With a variety of climates that provide backdrops varying from arid deserts to lush tropical jungle and azure coastlines, perhaps no country has more amazing golf experiences than Mexico. Being located far enough south so that even the most northerly courses are playable 12 months a year, golfing fanatics can head south of the border at any time to get a dose of the game that is their life, served up with a trio of tacos and a shot glass of tequila (take some cans of Pacifico for the course though … it’s far more classy!).
For those new to swinging sticks south of the U.S.A. though, it may not be apparent where the best golfing destinations in the country are located. The following resort regions offer golf courses that will challenge all aspects of your game, while providing a natural backdrop that will massage your mind between shots, and an apres game experience that is hard to match anywhere else on Earth.
Cabo San Lucas
Being home of one of the drier regions in Mexico, yet having the all encompassing blue of the Pacific Ocean providing vistas to contrast with the dry land in most parts of the region, Cabo San Lucas will prove to be one of the most stunning destinations in which you have struck a golf ball. Take care to not shank your shot into the rough, lest you have to dodge cacti in search of your ball.
Hardships aside, courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and others will stretch your shot-making ability to the limit, while the surrounding area will seduce you with its gorgeous sea stacks, provide deep sea expeditions that will land you the juiciest tuna you’ve ever eaten in your life, and offer up a rollicking nightlife that will keep you dancing well into the night.
Puerto Vallarta
On the other side of the Sea of Cortes from Baja lies Puerto Vallarta, a city long favoured by sun-seeking gringos attracted by the combo of excellent beaches, and dramatic mountains that rise just beyond the coast inland. The coast boasts rugged cliffs at times, with some courses being built around these features, making the act of strolling its 18 holes well worth the green fees you’ll pay to play.
Further inland, Vista Vallarta is another Jack Nicklaus classic, with holes passing beneath the base of many peaks in the Sierra Madre range. Creeks stemming from these mountains criss-cross the course, and lush tropical foliage completes the atmosphere here, making this club a must-play for the serious golfer!
Yucatan Peninsula
With much of this portion of Mexico having frontage on the Caribbean, which stands as one of the most beautiful tropical seas in the world, it is no surprise that course builders have flocked here to build masterpieces within view of its azure waters. El Camaleon is a Greg Norman invention which adheres to this philosophy, as it passes through mangrove forests, between canyons, and over exposed cenotes – hit your ball here, and its a guaranteed penalty, as this limestone water-filled caves makes it impossible to play your ball from here to say the least!
