Medellín is a city bursting with activities, both tourist and sporting, and golf is no exception. In this blog, you’ll discover what you need to know to enjoy golf in Medellín to the fullest. For a nationwide overview, see our guide to golf in Colombia.
Golf Courses in Medellín
Medellín boasts two country clubs with golf courses, primarily private, with locations both within and outside the city.
Private and Public Golf Courses
Most golf courses in Medellín are private, requiring membership or an invitation from a member to gain access. This makes it challenging for tourists and non-members to play.
However, there are more accessible and affordable alternatives for those interested in playing golf.
Private Golf Courses in Medellín
The main golf clubs in Medellín are:
Club Campestre de Medellín
Website: Club Campestre de Medellín
Location: Vereda Cabeceras, Rionegro, Antioquia
Altitude: 2,150 m (7,053 ft)
Average Temperature: 13 – 23 °C (55.4 – 73.4 °F)
Distance to City Center: 50 minutes by car
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Kikuyo – Trenza
- Greens: Bent grass
- Length: 7,022 yards
- Designer: Jaime & Rafael Villegas
- Golf Caddy / Golf Cart: –
- Rental Equipment: –
The Club Campestre de Medellín, located on the outskirts of Antioquia’s capital in the municipality of Rionegro, is an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
For golf lovers, the club offers an 18-hole course with superb technical conditions. Additionally, there is a 9-hole course within the city for those who prefer not to venture out.
Llanogrande features a long, flat course that retains the area’s natural characteristics. The vegetation consists of small trees spaced 23 to 26,2 feet apart. While the greens are large and flat, the course demands strategy and caution due to numerous hazards.
In fact, half of the holes have water hazards, with holes 10 to 12 being particularly challenging as they are surrounded by a large lake, leading to significant penalties.
The course also hosts local, national, and international tournaments.
Club El Rodeo – Medellín
Website: Club El Rodeo
Location: Calle 2 Sur # 65 – 535, Medellín, Antioquia
Altitude: 1,486 m (4,875 ft)
Average Temperature: 17 – 24 °C (62.6 – 75.2 °F)
Distance to City Center: 15 minutes by car
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Bermuda Tifgreen 328
- Greens: Bermuda Tid Dwarf
- Length: 8,808 yards
- Designer: Canadian Golf Landscaping
- Caddies: Yes
- Golf Carts: No
- Equipment Rental: Yes
Club El Rodeo – Medellín offers its members an incredible golf course with all the amenities needed for competitive play and a pleasant experience.
Nestled on a mountainside with undulating terrain, the course’s slopes can position the ball higher or lower than your feet, influencing its trajectory.
Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully choose where to place the ball to take full advantage of the inclines.
One of the most striking features of this course is the proximity to Olaya Herrera Airport, where planes fly very close. From holes 2 and 17, you can see the entire runway, and to the right of the 17th hole, there’s a beautiful area with flowers, large trees, and gardens: the Jardines de Paz cemetery. These unique views add to the distinctive charm of the El Rodeo golf course.
Club El Rodeo – La Macarena headquarters
Website: Club El Rodeo
Location: Calle 41 # 33 – 595, Rionegro, Antioquia
Altitude: 2,120 m (6,955 ft)
Average Temperature: 17 – 24 °C (62.6 – 75.2 °F)
Distance to City Center: 1 hour by car
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Grass Type:
- Fairways: Kikuyo and Makana
- Greens: Bent grass – Bermuda
- Length: 6,900 yards
- Designer: Jaime Saenz and Mark Mahannah
- Caddies: Yes
- Golf Carts: No
- Equipment Rental: No
The second location of the exclusive Club El Rodeo is situated in Rionegro and offers a more rural atmosphere.
The course’s topography is varied, featuring deep sections, narrow and wide fairways, flat and sloped areas, high tees and greens of approximately 5920 sq. ft., both large and small, flat or undulating. Hazards such as bunkers, large lakes, and trees are strategically placed to impact the game, along with the influence of the wind.
Beginners should focus on their game and not be intimidated by more challenging holes (like the 2nd and 9th), while experienced players will enjoy the demanding and challenging nature of this course.
How Do Private Golf Courses Work?
To play at these clubs, you need a membership, which requires regular payments that can be monthly, quarterly, or annually.
The cost of membership varies based on the services and amenities offered by the club. Additionally, there are options for individual or family memberships.
Public Golf Spaces in Medellín
There is only one public golf course in the area. Although it is not within the city of Medellín, it is just a 30-minute drive from the El Poblado neighborhood.
- Envigado Golf Course: This course spans 4 hectares, suitable for a 9-hole, par-3 course meeting Fedegolf standards. While access prioritizes Envigado residents, those from other municipalities and cities can request permission from the local government and relevant authorities.
How To Play on a Private Golf Course in Medellín?
- The easiest way to play golf in Colombia is to contact us directly. We are a Bogotá-based tour operator specializing in golf.
- You can also play as a guest of a club member or through acquaintances who know a member. Some golf courses have associated hotels. As a guest, you can play at these courses. Additionally, some city hotels have agreements with surrounding golf courses.
- Some golfers try to arrange access themselves by emailing or calling the clubs. In my experience, these attempts are rarely successful. Private golf clubs in Colombia typically do not accept individual golfers, seldom respond to emails, and without good Spanish skills, phone communication is challenging.
Some clubs require proof of handicap, so have this information ready. Similarly, if you are interested in participating in a tournament, the Colombian Golf Federation requires proof of handicap and club membership from your home country.
Choosing a Good Hotel for Golf in Medellín
When selecting a golf club, consider the distance from your accommodation. Medellín is a major city with heavy traffic, which can impact travel to the course.
To avoid issues like traffic and getting lost, it’s important to be familiar with the area. Medellín is organized into communes, making it easier to locate specific points. We recommend choosing accommodation close to the golf course.
For example, the Club Campestre de Medellín is in Comuna 14 in the Poblado area, a convenient place to stay, while Club El Rodeo is in Comuna 15 in Guayabal. The Macarena location of Club El Rodeo is outside the city in Rionegro, so we recommend finding a nearby hotel for easier transportation.
Dress Code for Golf in Medellín
Private clubs in Medellín generally follow global dress codes and have their own etiquette protocols. It’s important to adhere to these rules as they define the club’s identity.
Medellín’s climate is fairly consistent, with temperatures between 17°C and 24°C (62.6°F and 75.2°F), making dressing simpler. Shorts, dresses, and skirts are acceptable if allowed by the club. However, be prepared for weather changes with umbrellas, raincoats, and sun protection. Explore the city further in our Medellín travel guide.
References
- Colombian Golf Federation (Fedegolf) – fedegolf.com.co
- Medellin Travel Bureau – medellin.travel
