PGA Professionals' Guide to Travel the Mexican Caribbean 2013 by Tee Box Media & Marketing

2013 EDITION

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL:

The Mexican Caribbean

White Sand, Blue Water, Great Golf!

Big Break Hits the Riviera Maya

Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club hosts the Golf Channel show

The home of the Mayans is packed with amazing places to stay and play

What the Pros Say

Top PGA Professionals talk about their favorite destinations

Play Where the Pros Play

The OHL Classic brings the PGA Tour to the Riviera Maya this fall

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Greetings From the Mexican Caribbean!

he Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association offers you a hearty welcome – ¡bienvenidos! – from all of our 13 member golf destinations. We believe these facilities along the Caribbean coast from Cancun to Tulum combine to represent one of the top golf vacation areas in the entire world, and we invite you to experience our Mayan Golf Trail for yourself! With courses designed by renowned architects and golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Tom Weiskopf, Robert Trent Jones II, P.B. Dye and Robert von Hagge – with Tom Fazio soon to join this elite fraternity – the Mexican Caribbean has more world-class courses than most people realize. This area is a traveler’s delight, thanks to the high number of daily ﬂights into Cancun International Airport, the wide variety and availability of resort accommodations, a thoroughly modern and safe infrastructure and a truly warm, welcoming local population. We believe no other destination offers this unique combination of great golf and lodging in such an ecologically diverse area, featuring everything from the blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea to mystic Mayan archeological sites for you to explore. This inaugural edition of the PGA Professionals’ Guide to Travel: The Mexican Caribbean is ﬁlled with information and insider tips on how to plan your trip to experience everything that the Mexican Caribbean have to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon on and off the fairways of the Yucatan Peninsula! Our golf courses are your golf courses! ¡Nuestros campos de golf son sus campos de golf!

Phillip Krick Jr. Phillip Krick Jr. PGA Master Professional President, Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Table of Contents 20

Welcome Letter............................................................................................................ 1 Cancun: The Inside Story............................................................................................. 4 TPC Cancun at Cancun Country Club .......................................................................... 6 Riviera Cancun Golf Club............................................................................................. 8 Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok ................................................................................ 10 IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club .................................................................................. 12 Moon Spa & Golf Club................................................................................................ 14 Puerto Cancun Golf Club............................................................................................ 16 Playa Mujeres Golf Club............................................................................................. 18 Destination Spotlight: Cancun ................................................................................... 20 Riviera Maya: The Inside Story .................................................................................. 26 Riviera Maya Golf Club at Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya................................... 28 The Golf Club at Playacar ........................................................................................... 30 The Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association....................................................... 32 Grand Coral Riviera Maya .......................................................................................... 34 IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club ......................................................................... 36 El Camaleón at Mayakoba .......................................................................................... 38 OHL Classic at Mayakoba........................................................................................... 40 El Manglar at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya .................................................................. 44 Destination Spotlight: Riviera Maya........................................................................... 46 Cozumel: The Inside Story......................................................................................... 52 Destination Spotlight: Cozumel ................................................................................. 54 Cozumel Country Club............................................................................................... 60 PGA Professionals on the Mexican Caribbean: A Great Place to Stay and Play! .......... 62 Closing Thoughts....................................................................................................... 64 On the cover: El Camaleón at Mayakoba is host of the PGA TOUR OHL Classic at Mayakoba.

Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association: www.mexicancaribbeangolf.org President: Philip Krick Jr., PGA Master Professional; e-mail: pkrickjr@golfpromotions.mx VP & Director of Advertising Sales: Luis Sosa; e-mail: lsosa@cancungolfadvisors.com General Director: Liz Melo; e-mail: liz@cancungolf.org

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Cancun: The Inside Story

With blue waters, white sand, bustling nightlife and family-friendly activities, Cancun has earned its reputation as a world-class destination

ancun’s status as one of the world’s great vacation destinations extends back more than 40 years. In that time, the jewel of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has become famous for its stunning sandy beach, blue Caribbean waters, tourist-friendly accommodations and year-round perfect weather. While Cancun once had a reputation as a spring break destination for college kids, the city has grown into a family-friendly site that also caters to upscale travelers seeking top-end luxury. And don’t forget the golf courses – Cancun is ready to take its place as one of the best golf destinations in the world. We asked Cancun director of tourism Jesus Almaguer to give us the inside story on Cancun for golf travelers, and here’s what he told us:

Jesus Almaguer says visitors should try to see all that Cancun has to offer.

What should golfers from outside Mexico know about Cancun as a golf destination? Cancun is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. With challenging and breathtaking courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, Cancun offers 13 state-of-the-art courses designed to the highest professional standards, and that combine a high degree of difﬁculty for better players with designs that are fun for all golfers. What sets Cancun apart from other international vacation destinations? Cancun’s natural beauty can be admired from every vantage point of the top golf courses found here. With

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

scenery full of lush green jungle, turquoise sea, underground cenotes, mangroves, channels, lagoons and wetlands – and regional fauna, such as iguanas, herons, parrots, and water birds – it is really a sight to see while you play a round of golf. In addition, Mayan culture is present in some courses built near the sites of one of the most enigmatic civilizations on earth. Cancun is also home to more than 150 hotels, some of which are incredibly luxurious, including four that are recipients of the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. The destination’s up-and-coming culinary scene is also a big highlight to foodies from around the world. Fun outings like driving Lamborghinis or the Audi R8 at Exotic Rides or climbing the great pyramid of the ancient city of Coba are just a few of the many activities available beyond the golf course. How has your area changed in the last decade? The destination recently celebrated its 43rd birthday and has changed tremendously in that small amount of time. From a sleepy fishing village to one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Cancun’s airport alone operates more than 500 daily domestic and international flights. It is also Mexico’s largest resort destination with a total of nearly 35,000 rooms that range from affordable to upscale. Cancun is also known for its small, boutique-style hotels, friendly hospitality, comfortable facilities, incredible entertainment, adventure excursions – like zip-lining through the Mayan jungle or diving in one of the many cenotes – and incredible museums like the Underwater Museum and the Cancun Maya Museum. What's your best tip for first-time travelers to your area? The best tip for first-time travelers is to not get so comfortable in their hotels – they should get out and actually explore Cancun! Don’t just check out the bars and spend all your time on the beach. Come and have dinner at La Habichuela, a restaurant in the hotel zone that specializes inYucatan cuisine, or take a 30-minute ferry ride and explore Isla Mujeres. Be adventurous and dive into a cenote, visit ancient ruins like Tulum and Coba, explore the Underwater Museum, try the famous lobster pizza in Isla Holbox, enjoy a Mayan-inspired massage at one of Cancun’s top resorts, or try mezcal and an original flambé Mayan coffee. Visitors should try to see all the sides of Cancun, not just the outstanding resorts but also the one-of-a-kind adventures you can only have here. ■

Cancun has a wonderful blend of modern amenities and timeless ecological wonders, from underground cenotes (above) to the blue waters of the Caribbean (left).

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

TPC Cancun at Cancun Country Club

The ﬁrst course outside the U.S. to carry the TPC name includes a fresh Nick Price design and an extensive practice facility

G The Nick Price design at TPC Cancun has rolling fairways, and will soon be joined by a new course designed by Tom Fazio.

olfers and golf fans around the world know the TPC name represents a standard of excellence. Starting with TPC Sawgrass at PGA Tour Headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., in 1980, the TPC network of courses has continually expanded and raised the bar for how golf courses should look and play. Now the TPC network has expanded outside the U.S. for the first time with the new TPC Cancun at Cancun Country Club. Located just south of Cancun International Airport, this new facility includes everything the TPC name stands for: A challenging course with an outstanding design, great conditioning that is worthy of hosting a tour event, and a practice facility that is fit for the world’s best players. The first TPC Cancun course opened in 2012 and was designed by major championship winner Nick Price. Price combined his traditionalist views on course design with an eco-friendly approach to create his 18-hole design at TPC Cancun, which covers more than 1,000 acres of native plant life. Five natural lakes provide strategic challenge and support the many species of wildlife that call the property home. Price’s design features wide, rolling fairways. There are 79 bunkers to navigate, and the platinum paspalum grass used throughout the course remains in outstanding condition year-round. With five sets of tees ranging from the tips at 7,439 yards to the red tees at 5,616 yards, resort guests will be able to choose how challenging they want their round to play. When playing from the more forward tees, there are few

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

forced carries, meaning even golfers who have trouble getting the ball airborne, including juniors and seniors, can enjoy the TPC Cancun layout. One of the signature holes of Price’s design at TPC Cancun is No. 5, a long par-4 that plays 483 yards from the tips. After an uphill tee shot, the golfer is left with a long iron or hybrid to a green with a lake looming to the right. There’s plenty of room on the left to make a safe shot and get in with a par or bogey, but an aggressive approach could lead to either birdie or double bogey depending upon whether your shot ﬁnds the green or the water. Price’s design at TPC Cancun will soon be joined by a new 18-hole course designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio. This will be Fazio’s ﬁrst course in the Mexican Caribbean, bringing yet another famous name to the region’s growing golf portfolio. TPC Cancun has a large practice facility that includes an expansive range and practice greens for working on your putting and chipping. Plans call for a TPC Academy that will have instruction programs for golfers of all skill levels. TPC Cancun also offers rental clubs from and rental shoes from high-end golf equipment companies, meaning you can play the course without having to bring your equipment on vacation with you. TPC Cancun also has a full service clubhouse with a golf shop and restaurant. ■

TPC Cancun at Cancun Country Club Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 10 minutes from Cancun International Airport A Nick Price design Par 72, 7,439 yards USGA rating 74.6/Slope 142 TPC Cancun includes round-trip transportation from Cancun resorts, bottled water, use of the practice facility and a shared golf car as part of its green fees. The practice facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping greens. The clubhouse includes a full-service golf shop and restaurant, and rental of golf clubs and shoes is available for an extra charge.

