Golf Guide to Los Cabos

Cabo del Sol Ocean - Jack Nicklaus Signature Design

MEXICO TOURISM BOARD

Golf in Mexico Supplement

TOP 20 GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES IN MEXICO 2012 Real Estate in Los Cabos

GREG NORMAN: BEST'S GOLF PERSON OF THE YEAR The legend, the life and the legacy

FOURTEEN WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSES IN BAJA SUR - LOS CABOS - LA PAZ - LORETO

Table of Contents

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Features 20

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Top 20 Golf Course Communities in Mexico 2012 Real Estate in Los Cabos Diamante Dunes Davis Love III masterpiece, rated in the Top 100 in Golf Magazine Person of the Year: Greg Norman Catch up with the Great White Shark

Departments 4

Publisher's Letter Chuck Kinder

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CONSEJO Mexican Tourism Board Golf in Mexico Supplement

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Golf Course Directory Complete Guide to Golf Courses in Los Cabos

www.golfinmexico.net

Publisher’s Letter Los Cabos…Got to love that rain…only once or twice in a year and then Mother Nature comes by and opens her arms and provides 12 inches all at one time.

Grateful for the rain, the golf courses soak up the first drops, replenish the missing moisture from long ago and breath new wetness from above…then more rain and the ground absorbs all that can be taken in to roots thirsty for a bath, but not a drowning…more rain and the arroyos fill up and debris from years of drought start to move down stream as the collective power of these tropical storms and the water that is accumulated in there runs off the area bringing along with it lose trees branches, discarded household items and abandoned car remains. Such is the cycle of rain in the Baja.

The average golf course requires 800,000 gallons of water a day in the pleasant high season and up to 1 million gallons a day in the heat of the summer. After a rain like this, the temperatures are lowered a wee bit but the dry desert air turns uncharacteristically humid. Life is Los Cabos is great! All the golf courses are green and plush; the lakes filled to the brim, and the pump stations on a brief vacation themselves, in paradise. An army of maintenance crews search the courses for defects and promptly go to work to repair a green or two, a tee box here or there; retaining walls battered by the onslaught of the rushing waters but still standing tall in defense of well designed fairway. The most affected after the storm were the bunkers of sand that once guarded the vulnerable greens; the sand has been drained to the middle and needs to be redirected to their proper place to stand watch once again.

Chileno Bay, one of the area's most exclusive enclaves, with swim able beach , residential resort development and home to a private Tom Fazio masterpiece that is reawaking from a lengthy hibernation and soon will have lots of members/players and investors with pent up demand for this pristine property. Diamante continues to attract a growing population of second home buyers of real estate for short term fraction or full ownership homes and condos. This Davis Love course will be the site of the World Club Championship on October 29, 2012. Cabo 4 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

Real is going through a major renovation and will reopen in the fall with a very nice face lift. The Cabo San Lucas Country Club has new management that is taking to task issues that have needed attention for some time and are turning a thorny situation into a Rose Garden. Come back to play this beautiful Roy Dye designed golf course. Join us in Los Cabos for Diamond’s International SCPGA PRO AM Tournament event October 24-28, 2012.

For more information go to: www. golfinmexico.net/dilc12/index.htm I take special pride in sharing with our readers a picture of my daughter, Christianne, now 19 and a second year student at Babson College. While in high school she played varsity golf for three years and won League and CIF honors… she got her start playing golf in Los Cabos when she was four years old…mostly driving in the cart for a wee bit, then onto the course with club in hand and learned to love this game. She is also famous for accidentally dropping an orange on the green during the Shell's wonderful World of Golf 2001 between Sergio Garcia and Phil Michelson…holding up the match to clear this rolling object in front of a greenside crowd and worldwide TV… commentator Gary Player, gracious as ever, returned the orange to Christianne with a pat on her head.

Book your golf now online at: www.best4mexicoteetimes.com Mexico has ideal weather and over 223 golf courses with the red carpet out to welcome you for your weekend, weeklong, month-long, personal or corporate golf outings. Come play Golf in Los Cabos... everyday is a great day for Golf in Mexico.

