Here is a fact that might surprise you: Mexico is the number two worldwide golf destination for U.S. golfers, right behind Hawaii. The Mexican Government Department of Tourism wants to change that ranking. That's right -- they are determined to become number one, and at the rate they are going it shouldn't take too long to achieve that goal.
To seasoned Mexico travelers the reasons are obvious. Mexico is an amazingly diverse country blessed with gorgeous locations that rival any in the world, from the stark beauty of Baja California hard against the Sea of Cortez to the new jungle courses in Puerto Vallarta. In the interior of Mexico, at elevations over 5,000 feet you can golf the wonderful traditional courses of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Morelos. In fact, there are now more than 150 golf courses in Mexico with the world's top architects (Nicklaus, Dye, Von Hagge, Weiskopf, Jones, to name a few) lining up to create new, exciting venues to meet the rising demand.
And in case you haven't noticed, Mexico is right next door. Direct flights from gateway U.S. cities will have you teeing off the same day that you board your plane, after checking into a world-class hotel manned by the friendliest, most respectful people you'll find anywhere on the planet. Or, if you prefer, you might choose an old, culturally-rich colonial inn with portola lined walkways and colorful bougainvillea climbing the walls. Take a serene evening walk on the pristine beach, party half the night downing street tacos, or settle into a three-hour meal prepared by a French-trained chef…the choice is yours. Want to take a day off from the course? Take a jungle cruise, rent a car and go visit the seaside village nearby, or take in a day of catch-and-release deep-sea fishing.
You see, a golf trip to Mexico is more than just golf. It is a culturally rewarding, educationally enriching adventure that you just aren't going to get in Myrtle Beach, Orlando, or Scottsdale. And here's the best part: it doesn't have to cost any more! You will find some great deals available to destinations all over Mexico. They want your business, and they are making it very enticing to make their country your choice for a great golf vacation.
From the very first hole, you get the sense that El Camaleon at the Fairmont Mayakoba resort south of Cancun, Mexico is different than your typical resort course. It's truly one of Greg Norman's best designs, offering a variety of holes with different backdrops. There's nothing boring about El Camaleon, Mike Bailey writes.
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You could find golf resorts more costly than the One&Only Palmilla on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anything with more pampering. Built in 1956, the One&Only Palmilla is the oldest resort on the Los Cabos Corridor. While the Los Cabos area now has plenty of other great golf and resort options, it's hard to beat the original, Mike Bailey writes.
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The recently opened CostaBaja Golf Club is a blast to play, just as designer Gary Player intended. The majestic tees boost almost any golfer's ego, and there are five sets from which to choose, beginning at just over 5,000 yards. Golfers can see the Pacific Ocean from 14 holes and play more than a half-dozen elevated tees. Dramatic views abound, Mike Bailey writes, as CostaBaja G.C. provides scenery unlike almost any other venue in the world.
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The annual PGA Tour stop at at the Fairmont Mayakoba resort and El Camaleon Golf Club boost the profile of this Mexican property to elite status. Take a look at the beauty of the hotel and seaside setting of a championship-level golf course.
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The Fairmont Mayakoba isn't like your common, Mexican beachfront high-rise resort. While there are some beachfront luxury villas, the majority of the 401 units are luxury casitas set along canals. They boast marble floors, both shower and bath and private balconies overlooking the canals. What's more, canals, thick mangrove forest, cenotes and two beachfront holes make for 18 holes with many faces at PGA-worthy El Camaleon Golf Club.
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Sandy white beaches and views of blue waves on the Sea of Cortez distinguish the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula over many of the world's other luxurious golf destinations. Club Campestre San Jose is the most affordable Nicklaus course in the area, mainly due to its lack of ocean-front property. That said, strategic routing and the premier conditioning more than make up for the loss of the beach.
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