Riviera Cancun Golf Club

Timeless links golf design gets a contemporary, tropical twist at this Jack Nicklaus Signature Design

J The skyline of Cancun watches over Riviera Cancun Golf Club, which winds its way through dense mangroves populated by coastal wildlife.

ack Nicklaus won the British Open three times among his 18 professional major championships, and he has always loved the seaside links courses of England, Scotland and Ireland. In creating his Signature Design at Riviera Cancun Golf Club, Nicklaus called upon his decades of experience playing those classic links courses – then he created a modern masterpiece along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Instead of the gorse bushes and thistle you’d ﬁnd in the British Isles, Riviera Cancun is routed through tropical mangroves and native palm trees. But despite the different setting, Nicklaus has transported the spirit of links golf to the sunny warmth of Cancun. The rolling contours of the land and prevailing winds off the water invite players to play low shots while avoiding the course’s pot bunkers. Riviera Cancun gets off to a gentle start, with wide fairways providing many paths to its undulating greens. As your round progresses, the fairways subtly narrow and you ﬁnd yourself confronted with strategic decision on every tee. Nicklaus has included some thrilling risk-reward holes that present the chance to hit heroic shots in pursuit of an elusive eagle or birdie. Even at its toughest, however, Riviera Cancun remains a fun place for golfers of all abilities to play the game. Overall, the course is more forgiving than it may appear from some of the tees. Because precision is more important than distance on the links layout, shorter hitters are not at a disadvantage at Riviera Cancun.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

And everyone will enjoy the oceanfront vegetation, coastal wildlife and views of the Cancun skyline to the north. There is no hotel on-site at Riviera Cancun, but the course is open to all guests of all Palace Resorts and Hard Rock properties in and around Cancun. Upon arrival at Riviera Cancun, guests will be greeted by the striking contemporary design of the modern Mexican clubhouse, with its sleek lines and state-ofthe-art amenities. Riviera Cancun also has a complete practice facility, including a driving range, chipping and putting greens and a practice bunker. Tee it up at Riviera Cancun and discover why Jack Nicklaus says Riviera Cancun is one of his greatest eco-friendly designs – a place where golf balances with natural tranquility. ■

Riviera Cancun Golf Club Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 10 minutes from Cancun International Airport A Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Par 72, 7,060 yards USGA rating 76.2/Slope 146 Riviera Cancun has a contemporary modern clubhouse with open terraces and panoramic views of the 18th hole. The clubhouse has an air-conditioned snack bar, golf shop, reception area, locker rooms and sauna facilities. Bag storage is available, as are rental clubs. A practice area includes range, chipping and putting greens and a practice bunker.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport A Robert Trent Jones II design Par 72, 7,051 yards USGA rating 72.9/Slope 130 Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok has a clubhouse with a full-service golf shop and a restaurant with free wireless Internet access. There is a driving range and two practice greens, and rental clubs and shoes are available. Green fees include beverages and food on the course.

Cancun’s ﬁrst golf course is still a must-see, thanks to a classic design from the legendary Robert Trent Jones II

Cancun Golf Club at Pok-TaPok has gorgeous views of the Nichupte Lagoon and the Cancun skyline, as well as the Caribbean Sea.

he ﬁrst hotels in Cancun opened in 1974, but it wasn’t until the 1976 opening of Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok that the city became a golf destination. More than three decades later, the Robert Trent Jones II classic remains one of the area’s most scenic courses. Jones made the most of the spectacular land he was given within the hotel zone, routing an 18-hole course so two holes would play along the beach on the Caribbean Sea, while another ﬁve holes border the Nichupte Lagoon. Throughout the layout, panoramic views of the water will have you reaching for your camera – especially if you play in the late evening, a perfect time to catch a Cancun sunset over the lagoon waters. Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok is also home to Mayan ruins, and “pok-ta-pok” in Mayan means “stroke by stroke.” The limestone ruins that can be seen from hole No. 3 are thought to be at least 1,000 years old, and sometimes come into play on errant tee shots. Recent renovations have added some length to the course, which can now play as long as 7,051 from the tips. There’s a good variety to the course, with a mix of birdie opportunities alongside dramatic doglegs and risk-reward holes. The highlights are the 12th and 14th holes, which play toward the Caribbean Sea along the Cancun beach. No. 12 is a dogleg left par-4 that requires an accurate tee shot, while No. 14 is a short par-3 with an elevated tee that provides a studding view of the green and the blue Caribbean waters behind it. Located in the hotel zone, Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok is easily accessible from throughout the region, but is especially convenient if you’re staying downtown. There’s nothing like seeing the stunning Caribbean waters during your round, knowing you can be back at your hotel and on the beach within minutes of holing out on No. 18. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

. E M A G R BRING YOU

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IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club

IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport An Aoki Design course Par 72, 6,734 yards USGA rating 71.1/Slope 121 IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club has a clubhouse with a full-service golf shop and the 19th Hole restaurant. There is a driving range and practice green, and rental clubs and shoes are available. Green fees include beverages and food on the course.

Located in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone, this beautiful course is fun and forgiving for visiting golfers

The IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club is dramatically situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon.

golf oasis among Cancun’s many downtown resorts, the IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club combines great location with a fun, friendly layout. Japanese golf legend Isao Aoki’s design ﬁrm created the course layout, conjuring an experience that will allow less-skilled players to enjoy a beautiful day on the course while still challenging better players. The nearby Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon are visible from several holes at IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club, and the El Rey ruins that date to Mayan times are adjacent to the 16th hole. Add in the lush mangroves and indigenous wildlife – including crocodiles, iguanas and many species of tropical birds – and this is a course that looks as fun as it plays. There’s water on 10 of the course’s 18 holes, including the lagoon and its inlets, but it seldom comes into play. The resort’s wide paspalum fairways are very forgiving, and the well-conditioned greens are smooth throughout the year. IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club can play as long as 6,734 from the tips, but multiple tees on each hole allow guests to choose their level of challenge. The signature hole at IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club is the par-3 12th, which has a spectacular view of the area’s lush greenery. The 172-yard hole requires a tee shot over an inlet of the lagoon – try not to worry about the crocodiles that frequently sun themselves on the banks. Beyond the course layout, IBEROSTAR Cancún Golf Club also provides great hospitality and value. Your green fee extends the IBEROSTAR all-inclusive experience to the golf course, including unlimited food and beverage on the course and a golf car. There’s also a full-service golf shop in the clubhouse, offering a wide selection of golf equipment, apparel and souvenirs. The 19th Hole restaurant is a great place to ﬁnish your golf experience by adding up your score – and making plans to return soon. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Moon Spa & Golf Club

This Jack Nicklaus Signature Design includes three nine-hole routings on the property of one of the Caribbean’s largest resorts

I The majestic clubhouse at Moon Spa & Golf Club is the hub of activity for 27 holes of golf, and is a short golf car ride away from the allinclusive luxury of Moon Palace Resort & Spa.

f you’re the sort of person who likes to go big, then Cancun’s Moon Spa & Golf Club is an ideal place for your next golf getaway. Not only does the golf include three distinct nine-hole layouts by Jack Nicklaus himself, but the clubhouse and courses are a short golf car ride from one of the largest all-inclusive resorts in the entire Caribbean: Moon Palace Resort & Spa. With more than 2,400 guest rooms, this is the sort of place where you can really live large. Moon Spa & Golf Club’s three nines are called Jungle, Lakes and Dunes for the different types of land each plays through. The Jungle Course sweeps across wetlands and marshes, presenting golfers with strategic challenges at every turn. Water comes into play on six of the nine holes on The Lakes Course, including the scenic par-3 eighth hole. And The Dunes Course is one of Nicklaus’ most intriguing design gems, with deceptively wide landing areas leading to well-guarded greens. All three courses will challenge even the best golfers if played from the back tees, but casual golfers will ﬁnd them fun and forgiving from the more forward tees. Conditions on all 27 holes at Moon Spa & Golf Club are tour-quality throughout the year, and there’s an excellent practice facility near the clubhouse with a short game area. While you’re on the course, keep your camera ready to snap photos of the many wildlife species you’re likely to see: Crocodiles, deer, coati, iguanas

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

and a wide variety of birds all call this Audubonrecognized area home, and their presence adds to the eco-friendly atmosphere at Moon Spa & Golf Club. The all-inclusive luxury experience of Palace Resorts can be found before, during and after your round at Moon Spa & Golf Club. Guests at Moon Palace are brought to the beautiful golf clubhouse via golf car limousine, where you can check in for your round in air-conditioned comfort. Moon Palace Resort & Spa features three separate sections of accommodations, from the family-friendly Nizuc and Sunrise sections to the more private Grand section. Numerous pools, restaurants, bars and entertainment options can be found throughout the sprawling resort. And for the ultimate in golf luxury, a number of exclusive villas can be found near the fairways of Moon Spa & Golf Club. â&#x2013;

Moon Spa & Golf Club Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 10 minutes south of Cancun International Airport A Jack Nicklaus Signature Design The Jungle Course: Par 36, 3,599 yards USGA rating 75.3/Slope 133 The Lakes Course: Par 36, 3,602 yards USGA rating 75.5/Slope 138 The Dunes Course: Par 36, 3,597 yards USGA rating 75.6/Slope 139 Moon Spa & Golf Club has a luxurious clubhouse with open terraces and breathtaking views of the Lakes and Jungle courses. The clubhouse has an air-conditioned snack bar, golf shop, reception area, locker rooms and spa facilities. Bag storage is available, as are rental clubs. A practice area includes range, chipping and putting greens and a practice bunker.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Puerto Cancun Golf Club Puerto Cancun Golf Club Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport A Tom Weiskopf design Par 72, 7,107 yards Puerto Cancun has a practice facility available to guests.

