WELCOME TO MEXICO’S FINEST FAIRWAYS

Dunes Course, Cabo San Lucas.

There’s no doubt about it. Mexico has become a world-class golf destina- tion that is gaining international recognition. In 2007 the first PGA Tour event in Mexico was held at Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya. November 5 to 11, 2018 will mark the 12th year of the OHL Mayakoba Classic. The World Golf Championships tournament relocated to the Chapultepec Golf Course in Mexico City and was renamed the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship, beginning in 2017. The country has almost 200 courses designed by some of the world’s top architects, including Jack Nicklaus, Davis Love III, Tom Weiskopf and Tom Fazio. Danzante Bay, a new design by Rees Jones in Loreto, has recently been named an official TPC course. Another first: Tiger Woods’ debut de- sign, El Cardonal, opened at Diamante Cabo San Lucas in 2014. Mexican- born Lorena Ochoa, who was the world’s número uno female golfer from 2007 to 2010, is designing a course in Riviera Nayarit. Slated to open late in 2018, Costa Canuva will feature a co-design by Greg Norman and Lorena Ochoa and a luxury Fairmont hotel.

1 WHY MEXICO

Home of the

Mayakoba, Riviera Maya.

In addition to fabulous seaside and mountain courses, golfers will experi- ence sunny weather and the happy vibes of the people who work at the various clubs and resorts. Service with a smile is genuine and professional. Compared to prices for hotels, resorts, meals and drinks in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, Mexico is a bargain. Luxury resorts, such as One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Four Seasons and St. Regis in Punta Mita and Andaz, Fairmont, Rosewood and Banyan Tree in the Mayan Riviera will exceed your expectations for style, service, cuisine and spa facilities. Everyone loves the après golf experiences Mexico has to offer. Tradi- tional Mexican cuisine has been declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cul- tural Heritage of Humanity. Each region serves up its own specialties-from crispy fish tacos on the Baja Peninsula to cochinita pibil (spicy pork cooked in banana leaves) in the state of Quintana Roo. Tequila is Mexico’s national spirit and there are myriad variations on the margarita…but have you tried a smoky Mescal or some of the country’s award-winning wines? Mexican’s love to party so you’ll never be far from a fiesta or cultural cel- ebration of some sort. The country also has a rich history. Take some time to explore some of the famous Mayan ruins, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment inspired by pre-Hispanic traditions.

2 1 EDITORIAL

2 WHY MEXICO

6 WELCOME LETTER MANAGING DIRECTOR Sandra Reed BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA 8 ADMINISTRATION & RESEARCH LOS CABOS Jorge Jiménez EDITORIAL 12 PACIFIC COAST Anita Draycott PUERTO VALLARTA & RIVIERA NAYARIT TRANSLATION Sarah Muñoz 18 CENTRAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER Carlos Caso / KSO CENTRAL MEXICO GOLF MEXICO 2018

22 MEXICAN CARIBBEAN Is produced by Meetings Alliance LLC CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA in cooperation with the Mexico Tourism Board. Effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the contents. Neither the Mexico Tourism Board nor the publisher will be responsible for any errors or omissions.

MEMBERSHIP

PHOTOS Cover: Estrella del Mar, Mazatlan p.4: Palmilla Ocean, San Jose del Cabo MEXICO AND GOLF

Dear Reader, Today more than ever, we appreciate your interest in our country. We are very happy to share that tourism in Mexico continues to grow at a his- toric rate. By the end of 2017, more than 39 million international tourists arrived, an increase of more than 60% compared to the previous five years. According to the World Tourism Organization, Mexico is already the sixth most visited country in the world! Outside of the USA itself, Mexico is the most popular winter-season golf destination for US golfers. We are working to promote golf tourism and to position Mexico as one of the best in the world. For this and many other reasons, we invite you to visit us and discover why Mexico is “A World of Its Own.” Throughout the country, we have an impressive range of 160 golf courses, many of them designed by the world’s most recognized architects such as Nicklaus, Dye, Von Hagge, Weiskopf and Jones, to name a few. During past years we have hosted top level events that attract the best PGA Tour golfers such as the World Golf Championships - Mexico Championship in Mexico City and the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, an event listed as one of the best in the tour by professionals and the public in general. Golf tourism is a constantly growing market and in recent years, it has become one of the most important segments within the tourism industry in Mexico. The great diversity of golf courses, whether in the desert or on the seashore, boast spectacular views, great weather, developed hotel infrastructure and services and serve to make our country one of the best places in the world to practice this sport. A golf trip to Mexico is an enriching adventure from a cultural point of view. When accompanied with our internationally recognized gastronomy, it becomes the ideal destination for sports and family trips. We welcome you with open arms!

