Nina Caldwell
Golf enthusiasts can rejoice as there are indeed golf courses in Cape Verde. The island of São Vicente is home to an 18-hole golf course, one of the largest grassless courses in the world, while the island of Sal boasts a 9-hole course at Viveiro, with plans to expand to 18 holes. With ocean views, sunshine, and a challenging breeze, golfing in Cape Verde offers a unique and relaxing experience. Grass may be scarce, but the courses provide an oasis in the desert, and with equipment available for rent, golfers can perfect their swing while taking in the stunning surroundings of these Cape Verdean courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses | 2 |
| Location of golf courses | Island of Sal, Island of São Vicente |
| Grass availability | Scarce, mostly played on soil/sand |
| Oldest course location | São Vicente, south of Mindelo |
| Oldest course features | 18 holes, no grass |
| Newest course location | Viveiro, outside Santa Maria on Sal |
| Newest course features | Grass greens, mixture of sea and recycled water, 9 holes with expansion plans |
| Course Par and length | Par 72, 6,000m |
| Course facilities | Driving range, putting green, club area with toilets, changing rooms, bar, restaurant |
| Course rental | Clubs, bags, trolleys, electric golf buggies |
| Course views | Ocean, desert |
| Course weather | Sunshine, wind |
| Course rating | Suitable for all levels |
| Course price | €30-€60 for 9 holes, €50-€100 for 18 holes (excluding clubs) |
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What You'll Learn
There are two golf courses in Cape Verde
The second course, Viveiro Golf Course, is situated on the island of Sal, just outside Santa Maria. This course offers a unique golfing experience with a mixture of grass greens and fairways, maintained using seawater and recycled water. The course initially opened with nine holes but has since expanded to 18 holes, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Golf in Cape Verde presents a distinctive opportunity due to the scarcity of grass on the islands. The courses provide a blend of desert-like landscapes and carefully maintained green areas. The weather conditions, with consistent sunshine and a present wind, add to the allure of golfing in this idyllic location.
The Viveiro Golf Course, in particular, exemplifies sustainability in Cape Verdean golf. By using seawater-tolerant grass and integrating native flora and fauna, the course minimizes its environmental impact. Additionally, golfers at Viveiro can explore the adjacent Viveiro Pachamama Eco Park, which offers trails, a sanctuary for rescued animals, and a botanical garden showcasing Cape Verde's endemic plants.
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Grass is scarce, so courses are mostly soil/sand
Golf is not a widely available activity in Cape Verde, with only two courses across its islands. These can be found on the islands of São Vicente and Sal. Grass is a scarce resource on the Cape Verde islands, so the course on São Vicente is played mostly on soil and sand, making it one of the largest 'golf courses without grass' in the world.
The course on São Vicente is the oldest, dating back to 1893, and is located just south of the main city of Mindelo. It is an 18-hole course with lots of amenities and great hospitality. The greens and fairways are made from a special type of paspalum grass that can absorb up to 70% pure seawater.
The course on the island of Sal, known as Viveiro, is the newest course. It is located just outside Santa Maria and initially opened as a 9-hole course in 2022, with another 9 holes recently added. This course has grass greens, kept watered with a mixture of seawater and recycled water.
The scarcity of grass across the Cape Verde islands means that the courses are quite different from those found in other parts of the world. However, golfing in Cape Verde can still be an attractive activity, with reliable sunshine and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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The oldest course is on the island of São Vicente
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the sport in Cape Verde, which has two golf courses. One is a 9-hole course on the island of Sal, and the other is an 18-hole golf course on the island of São Vicente, which is the oldest course in the country.
The São Vicente Golf Club was founded in 1893, making it the oldest sports association in Cape Verde. It is a legacy of the English presence on the island. The course is located just outside Mindelo, on the road towards the village of Calcau. It hosted the first international golf championship in 1906.
The 18-hole course has no grass and is one of the largest "grassless" courses in the world. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is an ideal activity for relaxation. The wind, particularly during the months of October to March, adds a challenging element to the game.
The course facilities are quite basic, with only a locker room, bar, and toilets available. Playing golf in Cape Verde typically costs around €30-€60 for 9 holes and €50-€100 for 18 holes, although prices may vary depending on the course and season.
There are plans to build another course on the island of São Vicente, along with other sports facilities.
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The newest course is at Viveiro, Santa Maria, Sal
Golf in Cape Verde is not widely available, with only two courses currently in the country. The newest course is at Viveiro, Santa Maria, on the island of Sal. This course was built in 2022 and is the first sustainable green golf course in Cape Verde. It offers an 18-hole course with views of the Atlantic Ocean and well-maintained fairways.
Viveiro Golf & Country Club is located at Rua Principal Zona da Fatima in Santa Maria. The course is Par 35 and has a total length of 3024 yards. It is described as an "oasis in the desert", with a fully equipped practice area, including a driving range and putting green. Good quality clubs and bags are available for hire, as are trolleys and electric golf buggies.
The club area includes toilets, changing rooms, and a bar and restaurant. The course is also family-friendly, with the Viveiro Pachamama Eco Park offering trails and an animal sanctuary for families to explore while golfers play. The Eco Park also features a botanical garden with endemic plants of Cape Verde.
Viveiro Golf is committed to sustainability, using recycled water for irrigation, solar energy through photovoltaic panels, and plants grown in its nursery to enrich local biodiversity. The course is integrated into the arid landscape of Sal Island, providing a unique and peaceful golfing experience.
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Golfing in Cape Verde costs €30-€100 for 9/18 holes
The island of Sal is home to the Viveiro Golf & Country Club, a sustainable golf resort that offers a unique golfing experience. Nestled amidst sun-kissed dunes, this 9-hole, par-35 golf course spans approximately 2,800 meters, creating an oasis of greenery in a desert landscape. The course boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the ever-present wind adding a challenging twist to your game. During the high season (July-April), green fees for 9 holes are €70, while 18 holes cost €100. In the low season (May-June), prices drop to €50 for 9 holes and €70 for 18 holes.
Equipment rentals are also available at Viveiro Golf & Country Club, with club rentals costing €20 for 9 holes and €30 for 18 holes. Trolley and buggy rentals are also offered at additional costs.
For those seeking a grassless golfing experience, the island of Sao Vicente is home to an 18-hole golf course. Founded in 1893, the Sao Vicente Golf Club is the oldest sports association in Cape Verde and boasts impressive amenities and hospitality.
With its stunning scenery, challenging winds, and varied course options, Cape Verde offers a memorable golfing experience for players of all levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are two golf courses in Cape Verde.
There is a 9-hole course on the island of Sal, and an 18-hole golf course on the island of Sao Vicente.
The course on Sal is described as an oasis in the desert, with grass greens and views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course on Sao Vicente is one of the world's largest "grassless" golf courses, with 18 holes and lots of amenities.
