Golf in Medellín
City of Eternal Spring
✈ Direct Flights to Medellín (MDE)
United States
Miami (3h 25m) · Fort Lauderdale (3h 25m) · Orlando (3h 45m) · Houston (4h 45m) · New York / JFK (5h 30m)
Europe
Madrid (10h 10m). Other European cities: connect via Bogotá (1h)
Canada
Toronto (5h, WestJet) · Montréal (Air Transat). Other cities: connect via Bogotá (1h)
Main airlines: Avianca, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Air Europa, WestJet, Air Transat
About Medellín — City of Eternal Spring
Medellín, Colombia’s second city with over 2.5 million inhabitants, is an innovative metropolis located in the Aburrá Valley at 1,500 meters of altitude. Known worldwide as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its spring-like temperatures year-round (22–28°C), Medellín offers a vibrant urban experience combined with spectacular mountain golf. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, becoming a world-class tourist destination.
Golfers will find courses that stretch across hillsides with elevation changes of up to 600 meters in a single round. Club Campestre El Rodeo, designed by Moote & Watson in 1954, is the city’s historic gem — a mountain course 15 minutes from El Poblado with panoramic city views and three distinct layouts: the Rodeo Course (18-hole championship), the Campestre Course (9 holes in the city), and La Macarena (Mahannah 1973, 18 holes with abundant water near the regional airport in Rionegro). Club Campestre Llanogrande en Rionegro — home course of Camilo Villegas and host of the 2016 Colombia Open — rounds out the offering in the eastern valley near José María Córdova International Airport.
Medellín Climate and Best Time to Play Golf
Medellín maintains a temperate subtropical climate practically year-round, with temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. The city receives rainfall in two main seasons (April-May and October-November), but golfers can play comfortably year-round. The best time is December-March (summer) when there is less rainfall and more sunny days. July and August also offer excellent conditions with stable temperatures. The variable terrain elevation (1,500–2,100m) means courses experience significant gameplay changes depending on their altitude.
Golf Courses in Medellín
Medellín and the Rionegro valley offer 4 golf courses at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,100 m. The “City of Eternal Spring” offers ideal conditions for playing 365 days a year.
| Course | Architect / Year | Holes / Par | Yards | Rating / Slope | Location | From Parque Lleras | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Campestre El Rodeo | Moote & Watson · 1954 | 18 / 72 | 6.788 | 78,6 / 146 | Medellín | 7 km · 15 min | Private |
| Club La Macarena | Mahannah · 1973 | 18 | 6.792 | 73,2 / 144 | Rionegro | 45 km · 50 min | Semi-private |
| Club Campestre de Medellín — Llanogrande | — · 1980s | 18 / 72 | 6.404 | 74,7 / 142 | Rionegro | 42 km · 50 min | Private |
| ↳ Campestre de Medellín — Course 9 Holes | — | 9 | — | — / — | Medellín | 5 km · 10 min | Private |
All courses are private clubs. Club Campestre de Medellín operates two courses: the 18-Hole layout in Llanogrande (Rionegro) and a 9-hole course in the city.
History of Golf in Medellín
The history of golf in Medellín began in 1954 with the founding of Club Campestre El Rodeo, designed by Canadian architects Moote & Watson of Canadian Golf Landscaping. Set on the hillsides surrounding the city, El Rodeo became one of Colombia’s most challenging courses, with an elevation change of over 600 meters between its highest and lowest points — offering panoramic views of Medellín that distinguish it from any other course in the country.
In 1973, architect Mahannah designed Club La Macarena near the airport Olaya Herrera, expanding the region’s golf offering toward eastern Antioquia. La Macarena introduced a more rural style with extensive lakes that complemented El Rodeo’s mountain challenge.
Club Campestre de Medellín cemented the region as a golf destination with its 18-hole course in Llanogrande (Rionegro), where Camilo Villegas — Colombia’s most successful PGA Tour golfer — took his first steps. The club also operates a 9-hole course within the city. In 2016, Llanogrande hosted the Colombia Open, putting Medellín on the map of Latin American professional golf.
Practical Information for Golfers in Medellín
🚗 Transportation
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is in Rionegro, 28 km from downtown Medellín (35–45 min by taxi or private car). City transportation is reliable via Uber, official taxis, and the MetroPlus system. We recommend private transport to access golf courses.
💰 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 Medellín?
We design your custom golf experience in Medellín — from a day on mountain courses to a complete tour of Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Medellín and surroundings?
The Medellín region and eastern Antioquia have more than 8 golf courses. Highlights include Club Campestre de Medellín, El Rodeo Golf Club, and the eastern highland courses such as Llanogrande and Club Campestre de Rionegro.
What is the best time to play golf in Medellín?
Medellín enjoys spring-like weather year-round with temperatures between 20-28°C. The driest seasons are December-February and June-August, ideal for uninterrupted rounds.
What makes golf in eastern Antioquia special?
Eastern Antioquia offers courses surrounded by mountain landscapes at altitudes between 2,000-2,200 meters. Llanogrande and Rionegro feature rolling fairways among traditional country estates.
Is it possible to play golf and visit Guatapé on the same trip?
Yes. The eastern Antioquia courses are 30-45 minutes from Guatapé and its iconic Piedra del Peñol. A typical itinerary combines rounds of golf with visits to colonial towns and local gastronomy.
Do Medellín golf clubs accept visitors?
Most private clubs require a member invitation or agreements with authorized operators. As an IAGTO operator, Play Golf in Colombia coordinates green fees and tee times at the best clubs.