Argentina - South America’s premier golfing destination

With the largest number of golf courses in any South American country, success for Argentines Angel Cabrera and Andres Romero in the 2007 US and British Open Championships respectively, and a stand at the British Open for the second year running, Argentina has established itself as the capital of golf in South America.

Argentina’s courses offer golf-links for every player and taste, with 270 clubs throughout the country, 138 of which are in Buenos Aires alone. Golf is fast becoming both a national phenomenon, with more than 100.000 players in Argentina, and an increasingly popular attraction for international tourists, thanks to courses and driving ranges that offer unrivalled quality and professionalism in South America.

Susan Marples, Director of Golf at the Argentine Tourist Board, said: “We are excited about the increasing interest in golf in Argentina within the UK market. The recent success of national sportsmen such as Angel Cabrera and Andres Romero has helped raise the profile of Argentina as a golf destination, and the interest and warm reception we received at our stand at last weekend’s British Open (please see attached photo) both demonstrates the emergence of the sport in Argentina, and the increasing number of golfers looking to Argentina as an year-round alternative to U.S or European destinations”.

The number of British tourists visiting Argentina has risen significantly since 2004, and research shows that UK tourists stay an average of 15.4 days in Argentina (higher than the 12.2 international average), and that 66.9% of British travellers stay in 4 or 5 star hotels.

International recognition of golf in Argentina is also increasing, largely thanks to Angel Cabrera’s recent victory in the US Open, and Andres Romero’s close third position on the final leaderboard at the British Open at Carnoustie last weekend. Had it not been for a double bogey at the 17th hole, which denied him a place in the play-off, Romero might well have pulled off an unexpected yet welcomed win.

Until recently, the Argentine tourist board has concentrated their attention on promoting tourism through the attractions of Argentine wine, beef, polo and tango. However the emergence and popularity of Golf in Argentina offers British travellers a well established and exciting alternative to those traditional tourist attractions.

From the mountains of Salta in the north of the country, through Buenos Aires and right down to the end of the world in southern Patagonia, Argentina has a golf course to suit everybody. Whether a businessman in Buenos Aires with half a day to spare,

or a more adventurous golfer seeking to play some of the most breathtaking and best kept courses in the world, Argentina can cater for all tastes and abilities.

Related links:

Turismo.gov.ar
Angelcabrera.com
Piguromero.com