Brazil is a country renowned for its spectacular nature, beaches and unique culture, but it is also a top destination for golf enthusiasts. The country offers a variety of golf courses that stand out for their beauty and quality of design. Here is a selection of eight iconic golf courses in Brazil that are well worth a visit for both beginners and experts alike.
Campo de Golfe Olímpico, Rio de Janeiro
The Campo de Golfe Olímpico, located in Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most emblematic courses. Designed for the 2016 Olympic Games, this golf course has been specially created to provide a quality experience for both professional and amateur golfers. The 18-hole course is surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea.
Itanhangá Golf Club, Rio de Janeiro
Itanhangá Golf Club, also in Rio de Janeiro, is one of Brazil’s oldest and most prestigious golf clubs. Built in 1933, it was designed by the famous architects Stanley Thompson and Robert Trent Jones. The course hosted the Brazilian Open Championship for the first time in 1957 and remains a popular stop-off point for national tournaments. With its 18 holes and an additional 9-hole course, the club offers a varied golfing experience in the heart of lush natural surroundings.
Terravista Golf Course, Trancoso
Located in Trancoso, on the coast of the state of Bahia, the Terravista Golf Course is considered to be one of the most spectacular courses in the country. This 18-hole golf course runs along cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views. By playing here, golfers have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day on the green while contemplating the surrounding nature, creating a memorable golfing experience.
São Fernando Golf Club, São Paulo
São Fernando Golf Club, near São Paulo, is one of the country’s most popular courses. Designed by British architect Dave Thomas, the course boasts a demanding layout that is perfectly suited to experienced players. With its fairways lined with vegetation and its many obstacles, it promises a day of golf that is both stimulating and enjoyable.
Gavea Golf and Country Club, Rio de Janeiro
Gavea Golf and Country Club, located in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most emblematic and beautiful courses in the world. Surrounded by the Pedra da Gávea and the Tijuca forest, this golf course offers a spectacular setting between lush mountains and sea views, all just a few metres from São Conrado beach. The 18-hole course is distinguished by its first nine holes, which wind through undulating terrain in the heart of the rainforest, offering incredible views of the island formations off Rio. https://golf-brazil.com/course/gavea-golf/
Aquiraz Riviera Golf Club, Ceará
The Aquiraz Riviera Golf Club is the first golf course in this region and offers a unique experience for golf enthusiasts. Designed by Donald Steel, the course is divided into two distinct sections: the first nine holes, known as the Ocean Course, which run along the ocean with smaller, narrower holes, and the last nine holes, the Dunes Course, which run through the heart of the dunes. The course has been skilfully laid out to offer spectacular ocean views from eleven of the eighteen holes, making every round unforgettable.
Brazil is full of iconic golf courses that stand out for their breathtaking scenery, innovative designs and unspoilt natural surroundings. Whether you’re a keen golfer or an amateur looking to discover a new course, these six courses guarantee a unique experience, where sport blends harmoniously with the beauty of Brazilian nature.
