JA / BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR CALIFORNIA BAJA / JA a COSTAB w LITE exico E M experiences The Pro’s Guide to Golfing Mexico

The list of Mexico’s course designers reads like a veritable who’s who of the world’s greatest golf pros—players at the top of their game who choose to set up camp in Mexico for its gorgeous weather, diverse landscape and abundance of luxury properties. Find out why big names from Greg Norman to make Mexico their home away from home. LITE exico E M experiences

el camaleón mayakoba golf club / riviera maya el camaleón mayakoba golf club / riviera maya

el camaleón mayakoba golf club / riviera maya

No matter where you are in Mexico, you can expect to find some of of the game’s greatest names, including , Robert Trent the world’s best golfing. Here’s our guide to an A-list golf experience, Jones, Jr., Robert Von Hagge, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman and P.B. Dye. On region by region. the horizon are new courses, many already under construction, featur- ing designs by , Tom Fazio and . Cancun and Riviera Maya Designed by Greg Norman, El Camaleón at the Mayakoba Resort in International media have flocked to Riviera Maya to cover major tour- Playa del Carmen is an 18-hole resort course which winds through three naments like the PGA’s Mayakoba Classic and the Canadian Profes- different landscapes—mangrove jungles, limestone canals and ocean- sional Golf Tour, boosting the region’s rep as a golfer’s paradise on front stretches—ensuring stunning views every game. a global scale. Cancun’s top course designs come courtesy of some (www.mayakobagolf.com)

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO LITE exico E M experiences

playa mujeres / cancun

playa mujeres / cancun WHAT THE PROS SAY Greg Norman “There are a number of reasons why so many renowned designers have done courses in Mexico. Among these are the close proximity to the United States, high quality sites, fantastic weather and first class owners and partners developing resort properties with a need for amenities such as golf courses. Mexico is a beautifully diverse country, with many different types of gorgeous environments. I have had the opportunity to design courses in many of these environments. Whether it is along sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, or through mangrove swamps or tropical jungles, these incredible sites have all possessed dramatic views that add to the intrinsic value of the . So it’s no wonder that I find time in my busy schedule to visit my projects in Mexico, and I usually find myself staying a few extra days to enjoy this beauti- ful country.”

Another Greg Norman build, located just three miles north of Cancun, playa mujeres / cancun Playa Mujeres is an eco-friendly green that takes full advantage of the region’s native fauna and dazzling Carribean Sea vistas. The course’s first 18 holes opened in 2006, with an additional nine holes under con- struction now. (www.excellence-resorts.com) Jack Nicklaus’ green at the Cozumel Country Club is the island’s first golf course, and took up to five years to complete. A favorite among seasoned players and first-timers alike, the course passes through Mayan jungle, saltwater marshland and tropical rainforest for a breath- taking game. (www.cozumelcountryclub.com.mx)

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO LITE exico E M experiences

EL CID GRANADA COUNTRY CLUB / MAZATLAN

EL CID GRANADA COUNTRY CLUB / MAZATLAN WHAT THE PROS SAY GARY PLAYER “There is something special about Mexico that makes me want to return again and again. It is a beautiful country rich in history and culture and the people are just fantastic. I am quite proud of our first project in Mexico, CostaBaja Resort & Marina, which we designed for my friend Manuel Arango. It is situated on a wonderful site over- looking the Sea of Cortés where the natural beauty of the land takes center stage. The contrast of the green fairways against the desert conditions and the beautiful blue sea is stunning and we designed the course so all levels of golfers will enjoy the experience.”

Mazatlan COSTABaJA / BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR Flanked by a resort and marina by the same name, the golf course at El Cid Granada Country Club features 27 holes designed by pro and impressive views of the Pacific Ocean. (www.elcid.com)

Baja California Sur The charming municipalities of Los Cabos and La Paz offer countless opportunities to hone your golf game. La Paz’s recently-unveiled Cos- taBaja Golf Club (inaugurated in November 2010) is home to the coun- try’s first Gary Player signature course, while nearby Los Cabos boasts greens from greats like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Fazio and Davis Love III.

