The Best Places to Play Golf
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The Best Places to Play Golf in Argentina
Golf and tourism have always gone hand in hand. Golf has long been considered one of the most relaxing sports out there, and can be played by anyone in any part of the world, and allows its participants to socialize, be active, and enjoy the natural scenery all at once. Millions play golf, and it is estimated that the industry brings in some 12 billion euros annually.
Argentina is no stranger to the phenomenon. Already blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, it is home to many great courses, and the number of fans and courses grows on a daily basis, usually in the hands of new tourism or real estate ventures. There are several places, however, which stand out above the rest, and should not be missed while golfing in Argentina.
The Mar del Plata Golf Club is not only one of the oldest in the province, but in the country as well. It was founded in 1900, and continues to offer one of the most attractive, fun, and challenging courses around. The clubhouse pays tribute to the early English architecture of the last century. Members pay AR$38 for the green fee, and non-members pay between AR$300 and 480, depending on the day.
The Sierra de la Ventana Golf Club is one of the longest courses in South America, although some say in the entire world. Its par 72, 18-hole course covers 6,535 yards, built on 64 hectares. San Bernardo Creek crosses the course, and it is surrounded by a dense pine forest. Playing here costs AR$50, and it is close to the town of Sierra de la Ventana, of course.
The area around Bariloche has a number of fine courses. One is Arelauquen Golf & Country Club, which is developed near Lago Gutierrez and next to Cerro Catedral. Bariloche is considered the capital of winter sports, and the location of the 18-hole course makes it an irresistible alternative. The green fee for guests is AR$180, and members pay AR$30.
The Llao Llao Hotel sits on the shores of the famed Lago Nahuel Huapi, within a national park, and has an exceptional course. While not too difficult, the it is still fun and its setting is unbeatable. Guests must pay AR$140 for the 18-hold course, and visitors are charged AR$225. It is conveniently located near San Carlos de Bariloche. The Llao Llao hotel is well known as one of the best hotels in patagonia, a great option to stay while travelling arrtound Argentina. For more info regarding this hotel go the Argentina travel guide index.
Designed by the famous Jack Nicklaus, Chapelco Golf & Resort is unarguably one of the best courses in all of South America. Relatively new, it was opened in 2006 and it remains a challenging course for both amateurs and professionals, all of whom love its complexities. The complex also has a resort and fishing lodge, and the nearby San Martin de los Andes has a variety of attractions that make this a strong tourist point, as well. Members pay AR$20, and guests AR$150.
And for those who like extremes, head to the Ushuaia Golf Club, the southernmost course in the world. While unique in that fact alone, it is also a challenging and beautiful course in its own right, with the Tierra del Fuego forest acting as a boundary; the peculiar surrounding geography gives the course a truly one-of-a-kind setting. You can only play from October 15th through May 15th, and it costs AR$150 for guests to play the 9-hold, par 70 course.
There are many other beautiful and challenging courses sprinkled throughout the country. The sport has gained such popularity here that nearly every major city will have at least one great course nearby, and even the smaller cities are home to some fantastic courses.