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13th tee at Quivira

The 11 Best Mexico Golf Courses You Can Play

September 17, 2024
Mexico

Enjoy The Most Extreme Terrain in the World

Mexico is home to world-class golf across the country, and thanks to its temperate climate, U.S. travelers can enjoy warm weather vacations year-round. Explore the Riviera Maya region on the Caribbean coastline, or visit Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula’s southern tip.

1. El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course

Famed for the iconic cave in the center of the 1st fairway, known as ‘Devil’s Mouth’, El Camaleón is the undisputed leading course on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. 

A Fairmont resort, the lush, tropical jungle that lines the fairway provides a sense of paradise matched by the luxurious accommodations. Visited by both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, El Camaleón is a familiar destination for many golfing enthusiasts.

Opened: 2006
Par: 72
Length: 7024 yards
Designers Include: Greg Norman, Tad Burnett
Difficulty: Slope 137 / Rating 74.2

2. Quivira Golf Club

The cliff-top holes at Quivira Golf Club are some of the most striking and iconic in the world. This Jack Nicklaus design is reminiscent of other great coastal courses, such as Pebble Beach and Cape Kidnappers. 

The views over the crashing Pacific waves of the Baja Peninsula make for an unforgettable round. Stay at the stunning Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos resort to access Quivira and enjoy the luxurious beach-front amenities and ocean views.

Opened: 2014
Par: 72
Length: 7085 yards 
Designers Include: Jack Nicklaus
Difficulty: Slope 142 / Rating 74.1

5th Green at Quivira

3. Diamante Dunes Golf Course

Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Diamante Dunes utilizes the natural towering sand dunes of Playa Diamante to form this World Top 100 masterpiece. 

The combination of undulating dunes and oceanfront location makes Diamante Dunes reminiscent of a classic Scottish Links. The immaculate conditioning and warm climate set this layout apart as a perfect year-round golf experience.

Opened: 2009
Par: 72 
Length: 7160 yards
Designers Include: Davis Love III,  Paul Cowley
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 72.5

4. Solmar Golf Links

One of Greg Norman’s greatest and most dramatic designs, Solmar Golf Links is part of a luxury community that includes the spectacular Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort. 

This immaculately conditioned course is a must-play on the Baja Peninsula, combining windswept dunes alongside the ocean, with cactus-filled arid desert landscapes.

Opened: 2020
Par: 72
Length: 7210 yards
Designers Include: Greg Norman
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 74.0

5. Gran Coyote Golf

Located in Playa Del Carmen, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya coastline, the par 71 layout weaves dramatically through the natural jungle vegetation and along the Caribbean shoreline.

Built with a focus on sustainability, the natural features including extensive water, coastal winds, and natural bunkering provide an enjoyable test from the elements. The elegant clubhouse, exceptional practice facilities, and beach club make for a memorable all-round experience.

Opened: 2011
Par: 71
Length: 7043 yards
Designers Include: Nick Price
Difficulty: Slope 141 / Rating 74.8

6. PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course

Another entry located on the Riviera Maya region of Mexico’s Caribbean coastline is PGA Riviera Maya. Just 30 minutes north of Tulum, the first PGA partner property in Latin America offers 27 holes, with the 18 Hole Championship Course the primary golf experience. 

This Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course weaves thoughtfully through the native jungle. Given its PGA partnership, the practice and teaching facilities are exceptional and highly recommended for all visitors.

Opened: 2010
Par: 72
Length: 7272 yards
Designers Include: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Difficulty: Slope 137 / Rating 75

PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course

7. Cabo del Sol Golf Course

Formerly known as the Desert Course, Cabo del Sol combines dramatic ocean views with natural desert conditions, including giant cacti and canyon-like arroyos. 

Founded in 2001, the course is currently undergoing renovations, including 6 new holes, a clubhouse, and practice facilities which will elevate the golf experience even further.

Opened: 2001
Par: 72
Length: 7049 yards
Designers Include: Tom Weiskopf, Phil Smith
Difficulty: Slope 141 / Rating 74.2

8. Cabo Real Course

Stretching over 7,000 yards from the tips, Cabo Real is a true championship layout, having hosted multiple tournaments. Located midway between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, another Robert Trent Jones Jr. design combines shoreline and mountainous holes creating great variety, with every hole offering vistas of the sea.

Despite its length, the course can be enjoyed by all standards, and extensive bunkering is in play to add to the challenge.

Opened: 1996
Par: 71
Length: 6848 yards
Designers Include: Robert Trent Jones, Kyle Phillips
Difficulty: Slope 139 / Rating 73.3

9. The Arroyo/Mountain/Ocean Golf Course – Palmilla

Jack Nicklaus’ Palmilla consists of 27 holes, allowing for three sets of 18 to be enjoyed during a visit to the luxury resort. The undulating course offers views of the ocean throughout, while extensive bunkering offers a continued challenge for players. 

The resort is rated as a top 100 in the world, and the Arroyo Nine, the Mountain Nine, and the Ocean Nine each offer five sets of tees and immaculate playing conditions, worthy of its lofty status.

Opened: 1992
Par: 72
Length: 6939 yards, 7036 yards, 6771 yards
Designers Include: Jack Nicklaus, Greg Letsche
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 73.7, 74.2/140, 72.9/137

10. Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club

This P.B. Dye design may sit at under 6,800 yards, however, it provides a true technical challenge as you weave through the Mayan jungle. Tight fairways, and well-protected greens form the primary challenge, be sure to keep your ball in the short grass to avoid the penal-dense jungle. 

The ancient ruins that surround this course provide a sense of drama, and a connection to history, making the Playa Paraiso course one of the finest courses in the Riviera Maya region.

Opened: 2005
Par: 72
Length: 6701 yards
Designers Include: Paul Burke Dye
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 72.4

Iberostar Playa Paraiso

11. Vista Vallarta Golf Club – The Nicklaus Course

Located at Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast, 3 hours west of Guadalajara, Vista Vallarta is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, one of two 18-hole layouts on the property. The course was immediately catapulted onto the world stage, hosting the 2002 World Cup of Golf, in only its second year. 

Dense forests line the fairways, with undulations and steep grass banks adding to the challenge. During certain points in the round, you’ll be treated to elevated views over the bay and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Opened: 2001
Par: 72
Length: 7074 yards
Designers Include: Jack Nicklaus & Chet Williams
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 74.3

Mexico Courses FAQs

Both the Caribbean Coastline and the Baja Peninsula are year-round golf destinations with temperate climates, however we recommended escaping the U.S. winter and visiting from January to March.

Yes, there is a density of exceptional golf courses and luxury resorts in the Cancun region, making for an ideal golf break.

The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast and the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula are the best golf regions in Mexico.

There are almost 200 golf courses across Mexico, ranging from the Baja Peninsula to the Caribbean coast.

Bill Hogan Golf

Meet the Author: Bill Hogan

Bill Hogan is based in Austin, TX and has over 35 years of experience in the luxury golf travel industry.
He has played golf in 57 different countries to date, is a long- time panelist for GOLF Magazine World & USA Top 100 courses, and on the ranking panel for Platinum Clubs of the World.