São Fernando

São Fernando Golf Club was formed in 1958 and members played on a 9-hole course before an additional nine holes were added in 1969. Located around a 40-minute drive from the city centre of São Paulo, the course here offers a stern examination of golfing credentials in perfect parkland surroundings.

The delights of this beautiful parkland course were first made known to a wider television audience via the “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” series of challenge matches when Lee Elder, George Knudson and George Archer competed against each other in 1970.

Acknowledged as one of the best (and toughest) tracks in the country, São Fernando sets out its stall immediately with five lengthy par four holes at the beginning of the round.

The back nine is demanding too as there’s water on many holes, including the lovely (but long) 14th and the 633-yard par five 17th.

Clubhouses rarely feature in course appraisals but São Fernando’s extravagant changing rooms, complete with home theatre, massage parlour and sink-in sofas are definitely worth a mention if pampering before and after a round is part of your golf game.