golf & Resort – San Martín de los Andes

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains in Patagonia, Chapelco Golf & Resort offers one of the most visually stunning golf experiences in South America. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Design seamlessly integrates golf with the region's natural beauty, featuring elevation changes, native vegetation, and panoramic mountain views.

The course plays at high altitude (approximately 2,800 feet), meaning drives carry farther than at sea level. Strategic bunkering and water features on several holes create both beauty and challenge. The signature 18th hole requires a precise tee shot over water to a narrow fairway, with the clubhouse and mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.

Beyond golf, Chapelco serves as a base for exploring Patagonia's natural wonders. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, excellent dining, and access to hiking, fishing, and skiing (in winter months).

Olivos Golf Club – Buenos Aires

Another prestigious Buenos Aires layout, Olivos Golf Club features two championship courses that have hosted numerous professional tournaments. The club's Red Course showcases classic Argentine golf design with tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and challenging green complexes.

Olivos demonstrates why Argentine golf ranks among the world's best. The course demands every club in the bag, rewarding strategic play while punishing aggressive mistakes. Immaculate conditioning throughout the year ensures consistent playing conditions.

Buenos Aires Golf Club

Buenos Aires Golf Club rounds out the capital's "big four" premier golf courses. This championship layout blends traditional design elements with modern course management, creating a challenging yet fair test of golf.

The course features wide fairways that encourage aggressive driving, but strategic bunkering around the greens demands precision on approach shots. Water comes into play on several holes, adding strategic considerations to club selection and shot placement.

How Hole19 Helps in Argentina

When playing Argentine golf courses, the Hole19 App provides essential yardage information, helping you adjust for altitude at mountain courses like Chapelco. Track your performance statistics to understand how your game adapts to new courses, and use the GPS features to navigate unfamiliar layouts with confidence. With courses mapped throughout Argentina, Hole19 ensures you're always prepared, whether playing championship layouts in Buenos Aires or mountain courses in Patagonia.

Brazil: Tropical Paradise Meets Elite Golf Design

Brazil combines tropical beauty with excellent golf facilities, particularly along its extensive coastline and in major metropolitan areas. The country's golf scene continues growing, with new championship courses attracting international attention.

Comandatuba Ocean Course – Bahia

Widely regarded as the best golf course in Brazil, Comandatuba Ocean Course delivers a spectacular golf experience on Comandatuba Island. Designed by American architect Dan Blankenship, this championship layout features dramatic ocean views, strategic design, and challenging conditions that test every aspect of your game.

The course routing takes full advantage of the island setting, with several holes playing directly along the Atlantic Ocean. Trade winds add complexity to club selection, while strategic bunkering and water hazards demand precision. The signature holes along the coastline rival famous seaside courses anywhere in the world.

Comandatuba Island Resort provides complete golf vacation amenities including comfortable accommodations, multiple restaurants, and access to pristine beaches. The island's protected environment ensures excellent playing conditions year-round.

Itanhangá Golf Club – Rio de Janeiro

Located in the hills overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Itanhangá Golf Club offers stunning views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. This championship course features dramatic elevation changes, strategic water hazards, and tight fairways that demand accuracy.

Playing Itanhangá provides a unique golf experience combining challenging golf with Rio's natural beauty. Several holes offer breathtaking views over the city and Guanabara Bay, creating memorable moments even on challenging rounds.

The club hosted the Olympic Golf Competition during the 2016 Rio Olympics, cementing its status as Brazil's premier metropolitan golf facility. Professional-grade conditioning and excellent facilities make Itanhangá a must-play for visiting golfers.

São Paulo Golf Club

Brazil's oldest golf club, São Paulo Golf Club combines historical significance with championship-quality golf. The course features classic parkland design with mature trees, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens that reward precise approach play.

Located near downtown São Paulo, the club provides convenient access for business travelers and tourists exploring Brazil's largest city. The traditional clubhouse and excellent practice facilities complement the quality of the golf course.