Best regards, Chuck Kinder, CTC President/Publisher

Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico 1540 South Coast Highway #206 Laguna Beach, Caliifornia 92651 USA (949) 494-8561 • (949) 494-9292 fax www.golfinmexico.net Publisher Charles Kinder Associate Publisher Fabiola Thébaud-Kinder Creative Director Analise Hannah Art Director Ara Bedelian Editor Maria Ring Special Thanks to: Kristen Purll Jaime Alvarez del Castillo Enrique Castellanos Marta Cereghino Ralph Coster Carlos Hampe Sho Kaneko John Lara Jose Antonio Murillo Cayetana De Regil Chris Partida Eva Evans Advertising Sales Offices USA Eleanor Kreis (949) 494-8561 Guadalajara Andrés Castellanos (333) 640-1180 Cancun Arianna Conde Ferrini (998) 841-3919 Puerto Vallarta Carlos Farias (322) 225-8158 To advertise in Best’s Golf Guides, visit: www.golfguidetomexico.com

Chuck Kinder (Publisher) & Christianne Kinder (Social Media Expert)

Published semi-annually by Golf Publishing International, a California Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from Golf Publishing International. Every Effort was made to insure the accuracy of the material presented. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions of data for golf courses, facilities, resorts or rates. © Copyright 2012SF

www.golfinmexico.net

www.best4mexicoteetimes.com

Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos 5

Cabo Real Golf Course - Robert Trent Jones II

2012 MEXICO, THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW... GOLF COURSES YOU NEED TO KNOW Mexico has a rich history of golf dating back to the 1890’s when some of the British Communities in the mining city of Pachuca, Hidalgo determined that all that was missing in Mexico was a golf course, hence a thirteen hole dirt golf course was created with greens made of sand and burnt oil. They called it the Pachuca Country Club. Mexico's 223 golf courses sport a variety of features including aqua blue waters accenting spectacular beaches, plush green paspalum grass, and fairways. In jungle settings and historic colonial towns, visit the best courses of Mexico - built by world class top designers like, Nicklaus, Player, Norman, Doak, von Hagge, Love III and Trent Jones II. With over 700,000 golfers traveling to Mexico each year, Mexico remains the #1 International Golf Destination for US Golfers. Discover the Mexico you need to know….Play Golf in Mexico…NOW

GOLF COURSES YOU NEED TO KNOW

2012

Puerto Los Cabos , J. Nicklaus / G. Norman Design

LOS CABOS

L

os Cabos is the leader in the development of world-class golf in Mexico. This resort, located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is ranked 14th in a listing of the 50 most popular golf destinations in the world. Los Cabos won the 2012 Golf Destination of the Year for Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Four and a half Jack Nicklaus signature courses are open along this corridor, including the top-rated Cabo del Sol Ocean Course (1)- ranked 100 in 2011 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 the property is the Cabo del Sol Desert Course (11) by Tom Weiskopf. Nearby, at the legendary Palmilla Golf Club (2), you’ll find Nicklaus’ first signature course in Latin America, with 27 holes featuring ocean, arroyo and mountain nines. Close by is Mayan Palace Resorts, along with its unique, nine hole Punta Sur Golf Course in San Jose del Cabo.

In the middle of the Los Cabos corridor is Cabo Real (8)

by Robert Trent Jones II; the newer and spectacular oceanfront El Dorado (1), a Jack Nicklaus signature design and the Club Campestre San Jose (17), another Jack Nicklaus design.

Puerto Los Cabos (19), a Questro managed real estate project has two 9 hole golf courses, one by Greg Norman and the other Jack Nicklaus, along with Cabo’s newest and grandest marina. Rated 3rd of all private golf courses in Mexico is Querencia (5). This world-class 18 hole course is Tom Fazio’s first

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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 (29), designed by Roy and Matt Dye. For the first time, along the Pacific side of Los Cabos, Diamante Dunes (16) will compete for the best course in Mexico with its Davis Love III dunes resort and ocean front golf course. It is considered one of the BEST golf courses in Los Cabos.

LA PAZ

Two and a half hours up the coast in La Paz is Arthur Hills’ first championship course in Mexico, Paraiso del Mar (New).

Across the bay is the 500-acre seaside development of Costa Baja Resort & Marina (21), that prides itself on having 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

Further north up the coast is Homex’s Loreto Bay Golf Course (New). It boasts the first David Duvall golf course in Mexico, a redo of the existing course, that has incredible scenic views along with amazing 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.

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW

2012

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.

1-866-829-2977 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.

