Golf in Brazil
Including Comandatuba Ocean Course, Damha Golf Club, and Gávea Golf & Country Club. On the map.
The vibe
Golfing here is a laid-back affair, often set against backdrops of dramatic coastal cliffs or lush, tropical greenery that makes every round feel like a retreat. The sport is best enjoyed during the milder months of the year when the humidity is lower and the breeze off the ocean keeps the greens comfortable. Most courses are quite accessible to visitors, offering a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere that prioritizes the scenery over strict formality.
Comandatuba Ocean Course, Bahia
Bahia
Lintzac / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Located on the private island of Comandatuba, this course is carved directly into the lush Atlantic Forest and coastal dunes. It is widely considered one of the most challenging and scenic resort courses in Brazil, offering a secluded tropical golf experience.
Access. Accessible primarily for guests staying at the Transamerica Resort Comandatuba, reachable via private airport on the island.
Notes. Tropical climate year-round; humidity can be high. Standard golf attire required.
Damha Golf Club, São Carlos
São Paulo
Marcelo Braga from São Paulo, Brasil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Widely regarded as one of the best-maintained courses in Brazil, Damha is a masterpiece of modern design featuring expansive fairways and strategic bunkering. It is a frequent host of professional tournaments and a pilgrimage site for serious golfers in the interior of São Paulo state.
Access. Located near São Carlos, accessible by car from São Paulo city (approx. 3-hour drive). Open to visitors with prior booking.
Notes. Excellent drainage makes it playable year-round. Handicap certificate often requested for weekend play.
Gávea Golf & Country Club, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Cathygenovese / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nestled between the iconic Pedra da Gávea mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, this historic course is one of the most scenic in South America. The tight, undulating fairways demand precision, offering a unique urban golf experience in the heart of Rio.
Access. Located in the São Conrado neighborhood; easily accessible by taxi or car from major Rio hotels.
Notes. Private club with strict visitor policies; check availability in advance. The course is hilly and physically demanding.
Iguassu Falls Golf Club, Foz do Iguaçu
Paraná
Ahmet Colakoglu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Designed by Erik Larsen, this championship-standard course is set within a lush, protected environmental area near the world-famous Iguazu Falls. The layout features challenging water hazards and native vegetation, providing a world-class golf experience in a spectacular natural setting.
Access. Located near the Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU); shuttle services are available from major area resorts.
Notes. Open year-round; humid climate. Ideal for combining a golf trip with a visit to the falls.
São Fernando Golf Club, Cotia
São Paulo
Carlos Varela from Sao Paulo, Brazil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Widely considered one of the most challenging and beautifully manicured parkland courses in Brazil, São Fernando is a favorite among serious golfers. Its rolling terrain and strategic bunkering provide a stern test that rivals top international clubs.
Access. Located in Cotia, a short drive from São Paulo city center; private transport is recommended.
Notes. Private club; requires invitation or reciprocal agreement for access. Best played in the dry season (April to September).
Terravista Golf Course, Trancoso
Bahia
Giba meia dois / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Bahia, this Dan Blankenship-designed course offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its signature 14th hole, which requires a daring shot over the cliffside, making it a bucket-list destination for international golf travelers.
Access. Located within the Terravista complex in Trancoso; accessible via Porto Seguro Airport (BPS) followed by a private transfer.
Notes. Best played between May and September to avoid the peak rainy season. Proper golf attire is required.