Golf in Cali
Heaven’s Branch Office
✈ Direct Flights to Cali (CLO)
United States
Miami (3h 50m) · Fort Lauderdale (3h 50m) · New York / JFK (5h 30m, seasonal)
Connections
Via Bogotá (1h) · Via Panama City / Copa Hub (1h 40m)
Europe
Madrid (10h 40m). Other European cities: connect via Bogotá (1h)
Main airlines: Avianca, American, Spirit, World2Fly, Copa
About Cali — Heaven’s Branch Office
Cali, Colombia’s third city with over 2.2 million inhabitants, is the world capital of salsa and a vibrant metropolis located in the Cauca Valley at 1,000 meters altitude. With warm temperatures year-round and legendary nightlife, Cali offers an incomparable cultural experience combined with spectacular valley golf.
Golfers will find courses stretching across the fertile Cauca Valley with the imposing Farallones de Cali as a backdrop. Club Farallones is the most technically distinctive course, with strategic water hazards and a design that defies conventions. Lake House Golf Club, 35 km from Cali, combines championship golf with panoramic views of Lake Calima. Club Shalom offers a compact 9-hole option for a quick round.
Cali Climate and Best Time to Play Golf
Cali maintains a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures between 24°C and 32°C. The city has two main dry seasons: December-March and July-August. The best time to play is during these dry seasons when there is more sunshine and less rainfall. The moderate altitude of 1,000 meters offers pleasant conditions without the cold of Andean elevation.
Golf Courses in Cali
The Cali region and Cauca Valley offer 4 golf courses in a warm tropical climate. Capital of salsa and birthplace of María José Marín, Cali is home to Colombia’s only par-6 and courses with history dating back to the 1950s.
| Course | Architect / Year | Holes / Par | Yards | Rating / Slope | Location | Desde Centro Cali | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Farallones de Cali | Fernando Gamboa | 18 / 73 | 7.413 | 74,4 / 135 | Cali | 15 km · 25 min | Private |
| Lake House (Club Campestre Los Andes) | — | 18 / 72 | 7.041 | 62,1 / 101 | Km 35 Vía Popayán | 95 km · 1h 40m | Private |
| Club Campestre de Cali | — | 18 / 72 | 6.986 | 62,7 / 106 | Cali | 10 km · 20 min | Private |
| Club Shalom Country Club | — · 1963 | 9 / 36 | 3.177 | 71,2 / 140 | Pance, Cali | 12 km · 25 min | Private |
History of Golf in Cali
Cali holds a special place in Colombian golf history. In 1956, a young Arnold Palmer won the Colombia Open at the Club Campestre de Cali — one of his first professional victories before becoming a legend. Club Campestre de Cali was also the site where the Colombian Golf Federation (Fedegolf) was founded.
Club Farallones de Cali, designed by Fernando Gamboa, is home to Colombia’s only par-6 hole (hole 11) and the country’s oldest golf school. Named after the imposing Farallones mountain range visible from the course, Farallones combines tradition with a unique design in the country.
The region’s golf offering is completed by Lake House — a course where 80–90% of the layout is surrounded by water — and Club Shalom in the Pance area. Cali is also the birthplace of María José Marín, one of Colombia’s most prominent golfers on the women’s professional circuit.
Practical Information for Golfers in Cali
🚗 Transportation
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is in Palmira, 25 km from downtown Cali (30–40 min by taxi). Uber and official taxis available. Private transportation recommended to reach the golf courses, especially Lake House (35 km from Cali).
💰 Currency and Payments
Colombian peso (COP). International credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and golf clubs. ATMs available. Tip: 10% included in restaurants.
⏰ Time Zone
GMT-5 (same as New York in winter). Colombia does not observe daylight saving time. Sunrise is at 6:00 AM and sunset at 6:00 PM year-round — perfect for morning golf.
📋 Visa
Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Latin America do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Valid passport only.
Ready to Play Golf in Cali?
We design your custom golf experience in Cali — from a day in the Cauca Valley to a full tour across Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Cali?
Cali and the Cauca Valley feature outstanding courses including Club Campestre de Cali and Club Farallones, at 1,000-1,100 meters altitude with warm tropical climate.
What makes golf in Cali unique?
Cali offers golf at lower altitude (1,000 m) with temperatures of 25-30°C and tropical vegetation. The Cauca Valley has a strong golf tradition, with players like Camilo Villegas from the region.
Can you combine golf with other attractions in Cali?
Cali is the world capital of salsa. A golf trip can include salsa lessons, the San Antonio neighborhood, excursions to Lake Calima, and Cauca Valley haciendas.
What is the best time to play golf in Cali?
The dry seasons are December-March and June-September, but with 23-31°C year-round you can play comfortably any month.
Do Cali’s clubs accept visitors?
The main clubs are private. Play Golf in Colombia, as a certified IAGTO operator, arranges access for international visitors with advance reservations.