Golf and Landscapes —Ten Courses in Argentina with Amazing Views

More than 300 courses make Argentina an ideal place for practising this sport. Yet, apart from the quality of the intense greenish fields, the true magic happens in the surrounding landscapes. It goes without saying that in the country with the End of the World, there are innumerable panoramic views and sport vibes, above all. 

Golf landed in our country in 1885, and it has managed to leave a trace in every Argentinian province, piece of land, or corner since then. The golf swing has adapted to the ecosystems’ characteristics, allowing for the skill development and the most varied views among mountains, lakes, seas, cities, and green areas. What’s the result? Golf courses are ideal for breathing pure air, getting inspired by nature, and playing in places internationally awarded. Argentina always has many alternatives for all tastes, no matter what your GPS is marking. 

The golf essence, lack of referee umpiring the game, and course behavioural rules perfectly fit Argentina. There’s nothing more Argentinian-like than sharing with others and cementing friendships —two golf characteristics. It’s time now to take down the perfect spots for this kind of tourism.

1. Termas de Río Hondo Golf Club, Santiago del Estero

The relaxing time and sport duet becomes possible in the Santiago del Estero province, since Termas de Río Hondo offers not only thermal waters at different temperatures, but also a 120-hectare course available for ardent fans. It goes without saying that the surrounding environment helps a lot: endless vegetation, lagoons, and comfort included. 

One of Argentina’s most famous hot spring destinations hosts this club, which ranks the best places around the world to display the art of golf. Maybe, that’s because of its avant-garde design created by the top-notch American designer Robert Trent Jones Jr, or because of the wide and captivating fairways. All in all, both amateurs and professionals are welcome to get in contact with the activity and get delighted with the hot springs after a strenuous training day. 

2. Olivos Golf Club, Buenos Aires

With 135 hectares, 27 holes, countless trees of different species, lagoons, and a bold design, the club in the province of Buenos Aires is a must. The engineer Luther Koontz designed 27 holes, and Emilio Serra the other 9. Did you know it’s in the world’s podiums and the World Top 100 courses, according to Golf Digest?

The Olivos Golf Club was created in 1926 and offers a training school for kids, a restaurant, equipment rentals, a gym, an open-air swimming pool, among other services. The Argentina Open and the Masters Tournament took place on several occasions here, positioning this club on the international radar. 

3. Chapelco Golf Club, Neuquén

Making swings in the Patagonian course created by one of the best golfers in history is a hair-raising plan for sure. Jack Nicklaus, also known as The Golden Bear and prominent figure of the green, led the development of one of Argentina’s best courses: Chapelco Golf Club, in San Martín de los Andes. Eighteen holes nested by the Andes Mountain range have made globe travellers sigh. What’s the best part? It is built in a hotel, so the day can be topped off with a well-earned relaxing and spa moment.

And as never is enough when it comes to pampering yourself, you can also visit the El Desafío Mountain Resort in this city. In this case, the figure who participated in the construction was Greg Norman, and this was his first design in South America. There are nine holes, and as it’s usual in this area, views go beyond expectations.

4. Llao Llao Golf, Río Negro

If the aim is to be bathed in Patagonian landscapes, the Llao Llao Golf, in Bariloche, fulfils it to the letter. Getting delighted with this natural work of art is easy: crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and snow peaks all over the place. Playing golf has never been so good. 

The 18 holes welcoming worldwide tourists are set up in a place where greens fuse with turquoise waters and rocky elevations. You’ll get renewed with pure air, and being patient to play golf will become easier when you look up and around. Besides the course in perfect conditions, you can also enjoy the luxurious historic hotel with a spa to relax your tense muscles after your practice. 

5. Jockey Club, Buenos Aires

San Isidro, to the north of the province, stands firm in this list. The club itself was founded in 1882, with the help of one of Argentina’s first presidents, Carlos Pellegrini. The imposing 80-hectare course was designed by the Scottish architect Alister Mackenzie in 1980, and the tournaments Europe Golf Tour and World Cup were played here. In addition, Mackenzie is part of the Golf Hall of Fame and is known for being the brilliant mind behind several world icon courses, such as the Cypress Point, Augusta National, Royal Melbourne, and Crystal Downs. 

These holes have witnessed the skills of Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Gary Player, among other prestigious golfers. 

6. Potrerillo de Larreta Golf Club, Córdoba

Nature and adventure at their highest. Córdoba offers several alternatives to practice the sport, but Potrerillo de Larreta is located in a unique natural environment, with hills decorating the picture and trees perfectly allocated among its 18 holes. The architect Ángel Reartes was in charge of the construction, creating fairways and fine sand bunkers contrasting with the mountainous landscapes. 

Here’s a fun fact: it is built over a Jesuit ranch that dates back to four centuries ago.

7. Ushuaia Golf Club, Tierra del Fuego

Obviously, the world’s most southern golf course waves the Argentinian flag. In Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia proudly holds a well-deserved place on this list. The End of the World lacks nothing, not even the practice of long clubs and surgical precision. 

Twenty minutes by car from the city centre, the course is on the iconic Route 3, and it is delimited by Fuegian forests and the province’s captivating geography. Glaciers, lagoons, lakes, mountains, and the most important channel in the country, the Beagle Channel, crown the sport tourist offer. 

8. Buenos Aires Golf Club, Buenos Aires

A landmark for Buenos Aires Golf Club took place in 2000: its doors swung open to welcome worldwide professionals for the Golf World cup, establishing the mythical Tiger Woods and David Duval as winners. A year when the 27 holes part of this unmissable in Buenos Aires donned up their best looks and exceeded international expectations.

Considered one of the world’s 100 best courses, it is located in the Buenos Aires province, in Bella Vista. 

9. Club de Campo, Mendoza

The wine capital also offers the possibility of combining grape delight with sports. And how well they pair! The green terrain is at 764 metres above sea level, and it was opened in 1974. The perfect combination to enjoy the Mendoza landscape surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

10. Mar del Plata Golf Club, Buenos Aires

A unique place on the Atlantic coast, at 419 kilometres from Argentina’s capital. In this case, the scenery is marked by waves, wide beaches, and a captivating and charming coastal city. The uneven ground of Mar del Plata located the course in the Playa Grande cliff, allowing for amazing views of the port and ocean. 

The so-called Catedral del Golf is more than 100 years old and offers a high-level of difficulty circuit ideal for those looking to ramp up the golf challenge.