British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf’s golf course design is the centerpiece of this development in the heart of Cancun

Puerto Cancun Golf Club has multiple holes along the facility’s marina, creating spectacular water views.

ne of the newest courses located in Cancun itself is at Puerto Cancun Golf Club, a resort community along the eastern edge of the city between the hotel zone and the downtown area. Golf legend Tom Weiskopf designed the course, which has spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and holes that play directly along the water. The golf course at Puerto Cancun opened in April 2013. The course plays around a marina, with water coming into play on many holes. The proximity to the water also means you’ll have panoramic views of Cancun’s famed Caribbean Sea vistas. Weiskopf has used Puerto Cancun’s location to create a course with several dramatic water holes. The par-4 14th hole is a particular highlight, as the 400-yard hole plays parallel to the beach for a truly unique seaside golf experience. The 18th hole promises a memorable ﬁnish to your round, with an island green on the main canal leading to the marina. Puerto Cancun’s golf course is routed through a 270-acre ecological reserve, giving golfers views of the water and dense jungle as you work your way around the course. Weiskopf’s design will have you using every club in your bag, and giving your camera a workout, too. Golf is one of the amenities offered at Puerto Cancun, which is an 800-acre property that includes residential lots facing canals, the golf course and the beach. The community’s marina will be the largest boating facility in Cancun, and will accommodate yachts up to 125 feet in length. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Playa Mujeres Golf Club

Bordered by turquoise tropical waters, this Greg Norman Signature Course is a natural beauty

D With stunning views of Isla Mujeres and the Caribbean Sea, Playa Mujeres Golf Club is one of the most picturesque golf facilities in the Cancun area.

irectly north of Cancun and west of Isla Mujeres is a thin peninsula, which lies between the stunning waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Chacmuchuc Lagoon. This is home to Playa Mujeres Golf Club, a Greg Norman Signature Course designed and operated with great respect for the ecological wonders that surround it. Norman’s artful design incorporates the area’s native plant life and trees without disturbing the ecosystem for the indigenous wildlife. By using Paspalum SeaDwarf grass, which thrives near saltwater, Playa Mujeres Golf Club is ecologically sustainable and in excellent condition for golf throughout the year. Throughout the course, visitors ﬁnd breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Isla Mujeres. The course is routed with holes that play along the Chacmuchuc Lagoon, and others that provide views of the sea. On the ground, natural cenotes –deep natural pits that expose groundwater through collapsed limestone bedrock – run along some of the fairways. Don’t forget to focus on the golf course, which Norman has designed to be playable by all golfers of any skill level. The holes are framed by white sand bunkers and lush jungle vegetation, and the fairways are wide and forgiving. The large greens are challenging but not severe – as a resort course, Playa Mujeres is fun for the casual player and a test for more skillful players. Take note of the wind when you tee it up at Playa Mujeres Golf Club. On a windy day, you’ll ﬁnd some

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

holes playing two or three clubs longer or shorter. A great example is the 13th hole, a 519-yard par-5. Into a strong breeze, this is a true three-shot par-5. But on a calm day, long hitters can easily get home in two. Either way, reaching the green gives you one of the best views on the course: A panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters. Green fees at Playa Mujeres Golf Club include golf car rental, practice balls on the club’s range and bottle water on the course. There are stay and play packages available with nearby resorts, such as Excellence Playa Mujeres, La Amada and Villas del Palmar, some of which included unlimited golf during your stay. ■

Playa Mujeres Golf Club Cancun, Mexico Travel Time: 15 minutes north of the Cancun hotel zone A Greg Norman Signature Course Par 72, 7,218 yards USGA rating 74.5/Slope 139 Playa Mujeres Golf Club has a stunning contemporary clubhouse overlooking a tranquil lake. The full-service golf shop carries many major brands of equipment and apparel, as well as souvenir items and necessities from golf balls to sunscreen. Rental clubs and shoes are available as well. Located inside the clubhouse is the Lagoon Grill, serving hot food and cold drinks with your choice of indoor or outdoor seating.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Destination Spotlight: Cancun In just four decades, Cancun has evolved into a vacation hotspot with something for everyone

any visitors to Cancun may not know that the city and its surroundings are younger than they are. Like a ďŹ ne wine, however, Cancun is getting even better with age. As recently as the late 1960s, Cancun was essentially a deserted island at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The area was called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kankunâ&#x20AC;? on most maps, and the Quintana Roo area had yet to be granted statehood by the Mexican government. The city was conceived in 1969 as a master-planned tourist city, complete with separate areas for resorts and for residential development.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

All About Cancun Travel Time: Most resorts in Cancun are within 15–20 minutes of Cancun International Airport. Population: 630,000 Currency: The official currency is the Mexican Peso, but American dollars are also widely accepted. Banks and currency exchange houses can be found throughout the area. Language: Spanish is the official language, but most Mexicans in the tourist industry speak English, and many speak French, Italian and German. Many locals also speak Mayan. Weather: Average temperatures range from highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s (Fahrenheit) from October through March, with highs in the low 90s and lows in the 70s from April to September. Transportation: Taxis are easy to find throughout Cancun. The airport has its own taxi system for getting travelers to their accommodations.

Cancun’s most enduring image is of white sandy beaches and the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Construction started in 1970, with a road from Puerto Juarez and an airstrip serving the newly named Cancun area first on the agenda. Then came the work of transforming a narrow strip of sand dunes and coastal marshes into inhabitable land with electricity and drinking water. A number of massive engineering projects followed, and the first resorts opened in the hotel zone in 1974 – the same year Quintana Roo gained statehood. What those first visitors found was what today’s travelers still marvel at: Miles of sandy beaches and endless views of stunning blue Caribbean waters. By the 1980s, Cancun wasn’t just on the map: It had become one of the hottest, fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. The city’s master plan anticipated such growth, making it easy to accommodate the addition of more resorts, golf courses and a large, modern airport just south of the city. It has surpassed the Bahamas and Puerto Rico as the premier destination in the Caribbean, and regularly ranks as the most desirable vacation spots for U.S. travelers. In its teenage years, Cancun got a reputation as a spring break party town – thanks, of course, to teenagers and college students from the U.S. descending upon the city to enjoy its affordable hotels and amazing weather. Over the past decade, however, Cancun has matured and now appeals to an incredibly wide spectrum of travelers. The area’s many resorts cater to all segments of the travel world, including families, couples, newlyweds, retirees, ecotourists and, of course, golfers. There are still spring breakers that make the pilgrimage to Cancun, but they’re a much smaller part of the area’s identity than they once were. Of course, that’s not to say that Cancun has forgotten how to have a good time! The downtown nightlife is still the stuff of legend. If you like dancing all night, nightclubs such as Coco Bongo, The City, Dady’O and others have laser light shows and the latest music from international DJs. Bars such as Senor Frog’s and Carlos n’ Charlie’s stay open until the early hours of morning with great party atmospheres. And there’s live

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

music at clubs such as the Bulldog Cafe or Dady Rock with everything from rock music to local salsa and merengue bands. Among the newest trends in Cancun travel is ecotourism, which attracts active travelers looking to enjoy the diverse natural beauty of the area. A number of eco-parks offer zip lines that allow guests to ﬂy through the jungle, while the clear Caribbean waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. And with an easy drive on your own or in a guided tour, you can be at ancient ruins in Tulum or Chichen Itza – and back in time to hit the clubs that night.

“Cancun is a terriﬁc experience on all levels. The golf courses are fun, and my wife loved taking advantage of the spas. I know my club members will be very interested in Cancun. There really is something for everyone, from dancing in the nightclubs to quiet moments on the beach!” – PGA Professional Judd Stephenson, Avon Oaks Country Club, Ohio

Many resorts are also catering to a more sophisticated clientele that expects ﬁve-star accommodations, dining and spa experiences. There are a number of world-class resorts that offer amenities such as butler service, spas created by famous designers and some of the ﬁnest chefs in the Caribbean offering a diverse variety of cuisine options. There is also duty free shopping at everything from ultra-chick designer stores to small shops with handcrafted wares made locally. At the same time, families now represent a growing portion of Cancun’s visitors. Many resorts offer “kids club” services that provide fun, supervised activities that kids love – and that give mom and dad some alone time to relax.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

There are also plenty of fun family activities offered throughout the Cancun resort community, from swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean to water slides and surf simulators. Part of the plan for all of these tourist segments is golf, which is now a mainstay of the Cancun tourist scene. There are more than 10 courses in the area – by designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones – with more planned in coming years. The new TPC Cancun facility near the airport is the first course to bear the TPC name outside of the U.S., and golfers have seen nearby courses to the south thanks to Golf Channel’s “Big Break Mexico” and coverage of the PGA TOUR’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba. Whatever brings you to Cancun, you’ll enjoy the same benefits as your fellow travelers to this vacation paradise. For example, Cancun International Airport offers more airlift than any other airport in the Caribbean, making it easy to find flights from cities throughout the U.S. and Latin America. Most U.S. travelers can have breakfast at home and be on the beach in Cancun by early afternoon thanks to the number of flights available. Cancun’s variety and number of resort options – including more than 34,000 hotel rooms – also offer the chance to find exactly what you’re looking for in terms of price, location and experience. As Cancun continues to grow in its fourth decade as a premier destination, it continues to evolve. If you’ve been to Cancun in the past, it’s time to come back for another look. And if you’ve never been, what are you waiting for? And make sure you bring your golf clubs! ■

Cancun has greatly diversiﬁed its image as a vacation destination, as it now offers many options for families (top left), golfers (bottom left) and spa enthusiasts (above).

A Mexican Spirit A Mayan Soul

Rising from the mystical land of the Yucatan Peninsula and the shimmering waters of the Mexican Caribbean, NIZUC Resort & Spa invites you to GLVFRYHU D QHZ VWDQGDUG LQ UH´QHPHQW

www.nizuc.com 1.855.MY.NIZUC

Riviera Maya: The Inside Story

This coastal stretch offers a multidimensional look at Mexican golf and culture, with off-course activities that range from ecotourism to nightlife and shopping

ew places on earth cause as much amazement as Riviera Maya. What makes this destination special is the privileged location on Mexico’sYucatan Peninsula, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea embrace the powdery white sand of the beaches that cover the coastline. The 86 miles of Caribbean coast that stretches the length of Riviera Maya exudes the multifaceted spirit of the destination. Sun and Sand, Maya Culture, ecotourism and adventure, cenotes, diving, snorkeling, shopping and nightlife are just a few of the many exiting options Riviera Maya offers to provide our guests with a truly unique and marvelous experience. We asked Riviera Maya director of tourism Dario Flota to tell us more about this unique part of the Mexican Caribbean, and here’s what he told us:

Dario Flota says the Riviera Maya region has a rich cultural heritage, including the Mayan ruins throughout the area.

