While the actual meaning behind today’s holiday is often misconstrued, there is no confusing the fact that Mexico is a major golf destination, home to some of the most picturesque courses in North America. In honor of Cinco De Mayo, here are the 10 best courses in Mexico!
Four Seasons Punta Mita – Pacifico Course
This Jack Nicklaus signature course can claim the rights to having the world’s only natural island green. With eight holes directly facing or playing alongside the Pacific Ocean, white sand and tall palm trees surround you on every hole as you walk through a tropical paradise.
This par-71, 7,000-yard course also has an optional par-3 hole which they call the “Tail of the Whale.” The Punta Mita Golf Club is private and is open only to Punta Mita property owners and their guests, and guests of Four Seasons and St. Regis Resorts. Check it out.
El Dorado
Opened in 1999, El Dorado Golf Course feeds off the draw of the famous Golden City. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it is said that this course blends the crashing oceans and desert surroundings perfectly. The 16th hole is the most memorable, as it looks over the Sea of Cortez. Check it out.
Mayakoba – El Camaleon
The host of the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic, El Camaleon Golf Course was designed by Greg Norman. This 7,000-yard course features golf carts with integrated GPS systems and the ability to order food and beverages from the cart. It is not a walk in the park, however, as water comes into play on all but three holes. Check it out.
Puerto los Cabos
This course was designed in tandem by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The front nine comes courtesy of Norman, while the back has signatures of Nicklaus throughout. The longterm plan for this course is to extend each of the designers’ respective nine holes into two full 18-hole courses, each staying true to their designers. Check it out.
El Rio
via nicklaus.com
El Rio Golf Course opened to members in 2008. This long and hilly course spans over 7,500 yards. The 18th hole is a giant in itself, with a whopping 656 yards between the tees and pin. This course was also designed by Jack Nicklaus. Check it out.
Golf Club Playacar
This Robert von Hagge course features narrow fairways and small greens, making it much more difficult than your usual resort course. The $100.00 greens fee is all-inclusive, providing players with transportation to and from the course from anywhere in Cancun, food, drink, locker room and pool access, as well as other amenities. Don’t forget to stop by the spa on your way out to relax after what could have been a difficult round. Check it out.
Cabo del Sol (Ocean Course)
Another Jack Nicklaus signature course, Cabo del Sol boasts both the 5th and 17th as holes that were considered part of the “500 Best Holes in the World” in 2000 by Golf Magazine. It opened in 1994 and has only grown in popularity since. Nicklaus self-proclaimed this course to have “the three best finishing holes in all of golf.” Check it out.
Querencia
Tom Fazio designed this beauty that has been considered one of the top courses in the Caribbean. Fazio has more courses in Golf Digest‘s “Top 100 Courses in the U.S.” than anyone else in the business, so this is not a course to be overlooked, even if it was his first course in Mexico. Golfers will be surrounded by cacti and towering palm trees throughout their round. Check it out.
Vista Vallarta
Designed by Nicklaus on the highest part of the surrounding property, this course provides stunning views of Puerto Vallarta. Opening in 2001, it quickly staked its claim in the golf world after hosting the WGC World Cup only a year after opening day. In true Nicklaus fashion, the last four holes are a special treat to those who play them. Check it out.
Chileno Bay
Another Tom Fazio original, Chileno Bay opened in 2014 after a five-year delay. Most say it was worth the wait, as this 7,260-yard course is situated along the Sea of Cortez, providing breathtaking views. Only members and their guests are allowed to play this course, however. Check it out.