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO LITE exico E M experiences

cabo real / los cabos

querencia / los cabos WHAT THE PROS SAY ROBERT TRENT JONES II “I’ve greatly enjoyed all my time spent designing golf courses in Mexico, whether it be Riviera Maya (Bahia Principe), Los Cabos (Cabo Real), Zihuatanejo (Club De Golf Palma Real) or Mazatlán (Es- trella del Mar). The varied topographies and flavors of this tropical paradise are perfect for golf—from the cactus forests of Baja to the lush jungles of the Yucatan. Just as the monuments built by earlier civilizations bring visitors from around the world, we hope our golf courses will do the same. Buenos suerte!”

querencia / los cabos

Robert Trent Jones II’s Cabo Real is a 7,037-yard, 18-hole course that has played host to numerous elite tournaments, including two PGA Senior Slams, since its opening in 1993. Its front nine is widely considered the toughest in Los Cabos—though the astounding sight of whales breaching in the background as you tee off (caught on cam- era during 1996’s Senior Slam) more than makes up for the challenge (www.caboreal.com). Award-winning course architect Tom Fazio masterminded the de- sign of the Los Cabos private golf club Querencia, an 18-hole green with luxe amenities like a spa, beach club, pool and tennis facilities (www.loscabosquerencia.com).

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO LITE exico E M experiences

puerto los cabos / Los cabos puerto los cabos / Los cabos

palmilla golf club / los cabos palmilla golf club / los cabos

Also among Cabo’s can’t-miss courses is Jack Nicklaus’ 27-hole WHAT THE PROS SAY design at the Palmilla Golf Club, the pro’s first in Latin America. P.B. DYE Unbelievable views of the Sea of Cortez greet you at every hole. “Iberostar, Playa Paraiso, is resort golf (www.palmillagc.com) at its best. Iberostar’s hospitality just Greg Norman’s Puerto Los Cabos also takes advantage of Los Cabos’ adds to the golfing experience of this showstopping mountains-meet-sea scenery with a championship championship 18-hole golf course. layout that offers dramatic changes in elevation. Since its opening in Both the golf and hotel will bring the 2008, it’s been a favorite among fans of the sport. guest and the player back for more (www.puertoloscabos.com) fun—over and over again.”

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO LITE exico E M experiences

VISTA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF / PUERTO VLLARTA

jack nicklaus JACK NICKLAUS

“The reasons why I enjoying playing golf in Mexico are the same as why we have enjoyed designing golf courses there: the spectacular weather; the variety and uniqueness of terrain; and the warm and welcoming people of Mexico. We have been fortunate to design some wonderful golf courses in Mexico, and one of the chief reasons for that is that it’s such a beautiful country, with lots of ruggedness but also lots of softness. And just as important, we’ve formed a lot of close relationships down there that will only grow in the coming years.”

VISTA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF / PUERTO VLLARTA Puerto Vallarta A total of seven pro-tested courses make Puerto Vallarta one of Mex- ico’s golf meccas. You’ll take in lush jungle and tranquil oceanside scenes while you play world-class greens. Vista Vallarta Club de Golf features courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, and is conveniently located near the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The 2000 was held at the complex’s Nicklaus-designed course, while Weiskopf’s is re- nowned as the best 36-hole design in Mexico. (www.vistavallartagolf.com).

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO LITE exico E M experiences

el tigre at paradise village / puerto vallarta

el tigre at paradise village / puerto vallarta el tigre at paradise village / puerto vallarta

el tigre at paradise village / puerto vallarta Vista Vallarta’s sister property, Marina Vallarta Golf Club, offers a unique par-71, 6,700-yard course design from the late architect Joe Finger. Take in Banderas Bay and the nearby marina for a truly serene day on the green. (www.marinavallartagolf.com) New on the scene in Puerto Vallarta is El Tigre at Paradise Village, already earning raves from fans for its exciting 18 holes. Spread out over 7,239 yards, the course is home to eight bodies of water—and a lovable bunch of tiger cubs, owned by Director of Golf Jesus Carmona (www.paradisevillagegolf.com)

To book your next elite golf getaway, or to learn more about Mexico’s greatest greens, head to www.visitmexico.com.

THE PRO’S GUIDE TO GOLFING MEXICO Time 2 get away to a 5-star resort, all-inclusive hotel or small hideaway. Some big game fi shing, water sports, a relaxing spa, an outback adventure. Or playing 18 holes of championship golf, everyday. It’s time, isn’t it? Time2Cabo. For great golf packages, visit www.TIME2CABO.com | 1-866-LOS CABOS

