Best's Golf Guide to Los Cabos WS 2010

JACK NICKLAUS

Inauguration of Puerto Los Cabos

TOM DOAK'S TRAIL EXPANDS TO MEXICO

Bahía de los Sueños

CONSEJO MEXICAN TOURISM BOARD

Golf in Mexico Supplement

DIAMANTE CABO SAN LUCAS

Davis Love III’s Newest Dunes Course

Loreto · La Paz

Bahía de los

Tom Doak’s Masterpiece at the Bay of Dreams

One&Only Palmilla

A Serenly Private Tropical Hideaway

A Day with Jack Nicklaus

The Grand Opening of Puerto Los Cabos

Diamante Cabo San Lucas

Complete with Scenic Pacific Coastal Dunes

Easy Does it...Again & Again

Ernie Els Expands his Empire

The Mexican Gray Whale

Baja Sur's Mammals of the Sea

CONSEJO

Golf

Loreto

2 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

Dear Golf Amigos,

The purpose of our BEST’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos publication is to provide perceptive and timely insights in the world of Golf in Baja Sur. Through an intensive network of friends, colleagues, golf and travel industry associates we manage to cover events and activities that warrant reporting to our loyal readers. We have reached over four million readers from over 55 countries, mainly from the US, Canada and Mexico but also from Great Britain, Brazil, Germany and Japan, to name a few. When ever we get replies or tracking stats from Wales, I know we have covered our bases and that the world loves Mexico Golf.

Today’s travel world is full of contradictions and sometimes with CNN bad news headlines that divert the reality of the goodness of Mexico. We are here to say Golf is alive and well in Mexico. Come explore great golf through our Golf Guides in print or our Online Guide that is full of videos, flash and multi photos of some of the most beautiful golf properties in the world. Mexico’s golf destinations are safe and secure and have the welcome mat out for your next golf outing.

Mexico’s new Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara, has been appointed to stimulate growth in foreign visitors after several years of decline. Well qualified as a travel veteran, full of energy with a focused agenda to increase tourism dollars, the third largest segment of national revenue, after oil and remittance. Timing is on her side as a slight positive trend in arrivals and higher occupancy has been reported in many areas of Mexico. Not double digit and the road to sustainable recovery is still a wee bit in the distance but it is nice to see planes and airport full of happy content tourists.

Reasons for these welcomed changes are aggressive pricing and or added value for travel packages. Real estate is also showing signs of life with a combination of price reductions, increased inventory, added value and residential mortgages available for the first time.

Read about great NEW courses in Mexico including Davis Love’s Diamante Cabo San Lucas and Tom Doak’s first course in Mexico at Bahia de los Suenos, near to La Paz.

Jack Nicklaus had his grand opening at Puerto Los Cabos and Gary Player is ready to open his Costa Baja masterpiece. Come discover Golf in Mexico.

Travel to Mexico now for the BEST value in Golf, Hotels, and Real Estate. Find Cool prices, plan now for the fall, as well as next winter's busy golf season.

Many world class courses offer quality offseason value-priced packages, online at: www.best4mexicoteetimes.com

Remember you can always view BEST's Golf Guides to Mexico online, by visiting: www.golfguidetomexico.com/digital

For more up-to-date information regarding golf and golf resorts in Mexico, go to: www.golfinmexico.net

See you on one of the tees of the worlds BEST golf courses in the Baja.

Best Regards,

Chuck Kinder, CTC Publisher

Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

1540 South

Jaime

Enrique

Marta

Ralph

Eva

Carlos

Sho

Jose

John

Left to right, Jack Nicklaus, Chuck Kinder, Publisher of Golf Guide to Mexico

ZOCDM_HPH_Golf Guide 2010:AMR GolfGuide HPH ZOCDM 2010 2/2/10

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Bahía de los Sueños

Tom Doak’s Masterpiece at the Bay of Dreams

History in the making with the first Tom Doak golf course in Latin America is now available for preview play at Bahía de los Sueños near La Paz, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez.

Hermosillo

Here you will find a pure minimalist golf design with majestic rich emerald green fairways of Paspalum grass laid out alongside the sparkling blue calm and serene Bay of Dreams in southern Baja Peninsula.

Doak’s minimalist style focuses on concentrating design of a golf hole (or routing) around the natural features of the land. His most successful courses have been built on sand dunes, taking advantage of the sandy soil for drainage also allowing for the reuse of native elements and care for the indigenous Cardón cacti.

Doak has transformed rugged desert and dunes into a treasured sanctuary for golf enthusiast worldwide to enjoy his latest links creation at Bahía de los Sueños.

Carmen Mexicali

Chihuahua

Doak is a protégé of Pete Dye and his admiration for Alister MacKenzie, designer of Augusta National and Cypress Point includes writing a book, The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie and a redo of Dr. MacKenzie’s Pasatiempo course in Santa Cruz.

Hidalgo del Parral Loreto

La Paz Culiacan Durango

Mazatlán

Location La Paz - Sea

Course

For the growing number of Tom Doak fanciers this is a must course to play in pursuit of the Doak Trail and his accumulation of world wide awards. For those golfers unaware of the Doak mystic, you’re in for a real treat with Bahía de los Sueños.

Saltillo

Currently Doak has four of his 25 courses riding the top of national or international number ONE ranked golf courses. In the United States his Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes has taken over legendary Pebble Beach in first place for the Top 100 Golf Courses you can play by Golf Magazine.

Zacatecas

Aguascalientes Tepic

Puerto Vallarta

Guadalajara

Monterrey

Ciudad

Victoria

San Luis Potosi

Guanajuato

Tom’s spectacular Cape Kidnappers rest atop of all New Zealand courses as does Doak’s Barnbougle Dunes as the number one public golf course in Australia. Ballyneal Golf & Hunt club in Colorado debuted as the number one golf course in the United States in 2006 and is now also in the TOP 100 in the world. Bahía de los Sueños Dunes golf course is in the running for BEST’s Golf Guide to Mexico TOP 30 NEW RESORT COURSE in MEXICO.

Ciudad Madero

Zamora TulancingoTexcoco

Colima Morelia Toluca

Lazaro

Cardenas

Cuernavaca

Queretaro Pachuca Puebla

Chilpancingo Mexico

Campeche

Jalapa Tlaxcala

Cordoba Orizaba

Coatzacoalcos

Minatitlan

To the exclusive residences of Bahía de los Sueños and the guests of the beautiful onsite boutique hotel GranSueño, this

Salina Cruz

Villahermosa

Tuxtla

Gutierrez Oaxaca

Puerto Ciudad

14th Hole, Par 4, 285 yards. Go for it!

links course is like a private retreat, yet it is currently available for preview play on a daily fee basis for $175 per round.

“Play at the Bay” packages at GranSueño start at $390 per person for one night and two rounds of golf, including cart and roundtrip ground transportation. Additional guests are $150 per night. Trips on Friday through Sunday are an additional $100 per night.

The Doak course offers wide fairways and vast vistas to the Sea of Cortez. The course, at 6776 yards from the Blues, provides a complete game to utilize all your shot making. Generous greens roll pure with mild to little undulation. Six holes have direct connection to the water while most of the others keep some sea views along with vistas of the majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountains that ring this 4,300 acre property.

The 14th hole, a picturesque, 285-yard, par 4 rests on the shoreline. The view refreshes your mind, faith in our creation and tempts you to take a swim. Few holes in the world of golf have this charm. Back to your senses and you have to face a sight uphill par 5…wishing you took that plunge.

As with most golf course developments these days, real estate plays a dominant role as is the case at Bahía de los Sueños. PCS Development, Inc. offers a full range of waterfront and golf course home sites in very desirable locations with space and view options. Homesites range from $300,000 to more than $6 million.

