The History of Golf in Colombia

Updated: May 2026 · by Frank Spitzer

The History of Golf in Colombia

On this page — jump to a section

• The origin of golf
• How did golf come to Colombia?
• More about Golf in Colombia
• FAQ
• References
• About the Author

Golf came to Colombia in 1917 with the founding of the Club Country Bogotá. The country has produced multiple international stars including Camilo Villegas (Masters Champion 2014), Sebastián Muñoz, and Nicolás Echavarría. This guide covers the history.

I am Frank Spitzer, founder of Pelecanus Travel (RNT 51402, IAGTO member, Bogotá-based since 2017). We arrange historical Colombian golf experiences combining heritage clubs and modern courses. Send me a message to start planning.

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.

In April 2026, 19-year-old María José Marín from Cali made history by winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), becoming the first Colombian to claim this prestigious title. Combined with her 2025 NCAA Individual Championship, Marín represents a new era for Colombian golf on the international stage.

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
• Golf Associations in Colombia – A comprehensive cultural and sporting experience
• Everything About Senior Golf in Colombia

FAQ

Where is the best golf in Colombia?

Bogotá (8 clubs, highest altitude, La Cima at 3000m), Medellín (7 clubs, mild climate, El Rodeo top-rated), Cartagena (3 premium courses including Karibana Pete Dye), and the Coffee Triangle (Club Campestre Manizales). All accessible to international visitors via Pelecanus.

What is the cost of golf in Colombia?

Green fees: $50-150 USD at top clubs. Including caddie + cart: $80-200/round. Pelecanus packages 4-day golf trips around $1,500-3,000/person all-inclusive depending on club access.

Can I rent golf equipment in Colombia?

Yes — most premium clubs offer rental sets ($30-60/round). Pelecanus arranges premium equipment rental and on-course caddies.

When is the best season for golf?

Year-round, but dry seasons (December-March, June-August) offer the most consistent playing conditions. Avoid October-November (peak rainy season for highland courses).

Do I need to be a member to play?

No — Pelecanus has access to private clubs for guests. We coordinate visitor green fees, caddie booking, and dress code briefings.

How do I plan a Colombia golf trip?

Send a message via /en/about-us-contact/ or WhatsApp Frank at +57 321 214 6210. We design golf-focused private itineraries combining the country’s top courses.

References

• Colombian Golf Federation (Fedegolf) – Official History
• PGA Tour – Colombian Player Profiles
• Augusta National Women’s Amateur – 2026 Results

About the Author