Hector Flores Santana CEO Mexico Tourism Board GOLF MEXICO 2018 / MeetingsAlliance com 9 BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA

Hollywood stars such as Bing Crosby and John Wayne, lured by the legend- ary sport fishing, initially put Los Cabos on the tourist map in the 1950s. While fishing still draws avid anglers to what’s called “marlin alley,” Los Cabos, where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez, has become the undis- puted golf capital of Latin America. The International Association of Golf Tourist Operators named Los Cabos “Golf Destination of the Year” in 2017. No wonder. All the public courses can be found within a 28-mile stretch of coastline from Quivira Golf Club, a few miles west of downtown Cabo San Lucas, to Puerto Los Cabos golf course, a few miles east of San José del Cabo. Jack Nicklaus officially opened his epic gravity-defying layout, Quivira in 2014, arguably his most daring design to date. Quivira boasts more ocean- front exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. All 18 fairways feature views of the Pacific. From December to March you will likely spot whales Desert Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas. leaping in the wild blue yonder. Quivira and many other courses in Cabos offer golfers an all-inclusive experience serving complimentary drinks and snacks at various comfort stations on the course. LOS CABOS Cabo del Sol, the 36-hole resort that put Los Cabos on the internation- al golf map when its majestic Ocean Course debuted in 1994 is another HOW TO GET HERE “must” for your bucket list. Intent on creating the “Pebble Beach of the AIRPORT Baja Peninsula,” Jack Nicklaus charted holes across gently sloping terrain Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) creased by sandy arroyos and dotted with tall cacti and tawny rock forma- tions. The Ocean Course is currently ranked No. 70 on Golf Digest’s “World Recognized as one of the top 25 airports in the world, the Los Cabos International 100 Greatest Golf Courses” list. Airport (SJD) welcomes some 500 Cabo del Sol’s second venue is the Desert Course, Tom Weiskopf’s first weekly connections serving more than design effort in Mexico. Routed in rolling foothills, all 18 holes on this sho- 40 destinations, with new direct flights tmaker’s layout offer panoramic views of the Sea of Cortes. Shoehorned added fairly often. Currently there are into rugged desert terrain crisscrossed by canyon-like arroyos, the Desert direct flights from Atlanta, Austin, Course presents broad fairways framed by granite rock outcrops and a Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/ dense cactus forest. Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los One&Only Palmilla can rightly claim to be the “Grande Dame” of Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, Oakland, Cabos. Palmilla, was the first Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in Mexico Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt and home to the Senior PGA Tour’s 1997 Senior Slam. The Ocean, Desert Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (California), Santa Ana, Seattle, and Palmilla Arroyo, San José del Cabo. and Mountain nines are brilliantly routed layouts over ponds and around Washington, D.C. The airport is currently desert scrub. Following a recent $3.5-million refurbishment, Palmilla’s 27- in the midst of a multi-year, $48 million hole complex is better now than ever. refurbishment and expansion that will add five new gates and a new VIP lounge, LOS CABOS expected to be completed in 2019. CLIMATE For the last two decades, the economy of Los Cabos-San Jose del Cabo, the 20-mile Highs in warm season average above —long (32 km) Corridor, and Cabo San Lucas—has been anchored in tourism and related 91ºF (33ºC) with occasional rains August activities: sun and sand, sport-fishing, golf, gastronomy, and eco-tourism. Small wonder, through October. The winter season has an average daily high temperature below given its jaw-dropping natural beauty, stunning sunsets, and top-notch infrastructure. 82º (28ºC) with cool nights. During the summer, the monthly rainfall averages out to two days, totalling one inch (21 mm) a month; the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season begins May 15th and runs through November 30th.

DESTINATION TYPE

Beach Eco-Tourism Gastronomy Cabo San Lucas Country Club, Cabo San Lucas. Luxury 10 BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA visitmexico.com

DID YOU KNOW? French undersea explorer, Jacques Cousteau, called the Sea of Cortez “the World’s aquarium.” It’s a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise.

