Samba sand and sun will be the venue for the 2016 Olympic Games. Preparations have been under way since 2009 and now with only months away, Brazil is on track to become the first city in the southern hemisphere to host the games and after a 112 year absence, golf will be included in the long list of popular sports competitions that include futbol, gymnastics, diving, swimming, biathlon, track and field and much more.

Golf will return to the Olympic stage at the brand spanking new course in Reserva de Marapendi in Barra da Tijuca. Located about an hour drive from the world famous Copacabana and simply referred to as Olympic Golf course, it was built entirely by private funding. The course still lacks an official name when it was officially opened on November 22, 2015. It’s a Gil Hanse designed course that is lauded by Paulo Pacheco, president of the Brazilian Golf Confederation.

Built along a coastal lagoon just feet from the Atlantic Ocean, the course has an abundance of mountain and coastal views. The par 71 course with men’s tee having 7132 yards (6522 meters) and women’s tee 6500 yards (5944 meters). The Paspalum greens, and greens built on sand along with narrow layout, lack of trees and open design will make wind and sand bunkers will be the factors determining the difference between bronze, silver and gold in Brazil.

This is not the first course in Rio de Janeiro, but it certainly will be the best by local standards. To keep it at top shape the grass will be trimmed three or four times per day and watered every 48 hours in preparation for Olympic golf tournament, which will take place from 11 to 20 August.2016.

The format consists of 72 holes of individual stroke play for both men and women (four rounds scheduled over four consecutive days). Scores are cumulative from round to round. The athlete with the lowest aggregate score wins. In the event of a tie for first, second or third place, a play-off or multiple play-offs shall be conducted for the purpose of determining the gold, silver and bronze medal winners.

Like Waikoloa Beach Golf, the new Olympic Club is located near the ocean and built on sandy soil and features Paspalum grass and breezy conditions. However, it will take a few years for the Brazil course to flourish with an abundance of natural vegetation, a following of loyal players and perhaps even longer to have pods of dolphins that distract play with endless splashing and chatter. Waikoloa Beach Golf has been the Hawaii destination golf course for players all over the world and welcomes golfers from all over the world. Those who visit Hawaii’s center of golf excellence leave with experience of challenging fun in an upscale setting worthy golf aficionados from near and far. One might even meet the next Olympic champion on the course!