Golf in Bogotá

The World Capital of Golf in Colombia

About Bogotá — Colombia’s High-Altitude Golf Capital

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital with over 8 million inhabitants, is a vibrant metropolis located at 2,600 meters in the Andes mountains. The city combines colonial history, world-class gastronomy, and a cultural scene that rivals any Latin American capital. For the international golfer, Bogotá offers a unique experience: playing golf in the high Andes, where the ball flies farther and mountain landscapes accompany every round.

The city is home to the Gold Museum (the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold), the colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria with its cobblestone streets and artistic graffiti, and the Monserrate hill at 3,152 meters with spectacular panoramic views. Bogotá’s gastronomy is internationally recognized — from the traditional ajiaco to chef-driven restaurants featured in Latin American rankings. The Usaquén area offers artisan markets, while Zona G and Zona T concentrate the best dining and hotel offerings.

Weather in Bogotá and the Best Time to Play Golf

Bogotá has a temperate climate year-round, with temperatures between 7°C and 20°C — ideal for playing golf without the extreme tropical heat. The city has two dry seasons (December–March and June–August) which are the best for golf, although you can play comfortably 365 days a year. Rain showers tend to be brief in the afternoon, leaving mornings perfect for rounds. At 2,600 meters of altitude, the ball travels approximately 10-15% farther than at sea level — an effect that pleasantly surprises visitors.

Golf Courses in Bogotá and the Sabana

Bogotá and its neighboring municipalities —Funza, Chía, Cajicá, Sopó, Tocancipá, Mosquera, La Calera— have the highest density of golf courses in Colombia. From the iconic El Rincón by Robert Trent Jones Sr. to the country’s highest course (La Cima, 3,000 m), the savanna offers more variety in design and altitude than any other region.

Clubs with 36 holes are listed with their two 18-hole courses broken out (↳ indicates second course at the same club). Average savanna altitude: 2,600 m, with notable exceptions (La Cima at 3,000 m, La Pradera de Potosí at 2,800 m).

Bogotá traffic can double these travel times during rush hour (6–9am and 5–8pm). Pelecanus schedules tee times to avoid peak congestion.

History of Golf in Bogotá

Golf arrived in the Bogotá region in 1917 with the founding of the Country Club de Bogotá, although the golf course wasn’t designed until 1950 by the renowned American architect John Van Kleek. This milestone marked the beginning of a golf tradition that turned the Bogotá Savanna into the heart of Colombian golf.

In 1957, Robert Trent Jones Sr., one of the legends of world golf course design, created El Rincón de Cajicá — widely considered the best course in Colombia. Its demanding design and strategic location made it the host of the World Amateur Team Championship (Eisenhower Trophy) in 1980, putting Colombia on the international golf map.

The 1970–1990 decade saw an explosion of new courses: Stanley Thompson (San Andrés, 1945), Howard Watson (Club Militar, 1977), Fernando Gamboa (La Florida, 1972) and the prolific Boris Sokoloff, who designed or redesigned six courses including La Cima (the country’s highest at 3,000 m in 1990) and Pueblo Viejo in collaboration with Gary Player — which holds the most challenging rating in all of Colombia at 82.1/155.

In recent decades, Bogotá consolidated its position as the golf capital: Serrezuela Country Club won the World Golf Award for best private course in Colombia in 2025, designed by Jack Nicklaus (advisor) and Colombian Camilo Villegas. Since 2023, El Rincón has hosted the PGA Tour Americas, reinforcing its status as a world-class course.

Today, the 20+ clubs of Bogotá and the Savanna offer more variety in design, legendary architects, and altitude ranges than any other region in Colombia — from public courses to the country’s most prestigious private clubs.

Practical Information for Golfers in Bogotá

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golf courses are near Bogotá?

The Bogotá and Cundinamarca region has over 20 golf courses, the highest density in the country. Includes championship courses such as El Rincón de Cajicá (designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.), San Andrés Golf Club in Funza, Serrezuela Country Club y Club Campestre Guaymaral con 36 hoyos.

How does Bogotá’s altitude affect golf?

At 2,600 meters altitude, the ball travels approximately 10-12% farther than at sea level due to lower air density. The courses of the Bogotá Sabana are between 2,600 and 3,000 meters, making every round a unique experience.

Are there any public golf courses in Bogotá?

Yes. Briceño 18, located near Zipaquirá, is a public 18-hole course opened in 2017 with 7,319 yards and Par 72. La Florida in Bogotá also offers public access with 9 holes and Par 36.

What is the best golf course in Bogotá?

El Rincón de Cajicá is considered the most prestigious course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1957), 7,464 yards, Par 72, with a Rating/Slope of 74.8/143. Club de Golf La Cima in La Calera, at 3,000 meters elevation, offers spectacular panoramic views.

Can you combine golf with tourism in Bogotá?

Absolutely. Bogotá combines high-altitude golf with world-class gastronomy, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, the historic center of La Candelaria, and the eastern hills. All courses are within 45 minutes of the city center.