Terravista Golf Course – Bahia

Another spectacular layout along Brazil's Bahia coastline, Terravista Golf Course features design by American architect Dan Blankenship. The course incorporates dramatic coastal scenery with challenging golf that tests players of all skill levels.

Terravista's clifftop holes overlook the Atlantic Ocean, creating both spectacular views and challenging playing conditions. Wind management becomes crucial, particularly on exposed coastal holes where proper club selection can mean the difference between birdie and bogey.

Playing Golf in Brazil with Hole19

Brazil's diverse golf courses benefit from the Hole19 Golf App's GPS yardage features, particularly helpful when playing coastal courses where wind affects club selection. Track your rounds at Brazil's championship layouts, monitor your statistics, and compare your performance across different courses. The app's shot tracking helps you understand how ocean winds and altitude changes impact your game, making you a smarter, more strategic player.

Chile: Dramatic Courses with Andes Mountain Views

Chile's golf courses showcase the country's spectacular geography, with many layouts featuring views of the Andes Mountains, Pacific Ocean, or both. The country's long, narrow shape creates diverse golf environments from desert courses in the north to lake-and-mountain layouts in the south.

Los Leones Golf Club – Santiago

Consistently ranked among the best golf courses in South America, Los Leones Golf Club features championship golf in the heart of Santiago with stunning Andes Mountain views. The course has hosted numerous professional events and challenges golfers with strategic design, fast greens, and excellent year-round conditioning.

Los Leones demands precise shot-making rather than overwhelming length. Strategic bunkering protects every green, while mature trees line fairways creating natural hazards that penalize wayward shots. The course rewards players who think strategically and execute with precision.

The club's location within Santiago makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring Chile's capital. Modern facilities, excellent practice areas, and professional staff ensure memorable golf experiences.

La Dehesa Country Club – Santiago

Another premier Santiago golf facility, La Dehesa Country Club features two championship courses that test golfers against a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. The courses incorporate Chile's natural landscape with strategic water features, elevation changes, and challenging green complexes.

La Dehesa's New Course, designed by Jorge Croxatto, provides a stern championship test that rewards precision over power. Strategic bunkering and water hazards demand careful course management, while fast, undulating greens challenge even accomplished putters.

Hacienda Chicureo Golf Club – Santiago

Located north of Santiago, Hacienda Chicureo Golf Club offers a links-style layout unusual for Chilean golf. Wide-open fairways encourage aggressive driving, but strategic bunkering and undulating terrain demand thoughtful shot placement.

The course provides excellent playing conditions year-round, with Chile's Mediterranean climate ensuring reliable weather during most months. Mountain views throughout the round create a spectacular setting for championship golf.

Marahuá Golf Club – Puerto Varas

In Chile's beautiful Lake District, Marahuá Golf Club showcases golf amid volcanic landscapes and pristine lakes. The course features dramatic elevation changes, stunning views of Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano, and challenging design that incorporates the region's natural features.

Playing Marahuá provides a complete golf experience combining championship-quality golf with some of Chile's most spectacular scenery. The layout demands strategic thinking, as elevation changes and prevailing winds significantly impact club selection and shot execution.

Chilean Golf with Hole19 Technology

Chile's mountain golf courses present unique challenges with elevation changes affecting distance. The Hole19 App's GPS yardage system helps you navigate these layouts accurately, while shot tracking features let you analyze how altitude and mountain winds impact your game. Use the app's course notes feature to record strategic insights about specific holes, helping you play smarter when you return to these spectacular Chilean courses.

Uruguay: Hidden Gem Golf Courses Worth the Journey

Uruguay offers excellent golf in a compact, accessible package. The country features several championship courses, with many offering coastal settings and links-style design unusual for South America.

Cantegril Country Club – Punta del Este

Uruguay's premier golf destination, Cantegril Country Club features a championship layout along the Atlantic coast near Punta del Este. The course combines parkland and links characteristics, with mature trees on inland holes giving way to exposed coastal sections where wind becomes a major factor.