1-877-354-1399 www.hiltonloscabos.com

MELIA CABO REAL Nestled by the Sea of Cortez and the exotic desert sands, Melia Cabo Real is a Los Cabos all-inclusive hotel and resort. It offers true comfort and style with rooms that feature breathtaking views of the resort's desert gardens, expansive coastlines or championship golf courses. All of which are conditioned with amenities that are designed to provide you with everything you could possibly need during your stay.

1-800-436-3542 www.meliacaboreal.com

SHERATON HACIENDA DEL MAR Amidst 28 acres of quiet gardens and along a private beach lies the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort Los Cabos. The old-world hacienda architecture of the deluxe guest rooms, fountains, cafes, award-winning Pitahayas Restaurant and shops, 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, Cabo Del Sol. 1-800-325-3535 www.sheratonloscabos.com

GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

WWW.VISITMEXICO.COM

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GOLF COURSES YOU NEED TO KNOW

2012

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(1) Jeffery Nordling, (2) Robbie Williams (3) Rafael Campos (4) Lorena Ochoa (5) Jesse Ventura (6) Greg Norman

WHAT CELEBRITIES ARE SAYING

will receive proceeds from the 2012 Soccer Aid. He will also be creating a short film that was aired during the Soccer Aid. Jesse Mexico’s celebrity appeal continues as bright as the stars that Ventura loves to reside in his Los Cabos home, after a court fiasco visit and play world class golf in Mexico. Justin Bieber just recently that took place in 2011. Golf course designer Greg Norman put on a free, open air concert in Mexico City that attracted more appeared in his first Humana Challenge since 1986 back in the then 200,000 fans. Lady Gaga was seen surfing the clear waters beginning of the year and now is continuing to work with his in Sayulita and the Kardashian family is never far from the warm, design team to create more amazing golf courses. sunny beaches. Even President Obama himself was in Los Cabos, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park offers more star sightings along with many finance leaders as they met for the G20 Summit. and celebrity encounters of the aquatic kind than Hollywood can Although they were all there for important business, they none shake an Oscar at. So grab your camera and head off the beaten the less soaked up all the sun they could. path, where Cabo Pulmo rolls out the blue carpet for ocean fanatTiger Wood’s love for Mexico is legendary as he has won ics everywhere. Costa Careyes has long been the hideaway for the multiple Majors in the US and then headed directly to Cancun rich and famous from the days of Robin Leach. President of or Los Cabos to savor his victories.

France, Nicolas Sarkozy, really enjoyed a well deserved break In the mean time the most influential celebrity in world of at El Tamarindo and now the French are enchanted with a golf for the last decade, Jack Nicklaus has claimed Mexico as an new luxury retreat in Mexico. expanding canvas for his world wide acclaimed golf course Mexico has a grand history of stars and celebrities from designs with a scattering of 24 top rated golf courses through the early film days, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton left out the entire county. Lorena Ochoa is the goodwill ambasthere mark on Puerto Vallarta, Bing Crosby, John Wayne and sador of Mexico with her charm and grace. Sammy Hager Desi Arnez were all fans of Acapulco and the Baja. Come live has made a home in Los Cabos with his Cabo Wabo. Oscar the grand life as well…the red carpet is out, your special table for de la Hoya loves golf and fishing and can’t get enough of two is reserved by candle light. Join the many celebrity and pro Mexico. Robbie Williams was in Mexico City for a UNICEF am tournament events, or special concerts with top headliners, charity event, helping to raise awareness about the children that culture and music for all ages. The TIME to GO! Is NOW.

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GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW

2012

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 and participants that these events bring.

PGA TOUR FEBRUARY MAYAKOBA GOLF CLASSIC

MONTERREY SEPTEMBER RIVIERA NAYARIT CLASSIC

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

Second stop on the NEW PGA LatinoAmerica tour at the La Harradura GC, Monterrey. www.pgatourla.com

NATIONWIDE TOUR JUNE MEXICO OPEN

SCPGA PRO-AM OCTOBER LOS CABOS

The Mexican Open or Abierto Mexicano de Golf is a national open tournament, taking place in 2012 in El Bosque Golf Club, León. www.pgatour.com/tournaments/h095

One Club Golf Professional with four Amatures playing three great courses, Palmilla, Cabo Real and Club Campestre San Jose. www.golfinmexico.net/dilc12/index.htm

MUNDO MAYA OPEN SEPT MERIDA

INVITATIONAL LPGA NOVEMBER LORENA OCHOA

First stop on the NEW PGA TOUR Latinoamerica tour at Yucatan Country Club. www.pgatourla.com

Guadalajara GC is the home course to Mexico’s female golfer, Lorena Ochoa.

In 2011 Catriona Matthew defeated I.K. Kim. www.lpga.com

TOUR LAS AMERICAS MAY ACAPULCO PRINCESS

MUNDO MAYA OPEN SEPT PARADISE VILLAGE

Televisa TLA Players Championship Acapulco Princess is a classic Ted Robinson, palm tree-lined resort layout. Acapulco, Mexico. www.tourdelasamericas.com

Second Stop on the NEW PGA Latinomerica tour at the La Herradura GC, Monterrey. www.pgatourla.com

GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

WWW.VISITMEXICO.COM

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GOLF COURSES YOU NEED TO KNOW

2012

GREAT GOLF...GREAT SPAS MEXICO HAS IT ALL World renown spas beckon your tired and aching bodies... rejuvinate, meditate, relax. Enjoy and unwind with the best spas in Mexico after your golf outing. Go ahead, you deserve it. Make a spa visit part of your golf experience!

THE SPA AT LAS VENTANAS http://www.lasventanas.com/

ONE&ONLY PALMILLA SPA http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/

ARMONIA SPA http://www.pueblobonitopacifica.com/

CABO SURF HOTEL & SEA SPA http://www.cabosurfhotel.com/

CAPELLA PEDREGAL RESORT & SPA http://www.capellacabo.com/

CASA DORADO http://www.casadorada.com/

CABO SPA http://www.esperanzaresort.com/

HILTON LOS CABOS BEACH & GOLF RESORT http://www.dreamsresorts.com/

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AQUAZUL HOLISTIC SPA AT VISTAZUL SUITES & SPA

http://www.vistazulsuits.com/

GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW

2012

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, in a gated community, in a high rise, a hillside villa, or a quaint little bungalow. Enjoy the unique lifestyle that only Mexico can offer!

La Paz / Costa Baja

Loreto / Loreto Bay

Los Cabos / Puerto Los Cabos

http://www.costabaja.com/

http://www.innloretobay.com/

http://www.puertoloscabos.com/

Mazatlan / Estrella Del Mar

Mérida / Yucatan Country Club

Los Cabos / El Dorado

http://yucatancountry.com/

http://www.eldoradogolfandbeachclub.com/

Nayarit / Punta Mita

Nayarit / Paradise Village

http://www.estrelladelmar.com/index.asp

Manzanillo / Grand Bay

http://www.wyndham.com/

http://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/

GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

WWW.VISITMEXICO.COM

http://www.paradisevillage.com/

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GOLF COURSES YOU NEED TO KNOW

2012

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO TOP 30 AWARDS TOP 30 RESORT

TOP 30 PRIVATE

1

Cabo del Sol Golf Ocean

1

El Dorado Golf Course

2

Palmilla Golf Club

2

Club de Golf Mexico

3

Punta Mita Pacifico

3

Guadalajara Country Club

4

El Camaleón Mayakobá

4

Club de Golf Tres Vidas

5

El Tamarindo Golf

5

Querencia Golf Club

6

Vista Vallarta Nicklaus

6

Yucatan Country Club

7

Vista Vallarta Weiskopf

7

Bosque Real Country Club

8

Cabo Real Golf Course

8

Las Misiones Club Campestre

9

Moon Palace

9

Club de Golf Chapultepec

10

Isla Navidad Country Club

10

La Loma Campo de Golf

11

Cabo del Sol Golf Desert

11

Tres Marias

12

El Tigre Paradise Village

12

Atlas Country Club

13

Riviera Maya Golf Club

13

Club Campestre Monterrey

14

Punta Mita Bahia

14

Club de Golf La Hacienda

15

Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club

15

Club de Golf Los Encinos

16

Playas Mujeres

16

Diamante Dunes

17

Club Campestre San Jose

17

El Rio Country Club

18

Playacar Club de Golf

18

Club Campestre Mexico

19

Puerto Los Cabos

19

Club de Golf Malinalco

20

Litibu Golf Club

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Club de Golf Bellavista

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Costa Baja Golf Course

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Las Lomas Club de Golf

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Riviera Cancun

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Santa Anita Club de Golf

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Cozumel Country Club

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Club de Golf Valle Escondido

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Mayan Peninsula de Cortes

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Club de Golf Bosques

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Estrella del Mar Golf Course

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Club Campestre El Campanario

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Club de Golf Acapulco Princess

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La Vista Country Club& Golf

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Marina Vallarta Club de Golf

27

Club de Golf Los Tabachines

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Club de Golf Los Flamingos

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El Cielo (Palomar) Country Club

29

Cabo San Lucas CC

29

Lomas Country Club

30

Las Hadas, La Mantarraya Course

30

Club de Golf Valle Alto

30b

The Links at Las Palomas

30b

Tijuana Country Club

To vote for YOUR Favorite Courses, go to: http://www.golfinmexico.net/top30/

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GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW

2012

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

LITIBU RIVIERA NAYARIT

A David Love III design, Diamante has inviting greens and endless views of the Pacific.

1-866-901-1456 www.diamantecabosanlucas.com

The start of a three resort development planned by Fonatur, Litibu is 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.

1-877-847-8183 www.fonatur.gob.mx

BAHIA PRINCIPE RIVIERA MAYA GOLF CLUB

BAHIA DE LOS SUEﾃ前S LA PAZ - SEA OF CORTEZ

The Mayan jungle been integrated in to this 27 hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. 1-800-568-950 www.riveramaya-golfclub.com

This Tom Doak design has desert terrain, oceanfront topography and impressive vistas of the Sea of Cortez.

1-866-202-0789 www.bahiasuenosgolf.com

CAMPESTRE DE LEON LEON

COSTA BAJA LA PAZ

This David Fleming designed course is a particularly beautiful 18-hole golf course in Leon.

1-477-214-2129 www.clubcampestredeleon.com

A beautiful Gary Player designed course features breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez.

1-866-409-9940 www.costabaja.com

RIVIERA CANCUN CANCUN

VENTANAS SAN MIGUEL SAN MIGUEL

The golf course at Riviera Cancun is a Signature Designed course by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.

1-800-635-1836 www.palaceresorts.com

A balanced golf experience including natural surroundings, and a design by Nick Faldo.

1-520-829-0558 www.ventanasdesanmiguel.com

GOLF GUIDE TO LOS CABOS SUPPLEMENT

WWW.VISITMEXICO.COM

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

Golf Architects

David Fleming golfpropertiesdesign.com

Jack Nicklaus www.nicklaus.com

Greg Norman www.shark.com

Robert von Hagge www.vonhagge.com

Pedro Guereca www.pedroguereca.com

Gary Player www.garyplayer.com

Nick Price www.nickprice.com

Robert Trent Jones www.rtj2.com

P.B DYE www.pbdyegolf.com

Davis Love www.lovegolf-design.com

Nick Faldo www.nickfaldo.com

BEST4GOLF www.best4golf.com

Schmidt Curley www.schmidt-curley.com

Ernie Els www.ernieels.com

Mexico Online www.mexonline.com

Enrique Valenzuela valenzuelagolfdesign.com

Know Mexico www.knowmexico.com

Forrest Richardson www.golfgroupltd.com

Mexican PGA www.pgam.com.mx Internacional Golf Federation internationalgolffederation.org Mex Caribbean Golf Association www.cancungolf.org

Travel Contacts

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

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 www.golfguidetomexico.com/ target.htm Boomer Golf News www.boomergolfnews.com On the Lip www.onthelip.com

Mayan Group www.vidantagolf.com Mega Tourism www.megatourismo.com

Real Estate www.mexicogolfrealty.com

Top 20 Golf Course Communities in Mexico

By Chuck Kinder

Top 20 Golf Course Communities in Mexico BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR LA PAZ Costa Baja LOS CABOS Cabo San Lucas Country Club Chileno Bay Cabo del Sol Diamante Cabo San Lucas El Dorado Country Club Palmilla Villa de Palmar Puerto Los Cabos Querencia Country Club

COLONIAL ROUTE - INLAND GUADALAJARA El Rio SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE Las Ventanas de San Miguel

MEXICAN RIVIERA ACAPULCO Turtle Dunes Tres Vidas MANZANILLO Isla Navidad MAZATLAN Mazatlan Estrella del Mar VALLARTA Paradise Village Punta Mita

CANCUN - RIVIERA MAYA CANCUN Cancún Country Club Grand Coral

YUCATAN MERIDA Yucatan Country Club

20 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

www.golfinmexico.net

2012

Directory of

Golf Communities

LOS CABOS

El Dorado (Discovery Land Co.) San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (866) 513-4434 MX: 011 52 (624) 144-5464

www.eldoradogolfandbeachclub.com

Tom Fazio Golf Course.

Cabo Real Golf Club

CostaBaja Resort & Spa

El Encanto de la Laguna

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (877) 795-8727 MX: 1 (800) 543-2044 www.caboreal.com Robert Trent Jones II golf course.

La Paz, BCS US: 1 (877) 392-5525 MX: 01 (800) 0123-4444 www.costabajaresort.com Gary Player designed golf course.

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (866) 556-1386 MX: 01 (624) 122-5788 www.elencanteloscabos.net Next to Puerto Los Cabos golf.

Diamante Cabo San Lucas

Chileno Bay Golf & Ocean Club

Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club

Los Cabos, BCS US: 1 (866) 684-0005 www.chilenobayclub.com Tom Fazio Golf Course.

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (877) 507-4752 MX: 01 (800) 543-2044 www.puertoloscabos.com Greg Norman Signature (9) course + Jack Nicklaus Signature (9) course.

Punta Ballena, Esperanza

Querencia

Los Cabos, BCS US: 1 (866) 254-3483 MX: 011 52 (624) 104-3179 www.puntaballena.com Luxury living on the Sea of Cortez.

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (888) 236-2229 MX: 01 (624) 145-6600 www.loscabosquerencia.com Tom Fazio designed golf course.

Cabo Azul

Villas del Mar, Palmilla

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (866) 901-9058 MX: 011 52 (624)172-5811 www.diamantecabosanlucas.com Davis Love III designed dunes golf.

Quivira Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (866) 578-4847 MX: 011 52 (624) 163-7450 www.quiviraloscabos.com Jack Nicklaus golf (pending).

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (877) 216-2226 MX: 01 (624) 163-5100 www.caboazulresort.com Designer quality timeshare beach side San Jose

Cabo Riviera

Club Campestre San Jose

East Cape, BCS US: (619) 270-8771 MX: 011 52 (624) 105-1005 www.caboriviera.com.mx Robert Trent Jones II course design. www.best4mexicoteetimes.com

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (877) 847-1662 MX: 011 52 (624) 144-5470 www.villasdelmar.com Next to Palmilla Golf Club.

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (877) 795-8727 MX: 1 (800) 543-2044 www.clubcampestresanjose.com Nicklaus Design 18 hole golf course.

Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos 21

Four Nicklaus designed courses are open along this corridor, including top rated Puerto del Sol, 9 holes

by Greg Norman, 9 holes by Jack Nicklaus, plus Marina and Private Gated Residential development.

22  Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

www.golfinmexico.net

Puerto los Cabos.....

...living the GOOD life.

corridor will entice you to try a few, so you will want to drive up and down at your own leisure. With Los Cabos often referred to as the Newport Beach of Mexico, expect to pay premium prices for accommodations, golf and restaurants in high season…after all this is a most beautiful adult fantasy land.

For the first time, growth along the Pacific side of Los Cabos is taking shape with the highly anticipated Diamante. Life will compete for the best course in Mexico with its Davis Love III private ocean front golf course and a potential second golf course on this wonderful masterplanned community, according to Ken Jowdy, Diamante President.

"We had a banner year for sales of full ownership, fractional and time share." When Ken was asked what he thought was the main reason, he replied, “First and for most, we have a very good product on one great piece of property. The job that Davis Love III and his crew did to build the golf course that we have, garnished us the most attention and people wanted to come visit and play."

LA PAZ A little more than two hours up the coast in La Paz is the 500-acre seaside development of Costa Baja Resort & Marina. One can purchase full ownership condos and villas on the waterfront or with a golf course view. This project was conceived in the ivory towers of Parque Reforma in Mexico City and boasts being the first Gary Player designed golf course in Mexico. Parque Reforma is committed to the preservation, enhancement, and protection of the nation's natural wonders, and has been a continual supporter of the Mexican Foundation for Environmental Education. This will be one of the most sought after addresses in Mexico with units starting at $300,000.

