Argentina’s Premier Championship Golf Destination
Introduction
Deeply embedded in Argentina’s rich golfing heritage, Jockey Club Golf in San Isidro, Buenos Aires is one of South America’s most prestigious golf courses. Established in 1930, this iconic club boasts two championship courses designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, the same architectural genius behind Augusta National and Cypress Point.
Host of multiple Argentine Opens, Jockey Club Golf has seen some of the world’s best golfers grace its fairways. With immaculate course conditions, challenging layouts, and a timeless atmosphere, Jockey Club remains one of the finest golf experiences in Latin America.
General Information
- Full Name: Jockey Club Golf
- Location: San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Established: 1930
- Course Designer: Alister MacKenzie
- Course Type: Classic Parkland Championship Layout
- Par & Yardage:
- Red Course: Par 72 | 6,900 yards
- Blue Course: Par 72 | 6,700 yards
With tree-lined fairways, MacKenzie’s signature bunkering, and slick greens, Jockey Club Golf demands both strategy and precision, making it a favorite among top professionals and elite amateurs alike.
What Makes Jockey Club Golf Unique?
An Alister MacKenzie Masterpiece in South America
As one of only a few Alister MacKenzie-designed courses in Latin America, Jockey Club Golf exudes classic charm with strategic design.
- Two distinct courses, each offering a unique challenge:
- The Red Course – The crown jewel, a true championship layout featuring undulating greens, deep bunkers, and a variety of shot-making challenges.
- The Blue Course – A slightly shorter layout, providing a more relaxed but still strategic test of golf.
- Signature Holes:
- Par-3 11th (Red Course): A MacKenzie gem, demanding a precise iron shot over a natural hazard.
- Par-5 18th (Red Course): A thrilling finishing hole, offering risk-reward opportunities and a grand amphitheater-like setting.
The course conditions are pristine year-round, with fast, firm fairways and lightning-quick greens that rival the best courses in the world.
Tournaments & Legacy
A Historic Championship Venue
Jockey Club Golf is no stranger to hosting elite international tournaments, having been the stage for Argentina’s biggest professional and amateur events.
Notable Tournaments Hosted:
- Argentine Open (Abierto de la República) – One of the oldest national championships in the world, won by legends like Roberto De Vicenzo and Arnold Palmer.
- PGA Tour Latin America Events – Attracting top-tier professional talent from around the world.
- Latin America Amateur Championship – A proving ground for the region’s best amateur golfers.
Some of golf’s biggest names have walked these fairways, further solidifying Jockey Club’s legendary status.
Champions of the Last Decade
Jockey Club Golf has crowned some of Argentina’s most successful golfers, with multiple Argentine Open champions emerging from its tournaments.
- 2016 – Kent Bulle (-10) – A dramatic finish secured him a PGA Tour Latin America victory.
- 2019 – Ricardo Celia (-11) – Claimed the Argentine Open title in an unforgettable playoff.
- 2023 – Jorge Fernández Valdés (-9) – A rising Argentine star making his mark.
The course consistently produces championship-caliber winners and remains one of the most prestigious venues for professional golf in South America.
World-Class Facilities & Membership
A Private Club with Timeless Elegance
Jockey Club Golf is more than just a golf course—it is a historic institution offering world-class amenities.
- Clubhouse: A stunning colonial-style clubhouse with fine dining, a cigar lounge, and panoramic views of the course.
- Practice Facilities:
- Large driving range and short-game area.
- Championship-level putting greens.
- Top-tier golf academy with expert instructors.
- Social & Sports Facilities:
- Tennis, equestrian, and social events for members.
- Luxury locker rooms and fitness center.
Membership & Guest Access
- Private club – Exclusive membership required.
- Guest play available only via invitation.
Jockey Club offers an elite country club experience, attracting Argentina’s business leaders, top professionals, and international golf enthusiasts.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Who’s Played Here?
Jockey Club Golf has welcomed some of the greatest golfers in history, including:
- Jack Nicklaus – Played in the Argentine Open, praising the strategic design of the Red Course.
- Tiger Woods – Visited Jockey Club Golf during his time in South America.
- Seve Ballesteros – A multiple-time competitor at the course, displaying his legendary shot-making skills.
Course Records & Notable Achievements:
- Lowest Competitive Round: 62 (-10)
- Most Birdies in a Single Round: 11
- Longest Drive Recorded: 420 yards (wind-assisted)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- Jockey Club Golf was originally designed for Argentina’s upper-class elite, with strong ties to Buenos Aires’ high society.
- Alister MacKenzie’s influence is evident in the Red Course’s design, making it one of the few true MacKenzie classics in the world.
- The Argentine Open is one of the oldest national opens, dating back to 1905, with Jockey Club as one of its most frequent hosts.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
A Timeless Championship Experience in Buenos Aires
For those fortunate enough to play at Jockey Club Golf, it is an unforgettable experience filled with history, challenge, and prestige.
- A historic Alister MacKenzie design, offering championship-caliber golf.
- A rich tournament legacy, having hosted legends like Nicklaus, Woods, and Ballesteros.
- Exclusive, world-class facilities, creating an elite private golf experience.
If you have the opportunity to play Jockey Club Golf, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of golf’s greatest champions. It’s not just one of Argentina’s best courses—it’s one of the best in the world.
