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.
Cali, known as the “branch of heaven,” is famous not only for its salsa but also for its sports, including golf. This blog provides all the essential information you need to enjoy a pleasant golfing experience in Cali.
Golf Courses in Cali
Cali boasts two nationally significant golf courses that serve as hubs for sports, social, and recreational activities.
Types of Golf Courses in Cali
The city’s golf courses are private, maintained by exclusive clubs that uphold specific membership standards. Generally, these venues cater to the affluent, offering a high-end golfing experience.
Private Golf Courses in Cali
The main golf clubs in Cali are:
Club Campestre de Cali
Website: Club Campestre de Cali
Location: Calle 5 with Carrera 100, opposite Unicentro Shopping Center
Altitude: 1000 meters (3280 feet)
Average Temperature: 19.2 – 30.3 °C (66.5 – 86.5 °F)
Distance to City Center: 25 minutes by car
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Bermuda
- Greens: Bermuda TifEagle
- Course Length: 6902 yards
- Designer: Howard Watson, Canadian Golf Landscaping
- Caddies/Golf Carts: –
- Equipment Rental: –
This course is a haven for nature-loving golfers.
The Club Campestre de Cali course is the only one in Colombia with Bermuda TifEagle grass on its greens, which makes it a good setting for major national and international events, such as the Latin American PGA Tour, the Donovan Cup, the Bolivarian Games, the National Games and the Club’s anniversary tournament. It has hosted the Abierto de Colombia on 3 occasions.
The golf course of this club is considered one of the best in South America, since it has been renovated to comply with USGA regulations.
Club Farallones de Cali
Website: Club Farallones de Cali
Location: Avenida El Banco, Carrera 127, Alférez Real, Cali, Valle del Cauca
Altitude: 1018 meters (3339 feet)
Average Temperature: 25 °C (77 °F)
Distance to City Center: 1 hour by car
- Holes: 18
- Par: 73
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Bermuda Tifway 419
- Greens: Bermuda Tifgreen 328
- Course Length: 7410 yards
- Designer: Fernando Gamboa
- Caddies: Yes
- Golf Carts: Yes
- Equipment Rental: Yes
Farallones is the only course in Colombia with a par 6 hole, the 11th. Surrounded by native trees and wildlife, it offers stunning views of the Farallones mountain range.
The club’s golf school, the oldest in the country, has produced top national players such as Luis Nelson, Jorge Luis, Eduardo and Robert Herrera, Bernardo González, and Martha Cecilia Vargas. In addition to its 18-hole course, it features a practice area and two putting greens.
Lake House
Website: Lake House
Location: Panamerican Highway, km 35, Cali – Popayán route
Altitude: 1062 meters (3484 feet)
Average Temperature: 22 °C (71.6 °F)
Distance to City Center: 50 minutes by car
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Grass Type: Bermuda
- Fairways: Bermuda
- Greens: Bermuda
- Course Length: 7041 yards
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Caddies: Yes
- Golf Carts: No
- Equipment Rental: Yes
The Lake House golf course at Club Campestre Los Andes offers a unique and thrilling experience in a stunning natural setting, close to Cali.
Located beside a lake, the course features scenic and challenging holes. With 80-90% of the course surrounded by water, it demands precision and focus.
How Do Private Golf Courses Work?
Playing at these clubs requires a membership, with fees paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Membership costs vary based on the services and amenities offered, with options for individual or family memberships.
How To Play on a Private Golf Course in Cali?
- The easiest way to play golf in Colombia is to contact us directly. We are a tour operator in Bogota, specialized in playing golf in Colombia.
- It is also possible to play golf as a guest of a club member. Or through acquaintances who know someone who is a club member.
- Some golf courses have associated hotels. As a guest, you can play golf there. There are also destinations where city hotels have an agreement with surrounding golf courses.
- Some golfers try it on their own and write emails or call the respective golf clubs. In my experience, none of these attempts have been successful so far. The private golf clubs in Colombia do not accept individual golfers. Emails are rarely answered and without a good knowledge of Spanish, you can also avoid a phone call.
Some clubs require a player’s handicap. So, make sure to have this information readily available. Similarly, if you are interested in participating in a tournament in the country, the Colombian Golf Federation requires proof of handicap and club affiliation in your home country.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hotel for Golfing in Cali
One factor to consider when selecting the golf club where you will play is the distance between the club and your accommodation. Cali, being a major city, experiences heavy traffic flow, which can sometimes affect transportation to the practice site. To avoid issues such as traffic congestion and getting lost in the city, it’s essential to have prior knowledge of the area.
Cali is divided into districts, making it easier to locate certain places. We recommend choosing accommodation close to the golf course. For example, Club Campestre de Cali is located in District 18, and it already has a hotel within its facilities. Club Farallones de Cali is situated in the southern part of District 22, so it’s advisable to find hotels around these districts, preferably in good areas like El Peñón, Ciudad Jardín, or Valle del Lili.
Now, the Lake House is located on the outskirts of Cali and has a hotel on its facilites.
Additionally, there are agreements between clubs and some hotels or travel agencies that can facilitate transportation between the club and the course.
Dress Code for Golf in Cali
Cali has a warm climate, so it’s common to wear lightweight and short clothing. When it comes to golf, it’s essential to consider both the general dress code and the club-specific dress code.
As mentioned earlier, the clubs in Cali are private, meaning their policies include a dress code that must be followed. Generally, the attire is traditional but comfortable.
From a climatic perspective, Cali experiences temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 30 °C, so it’s essential to have items like sunscreen and adequate hydration readily available.
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
