Updated on 03/18/2024
Dear Readers,
Greetings from Frank, your golf travel operator based in Bogota. We specialize in arranging captivating golf experiences and journeys across the beautiful landscapes of Colombia.
Explore further with a wealth of additional valuable links below, providing insights into various exciting golf topics in Colombia. Enjoy the read and discover the wonders of golf in our vibrant country!
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The origin of golf
The beginnings of golf go back to Roman times, when they used a curved stick and shuttlecock to play . The name originated in the Netherlands from the Dutch word ” kolf “, meaning “stick” . An early written record of golf dates back to the 15th century. In 1457, King James II of Scotland banned the game of golf, believing that his soldiers were spending too much time playing the game and neglecting their military training. However, the law was unsuccessful.
The development of golf
In 1608 golf was introduced to England where it was played between nobles and commoners alike. The first recorded game was in 1682 between the Prince of Wales and John Patterson, a skilled shoemaker.
In 1744 the first players’ association in Scotland was founded and in 1745 the first rules for the sport were drawn up. These organizations were: the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and St Andrew’s Society of Golfers. The founder of the British Open, the first major, was first held in 1860; his winner was Willie Park.
In Spain, the first golf club opened in Las Palmas in 1985 and in the United States, the American Golf Association was founded in 1984, which regulates golf in that country and in Mexico. The women’s US Open and US Amateur tournaments began in 1895.
How did golf come to Colombia?
History of golf in Colombia
The arrival of golf in Colombia dates back to the early 20th century. Carlos A. de Vengoechea came back to Colombia from Paris with a suitcase full of different balls and rackets. In 1917, the first 9-hole course was established at the Bogotá Country Club.
First, golf started as an elite and top sport. The game of golf started in important cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali and more golf courses were created. Mostly British nationals and wealthy Colombians met there. These clubs only granted access to their members, but over time they opened their doors to avid players of all ages and held tournaments every year.
Starting in the 1960s, the first federations were formed, promoting the development and promotion of the sport in the country.
Development of golf in Colombia
In the 1990s, the Colombian Association of Golf Professionals (ACPG) or PGA Colombia was formed, which focused on promoting the sport of golf at a professional level. The country club’s great activity drew attention across the country, which encouraged the creation of other clubs such as Club Campestre de Cali, where the Colombian Golf Federation was born.
An important moment in the history of Colombian golf was the celebration of the Colombian Open in 2007. Thanks to this event, players from all over the world have been attracted and Colombia has been positioned as an important destination for international golf.
Since then, this event has been a much-anticipated annual event for Latin American golf. There are currently more than 50 golf courses in Colombia that host local championships and qualifiers for national tournaments such as the Colombian Golf Open. Today, golf in Colombia is no longer just a luxury sport, but is also played for entertainment, exercise, or to build social and business relationships.
More about Golf in Colombia
Find out everything you need to know about golf in Colombia in our blogs.
- How, When, Why And Where To Play Golf In Colombia?
- Colombia’s 22 Greatest Golf Courses
- The History of Golf in Colombia
- Golf Associations in Colombia – A comprehensive cultural and sporting experience
- Everything About Senior Golf in Colombia
- Women’s Golf in Colombia and Around the World
- The 13 Best Colombian Golfers of All Time
- 9 Golf Tournaments You Can Play in Colombia
- Everything You Need to Know About Golf Carts in Colombia
- How to Dress Appropriately for Playing Golf in Colombia
- Playing Golf at Extreme Altitudes in Colombia – A Guide
- Playing Golf in Bogota, Colombia – A Guide
- Playing Golf in Medellin, Colombia – A Guide
- Playing Golf in Cali, Colombia – A Guide
- Playing Golf in Cartagena – A Guide
- Native Animals you Can See in Colombia Golf Courses
- 6 Hotels in Colombia with Golf Courses You Should Know About
