Gavea Golf & Country Club

Nestled between the rainforest-covered mountains and the Atlantic Ocean in São Conrado, Gávea Golf and Country Club offers one of the most scenic golfing experiences in Brazil. Its 18-hole championship course (par 69) challenges players with a compact yet demanding layout, complemented by well-maintained fairways, practice facilities including a driving range and putting greens, and breathtaking views on nearly every hole. The unique setting not only tests your game but also provides a memorable round surrounded by nature.

Beyond the course itself, the club delivers a premium golfing experience with high-quality amenities. Golfers can enjoy a welcoming clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and services such as caddies, club rentals, and electric carts. With additional leisure facilities like a swimming pool, fitness area, and sauna, it’s an ideal destination for both serious players and those looking to combine sport with relaxation. Access is typically exclusive, so visitors should plan ahead, but the experience is well worth it for those seeking a distinctive round in Rio.

A yearly membership to Rio de Janeiro’s oldest and most prestigious golf and country club is steep, costing more than $3,000 a year. Those high fees guarantee its members — and visitors — the most well-kept greens in Rio. Gávea Golf and Country Club is private, but the right friends or a low golf handicap will help you score some pricey rounds at the 69-par course. This is the closest golf course to Rio de Janeiro’s tourist-friendly neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema, and it sits between Tijuca National Park and São Conrado beach, leaving players with unforgettable views of the ocean and shoreline. All players need to do is show up (in golf attire) and everything from food to golf clubs is available at the club.