APRÈS GOLF ACTIVITIES

Palmilla Ocean, San Jose del Cabo. GO WHALE WATCHING. From December to April seven different kinds of The Tom Fazio-designed is receiving rave reviews. The whales, including grays and killer orcas migrate Chileno Bay to The Sea of Cortez to feed and give birth before unique routing takes swingers on a journey toward the mountains of El heading back up to Alaska. Sauzal while delighting with ocean views on all 18 holes. The Chileno Bay Resort & Residences have been named the Number One Resort in Cabos PUB CRAWL. for 2017 by the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Hit Cabo San Lucas’ local watering holes at Happy Puerto Los Cabos now offers 18 holes by Jack Nicklaus and nine by Hour. Sample a Cabo Waborita at Cabo Wabo Greg Norman. All 27 holes are perched above the Sea of Cortez and back- and try to avoid being strung upside down at the dropped by the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Giggling Marlin where the motto is, “If our food, Many new courses are slated to open in the near future in Los Cabos, drinks and service are not up to your standards… including a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course at Costa Palmas on the East Cape please lower your standards.” and another Tiger Woods layout at Diamante San Lucas. Villa del Palmar Resort at The Islands of Loreto’s golf course has be- GO ARTSY. Thursday night in San José is Art Walk from come part of the TPC network and is now known as TPC Danzante Bay. November to June. Studios and galleries around Rees Jones’ debut design in Mexico waltzes players through a variety of Alvaro Obregon stay open until 9 p.m. They settings, including valleys, arroyos, dunes, lakes and foothills with 250 feet encourage guests to browse and buy by handing of elevation changes. Fairways feature panoramic views of the sea, the out free drinks and snacks. mountains and the surrounding Islands of Loreto, a World Heritage na- tional marine park.

COURSES HOLES LENGHT PAR

ONE & ONLY PALMILLA 27 7,036 72

CABO REAL GOLF CLUB 18 6,848 71

CLUB CAMPESTRE SAN JOSÉ GOLF 18 6,966 71

7,348 36 PUERTO LOS CABOS GOLF CLUB 27 7,194 36 7,026 36

CABO DEL SOL DESERT COURSE 18 7,049 72

CABO DEL SOL OCEAN COURSE 18 7,075 72

CAMPO DE GOLF DIAMANTE DUNES 18 7,022 71

CAMPO DE GOLF EL CARDONAL 18 7,363 72 GOLF MEXICO 2018 / MeetingsAlliance com 13 PACIFIC COAST

Before John Huston’s 1964 film, Night of the Iguana, Puerto Vallarta was a sleepy fishing village. Now it’s one of Mexico’s most popular sun and golf destinations receiving more than three million visitors each year. The Puer- to Vallarta area and neighboring Riviera Nayarit feature colorful sunsets, the spectacular Bay of Banderas, the regal Sierra Madre mountain range, world-class golf courses and a plethora of après golf attractions. At Vista Vallarta, visitors choose between two championship signature tracts designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus-both roller coaster courses take full advantage of their setting in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and both are ranked in the top ten for resort courses in Mexico by the Best Golf Guide to the Mexican Riviera Magazine. Also, in recognition for outstanding design, the editors of Golf Digest Magazine, and its national panel of course raters, named the Nicklaus Course number 79 among the “100 Best Golf Courses Outside the United States.” El Tigre, Nuevo Vallarta. Opened in 2001, the Nicklaus Course is located at the property’s high- est elevation and therefore affords fabulous views of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. The Weiskopf Course winds through dense jungles and over deep ra- vines and creeks. Number 15 is a terrific par three that plays over a deep gulch with only a sliver of a green totally surrounded by bunkers. Scoring a PUERTO VALLARTA par here is a true accomplishment. Finish your rounds with tacos and margaritas on the clubhouse terrace. HOW TO GET HERE Conveniently located in the Hotel Zone, the Marina Vallarta course was AIRPORT designed by American architect Joe Finger and is the oldest in Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) The course provides a fine watery challenge, especially on the back nine. Thanks to the plentiful natural lagoons, wildlife abounds here and many The recently renovated Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) handles over 4 players bring cameras along with their clubs. In addition to herons and million passengers per year-by late 2016, iguanas, Marina Vallarta is also home to a few seemingly docile crocs that the number of international passengers are best admired at a distance. alone had increased by 10.9% over the previous year. It receives over 1,279 international flights. Currently it receives nonstop flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Isla Navidad Country Club, Colima. Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Ana (California), and Seattle. PUERTO VALLARTA CLIMATE Sunny, humid and warm, with dry winters: & RIVIERA NAYARIT the hottest month is June with an average in the low 80s (27ºC); the coolest month is January with temps in the low 70s (21ºC). The coast of the state of Jalisco is tourism central, with Puerto Vallarta as its shining star. The rainy season lasts from mid-June through mid-October; official Pacific Stretching from the historic port of San Blas to Nuevo Vallarta in the state of Nayarit, this hurricane season begins on May 15th coastal region known as the Riviera Nayarit is home to some of the most luxurious beach and runs through November 30th, with maximum activity in September. However, developments in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta has been relatively free of big storms as compared to the Mexican Caribbean.

DESTINATION TYPE

Beach Colonial Eco-Tourism Flamingos Golf, Riviera Nayarit. Gastronomy 14 PACIFIC COAST visitmexico.com GOLF MEXICO 2018 / MeetingsAlliance com 15

RIVIERA NAYARIT

HOW TO GET HERE AIRPORT Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)

Fly directly into the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) then drive to your destination within the Riviera Nayarit, anywhere from 15- to 60-minutes away. This recently renovated airport handles over 4 million passengers per year-by late 2016, the number of international passengers alone had increased by 10.9% over the previous year. It receives over 1,279 international flights. Currently it receives nonstop flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Ana (California), and Seattle.

CLIMATE

Sunny, humid and warm, with dry winters: Nayar Course, Nuevo Vallarta.. the hottest month is June with an average in the low 80s (27ºC); the coolest month is As for food, the casita-style clubhouse serves spicy huevos rancheros- Litibu, one of the Mexican government’s Fonatur projects, the first of January with temps in the low 70s (21ºC). the ideal breakfast fuel before starting a round. which was Cancun, means “song of the birds” in the language of the local The rainy season lasts from mid-June through mid-October; official Pacific hur- At El Tigre in Nuevo Vallarta, golf architects Robert von Hagge and Rick Huichol Indians. With luck, you will be able to chirp about a few birdies on ricane season begins on May 15th and runs Baril have sculpted serpentine-mounded fairways with devious bunkers this spectacularly challenging tract that meanders over jungle, mountain through November 30th, with maximum and plenty of water, especially on the par-three number six island green. El and oceanside fairways. Litibu hosted the International Canadian Golf Tour activity in September. However, this area Tigre is the kind of course that can be played again and again. Good luck Tournament in 2010, its inaugural year. This helped to bring much deserved has been relatively free of big storms as trying to tame it. international attention to the Greg Norman (a.k.a. the Great White Shark) compared to the Mexican Caribbean. Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta offers three unique golf experiences. With lush design located between Sayulita and Punta Mita. jungle and the Sierra Madre mountains on one side and the Pacific on the Norman’s par-threes at Litibu are outstanding. Surf’s up on the fourth: DESTINATION TYPE other, the Nayar Course is a good test for all. Seven lakes, 49 strategically a downhill poke to a postage stamp green with a gorgeous view of Punta Beach placed bunkers and constant crosswinds coming off of the Pacific, present Mita at the end of the Bay of Banderas. Another memorable par-three is the Eco-Tourism plenty of challenges. eighth where the ball must land on an almost-island green. Gastronomy The new Greg Norman Signature Golf Course meanders along the The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita boasts two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf banks of the mighty Ameca River with vistas of the Sierra Madre moun- courses. In June 2008, the Punta Mita Pacifico Course was named the num- tains from every fairway. The round starts with a ride across the world’s ber one golf course in the world by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Paci- largest golf cart suspension bridge that spans the Ameca River from fico boasts19 fairways and the world’s only natural island green. To play this Golf Las Hadas, Colima Nayarit to Jalisco. signature Tail of the Whale third hole, you must carry your drive about 180 Mr. Norman designed this tract as a resort-friendly course that achieves yards across the Pacific Ocean. In low tide, you can walk over a rocky ocean- that fine balance between challenge and enjoyment. His generous fairways floor pathway to putt. Less adventuresome swingers can opt to play the alter- become tighter and trickier nearer to the green and are often protected, in nate landlocked 3A. The Jack Nicklaus Signature design takes full advantage typical Norman style, by cavernous bunkers. Along the way, golfers often of the vistas of the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains, the white coral sand spot tropical birds, iguanas and a croc or two. beaches and the tropical landscapes filled with palms and bougainvillea. The newest addition to the offerings at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, is the Jack’s newer Punta Mita Bahia Course may be less dramatic, but the ten-hole, par-three Lakes Course. It is the region’s only lit course, offering severely contoured greens will challenge your putting acumen. The grand play until 11 p.m. finale fairways 17 and 18 take golfers within steps of Punta Mita’s famed El Located at the south end of Bucerias in is the best bargain in the area. Faro surfing beach. Designed by Percy Clifford, Flamingos’ unique fairways have a bit of ev- Both tracts are in such impeccable condition, you would swear they erything-from plenty of forced carries and elevation changes, to resident trim the fairways with manicure scissors. If you are feeling a bit parched, crocodiles. The open-air Palapa restaurant is a convivial place for a frosty the waiter at the halfway house provides complimentary iced towels and Corona and a languorous lunch after a good round. mango/banana smoothies. El Nuevo Colima., Colima 16 PACIFIC COAST visitmexico.com GOLF MEXICO 2018 / MeetingsAlliance com 17

APRÈS GOLF ACTIVITIES DID YOU KNOW? MAZATLAN La Patrona Equestrian Center & Polo Munch and mingle with locals on the Vallarta Mazatlan is perennial favorite for snowbirds. The area is endowed with a Food Tours Taco Crawl. The dinner includes Club in San Pancho is the only polo club shoreline sprinkled with beckoning islands, a lovely seaside promenade, tastings at several taco stands, a bowl of pozole in the state of Nayarit? Aside from polo, miles of golden beaches and a plethora of blue lagoons. It truly lives up to (a stew of hominy and shredded pork) a shot of La Patrona Equestrian Center offers its name: “Pearl of the Pacific.” Mezcal and churros or Mexican doughnuts. Opened in the heart of Mazatlan’s Golden Zone in 1973, El Cid Golf & facilities and lessons for riding, jumping Country Club features 27 challenging holes. The newest Marina nine was In La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, located in Riviera and dressage. Visitors may also arrange designed by PGA Tour legend and Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino. El Moro’s Nayarit, visit the Mercado del Mar to spot to go horseback riding along the beach nine holes will challenge the long hitter and reward those with keen aim. fishermen arriving with their catch of the day. On Sunday mornings, from October to April, this same or through the jungles of San Pancho. Locals call the eighth, a 611-yard, par-five, “the monster.” Castilla offers the most forgiving series of nine holes and is a good place to work out the kinks. space becomes a bustling organic farmer and handicraft market. Sunday polo brunches at La Patrona take Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 7045-yard championship Es- place from November until April. Estrella del Mar, Mazatlan. trella del Mar on Stone Island has been dubbed the “Pebble Beach” of Vallarta Adventures offers thrills and unique Mazatlan. Located along the Pacific Ocean, this 18-hole gem boasts palm- experiences all along the Bay of Banderas. Visitors lined Bermuda grass fairways, manicured greens and devilish bunkers. Six can become dolphin trainers for a day, go extreme of the holes play down to and along the pristine beach. The highly ranked zip lining, discover a hidden beach on the Marietas course has played host to the Canadian PGA Championship and the PGA COURSES HOLES LENGHT PAR Islands and more. Tour Latin-American Mazatlan Open. The area’s newest Marina Mazatlan 18-hole course was designed by Da- Estrella del Mar in Mazatlan runs a sea turtle PUERTO VALLARTA vid Fleming and opened in spring of 2009. The course presents a watery sanctuary supervised by a marine biologist. You challenge, especially on the signature 17th and 18th fairways. Fleming de- can tour the sanctuary and become part of the MARINA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF 18 6,573 71 signs his courses with the philosophy that golf should be fun for swingers conservation team for a day. of all levels. VISTA VALLARTA NICKLAUS 18 7,074 72

VISTA VALLARTA WEISKOPF 18 6,993 72

RIVIERA NAYARIT

EL TIGRE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 18 7,239 72

GREG NORMAN VIDANTA GOLF NUEVO VALLARTA 18 7,300 73

NAYAR VIDANTA GOLF NUEVO VALLARTA 18 6,500 70

FLAMINGOS GOLF CLUB 18 6,853 72

PUNTA MITA BAHÍA 18 7,035 72

PUNTA MITA PACÍFICO 18 7,014 72

CAMPO DE GOLF LITIBÚ 18 7,022 72

MAZATLAN

CAMPO DE GOLF EL CID 18 7,300 72

ESTRELLA DEL MAR GOLF 18 7,300 72 GOLF COURSE MARINA MAZATLÁN 18 7,300 72 rimex COLIMA DMC

CLUB DE GOLF LAS HADAS 18 6,502 71 GOLF MEXICO 2018 / MeetingsAlliance com 19 CENTRAL