What should golfers from outside Mexico know about Riviera Maya as a golf destination? Riviera Maya, located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, is home to a diverse collection of golf courses designed by some of the world’s most recognized course designers. From white sand beaches to Mayan temples and tropical jungles, the Rivera Maya offers players of all abilities a unique and unparalleled golﬁng experience while being surrounded by unmatched beauty and culture. The Riviera Maya is currently home to seven golf courses ranging in styles including beachfront courses, tropical jungle inland courses and courses designed around ecological interests. The region also has a new luxury course scheduled for completion in 2014.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

What sets Riviera Maya apart from other parts of the region? Riviera Maya is a unique destination in many different ways. First, there is the rich cultural heritage from the Mayas, a millenary culture that inhabited the area many centuries ago. As silent witnesses of this once very important culture you find various ceremonial and commercial sites that are now open for visitors. Then there is the modern Maya Culture, with more than two million Mayas that live on theYucatan Peninsula, who speak their native language and who are faithful to their roots and traditions. Another Maya heritage is the local gastronomy were delicious dishes are prepared with traditional ingredients and according to ancient recipes. Riviera Maya is blessed with gorgeous nature, several protected areas and biosphere reserves offer amazing experiences for nature lovers, and just offshore in the waters of the Caribbean Sea is the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest coal barrier reef on the Northern Hemisphere. Riviera Maya is visited by tourists from all corners of the world giving the destination a unique and very cosmopolitan atmosphere rarely found in other destinations. How has your area changed in the last decade? Riviera Maya has experienced a tremendous growth in the last decade. Many hotels & resorts have opened along the coastline, all of them built with great care to protect the surrounding natural environment. Very interesting is the growth of the luxury market; hotels such as Fairmont, Rosewood, Banyan Tree and Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort have opened their doors in Riviera Maya, catering to the most demanding traveler. Also, the downtown walking area of 5th Avenue with its exciting boutiques, bars and restaurants has become the hub of the region attracting people from all over the world who come here to shop, dine or dance the night away in Playa del Carmen. And Tulum has become very famous for its laid-back bohemian atmosphere, attracting those visitors that want to rest and relax away from the hustle and the bustle of big cities. There hotels are small, mostly built with regional materials and in harmony with the natural environment. Many people come here to practice yoga and to meditate, giving the destination an intriguing spiritual touch. What’s your best tip for first-time travelers to your area? Riviera Maya offers a wide variety of excursions, parks and tours for you to enjoy. A vacation is not complete without a visit to one of the Mayan archeological sites that are located in the area. Parallel to the coastline runs the Mesoamerican Reef, offering amazing options for snorkeling and scuba diving, and then there are also the cenotes, the mystical fresh water sinkholes that connect underground caves and rivers – and which represented the entrance to the Xibalba, the ancient Mayan underworld. Nowadays the cenotes are open for scuba divers to explore. The lush jungle that covers the Yucatan Peninsula is great for those seeking eco-tourism and adventure. Companies dedicated to outdoor activities offer ziplines, rappelling, snorkeling and swimming in cenotes, the skycycle – which was invented in Riviera Maya –and even the unique Avatar, a human rollercoaster zipline that make you scream until you splash into a cenote. The parks of Riviera Maya offer fun for the whole family and in Tulum and in Playa del Carmen you will find attractive options for shopping, dining and nightlife. With seven golf courses and the many spas in the different hotels there is so much to do and see that one really needs to plan their vacation well in order not to miss out on anything, or simply come back and explore more of this wonderful destination. ■

Eco-tourism is a major draw in the Riviera May, with opportunities to explore the Caribbean Sea and inland freshwater cenotes.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Riviera Maya Golf Club at Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya

This southern Riviera Maya course has 27 holes and a location near Tulum’s famous Mayan ruins

T Robert Trent Jones II’s design at Riviera Maya Golf Club incorporates the natural terrain, including lakes and cenotes.

he Mayan ruins at Tulum are one of the most visited areas of the Riviera Maya. And if you’re looking to combine archeology with golf, the Riviera Maya Golf Club at Grand Bahia Principe Tulum gives you a chance to enjoy this rare combination. Located just south of Playa del Carmen and only 20 minutes north of the Tulum ruins, Riviera Maya Golf Club features a 27-hole design by Robert Trent Jones II. The layout includes an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole par-3 course, providing both a challenge to skilled players and a more relaxing experience for novice golfers. Riviera Maya Golf Club is nestled within a 290-acre tropical forest along a limestone quarry just inland from the Caribbean Sea. Jones and his design team were able to build all 27 holes in the space of 90 acres, using the newest construction equipment and technology to leave the majority of the lush greenery untouched. Natural lakes, cenotes and the majestic Mayan jungle are part of the golf course, which looks as if it has been part of the landscape for centuries. Jones employed his “listen to the land” philosophy of golf course architecture to create dramatic golf holes that are framed by jungle with exposed limestone and cenotes. Jones has also given golfers many options on how to play each hole, from bombing away off the tee to carefully working their way around the course with hybrids and irons off the tee. Riviera Maya Golf Club also has outstanding year-round conditions thanks to

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Riviera Maya Golf Club Riviera Maya Golf Club Tulum, Mexico Travel Time: 80 minutes from Cancun International Airport A Robert Trent Jones II design course Championship course (18 holes) Par 72, 7,272 yards USGA rating 75.0/Slope 137 Par-3 course (9 holes) Par 27, 1,265 yards Riviera Maya Golf Club has a clubhouse with a full-service golf shop, restaurant and bar, as well as a social area. A full practice facility includes a driving range, chipping green and putting green, and golf clubs and shoes are available for rental.

tee-to-green use of Paspalum Platinum grass, which thrives in warm weather and near saltwater. On the championship course, the sixth hole provides a prime example of the options Riviera Maya Golf Club provides its players. Golfers may choose to hit a fairway wood or hybrid off the tee and leave themselves a mid-iron into this par-4. Or you can hit driver and hope to leave a short wedge approach – taking care to avoid the large cenote that guards the left side of the green. Riviera Maya Golf Club is part of the Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort. This ﬁve-star hotel complex consists of four distinct hotels: Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an, Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, Grand Bahia Principe Akumal and Grand Bahia Principe Coba. Guests at these all-inclusive luxury resorts can make reservations to play Riviera Maya Golf Club at a special resort rate. Each of the three Grand Bahia Principe properties in the complex is located on the Caribbean Sea with white sand beaches, and a minitrain connects the properties so you can enjoy the best of all three. ■

The Golf Club at Playacar

Beautifully designed in a dense tropical jungle, this perennial favorite is one of the toughest courses in all of Mexico

A The Golf Club at Playacar is one of the most demanding golf courses in Mexico.

rchitect Robert von Hagge designed critically acclaimed golf courses throughout the Caribbean, and The Golf Club at Playacar is one of his greatest works. Opened in 1984, Playacar was the first golf course in the Riviera Maya – and it has matured magnificently, with the demanding layout now blending seamlessly with the lush tropical jungle surroundings. The course requires both power and precision to score well, especially from the back tees at more than 7,100 yards. Choose an appropriate set of tees for your skill level – there are four to choose from – because Playacar plays long with the prevailing winds sweeping in off the nearby Caribbean Sea. By playing a more forward set of tees, you can have fun and appreciate the beauty of the Mayan jungle. But if you’re looking for a challenge, play the course from the tips and see how well you handle von Hagge’s design. If you do seek a challenge, The Golf Club at Playacar provides it. Rolling mounds and sloping fairways create lies that will test the best players, while several holes present blind tee shots or approach shots. You’ll use every club in the bag, yet Playacar never becomes a punishing brute: Golfers leave the course with a smile, and ready to return for another shot at Von Hagge’s masterpiece. The 2nd hole serves as an example of the beauty and difficulty The Golf Club at Playacar presents throughout the layout. The long par-5 has an elevated fairway that runs down to the green, creating the

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

The Golf Club at Playacar Playa del Carmen, Mexico Travel Time: 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport A Robert von Hagge design Par 72, 7,136 yards USGA rating 76.1/Slope 148 The Golf Club at Playacar’s clubhouse has a full-service golf shop, a bar and grill, and locker and shower facilities. A full practice facility includes a driving range with a practice green for chipping and putting. Golf clubs and shoes are available for rental.

opportunity for long hitters to go for the green in two by letting a fairway wood or hybrid shot run up onto the putting surface. The back half of the green, however, is surrounded by a lake that is only paces away from the back fringe. Anything running onto the green with much pace is likely to roll into the water and dash any hopes you had of eagle or birdie on the hole. The Golf Club at Playacar is an all-inclusive golf experience, with food and drinks on the course and in the clubhouse included with your round. The course is easily accessible from the many resorts in the Playacar area, making it easy to move quickly from the course to the sandy breaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea – or in a matter of minutes, you can be in the middle of the party on Playa del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue. ■

Playacar’s fairways are guarded by dense jungle, rolling mounds and strategically placed bunkers.

The Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association This collection of outstanding golf courses is drawing visitors to Mexico from the U.S., Canada and around the world

ith 13 golf courses from Playa Mujeres in the north to Riviera Maya Golf Club in the south, The Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association (MCGCA) covers a lot of ground. With the area quickly becoming one of the world’s hottest golf destinations, we asked MCGCA General Director Liz Melo to give us the inside story on the area for golf travelers, and here’s what she told us:

What sets the Mexican Caribbean apart from other destinations in the Caribbean? The Mexican Caribbean is home of the Mayans, a local culture that embedded its heritage everywhere you go in the Yucatan Peninsula. The area has also attracted immigrants from around the world, all of whom have brought parts of their own culture to an already rich area. This makes the Mexican Caribbean a shining destination where modern meets ancient, where the turquoise sea meets white-powder sand, where international cuisine meets local ingredients – all bonded with the hospitality of its residents and sealed with a warm and welcoming smile. How has the Mexican Caribbean changed in the last decade? Cancun, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, together with the Riviera Maya, have rapidly evolved to surpass the standards of the most discerning traveler. This includes fantastic restaurants offering amazing food, and upscale accommodations ranging from boutique hotels that cater to couples to family all-inclusive hotels. And commercial developments such as Plaza La Isla in Cancun or 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, where international clothing and accessories stores blend with upscale local designers, have become part of the lifestyle of both residents and visitors alike. What’s the future of golf in the Mexican Caribbean? As the news spreads about golf in the destination, more and more golfers that have played our courses are recommending the area and becoming our greatest salespeople! Our visitors go home and talk about the blue water, the white sand and the green of our courses, as well as the hospitality. This increasing awareness prepares the terrain for future golf developments, and makes the Mexican Caribbean a fantastic option for the U.S. and Canadian golfers due to the connections and ﬂight times into Cancun. We’re also starting to see golfers from South America, Europe and even Asia thanks to the efforts of our Mexican Tourism Board as well as the regional Tourism Boards, and the tour operators who feel comfortable telling travelers about the high quality of golf and lodging in the Mexican Caribbean. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Golf Locations in the MexicanCaribbean United States

3 Hours

Gulf of Mexico Cuba

Mexico

3 4

2 Hours

7 8 9 10 11 12

13 1

Playa Mujeres Golf Club

El Manglar at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya

Puerto Cancun Golf Club

IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club

Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok

El Camaleón at Mayakoba

IBEROSTAR Cancun Golf Club

Grand Coral Riviera Maya

Riviera Cancun Golf Club

The Golf Club at Playacar

TPC Cancun at Cancun Country Club

Moon Spa & Golf Club

Riviera Maya Golf Club at Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya

Cozumel Country Club

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Grand Coral Riviera Maya

Balancing the environment and playability, Nick Price’s new design in Playa del Carmen is a modern marvel

W Grand Coral Riviera Maya is an eco-friendly design that provides a habitat for indigenous wildlife.

hen Nick Price and his design team studied what would become the Grand Coral Riviera Maya course in Playa del Carmen, they didn’t just think about fairways and greens – they also took into account environmental impact, water preservation and how to disrupt the ecosystem as little as possible. A team of biologists and environmental consultants helped shape Grand Coral Riviera Maya into a case study for how golf and the environment can beneﬁt each other. The stunning course provides a fun and challenging golf experience, but also preserves a vital habitat for local plant and animal life – without using too many resources in the process. As for the golf, Price authored a layout that winds through dense jungle that opens to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The design is forgiving enough for casual golfers to enjoy themselves, while better players will enjoy learning the nuances of the design through repeat visits. Hole No. 6 is representative of the way the Grand Coral Riviera Maya course design works for different types of players. The 399-yard par-4 has a lake that guards the entire right side of the gentle dogleg-right design. The average player has plenty of room to play down the left side of the fairway for a safe angle of attack into the green and a good chance at par or bogey. Meanwhile, a stronger player can challenge the water by taking an aggressive line down the right side of the fairway, which again brings the water into play

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Grand Coral Riviera Maya Playa del Carmen, Mexico Travel Time: 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport

on their approach shot into the large green. Two good shots will earn a putt for birdie, but one Par 71, 7,043 yards mistake will lead to a watery bogey – or worse. USGA rating 74.8/Slope 141 “With all the best beaches and the Caribbean Grand Coral Riviera Maya has a large clubhouse with a fullservice golf shop, a snack bar, spa, swimming pool, and locker Sea, and all the vibrant city of Playa del Carmen and shower facilities. A full practice facility includes a driving close by, this is a perfect place to play and enjoy range with a practice green for chipping and putting. Golf clubs and shoes are available for rental. life,” Price says about Grand Coral Riviera Maya. “The golf course is off to a great start.” The golf course also includes a large, modern practice area and a spectacular contemporary clubhouse near the Nick Price Residences at Grand Coral Riviera Maya. The facilities include a ﬁtness center, swimming pool, spa, snack bar and a full-service pro shop. A day pass for visitors includes green fees, use of the practice facility and all-inclusive food and beverages in the clubhouse and throughout the resort. ■ A Nick Price design

Grand Coral Rivera Maya also offers a spa for visitors and resort guests.

Reservations US. 1 888 830 9008 res2facb@posadas.com t Ph. (998) 881 3200 Hotel Zone Km 9.5, Cancun, Mexico

www.coralbeachcancunhotel.com

IBEROSTARPlaya Paraíso GolfClub

Thanks to Golf Channel’s popular reality show, this Riviera Maya gem is getting its “Big Break” with millions of TV viewers

I The P.B. Dye design at IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club was inﬂuenced by the area's Mayan ruins and natural beauty.

BEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club is home to more than an outstanding P.B. Dye golf course – it’s also the host site of Golf Channel’s popular Big Break reality competition series, which was recently held in Mexico for the first time. “Big Break Mexico” brought six men and six women together for a series of competitions that would determine an ultimate winner. That winner receives a prize package that includes an exemption into either the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba or the LPGA Tour Lorena Ochoa Invitational. Speaking of the Mexican golf legend, Ochoa herself surprised the Big Break participants during filming at the IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club. “Big Break Mexico” is airing on Golf Channel throughout the summer of 2013, showcasing Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean as a vacation destination for golfers from around the world. When you visit IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club, you’ll find the same breathtaking P.B. Dye-designed golf course that impressed the 12 Big Break participants – and has been drawing rave reviews from golfers since opening in 2005. Taking his design cues from the Mayan ruins that surround the golf course, Dye crafted a layout with dramatic elevation changes and exposed rock. As challenging as it is beautiful, the course has narrow fairways and undulating greens, with deep bunkers guarding the landing areas. Dye’s design balances difficulty with beautiful views, and includes a variety of tee boxes on each hole to allow golfers of different skill levels to enjoy the game.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

The par-5 18th hole serves as a prime example of Dye’s design style at IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club. At 548 yards from the tips, the longest hitters can take a shot at getting home in two if they’ve hit a long, accurate drive. But the penalty for missing the green with a fairway wood or long iron is severe, as the putting surface is protected by pot bunkers, trees and a collection area that make a bogey or worse a likelihood. But golfers playing from the white tees will ﬁnd the hole playing 75 yards shorter, leaving wide landing areas for a drive and layup that will make birdie or par a realistic goal. IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club is open to guests of the ﬁve IBEROSTAR hotels in Playa Paraíso: Grand Hotel Paraíso, Paraíso Beach, Paraíso Del Mar, Paraíso Lindo and Paraíso Maya. Each of these properties is an all-inclusive resort just 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen. Golf is often included in packages at the various IBEROSTAR resorts in Playa Paraíso, and the golf experience is all-inclusive – soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and food during and after your round are included at no extra charge. ■

IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club Playa Paraíso, Mexico Travel Time: 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport Designed by P.B. Dye Par 72, 6,641 yards USGA rating 72.4/Slope 136 IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club provides round-trip ground transportation from all IBEROSTAR Riviera Maya properties. Each round includes golf car, beverages and food before, during and after your round. The course includes a full practice facility, and professional golf instruction is available. Club rentals are also available, and the clubhouse includes a full-service golf shop.

Two amazing courses. Each an unforgettable, all-inclusive golf vacation.

IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso Golf Club Host of Big Break Mexico

At IBEROSTAR Golf Resorts in Mexico you’ll experience warm hospitality, the finest accommodations, unlimited dining, a huge array of activities and some of the finest golf in Mexico. Enjoy spectacular playing conditions and all-inclusive food and beverages at the 18-hole championship IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso and IBEROSTAR Cancún golf clubs. Welcome to a golf experience unlike any other! IBEROSTAR Golf Resorts, where you are a star both on and off the course. R I V I E R A M AYA - C A N C U N For more information on golf packages: E-mail accountmanager@iberostar-hotels.com

El Camaleón at Mayakoba El Camaleón at Mayakoba Riviera Maya, Mexico Travel Time: 40 minutes south of Cancun International Airport A Greg Norman Design 18 holes, Par 72, 7,024 yards USGA rating 73.8/Slope 137 El Camaleón has a contemporary clubhouse with full locker room and shower facility and a full-service golf shop. The clubhouse is also home to the Aaktun Grill, which has a full menu and bar service. High-end golf clubs and footwear are available for rental. El Camaleón has a PGA Tour-quality practice area, and the golf course also offers tournament services for singleday or multiple-day events.

