| Club Name | El Desafío Golf Club |
| Designer | Greg Norman |
| Par | 72 |
| Type | Mountain parkland |
| Length | 7,062 |
| Website | |
| Club Address | Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40), Km 2227 3 San Martín de los Andes 4 Neuquén Province 8370 5 Argentina |
El Desafío Golf Club is nestled in the foothills of the Andes, just 16 kilometres east of San Martín de los Andes in Argentina’s breathtaking Patagonia region. Designed by Greg Norman, with Matthew Dusenberry overseeing construction, it represents Norman’s first signature golf course in South America.
Carved through native pine forests before climbing into open alpine meadows, El Desafío offers a striking mountain golf experience where every hole is framed by panoramic views of the Andes. The routing makes excellent use of the natural terrain, blending strategic shot-making with some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.
The course has attracted widespread praise for its imaginative design, particularly its collection of memorable par-3 holes, each carefully positioned to showcase the surrounding landscape. Five sets of tees on every hole ensure the course is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities while still providing a rewarding challenge for experienced players.
El Desafío forms part of the exclusive El Desafío Mountain Resort, which also includes residential properties and an equestrian centre. The long-term vision is for a full 18-hole, par-72 championship course measuring approximately 7,062 yards, although development has been completed in stages. Visitors should confirm the current number of holes in play, green fee arrangements and seasonal opening dates before planning their visit, as operations are influenced by Patagonia’s alpine climate. When visiting the area, golfers must play at Chapelco golf course which is 20 minutes’ drive away.
Greg Norman’s design at El Desafío was conceived to look as though it occurs naturally within the mountain landscape, rather than imposed upon it. The routing takes golfers through two distinct environments across the property: lower-lying holes threading through dense pine forest, and higher elevation holes set out across open alpine meadow, with each stretch offering a different character and outlook toward the surrounding peaks. Fairways are generous, in keeping with Norman’s broader design philosophy, giving players room to work the ball off the tee before the challenge intensifies closer to the greens.
Bunkering throughout the course has a rugged, sandbelt-style appearance, and the greens are firm and fast, well protected and demanding precise distance control on approach. The downhill par-4 third is considered the standout hole on the front nine, featuring a wide, rolling fairway that narrows into a small green defended by native grasses on the left and deep bunkering on the right. The par-3 13th, playing 137 yards from the back tee, has drawn comparisons to the 6th hole at Riviera Country Club, with a bunker positioned in the left-centre of the green ahead of a shelf set into the putting surface’s rear-left slope.
The clubhouse at El Desafío houses the restaurant Casa Walüng, which overlooks the ninth and eighteenth green sites and serves as the main dining option for golfers before and after their round.
As the course and broader resort remain under active development, travellers should contact the club directly to confirm current facilities, including practice areas, cart availability and pro shop services, before arranging a visit. The property forms part of the wider El Desafío Mountain Resort, which also includes an equestrian club and private residential development in the surrounding mountain landscape.
BOOK YOUR GOLF TRIP WITH VOYAGES.GOLF
Planning a golf trip shouldn’t be harder than playing the course itself. Voyages.golf is an International specialist golf travel agency, built by golfers for golfers who want access to the world’s best courses without the booking headaches. Our services go well beyond golf, with curated travel services creating the best package to suit your needs as described by our thousands of travellers.
Our Approach
We handle the details so you can focus on your game. Every itinerary is custom-built around the courses you want to play, with accommodation, transfers, and logistics coordinated to maximise your time on the greens. No budget stay-and-play, no minimum group sizes, no automated responses – just personalised service from golf travel specialists who understand what makes a great golf trip.
Our Services
Every Voyages.golf package starts with a minimum of two nights’ accommodation paired with your golf rounds, then builds from there based on your needs. Our comprehensive services include:
Tee Time Access
Championship courses – worldwide. We’ve built relationships over 10+ years that secure tee times many can’t access.
Hand-Picked Accommodation
Every hotel, resort, and lodge is selected based on three criteria: location near your courses, genuine comfort after 18 holes, and whether we’d stay there ourselves. No endless scrolling through reviews – we’ve done the research and know what works for golfers.
Complete Logistics Management
Golf clubs on flights. Vehicles with proper storage. Multi-course routing that doesn’t waste your day driving. Caddie requests. Optional additions like wine tours, golf lessons, or non-golfer programs. We coordinate everything so your trip flows seamlessly from arrival to departure.
No Minimum Numbers
Solo traveler? Foursome? Corporate group of 20? We welcome bookings of any size. Every golfer deserves exceptional service regardless of party size.
Real People, Real Expertise
Contact Voyages.golf and you’ll speak with experienced golf travel specialists – not call centers or chatbots. We’re golfers who’ve played these courses, understand seasonal conditions, and genuinely care about creating trips you’ll remember. We’re available to answer questions, refine itineraries, and provide support before, during, and after your journey.
Ready to Play?
Whether you’re targeting Australia’s championship courses, planning an international golf pilgrimage, or organizing a weekend escape with friends, Voyages.golf transforms your golf travel plans into reality. Contact our specialist team today to start designing your perfect golf experience.
How to Book Your Golf Trip
Every Voyages.golf experience is custom-made to your specifications—no two itineraries are identical. To ensure we secure the best tee times and accommodation, especially at high-demand courses and destinations, we recommend starting the booking process well in advance. We will advise you on the best booking windows for in-demand locations.
Before reaching out, it helps to have clarity on your preferred travel dates and confirmed group members (who’s definitely in, who’s still deciding). This allows us to move quickly when availability opens at sought-after courses.
Our 5-Step Booking Process
1. Enquire
Contact our team with your ideal travel window, preferred courses or destinations, group size, and any special requirements. The more detail you provide, the better we can tailor your itinerary. Keep in mind that popular courses and travel periods book out months in advance; early enquiries give you the best selection.
2. Book
Once we’ve designed your perfect itinerary and you’re ready to proceed, we’ll send a detailed invoice. We accept multi-currency payments via credit card or direct bank transfer, making both domestic and international bookings straightforward and secure.
3. Travel
Experience the golf trip we’ve meticulously planned for you. Our team remains available throughout your journey for any support, adjustments, or assistance you might need with the latest digital travel app to support your group throughout.
4. Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear how your trip went. Share your experience on social media (tag us @voyagesgolf), leave a review, or send us photos from your trip to be featured. Your feedback helps us continually improve and helps fellow golfers discover their next great adventure.
5. Stay in Touch
Once you’ve traveled with Voyages.golf, you’re part of our community. We’ll keep you informed about new course partnerships, exclusive travel opportunities, and seasonal recommendations for your next golf getaway.
Ready to Start Planning?
Contact Voyages.golf today. Let us know when you’re thinking of traveling and which courses are on your bucket list—we’ll take care of the rest.
Rated Excellent on the world’s leading independent review platform.
Sign up to receive our Monthly Newsletter, Tour & Cruise Releases and take advantage of our Earlybird Deals.
Data used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We never sell your data as a fully independent company.
Ask questions and request more information about this tour by filling out enquiry form below & one of our experts will reach out to you.