While most visitors head to Mexico’s beach towns, central Mexico is full of great golf courses, fascinating colonial cities, noteworthy cuisine and all sorts of “19th hole” diversions. Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city and capital of the state of Jalisco, has several outstanding golf courses. With an altitude of 5,000 feet and some of the most perfect weather in the world, you can almost be guaranteed a sunny and dry round of golf. This area is also birthplace to some of Mexico’s most famous traditions, including tequila, charreadas or Mexican rodeos, the Mexican hat dance and mariachi music. The 6,763-yard El Cielo Country Club perches 6,500 feet above sea lev- el. Cielo means heaven in Spanish and the course truly lives up to its name featuring grand vistas of Guadalajara and the Lake Chapala region, home to many American and Canadian ex-pats. Playing this roller-coaster, designed by DeVictor-Langham, means that you will seldom have a flat lie and you will be thankful for the cart and caddy that come with your green fee. The 370-yard, par-four eighth hole, for ex- Cocoyoc Cuernavaca. ample, plunges more than 150 feet from tees to landing area. The scenery throughout the 18-hole, par-72 course is spectacular. El Cielo, located in the Reserva de la Primavera hills, is home to a variety of wildlife including hawks, deer, marmots and various reptiles. Bring lots of golf balls and your camera. Located about an hour from Guadalajara, en route to the town of Tequi- la, the challenging El Rio Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, takes maximum advantage of the region’s steep valleys and canyons. More than 1,000 trees were planted to add definition to the fairways GUADALAJARA and unsightly electricity pylons were removed to enhance the aesthetic quality of the experience. The championship tees stretch to over 7,500 yards. Three of the par-fives are definite three-shot tests, including the HOW TO GET HERE AIRPORT Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)

The Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) receives 1,490 direct international Ventanas de San Miguel, San Miguel de Allende. flights including direct flights from Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denve, Fresno, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New York, Oakland, Ontario, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Reno, CENTRAL MEXICO Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose (California), and Seattle. The airport saw an increase of Mexico’s central region is its powerhouse, home to some of the country’s top over 8% in connectivity in 2016.

manufacturing centers for aerospace, automotive, and tech, as well as a strong CLIMATE industrial and agro-industry sector. During the day, the highs average 91ºF (33ºC) in summer and around 77ºF (25ºC) in the winter; the temperatures during winter evenings can drop down to 41ºF (5ºC). Guadalajara’s rainy season begins in the summer through early fall (June - October).

DESTINATION TYPE

City Colonial Cultural Alamo Country Club, Celaya. Gastronomy 20 CENTRAL visitmexico.com

DID YOU KNOW? Lorena Ochoa, who was the top-ranked female golfer in the world, was born in Guadalajara. She is the first Mexican- born golfer to be honored in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

APRÈS GOLF ACTIVITIES

EPICUREAN ADVENTURES. Taste & Travel offers tours to various regions Club de Golf Los Tabachines, Cuernavaca. in Mexico to learn about the gastronomic and cultural diversity of the country. The highlight of 656-yard signature 18th. Two rivers and various streams run through the their tour of Guadalajara and Morelia includes aptly named El Rio. boarding the Tequila Express train from The Atlas County Club, a semi-private gem, was opened in 1969 and Guadalajara to the Magic Town of Tequila to learn designed by Joe Finger. Home to two lakes on the seventh and 14th holes, all about Mexico’s national drink. In Morelia, the course provides a natural habitat for a large variety of flora and fauna. Taste & Travel offers a cooking class with a local Lying west of Mexico City and southeast of Guadalajara, the state of chef to discover and sample the unique flavors of Michoacán is sometimes called “the soul of Mexico.” From mid November Michoacán. to late March, many visitors flock to an area outside of Michoacán’s capital

SHOPPING. city of Morelia to witness the annual migration of the Monarch butterflies. Back in the 16th century, a bishop named Vasco de Millions of these winged wonders congregate in highland forests. Quiroga, who was sent to the region from Spain, Jack Nicklaus, who helped put Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta on the encouraged the native Tarascan Indians to develop Mexican golfing map, has taken his design talents inland to the Tres Marias specific handicrafts with the goal that each Golf Club located outside of Morelia, about a three-hour drive north of village would become self-sufficient and that the Mexico City. neighbouring Tarascan tribes would cooperate and Billed as the largest and most luxurious golf community in Latin Amer- trade with one another. The plan worked. Today ica, Tres Marias Residential Golf Club is a city within a city and spans over in the towns surrounding Morelia, this artistic 540 hectares. tradition thrives making the region a shopper’s In 2005, the Tres Marias Golf Club gained international recognition by bazaar. In Santa Clara del Cobre you can watch hosting the prestigious LPGA Corona Championship. The women’s golf copper pots and pans being hammered into shape under intense heat. Uruapan specializes in championship has since been held every year at Tres Marias during the lacquerware, Patzcuaro is known for its straw and second week of April. Mexican female golfer, Lorena Ochoa, who won the pottery creations and guitars are still handcrafted LPGA Championship in 2006, 2008 and 2009, has greatly contributed to the in Paracho. popularity of the Tres Marias Golf Club and the increase in golf enthusiasts in Mexico. GO ARTSY. The Golden Bear’s twenty-seven-hole layout encompasses the 18-hole Colorful and powerful murals grace the walls of Nicklaus Signature E Reto course (meaning “challenge” in Spanish), plus many of Guadalajara’s public buildings. Beyond the tamer nine-hole El Desafio course. The development got its name from functioning as decoration, these murals depict the a rock formation called Tres Marias that looms over the course. The rock founding of modern Mexican identity. An artistic is a spiritual symbol for the native Purepechan Indians dating back to pre- stroll through central Guadalajara will explain why Hispanic times. Both courses are situated more than 6,000 feet above sea some call it the “Florence of Mexico.” level, so your Titleist should fly further.