Greg Norman designed this championship course to test the world’s best players, but everyone can enjoy this modern classic

At El Camaleón, you can play the same course as the PGA Tour professionals who compete in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba.

he only PGA TOUR event held outside the U.S. is a special tournament, and it takes a special course to host it. El Camaleón, nestled within the Mayakoba enclave along the Caribbean Sea near Playa del Carmen, has hosted the OHL Classic at Mayakoba since its inception in 2007. Centered in the resort area between the Fairmont, Rosewood and Banyan Tree properties, the golf course fits seamlessly into its surroundings. At various times you’ll see the Caribbean Sea, dense vegetation and luxury gondolas moving along Mayakoba’s limestone canals. El Camaleón’s 18 holes work their way through three separate ecosystems: jungle, mangroves and oceanfront. The connection to nature is evident on the first hole, where a cenote – a natural cave leading through limestone to an underground river –looms in the middle of the fairway. The course is truly a chameleon: The PGA TOUR players who tee it up in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba find themselves challenged by Greg Norman’s layout, which can stretch to more than 7,000 yards from the tips. With five sets of tees on each hole, however, resort guests can enjoy El Camaleón from a more reasonable yardage and enjoy a round that blends championship-level golf with striking beauty. Guests at El Camaleón can also work on their game at the Jim McLean Golf School Mayakoba, which offers one of the country’s top practice facilities and teaching centers. Featuring state-of-theart teaching technology, top instructors and a practice area that includes a 350-yard double-sided teeing area and a 40-yard chipping area, the Jim McLean Golf School Mayakoba can get your swing in shape before you challenge El Camaleón. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

OHL Classic at Mayakoba

Greg Norman designed this championship course to test the worldÕs best players, but everyone can enjoy this modern classic

ig changes have come to Mexico’s PGA TOUR event at Mayakoba, and they should result in an even better event for spectators and competitors alike. Starting this year, the event formerly known as the Mayakoba Golf Classic becomes the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. Along with the new name come new dates on the calendar, moving from the previous dates in February – opposite the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship – to mid-November. The new dates mean the OHL Classic at Mayakoba is no longer held opposite an event for the world’s top 64 players, meaning the world’s best are now free to play at Mayakoba. There’s also big money at stake, with the OHL Classic at Mayakoba increasing its purse to $6 million (U.S.) with a winner’s share of more than $1 million with 500 FedExCup points. This makes the OHL Classic at Mayakoba one of the biggest purses on tour, with the largest payout of any golf tournament in Latin America.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Photography by Michael O’Bryon The PGA TOUR began hosting this event at Mayakoba in 2007, when it became the first PGA TOUR event played outside the U.S. or Canada and became Mexico's first PGA TOUR event. The event is set to stay at Mayakoba through at least 2018, and the event has shown steady growth in attendance and prominence. This year, the new November dates mean the OHL Classic at Mayakoba will receive hours of live tournament coverage on Golf Channel, with the potential to reach viewers in more than 200 countries. That brings a great deal of attention to Mayakoba and the entire Mexican Caribbean region as a golf destination. The tournament itself is a favorite of fans and players. OHL Classic at Mayakoba The fans love the unique Heineken Beach Club set up Riviera Maya, Mexico along the beach behind the 15th hole, where resort guests November 11–17, 2013 in bikinis mingle with golf spectators watching the action. PGA TOUR Official Event There’s nothing else like it on the PGA TOUR, and it spotPurse: $6 million (U.S.) lights the casual Caribbean charmof Mayakoba. Many of Field: 132 PGA TOUR professionals the fans also stay at one of the on-site resorts, giving them TV: Golf Channel a chance to sometimes rub shoulders with their golf www.OHLClassic.com heroes.

Thousands of local spectators and millions of golf fans around the world watch the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, the PGA TOUR event that was won in 2012 by John Huh (inset).

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

OHL Classic Past Champions 2012: John Huh 2011: Johnson Wagner 2010: Cameron Beckman 2009: Mark Wilson 2008: Brian Gay 2007: Fred Funk Other players to tee it up at past OHL Classics include Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell, Greg Norman, Rich Beem, Mark Brooks, Mark Calcavecchia, K.J. Choi, Ben Curtis, Jason Dufner, David Duval, Steve Elkington, Matt Kuchar, Shaun Micheel, Larry Mize, Jose Maria Olazabal, Corey Pavin, Nick Price and Jeff Sluman.

Players enjoy visiting Mayakoba because of the warm crowds and many activities for their families.

Players love playing in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba because of the El Camaleón course and the hospitality of the on-site resorts. The Greg Norman design at El Camaleón is challenging but fun, with great riskreward holes and superb conditioning. The players also enjoy bringing their families along to enjoy the sun-kissed luxury of the Mayakoba resorts, with many players returning year after year to combine business with pleasure. ■

Mayakoba includes great golf and resorts Mayakoba is a luxurious enclave in the Riviera Maya just north of Playa del Carmen, with the island of Cozumel visible across the sparking waters of the Caribbean Sea. In addition to the El Camaleón golf course and Jim McLean Golf School, there are three world-class resorts located on the property, each of which use boats to transport guests to their accommodations along six miles of canals. Fairmont Mayakoba: With 410 guest rooms and suites, the Fairmont Mayakoba is spread across 45 acres of lush tropical mangroves. The accommodations include beach and lagoon casitas, each with amazing views. The resort’s signature restaurant is Las Brisas, serving Latin America cuisine in a traditional setting under a large palapa – a thatched roof. The resort’s Willow Stream Spa overlooks mangrove forests and opulent gardens for secluded relaxation. Rosewood Mayakoba: Voted Best Hotel in Mexico by Travel+Leisure, the Rosewood Mayakoba has 128 suites located among the mangroves or on the beach. The architectural design of the suites is unsurpassed, with lagoon suites suspended over the water and beach suites featuring rooftop sitting areas and plunge pools. Private butler service is just part of the personalized experience each Rosewood Mayakoba guest receives. The Punta Bonita restaurant serves Mexican specialities just steps from the Caribbean Sea, while the Tequila Library at Agave Azul celebrates the heritage of Mexico’s unique beverage. Sense, a Rosewood Spa, is situated on a private island with a crystal clear cenote guests can explore, and offers a golf-speciﬁc massage for increased ﬂexibility. Banyan Tree Mayakoba: This opulent resort adds touches of Asian hospitality to the Mexican surroundings to create a unique sense of place. All 107 villas at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba are freestanding units on land or above water. The Saffron restaurant serves contemporary Thai cuisine prepared by chefs from Phuket. The Banyan Tree Spa features The Rainforest, a complete hydrothermal experience based upon Asian wellness philosophies.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

At the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, fans get the chance to see their favorite players up close.

What the pros say about El Camaleón “I remember the ﬁrst year of the event, the guys who came down had a bit of trepidation. But the word got out after the ﬁrst practice round; the players said, ‘Wow, what a great golf course.’ And it continued to what a great time they’re having at Mayakoba, at the resorts and the beaches. So that reputation built on itself. The guys said, ‘Boy, you’ve got to get down to Mayakoba and enjoy what they have to offer.” —Greg Norman “The golf course is in great shape, it’s matured nicely. I think you’re going to see even more really nice courses coming into this area over the next 10 years.” —Nick Price “The spectators were so good. We had an eight-hole playoff and they all stayed to watch us. I’m really looking forward to playing here again next year.” —John Huh “What a beautifully conditioned golf course, one of the best we play all year. The fairways are perfect, and it’s a challenging golf course if you’re not hitting it well. I’ve loved every minute I’ve been here. I want to come back with my wife on a vacation; it has been incredibly beautiful.” —Johnson Wagner

El Manglar at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya

This outstanding 18-hole short course is great fun for new players and skilled golfers alike, proving good things come in small packages

B El Manglar's collection of 18 par-3 holes is perfect for families, or for skilled golfers seeking a quick round early or late in the day.

igger isn’t always better, and the El Manglar golf course at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya is proof. This 18-hole Nicklaus Design course plays 2,923 yards – compared with many full-length courses that stretch beyond 7,000 yards. As a result, El Manglar can provide a unique golf experience to players of all skill levels. For example, El Manglar’s shorter length off the tee can make it the perfect place to introduce juniors and new golfers to the sport. The course has all the hallmarks of a full-length Nicklaus Design course – outstanding conditioning, rolling fairways, undulating greens and plenty of water and sand to avoid – but in a layout that is the right size for a young or new player to navigate. From the forward tees, holes play from 69 to 181 yards, and all are par-3s. But the experienced player can also enjoy a round at El Manglar. Because of the shorter yardage, a round moves more quickly at El Manglar, which makes it ideal for an early morning round before joining the family for lunch and an afternoon at the beach, or for a late-afternoon round to settle bets with your golﬁng buddies. The Nicklaus Design team didn’t shortchange the El Manglar layout in terms of strategy or natural beauty. The course coexists wonderfully with the ecologically sensitive wetlands and lush jungle vegetation that surrounds the area. And even the most skilled golfer will ﬁnd themselves presented with challenging

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

shots throughout the course thanks to the creative hole designs. Perhaps the best example is the par-3 17th hole, which features what’s known as the “Donna” green. This green is has a bunker in the middle of the putter surface, and has another two bunkers protecting it around the outside of the green. The hole only plays 132 yards from the back tees, but even a scratch golfer is happy to leave the 17th hole with a par.

El Manglar at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya blends seamlessly into the surroundings, which include ecologically sensitive wetlands and lush jungle vegetation along the Caribbean Sea. The round ends with a most memorable hole. The island green on the 18th hole makes for a heroic final tee shot. From the back tees, finding the putter surface from 195 yards is hardly a sure thing. And from 159 yards at the blue tees, lofting an iron shot onto the green can make a memory most golfers will never forget. Chances are that you’ve never seen a short course as interesting or fun as El Manglar. And don’t forget that playing 18 par-3s means 18 chances at an elusive hole in one – the course provides special hole in one certificates to any golfer lucky enough to score an ace on El Manglar, and you get your name on the clubhouse’s special board. El Manglar is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen at the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya resort, an outstanding place for a family vacation or an adult getaway. From the luxurious accommodations to white sand beaches and activities for all ages, Mayan Palace Riviera Maya can be a wonderful home base for a golf vacation to the Mexican Caribbean. ■

El Manglar at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya Riviera Maya, Mexico Travel Time: 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport A Nicklaus Design Par 54, 2,923 yards USGA rating 51.0/Slope 90 El Manglar at Mayan Palace offers a driving range and putting green for practice and warming up before a round. Green fees include transportation to and from area hotels, and high-end golf clubs and shoes are available for rental. A full-service golf shop and the Green Break restaurant and bar are located in the El Manglar clubhouse.

Destination Spotlight: RivieraMaya

The ancient home of Mayan civilization remains a magical place ﬁlled with new destinations for travelers to experience

ew places on earth blend the past and the present quite as magically as the expansive area known as the Riviera Maya. Stretching along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from south of Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Riviera Maya is home to the ancient Mayan civilization – including the archaeological sites of Tulum and Coba. But amidst the remnants of another time, a dazzling array of new resorts and attractions have emerged to bring this historic area into prominence in the 21st century.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

The archeological site at Tulum are one of Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest attractions, and within an easy drive of all the resorts in the Riviera Maya.