When asked about Diamante's success Ken Jowdy stated, “ Two key elements, a very good product and our high level of customer service for our members and their guests."

LORETO North up the coast is Loreto Bay, a project now under the watchful eye of HOMEX. Over 600 villas are under construction, 900 homes have been sold, and more than 175 owners have moved in. This project has the first David Duvall golf course in Mexico, a redo of an existing course with incredible scenic value. With all of these spectacular courses and developments moving forward, all the more reason to visit and invest in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico.

In summary, golf in Mexico is growing and attracting top investors and adventuresome golfers from around the world. Come join them, and play and live at the Best Golf in Mexico.

When you are ready to buy – follow these key points.

• Get proof of ownership – an Escritura or Fideicomiso • Hire a Mexican attorney with references you are comfortable with.

• This is a must to help you though the buying process - get legal advice • All contracts must be written in Spanish, the official language in Mexico.

• Make sure you get a certified translation of documents and that you understand before signing anything.

• Use an escrow company with an American deposit institution to protect your deposit and final payment. Some foreign banks • have lost deposits due to negligence, fraud or corruption.

• A notario oversees all land ownership transfers in Mexico. You must use one.

• Bank Trusts (Fideicomisos) are required in the Restricted Zone.

24 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

Diamante Dunes Golf Course: Listed in Golf Magazine's Top 100 World Golf Courses and site of the 10th Annual 2012 World Club Championship.

www.golfinmexico.net

Diamante.

you are going...

...to love it.

Diamante Dunes

Davis Love III Masterpiece, Rated in the Top 100 by Golf Magazine

Find your diamond on the Baja peninsula. Diamante

Located only five short miles from downtown Cabo San is situated in the middle of some of nature's finest Lucas, Diamante is a paradise of beauty, privacy, luxury and work. Nestled on 1,500 acres of stunning coastline world-class service. Whether you come once a year or live and magnificent dunes along 1.5 miles of Pacific here all year long, it's an experience you'll find as unreal coastline, it is truly a as the magnificent spectacular property. proper ty i t s e l f.

Currently, Diamante Diamante real estate includes 78 custom combined with Sunset Hill home sites, the services and 40 Beach Estate home amenities associated sites and 66 Golf Villas, with a vision for warm the Dunes Clubhouse authentic Mexican and Residence Club, service. Diamante all integrated into the real estate affords dramatic Baja landscape owners the benefits and the Davis Love IIIof owning a vacation designed Dunes Course, proper t y for a currently ranked #58 fraction of the price in the world by Golf you would expect Location: Los Cabos Magazine. Diamante to pay. Ownership Course: 18 Holes, Davis Love III architecture reflects the wonderful eliminates all of the hassles usually Contact US: 866.901.9058 Mexican hacienda tradition that hints of associated with managing a vacation www.diamantecabosanlucas.com another era. Construction has begun on a home, especially overseas and provides world class spa, fitness center and 10 acre you with amenities found at five-star lagoon. A new beach club, tennis complex, properties. Come and enjoy the best of what Mexico's Baja equestrian center, and kids camp are also in the works. peninsula has to offer.

The beautiful Diamante Dunes Club House

26  Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

www.golfinmexico.net

Own a piece of Diamante... ...move in ready.

One&Only Palmilla A Serenely Private Tropical Hideaway

P

almilla Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first Latin America de- care of our guests with the Troon Golf Experience, it makes it sign and is recognized as the Grand Dame of golf in Los one of the most memorable golf rounds in the world.