Cantegril has hosted numerous professional events and demonstrates championship-quality conditioning year-round. Strategic bunkering, water hazards, and fast greens create challenges that demand precise shot-making and careful course management.

The club's location near Punta del Este, Uruguay's famous beach resort, makes it ideal for combining golf with other vacation activities. Excellent facilities and professional service complement the quality of the golf course.

Club de Golf del Uruguay – Montevideo

Uruguay's oldest golf club, Club de Golf del Uruguay features a classic parkland layout near Montevideo. Mature trees line fairways, strategic bunkering protects greens, and excellent conditioning ensures quality golf experiences.

The course provides a traditional golf club atmosphere with historical significance and modern amenities. Its location near Uruguay's capital makes it accessible for visitors exploring Montevideo.

Carmelo Golf Club – Colonia

Located in Uruguay's wine country near the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, Carmelo Golf Club offers golf amid vineyards and rolling hills. The course features strategic design with water hazards, undulating terrain, and challenging green complexes.

Carmelo provides an excellent golf-and-wine destination, allowing visitors to combine quality golf with exploring Uruguay's emerging wine region and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Peru: High-Altitude Golf Adventures

Peru's golf courses provide unique experiences combining Andean landscapes with championship-quality golf. High-altitude layouts require significant distance adjustments, while coastal courses offer excellent year-round conditions.

Los Inkas Golf Club – Cusco

One of the world's highest-elevation golf courses, Los Inkas Golf Club sits at approximately 11,500 feet above sea level near Cusco. The course offers spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding Andes peaks while providing a unique golf experience where altitude dramatically affects every shot.

At this elevation, golf balls carry approximately 25-30% farther than at sea level. Strategic bunkering and water hazards remain challenging despite the extra distance, while the thin air demands physical conditioning for walking the course.

Los Inkas provides a bucket-list golf experience, particularly when combined with exploring Cusco and nearby Machu Picchu. The course's unique setting and extreme altitude create memorable rounds unlike anywhere else in the world.

Lima Golf Club – Lima

Peru's premier golf facility in the capital, Lima Golf Club features championship golf at sea level with views of the Pacific Ocean. The course has hosted professional tournaments and provides excellent conditioning year-round thanks to Lima's mild, dry climate.

Strategic design incorporates the coastal setting, with several holes playing near the ocean where wind management becomes crucial. Excellent practice facilities and modern clubhouse amenities complement the quality of the golf course.

Los Inkas Valle Sagrado – Sacred Valley

Another spectacular high-altitude option near Cusco, Los Inkas Valle Sagrado features championship golf amid Sacred Valley scenery. The course combines dramatic elevation changes with strategic design, creating challenging and memorable golf.

Playing at altitude demands significant club selection adjustments, while spectacular mountain views create one of South America's most scenic golf experiences.

Planning Your South American Golf Trip

Successfully planning a South American golf adventure requires understanding travel logistics, course access, and practical considerations.

Best Times to Visit

South American countries span various climate zones, affecting optimal golf travel times:

Argentina and Chile's prime golf season runs October through March (spring and summer), with December through February offering the warmest weather. Buenos Aires and Santiago remain pleasant year-round, while Patagonian courses like Chapelco open only during warmer months.

Brazil's coastal regions provide excellent year-round golf, with December through March bringing warmer weather and occasional afternoon rain showers. Inland courses like those in São Paulo enjoy consistent conditions throughout the year.

Colombia's equatorial location ensures year-round golf opportunities, with minimal seasonal variation. Bogotá's high altitude provides comfortable temperatures year-round, though afternoon rain is common.

Uruguay's golf season peaks November through March, with coastal courses near Punta del Este offering the best conditions during summer months.