Only 45 minutes south of safe and secure La Paz and its airport and a little more than two hours from San Jose del Cabo airport yet thirty years behind the wild and congested Los Cabos lifestyle.

This is Bandon Dunes, Rancho Santa Fe, La Quinta,

El Tamarindo all rolled into one. Quiet, Quaint and Quality would head the Q-list of reason to consider, first a visit and then an investment for a lifetime.

The Bay of Dreams is a swimable bay with living corral reefs for recreation or for serious divers. Kayaks and kite boards are right at home in the uncrowded water that teams with some of the best fishing in the Baja. Often boaters will come over from La Paz or Los Cabos, anchor in, and stop by for lunch or dinner at Restaurant 1535 (the date Hernan Cortez first landed there) or the Train Room for dinner and drinks. A fleet of panga fishing boats is available for a day of fishing launching from the Bay.

Horses and equestrian trails are maintained like no others in the entire Baja. The stables are spotless and a corral for local and international competition is on site and welcomes riders and jumpers world wide.

Surrounding this vast track of land you will find incredible trails for off road driving in Vehicles ranging from Trophy trucks to “knock your socks off”, suped up dunes buggies. Hang on; Hold on…this is Baja 1000 territory. Enjoy the thrill and exploration for a few hours versus days behind the wheel.

Life at the Bahía is full of adventure on a personal level and with families in mind. Pace yourself. Enjoy the privacy in a world where it is hard to find this type of tranquility and style to enjoy for a day, a weekend or a lifetime.

For more information go to www.best4mexicoteetimes.com. For “Play at the Bay” packages and real estate opportunities, please visit www.bahiasuenosgolf.com

11th Hole, Nice Carry, Par 4, 389 Yards

Los Angeles

One&Only Palmilla

Diego

San Quintin

PLittle Rock

Tucson Yuma

Tijuana Torreon

A Serenely Private Tropical Hideaway

Heroica Nogales

Guaymas Phoenix

Hermosillo

almilla Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first Latin America design and is recognized as the Grand Dame of golf in Los Cabos. Challenging, masterfully-conceived and stunningly beautiful, Palmilla has ocean views from every hole. The Ocean Course actually flows to the ocean as you play on the beaches of the Sea of Cortes. This 27-hole championship course is perched on a canyon arroyo and sits among century old Cardón cacti. It is a great resort course with daily trade winds that enhance pinpoint accuracy and challenges the most experienced of players.

Chihuahua

guests with the Troon Golf Experience, it makes it one of the most memorable golf rounds in the world.

La Paz Culiacan Durango

Jason Ballog, Club Manager says, “The golf experience at Palmilla is unique for several reasons. Palmilla Golf Club gently takes you through 800 vertical feet of the Baja Desert. The design allows our guests to experience native desert vegetation on the Mountain and Arroyo courses. On the Ocean course guests play along the white sandy beaches of the Sea of Cortes. During the odyssey, golfers enjoy looking at the “Gin Blue” water on all 27 holes. Sometimes our guests will see blue whales breech the water, as they migrate around the Baja to their winter breeding grounds. When you combine the natural experiences and how we take care of our

A Mexican decor clubhouse, on-site golf shop and expert staff help provide for your every need. Palmilla Golf Club has hosted the 1997 PGA Senior TOUR, Senior Slam with Hale Irwin defeating Jack Nicklaus, Ray Floyd and Gil Morgan. With its skillful design, expert management and idyllic locale, Palmilla Golf Club is recognized as one of top four courses in Mexico, and, one of the finest in the world.

Zacatecas

Aguascalientes Tepic

Puerto Vallarta

Guadalajara

Saltillo

Monterrey

Ciudad Victoria

San Luis

Potosi

Guanajuato

The renewed One&Only Palmilla Resort maintains the classic Mexican ambiance which has made it a favorite among an international ‘who’s who’ since its original opening in 1956, while expanding and recreating the legendary property for a new generation of travelers. The resort features 172 spacious rooms and suites, each luxuriously appointed and offering magnificent views of the Sea of Cortes, along with three restaurants, the indoor/outdoor One&Only Spa, two pools including a children’s swimming and activity area, a new Executive Conference Center, and the property’s renowned Chapel, which makes One&Only Palmilla a favorite for weddings.

Mexico

Ciudad del Carmen Mexicali

Colima

Lazaro Cardenas

Zamora TulancingoTexcoco

Morelia Toluca

Cuernavaca

Queretaro Pachuca Puebla

Chilpancingo

Jalapa Tlaxcala Campeche

Veracruz

Cordoba Orizaba

Coatzacoalcos

Villahermosa

Tuxtla

Gutierrez Oaxaca

Salina Cruz

San de Minatitlan

Puerto

Palmilla Golf Course Jack Nicklaus, first signature golf course in Latin America

Jack Nicklaus Grand Opening of Puerto Los Cabos, A Day with

by Chuck Kinder

Charming and enchanting, Jack Nicklaus was the guest of honor for the official opening and traditional ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Puerto Los Cabos. After all, “The Golden Bear” has been a first day headliner for over 250 golf courses with his namesake worldwide; 23 in Mexico and now his fourth course in Los Cabos, in addition to Palmilla, Cabo del Sol and Club Campestre San Jose.

Nicklaus was right at home in Los Cabos, sometimes called Cabo San Nicklaus, during his extended day-long clinic as he entertained his enthusiastic followers with tales and flashbacks from his illustrious 50-year career with 115 worldwide tournament wins, and as the all-time leader with 18 Majors.

At the completion of the ceremonial start of Puerto Los Cabos, with Alberto Trevino, the Minister of Tourism from Baja

Sur, and the owners, proud father and son duo Eduardo Sanchez Navarro Sr. and Jr., Mr. Nicklaus teed off on the first hole of his new course. This was “Nicklaus of old.” Mr. Nicklaus exhibited shots utilizing his entire bag of Nicklaus designed clubs. He still has his game, although it far exceeds his modesty to compete on the Champions Tour for seniors.

Arnold has his army...Nicklaus has his legendaries and we followed his every shot. He drove well, chipped great, and never more than two-putted, preferring to pick up his third without a hint of guilt.

The post round press conference highlighted Mr. Nicklaus and Sr. Sanchez Navarro answering questions and offering advice. “Mexico has tremendous opportunities”, commented Mr. Nicklaus, “in particular, Los Cabos that has positioned itself as a premier golf destination with world class fishing and a quality of life

unique to the Baja”. He stressed, “The Los Cabos area doesn’t need a major golf tournament. People don’t travel to attend; they want to play or see it on TV. The four years that the Senior Slam was here, Los Cabos benefited greatly from the worldwide television coverage it provided.”

Sr. Navarro, who had been recognized as having the vision and the financial strength to create the dominant force in Mexico with his Questro golf organization, praised Jack Nicklaus for his contributions to golf in Mexico and Los Cabos.

The celebration continued with a ‘night under the stars’ Mayan cocktail reception and dinner at the Cactus Garden that magically transformed into a stage with ceremonially dancers and music. Some of the best restaurants and chefs in Los Cabos catered the food and drinks.

Come and discover for yourself the unique lifestyle, at Puerto Los Cabos.

Photo by Richard Cooper

Photo by Jim Mandaville

TDiamante Cabo San Lucas

Complete with Scenic Pacific Coastal Dunes

San Felipe

San Quintin

he Grand Opening of a “diamond in the dunes” with “emerald greens” sounds like a new jewelry store preparing for business in Los Cabos. The fact is, Diamante Cabo San Lucas is a GEM of a new golf course designed by Davis Love III located on the Pacific Ocean side of the BAJA SUR with golden sunsets.

