Mexico
Top Choice: TPC Danzante Bay, Loreto
Baja California Sur
9.9/10
Why it's Spectacular
Designed By: Rees Jones
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As a course that has its fair share of Insta-fame, TPC Danzante Bay had been on my radar for a while. Around the turn of the year I was looking for inspiration and remembered that the course touted itself as an easy destination to reach. I looked for flights from Phoenix and was thrilled to see a direct flight to nearby Loreto at a very reasonable price. With no further ado I made the move and everything from there forward was incredible. As you drive south from Loreto it is hard not to be awed by the steep mountainous terrain that jaggedly emerges from the Sea of Cortez and while deep down you know you are in Mexico, it can be easily forgotten as it is quite uniquely different than anywhere else I've ever been. One noticeable difference is the general tranquility of the area and lack of people, in general. After about a 25 minute taxi ride it was impossible not to see the gargantuan outline of the Villa del Palmar Resort which seemed to appear our of nowhere against the backdrop of otherwise untouched natural landscape. As expected, you will receive a grand welcome at the lobby of the hotel and after a quick check in at the front desk (interestingly enough) you will be carted towards the elevated driving range and temporary pro shop. I found the staff to be incredibly friendly, speaking fluid English with plenty of jokes and ear-to-ear smiles as they themselves almost can't believe that it's their job to work in such a beautiful place. The driving range is beautiful as it aims you up a rock canyon and it almost seemed disrespectful not to purchase a Cuban cigar and handful of Corona's before making my way to the 1st Tee. Truly every hole is spectacular and as you climb higher in elevation and away from the Sea, it's impossible not to keep looking back at the sweeping landscape and maze of green grass that winds below. The rugged mountains make way to numerous canyons which you wind
Solmar Golf Links
Formerly Rancho San Lucas
Pros: It's rare to elevate the standard and push down courses that really left an impression. Solmar had it's work cut out for it, as the whisperings around Cabo were that this was the best course in the area. Further, it was expensive and hard to get on....luckily, the hype was 100% real, and this was honestly one of the best courses we've ever played. Norman had the benefit of so much natural beauty and topography and used every ounce of it to his advantage. This was truly special!
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Cons: Food and drinks are included, at a price and there could be a bit more variety, but everthing was good and the course was up there with the best.
Score:
9.9/10
Quivira
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Pros: They say this is the Pebble Beach of Mexico and after seeing it in real life, its easy to see why. In particular, there are three oceanside holes that would leave even the most discerning golf enthusiast in awe. Better yet, Quivira does not rest solely on the beauty of its surroundings to make it spectacular, the design of the course is both dynamic and challenging and leaves a fair number of holes where you can choose between aggressive and conservative attacks.
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Cons: Quivira was one of the most spectacular rounds we've ever played. That simple!
Score:
9.8/10
Puerto Los Cabos
Mission/Ocean/Vista
Pros: Our Baja golf experience continues to grow more and more as we see new courses and now, once again, a perennial frontrunner has been pushed further down the list making way for Puerto Los Cabos. While we knew this course had a reputation, it exceeded all expectations, especially on the Mission course which blended elevated tee shots with incredible views of the sprawling Sea of Cortez. Truly, this made for some of the best golf photos in all of Baja and one of our favorite rounds to date.
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Cons: Between a nicely discounted rate on Golf Now and comfort stations with unlimited food and drinks there was no room for complaints, especially with the course as stunning as it was.
Score:
9.8/10
Diamante
Dunes
Pros: At some point you realize that Baja is every bit as stacked up with stunning courses as anywhere else in the world--and that's without exception. If we played any one of these courses we'd rave about the design, the service, the views, the challenge and so much more. As one of the Top 100 courses per Golf Digest Diamante deserves it's due. We've simply stacked it a half a notch down because the views, style and personal preference relative to our prior entries but on any other day this is a dream come true.
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Cons: You do get some wind off the Pacific here which doesn't suit our game so much. Every other part is 10/10 so how can we complain?
Score:
9.8/10
Puerto Cortes
El Cortes
Pros: If Danzante Bay didn't have it's signature par 3 overlooking the jagged outcroppings of the Sea of Cortes and Solmar with the natural beauty of the sweeping Dunes along the Pacific, from a pure course design standpoint you might have to say that El Cortes is actually a superior golf experience. In terms of layout, service, interesting holes, views, and total ambience, its completely on the same level and there might even be increased consistency in the overall offering.
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Cons: It's rare when we say this, but there really were none with this course. Flawless in every regard.
Score:
9.8/10
Mayakoba
El Cameleon
Pros: If you ever watched the WWTC Championship in Mexico it would be hard not to marvel at the beauty and uniqueness of El Chameleon. The course conditions were perfect, the service incredible, and where else will you ever find a cenote in the middle of a golf course? El Cameleon is an experience from the second you enter the grounds and has all the elements to create an unforgettable round of golf in the Caribbean.
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Cons: A little expensive but truly worth every penny. A golf outing you will not forget!
Score:
9.7/10
Diamante
El Cardonal
Pros:
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Cons:
Score:
9.4/10
Loreto Bay Golf Resort
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Pros: Easily could have been in the 9.2 range if it it was simply in a bit better condition. Fortunately the greens were still rolling pretty good. Course layout was stellar. Several holes bordered the Sea of Cortez and the views, particularly on the back nine were 360 degree views. Honestly, this was a treat.
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Cons: Give the sand traps a little love, add paved cart paths, and hit a few of the rough patches with some seed and this quickly becomes an elite course.
Score:
8.7/10
One&Only Palmilla
Ocean and Desert Course
Pros: This was really a great golf course that did the little things right. The course was in great shape, the design was top-tier the included food and drinks were really good, all-in-all we have to highly recommend this experience. Plus, this is a stunning neighborhood development in Los Cabos that feels exclusive from the second you arrive.
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Cons: Not a course you'd really nitpick. Everything was well done and despite a price tag, it was all worth it!
Score:
9.3/10
Cabo del Sol
Desert Course
Pros: In addition to the spectatular grounds and very high-end service the obvious bonus is that food and drinks are included in the price. The highlights are certainly on the back-9 with a handful of pretty cool and scenic holes that weave through the natural desert surroundings.
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Cons: The front-9 was a bit uneventful and while there was nothing wrong, there was nothing overly picturesque or interesteing. There are also a few holes that boder the busy freeway which takes a bit away from the experience. While we'd recommend playing, just know that this is a bit of a stretch on value at normal rates of $350/round.
Score:
8.6/10
Cabo Real
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Pros: Based on the course design (particularly on the back-9) this was up there with some of the best we have played in Mexico. Hole 5 takes you to one of the most beautiful beachside greens you will ever see and every single hole on the back is masterfully designed and maintained. There were two holes on the front nine that needed some attention with spotty grass but we were assured this was being worked on, and once complete this pops to an easy 9.4 or 9.5.
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Cons: Two holes on the front nine that had been a bit neglected. Hopefully the greenskeepers can get those on point because this is a special course outside of that!
Score:
9.1/10
Club Campestre
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Pros: The course was not in the best of conditions, surprisingly, given that we were playing in peak season (around the Holidays). The back-9 is a fair amount more interesting than the front as you get away from the city and the quality of holes elevates a bit. Decent value after we got a Golf Now discount, but would not pay full price.
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Cons: It could use some TLC, especially with some new sand in the bunkers and some rough patches that should be easy to fix. Not bad, but nothing memorable to write home about either.
Score:
8.4/10
