The best golf courses in Mexico
Mexico is a large country (it ranks 13th in the world in geographic size) with a large population (11th). Almost all the great golf, however, exists on its perimeters, in less crowded areas.
If you’re planning a visit to play golf in Mexico, you are going to go off the beaten path, but the voyage will be well worth it in terms of outstanding courses and local flavor. There are three primary destinations, each distinct from the others: the Cabo region on the Southern end of the Baja California Peninsula; the Riviera Maya on the Gulf of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula; and Puerto Vallarta on the southwest mainland coast.
The courses of Riviera Maya are tropical and defined by lush vegetation, mangrove lakes, calm beaches and, on occasion, cenotes, deep freshwater sinkholes as found on courses like El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club and PGA Riviera Maya.
19. PGA Riviera Maya
Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
PGA Riviera Maya Golf Club by Bahia Principe was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2010 and is set on a former limestone quarry in dense jungle with natural occurring cenotes. The front nine at PGA Riviera Maya is lined by tropical jungle and thick mangrove roots, as well as rock formations that jut out and protect many of the holes. The 432-yard par-4 sixth demonstrates these challenges as an elevated putting surface appears to dangle over a cenote protecting the green. Seven water-lined holes await players on the back nine, highlighted by the par-5 14th with limestone rock outcroppings guarding the green as well as the 245-yard par-3 15th with water surrounded by mangrove trees running the entire right-side of the hole. The course is a partner of the PGA of America and is conveniently located 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen International Airport and 60 minutes from Tulum.
18. Cabo Real Golf Club
Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur, Mexico
Cabo Real Golf Club, located 30 minutes from the international airport, was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1994 as part of a major makeover to the 2,800-acre resort. The target-style course gives players the illusion that the sculpted fairways had always existed in the natural landscape. Cabo Real is known for elevated tees and greens that climb from the edge of the sea up to the feet of the mountains and show off meandering bunkers, wide landing zones and panoramic views of the ocean below. The course's nines were reversed several years ago—the front nine plays at base of the mountains across jagged terrain and features the breathtaking downhill par-4 fifth, which forces players to cross a steep arroyo before hitting an approach toward the sandy beaches in the background. The highlight of the second nine is the par-4 18th whose putting surface reveals expansive views of the sharp rock faces and undulating fairway that mimic the rolling mountains surrounding the course.
