The Oldest Golf Club in Every Country: Americas Edition
While golf was born on the links of Scotland, it quickly spread to the New World. From the coasts of Argentina to the hills of Jamaica and the clubs of Canada and the United States, the game took root in many corners of the Americas during the 19th century.
In this third entry in our global series, we profile the oldest continuously operating golf club in every country in North, Central, and South America. These aren't defunct golf clubs or forgotten grounds; every golf club listed here remains active and historic, representing over a century of golfing legacy.
🇺🇸 United States: The Savannah Golf Club (Founded in 1794)
The Savannah Golf Club, founded in 1794, is the oldest in the United States and one of the world’s oldest outside Scotland. Located in Georgia, the club blends Southern charm with deep historical roots. Its oak-lined fairways have witnessed centuries of American golf evolution.
Website: The Savannah Golf Club
🇯🇲 Jamaica: The Manchester Golf Club (Founded in 1865)
Founded in 1865, The Manchester Golf Club is Jamaica’s oldest and one of the earliest in the Caribbean. Situated in Mandeville’s cool climate, the 9-hole course was born from British colonial roots. The club continues to represent the island’s golfing heritage.
Website: Manchester Golf Club
🇨🇦 Canada: Royal Montreal Golf Club (Founded in 1873)
The Royal Montreal Golf Club is not only Canada’s oldest, founded in 1873, but also the oldest in North America. Located near Montreal, it boasts 45 holes and has hosted multiple Presidents Cups. The club was granted 'Royal' status by Queen Victoria in 1884.
Website: Royal Montreal Golf Club
🇦🇷 Argentina: Hurlingham Club (Founded in 1892)
The Hurlingham Club, founded in 1892, is Argentina’s oldest golf club and a symbol of British-Argentine tradition. Located near Buenos Aires, its historic grounds also host polo and cricket. The course is lined with mature trees and heritage buildings that reflect its deep-rooted legacy.
Website: Hurlingham Club
🇲🇽 Mexico: Club De Golf Santa Gertrudis (Founded in 1894)
Founded in 1894, Club de Golf Santa Gertrudis is Mexico’s oldest golf club. Located in Veracruz, it was built by Scottish engineers and remains a proud relic of Mexico’s early sporting culture. Its 9-hole course is rich in tradition and history.
🇨🇱 Chile: Granadilla Golf Club (Founded in 1897)
Granadilla Golf Club, founded in 1897, is Chile’s oldest golf institution and a jewel of the Pacific coast. Located in Viña del Mar, the club features a hilly layout surrounded by eucalyptus trees. It has been instrumental in Chile's golfing development.
Website: Granadilla Golf Club
🇧🇷 Brazil: São Paulo Golf Club (Founded in 1901)
Founded in 1901, São Paulo Golf Club is the birthplace of Brazilian golf. The club began with British expats and has evolved into a premier destination for professional and amateur play. Its tree-lined layout and long history make it an icon in Brazil.
Website: São Paulo Golf Club
🇺🇾 Uruguay: Club de Golf del Cerro (Founded in 1905)
Club de Golf del Cerro, founded in 1905, is Uruguay’s first golf club, located in Montevideo. Established by Anglo-American workers, it once boasted a clubhouse designed by Alister MacKenzie. Though less known today, it remains a cultural treasure.
Website: Club de Golf del Cerro
🇧🇴 Bolivia: La Paz Golf Club (Founded in 1912)
La Paz Golf Club, established in 1912, is Bolivia’s oldest and one of the world’s highest-altitude clubs. Set amidst the dramatic Andean landscape, this club challenges golfers with thin air and incredible views. It remains a standout destination for golf in South America.
Website: La Paz Golf Club
🇨🇴 Colombia: Country Club de Bogotá (Founded in 1917)
Established in 1917, the Country Club de Bogotá is Colombia’s oldest golf club and a prestigious sports and social center. Located in the capital, it offers an elite 27-hole setup, tennis courts, and equestrian grounds. It remains a symbol of Colombian golf excellence.
Website: Country Club de Bogotá
🇵🇪 Peru: Arequipa Golf Club (Founded in 1918)
Arequipa Golf Club, established in 1918, is Peru's oldest golf club, offering an 18-hole course set at 2,250 meters above sea level in Arequipa's Socabaya district. Nestled amid stunning mountain vistas, the club provides a challenging layout and top-tier amenities for golfers of all levels.
Website: Arequipa Golf Club
🇻🇪 Venezuela: Caracas Country Club (Founded in 1918)
Established in 1918, Caracas Country Club is one of the most prestigious and historic golf clubs in Venezuela. Nestled in the heart of Caracas, this exclusive club features an 18-hole course originally designed by the famed golf course architect Charles W. Alison. Surrounded by the scenic Ávila Mountain, the parkland-style course is known for its well-manicured fairways and strategic layout that challenges golfers of all levels.
Website: Caracas Country Club
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo Country Club (Founded in 1920)
Founded on August 12, 1920, Santo Domingo Country Club is the oldest golf club in the Dominican Republic. Located in the western part of Santo Domingo, the club features a 27-hole course—18 of which were designed by H.N. Hansard, with 9 additional holes added in the early 21st century. The parkland-style layout offers a varied and challenging experience surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Website: Santo Domingo Country Club
🇵🇦 Panama: Club de Golf de Panama (Founded in 1922)
The Club de Golf de Panama was founded in 1922 and is the country’s oldest. Located in Panama City, the club has hosted major regional tournaments. Its blend of tropical landscaping and championship pedigree makes it a key institution in Central America.
Website: Club de Golf de Panama
Coming to the end of this article, we would also like to point you to the others editions of this series. focusing on the oldest golf clubs in Europe and in Asia & Oceania! And if you love history, then also check the other interesting blog articles written by the staff of The Centenary. You can find a selection below.