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.
If you want to dive deeper, explore the links at the end of this post. They provide information on various topics related to golf in Colombia. We hope you enjoy reading and discover the wonders of golf in our fascinating country.
Cartagena city is not only a tourist site, but also home to golf clubs designed for an excellent playing experience. If you are interested in getting to know this city through golf, this blog is for you.
Golf Courses in Cartagena
Cartagena boasts two nationally significant golf courses. Their proximity to the sea offers stunning views and rich biodiversity within the clubs.
Types of Golf Clubs in Cartagena
These clubs are private, meaning they are exclusive to certain groups. Members are typically from a high social and economic bracket, able to afford membership fees.
Amenities include private golf lessons, a pro-shop, and golf cart rentals, among others.
Private Golf Courses in Cartagena
Club Karibana
Website: Karibana Club
Location: Km 12 Anillo Vial, via Barranquilla, Cartagena
Altitude: 2 meters above sea level (6.5 feet)
Average Temperature: 24 – 31 °C (75 – 88 °F)
Distance fro City Center: 25 minutes by car
- Number of Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Paspalum Sea Shore
- Greens: Paspalum Platinum
- Length: 7.065 yards
- Designer: Nicklaus Design
- Caddies: No
- Golf Cart: Yes – with GPS
- Equipment Rental: Yes
Karibana Beach Club is a real estate project offering the comforts of a club. In addition to being part of the Conrad Cartagena by Hilton hotel, it features sea-view apartments and houses amidst native forest overlooking a unique golf course in Colombia. It also boasts 1 kilometer of private beach.
The golf course, set between a native forest and the beautiful Caribbean beach, is one of the best in Colombia. It hosted the first Cartagena de Indias at Karibana Championship (part of the Web.com Tour, now known as the Korn Ferry Tour) in 2015 and the Colombia Open in 2019.
The course is well-maintained with a computerized drainage system that irrigates nightly to ensure stable playing conditions and top national rankings.
Club Campestre de Cartagena
Website: Club Campestre
Location: Km 1 Vía Turbaco Sector Puente Honda
Altitude: At sea level
Average Temperature: 36 °C (96.8 °F)
Distance from City Center: 30 minutes by car
- Number of Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Native Bermuda
- Greens: Bermuda
- Length: 7.773 yards
- Designer: Rafael Villegas
- Caddies: Yes
- Golf Carts: Yes
- Equipment Rental: Yes
Founded in 1933, the Club Campestre de Cartagena offers social and sports activities in an exclusive setting outside the municipality.
It features an 18-hole golf course, hosting various tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, the International Children and Youth Tournament of Cartagena de Indias, the Fedegolf Cup, and its own amateur tournament.
Playing conditions depend on the weather. From December to April, the course becomes hard, the ball rolls a lot, the rough loses grass, and the ball can get stuck in cracks. From May to November, frequent rains soften the course, reducing ball roll.
According to the Colombian Golf Federation, the course record for a 54-hole tournament is 11 under par.
How to Play at a Private Golf Course in Cartagena?
- The easiest way to play golf in Colombia is to contact us directly. We are a Bogotá-based tour operator specializing in golf in Colombia.
- You can also play as a guest of a club member or through acquaintances who know a member.
- Some golf courses have affiliated hotels. As a guest, you can play there. There are also destinations where city hotels have agreements with surrounding golf courses.
- Some golfers try to arrange visits themselves by emailing or calling the clubs. In my experience, these attempts are rarely successful. Private golf clubs in Colombia do not accommodate individual golfers, seldom respond to emails, and communication by phone can be challenging without good Spanish skills.
Some clubs require proof of handicap. Ensure you have this information handy. If you want to participate in a tournament, the Colombian Golf Federation requires proof of handicap and club membership from your home country.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hotel for Golf in Cartagena
Cartagena is a major tourist destination in the country, attracting both foreign and local visitors. This popularity can lead to traffic and detours when exploring the city.
The city is divided into three main areas: La Virgen and Turística, home to Karibana; Industrial and Bahía, where you’ll find the Cartagena Country Club; and Histórica and del Caribe Norte. Familiarizing yourself with these areas will help you choose the best place to stay during a golf trip.
Key tourist attractions like the historic center and hotel and beach zones are located in the Histórica and del Caribe Norte area, including sectors such as Bocagrande and El Laguito. These clubs are conveniently close to Cartagena’s main roads, easing transportation.
A travel agency can assist in planning your transport and help you pick a location with better mobility options. Notably, Club Karibana has its own hotel, offering great convenience. However, this course also partners with other hotels if you prefer different accommodations.
Dress Code for Golf in Cartagena
Cartagena’s warm climate, with periods of high temperatures, makes lightweight clothing a good choice. However, remember that golf clubs enforce a dress code aligned with higher sports authorities.
These guidelines recommend traditional golf attire. While shorts, dresses, and skirts are allowed due to the climate, it’s crucial to check their length and style for an optimal experience at the club.
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