For the first time, growth along the Pacific side of Los Cabos has begun with the crowd pleasing Diamante Dunes course laying with nature along the blue ocean and white sand contrast. Powerful greens and fairways intertwine to make for a most enjoyable and playable links golf course in Los Cabos.

Diamante’s developer, "Ken Jowdy provided the Love Design team an amazing opportunity to create one of the most challenging and breathtaking courses in the world,” Love says. “The property is truly spectacular. It will blow away everyone’s perception of resort golf.”

Loreto

Hermosillo

Chihuahua

constructed road way down towards the beach and to the club house, you get a sense of the size of this project and the intensity of the commitment made to this development. Certainly a spot to consider for your next home investment.

La Paz Culiacan Durango

Mazatlán

Location Los Cabos

Course 18 holes Davis Love III design

Saltillo

As you approach the central point of the development, your view of the golf course and 1.5 miles of Pacific grows ever closer and most spectacular to your arrival greeting at the main compound. Now you are in for a treat as each of the Diamante staff and personnel welcome you with a real genuine friendliness and sincere effort to provide outstanding service and appreciation of your arrival.

Aguascalientes Tepic

Puerto Vallarta

Contact 866-901-1456; 624-172-5812 www.diamantecabosanlucas.com

Monterrey

Ciudad

Victoria

Ciudad del Carmen Mexicali

Master planned as a 1,500 acre residential community on the outskirts of Los Cabos, on the way to Todos Santos, just off highway 19. You are first welcomed by an impressive guarded gate at the entrance of Diamante Cabo San Lucas. Following the well

Guanajuato Zacatecas

Guadalajara

San Luis Potosi

Queretaro

Pachuca

Ciudad Madero

Your first stop for golf will be at the practice facility that is unlike any you have experience before complete with private hitting caves and a slider (mini burgers) bar that serves delicious breakfast and lunch, all included in the price of admission . You might want to get here well before your tee time and stay until you're called for golf.

Zamora Tulancingo

Texcoco

Mexico

Colima Morelia Toluca Cuernavaca

Lazaro Cardenas

Chilpancingo

Campeche

Jalapa

Tlaxcala

Puebla

Cordoba Orizaba

Coatzacoalcos

Bandon Dunes meets Pebble Beach is a good description for this golf courses due to the dramatic location of several ocean front holes on the cliffs and the dune areas. This course will

Villahermosa

Tuxtla

Gutierrez Oaxaca

Salina Cruz

San de Minatitlan

Puerto

Diamante Cabo San Lucas Dunes Course, first course on the Pacific ocean in Los Cabos

play different each time you tee it up based on season and wind conditions. Five sets of tee will test your game in all ways possible and you will earn your score for that round aided by some of the best and nicest caddies in Mexico. Attentive and knowledgeable, one per group, they are in synch with your game from your first swing. They track the flight of the ball and find your errant shots. Laser gun at the ready they pin point your distance and accurately predict the wind strength and direction and forewarn next shot requirements or property placement for green management. They have local command of the green speed and break, don’t bet against their advice. Along the way they are readily available to comment, but reserved in their critique of wayward shots only to applaud good play and great ball striking.

Another most enjoyable part of the Diamante experience is the two comfort stations strategically place at two interceptions on both front and back nines. Here in addition to clean and comfortable restrooms attendants provide a variety of food, snacks, fruit, nuts and drinks to make your round much more enjoyable all included in your daily fee round at $300 per players.

The scenic value of the course will long remain in your mind; bringing a camera will help, but you really can’t capture all of the beauty with your lens. You need to just absorb for the moment and carry it forever.

Davis Love III made great use of the topography and the organic patterns of sand and dunes. The course routing carries the

natural lay of the land in a most enjoyable way using his insights to build a most memorable track to remember and to return eagerly. According to Love, the holes were already there; all we needed to do was plant some grass, “God built about fourteen of these holes and we built the other four.”

The service level and staff efficiency is not to be over looked as this is a point that is heard over and over by guests and members who have commited to the pleasant annual fee of $7500.

The bartenders and waitresses go out of their way to please as does all of the Proshop personal all the way to the top management. Careful hiring policies and training by former Discovery land Operations Director, Michael Abbott, now with Diamante, has passed along his skills and style to the entire team.

The over all master plan is to offer members, residents and guests a level of comfort and luxury to sustain their growth in this challenging economy and reduction of actually buyers in the market place.

Diamante will offer an exclusive enclave of 66 golf villas with ample privacy as well as ocean and golf course vistas. Each villa is spacious to the extreme for private living while enabling guest entertainment as well. Due to high demand, Diamante is also offering 50 large ocean front lots called Beach Estates.

Diamante is a commited community to experience a lifetime of fellowship and camaraderie in the quiet and peaceful oceanfront paradise.

Designed by Davis Love III, The Dunes Course, his first course in Mexico.

Grand opening of Diamante, designed by Davis Love III. The first golf course on the Pacific side of Los Cabos, Baja Sur, Mexico

BUYING REAL ESTATE IN MEXICO

By Fabiola Thebaud-Kinder

Are you considering a retirement or vacation home?

Mexico’s close proximity to the U.S. is a great benefit to the vacationer or retiree. The lower cost of living, availability of quality resort homes at lower prices compared with the U.S., and top-notch medical facilities like Scripps, make living in Mexico more attractive. There are many flights that can get you to destinations such as Cabo and Puerto Vallarta in less than two hours. Destinations such as Manzanillo are attracting more flights. One can also find beautiful resort properties within a two-hour drive from San Diego.

What types of ownership can a foreigner have in Mexico, and what is the acquisition process?

On the Mexican mainland, a foreigner can purchase property fee simple (direct deed); except, when the property is located in the restricted zone: 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the shoreline or 100 kilometers (62.5 miles) from the borders.

Residential properties located in the majority of the Baja Peninsula, and coastal and border areas within the restricted zone, may only be acquired through a Mexican bank trust called a Fideicomiso. The bank, for an annual service fee of $300-$400, serves as a trustee, which holds the legal title to the property for up to 50 years. The cost for the permit to establish a bank trust is less than $1,000 US. To purchase through a Fideicomiso, a foreigner must first register at the Secretariat de Relationes Exteriores for a permit to establish the trust. Upon receipt of the permit, the trustee bank sends instructions to a Notario (a governor appointed attorney), who prepares the deed (Escritura) to the beneficial rights. Applicable taxes are paid (2% of purchase price), then the deed is recorded in the local municipality.

The foreigner, as a beneficiary of the Fideicomiso, has the right to use, improve, lease, sell, mortgage and will the property. Should a foreigner die, his estate becomes the beneficiary. Also a secondary beneficiary to the trust can be named on a Fideicomiso so as to

avoid probate. Upon expiration, a Fideicomiso may be extended indefinitely in 50-year periods when one pays the renewal fee. After 100 years, the property remains with the foreigner's heirs, but a new trust must be created. Commercial or non-residential property in the restricted zone can be purchased fee simple with 100% foreign capital as a Mexican corporation, without the need for a Fideicomiso; however,one must go through an application process through the Secretariat de Relationes Exteriores.

Escrow arrangements in Mexico do not typically exist as in the US. Some American-based real estate companies work with a hybrid type of escrow, incorporating the closing customs of Mexico and California for U.S.-based buyers.

Where can we find financing to purchase homes in Mexico?

In Mexico,most residential real estate is purchased on a cash basis and financing of homes is customarily done through a home equity loan on a U.S. buyer’s primary residence. Developers usually offer some type of financing and some will carry back a portion of the note. Mexican banks and finance companies are also offering loans to foreigners.

Should we buy a title insurance policy?

