COLOMBIA GOLF COURSES STAND OUT INTERNATIONALLY

Award-winning Canadian journalists reveal Colombia’s unexpected golf paradise and cultural treasures.

As published in the September 9, 2024 issue of Nacion Golf

Renowned Canadian golf and travel journalists Dave and Jane Finn recently explored Colombia’s burgeoning golf scene, uncovering a hidden gem in the global golf tourism market . Their three-week trip, hosted by the country’s leading golf tour operator, Pelecanus, demonstrated Colombia’s potential to become a top-tier golf destination.

Dave Finn is a golf travel writer and photographer, with over 35 years’ experience in the industry as a member of several prestigious golf and travel media associations. Jane, meanwhile, is Features Editor for Planet Golf Review. Together, they have explored 35 countries, sharing their experiences in Golf Travel and Leisure Magazine, establishing themselves as authoritative voices in international golf tourism.

During their trip, the Finns explored the best golf courses in Bogotá, Cali, the Coffee Region and Medellín. They played at renowned clubs such as El Rincón de Cajicá, Briceño 18, La Cima, Farallones Golf Club, Club Campestre de Armenia and Club Campestre El Rodeo. In addition to golf, they immersed themselves in the rich culture and exquisite cuisine of Colombia.

Dave Finn expressed his admiration, stating: “ The courses in Colombia are world class, offering a diverse range of challenges. The landscapes are stunning , and each course presents a unique experience.” Jane Finn highlighted an unexpected moment from her trip, noting: “The Delirio salsa show in Cali was a delightful surprise. The pride and passion of the audience, as they sang ‘Cali Pachanguero’, was contagious. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural celebration that made us feel part of something really special.”

The potential for golf tourism in Colombia is significant, with more than 50 top-class courses spread across diverse terrain, from the Andes mountain ranges to coastal areas. While many of these top-class courses are privately owned, specialist operators such as Pelecanus provide exclusive access to international visitors.

This unique offering, combined with Colombia’s rich culture and stunning landscapes, has sparked growing interest among golf enthusiasts around the world, positioning the country as an emerging destination in the global golf tourism market. In Dave’s words: “ For experienced golf travelers, Colombia is an intriguing destination that most have not considered before. The combination of great food, friendly people and quality accommodations makes it unique.”

Frank Spitzer, founder of Pelecanus, says: “ The golf scene in Colombia is ripe for discovery. We are excited to showcase to travelers from around the world the mix of quality golf and enriching cultural experiences that our country offers.”

To read the entire article visit https://naciongolf.com/los-campos-de-golf-colombianos-se-destacan-a-nivel-internacional/ 

Golf New Delhi India

Golf with Gurus in New Delhi, India

– by Dave Finn

As published in the June 2024 issue of Golf Central Magazine

From the moment I arrived, I knew that the sights, sounds and senses were psyched to experience one of the most exotic destinations in the world.

Okay, granted, New Delhi may not be foremost on golfers’ minds but for me, playing my favourite sport in India was an awesome opportunity to combine two of my favourite passions – travel and golf.

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Magic, Music, and Memories in Munich Germany

This Magic Moment

Magic, Music and Memories accompany Jane Finn as she explores Germany’s third-largest City

As published in the April 2024 edition of Planet Golf Review Magazine

Imagine feeling awake, alert and fully alive after spending hours in planes, trains, and automobiles. Are you having trouble doing that? So did I until I touched down at Franz Joseph Strauß airport and immediately found my way to one of Munich’s best-kept secrets.

While many of you may not agree, I find overnight flights magical. Primarily because it never ceases to amaze me that I go to sleep in one country and wake up in another. What I do not relish is leaving my bags with the concierge, then aimlessly wandering the streets until my room is ready and I can grab a nap. But thanks to a tip from a friend and savvy traveller, I have found an alternative that is bound to influence future itineraries.