Travel Logistics and Course Access

Most premier South American golf courses require advance tee time reservations. Private clubs may require member introductions or proof of handicap, though many welcome international visitors with proper arrangements.

Book tee times several weeks ahead for popular courses, particularly during peak season. Many courses offer online booking through their websites or contact them directly via email.

International flights connect major hubs like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago, and Lima to cities worldwide. Domestic flights provide efficient connections between golf destinations within each country.

Equipment Considerations

Airlines typically allow golf clubs as standard checked baggage, though policies vary. Confirm baggage allowances when booking flights to avoid unexpected fees.

High-altitude courses require club distance adjustments. Balls carry 10-15% farther at moderate altitude (5,000-7,000 feet) and 25-30% farther at extreme altitude (10,000+ feet). Plan club selections accordingly and track adjustments using the Hole19 app.

Consider bringing extra balls for coastal courses where ocean winds increase the chance of losing balls on wayward shots.

Language and Currency

Spanish dominates Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay, while Portuguese is Brazil's primary language. Many golf facilities employ English-speaking staff, but basic Spanish or Portuguese phrases help navigate daily interactions.

Argentina uses Argentine pesos, Brazil uses Brazilian reals, Chile uses Chilean pesos, Colombia uses Colombian pesos, Peru uses Peruvian soles, and Uruguay uses Uruguayan pesos. Credit cards work at most golf facilities, though carrying local currency helps with caddies and incidental expenses.

Health and Safety

Standard travel vaccinations suffice for most South American destinations. Consult travel health professionals for specific recommendations based on your itinerary.

High-altitude locations like Cusco, Peru, or Bogotá, Colombia require acclimatization. Arrive 1-2 days before playing high-altitude courses to adjust and prevent altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and consider walking courses slowly or using carts.

Accommodation Options

Golf resorts like Comandatuba Island Resort and Chapelco Golf & Resort provide complete vacation packages with comfortable lodging, dining, and course access. Urban courses near Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago, Bogotá, and Lima allow staying in city hotels with easy course access.

Book accommodations near desired golf courses to minimize daily travel time and maximize golf opportunities.

How the Hole19 App Enhances Your South American Golf Experience

The Hole19 Golf App transforms your South American golf adventure from guesswork to precision, helping you play your best golf regardless of unfamiliar courses, altitude changes, or challenging conditions.

GPS Yardages for Unfamiliar Courses

Navigating new courses becomes simple with Hole19's accurate GPS yardage system. Get precise distances to greens, hazards, and landing zones, eliminating uncertainty when playing South American layouts for the first time.

The app's flyover visuals help you understand hole layouts before stepping onto the tee, particularly valuable when playing courses without detailed yardage books or local caddie knowledge.

Shot Tracking and Performance Analysis

Track every shot during your South American rounds to understand how your game performs in new conditions. Monitor driving accuracy, greens in regulation, and putting statistics to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Shot tracking proves particularly valuable when playing high-altitude courses, helping you understand exactly how much distance you gain at elevation. Build a reliable database of altitude-adjusted club distances for future mountain golf experiences.

Handicap Management

Post scores from your South American rounds to maintain an accurate handicap. The app automatically calculates your handicap based on course ratings and slope, ensuring your index reflects your true ability regardless of where you play.

Course Notes and Strategy

Use Hole19's notes feature to record strategic insights about specific holes—ideal landing zones, hidden hazards, green slopes, and wind patterns. These notes prove invaluable if you return to South American courses in future trips.

Score Tracking and History

Keep detailed records of every South American round, creating a permanent golf journal of your travels. Review past rounds to remember specific courses, scores, and highlights from your golf adventures.

Social Features

Share your South American golf experiences with friends through Hole19's social features. Post scorecards, highlight exceptional shots, and connect with other golfers exploring South America's incredible courses.

Offline Functionality

Download course maps before your rounds to ensure GPS functionality even in areas with limited cell service. Many South American courses, particularly those in remote locations, may have spotty connectivity, making offline access essential.