Lives
Colombia
Handicap
5-9
Gender
Male
Skill
Advanced
Plays
A few times a week

Review Statistics

Average Rating

4.3
4.2
Total 4 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

4 Reviews
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Recommended Courses
4
Not Recommended Courses
0
Helpful Votes Count
4
Not Helpful Votes Count
0
First Review
12/27/2016
Last Review
09/29/2021

Reviews Map

Reviews

4.2
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Recommended
Review has

La Cima Golf Club

Played On 09/28/2021
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Cold weather
Walked

Not for the meek

I have been priviledged to play some of the world´s finest courses, but must confess I prefer quirky over "perfect". If you find yourself in Bogota and want a challenge of fitness, skill, and the elements, then La Cima is for you. Mid-week you´ll pay 40,000 pesos. (Around $12 USD at the time of writing.) Caddy 40,000 + tip. You´ll be happy to tip generously after the round.

Located just outside the small city of La Calera, you´ll need a caddy just to get there. No signs, and the 2 mile road to the entrance replicates what you´ll encounter on the course; namely twisting, climbing, blind corners with trouble if you veer off-course. At over 9,000 ft above sea level, expect incredible views and scarcity of oxygen!

Expect iffy weather. I would not go without a ski-cap, full rain gear and an umbrella. I had what my caddy described as a perfect day. It was 55-60 degrees, moderate wind and light drizzle off and on. If you like sunshine, warmth, and flat, I suggest you tour the museums instead.

The first hole is a downhill par 4 of 420 yards. The fairway looks ample enough, but the second shot may be completely blind. It´s ranked as the 3rd hardest hole. From the green you have an excellent view of a large resevoir.

Most holes have medium-sized trees lining the fairway on at least one side. If you get in them, it is a pitch out due to the low branches.

The greens have very subtle breaks but are in great shape. Kikuya fairways and rough.

It is not an elegant course by any standards, but it is sporty, challenging and a proper test of skill and endurance. The climb to the 18th green is akin to trying to land a ball on the roof of a three-story building.

Don´t expect to score well your first time around, but do expect a course that challenges your game at every level. I´m lucky that I live close by.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Bucaramanga Country Club

Played On 12/26/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

Classic Shotmaking

First of all, the photo is NOT Campestre Bucaramanga. The photo is of the sister course (9 holes) 1 hour outside of town. I will look for a few photos.

I reside in Bucaramanga. The Club is private but can be accessed through a member or if you stay at the on-site hotel.

I would love to help people enjoy a week in Bucaramanga. I traveled the world as a golf planner for 25 years. I would be happy to host some players. Prices are great and weather is perfect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0XKsVaa5SY

Walking is mandatory as is a caddy. If you don´t speak Spanish, you´re on your own which makes the challenge even more interesting.

Set in a shallow valley just outside the city of Bucaramanga, the course is a classic shot-makers paradise. You can find yourself in the middle of the fairway, yet find that your second shot requires a slight fade or draw to relatively small, elevated greens.

A large creek (actually Rio Frio... "Cold River") comes into play on few holes as well as several very well placed lakes.

The native tree here (Caracoli) are giant, sprawling and demand that you play shots around them.

Some highlights are the Par 5 4th hole, which for all but Bubba Watson is a three shot endeavor. The tee shot plays down hill to a generous fairway. However, any shot center or left of center and you are required to hit a sweeping draw to ensure a third from within 150 yards. Two giant Caracolis stand guard 50 yards from the green as well as a wide creek, to creat a cathedral-like uphill 3rd. Give me a bogey here any day.

On the 5th and 6th holes, the new Statue of Christ on top of the adjacent mountains is your aiming point from the tee.

The 10th is a 177 yard downhill par 3 with a lake guarding the left side. The green is extremely shallow with bunkers catching any long shot.

The 14th and 15th have giant Caracolis. The former right smak dab in the middle of the fairway, and the latter provides extreme protection on the left side forcing a low draw to the middle of the fairway.

Of the two 18 hole Championship courses in Bucaramanga, the other being Ruitoque, I rate Campestre 3-4 strokes harder on average. Ruitoque may have the majestic views, but Campestre has the tougher test of golf, all the while a providing a beautiful walk.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/26/2017

Hola Gringo Golf,

I live in Medellin. Headed to Bucaramanga specifically to decide on joining Buca or Ruitoque. I will be moving there for the golf. I like the price and weather. Would love to play golf with you. Golf is great in Medellin but prices are better where you are. I don't know how to make contact with you. Golf Adviser does not allow info from me.

Ruitoque Golf & Country Club

Played On 12/21/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Thrilling

Video speaks louder than words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91IHmIRNBww

Having been a member here, I can tell you that the views are spectaclar. the holes are varied, and the price is unbeatable.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Windy weather
Walked

Hidden Gem In Colombia

Video tour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0maYtbozyo&t=2s

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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