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Monkeying Around in Mysterious Malaysia

Monkeying Around in Mysterious Malaysia

by Dave Finn as published in the April 2024 edition of Golf Central Magazine.

Malaysia is nestled between Thailand and Indonesia in the South China Sea. An exotic destination indeed but not on most people’s radar as a place to play golf.  This is a land of contrasts.  At one end of the spectrum are the towering skyscrapers, world-class entertainment, unique restaurants, and enticing shopping districts. On the other end, unspoiled countryside, lush rainforests, remote jungles and plenty of pristine beaches and tropical islands to relax on.

Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, is the cultural, financial, and economic center, worthy of at least a couple of days of exploration.  In between sightseeing and acclimatizing yourself, you must play a round or two. Continue reading

Laying Low in Abaco Bahamas

Laying Low in Abaco

By Jane Finn, Photography by Dave Finn as published in the November 2023 Issue of Planet Golf Review

The Bahama Breeze is a popular drink here in the Outer Islands, but for a sailor yearning to set out on a sea of adventure, it’s the wind in your sail, the song in your heart and the skip in your step that gives you the courage and freedom to chart your own course.

Slowing Down to the Speed of Life

It’s late afternoon and a balmy 27° Celsius when we touched down in Marsh Harbour, the nation’s third-largest settlement behind Nassau and Freeport. Still, there’s plenty of time to pick up groceries at Maxwell’s and store our gear aboard our rental boat before heading to Snappas Chill & Grill for dinner. It’s Monday, and the place is hopping. William Albury is tinkling the ivory keys, and as we went our way to the back of the restaurant, the crowd erupts in a passionate, if not precisely harmonious, rendition of Brown Eyed Girl. A local tribute to all the mothers and daughters, sisters, friends, and girlfriends gathered here to celebrate that life is good today!

As we settle in at our table overlooking the twinkling lights of the harbour, I take a deep breath, willing myself to slow down, relax and enjoy being on ‘island time.’ Magically, a Hibiscus Kiss appears before me, and the blackened mahi-mahi and grilled shrimp that follow are equally delicious. Gradually, the busyness of the past several weeks starts to fade, and I soon feel like I don’t have a worry in the world. Gone is the stress of packing, repacking, answering last-minute emails, plane delays, and then racing to make connections. For the next ten days, we are going to disconnect to reconnect. No cell phones, no Netflix, no What’s App, no Mr. Google – only our wits, GPS to navigate the waters and a marine radio to communicate with those onshore. I can’t wait for the journey to begin! Continue reading

New Zealand – The Sound of Silence

Join Jane Finn for an Epic Road Trip as she navigates the highways and byways of New Zealand’s South Island

Words by Jane Finn Photography by Jan Helebrant – As published in the summer issue of Planet Golf Review

It’s 6:45 in the morning, and the rain continues to beat a constant tattoo on the roof of our camper van. We had planned to leave Wellington yesterday, but the seas were running so high that our ferry crossing was cancelled. Instead, we’ve spent the night on the dock, wedged between two transport trucks, somewhat buffeted by the fierce winds ripping through New Zealand’s capital. Patiently waiting in the queue, I cross my fingers and pray that the weather gods will cooperate, and within minutes the horn sounds, signaling it’s time to commence boarding.

Typically, once we’re aboard, I race for the upper deck to get an unobstructed view, but today the skies are gray and gloomy, and I’m beginning to feel a bit dull. Rather than brave the elements, this time, I opt for a seat in the cabin where it’s warm and dry.

Our voyage across the Tasman Sea was uneventful, and as we approached Picton Harbour, I wandered outside. That’s when I realized it had been more than a week since I last saw the sun, and then, suddenly, the clouds parted, and my energy shifted. I look at the crowd waiting to disembark; everyone is beaming as brilliantly as the noon sun that has decided to grace us with her presence. It’s a good omen, and now I’m excited to get ashore and start exploring Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island.

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