LOS3181R-GolfAd-T2C-Elite.indd 1 9/21/11 1:16 PM Elite Traveler: WHERE TO SEND MATERIALS: WHERE TO SEND PROOF: L: .25 PDFX1a none T: 10.3125 x 13 IP address: upload.elitetraveler.com B: .125 Username: elitetraveler +1 310 323 9155 x18 Due to pub: unk Password: 14days2 all images are renderings except aerial shot and a replica of a Colonial-era church. The Artists egant condominiums, apartments, boutiques,shops by aEuropean-style Artists Village,withcasually el- exclusive to owners. TheMarinaHarborisanchored clude aprivate dockandaworld-class beachclub, cas in that the The homesatCaboRiviera are uniqueinthe Ameri- from superyachts to smaller sportfishing“pangas.” dream, withstate-of-the-art facilities for vessels The 250+slip,full-service Marinaisaboatowner’s on agorgeous protected bay, BahiadeLasPalmas. enjoyment for boththeyoung, andtheyoung atheart, iera hasswimmable beachesthatoffer unmatched miles ofprotected white-sand oceanfront, CaboRiv- nity withoutparallel anywhere intheworld. Withtwo home sites, with private docks, make this a commu- The spectacular MarinaandHarborIsland outstanding amenities for life on the Sea of Cortez. Cabo Riviera offers state-of-the-art conveniences and signature championshipcourse thatplays to boththebeachfront andthemarinaharbor. white-sand beaches,sailaboat,cast alineonthesapphire sea,paddle aseakayak along thescenic shore andenjoy 18holes ofgolfonthe those wholive life to its fullest (andits just ashortdistance from LosCabosInternational Airport).Residents can swimandplay along the Thoughtfully created into beharmonywithits waterfront settingonthecalm SeaofCortez, 900-acre CaboRiviera istheultimate haven for fishing, olfandcsulsesidelivin Cabo Riviera:Adreamdestination forboating, A A L r dventu ife s tyle D tyle e, and Relaxation e, and Relaxation Marina HarborIslandVilla efined b y Ro m an c e, Lots in- to fuel,clean andfully prepare residents’ boats in dock, drystack storage area and concierge services The 285-slip full-service facility will include a dry yachts andsailboats to seakayaks andspeedboats. rina welcomes vessels ofallsizes,from large motor Cabo Riviera’s professionally-run, deep-water ma- will addto theunforgettable golfexperience. golfers of all levels. Oceanfront and Marina fairways liver achallenging andvery satisfyingexperience for Expect asignature 18hole links course thatwillde- spa, andprivate docks for hotel guests. concern, complete withbranded homes,aluxurious 150-key hotel managedby aleading international hotel. Facing theharboronwest, findafive-star the harborhouse,exclusive yacht andtheboutique Handsome brickandstone-clad buildings overlook various elements oftheharbor-oriented community. all served bywater taxis to transport guests between that are unparalleled inBaja,plus,afabulous spa, Village also offers opportunities for casual dining [email protected] +52-624-130-0303, +52-624-105-1005 (619) 270-8771,819-9280 www.caboriviera.com.mx lit Saturday night. unwinding onSaturday afternoon andwell into amoon- hemisphere to go“stern to” for people-watching orjust will make CaboRiviera Marinathehottest place inthe restaurants andlively St-Barths-style bars andbistros the village is as charming as it is authentic. Cafes, fine Adriatic. From originalartworks to everyday necessities, towns along the French Riviera or on the shores of the reached viameanderingstone walkways recall ancient front. Sundrenched stone facades andinvitingplazas outdoor diningandmeetingfriendsalong thewater rina, takes full advantage of aclimate that isidealfor The boutique-filled Artists Village, adjacent to- theMa advance oftheirarrival attheresort. promotional feature - promotional feature

cabo del sol

JACK NICKLAUS

The golf legend designed the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol and describes it as ”the best golf property I’ve ever seen.” mexico’s greatest golf: los cabos course guide With high end resorts, world-class spas and pulsating nightlife, it’s no wonder Los Cabos has become the preferred vacation destination of the ultra-elite. But for serious golfing enthusiasts, Los Cabos offers something even more alluring: The chance to follow in the footsteps of pros and play some of the highest-rated championship courses on the planet. Read on for our course-by-course guide to the region’s best.

