As I shared in my previous message, I recently spend a weekend golfing in Cali, Colombia. My first stop was Club Campestre. It’s a par 71 course playing 6,929 yards from the blue tees and 6,394 from the white tees.
It is in much better shape than Club El Rodeo, the course I play in Medellin, and the practice facilities are much better too. In addition to a large driving range, Campestre has a green surrounded by bunkers where you can practice your short game from 50 yards and in and also from the bunkers. It also has a large putting green.
Like Club El Rodeo, the course at Club Campestre is challenging with a slope and course rating of 140/74.3 from the blue tees and 135/70.2 from the white tees. The municipal courses I played in the US had slopes of about 123 so this course is noticeably more challenging.
Here is the view from the elevated first tee box:
This tee shot is not so bad. There is plenty of fairway to hit. But hit the fairway and the challenge begins. The narrow green is surrounded by bunkers and trees. And like most of the greens at Club Campestre this one is FAST!!
Club Campestre is not quite as narrow as El Rodeo but it’s just as challenging. Miss the fairway and good luck! You’ll probably have some sort of tree trouble. Hitting the fairways is no picnic either as most of the holes are surrounded by either water or bunkers.
Here’s the view on the tee from of the 195-yard par 3 14th hole:
Miss this green anywhere but short and you’re in trouble!!
And if you’re fortunate enough to hit the greens in regulation, putting will be your next challenge. The greens are so fast, I watched the head pro putt his birdie putt into a bunker!! If you don’t believe me, watch this video:
In my next message, I’ll share my experience with Club Farallones – including what I hear is the longest hole in South America – a 710-yard par 6!!
Until then…
Dedicated to Lower Scores and More Fun on the Course,
Robert Phillips
Co-Author “How to Break 90”
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