Absolutely! Questions of title may be resolved through the title company rather than through the Mexican Courts. In the US things may go wrong with title, and in Mexico as well, so it is prudent to get a title policy. The Title insurance policy issued for Mexico is 99% similar to an ALTA policy. There are differences in the law and the language, for example there is no Spanish equivalent of “marketability.” Ejido rights and agricultural reform have a part in the Mexican policy. In addition, in Mexico, mineral rights belong to the federal government, not to the owner of the land.

Fidelity National Title and Stewart Title of Texas are a couple of US-based companies offering title policies in Mexico.

Fabiola Thebaud-Kinder is a licensed real estate agent in Laguna Beach, California, with 11 years in the business and 18 years of management experience at several major international hotel companies. Her specialty

2010

IN THE YEAR OF THE BICENTENNIAL

Fifty years before Hernan Cortes and his troops stepped on the majestic shores of Veracruz on behalf of King Charles I of Spain, King James II of Scotland was concerned that his solders were spending two much time playing golf instead of practicing archery and banned the game. Fortunately that was 500 years ago and today Mexico is blessed with some of the BEST GOLF Courses in the World as the number ONE golf destination for US and Canadian Golfers. TIME TO GO! PLAY GOLF!

Palmilla Golf Course

Los Cabos

• 27 Holes • Nicklaus

IN THE YEAR OF THE BICENTENNIAL

LOS CABOS

Los Cabos is the leader in the development of world-class golf in Mexico. This burgeoning resort located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula ranked 14th in a listing of the 50 most popular golf destinations in the world.

Three and a half Jack Nicklaus signature courses are open along this corridor, including the top-rated Cabo del Sol Ocean course (1), ranked 88 in 2009 in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in the World.” The course boasts five oceanfront holes, including the “finest three finishing holes in golf,” according to its designer. Also on property is the Cabo del Sol Desert course (12) by Tom Weiskopf. Nearby, at the legendary One&Only Palmilla Resort (2), you’ll find Nicklaus’ first signature course in Latin America, with 27 holes featuring the ocean, arroyo and mountain nines. Close by is one of the six successful Mayan Palace Resorts in Mexico, along with it’s unique, nine hole Punta Sur Golf Course golf course in San Jose del Cabo.

In the middle of the Los Cabos corridor is Cabo Real (10) by Robert Trent Jones II; the newer, spectacular, oceanfront El Dorado (1), a Jack Nicklaus signature design, now a private real estate retreat and the Club Campestre San Jose (16), another Jack Nicklaus design.

Puerto Los Cabos (15), a project four years in the making, with two 9 hole golf courses, one by Greg Norman and the other Jack Nicklaus, along with Cabo’s newest and grandest marina. Rated number three of all private golf courses in Mexico is Querencia (3), which opened in November 2000. This world-

class 18-hole course is Tom Fazio’s first signature course in Mexico. It was host to Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf tournament between Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson.

Closer to Cabo San Lucas is the Cabo San Lucas Country Club (26) designed by Roy and Matt Dye. For the first time, growth along the Pacific side of Los Cabos is Diamante Dunes (New) will compete for the best course in Mexico with its Davis Love III dunes resort ocean front golf course.

LA PAZ

Less than an hour up the coast in La Paz is Arthur Hills’ first championship course, in Mexico, at Paraiso del Mar (New). Across the bay, is the 500-acre seaside development of Costa Baja Resort & Marina (New) that boasts, the first Gary Player designed golf course in Mexico.

Perhaps one of the hidden treasures of golf is the Tom Doak minimalist design at Bahia de los Sueños (New), the first Doak golf course in Mexico, just 45 minutes south of La Paz .

LORETO

Up the coast, is The Villages of Loreto Bay golf course (New), with the first David Duvall golf course in Mexico, a redo of the existing course that has incredible scenic views, and now has made investment in shaping, design and infrastructure.

With all of these spectacular courses and developments moving forward …All the more reason to visit and invest in the state of Baja Sur, Mexico, your second home.

One&Only Palmilla Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus

IN THE YEAR OF THE BICENTENNIAL

MEXICO’S TOP GOLF RESORTS IN LOS CABOS - BAJA SUR

Style and comfort you can count on...these world-class GOLF resorts offer the BEST in luxury and service in Los Cabos. You will be tempted to over sleep your tee time or to rush back for a SPA treatment extraordinaire. REST well....PLAY well.

ONE&ONLY PALMILLA

Blending Mexican traditions with modern amenities, the rooms and suites at this luxurious resort are both elegant and inviting. After enjoying a day on the world-renowned greens of the Palmilla Golf Club, unwind by one of the beach-facing infinity-edge pools, stop in at the spa or take part in a yoga session—they even offer a special “Qi of Golf” class to improve your game. Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 7.5, San Jose del Cabo; 011-52-624-146-7000; 866-829-2977; www.oneandonlyresorts.com

HILTON LOS CABOS

Inspirationally conceived to reveal the scenic beauty and abundant enjoyment that surrounds it, the world-class Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort enriches your senses and quickens your spirit. Dispensing Mexico’s most hospitable ambience, the finest of Cabo San Lucas resorts is ideally set along the destination’s most tranquil stretch of golden beach. Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 19.5, Los Cabos; 011-52-624-145-6500; www.hiltonloscabos.com

LAS VENTANAS

As its name implies, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, is a window to Paradise. A Ty Warner Property and one of the most acclaimed resorts ever, Las Ventanas has redefined luxury and pampering, reaching out with special touches that are the landmark of refined hospitality. The desert resort captivates its guests with expansive suites, a world class spa, and inspired cuisine. Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 19.5, San Jose del Cabo; 011-52-624-144-2800; 888-767-3966; www.lasventanas.com

SHERATON HACIENDA DEL MAR

Amidst 28 acres of quiet gardens and along a private beach lies the Sheritan Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort Los Cabos. The old-world hacienda architecture of the deluxe guest rooms, fountains, cafes, and shop evoke the rich history of the Baja region. Retreat to over 270 guest rooms and suites where you’ll find an authentic upscale Mexican decor. Corredor Touristico, Km 10, Lote D, Cabo Del Sol; 011-52-624-145-8000; www.sheratonloscabos.com

WHAT CELEBRITIES ARE SAYING

Mexico’s celebrity appeal continues as bright as the stars that visit and play around world class Golf in Mexico. Dave Justice, baseball hall of famer and former Atlanta Braves All Star says his golfing experience in Los Cabos during the recent Puerto Los Cabo World Cup and Celebrity Golf Tournament “was the place to be, all of the golf courses are fantastic. Come on down and see for yourself.” Greg Harrison, star of Maneater and One Tree Hill, was putting the final shot for a $5,000 hole in one contest surrounded by a cheering and boisterous crowd. His putting skills were honed but accompanied by a wee bit of nerves that left his winning putt off the mark… none the less he, “wants to come back next year and bring all his golfing and surfing buddies.”

Tiger Wood’s love for Mexico is legendary as he has at least twice won Majors in the US and then headed directly to Cancun or Los Cabos to savior his victories.

In the mean time the most influential celebrity in world of golf for the last decade, Jack Nicklaus has claimed Mexico as an expanding canvas for his world wide acclaimed golf course designs with a scattering of 23 top rated golf courses through out the entire county. Lorena Ochoa is the goodwill ambassador of Mexico with her charm and grace. Sammy Hager has made

a home in Los Cabos with his Cabo Wabo. Oscar de la Hoya loves golf and fishing and can’t get enough of Mexico. Brad Pitt became a legendary hero on the Diamante Dunes during the filming of Troy.

