MEXICO

Golf in Mexico: Where Ancient Landscapes Meet Modern Fairways

Golf in Mexico is a captivating fusion of dramatic natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class course design that has positioned the country as one of Latin America's premier golf destinations.

The sport's origins trace back to the early 20th century when British miners and American expatriates introduced the game, with the Mexico City Country Club established in 1904 as the nation's first course.

The mid-20th century saw a golf boom as luxury resorts in Acapulco attracted international players, while recent decades have witnessed a transformation with PGA-level courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf.

Mexico's golf identity is deeply intertwined with its geography - from cactus-lined desert courses to tropical coastal layouts, each offering unique challenges shaped by elevation changes, ocean winds, and indigenous flora.

Three key regions define Mexico's golf landscape.

Los Cabos has emerged as the country's golf epicenter, with over a dozen oceanfront courses like Quivira Golf Club perched atop dramatic cliffs where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez.

The Riviera Maya offers jungle-golf experiences at courses like El Camaleón Mayakoba, winding through mangrove forests and cenotes.

Central Mexico's high-altitude courses, including Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City (2,300 meters above sea level), feature thinner air that adds extraordinary distance to shots.

These regions showcase Mexico's ability to create diverse golf experiences within spectacular natural settings.

Signature courses highlight Mexico's golf prestige.

Cabo del Sol's Ocean Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1994, features seven seaside holes and has hosted multiple PGA Tour events.

El Camaleón Mayakoba, Greg Norman's 2006 masterpiece, is the only PGA Tour venue in Latin America and incorporates three distinct ecosystems.

Diamante Dunes in Cabo San Lucas, a Davis Love III design, offers pure links-style golf with rolling dunes and ocean views from every hole.

These courses demonstrate how Mexico's top layouts work with rather than against the natural environment, creating unforgettable playing experiences.

Player development has grown significantly through programs like the Mexican Golf Federation's grassroots initiatives and academies such as the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral Mexico.

Notable professionals include Lorena Ochoa, the former world #1 who revolutionized women's golf, and Abraham Ancer, the first Mexican to play in the Presidents Cup (2019) and reach the world top 20.

Their success has inspired a new generation, with junior participation increasing by 35% since 2020 according to federation data.

Golf tourism thrives with all-inclusive packages combining play at top courses with beach resorts and cultural tours.

Peak season runs November-April when temperatures are mildest.

Non-golf attractions enhance the appeal - from Cabo's whale watching (December-April) to Mayakoba's ancient Mayan ruins and Mexico City's world-class museums.

Luxury developments like Four Seasons Punta Mita integrate golf with five-star hospitality, featuring unique holes like the "Tail of the Whale" island green accessible only at low tide.

Sustainability efforts are increasingly prioritized in Mexico's arid regions.

Courses like Puerto Los Cabos use recycled water and drought-resistant paspalum grass, while El Camaleón Mayakoba maintains a 200-hectare nature reserve.

Several clubs have achieved Audubon International certification for wildlife habitat protection, particularly important in sensitive ecosystems like Baja's desert and the Yucatán's mangroves.

Future developments include Rancho San Lucas by Greg Norman (2023) and Tiger Woods' first Latin American course at Diamante Cabo San Lucas (planned 2025).

Mexico aims to host more PGA Tour events and potentially a Presidents Cup, building on its success with the World Golf Championships at Chapultepec.

The golf tourism market is projected to grow 8% annually through 2030, supported by new flight routes from U.S.

and Canadian cities..