Jack Nicklaus Signature · 2012 · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,116 yds · Rating/Slope 71.3 / 128 · Sea level
Karibana is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature design in Colombia, opened in 2012 as TPC Cartagena — the only PGA-endorsed TPC course in South America at the time. The property sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Ciénaga de la Virgen wetland, roughly 30 minutes north of Cartagena’s walled old city. The course was later rebranded as Karibana Links after the TPC affiliation ended.
Stats
| Par | Yardage | Rating/Slope | Designer | Year | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 7,116 | 71.3 / 128 | Jack Nicklaus | 2012 | Sea level |
The Course
The routing is a genuine links-inspired design: wide corridors, aggressive bunkering (more than 80 bunkers across 18 holes), elevated tees with ocean views on the seaside holes, and firm conditions that let the ball run. The trade winds off the Caribbean — 15 to 30 km/h from December through March — are the course’s most consistent defense, turning routine club selection into a real decision.
History & Tournaments
Karibana hosted Korn Ferry Tour events in its early TPC years and was the venue for the 2019 Colombian Open. The 7,116-yard championship tees stretch long enough to hold up to tour-level play, and the Nicklaus bunkering ensures that missed lines get punished.
How It Plays
At sea level, the ball flies normal distances — no altitude to factor in. The real variables are wind and Bermuda fairways that run firm. On a windy day, expect to play 1–2 extra clubs into the trade wind and to account for significant rollout downwind. Greens run firm and medium-fast.
Humidity is high year-round (80–90%) and afternoon heat regularly reaches 32°C. Early morning tee times are the norm — both for comfort and to avoid the stronger midday winds.
Location & Access
Karibana is ~30 minutes from Cartagena’s Old City by road and about 20 minutes from Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), served by direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Atlanta, and Madrid. On-site and nearby resort lodging is available; most visiting golfers split their stay between Karibana and the walled city for the food and culture.
Access is resort/semi-private. Visiting play is arranged through reciprocal arrangements or IAGTO-affiliated operators.
Practical Notes
Caddie is standard. Carts available. The course pairs naturally with a Rosario Islands day trip (30 min boat from Cartagena) or an afternoon in the walled city for gastronomy and colonial architecture. Best golf months are December–March and July–August — both dry windows on the Caribbean coast.
Plan your golf trip in Cartagena
We arrange the round, the stay, and everything between — for any course on the Caribbean coast, from Cartagena to Barranquilla.
Other courses within reach
Club Campestre de Cartagena · Club Lagos de Caujaral · Country Club de Barranquilla · All Cartagena-area courses