All About the Riviera Maya Travel Time: 30–45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport Population: 187,573 Currency: The official currency is the Mexican Peso, but American dollars are also widely accepted. Banks and currency exchange offices can be found throughout the area. Language: Spanish is the official language, but most Mexicans in the tourist industry speak English, and many speak French, Italian and German. Many locals also speak Mayan. Weather: Average temperatures range from highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s (Fahrenheit) from October through March, with highs in the low 90s and lows in the 70s from April to September. Transportation: The Cancun airport has its own taxi system for getting travelers to their accommodations in the Riviera Maya. Once there, taxis and chartered transportation can be booked through resorts and golf courses.

The turquoise and green waters of the Caribbean Sea provide endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

If you’re considering a trip to the Riviera Maya, keep in mind that you’ll be staying in a land that is believed to have been settled as early as 2600 B.C. The Maya descend from the people who came to North America via the Bering Strait, and eventually settled in what would become Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. By 250 A.D., the Maya were an advanced civilization with unique religious beliefs and many advancements in science, mathematics and the written word. While the Maya were conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, they left behind amazing works of architecture that are still a vital part of the Riviera Maya area. The ruins at Tulum and Coba are stunning reminders of the past, and there are as many as 500,000 Maya living in the Yucatan Peninsula and speaking the native Maya language. Interest in Mayan culture is seeing a renaissance thanks to the growth of the Riviera Maya area over the past 20 years. As Cancun grew in popularity, travelers continued to push south into this historic area in search of different experiences. As a result, the Riviera Maya now includes a great diversity of accommodations, from large all-inclusive resorts and ﬁve-star boutique hotels to rustic lodges along the coast and in the lush jungle. Unique to the Riviera Maya is the seclusion offered by the resorts in the area. Aside from the buzzing central town of Playa del Carmen, most resorts in the Riviera Maya are situated in small groupings and

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

The inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea can serve as a place to explore marine life (right) or as the tranquil backdrop for a day at the beach (below).

quiet enclaves. Instead of towering high-rises, travelers are more likely to find themselves in smaller lodges or stand alone casitas. This creates a great feeling of privacy – that your vacation is truly your own – that entices many to become return visitors to the area. Seclusion, however, doesn’t mean you have to be cut off from the world, or miss out on any comforts. The Riviera Maya boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in all of Mexico, with the most upscale amenities and latest technologies. These new resorts and modern flourishes don’t overwhelm the deep Mayan heritage in the area – they amplify it: The resorts are built with eco-friendly designs that have added health and stability to the native flora and fauna; spas offer treatments using plants and rituals used by the Maya in their ceremonies; and chefs prepare international cuisine that fuses local crops and spices with global culinary trends. The singular nature of the resorts and enclaves of the Riviera Maya also leads to visitors creating their own itineraries for truly unique experiences in the area. Ecotourists can discover new attractions such as the eco parks Xplor and Rio Secreto, or spend a day exploring the cenotes – fresh water cave and cavern system – that have become exposed over many centuries. Families can spend

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

You can choose your adventure in the Riviera Maya, whether that’s quiet times along the shore (left) or the raucous nightlife on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue.

quality time together on the white sand beaches or snorkeling in the turquoise Caribbean waters along the large barrier coral reef that protects the coast. Food and drink aﬁcionados can sample the indigenous cuisine and fresh seafood, along with the many types of tequila available in the area.

“As we look to the future for golf in this area, especially the OHL Classic at Mayakoba and throughout the Quintana Roo area, we see nothing but blue skies —Greg Norman and endless future for the game of golf here.” Visitors to the Riviera Maya do have interesting options for nightlife and shopping, thanks to the downtown area of Playa del Carmen. This modern collection of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs offers something for everyone, and is easily accessible from throughout the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen is also where visitors can catch hourly ferries to the island of Cozumel for another unique experience. And, of course, golf is exploding in the Riviera Maya. Thanks to the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, the El Camaleón course designed by Greg Norman brings many of the world’s best players to the Riviera Maya each year. As the only PGA Tour event played outside of the U.S., the OHL Classic at Mayakoba brings golf along the Caribbean Sea to the TVs of millions of golf fans around the world each year. And with Golf Channel conducting its “Big Break Mexico” televised competition at IBEROSTAR Playa Paraíso earlier this year, there is unprecedented interest in the area as a golf getaway. With its rich history and recent growth, the Riviera Maya is poised to continue its growth as a popular destination well into the future. And with the abundance of daily ﬂights into Cancun International Airport – just 30 to 45 minutes away from most resorts in the area – the Riviera Maya is a convenient place for a unique golf getaway. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Cozumel: The Inside Story

Enjoy the peace and quiet of a Caribbean island with amazing diving and great golf, and see how Cozumel’s traditions are being preserved

ozumel is Mexico’s third-largest island, making it a unique part of the Mexican Caribbean. Accessible via high-speed ferries that run throughout the day – a crossing typically takes 40 minutes – Cozumel has a small-town feel that is a contrast to the activity seen in many areas with large cities. The island is surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs, making it a favorite of divers and snorkelers. Cozumel has a single golf course, but it is regarded as one of the best in all of Mexico. We asked Cozumel director of tourism Ignacio Cureño to give us the inside story on the island for golf travelers, and here’s what he told us:

What should golfers from outside Mexico know about Cozumel? Ignacio Cureño says Cozumel is a relaxing destination.

Golfers from outside of Mexico should know that Cozumel is an island where the principal leisure activity is diving – Cozumel enjoys the second-largest reef barrier in the world, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. In 2001, however, golf started to become the second-biggest activity when the Cozumel Country Club opened. This course is the only course on the island, and it is one of the most beautiful golf courses Nicklaus Design has created. Since 2006 it has been officially certified by the Audubon Society, making it the first golf course in Mexico to hold this prestigious ecological honor.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

What sets Cozumel apart from other parts of the region? Cozumel is the second-largest island in Mexico by population, with a great diversity of wildlife and great cultural history. It is separated from the mainland by 14 aquatic miles. This makes the island very safe, and the island residents are very kind and hospitable. Visitors find this the best destination to relax and enjoy the natural life. With the beautiful surrounding areas, visitors find this to be a private place to rest and enjoy the magical beauty of being on an island in the Mexican Caribbean. How has your area changed in the last decade? The population growth in the Riviera Maya has been dramatic, but our island culture has not changed. In fact, 75 percent of Cozumel is still uninhabited jungle. We have added more hotels and places for visitors to enjoy, but we still maintain the essence of a small town that preserves its customs and traditions, such as Carnaval Cozumel in February and the Festival of El Cedral at the end of April or beginning of May. These events fill the streets with celebration.

Cozumel is surrounded by coral reefs that make for great scuba diving and snorkeling (opposite). The island’s Festival of El Cedral (below) is a beloved tradition, while Cozumel Country Club (bottom) ranks as one of Mexico’s best golf courses.

What’s your best tip for ﬁrst-time travelers to Cozumel? Enjoy the beauty of all the relaxing areas around the island. Take the time to dive in our waters and experience the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. And, of course, enjoy the spectacular golf at Cozumel Country Club. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Destination Spotlight: Cozumel

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

This tropical island is conveniently close to the mainland, but has its own small-town personality and traditions

ust 14 nautical miles off the coast of the Riviera Maya sits the island of Cozumel. Though the island is as close as a ferry ride or a quick ďŹ&#x201A;ight, it certainly stands alone as a unique part of the Mexican Caribbean culture. Cozumel is east of Playa del Carmen, where visitors can board one of the hourly ferries that carries passengers on the 45-minute ride across Caribbean waters. The island is visible throughout the day from throughout the Riviera Maya, and at night its lights can be seen as far away as Cancun.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

All About Cozumel Travel Time: 45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport and a 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen; or accessible via direct flights inside Mexico to Cozumel International Airport. Population: 90,000 Currency: The official currency is the Mexican Peso, but American dollars are also widely accepted. Banks and currency exchange houses can be found throughout the area. Language: Spanish is the official language, but most Mexicans in the tourist industry speak English, and many speak French, Italian and German. Many locals also speak Mayan. Weather: Average temperatures range from highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s (Fahrenheit) from October through March, with highs in the low 90s and lows in the 70s from April to September. Transportation: Taxis are available throughout the hotel zone and around the island, including near the ferry dock in San Miguel. High-speed ferries to the mainland run hourly throughout the day. Many visitors get their first taste of Cozumel while on a Caribbean cruise.

Despite its proximity, Cozumel has always been distinctly different from mainland Mexico. This started around 300 A.D., when the ﬁrst Mayan settlers came across and made the island their home. The Maya believe their goddess of fertility, Ixchel, lived on the island, and throughout the centuries women have come to Cozumel to pay homage. Today, Cozumel still has reminders of the Mayan presence on the island in the ruins at San Gervasio. But as with the rest of the region, it has moved into modern times without losing its sense of tradition.

“When you’re here on Cozumel, you get the safe and quiet feeling of being on an island. But we’re close enough to all the activities on the mainland that you can plan a vacation that gives you the best of both worlds.” – PGA Professional Benny Campos, general manager, Cozumel Country Club

In fact, visitors to Cozumel ﬁnd it to have a distinctly small-town feel. Many of the businesses in the main city of San Miguel are family-owned, and the resorts are mainly staffed by workers who have been at those facilities for years – and live on the island. This creates a warm, friendly familiarity, especially for the many visitors who make return trips to the island. While there are several resorts on Cozumel, the ambiance is much closer to what you would ﬁnd in a quiet, non-tourist Mexican town.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

The people of Cozumel are warm and friendly, whether they’re celebrating El Cedral (below) or entertaining visitors in the streets of San Miguel (bottom). Cozumel Country Club (opposite), the island’s only golf course, is a challenging Nicklaus Design layout.

The resorts on Cozumel run the range from larger all-inclusive resorts to small, boutique hotels. Most are located on the west side of the island, which is also where cruise ships sometimes dock during the day before setting sail in the late afternoon. Visitors to Cozumel can reach the island via ferry from Playa del Carmen after driving down from Cancun International Airport – total travel time from the airport can be less than two hours – or via direct flight into Cozumel International Airport, which has daily flights from multiple Mexican cities during the winter months and is just a five-minute drive from the island’s hotel zone. Because of its proximity to the mainland, visitors to Cozumel can easily enjoy day trips ashore. You can catch the first ferry and be at Coba or Tulum early in the day, or book a tee time at one of the Riviera Maya or Cancun golf courses and be back in time for dinner. Or you can even catch an evening ferry to Playa del Carmen and enjoy the shops and nightlife of the city’s famed 5th Avenue before coming back to a quiet night on the island. Not that Cozumel doesn’t have a more boisterous side, of course. The island is known for its annual festivals: Carnaval in February, El Cedral in late April or early May, and Independence Day in mid-September. These traditional celebrations date back more than a century, and include fairs, parades and live musical performances that bring thousands of residents and visitors to the streets. San Miguel also has a number of shops and restaurants, including Senor Frog’s if you’d like to enjoy a night on the town without leaving the island.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

But once you’re on Cozumel you’re not likely to want to leave. Especially if you love exploring the island’s natural beauty. Approximately 75 percent of the island is uninhabited jungle, filled with exotic plant life and an indigenous wildlife – Cozumel is a favorite spot for nature photographers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. And just offshore is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – only the Great Barrier Reef off Australia is larger. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and the clear Caribbean waters mean Cozumel is surrounded by great locations for scuba diving and snorkeling, and there are many diving shops and tour guide companies to help you safely enjoy the experience. Nature is also a big part of Cozumel’s only golf course, the Cozumel Country Club, which is located just three miles from San Miguel. This Nicklaus Design course is a certified Audubon Sanctuary, and home to several different species of plants and wildlife. The course is open to the public and offers stay-andplay packages with nearby resorts, and is kept in tournament condition year-round. At the end of the day, what you’ll find in Cozumel is a quieter, slower-paced vacation experience than you might have on the mainland. And at the end of the day is when you’ll notice one other spectacular advantage to being on the island: Because of the 14 nautical miles that separate Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, there’s plenty of Caribbean Sea to reflect the spectacular sunsets over water. ■

Cozumel Country Club

Cozumel Country Club Cozumel, Mexico Travel Time: 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen A Nicklaus Design course Par 72, 6,734 yards USGA rating 72.2/Slope 133 Cozumel Country Club has an open clubhouse with a restaurant and a full-service golf shop. A full practice facility includes a driving range with a practice green for chipping and putting. Golf clubs and shoes are available for rental.

With a world-class course and a small-town feel, this island gem allows you to focus on a relaxing round of Caribbean golf

Cozumel Country Club offers a quiet, secluded round of golf that is consistent with the relaxed island setting.

t is fitting that Cozumel’s only golf course perfectly suits the island’s character. Cozumel Country Club combines natural beauty with warm hospitality that makes every visitor feel like an old friend, and the Nicklaus Design golf course presents the kind of challenge that makes golfers want to return again. You notice the relaxed differences of Cozumel Country Club upon your arrival at the facility, which is central to the hotel zone and the main city of San Miguel. The clubhouse is an open air palapa looking out onto the 18th hole, with a restaurant serving delicious made-to-order meals throughout the day. A fully stocked golf shop is adjacent to the clubhouse, and a full practice facility is yours for warming up. Once you’re on the course, you’re in a world of your own. Unlike many resort courses, Cozumel Country Club has no hotels or real estate surrounding it. Nearly every hole is designed to stand alone, allowing you to focus on your round of golf and the amazing variety of wildlife you’re likely to see as you play through the jungle vegetation. Cozumel Country Club was the first golf course in Mexico to achieve certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and the course even hosts daily bird watching tours led by local biologists. The golf course strikes a balance between challenging and forgiving, with the Nicklaus Design making use of the jungle corridors to create holes that wind around lakes and sandy areas. The course features Bermuda grass from tee to green, which creates a familiar chipping and putting feeling for golfers from the southern U.S. While the course plays just more than 6,700 yards from the back tees, it’s not a course long hitters can overpower – the jungle is essentially one big lateral hazard, and keeping your ball in play is key to scoring well. The course partners with nearby resorts to offer stay-and-play packages, and even golfers staying at resorts in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya can easily make a day trip out of a round at Cozumel Country Club. ■

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

PGA Professionals on the Mexican Caribbean: A Great Place to Stay and Play!

In their travels, PGA members have found the area to be convenient, safe and a great destination for golﬁng and relaxing

Dozens of PGA Professionals from across the U.S. have visited the Mexican Caribbean, then returned home to tell their members about the destination.

olfers look to PGA Professionals for expertise in all areas of the game, from instruction to buying equipment – and that includes travel. According to a PGA Magazinesurvey of club professionals from around the United States, more than 80 percent of PGA Professionals at private clubs travel with their members to play golf, and nearly 40 percent of those professionals like to travel internationally with their members. The average length of these golf trips is 7–9 days, and the PGA Professional is usually either in charge of selecting the destination or suggesting one for members to choose. And this survey showed one more important piece of information: When choosing a destination to recommend to members, the No. 1 factor for PGA Professionals is having personally visited the destination themselves. As the numbers show, PGA Professionals have a huge inﬂuence on the travel decisions made by golfers. And many PGA Professionals have traveled to the Mexican Caribbean in recent years – and they have many reasons to recommend the area to the golfers who ask their advice or travel with them. Take, for example, PGA Professional Kevin Weeks. As one of the game’s most in-demand teachers – he works with everyone from talented juniors to PGA Tour players the likes of Kevin Streelman, Michael Bradley and Dicky Pride – Weeks’ schedule takes him to some of golf’s best-known destinations. And as the PGA director of instruction for Chicago’s Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, he knows what golfers are looking for from a golf getaway. Weeks says the Mexican Caribbean has everything that vacationing golfers could possibly want.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

“My students know I’ve flown into Cancun on golf trips, and I always tell them the same thing when they ask me about the area: Go. Just make your plans and go, because you’ll love it,” says Weeks, ranked one of Golf Digest’s Top 50 Golf Instructors. “The resorts are awesome, and the service and hospitality of the people are wonderful. It’s a relaxed area with a very welcoming people.” In terms of golf in the Mexican Caribbean, Weeks says courses in the area have the elements his golfers are looking for: Interesting layouts, good conditioning, impressive practice areas and outstanding service. And, according to Weeks, the convenience and safety of the Mexican Caribbean are selling points for the region. “There’s great airlift into and out of Cancun International Airport. You can get a non-stop flight to or from any major U.S. city, and the resorts help you with transportation options that make it a breeze to get through the airport,” Weeks says. “I know the first time I was planning to go to the Mexican Caribbean, I was apprehensive because of the security issues you hear about Mexico having. But the thing I stress to my golfers is that when I’ve been in the area, at no time did I ever feel in danger or even worried. “To me, it’s more like being on an island in the Caribbean than being in Mexico. I think the golf is great, and so is the water for snorkeling.” A number of PGA Professionals have visited the Mexican Caribbean in recent years to attend PGA Magazine Conference Series events at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, and many others have toured the area as part of the PGA Magazine Ambassador travel program. The variety of experiences available from Isla Mujeres south to Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum also appeals to PGA Professionals such as PGA Master Professional David Graf, the longtime head professional at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, where members travel extensively during the cold winter months. Graf enthusiastically recommends the Mexican Caribbean. “The weather and the facilities in the Mexican Caribbean are a tremendous draw – I tell my golfers to bring plenty of sunscreen!” Graf says. “In addition to all the golf courses and the warm weather, the quality of the accommodations make it easy to recommend the area. The entire environment is relaxing and first-class.” ■

Top golf instructor Kevin Weeks (above) recommends the Mexican Caribbean as a safe, easy-to-reach area for golfers to explore.

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION

Closing Thoughts

’ve had the good fortune to make multiple trips to the Mexican Caribbean in researching and writing this PGA Professionals’ Guide to Travel. Most of my visits have been made alongside PGA Professionals from throughout the United States, and I’ve had many great conversations with my fellow visitors about our experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. We all seem to share the same reasons for enjoying this amazing area of the world: Golf – The rest of the world is just beginning to discover that the Mexican Caribbean is a full-fledged golf destination. With more than a dozen courses by top architects, and with year-round great weather, there’s never a bad time to tee it up here. Convenience – Cancun International Airport is one of the easiest airports in the world to get in and out of. I can eat breakfast at home, catch a non-stop flight and find myself eating lunch in Cancun, the Riviera Maya or Cozumel. If you live anywhere near a decent-sized airport in the U.S., the Mexican Caribbean is practically in your backyard. Variety – Beyond golf, there are nearly endless options for the types of vacations you can plan and experiences you can have in the Mexican Caribbean. You can play in the surf, go scuba diving or snorkeling, shop for exclusive international brands or find local artisans, explore different ecosystems, tour archeological wonders, experience myriad food and beverage options – you can do it all, or you can do as little as you want. Hospitality – The warmth of the people in the Mexican Caribbean is unparalleled. I’ve never been to another international destination where I felt so welcome and safe. And with decades of experience in hosting guests from around the world, the resort staffs in the area are uniquely skilled and professional: Whether you’re enjoying a romantic trip for two or a group golf trip for 16, your entire party will soon feel like part of the Mexican Caribbean family. I hope The PGA Professionals’ Guide to Travel: The Mexican Caribbean helps you learn more about this great destination and inspires you to experience it for yourself. Once you do, I feel certain that you’ll join me in becoming a regular visitor to the Mexican Caribbean! Don Jozwiak, Editor

THE PGA PROFESSIONALS’ GUIDE TO TRAVEL: THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN | 2013 EDITION