Best Golf Courses in Brazil

Santapazienza Golf Club, designed by Tom and Logan Fazio, is a world-ranked, ultra-exclusive private course located in the forested hills of Itatiba. Opened in 2015, it navigates dramatic elevation changes, mature woodland, lakes, and carefully crafted bunkering, offering both beauty and technical challenge. Its reputation for service, exclusivity, and memorable design makes it one of Brazil’s premier golf experiences.

Terravista Golf Course, designed by Dan Blankenship and opened in 2004, is widely considered one of Latin America’s most glamorous golf destinations. Set atop dramatic cliffs above the Atlantic, the course offers diverse holes through woodland and along the coast. Its world-renowned, challenging layout, excellent amenities, and stunning vistas make it a must-play for international golfers visiting Brazil.

São Paulo Golf Club is Brazil's oldest golf club and is renowned for its classic tree-lined parkland layout. Originally designed in 1901 and redesigned by Stanley Thompson in 1935, the course offers gently undulating terrain and a strategic challenge, hosting notable events including the European Tour and PGA Tour Latin America.

Designed by Gil Hanse for the 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio Olympic Golf Course offers 18 championship holes on sandy terrain within the Marapendi Natural Reserve. Known for its Paspalum greens and Zoysia fairways, the course delivers a strategic layout blending challenge with scenic views. Post-Olympics, it has welcomed both public play and pro events.

Fazenda da Grama Golf Club, designed by Brian Costello of JMP Golf Design Group, is a private, luxury residential club in São Paulo state featuring a well-rated, open parkland layout with undulating terrain, strong architectural variety, and panoramic countryside views. Access is restricted to members and their guests.

Itanhangá Golf Club, designed by Stanley Thompson and established in 1933, is one of Brazil’s most respected courses. Located in Rio’s Barra da Tijuca district, this well-manicured, tree-lined 18-hole course features strategic bunkering, abundant water, and dramatic views of Pedra da Gávea and Tijuca Forest. The club boasts excellent practice facilities and a rich tradition in promoting the game, especially junior golf.

São Fernando Golf Club, designed by Luther Koontz and later improved by Emilio Serra, is one of Brazil's most respected courses, noted for its diverse parkland layout with lakes, doglegs, and well-maintained conditions. The course is private, set amidst woodland and residential areas, providing technical challenge and scenic views, with year-round play available.

Gávea Golf and Country Club, designed by Arthur Morgan Davidson in 1926, is nestled between the iconic Pedra da Gávea and Tijuca Forest, offering a striking blend of rainforest, hills, and vibrant Rio scenery. Its tree-lined parkland layout features undulating terrain, demanding strategic play and physical fitness, with memorable ocean and mountain vistas.

Alphaville Graciosa Clube, designed by Dan Blankenship and opened in 1999, features an 18-hole parkland layout in the upscale suburb of Pinhais near Curitiba. The course stands out for its mix of six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s, offering varied strategy and challenge. Lush fairways, rolling topography, elevated greens, and water hazards create an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

Fazenda Boa Vista (Arnold Palmer) is an exclusive 18-hole golf course set within the sprawling luxury resort and residential community of Boa Vista in São Paulo state. Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, it features elegant routing across scenic rolling hills, offering strategic play and impressive countryside vistas. The course is integrated with luxury amenities and is accessible primarily to property owners and Fasano Hotel guests.