For golfers traveling to Argentina, a great trip to do is: Córdoba. Valentín Minoyetti, a golf fanatic and Buenos Aires Golf Club member, created this 4-day guide for you to know where to stay at, which courses to play in, and more:
ACCOMMODATION:
Scratch House, a hotel with lots of history located in Villa Allende the national capital of golf. Within its large 3-hectare park, as soon as you enter you will see its large house on the heights, which has different rooms named after golfers (of course) and 3 other private houses that complement the proposal. The hotel is immersed in a natural environment with groves, trails and mountain landscapes. A space to rest and connect with nature, away from the noise of the city.
In addition, the hotel is the meeting point for golfers, who choose it for its proximity to the main golf courses in the province of Córdoba. Scratch House is only 10 minutes from "El Terrón Golf Club", 1 minute from "Córdoba Golf Club", 1 hour from "El Potrerillo de Larreta" and close to other important courses such as "El Valle del Golf" and "Pueblo Estancia La Paz".
The attention here is spectacular and they also help you with part of the organization of courts fees/schedules and food reservations that you may need. Due to its privileged natural environment and its proximity to the main tourist spots, Scratch House is perfect for those looking to enjoy an unforgettable stay in any season of the year. Its rooms and private houses have their own charm. Design, warmth and comfort for an amazing stay.
More than 100 years ago it was the summer home of a Danish family. Today, Scratch House is a stylish boutique hotel that retains a large part of its original furniture and where every detail is designed to live a superior experience. A place that invites you to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains, while connecting with various cultural, gastronomic and tourist proposals.
The main house of the hotel is a Neo-Tudor-style construction dating from the early 20th century. It was designed by the Danish architect Morten Ronnow and only 3 families lived in it for more than 100 years. Between 1918 and 1919, the family of Danish immigrants named Ditlevsen, founders of the "Córdoba Golf Club", decided to build this summer house. After a few years, the property was given to the renowned lawyer Guillermo Rothe and later it was acquired by Manuel Tagle, an important businessman from Córdoba. Since then, it has been used as a rest home by the family.
In 2019, the property was restored and conditioned to become a boutique hotel, but keeping its essence intact.
Each Scratch House space keeps various family experiences, closely linked to the history of the country and the personalities that passed through the house. Today, more than a century later, the hotel continues to write its history together with those who choose it for their weekend getaways, as a meeting point for the golf route or to experience moments of disconnection and relaxation.
COURSES:
It is 10 minutes by car from Scratch House located in the city of Mendiolaza, within the country "Estancia El Terrón", and only 10 minutes from Córdoba airport.
It has an 18-hole golf course and it's the only one in Latin America designed by golfer and renowned architect Tom Weiskopf, with views of the mountains that dominate the setting. "The first time I saw the place I was impressed with its incredible views and the potential of the land to become a great golf course," says Tom.
Strategic location, privileged views, first-class amenities, exclusive bar for golfers, driving range, chipping and putting green, children's court and international-class restaurant.
The golf club offers a comprehensive proposal that combines sport, fun and tradition. Spaces to live ideal moments with family and friends.
Located 8 minutes from Ascochinga, Estancia La Paz has become an extraordinary urban development that covers 500 hectares where a hotel, a country neighborhood, a golf course, two polo fields, a sports area and much more coexist. It is also 45 minutes from the airport and 60 from the center of Córdoba by highway.
It was the summer stay of the two-time President of Argentina Julio A. Roca, in fact one of the rooms bears his name. Located in the Historic District, the room where the General once rested has been the subject of a studied and delicate restoration, preserving its architecture and original distribution. Ideal for all those who wish to travel through history.
Another of the accommodations includes the "Suite de la Novia" (The Brides Suite), located in Villa Clara, an old indoor pool for women, its name evokes Clara Funes, wife of Julio A. Roca. It is a true haven of relaxation, equipped with spacious and welcoming rooms, a spacious bathroom and a private gallery with a panoramic view of the golf course, the orchard and the great variety of old roses that embellish its surroundings.
Another option is called "Villa Antigüo Lavadero" (Old Laundry Villa). It is one of the nicest buildings on the ranch and one that arouses the greatest curiosity in visitors. The construction dates from the end of the 19th century and was originally used for washing and ironing the residence. Its old washing basins are preserved intact. The suite is secluded at one end of the Hotel, and offers a private garden surrounded by old roses and a special grove that awakens the senses with its bright colors.
There are many more room options such as: Premium, Deluxe, Classic, Garden, among others.
