Is Golf Popular in Brazil? Uncovering the Real Story Behind Brazilian Golf Courses

If you think of Brazil, you probably picture football matches, samba, and packed beaches, not people swinging drivers or aiming for birdies. But wait—Brazil does have golf clubs and courses, and there are real reasons some people love the sport here, even if it's not a national craze.

Golf is definitely not what most locals play after work. The sport barely even registers next to football or volleyball in Brazil. Still, golf has a quiet but devoted following, especially in bigger cities like São Paulo and Rio. The numbers are small, but the passion is real.

Curious where those fairways actually hide? Some of the best golf courses in all of South America are right here, and you don’t always need to be a member of a fancy club to check them out. Plus, if you’re visiting Brazil and itching for a round, there are ways to play without too much hassle.

This isn’t the kind of place where everybody grows up golfing, but that’s exactly what makes the country’s golf scene surprising—and honestly, a little more interesting.

• How Many Brazilians Play Golf?
• Why Has Golf Struggled for Popularity?
• Golf Courses That Change the Game
• Tips for Golf Fans Visiting Brazil

How Many Brazilians Play Golf?

This surprises a lot of people, but golf barely tips the scale in Brazil. As of last year, the Brazilian Golf Confederation reported just over 20,000 registered golfers in a country of more than 200 million people. No, that’s not a typo. We’re talking less than 0.01% of the whole population grabbing a club regularly.

Here’s where it gets interesting: most golfers are in and around the biggest cities—mainly São Paulo, with Rio and Porto Alegre trailing behind. There are just over 100 active golf courses across the country. Compared to the US, where you’re tripping over courses in some states, that’s a tiny number.

Let’s lay out some quick numbers in a table just to show the scope:

Another simple way to see it: you could live your whole life in Brazil and easily never meet someone who plays golf. Most people know the sport exists, mainly from TV or movies, but hardly anyone in the average crowd actually plays it.

The sport’s presence is at its highest inside private clubs, many with pricey memberships and rules about clothing. Public access is rare, but not impossible if you look in the right places or know someone.

If you ever hear someone say golf in Brazil is booming, check these numbers first. For now, it’s a well-kept secret, known mostly to a small group of dedicated fans and families who pass the sport down from one generation to the next.

Why Has Golf Struggled for Popularity?

Ask someone in Brazil about golf and you’ll probably get a shrug. There’s a reason for that: the sport faces a lot of hurdles here, starting with money. Playing golf isn’t cheap—clubs often charge high membership fees, and equipment can cost a small fortune, especially when compared with a football and a patch of grass. Most Brazilian families just don’t have golf in their budget or on their radar. Even the most famous football players probably never stepped foot on a fairway growing up.

Another big barrier? Golf simply doesn’t fit into the local culture. Brazilians love group activities with lots of energy—think football on the beach, samba, volleyball, or futsal. Golf seems slow and maybe even too quiet compared to the excitement of other sports. That’s part of the reason why the sport doesn’t get much attention in schools or on TV except around the Olympics. Most major sports broadcasters in Brazil barely mention golf tournaments, so unless you’re already a fan, it’s easy to miss.

Space is tight, too. In many Brazilian cities, real estate is expensive. Golf courses need lots of land and serious upkeep. You’ll usually find them hidden in upscale suburbs or private resorts, not right in the city centers. That means most regular folks never get the chance to try.

One more thing: the pathway into golf isn’t clear for beginners. In communities where golf isn’t part of everyday life, finding a coach or public course can feel almost impossible. Unlike in some countries where juniors get cheap lessons, Brazil’s options are limited unless you know someone in the game.

The bottom line is, golf in Brazil is seen as a sport for the wealthy or for visitors, not for the average family. Until those barriers start coming down, don’t expect to see massive crowds at the driving range anytime soon.

Golf Courses That Change the Game

When people talk about playing golf in Brazil, they’re usually talking about a few standout places that really make the experience memorable. Brazil actually has around 115 golf courses, but less than a dozen of them grab the spotlight. These courses attract both locals and international visitors, all looking for something different from what you get in North America or Europe.

One famous spot is the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro. Built for the 2016 Olympics, it sits right in the Barra da Tijuca area. What makes it cool? It’s open to the public, a rarity in Brazil, and laid out in a way that keeps golfers guessing from hole to hole. The course has helped bring more attention to golf since the Olympic Games, and it’s been talked about as one of the best in Latin America for its challenging fairways and stunning surrounding nature.

Another real gem is Terras de São José Golfe Clube in Itu, near São Paulo. This course is popular with serious Brazilian golfers. It has hosted important tournaments like the Brazil Open. The vibe is friendly but competitive, and if you’re looking to bump elbows with the best local players, this is the place.

Down in Porto Alegre, Gávea Golf & Country Club combines mountain views and coastline breezes, which make for an unforgettable round. The club dates back to the 1920s, and you can still feel a bit of that old-school charm when you’re there.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the top golf courses you might want to check out:

Not all courses require a membership, but some old-school clubs do. If you’re traveling and want to play, call ahead. Some spots rent clubs and even offer lessons. Golf is growing slowly here, so visitors are usually met with curiosity and good vibes. Prices can range from affordable to luxury, depending on where you go, but for the best experience, stick to the well-reviewed public or semi-private courses.

The truth is, golf in Brazil isn’t about big crowds or famous pro tournaments—it's about unique courses, beautiful scenery, and the growing little community that loves the sport. If you’re game, these courses won’t disappoint.

Tips for Golf Fans Visiting Brazil

If you’re dreaming of teeing off under Brazil’s sun, there are a few things you should nail down first. Most top golf courses are either in big cities like São Paulo or resort areas like Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. Don’t expect golf to be everywhere—there are about 120 courses in the whole country, compared to 15,000 in the US. Here’s what you need to know before you book a round.

• Golf in Brazil is still seen as a bit of a luxury. The majority of courses are private, but some high-rated ones offer visitor slots. Always check ahead—email or call in advance, especially if you plan to play at spots like the Olympic Golf Course in Rio, which hosted the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
• Green fees may vary a lot. International-style clubs can charge from $50 to $200 USD, with equipment rentals often costing extra. It’s smart to bring your own balls and gloves since pro shops sometimes have limited stock or steeper prices than you’re used to.
• Most course websites and staff will speak basic English, but don’t count on it everywhere. Google Translate is your friend, or jot down some golf phrases in Portuguese—"campo de golfe" for golf course and "taxa de green" for green fee go a long way.
• Transportation can be tricky. Don’t expect a course right next to the main tourist sites. Some are a good hour’s drive from downtowns or airports, so plan for a taxi (or rental car) and enough travel time.
• The climate is hot, especially in the summer months (December to March). Early mornings are best for avoiding the midday heat and storms. Hydrate and pack extra sunscreen.

If you want a quick peek at Brazil’s golf scenes, check this table. These are some top courses you might want to try, whether you’re there for business, vacation, or just because you love the game:

Last thing: double-check course conditions ahead of your trip. Heavy rains can close courses without much warning, especially during the wet season. Book your tee times online if you can, and always ask about dress codes—they’re strict even in Brazil. If you travel with family, some Brazilian clubs offer activities for non-golfers like pools and tennis, so nobody has to get bored while you chase that elusive hole-in-one.