Rio Olympic Golf Course Golf Course

— About

About Rio Olympic Golf Course Golf Course

The Rio Olympic Golf Course is the most historically significant golf course in South America, purpose-built for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games — the first time golf had appeared in the Olympics in 112 years. Designed by American architect Gil Hanse, the course was constructed in the Barra da Tijuca district on a coastal lagoon site adjacent to the Marapendi Lagoon, with a backdrop of Atlantic forest hills and glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean. Hanse created a layout that evokes Scottish links tradition in a distinctly tropical setting — wind-exposed holes, firm and fast playing surfaces, and subtle mounding that rewards strategic play. The course saw Justin Rose win gold for England and Inbee Park take gold for South Korea in the inaugural Olympic golf events. Since the Games, the course has hosted Brazilian professional events and is open to the public — making it the most accessible world-class golf experience in Brazil and a remarkable piece of living Olympic history that any visiting golfer can experience.

— History

History of Rio Olympic Golf Course

The Rio Olympic Golf Course was designed and built specifically for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games — the first time golf had appeared in the Olympic programme since 1904. Gil Hanse was selected as architect after a competitive process, with construction beginning in 2013 on a previously undeveloped site in the Barra da Tijuca district. The build was controversial: environmental groups contested the site adjacent to the Marapendi Ecological Reserve, and the project became a flashpoint in debates about Rio's Olympic development. The course was completed in 2016 and performed its purpose magnificently — Justin Rose's winning birdie on the 18th hole to take gold for England became one of the defining images of the Rio Games, and the course was widely praised by competitors for its quality.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Rio Olympic Golf Course

The par-4 13th at the Rio Olympic Course is the hole that Rose birdied to clinch his gold medal — a medium-length hole with Marapendi Lagoon visible to the right and Atlantic forest hills beyond, creating a distinctly tropical Brazilian backdrop for what became the most watched golf shot in Olympic history. The par-3 11th plays over a natural sandy hollow with native vegetation framing the green, reflecting Hanse's Scottish links-inspired design approach applied to tropical coastal terrain. The par-5 18th provides the course's most dramatic risk-reward finish, with water threatening on the right from the second shot and the full scenic panorama of the Lagoon visible from the green.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Rio Olympic Golf Course

April through September is Rio's dry season and the optimal period for golf — temperatures of 22–28°C with lower humidity and minimal rain. October through March is the wet season with afternoon storms common; morning rounds are the standard approach. The Olympic Games were held in August — winter in the Southern Hemisphere — which proved ideal for golf conditions. Barra da Tijuca has slightly lower humidity than central Rio or Copacabana.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Rio Olympic Golf Course

The Rio Olympic Golf Course is a public facility open to all visitors — book tee times through the course website. Green fees are denominated in Brazilian reais. The course is in Barra da Tijuca, approximately 35 kilometres from central Rio and 30 minutes from Galeão International Airport in light traffic. Caddies are available. Barra da Tijuca is Rio's modern residential and shopping district — the Olympic golf venue is surrounded by the legacy infrastructure of the 2016 Games.

— Highlights

Why Play Rio Olympic Golf Course

• ▸ Built for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games — the first Olympic golf course in 112 years
• ▸ Designed by Gil Hanse with a Scottish links aesthetic in a tropical coastal setting
• ▸ Site of Justin Rose's Olympic gold medal — one of the most emotional moments in modern golf
• ▸ Open to the public since the Games — the most accessible world-class course in Brazil
• ▸ Marapendi Lagoon and Atlantic forest hills frame a spectacular natural setting

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Olympic Golf Course

Is the Rio Olympic Golf Course open to the public?

Yes — the course is a public facility open to all visitors since the 2016 Olympic Games. Book tee times through the course website.

Who won the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic golf?

Justin Rose of England won the men's gold medal and Inbee Park of South Korea won the women's gold medal — the first Olympic golf champions since 1904.

Who designed the Rio Olympic Golf Course?

American architect Gil Hanse designed the course, opened in 2016. Hanse is known for his Scottish links-inspired design philosophy applied here to a tropical coastal Brazilian setting.

How do I get to the Rio Olympic Golf Course?

The course is in Barra da Tijuca — approximately 35 kilometres from central Rio and 30 minutes from Galeão International Airport via the Linha Amarela expressway.

Why is the Rio Olympic Golf Course significant for golf history?

Golf returned to the Olympic programme in 2016 after a 112-year absence — the Rio course was the first purpose-built Olympic golf course and its competition was the sport's most-watched event in over a century.