In the beginning, the lands where the ranch is located were called Corral de Piedra and were inhabited by the original people of the Sanavirones. Then they were donated to the novitiate of the College of the Company of Jesus to be incorporated into the "Estancia Santa Catalina". It was renamed "Estancia La Paz" in honor of the peace pact between Buenos Aires and the Argentine Confederation. Throughout history, it was the site of great moments and reached its splendor when it became the summer home of Julio A. Roca. The former president of the nation modernized the room in a neoclassical-Italian style and commissioned the French landscape architect Charles Thays to design the park with its artificial lake. During his tenure, he governed the country from this residence, which was visited during that period by emblematic Argentinian figures such as: Avellaneda, Mitre, Sarmiento, Pellegrini and Figueroa Alcorta.
It is a must to go for a walk and get lost following the sound of the Ascochinga river listening to the sound of nature. Along the 7 km of river that surround the residence you have two spas and the possibility of an afternoon with a great sunset. It borders the iconic "Camino Real de Córdoba", a legendary road that is more than three centuries old. This means that on each walk you will be able to go through historical paths, surrounded by Jesuit establishments and churches.
You will be able to enjoy nature and play golf in an incomparable setting with the mountains in the background. While going through the field, you can enjoy a tour of the centenary park, the course of the Ascochinga River, the valleys, hills and ditches that preserve the imprint of the "Sierras Chicas" (the hills).
Golf, hotel, gastronomy and impressive views. The architect Ignacio Zuberbuhler Larreta, inherited these lands and in 1995, together with his sons Alejandro and Javier, started a family project for a Resort and a Country Club, counting within this project an 18-hole golf course that runs streams and hills, designed for all levels of players.
Upon entering, an ancient and imposing stone arch is a warning: we are about to enter a place frozen in time. Where its beauty cannot find a better company than the historical wealth it hides; and where its years could only become what it is today: an elegant country, with a unique hotel, and the most distinguished golf course in South America.
It has 20 spacious and bright rooms, with mountains' and gardens' views, hot-cold air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, HD Satellite TV, safe box and minibar. They have different category rooms and two spacious suites on the top floor.
The guests will be able to enjoy the colonial architecture and viceregal furniture, combined with security, nature, relaxation, and the pleasure of playing golf in this paradise.
It is located practically around the corner from Scratch House, so it is advisable to choose it for the last day.
The emblematic course, which is already 100 years old and is where great golfers such as Gato Romero and Pato Cabrera emerged, also has a swimming pool, 6 tennis courts and other social and cultural activities.
"Córdoba Golf Club" is the scene of the most important tournament in the interior of the country for professionals and amateurs: El Abierto del Centro (The Center Open).
It was founded on September 29, 1922, a time when Argentina was experiencing the most brilliant years in its history. Dr. Julio Argentino Roca, governor of the province in those years, Tomás Ferguson, Dr. Francisco Beltrán Posse, the entity's first president, and prominent members of the British community, were the forerunners of this pioneering institution.
The design of the field, the first in the province, was carried out with the professional Héctor Bozzachi advice. The hills covered with virgin mountains of Villa Allende, property of the Cornú family, were the place chosen for the construction.
The progress of the "Córdoba Golf Club" continued with the inauguration of the Club House, the first swimming pool and, at the end of the 1930s, the definitive headquarters. The children's court, built in the sixties, was a great seedbed for future champions. In this decade Manuel Tagle (h) and the brothers Carlos and Alberto Oliva Funes emerged.
The great leap of the this golf club took place from the eighties with the emergence of Eduardo Romero and shortly after, Ángel Cabrera, who would not only become the best players in the country, but would appear in very prominent positions in the world ranking, triumphing on many occasions on the European Tour and performing brilliantly on the American Tour.
The court has permanently updated its design. The incorporation of new pastures on greens and tees, along with the construction of a comprehensive automatic irrigation network and modern machinery equipment, have allowed it to reach a level of excellence recognized by all, not to mention the Restoration of the year 2011.
It offers excellent conditions for practicing sports with a traditional, English-style playing field, rated among the best in the country.
Its closeness to the mountain landscape gives it a special beauty and topography, determined by several unevenness, which forces the player to take varied shots and from different perspectives.
FOOD
For lunch, the most practical thing is usually to do it on the different courts after playing (if you are playing in the morning). There are places like "Estancia La Paz" that offers you the assembly of a private barbecue for your group in a privileged place.
At night you can choose to return to some of the clubs, such as "El Terrón", which not only offers exceptional gastronomy but also sometimes puts together special experiences (for example: "Spanish tapas" night).
You can also choose to eat an à la carte menu at Scratch House or ask them to organize an intimate barbecue for your group, very well set under a historic tree with snacks and drinks included.
There is always the option of going to know other restaurants in the city. If you want something nearby and fun for a night of food and drinks, the best option is "Los Aroza", which is a few blocks away. It has a large jungle-themed patio and they usually play live music.
Here is a summary of a great golf trip in this impressive Argentine destination: