Play Golf in the Clouds
If you're an avid follower of our Instagram account, you'll have noticed that, along with some stunning photos and information about our free Hole19 golf app, we've been providing our followers with all manner of golfing trivia and fun facts.
One particular post centered around the "highest golf course in the world" and, naturally, we've been digging deeper to bring you the locations where you can play the game of golf at the highest altitudes on Earth.
Here are some of the courses we've found where you can play golf, quite literally, in the clouds...
The Highest Golf Course in the World: Yak Course, India
According to the Guinness World Records, the highest altitude golf course on Earth is Yak Golf Course in Kupup, East Sikkim, India. At an breathtaking 13,025 feet (3,970 meters) above sea level, this 6,025-yard course forms part of a military base situated high in the Indian Himalayas.
As you'd expect for a golf course at such extreme altitude, its availability for a round is very much weather dependent. The thin air at this elevation will also add significant distance to your shots – typically 10-15% farther than at sea level!
Or is it? La Paz Golf Club, Bolivia
Rather than the military base facility in India, the highest golf course in the world according to World Golf is, in fact, La Paz Golf Club in Bolivia.
Set in the middle of an eroded landscape, this green oasis stands 10,695 feet (3,260 meters) above sea level at its highest point and is over 100 years old. The course offers a unique golfing experience where your ball flies significantly farther due to the reduced air resistance at this altitude.
To get a real feel for it, check out the golf course in the video below and learn more about the development of golf in Bolivia (in particular the Cholitas' newfound love for the sport).
Highest Golf Course in the USA: Copper Creek Golf Club, Colorado
Though quite a distance from the world's highest golf courses, Copper Creek Golf Club in Colorado boasts the highest tee-box in North America. Its 14th hole sits at an impressive 9,863 feet (3,006 meters) above sea level and, if you're ever lucky enough to visit, a few hours spent on the fairways allows you to drink in some of the most outstanding mountain views a golfer could wish for.
Be sure to plan ahead; this golf course opens for only four months of the year due to the harsh mountain winter conditions.
Europe's Highest Golf Course: Cervino Golf Club, Italy
There's some debate over the highest golf course in Europe, but it seems that Cervino Golf Club located near the city center of Cervinia in Italy has the strongest claims.
At around 6,560 feet (2,000 meters), it's far from being situated at the lofty heights of Yak Course or La Paz Golf Club, but the facility does provide exceptional golfing opportunities at an impressive altitude from early Spring when the cross-country ski slope melts away. With the majestic Matterhorn as your backdrop, the scenery alone makes this course worth the visit.
Asia's Highest Golf Course: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Course
Other than the Yak Course in India, the highest golf course in Asia is situated in Gin Haizi, Yunnan Province, China. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Course plays at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) which is just a little lower than that of La Paz in Bolivia.
As well as being one of the highest golf courses in the world, it's listed as one of the longest, while the resort upon which it's located boasts many tall, severe ski slopes (not for the faint-hearted this particular resort, it seems).
Hole19 E-Commerce
VLS Lux Stand Bag
£389.00
How Altitude Affects Your Golf Game
Playing at high elevation golf courses offers a unique challenge:
Ball distance increases: The thinner air creates less resistance, allowing your ball to travel 10-15% farther
Club selection: You'll need to adjust your club selection accordingly
Stamina: The reduced oxygen can affect your physical performance and endurance
Weather conditions: High-altitude courses often experience more extreme and rapidly changing weather
Tips for Playing High-Elevation Golf
If you're planning to test your skills at one of these cloud-touching courses:
Hydrate extensively: The higher altitude accelerates dehydration
Allow for acclimatization: Arrive a day or two early if possible
Apply extra sunscreen: UV exposure increases significantly with altitude
Adjust your club selection: Plan to hit the ball 10-15% farther than normal
Pack for variable weather: Conditions can change rapidly at high elevations
Have we missed any golf courses perched high in the clouds?
