Playing Golf in Medellin, Colombia - A Guide

Last updated on November 30th, 2023 at 06:36 pm

Dear readers,
My name is Frank and I run a travel agency in Bogota, Colombia. Have fun while reading!

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About Golf Courses in Medellín

Medellín boasts 2 country clubs equipped with golf courses. These are predominantly private and have locations both within and outside the city.

Private and Public Golf Courses

The majority of Medellín’s golf courses are private, maintaining specific criteria for access. In particular, to play golf on these courses, you must be a club member or associate, or alternatively, a guest of a member. Consequently, access for tourists and the public can be quite challenging. However, for individuals interested in golf who do not meet these requirements, there are more cost-effective and easily accessible alternatives.

Private Golfing Spaces in Medellín

Some of the most renowned private clubs in Medellín include:

Club Campestre de Medellín: This club hosts significant national and international championships, with its course at the Llanogrande headquarters boasting 18 holes, and the Medellín headquarters offering 9 holes.
Club Campestre El Rodeo: This club has two branches, each with an 18-hole, par-72 golf course. Club El Rodeo also provides a practice area.

To play golf at these private clubs, a membership is required, payable at specified intervals, whether monthly, every three months, or annually. The cost of club membership varies between clubs and depends on the various services offered within their facilities. Some clubs also offer the option of individual and family memberships.

Public Golf Spaces in Medellín

There is only one public golf course in the region, which, although not located within the city of Medellín, is just a 30-minute drive from the El Poblado neighborhood.

Envigado Golf Course: This course covers an area of 4 hectares, suitable for a 9-hole, par-3 course that complies with Fedegolf requirements. While residents of Envigado are given priority for access, individuals from other municipalities and cities can request permission from the municipal government and other relevant entities.

How Can I Play at a Private Golf Course in Medellín?

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 for Choosing a Good Hotel when Playing Golf in Medellín

A factor to consider when selecting the golf club where you intend to play is the distance between the club and your accommodation. Medellín, being a significant city in Colombia, experiences a substantial influx of inhabitants, which can affect travel to the practice site, leading to issues such as traffic and getting lost in the city. To avoid such problems, having prior knowledge of the territory is essential.

The city of Medellín is organized into districts, making it easier to locate specific places. We recommend choosing accommodation close to the golf course. For instance, the Club Campestre de Medellín is located in District 14 in the Poblado sector, which is a suitable place to stay, while Club El Rodeo is in District 15 in the Guayabal sector. The Macarena branch of Club El Rodeo is located outside the city in the municipality of Rionegro. Therefore, it is advisable to find a nearby hotel in a Medellín sector that facilitates transportation.

Dressing Appropriately for Golf in Medellín

Generally, private clubs, including those in Medellín, adhere to global dress codes and have their etiquette protocols. It is crucial to follow these rules as they contribute to the club’s identity.

Regarding the city’s climate, Medellín experiences minimal variations, as it is situated in a temperate thermal zone, meaning temperatures range between 17 °C and 24 °C. Consequently, dressing is relatively straightforward. The use of shorts, dresses, and skirts is acceptable, provided they comply with the club’s dress code. However, it is advisable to include items such as umbrellas and raincoats for unexpected weather changes, as well as sun protection.