La Cima Golf Club

I have been priviledged to play some of the world´s finest courses, but must confess I prefer quirky over "perfect". If you find yourself in Bogota and want a challenge of fitness, skill, and the elements, then La Cima is for you. Mid-week you´ll pay 40,000 pesos. (Around $12 USD at the time of writing.) Caddy 40,000 + tip. You´ll be happy to tip generously after the round.

Located just outside the small city of La Calera, you´ll need a caddy just to get there. No signs, and the 2 mile road to the entrance replicates what you´ll encounter on the course; namely twisting, climbing, blind corners with trouble if you veer off-course. At over 9,000 ft above sea level, expect incredible views and scarcity of oxygen!

Expect iffy weather. I would not go without a ski-cap, full rain gear and an umbrella. I had what my caddy described as a perfect day. It was 55-60 degrees, moderate wind and light drizzle off and on. If you like sunshine, warmth, and flat, I suggest you tour the museums instead.

The first hole is a downhill par 4 of 420 yards. The fairway looks ample enough, but the second shot may be completely blind. It´s ranked as the 3rd hardest hole. From the green you have an excellent view of a large resevoir.

Most holes have medium-sized trees lining the fairway on at least one side. If you get in them, it is a pitch out due to the low branches.

The greens have very subtle breaks but are in great shape. Kikuya fairways and rough.

It is not an elegant course by any standards, but it is sporty, challenging and a proper test of skill and endurance. The climb to the 18th green is akin to trying to land a ball on the roof of a three-story building.

Don´t expect to score well your first time around, but do expect a course that challenges your game at every level. I´m lucky that I live close by.