El Desafío is an exceptional golf course in San Martin de los Andes in Patagonia, Argentina. The first nine holes opened in 2010. As of 2023, the second nine holes is under construction. Clubhouse restaurant Casa Walüng is open and overlooks the 9th and 18th greensites. The property also includes polo and other equestrian sports. At an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, summer(December-February) is mild and pleasant with average high temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
Planted in fescue grass, the Greg Norman design offers a dramatic, picturesque setting with long views of the surrounding mountains and clean air. The property is 1,050 hectares(2,500 acres). Norman's design plan navigates topography changes on each hole with expansive fairways where strategy for approach play into the corners of greens starts from the tee shot.
Contour maps with elevations for the design plan have been shared on Instagram showing the movement in the land as the second nine construction proceeds. The 13th hole is a short par 3 playing 137 yards from the back tee. Reminiscent of George Thomas' design from the 6th hole at Riviera Country Club, a bunker is situated in the left-center portion of the green before the shelf in the rear left of the green set into the slope.
El Desafío is Greg Norman's first signature golf course in South America. Matthew Dusenberry assisted in the golf course build. San Martín de los Andes is in the southwest part of the Neuquén province at the foot of the Andes mountains and on the shores of Lake Lácar. The PGA Tour Latinoamérica Tour hosts the Neuquén Argentina Classic annually in the province at the nearby Chapelco resort. Airport code CPC for San Martín de los Andes has two flights per day from Buenos Aires. Hicks Trans American Partners joined as developer for the project in 2008.
Allie Lazar wrote for The New York Times featuring El Desafío with panoramic images from Marcos Clutterbuck and acclaimed National Geographic Traveler photographer Eliseo Miciu.
Tom Doak's evaluation of the golf course first nine with the property's potential to be the best in South America is unusual and singular from Doak's travels in his publication of The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses Volume 2: The Americas (Winter Destinations).
CPC - San Martin de los Andes Airport Flight Tracker
Tom Doak's Seaside Punta Brava
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