
SOUTH AMERICA
4 Country

Golf in South America: A Growing Passion
Golf in South America has been steadily gaining prominence as both a competitive sport and leisure activity, with countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile leading the charge in developing world-class facilities and producing talented players.
Argentina stands out as the region's golf powerhouse, boasting over 300 courses including the prestigious Jockey Club in Buenos Aires and the stunning Chapelco Golf Resort in Patagonia.
The country has produced legendary players like Roberto De Vicenzo and Ángel Cabrera, whose 2007 U.S.
Open victory and 2009 Masters win put South American golf on the global map.
Brazil's golf scene has flourished in recent years, particularly after the sport's inclusion in the 2016 Rio Olympics, with the Olympic Golf Course serving as a lasting legacy and new golf developments emerging in São Paulo and other major cities.
Chile offers some of the continent's most spectacular golf settings, with courses like Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago and the dramatic seaside layout at Granadilla Golf Club.
Colombia and Peru are also experiencing golf growth, with new courses being built in Bogotá and Lima to meet increasing demand.
While golf remains largely an elite sport in most South American countries due to limited public access and high costs, grassroots programs are working to make the game more accessible.
The PGA Tour Latinoamérica, established in 2012, has been instrumental in developing regional talent and providing a pathway to the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour.
South America's golf tourism potential is enormous, with Argentina's wine region courses and Brazil's coastal resorts attracting international visitors.
The continent's diverse geography allows for year-round golf, from the Andean mountain courses to tropical coastal layouts.
Challenges remain in terms of infrastructure development and making the sport more inclusive, but with rising middle-class participation and growing junior programs, South American golf appears poised for significant growth.
The passion for football still dominates the sporting culture, but golf is carving out its niche, particularly among business professionals and the upper classes.
As more South American players make their mark internationally and domestic tournaments gain prestige, golf's future in the continent looks increasingly bright, blending the region's natural beauty with its growing enthusiasm for the game..