John Travolta made famous his super celebration of his 50th birthday at the One & Only Palmilla, he and his fellow actors invasion of Los Cabos filled up the private airport’s parking capacity. Mel Gibson is currently in Mexico with his new film in production in Veracruz engaging and employing locals as extras and crew. Costa Careyes has long been the hideaway for the rich and famous from the days of Robin Leach. President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, really enjoyed a well deserved break at El Tamarindo and now the French are enchanted with a new luxury retreat in Mexico. America’s sweet heart Jennifer Aniston joined by Gerard Butler, Courtney Cox, and Sheryl Crow were in Cabo San Lucas to celebrate Jen’s 41 birthday in February.

Mexico has a grand history of stars and celebrities from the early film days, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton left there mark on Puerto Vallarta, Bing Crosby, John Wayne and Desi Arnez were all fans of Acapulco and the Baja. Come live the grand life as well…the red carpet is out, your special table for two is reserved by candle light. Join the many celebrity and pro am tournament events, or special concerts with top headliners, culture and music for all ages. The TIME to GO! Is NOW.

(1) Sammy Hagar, (2) Willie Gault, Dave Justice, (3) Jack Nicklaus, (4) Lorena Ochoa, (5) Gary Player

TOURNAMENTS - THE BEST PROFESSIONAL MENS & LADIES

Televised golf throughout Mexico has brought the sights and sounds of the Professional and Amateur tournaments to millions of viewers around the World. Thanks to all of the producers, promoters, professionals, participants that these events bring.

PGA TOUR FEBRARY MAYAKOBA GOLF CLASSIC

NATIONWIDE TOUR JUNE MEXICO OPEN

The first PGA tour event in the Yucatan. El Camaleon golf course by Greg Norman shows off the best of the Cancun Riviera Maya area. www.mayakobagolfclassic.com

CANADIAN TOUR APRIL RIVIERA NAYARIT CLASSIC

This tour was played at the Punta Mita Golf Club amoung the most exclusive courses in the world, a Nicklaus-designed masterpiece. www.cantour.com

CANADIAN TOUR APRIL EL CID

The Corona Mazatlan Mexican PGA Championship is the first stop on the 2010 Canadian Tour in Mexico played at El Cid by Lee Trevino. www.cantour.com

TOUR LAS AMERICAS SEPTEMBER TRES VIDAS

The Acapulco LPGA Classic is a tournament event at the Robert von Hagge ocean front private country club of Tres Vidas in Acapulco, Mexico. www.lpga.com

The Mexican Open or Abierto Mexicano de Golf is a national open tournament. It became a Nationwide Tour event in 2008. www.pgatour.com/tournaments/h095

CHAMPIONSHIP LPGA APRIL TRES MARIAS

Lorena Ochoa won this tournament in 2009, at the beautiful Tres Marias Country Club in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. www.lpga.com

INVITATIONAL LPGA NOVEMBER LORENA OCHOA

Guadalajara GC is the home course to Mexico’s female golfer Lorena Ochoa. Last year Michelle Wie won her first LPGA golf tournament at this event. www.lpga.com

DURAMED FUTURES MARCH PARADISE VILLAGE

An established women’s developmental tour in the world. This tour is also become known as “the Road to the LPGA.” www.rivieranayaritchallenge.com

GREAT GOLF...GREAT SPAS MEXICO HAS IT ALL

World renown spas beckon your tired and aching bodies, rejuvinate, meditate, relate. Enjoy and relax with the best spas in Mexico after your golf outing. Go ahead, you deserve it. Make a spa visit part of your golf outing!

Le Blanc Spa Resort

http://www.leblancsparesort.com/

Mision del Sol Resort and Spa

http://www.misiondelsol.com.mx/

Presidente Cozumel Resort and Spa

http://www.intercontinentalcozumel.com/

Verana

http://www.verana.com/

http://www.sheratonloscabos.com/

http://www.casadorada.com/

http://www.grandvelas.com/

http://www.ceibadelmar.com/

http://www.dreamsresorts.com/

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort

Cieba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort and Spa

Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa

IN THE YEAR OF

GOLF IN MEXICO REAL ESTATE AND GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENTS - UPDATE

With over $100 billion in build out development under way…now is the time to find your dream home in Mexico, on the golf course, a gated community, in a high rise, a hillside villa, or a quaint little bungalow. Enjoy the unique lifestyle that only Mexico can offer!

PUERTO CANCUN CANCUN

Successful residential/resort 800 acres with Tom Weiskopf designed golf course, 5 star resorts, single family home sites and more. 1-866-580-0749 www.puertocancun.com

VENTANAS SAN MIGUEL SAN MIGUEL

Development with a golf course by Nick Faldo and the Schmitz-Curley team. Single family home sites and villas. 011-52-415154-9394 www.ventanasdesanmiguel.net

CANCUN COUNTRY CLUB CANCUN

Gated community with a Nick Price and Tom Fazio golf course complex located just on the outskirts of Cancun. 011-52-998886-2818 www.cancuncountryclub.com

QUERENCIA LOS CABOS

Private Country Club community in the heart of the corridor and a Tom Fazio golf course. Full range of custom homes. 888-236-2229 loscabosquerencia.com

BAHIA DE LOS SUEÑOS LA PAZ

4,000 acres of parad ise, now with the first Tom Doak golf course in Mexico. Lot’s from $250,000 to over $3 million. 866-409-9940 www.bahiasuenosgolf.com

PUERTO LOS CABOS LOS CABOS

Dynamic East Cape development with Greg Norman nine holes and Jack Nicklaus Signature nine holes course layout. 1-877-507-4752 www.puertoloscabos.com

ESTRELLA DEL MAR MAZATLAN

Residential resort with a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course. Condos, single family homes and villas. By international airport. 888-587-0609 www.estrelladelmar.com

TRES MARIAS MORELIA

27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf in a gated community in historic Morelia. Full technology amenities for secure living. 800-407-4918 www.ciudad3marias.com

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO TOP 30 AWARDS

Palmilla

Punta

El

Vista

Isla

Playas

Vista

To

NEW RESORT AND PRIVATE COURSES IN MEXICO

Come play these new courses ranging from ocean-desert links to flowing inland fairways and plush green tropics. You and your favorite foursome are invited to discover these great new courses. Tell your friends that you were one of the first to play...

DIAMANTE CABO SAN LUCAS

A David Love III design, Diamante has inviting greens and endless views of the Pacific. www.diamantecabosanlucas.com; 866-901-1456; 011-52-624-172-5812.

BAHIA PRINCIPE MAYAN RIVIERA

The Mayan jungle been integrated in this 27 hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. www.bahiaprincipegolf.com; 011-52 984 87 55805; 011-52-984-87-5000.

LITIBU RIVIERA NAYARIT

The start of a 3 resort development planned by Fonatur, Litibu is 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. www.fonatur.gob.mx; 01 55 5090 4200

BAHIA DE LOS SUEÑOS LA PAZ - SEA OF CORTEZ

This Tom Doak design has desert terrain, oceanfront topography and impressive vistas of the Sea of Cortez. www.bahiasuenosgolf.com; 866.202.0789.

CAMPESTRE DE LEON LEON RIVIERA CANCUN CANCUN

COSTA BAJA LA PAZ

This David Fleming designed course is a particularly beautiful 18-hole golf course in Leon. www.clubcampestredeleon.com; 011-52-477-214-2100; 011-52-477-214-2112.

A beautiful Gary Player designed course features breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. www.costabaja.com; 1-866-409-9940.

VENTANAS SAN MIGUEL SAN MIGUEL

The golf course at Riviera Cancun is a Signature Designed course by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. www.palaceresorts.com; 011-52-998-193-2010.

