When it comes to golf destinations in Latin America, seasoned players may be familiar with Mexico’s resort courses and Argentina’s historic fairways. However, two countries are quietly carving out their place on the global golf map, Chile and Brazil. With world-class tournaments, storied courses, and a unique blend of history and natural beauty, these two destinations offer untapped opportunities for golf enthusiasts seeking new fairways to conquer.
Chile: A Rising Star on the Korn Ferry Tour
With its stunning setting between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile’s diverse landscapes offer a stunning backdrop for golf. At the heart of the country’s growing prominence is the Astara Chile Classic, the nation’s premier professional golf event and a standout stop on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Astara Chile Classic: Where Global Talent Meets Chilean Hospitality
From March 6 to 9, 2025, the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago’s La Reina district will host the seventh edition of the Astara Chile Classic, presented by Scotiabank. As part of the Korn Ferry Tour, the gateway to the PGA TOUR, this tournament attracts 156 elite golfers from around the globe. All competing for a record $1 million purse, the largest in Chilean golf history.
The Prince of Wales Country Club, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, blends tradition and challenge across its perfectly maintained fairways and greens. This historic venue has witnessed dramatic playoffs, rising stars, and unforgettable moments that solidify its place as Chile’s premier golfing stage.
In 2024, American golfer Taylor Dickson claimed victory after an electrifying final round, edging out Trey Winstead in a tense playoff. This year, the tournament’s field will once again feature a mix of emerging Korn Ferry talent, seasoned PGA TOUR champions, and local Chilean favorites, including Gabriel Morgan Birke, Benjamín Saiz-Wenz, and Christian Espinoza; all eager to shine on home soil.
The Astara Chile Classic not only showcases top-tier competition but also highlights Chile’s growing stature in the global golf community. With each edition, the tournament helps inspire a new generation of Chilean golfers while inviting international players to experience the country’s rich culture and hospitality.
Brazil: Home of Olympic Golf and a Modern Fairway Legacy
Brazil holds a unique distinction in the history of modern golf, it was the first Latin American country to host Olympic golf, welcoming the world’s best players to the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Summer Games. Today, this iconic venue continues to shape Brazil’s golfing identity, offering players a rare chance to tee off on a course designed for legends.
The ECP Brazil Open: Honoring Tradition and Innovation
From April 3 to 6, 2025, the ECP Brazil Open will return to the Olympic Golf Course, serving as a key stop on the PGA TOUR Americas. As Brazil’s premier professional tournament, the ECP Brazil Open offers a $225,000 purse and attracts top-tier talent from across the Americas, blending international prestige with local pride.
The Olympic Golf Course, designed by Gil Hanse, is a modern gem, perfectly blending with the natural beauty of Rio’s Marapendi Reserve. With a design inspired by traditional links courses and amazing views of sand dunes, lagoons, and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a golf experience unlike any other in Latin America.
With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, the Olympic Golf Course continues to elevate Brazil’s profile as a golfing destination. Hosting the PGA TOUR Americas through 2027, it stands as both a tribute to the sport’s Olympic revival and a beacon for Brazil’s golfing future.
Exploring the Hidden Golf Fairways of Latin America
Chile and Brazil are quickly gaining recognition in the golf world, thanks to their unique combination of top-level tournaments, historic courses, and stunning natural landscapes. These elements are helping both countries become exciting new destinations for golfers looking to explore fresh and challenging fairways.
In Chile, players can experience the thrill of a Korn Ferry Tour event, competing where legends are born and local heroes make their mark. In Brazil, they can walk the fairways of Olympic history, testing their skills on a course built for the world’s best.
Together, Chile and Brazil offer a fresh perspective on Latin American golf, where history, competition, and natural beauty converge to create unforgettable golfing experiences. For those seeking to go beyond the familiar and explore the undiscovered fairways of the region, these two destinations promise golfing adventures unlike any other.