Colombia

A feature from the IAGTO Directory 2013

Colombia

ColombiaColombia offers the greenest putts in the golf realm

Colombia’s international golf scene has become the talk of the town. In part because of its privileged topography, year-round unparalleled weather and unique courses designed with the highest international standards that will stimulate professional golfers, amateurs, tourists or entrepreneurs alike.

The country today offers as many as 50 exclusive golf courses, blueprinted by renowned international designers such as Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Mark Mahannah and Jack Nicklaus.

Within the last 10 years, the country has been chosen to host important international tournaments including PGA Nationwide Tour events in 2010, 2011 and 2012. This amazing accomplishment has positioned Colombia as the first country in South America to host such events that involve more than 130 international golf participants.

In addition, the European Challenge Tour has been played in Colombia for the past three years as part of the Pacific Colombia Tour, co-sanctioned by the Tour de las Americas and the Canadian Tour. Both championships include five tournaments which award their participants ranking points to attain world classification.

Colombia was also a finalist in the 2012 IAGTO Awards as Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year.

Colombia

Los Fundadores Course at the Bogota Country Club

Club Rincon de Cajica, Bogota

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Colombia

Proexport Colombia, the government entity in charge of promotion of international tourism, has helped national tour operators to position Colombia as a golf destination on the world stage. Internationally, Proexport has also deployed a tourism campaign to position the country as a major golf destination.

The biggest advantage of selecting Colombia as a destination to play golf in is the incredible diversity of its climate and luscious landscapes. Colombia has eight regions, offering 365 days of golf in many different scenic locations. The regions are: Bogota, Centre, Antioquia, West, Atlantic Coast, the Coffee Triangle, Santander and Villavicencio.

To fully take advantage of the diversity in these regions, golfers can enjoy a quick putt in the Andes Mountains, next to the Caribbean Sea, at the edge of the Chicamocha Canyon or nestled in the mountain coffee-scented farms in the Coffee Triangle, the landscapes of which have recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colombia’s regions

Colombia’s different regions offer a variety of contrasts turning the country into a magical destination for golfers who enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, the diversity of climates and the excellence of the courses, combined into perfection.

Colombia’s eight regions are suitable for playing golf in year-round:

Bogota, DCThe Colombian capital has a population close to eight million inhabitants and is situated at 2,640 metres (8,661 feet) above sea level. With more than 24 courses and a pleasantly cool climate, Bogota is a golf epicentre that invites players to practice the sport all year round. Also, due to the altitude above sea level, the ball flies up to 12% further than on other courses around the world.

Bogota city centre

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Colombia

Central ZoneThe Central Zone encompasses the departments of Cundinamarca, Huila, and Tolima, and offers a variety of golf courses and a strategic location allowing golfers to travel short distances between one course and another. The scenery and climate vary greatly depending on the altitude above sea level, with “thermal floors” forming different levels of temperature, humidity, sunshine and therefore creating different natural environments for playing golf.

Antioquia Zone: MedellinThe department of Antioquia is located in north-western Colombia. Its capital, Medellin, is the second-biggest city in Colombia given its population size and strong economy. By the natural virtue of its pleasant climate, Medellin is called the “City of Eternal Spring”.

Medellin is the ideal place for those who wish to experience history, unparalleled infrastructure and a climate conducive to year-round golf. Its golf courses demand good skills from all players to overcome the difficult hurdles the present, such as 30-metre-high trees, bunkers and lakes.

West: Cali and PopayanThe western zone includes the departments of Cauca and the Valle del Cauca, and their capital cities of Santiago de Cali and Popayan. Playing golf on these courses makes the game an unforgettable experience due to the topography and the vast expanses of land that allow the free execution of all kinds of strategic golf designs.

Club el Rodeo, Medellin

Club Farallones, Cali

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Colombia

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Colombia

Atlantic Coast Zone: Barranquilla, Cartagena, and MonteriaColombia’s Atlantic Zone is the country’s main continental and maritime area and is named for its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The three main departments offering golf attractions are Atlantico, Bolivar and Cordoba.

A warm climate dominates most of the Atlantic Zone. Golf in this zone is distinguished by its high-end, well-maintained and manicured courses. To take the most advantage of the diverse game opportunities, it is recommended to pick a strategic course and combine it with the golfer’s own skills, adding the festive spirits of the local people and the sea breezes that roll into the region.

The Coffee Triangle: Armenia, Manizales, and PereiraThe departments of Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda are part of the famous Coffee Triangle. This is the magical place from which the best coffee in the world has come and which has put Colombia on the map due to its traditional haciendas and high-end tourist lodgings.

Cartagena de Indias

Club Caujaral, Barranquilla

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Colombia

The Coffee Triangle also offers its visitors several thermal baths located at 900m (2,953 feet) above sea level and rising up to the region’s snow-capped mountains. The Coffee Triangle region offers many tourist attractions, allowing visitors to tour the entire region and experience the deeply-rooted coffee culture.

Santander Zone: Bucaramanga, Cucuta, and BarrancabermejaThe Santander Zone is located in Colombia’s north-eastern region and includes the departments of Santander and Norte de Santander; both of which are characterised by the richness of their historical

sites and their extreme sports. The golf courses here have a contrasting terrain and a mountainous geography that characterises the region.

It is an unparalleled experience to be able to play in the city or on top of a mountain next to the Chicamocha Canyon, considered the second-largest canyon in the world. This combination of energy emerging from the nearby cities, rivers, natural settings and indomitable mountains creates a sense of relaxation as well as a vibrant and challenging setting for any sport lover.

Meta: Villavicencio The department of Meta is situated in the country’s central region to the east of the Andes Mountains and to the west of the Eastern Plains. Dreamy sunsets and the culture of the plains form the framework of this zone.

Golf in Villavicencio Zone is characterised by the top-notch grasses, abundant low-lying bushes and floral-rich forests

Learn more about golf in Colombia by visiting: www.colombia.travel/en/mice/golf

Copy supplied by Proexport Colombia

Club Campestre de Manizales

Ruitoque Club Campestre, Bucaramanga

Club Campestre de Pereira, Pereira

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Cover Photo: Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort***** • www.terre-blanche.com

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