A balanced golf experience including natural surroundings, and design by Nick Faldo. www.ventanasdesanmiguel.com; 011 52 (415) 154-9394

IN THE YEAR OF THE BICENTENNIAL

2010

Golf Contacts

Federacion Mexicana de Golf Mexican Golf Federation www.fmg.org.mx

Mexican PGA www.pgam.com.mx

Internacional Golf Federation internationalgolffederation.org

Mex Caribbean Golf Association http://www.cancungolf.org

Travel Contacts

BEST4GOLF www.best4golf.com

Mexico Online www.mexonlone.com

Know Mexico www.knowmexico.com

Golf Architects

Jack Nicklaus www.nicklaus.com

Robert von Hagge www.vonhagge.com

Gary Player www.garyplayer.com

Robert Trent Jones www.rtj2.com

Davis Love www.lovegolf-design.com

Schmidt Curley www.schmidt-curley.com

Enrique Valenzuela valenzuelagolfdesign.com

Forrest Richardson www.golfgroupltd.com

David Fleming golfpropertiesdesign.com

Tom Fazio www.tomfazio.com

Greg Norman www.shark.com

Pedro Guereca

Nick Price www.nickprice.com

P.B DYE www.Pbdyegolf.com

Nick Faldo www.nickfaldo.com

Ernie Els www.ernieels.com

Tourism Contacts

CONSEJO www.visitmexico.com

Golf Websites

www.golfinmexico.net www.infogolf.com www.golf.com.mx www.elrumboesgolf.com.mx www.purogolf.com www.loscabosgolf.com

Golf Publications

www.golfguidetomexico.com www.golflifetravel.com golfluxurydestinations.com www.inrivieramaya.com www.editorialorange.com www.editorialtelevisa.com

GOLF MARKETING/ STRATEGY

Executive Golf International www.execgolfintl.com

Golf Online

Tee Times

best4mexicoteetimes.com www.golfswitch.com www.egolf.com www.golfcabos.com

Golf Management Companies

Troon Golf www.troongolf.com

Club Corp www.ourclub.com

Questro Golf www.questrogolf.com

Mayan Group www.vidantagolf.com

Mega Tourism www.megatourismo.com

Palace Resorts www.palaceresorts.com

OB Sports Golf Management www.obsports.com

Golf Newsletters

El Rumbo es Golf golfnewsletter@purogolf. com.mx

TARGET GOLF Newsletter http://www.golfguidetomexico.com/target.htm

Boomer Golf News www.boomergolfnews.com

On the Lip www.onthelip.com

Real Estate

www.mexicogolfrealty.com

On the southernmost shores of the Baja Peninsula, where the waters of the Pacific Ocean meet the Sea of Cortez, an intimate hideaway unfolds below the dramatic cliffs of majestic Pedregal Mountain. Welcome to a sanctuary of pure indulgence and seclusion, steps from charming Cabo San Lucas and its world-class marina.

In every exquisite accommodation, private plunge pools and stunning ocean views await.

To learn about our GOLF PACKAGES and for reservations, contact your travel professional, visit our website www.CapellaPedregal.com or call toll free: 866.927.5071.

Robb Report, November 2009: “This first-rate r esort suits both the ro mantic-getaway set and families with sections intended for each . Its location offers something Los Cabos’ other top properties do not: direct access to Cabo San Lucas.”

A Presidential Taste

Having almost 30 years of experience and a Masters degree in Italian Cuisine, Chef Manuel Arredondo has been responsible for countless major, and high profile, events. Some of these notable events include the 75th & 80th birthday celebrations for former President George H.W. Bush, as well as the planning and participation in international events such as the Olympic Games in Barcelona and Atlanta in 1992 & 1996, just to name a few.

Located at The Shoppes at Palmilla, a beautiful Spanish Hacienda paradise by the stunning Palmilla Golf Course with dramatic views of the Sea of Cortez, Manuel’s Creative Cuisine will delight all of your

senses with their major emphasis on local, seasonal, organic ingredients, combined with their unrelenting imagination. His cooking philosophy is very simple. He starts with the freshest local, organic, ingredients available. Then he creates every dish to give you a perfect balance that will appeal to all of your senses. He starts with a clean and colorful presentation to delight your eyes and a fusion of aromas to pamper your nose. Then, you will feel amazing textures and hear crispy sounds that will prepare you for the unique combination of flavors. There is always a perfect blend of sweet, salt, citrus and spice that will give you an unmatched dining experience.

Los Cabos is about celebrating life. But it’s more than enjoying the finest resorts, cuisine, golf, tennis and big game fishing on the planet – it’s also about making dreams become reality. It’s where one can have the kind of lifestyle that offers richly-defined relaxation in an ambience of quiet sophistication. These elements are in perfect harmony at Manuel’s... a world of dining pleasure awaits you.

For more information and details about Manuel’s Creative Cuisine, please send an email to: chefmanuelarredondo@ hotmail.com or call at 624-144-6171.

If you are calling from the USA dial 011+52+624-144-6171 

The #1 rated restaurant,* in San Jose del Cabo - Manuel’s Creative Cuisine

Manuel

Casa Décor

FINE FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

Finally a new fabulous furniture and architectural furnishings store, CASA DÉCOR, had its grand opening earlier this year in La Paz. The stylish showroom is unique catering to discriminating home/condo buyer, interior designer, developer or real estate professionals.

The owners, Richard Stubbs and Claudia and Fritz Voelker, were joined by 300 guests who enjoyed food, wine and jazz. The 10,000 sq. ft. remodeled bodega is bursting at the seams with everything your home could possibly need!

The owners selected La Paz for their first store after scouting out possibilities in Cabo and Todos Santos. Having been in the construction business for many years in Denver, Co. they found it difficult to find good quality furniture and cabinets at a reasonable price. They started a new manufacturing facility in Asia to supply the Colorado market and their highly successful store in Denver, called ANTIQUE ROW MARKET with imports from all over the world. With this knowledge and ready inventory, they now supply their new store CASA DÉCOR with good priced, quality furniture, light fixtures, doors, accessories and more. CASA DÉCOR also specializes in custom cabinets and furniture, any kind and style!

CASA DÉCOR in La Paz carries more rattan and wicker, hand painted and rustic, furniture suitable for the climate and taste in Mexico. CASA DÉCOR has the largest inventory in Baja of outdoor wicker, which is plastic coated and available in many

colors and in the latest designs for your outdoor living space. From their factory, they have many custom wood pieces in many styles from tables and chairs, bed ensembles, etageres, coffee tables and much more to choose from. You can design also your own or send in a picture out of a magazine. They have the ability to build your custom kitchen, baths, library or bar.

Most of the hand painted pieces are from India along with brass, glass and tin lighting fixtures. Speaking of lighting fixtures, they also have the largest inventory in stock of shell, fabric, wicker, wood and even feather. CASA DÉCOR has many colors and varieties of lampshades- that are impossible to find elsewhere in the Baja area. Regular shipments of pottery, glass, artwork, pillows, and much more arrive in containers about every 30 days from a different country, including Mexico (interior). So, the more often you come in, the more you are apt to see something new and exciting.

It’s really difficult to describe this fabulous store; so a first-hand tour is the only way for prospective buyers to truly grasp the unique, varied, and highly desirable presentations of this one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting, and architectural furnishings store.

The goal of Casa Décor is to give the buyer outstanding quality and design at prices not found in Baja. Now a second store has been established in Los Cabos at the site of the old Treasury location with co-owners Roy and Mary Aguirre

Hand

Accessories

Patio

Lamps

Doors

Interior

Copper

Imported

Kitchen

Fountains

Easy Does it... Again & Again

by Elisa Gaudet

Ernie Els, the laidback South African known as the “Big Easy,” has returned to the winner’s circle twice in the past month. Yet, while his game has struggled a bit over the past few years, his business interests have soared. He’s now similar to a custom-made LeMond bike and, like the spokes on a wheel, all his passions have merged and there’s no doubt he’s on a roll.

