Golf in Rio de Janeiro

Given Rio de Janeiro's wonderful natural flora and fauna, as well as its penchant for leisure, it's no surprise that it also offers great opportunities to golf. You may not have expected to come here and play a round or two, but with our recommendations, you can expect to enjoy a leisurely or competitive game of golf in Rio de Janeiro.

The Popularity of Golf

On the whole, golf trails other sports in popularity in Rio de Janeiro. Naturally, soccer reigns supreme, but the other British export, golf, has not caught on as quickly. However, this can be advantageous to the tourist looking to play golf in Rio de Janeiro. Rio has two top-quality golf courses, but this small number means there's a reasonable likelihood you'll find yourself golfing beside a celebrity or two who also decided to hit the links that day. To gain access to these courses, you will need to stay at select luxury hotels that are popular amongst business travelers. The game has caught on in Sao Paulo, and influence from U.S. and Asian visitors has further increased the popularity of golf in Rio de Janeiro. Until more courses spring up, you'll be able to enjoy the game in a fun, exclusive atmosphere.

Courses

The first golf course in Rio is at Gávea Golf and Country Club in Sao Conrado. This course is fairly short, totaling 6,000 yards in length. It was founded in 1921, and its 20 year old designer nestled it between the Tijuca National Forest and the seaside mountainous outcropping Gávea Rock. The course wraps around these juxtaposed locales, with the front nine at the foot of the mountain, the next 5 played by the sea, and the remaining holes headed back amongst the hills. This course is popular amongst some of the world's best players, and the course record is held by Grand Slam winner Gary Player. If you come to play golf in Rio de Janeiro, you will most certainly be awed by Gávea Golf and Country Club's par-three hole five, which has been frequently selected as one of the world's most beautiful holes.

The second course is located to the south at Itanhanga Golf Club in the Barra de Tijuca. It is a par-72, 6,600 yard course that has hosted European Tour events over the years. It was founded in 1933, was a favorite of President Getúlio Vargas, and has hosted many of the top golfers in the world. Players will also enjoy a view of the Tijuca forest and the Pedra da Gávea, two of Rio's most popular vistas. The greens on Itanhanga are known for being small, so golfers of all abilities will need to bring their A-game. If you're looking for beautiful views and challenging play, Itanhanga is the best choice for golf in Rio de Janeiro.

While it may not be the most popular sport in the city, golf in Rio de Janeiro is catching on, and its courses are comparable to many of the world's best. Getting in a round is recommended for business and leisure travelers alike because it is a great chance to relax, enjoy some breathtaking scenery, and work on your short game.

Find more information on Rio de Janeiro golf courses.