COURSES HOLES LENGHT PAR

EL CIELO COUNTRY CLUB 18 6,765 72

ATLAS COUNTRY CLUB 18 7,184 72

VENTANAS DE SAN MIGUEL 18 7,140 70 GOLF MEXICO 2018 / MeetingsAlliance com 23 MEXICAN CARIBBEAN When the mighty Mayan civilization collapsed around the 15th century, the CANCUN stretch of beach and jungle now known as the Mayan Riviera, was inhabited only by farmers and fishermen. But in 1967 Cancun became the first computer-planned resort in Mexico. HOW TO GET HERE It was a great success. Today the Mayan Riviera and Yucatan’s Caribbean AIRPORT Cancun International Airport (CUN) Coast has become Mexico’s top tourist destination thanks to the quality of sugary white beaches, reliable sunshine, unique historical attractions and The Cancun International Airport (CUN) hospitable locals. handles the second largest volume of traffic The first golf course in Cancun opened in 1976 with an original design in Mexico, with 2,249 domestic flights and by Robert Trent Jones II. Originally it was named Pok ta Pok which means 4,533 international flights per year, and has “ball game” in the Mayan language, but it is now known as the Cancun received the highest ratings for its modern facilities and equipment. In 2016 the airport Country Club at Pok ta Pok. Several fairways meander along the Nichupte increased its air connectivity by more than Lagoon and two overlook the Caribbean. Near hole number three, golfers 8%, and in late 2017 inaugurated Terminal encounter some ancient Mayan ruins. 4 with 18 gates that increased annual El Camaleon Golf Course at the Mayakoba resort made Mexican golf capacity by about 9 million passengers, and history by hosting the OHL classic in 2007, the first PGA TOUR full field features two levels plus a mezzanine, shop- event ever to be held outside of the USA or Canada. This 7024-yard lay- ping area, and food court. This expansion out is also Greg Norman’s debut design in Mexico. Like its namesake, the makes it Mexico’s second busiest, with an chameleon lizard, the 18-hole El Camaleon changes and blends with its estimated 25 million passengers per year environment. The course winds under mangrove canopies, along banks of or up to 75 operations per hour. By 2020, turquoise lagoons and past natural ceynotes (the naturally occurring fresh- the capacity would increase to 32 million. water caves or sinkholes unique to the Yucatan Peninsula). The fourth green It should be noted Terminal 2 is slated for is just a pitching wedge away from the rolling surf. renovation and Terminal 3 for expansion, Another Greg Norman design, Playa Mujeres Golf Club, is played which will include a hotel (2018). Direct flights are available from Atlanta, Austin, through a tropical rainforest. A natural cenote borders the ninth fairway. Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cin- Prevailing sea winds and numerous water hazards will present a constant cinnati, Cleveland, Columbus (Ohio), Dallas/ challenge. From the 13th green, golfers are rewarded with a beautiful view Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lau- of the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. derdale, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Located in the heart of Cancun’s most exclusive residential develop- Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwau- ment, Puerto Cancun Golf Club offers fairways framed by canals and spec- kee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Newark, New tacular views of the marina and a mangrove preserve. The signature 14th Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, hole runs along the beach. Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Home of the Big Break Academy, Iberostar Cancun Golf Club is both San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, St. El Tinto Golf Course, Cancun. enjoyable and challenging for golfers of any skill level. Located in the heart Louis, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the course is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon and is a mere ten minutes from the Cancun Interna- CLIMATE tional Airport. Your green fee at this 18-hole, par-72 course includes the Cancun has a semi-tropical climate, golf cart and unlimited food and beverages. with highs from mid-May until the end CANCUN The exuberant combination of mangroves, exceptional ocean views, un- of August that can reach 110˚F (43˚C) dulating fairways and impeccable greens, are just some of the elements and balmier weather from December & RIVIERA MAYA that make the Riviera Cancun Golf Club an enjoyable challenge. A Signa- through the end of April, when the average ture course by the legendary “Golden Bear,” this 7,060 yard course harmo- temperature is 71-89˚F (22-32˚C). Rainy niously integrates nature and tranquility. season (short afternoon showers) runs The youngest state in Mexico, Quintana Roo is home to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, from September through the end of November. Hurricane season in the state two of the country’s top destinations for the MICE industry thanks to their extraordinary of Quintana Roo officially begins June meetings and hotel infrastructure, where superb five-star properties far outnumber 1st and ends November 20th. Maximum activity is between August and October, four-star and under accommodations. with the peak activity normally being in early to mid-September.