You have to marvel at the determination and quality for which Els executes his many passions. He’s a global champion on the golf course, a course designer, awardwinning winemaker, philanthropist, husband and dad.

Global Champion

Els is a three-time major winner and one of the best-known players in the world. If he’s collecting frequent-flyer points, Els has

more than enough for a set of knives and a set of luggage. He is constantly circumnavigating the world to play events on the European and PGA tours, and always supporting tournaments in his home nation, in addition to his growing and extremely successful golf-course design business.

Els is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game, having won more than 60 tournaments since turning professional in 1989. He has notched victories in two U.S. Opens and the British Open and holds the record for seven World Match Play titles. His numerous international wins ensure him a place as one of the game’s great champions.

Wine

“While men may dream different dreams, they are driven by the same quest: to reach for, and to accomplish perfection. No two

pursuits bare the truth of this more than the perfect round of golf and the perfect bottle of wine.” This was said by Ernie Els and Jean Engelbrecht.

When Els and his good friend Engelbrecht decided to produce wine together, the marriage of their ideas on wine-making styles quickly transformed into a strategy based on quality and excellence. Now in its third vintage, The Big Easy Wine has been well-received both locally and internationally and it is definitely a wine to look out for in the future. The 2005 Ernie Els vintage has received industry accolades including scoring an impressive 94 points by Wine Spectator magazine.

Philanthropy

Ernie has generously reached out to charitable organizations and encouraged others to do the same. He was recently honored with the Charlie Bartlett Award, one given to a professional golfer by the GWAA for his or her unselfish contributions to the betterment of society. Over 10 years ago Els set up the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation in South Africa. More recently, he and his wife Liezl set up the Els for Autism Foundation in the U.S., where they are undertaking a capital campaign to raise $30 million to establish a Centre of Excellence for Autism. When disaster hit Haiti, Els Club Dubai wasted no time helping out. Despite being over 7,800 miles from the earthquake-ravaged island, the Els Club Dubai in the Middle East hosted

Ernie Els with his son Ben

a Haiti Charity Golf Day and auction.

Ernie Els Design

Els’ golf-course architecture firm mirrors his success on the course. While he is yet to build a course in Mexico, he is interested in growing his brand in Latin America and is currently reviewing opportunities. The full-service design company is committed to transporting Ernie’s goodwill across cultures and borders in order to create distinctive courses.

Ernie Els Design achieves this by forming unique relationships with developers who share the company’s lofty ambitions, creating attractive destinations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development and sound environmental practice. Els hired veteran golf course architect Greg Letsche in 2005 to head the group. With more than 20 years of experience, Letsche

previously spent 15 years working with Jack Nicklaus and the legendary Pete Dye. Numerous courses by Ernie Els Design have won many awards. They include: The Els Club Dubai was named the Best New International Course in 2009 by Links Magazine and won the CNBC Property Award in the category of Best Golf Course, Dubai. Oubaai, in South Africa, was the CNBC African Property Award Best Golf Resort in South Africa in 2007. Anahita, on the island of Mauritius, was voted the Best Golf Development for Europe & Africa in 2008 at the CNBC International Property Awards.

The courses constructed under the Els Design name to date are scattered throughout the world. Asia: Mission Hills, China , Tomson Shanghai, China; Australia: Bingara Gorge; Europe: Cape Verde Islands, Wentworth, England; Middle East: Durrat

Al Bahrain, Bahrain, The Els Club, Dubai; The Americas: Albany, Bahamas, Fond Bay, St. Lucia; U.S.: Hoakalei, Silo Ridge, Whiskey Creek; Southern Africa: Anahita, Mauritius, Gardener Ross, Highland Gate, Lahleni Lakes, Nondela, Oubaai at Herold’s Bay.

When being honored with one of his many awards, Els says: “I often say that the mark of a true man is not what he takes in life, but what he gives back.” While we can expect many things in the future, this Renaissance man has already left one heck of a mark.

For more information about Els, visit www.ernieels.com.

For more information regarding course design in Latin America, contact Elisa Gaudet elisa@execgolfintl.com or call 646/678-5747.

During the spring of 2010, Dream Homes of Cabo successfully sponsored two major Los Cabos golf tournaments for support to our local Charitable Organizations. First, Dream Homes supported Casa Hogar, an orphanage in Cabo San Lucas for young boys, by hosting the 2nd Annual Cabo Celebrity Golf Classic. Paid guests and celebrities participated in a Golf Tournament at Palmilla Golf Course, visited the Boys of Casa Hogar, enjoyed Private Cooking Classes at Las Ventanas with locally honored chef, toured homes of Los Cabos, picked-up on Tennis games and lessons, celebrated with live concerts, auctions and much more! Paul and Andrea Geisler, the owners of Dream Homes of Cabo, are looking forward to planning and participating in the next year’s tournament. For more information about the tournament, please vistit www.dreamhomescabo.com/ccgc .

The second event was held at Palmilla, on the Hole #4 of the Mountain Course. For the first time in Los Cabos, Dream Homes of Cabo had sponsored a Long Drive Classic where the top World's Longest Golf Drivers came to compete for over $50,000 USD worth of cash prizes. Amongst them were Jason “Golfzilla” Zuback (five-time World Long Drive Champion winner), Mike Dobbyn (World Record Holder at 551 yards), Lance Reader (former World Long Drive Record Holder at 526 yards and Krank Golf owner) and Charles Kallassy (Famous Swing Magic Coach and Trainer). The event was such a great success that we are still receiving positive comments about the hospitality, professionalism and touch of class from the players.

Querencia

Welcomes Back College Golf To Cabo

It has been several years since Los Cabos hosted a NCAA Division I golf tournament; and there is no better golf course in the region than Querencia to welcome back College Golf to Cabo.

The Club at Querencia was the setting for the 2010 Cabo Collegiate that took place in October. This magnificent event was co-hosted by the University of Santa Clara and the University of Arkansas. Participating schools included St. Mary’s University, Oregon State, Boise State, Lamar, Pacific, Cal State Northridge, the University of Texas at Arlington, UC Irvine, the University of Houston and SMU.

A week before the tournament started the College Golf Rankings were announced as follows: the University of Arkansas at #8, Lamar University at #13 and SMU at #39. As a result of these rankings, a lot of expectations were placed on those schools. The tournament also hosted the number third ranked college golfer, Sebastian Cappelen, from the University of Arkansas, Kevin Hesbois from Lamar University, who ranked #7 and Kelly Kraft from SMU, who ranked #11. In addition to those golfers, the field included former High School State

Champions, State Amateur Champions and NCAA Regional Winners.

The Tournament was exceptional from beginning to end. Querencia opened its doors for the participants to experience their incomparable golf course, ranked the number one golf course in Mexico by Golfweek magazine. The Club’s world-class amenities and excellent service were an added bonus for the players. Querencia also generously extended its renowned hospitality to local spectators and visiting tourists who greatly enjoyed the opportunity to live the Querencia experience.

During the first day of the tournament, it quickly became evident to players why Querencia is recognized as a challenging course. Participants were tested in every aspect of their golf game and after the conclusion of the first round, only four players were under par. Nevertheless, there were many very talented golfers playing in this event. This was evidenced in the second round scores with many more players shooting under par and Kelly Kraft from SMU shooting the lowest round of the tournament with a 65. The closing day turned out to be a showcase of outstand-

ing golf shots that left no doubt as to why College Golf has produced some of the top players in the world.

Once all the numbers were in, the University of Arkansas ran away with the Team Title, with an exceptional 3-day score of 854 (10 under par). Jamie Marshall won the individual title while his teammate Austin Cook finished tied for second place and two other razorbacks finished in the top ten.