From seasoned pros to budding amateurs, there’s Puerto Los Cabos boasts holes by both Nicklaus acclaimed architect Roy Dye. a course in Los Cabos for everyone. Here’s our (the Marina Course—9 holes) and Greg Norman Affiliated Resort | The Los Cabos Golf Resort guide to up and coming courses and tried and true (the Mission Course—9 holes). offers 74 luxe villas resembling traditional Spanish favorites. Affliated Resort | Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & haciendas. Spa offers spa-inspired suites and fine dining. Contact | (888) 328-8501; OPEN FOR PLAY Contact | (877) 795-8727; www.questrogolf.com www.cabosanlucascountryclub.com Questro Golf: Club Campestre San José, Cabo del Sol Cabo Real Golf Club and Puerto Los Cabos Palmilla Golf Club Awards | 2011 —“Top 100 Courses Awards | 2011—Preferred Golf Course: Cabo Real Awards | 2011—Best for Golf Guide: #2 Golf Course in the World” #100 (18 consecutive years in World 2011—Best Golfweek Courses from the Caribbean in Mexico Top 100) and Mexico: Cabo Real #44 and Puerto Los Cabos #25 2011—Golfweek’s Best Places to Play 2011 —“Top 100 Courses Outside The 2011—“Golf in Mexico” Ranking by Best Golf Guide News & Notes | This stunning course was designed US” #24 to Los Cabos: Cabo Real #10, Club Campestre San by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. News & Notes | This elite property features both José #16 and Puerto Los Cabos #20 Affiliated Resort | The five-star One&Only Palmilla Desert and Ocean 18-hole courses, designed by 2011 Rolex Ranking—Cabo Real rated 85 points out is a favorite of visiting celebs. pros Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus, respectively. of 100 and Puerto Los Cabos 80 points Contact | (888) 691-8081; Affiliated Resort | The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar News & Notes | All three courses feature de- www.oneandonlyresorts.com offers guests preferred rates and tee times at its signs from noted architects: Cabo Real Golf Club neighboring course. was masterminded by Robert Trent Jones II, Club Cabo San Lucas Country Club Contact | (866) 231-4677; Campestre was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and News & Notes | The 18-hole green was designed by www.cabodelsol.com promotional feature

PALMILLA GOLF CLUB

club campestre san josÉ DIAMaNTE DUNES GOLF CLUB CABO SAN LUCAS COUNTRY CLUB

cabocabo rreealal golfgolf clubclub QUERENCIA GOLF CLUB PUERTO LOS CABOS

Diamante Dunes Golf Club El Dorado Golf & Beach Club (private) IN DEVELOPMENT Cabo Riviera Marina and Awards | 2011—#58 in GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 El Dorado is a private beach retreat for families Golf Resort Courses in the World seeking the finest golf, private club and outdoor rec- This new 900-acre development boasts an 2010—Best New International Course by GOLF Mag- reation experience available in Los Cabos. This ultra- idyllic setting on the shimmering Sea of Cor- azine exclusive enclave offers a Jack Nicklaus-designed tés, in addition to a scenic 18-hole Pete Dye Affiliated Resort | Diamante Cabo San Lucas is a private 18-hole course and a modern clubhouse with spa, Signature golf course that plays to both the and fully integrated master planned resort community fitness center, fine dining options and even a private marina harbor and the beautiful beachfront. Contact | (619) 270-8771; located on the Pacific Coast. The Diamante Dunes Golf movie theater. www.caboriviera.com.mx Club features the course designs of Davis Love III. Contact | (866) 513-4434; Contact | (866) 901-1456; www.eldoradogolfandbeachclub.com Quivira Los Cabos www.diamantecabosanlucas.com A stunning stretch of oceanfront makes For travelers looking for great golf deals, several for a dramatic backdrop for Jack Nick- Querencia Golf Club (private) Los Cabos hotels and resorts have developed spe- laus’ latest Los Cabos courses—there are two 18-hole greens planned for this As the centerpiece of this exclusive enclave, Querencia’s cial TIME2GOLF packages that include complimen- new resort and residential community. championship golf course holds the distinct honor of tary rounds of golf and special amenities, soothing Contact | (866) 578-4847; being not only Los Cabos’ first private membership sports massages, cart and club rentals and much www.quiviraloscabos.com club, but also Tom Fazio’s first project in Latin America. more. For a complete list of exclusive golf pack- Reminiscent of golf’s greatest desert courses, this ages, please visit the official Los Cabos website at incredible cliff-top masterpiece spans an impressive www.TIME2CABO.com/time2cabo/TIME2GOLF. 320 acres, inviting golfers to both test their skills and enjoy the club’s one-of-a-kind golf experience. Awards | 2010 and 2011—Ranked No. 1 Golf Course in Mexico by Golfweek Magazine for two consecutive years Contact | (888) 236-2229; www.loscabosquerencia.com ET111211_Los Cabos - Questro.indd 1 26/10/2011 13:29