⛳ El Salvador: New International Golf Destination
Since 2024, El Salvador has established itself on the international professional golf scene with the creation of the El Salvador Open Championship. This historic tournament is part of the Gira Profesional Mexicana (GPM), the only Mexican professional tour recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
The country now offers world-class courses and attracts professional golfers from more than 15 different countries, making El Salvador a true golf hub in Central America.
🏆 El Salvador Open Championship
Tournament Overview
The El Salvador Open Championship is the only international stop of the Gira Profesional Mexicana outside Mexico. This professional tournament takes place every year in January at the prestigious El Encanto Country Club.
- Format: 54 holes over 3 days
- Purse: USD 90,000 - 100,000
- Participants: 75-85 professional golfers
- Countries represented: More than 15 nationalities (Mexico, United States, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Sweden, etc.)
- OWGR Points: Yes, this tournament awards world ranking points
Winners
Tournament History
- 2024 (1st Edition): José de Jesús "Camarón" Rodríguez 🇲🇽 Mexico - Score: -17 (199)
- 2025 (2nd Edition): Felipe Álvarez Cataño 🇨🇴 Colombia - Score: -7 (209)
In 2024, Mexican José de Jesús Rodríguez set a record with a score of -17, including a course record of 63 strokes on the first day. In 2025, Colombian Felipe Álvarez Cataño won in difficult windy conditions with gusts up to 40 km/h.
📅 Upcoming Events in 2026
El Salvador Open Championship 2026 (3rd Edition)
- Date: January 2026
- Venue: El Encanto Country Club
- Organizer: Gira Profesional Mexicana
Max & Stacy Bitcoin Golf Invitational
- Dates: January 8-10, 2026
- Venue: El Encanto Country Club
- Format: Unique tournament combining golf, Bitcoin community, and social activities
- Activities: Main tournament, ProAm, pickleball tournament, poker, pool party
🏌️ Golf Courses in El Salvador
El Encanto Country Club ⭐
Located in Antiguo Cuscatlán (San José Villanueva), just 20 minutes from San Salvador and 30-40 minutes from the beaches, El Encanto is the country's flagship course.
- Architect: Dye Designs (Perry Dye)
- Features: 18 holes, Par 72, 7177 yards
- Opening year: 2013
- Highlights: 5 different tee boxes, lakes, panoramic views of mountains and sea
- Access: Open to members and the public
The course offers strategic challenges with memorable holes like hole 2 under a mango tree, the elevated tee on hole 11, and the spectacular view from hole 18 by the pool.
Las Veraneras Golf Resort
Located on the Pacific coast in Sonsonate (Acajutla), 90 minutes from San Salvador, this resort offers a unique coastal golf experience.
- Features: 18 holes, Par 72, 6752 yards
- Area: 450 acres
- Highlights: Strategic bunkers, lagoons and natural rivers crossing the course
- Access: Open to members and the public
Club Campestre Cuscatlán
Located in San Salvador, this 18-hole public course (Par 71) offers a more accessible option for visitors.
💡 Tips for Visiting Golfers
Best Season
The dry season (November to April) offers the best playing conditions with pleasant temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F).
Reservations
To play at El Encanto, advance booking is recommended, especially during professional events in January.
Approximate Budget
- Green fees: Variable depending on course and season
- Club rental: Available on-site
- Golf cart: Generally included or extra charge
- Private lessons: Available with certified instructors
🌟 Why El Salvador for Golf?
El Salvador combines several unique assets for golf enthusiasts:
- Course quality: Designs by renowned architects (Dye Designs)
- International competitions: OWGR tournaments attracting professionals from around the world
- Ideal climate: Excellent playing conditions year-round
- Proximity to attractions: Surf beaches 30 minutes away, volcanoes, archaeological sites
- Hospitality: Warm welcome and quality services
- Competitive prices: Attractive rates compared to traditional destinations
The support of the Salvadoran government, particularly the Ministry of Tourism led by Morena Valdez, has been decisive in positioning El Salvador as a premier sports tourism destination.
📍 Practical Information
Travel Essentials
- Air access: San Salvador International Airport (SAL)
- Language: Spanish (English spoken at clubs)
- Currency: US Dollar (USD) and Bitcoin
- Visa: Not required for most nationalities (tourist stay)
Whether you're an amateur golfer looking to discover new courses or an enthusiast wanting to attend professional competitions, El Salvador offers an authentic and memorable golf experience in Central America. 🇸🇻⛳