Golf in Bogota Colombia

Bueno Golf in Bogotá Colombia

As published in the February 2025 issue of Golf Central Magazine

By Dave Finn

Colombia may be the most underrated country in South America. After years of uncertainty, challenge and change, Columbia has emerged as the newest travel destination for curious travellers and naturalists. According to World Wildlife Magazine, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, with ecosystems that range from the Andes mountains to Amazonian rainforests and oceans that border the country. These elements are part of what makes golfing here so exciting.

Bogota Street Art

Bogotá is the capital, with over 10 million inhabitants. It is the third-highest capital city in South America, at 8.600 feet above sea level. With average temperatures ranging from 45°F – 60°F, it’s cool in more ways than one, so make sure you bring extra layers of clothes. There are 20 courses within a 45-minute radius, but regrettably, I only had the opportunity to play four. Continue reading

Golf Costa Rica – Pura Vida

Golf the Pura Vida in Costa Rica

By Dave Finn as published on pages 36 and 37 of  the January Issue of  Golf Central Magazine

Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world.  In fact, 25% of the land mass is dedicated to parks, marine reserves and wildlife refuges.  It’s no wonder they have adopted the motto “Pura Vida” which translates to “Good Life”.

Costa Rica offers temperatures that hover between 70 and 80 degrees all year round. Perfect weather for golf.  There are two main seasons – the ‘dry season’ and the ‘green season’ which starts in mid May and lasts until mid November.  Either way you can always get you round in during the mornings as it only rains like clockwork in the afternoon.  There are 11 golf courses to be tested and below are my favourite 4 courses in descending order.

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Cali Colombia – Salsa Capital of the World

Dancing in the Streets

Join Jane as she dances her way through the Capital City of Valle del Cauca, Cali, in Colombia

by Jane Finn as published in Issue 29 of Planet Golf Review Magazine

Cali is hot, hot, hot in more ways than one, but before this trip, Columbia’s third largest city wasn’t even on my radar. A bit like Cinderella, she lives in the shadows of her sisters, Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Colombians who don’t hail from here consider her a bit gritty, not as charming as her siblings. But beneath the surface I discover a bold beauty and a wildly beating heart that strikes a chord within me. A place where I can easily find my rhythm.

Slowly I adjust to the heat and humidity. In comparison, Bogotá was much cooler and no matter the time of day, the roads were congested. Here traffic flows like the seven rivers that run through the city. And unlike Medellín, most of the heritage architecture has been preserved, often interspersed with modern apartment and office towers, creating an eclectic urban landscape.

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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/ 

Born To Be Wild – Costa Rica

BORN TO BE WILD

Jane Finn immerses herself in nature and discover why Costa Rica may be “The Happiest Place on Earth!”

By Jane Finn, Photography by David Finn

As published in the April 2021 edition of Planet Golf Review

¡Pura Vida! ¡Pura Vida! In Costa Rica, whether you’re traversing a mountain trail, hiking in the jungle, relaxing by the water or ordering shi-frijo for lunch, you’re bound to be the recipient of this distinctive Tico greeting. Two simple words that translate as “Good Life,” but how do you define it?

Is it catching the perfect wave, thundering across a deserted beach on horseback or playing a round of golf beneath a jungle canopy? Is it meeting new people, savouring the local cuisine, volunteering or a combination of all or some of these pursuits?

For me, ¡Pura Vida! means doing more of what you love to do. Walking your happy path, wherever it may lead, and on this trip, it led us to the magical, majestic Pacific Coast.

I have to admit as I touch down in Costa Rica, I am not too impressed with San Jose. It’s boisterous, crowded and sprawling.  Where is the peace and serenity, the nourishment I crave to feed my soul? However, within minutes of leaving the city, I get the answer to my question.  Zipping along the highway en route to Jaco, the buildings that lined the narrow city streets soon give way to green, verdant rainforests, and the rallying cries of scarlet macaws replace honking horns, welcoming me to a piece of paradise on earth.

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Challenge Golf in Costa Rica

Challenge Golf: Empowering People of All Abilities

by Jane Finn

As published in the April 2021 Issue of Planet Golf Review

I have listened to hundreds of TED Talks and paid big bucks to hear motivational speakers, but it has been a long time since I have been as inspired as I was after having lunch at the 18th & Greene with José Quesada.

José is a natural redhead, a spitfire, a bundle of energy, and a force to be reckoned with, who happens to be the PGA Director of Golf for Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort whose commitment and contribution to the game far exceeds his position. When José is not dreaming up innovative events or making improvements to an already exceptional course, he finds ways to make golf accessible to anyone who wants to play.

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Ecuador Guided Tour

Soul Searching in Ecuador

Jane Finn finds Ecuador is more than a destination, but a calling of the heart and soul

As published in the April 2019 Issue of Planet Golf Review

The allure of Ecuador is undeniable – four continents in one; all within easy reach of the average tourist or the intrepid traveler.  There are coastal towns, pristine beaches, and of course, the Galápagos; world heritage designated UNESCO cities like Quito and Cuenca, teeming with life and brimming with possibilities. For those of you that prefer cooler climes you can head to the highlands and the mountain cloud forests, and if you have a truly adventurous soul, the Amazon awaits.

Ecuador, for the most part is largely undiscovered. Traveling within the country by air or bus is easy, affordable and surprisingly efficient. Ecuadorians are hospitable, proud of their heritage and traditions. Respect for people and the environment is the cornerstone of Ecuadorian tourism.

Life here centres around family. It’s a heart-based culture – simple and uncomplicated. Nowhere will you encounter long queues or hordes of tourists. Perhaps that’s the reason why you won’t find the most idyllic spots listed in the guidebooks. It’s only through conversations with the locals or fellow travelers that the best kept secrets are revealed. Here are just a few highlights of our incredible journey.

To read Jane’s entire article on the Galapagos and Ecuador in the the April edition of Planet Golf Review visit pages 9 to 13 at  https://planetgolfreview.com/PGR-planet-golf-review-magazine-issue-12.pdf or click below.

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Escape to Nature – where to golf, explore and unwind in Costa Rica

Escape to Nature

Where to golf, explore and unwind in Costa Rica

By Jane Finn as published in the Summer 2018 Issue of Travel Life Magazine

¡Pura Vida! ¡Pura Vida! In Costa Rica, whether you’re traversing a mountain range, hiking in the jungle, relaxing by the water or ordering shi-frijo for lunch, you’re bound to be the recipient of this distinctive Tico greeting. Two simple words that translate as “Good Life” but how do you define it?

Is it dangling on the precipice of a volcano, zipping above the treetops, hearing the roar of a waterfall or playing a round and spotting an animal in their native habitat? Is it meeting new people, savouring the flavours of a region, volunteering or a combination of all or some of these pursuits?

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a twosome, ‘fore-some’ or family, in Costa Rica you can immerse yourself in nature, get grounded and rediscover the essence of who you are.

For me, ¡Pura Vida! means doing more of what you love to do. Walking your happy path, wherever it may lead. For now; we’ll focus on the magical, mystical Pacific Coast.

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Costa Rica Challenge Golf

Costa Rica Challenge Golf

Algo Mas Por Que Vivir – Something Else to Live For!

by Jane Finn

I’ve listened to hundreds of TED talks and paid big bucks to listen to motivational speakers, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been as inspired as I was today after having lunch at the 18th with José Quesada.

José Quesada

José is a natural redhead, a spitfire, a bundle of energy, and a force to be reckoned with, who just happens to be the PGA Director of Golf for Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. When José is not dreaming up innovative destination events or making improvements to an already exceptional course, he’s giving back to the community and that is the focus of this post.

Golf is an amazing game and a challenging sport for those of us who are able bodied. Just imagine how much more challenging it would be if you were blind, had autism or Down’s syndrome, were missing a limb, or were completely paralyzed.

Challenge Golf Amputee

Twelve years ago, after a close friend became disabled after an accident, José set out, with the support of his employer, on a mission to help people with physical or mental disabilities find hope to overcome their difficulties to not only survive but thrive.

Disabled golfer at Costa Rica Challenge Golf

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Reserva Conchal Pura Vida Costa Rica Golf

Reserva Conchal Pura Vida in Costa Rica

By Tim Cotroneo

The Central American country of Costa Rica has an unusual way of helping golfers get over first hole jitters. At the Guanacaste region’s plush Westin Golf Resort and Spa, golfers at the Reserva Conchal Golf Course are often greeted by the startling treetop growl of howler monkeys either before, during, or after your backswing.

You call that a swing?

Monkeys aren’t the only back-to-nature ambassadors greeting golfers at the Westin’s serene Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course. Iguanas, crocodiles, Coati-Mundi, and white throated Magpie all make spontaneous appearances during the course of 18 spectacular Reserva Conchal golf holes.

If you’re not star-struck by the wild kingdom aspect of Reserva Conchal’s 7,000-yards of jungle splendor, the sheer environmental radiance of your golf round can take your breath away.

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