A Mexican decor clubhouse, on-site golf shop and expert Cabos. Challenging, masterfully-conceived and stunningly beautiful, Palmilla has ocean views from every hole. The Ocean staff help provide for your every need. Palmilla Golf Club has hosted the 1997 PGA Senior TOUR, SeCourse actually flows to the ocean as you nior Slam with Hale Irwin defeating Jack play on the beaches of the Sea of CorNicklaus, Ray Floyd and Gil Morgan. With tes. This 27-hole championship course its skillful design, expert management is perched on a canyon arroyos and sits and idyllic locale, Palmilla Golf Club is among century old cardon cacti. It is recognized as one of top four courses in a great resort course with daily trade Mexico, and, one the finest in the world. winds that enhance pinpoint accuracy The renewed One&Only Palmilla that challenges the most experienced Resort maintains the classic Mexican of players. ambiance which has made it a favorJason Ballog, Club Manager says, “The ite among an international ‘who’s who’ golf experience at Palmilla is unique for Location Los Cabos since its original opening in 1956, while several reasons. Palmilla Golf Club gently Course 27 Holes, Jack Nicklaus Signature expanding and recreating the legendary takes you through 800 vertical feet of the Contact 011.52.624.144.5250 property for a new generation of travBaja Desert. The design allows our guests www.palmillagc.com elers. The resort features 172 spacious to experience native desert vegetation rooms and suites, each luxuriously apon the Mountain and Arroyo courses. On pointed and offering magnificent views the Ocean course guests play along the white sandy beaches of the Sea of Cortes. During the odyssey, of the Sea of Cortes, along with three restaurants, the indoor/ golfers enjoy looking at the “Gin Blue” water on all 27 holes. outdoor One&Only Spa, two pools including a children’s swimSometimes our guests will see blue whales breech the water, as ming and activity area, a new Executive Conference Center, they migrate around the Baja to their winter breeding grounds. and the property’s renowned Chapel, which makes One&Only When you combine the natural experiences and how we take Palmilla a favorite for weddings.

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

28 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

www.golfinmexico.net

Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico presents:

Greg Norman

“Pe r s on of t h e y e a r 2 0 1 2 ”

G

reg Norman has been selected to be the PERSON of the YEAR, 2012 by Golf Publishing International.

With unparalleled charm and energy, Greg Norman, also known as “The Shark,” has won more than 90 professional tournaments around the world, and claims the unique distinction of having held the No. 1 position on the world rankings for 331 weeks.

His crowning achievements are British Open Championships in 1986 and 1993. Norman set the lowest final round score of 64 in 1993, securing his second major at the Open Championship at Royal St. Georges Golf Club. In recognition of his accomplishments both on and off the golf course, Greg was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

30 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

Greg Norman: BEST's Golf Guide to Mexico Person of the year 2012

www.golfinmexico.net

Norman became interested in the game of golf at the age of 15, when he offered to caddy for his mother during her regular mid-week game.

Following the round, Norman borrowed her clubs and set out on his own. Just six years after first picking up the game of golf, Norman started his professional career. He would become the first player to surpass more than $10 million in career earnings.

Norman’s aggressive style and charisma delighted fans as he was uniquely different than the other golfers of his time. Norman, who drove the ball incredibly high, long and straight is regarded as one of the best drivers of the golf ball.

As time went on, Norman became more involved in building businesses with his now famous shark logo and the Greg Norman brand. He currently has a variety of signature lines, including: golf apparel and accessories, wine , beef and his signature designed golf courses.

In Mexico, his impact has been profound. Norman’s design of the El Cameleon at Mayakoba is the top-rated course in the Riviera Maya, and site of the only PGA TOUR event in Mexico. His other courses include Playa Mujeres in Cancun and his new Litibu creation in Riviera Nayarit. Big things are on the horizon for Greg Norman

goals for your game “isSetting an art. The trick is in setting them at the right level, neither too low nor too high.

- Greg Norman

”

Career Highlights:

1978

Order of Merit: Winner 1980 PGA Tour of Australia

Order of Merit:

Winner

1982 European Tour

Order of Merit: Winner 1983 PGA Tour of Australia

Order of Merit: Winner 1984 PGA Tour of Australia

Order of Merit: Winner 1986 The Open Championship

PGA Tour of Australia

Order of Merit: Winner

PGA Tour Leading Money Winner

1988

PGA Tour of Australia

Order of Merit Winner

Byron Nelson Award 1989 Vardon Trophy 1990 PGA Tour Leading Money Winner Vardon Trophy

Byron Nelson Award 1993 The Open Championship

Byron Nelson Award

1994

Vardon Trophy

Byron Nelson Award 1995 PGA Tour Leading Money Winner

PGA Player of the Year

Byron Nelson Award 2001 World Golf Hall of Fame

2008

For more information on what’s happening with Greg Norman, go to: www.theshark.com

Old Tom Morris Award Charlie Bartlett Award

32 Best’s Golf Guide to Los Cabos

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