DESTINATION TYPE

Adventure Beach Culture Eco-Tourism Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok, Cancun. Golf 24 MEXICAN CARIBBEAN visitmexico.com

RIVIERA MAYA El Tinto Golf Course at the Cancun Country Club was designed by Nick Price under PGA Tour standards. Price incorporates five lakes and 84 sand traps into his 7,439-yard romp. HOW TO GET HERE Located ten minutes from Cancun International Airport, Moon Spa & AIRPORT Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is the only 27-hole signature course Cancun International Airport (CUN) in the Mexican Caribbean. Each of the three nines-Dunes, Jungle and The Cancun International Airport (CUN) handles Lakes-offers a completely different scenario. the second largest volume of traffic in Mexico, with Looking for a short and sweet game? Vidanta Golf Riviera Maya by Nick- 2,249 domestic flights and 4,533 international flights laus Design offers a par-54, 18-hole course at a length of 2,923 yards. per year, and has received the highest ratings for For over a decade, the Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club has been its modern facilities and equipment. In 2016 the stamping its name in the historical record books of international golf. Host airport increased its air connectivity by more than to prestigious events such as the World Amateur Team Championships 8%, and in late 2017 inaugurated Terminal 4 with 2016, Big Break Mexico, Iberostar Riviera Maya Open (PGA TOUR Canada) 18 gates that increased annual capacity by about and eight-time host of the Monday Qualifier for the PGA TOUR OHL Clas- 9 million passengers, and features two levels plus sic at Mayakoba, the PB Dye masterpiece is must for your bucket list. Take a mezzanine, shopping area, and food court. This advantage of free golf while staying at the opulent Iberostar Grand Hotel expansion makes it Mexico’s second busiest, with an Paraiso. The all-inclusive concept extends to the golf course, and includes estimated 25 million passengers per year or up to 75 operations per hour. By 2020, the capacity would food and beverages before, during and after the round. increase to 32 million. It should be noted Terminal 2 Designer Nick Price claims that the Grand Coral Golf Club is the most is slated for renovation and Terminal 3 for expansion, player-friendly course he has ever built. Eighteen holes of championship which will include a hotel (2018). golf wind through a magnificent natural jungle overlooking deep blue lakes. Beautifully designed in a dense tropical jungle, Robert Von Hagge’s Hard CLIMATE Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya is said to be one of the toughest courses in all of México. Seemingly carved out of the enigmatic Mayan Jungle, this is Riviera Maya’s weather is the same as Cancun’s: a a magnificent juxtaposition of wild natural beauty and man-made features. semi-tropical climate, with highs from mid-May until the end of August that can reach 110˚F (43˚C) and The Riviera Maya Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship par-72 balmier weather from December through the end course and a nine-hole, par-three course, both by master designer Robert of April, when the average temperature is 71-89˚F Trent Jones II. Using the natural landscape of jungle, sinkholes and lakes, (22-32˚C). Rainy season (short afternoon showers) Jones has created an experience you won’t likely forget. runs from September through the end of November. The Cozumel Country Club, created by the Nicklaus Design Group, Hurricane season in the state of Quintana Roo officially successfully balances the strict requirements of building a first-class golf begins June 1st and ends November 20th. Maximum course within the delicate ecosystem of the surrounding mangroves, activity is between August and October, with the peak marshlands and tropical rainforest. The course is home to blue crabs, igua- activity normally being in early to mid-September. nas, crocodiles, raccoons and myriad birds. The Cozumel Country Club has achieved the designation of “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” DESTINATION TYPE by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, the first club in Mexico to Beach do so. The club also offers tours for bird watchers. Cozumel Country Club Eco-Tourism has formed partnerships with several hotels on the island, extending vary- Golf ing golf privileges to their guests, as well as to cruise ship swingers.

COURSES HOLES LENGHT PAR

CANCUN GOLF CLUB AT POK TA POK 18 7,051 72

IBEROSTAR PLAYA PARAISO GOLF CLUB 18 6,704 72

MOON PALACE SPA & GOLF CLUB 27 10,798 70

PLAYA MUJERES GOLF CLUB 18 7,218 72

GOLF PUERTO CANCUN 18 7,241 72

RIVIERA MAYA GOLF CLUB BAHÍA PRÍNCIPE 18 7,272 72