Campo de Golf Club Valle Arriba ☆ Follow

Located in Caracas, the Valle Arriba Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by John R. Van Kleeck and completed in 1945. The layout plays to a par 70 from a total distance of 6,291 yards, featuring a configuration of four par-3 holes, twelve par-4s, and two par-5s. The course is situated on approximately 43 hectares of land that was originally part of a sugar cane hacienda on the outskirts of the city. It is characterized by significant undulations and doglegs, with relatively short and narrow fairways that present a challenge to players of varying skill levels. The terrain is protected by bamboo groves and century-old trees, creating a distinct environment within the urban landscape of Caracas. The playing surfaces utilize Bermuda 419 grass for the fairways and Bermuda 328 for the greens. The greens are described as small and flat, contrasting with the rolling nature of the rest of the course. The local climate is tropical at altitude, with average annual temperatures around 21.1 °C and significant rainfall that influences course conditions throughout the year. The club was officially registered as a civil association on April 21, 1942, following a contract between Enrique Eraso, the landowner, and Manuel Matienzo, the club's first president. While the initial development was modest, the course has undergone various modifications over the decades, particularly regarding landscaping and turf management. Harold Simpson served as the club's first professional instructor for 25 years, establishing a strong foundation for golf instruction in the region. The course remains a central feature of the club, which currently serves around 650 members.