Golf in Cuba

The long history of golf in Cuba has never been fully recognized internationally. Some Cubans can currently be found on the two existing courses [Varadero International and Boyeros Club of Golf Havana], but most of the golfers are foreign tourists
or ex-pats living in Cuba. However, two more golf course resorts are planned: one in Matanzas and the other in Guanabo.

Boyeros Club de Golf Havana
Boyeros Club de Golf Havana, in the Havana suburbs, is a real ´country′ club, as its setting is definitely rural with a natural landscape of sloping hills, a variety of trees and other vegetation, and streams, bordered by fincas (small farms). You might even occasionally see a cow or goat wandering across a fairway.

It was originally designed in 1943 by an Englishman as a small, three-hole course. At that time the course was associated with the old Havana Country Club and only members of the club, who happened to be all British or Americans, were permitted to play there.
After the Revolution, the course was opened to the public in 1970, and in 1980 was officially named Club de Golf Havana. Over the years the course was developed further with 9 holes, but by doubling up, 18 holes are possible.

Orlando, at 71, is one of the oldest Cuban golf instructors. He has a 10 handicap and has been at the course for the last 50 years, from when the course still had only three holes (at the age of 30, his handicap was 4!). The famous footballer, Maradona, played the course during the four years he lived in Cuba and, due to his leg injury, was the only golfer permitted...