The entire field was ecstatic at how well the tournament was run. Coaches and players alike were thrilled to participate in this superb tournament. “It was a great experience for all players and coaches. I think Querencia put on the best college tournament that I have been part of.” said Jonathan Dismuke, the Head Coach of the University of Houston.

Due to the success of this event, Querencia is considering making this tournament a yearly event.

In the words of Mario Navarro, Querencia’s Director of Golf, “We wanted to set a stage so College Golfers could experience Querencia at its best.”

Querencia Private Golf Club - Designed by Tom Fazio

THE MEXICAN GRAY WHALE

Baja Sur offers the rare opportunity to commune closely with these mammals of the sea.

By Susan Carol, Editor Destino Los Cabos magazine

At the 28th parallel where the States of Baja California and Baja California Sur divide, marked by the 135 foot Monumento Aguila, is a modernistic sculpture of the Mexican eagle. Salt launched the Pacific coast factory town of Guerrero Negro, named after the British sunken ship, Black Warrior, leaving the lagoon full of whale blubber and gold. It’s also the gateway town to some of the most exciting natural experiences found in Baja Sur. The lagoons nearby are well known as the breeding and birthing destinations for the gray whales

Mother and calf entertaining the nature lovers

and the mountains nearby hold spectacular cave paintings from 500-600 AD.

In the center of the Guerrero Negro (or the familiar Scammons) lagoon a massive, barnacle-encrusted mother gray whale keeps a watchful eye on her young calf. At just 3 weeks old, the 15-foot, 2000 pound calf can barely make it alone in the protective waters. Hundreds of whales have migrated from the Artic, further than any other animal, to arrive at the Mexican lagoons, difficult to see from the sea, but significant in the life of the Gray Whale. As

one proud boat guide said; “all the Grays mate, conceive and birth in these lagoons, making all the Gray whales Mexican!” This yearly 5000 mile migration – one way - from the Alaska Bering Sea to the Baja Peninsula lagoons is undertaken by all Gray Whales every year for their life, and they never leave site of land. This predictable pattern has sometimes brought them almost to the point of extinction a couple of times, but has also made them accessible to various biologists, natives, tourist, and avid whale watchers.

It’s a very special treat for the visitors and we who live in Baja California Sur, to commune closely with our mammal friends, whales and dolphins. Swimming with the dolphins in the Cabo San Lucas tank brings joy at the fun and intelligence these animals add to their encounters with humans. The existence of whale lagoons in our State of Baja Sur, and the small panga boats, close to the water that bring us in touching distance of these gentle giants of the ocean, is truly a gift and a rarity on the planet. When a gray whale chooses to play and interact with your boat, you feel a rare sense of connection to a wild animal unlike any other.

Gray whales are mammals like humans. They belong to the category called cetaceans that also includes dolphins and porpoises. They breathe with lungs, they are warm-blooded and give birth to live young that suckle their moms like other mammals. There are about 80 species of

cetaceans living in the world’s oceans with sizes ranging from 4-100 feet and weigh up to 70,000 pounds. All cetaceans eat other animals, but only the Orca or “killer whale” regularly eats warm-blooded animals and is the major enemy of the gray whale. The rest of the whales enjoy a vast array of cold blooded foods like a shrimplike krill, anchovies, herring and even giant 50-foot squid along with their favorite bottom sand creatures. The favorite food of the gray whale – tiny amphipods - is found in the shallows of the northern seas where they have to suck the dirt through their baleen to get to them.

Amazingly, the earliest ancestors of whales lived on land about 50 million years ago. What would make a land animal move into the sea? Scientists have yet to find a link from the ancient whales evolved from land and today’s gray whale. Fossil remains found so far for the gray whale go back just 50,000 to 120,000 years and

The author, Susan Carol up front and personal

some speculate that like the walrus, the gray whale evolved in the north Atlantic and migrated to the north Pacific during warmer times and higher sea levels. So Scientists gave the grays their own family, Eschrichtidae. Today their ranging grounds is much smaller than in the past, and only in the Pacific Ocean. The majority of whales migrate along the coast of North American And Baja Mexico, and a small group migrates to Korea. There are about 22,000 gray whales today, and they are still endangered.

See the full story about the whale watching experience in Guerrero Negro in the Spring issue of Destino Los Cabos: www.destinomagazines.com 

A helping hand to a face only a mother could love

AIRLINES

Aeromexico

01 (800) 021 4050

(800) 237-6639 Toll free www.aeromexico.com

Alaska Airlines (800) 252-7522 Toll free www.alaskaair.com

American Airlines

01 (800) 83 40300 (800) 433-7300 Toll free www.aa.com

Continental Airlines 01 (800) 900 5000

(800) 523-3273 Toll free www.continental.com

BEAUT Y, MASSAGE & SPA FACILIT Y

Sra. Carmen Massages – Chiropractor Manicure – Pedicure – Hair Cuts

011 52 (624) 151-2396

Carretera Transpeninsular

CAR RENTAL

AVIS Car Rental 011 52 (555) 588-8888 (800) 288-8888 Toll free www.avis.com.mx

National Car Rental Cabo San Lucas 011 52 (624) 143-1414 (877) 567-3572 Toll free www.nationalcar.com.mx

National Car Rental San Jose del Cabo 011 52 (624) 142-2424 (877) 567-3572 Toll free www.nationalcar.com.mx

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

Gray Line Los Cabos Blvd., Mauricio Castro s/n Plaza San Jose Ste. 21 San Jose del Cabo 011 52 (624) 146-9410

B AJA SU R

GOLF/ TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

BEST4GOLF Travel Packages

Call today to book your dream vacation to Mexico.

(949) 494-8561 Direct (949) 494-9292 Fax www.golfinmexico.net

Best4MexicoTeeTimes.com

Advance tee times in Mexico www.best4mexicoteetimes.com

HOTELS

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

Carr. Transpeninsular Km. 19.5 011 52 (624)145-6500 (800) 445-8667 Toll free www.hiltonloscabos.com

Melia Cabo Real

011 52 (624) 144-0000 (800) 336-3542 Toll free www.solmelia.com

Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa

011 52 (624) 145-8000 (800) 598-1753 Toll free www.sheraton.com/loscabos

Tesoro Los Cabos Resort Blvd. Marina Lotes 9, 10 Los Cabos

011 52 (624) 173-9300 (866) 99-TESORO Toll free www.TesoroResorts.com

JEWELRY

Rolex/ Chopard Ultrajewels

Grupo Ultrafemme

011 52 (624) 145-6094 www.ultrafemme.com.mx

REAL ESTATE

Fabiola Kinder

(949)246-2327 From US

www.fabulousresorts.com

Baja Developer’s Land (619)925-6073 (866) 648-2666 Toll free reyna@bajadevelopersland.com

CostaBaja Resort &Marina Kilometre 7.5 Carretera a Pichilingue, La Paz (866) 899-7567 Toll free www.costabajaresort.com

Dreams Homes of Cabo

Km 28 Carr. Transp. 1 (800) 403-6597 Toll free 011 52 (624) 142-2983 www.DreamHomesOfCabo.com

Snell Real Estate (888) 713-5183 Toll free www.SnellRealEstate.com

GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

RESTAURANTS

Damiana

Town Plaza, San Jose del Cabo

Best Mexican Cuisine

011 52 (624) 142-0499

La Dolce

Italian Dining

Cabo San Lucas location: 011 52 (624) 143-4122

San Jose del Cabo location: 011 52 (624) 147-6621

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Cabo San Lucas 011 52 (624) 144-3232

Zipper’s Bar & Grille

On the beach, Satellite TV, Sporting Events

San Jose del Cabo

011 52 (624) 142-1795

SPOR T FISHING

Ricco Torres

011 52 (624) 122-1522

Solmar SportFishing