BEST's Golf Guide to Mexico by Charles Kinder

BEST’s Top Architect of the Year

LORENA OCHOA

#1 Female Golfer plays Los Cabos

NICKLAUS GOLF ACADEMY Breaking Ground in Mexico

TOP 30 GOLF COURSES IN MEXICO A Golfer’s Paradise

MOST COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF ALL GOLF COURSES IN MEXICO

Yucatan Country Club - El Jaguar Golf Course - Jack Nicklaus Signature design

JACK NICKLAUS

With one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, exquisitely appointed guest accommodations, renowned golf, world-class spa, gourmet restaurants and remarkable amenities, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little wonder this award-winning resort is setting new standards for luxury.

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ÂŠ2009 Hilton Hospitality, Inc.

Table Of Contents

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO Features 8

Golf In Mexico 2009 Birdies or Bunkers - by Charles Kinder

One&Only Palmilla Nicklaus’ first Latin America Design

Cabo San Lucas Country Club The Best Value in Cabo

El Tamarindo Deluxe Oceanfront Hideaway - Golf

Club Corp A Driving Force in Mexico Golf

Paradise Village Home to El Tigre by von Hagge.

Fairmont Princess & Pierre Marques Acapulco’s Royal Golf Experience

Palace Resorts Three Spectacular Courses and Counting

Yucatan Country Club Jack Nicklaus Signature design at El Jaguar

Jack Nicklaus Mexico’s Oso Dorado

Mexico’s Golf Link to the World by Elisa Gaudet

Departments 4

Publisher’s Letter

Paradise Village - Playa Royale Real Estate Showcase

Real Estate Directory Mexico’s BEST Golf Course Real Estate

Golf Course Directory The Complete Guide to All of Mexico’s Golf Courses

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Yucatan Village and Resort, Jaguar Course, Merida, Mexico

Cabo del Sol (Ocean Course), Los Cabos, Mexico

La Loma, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Punta Mita Club de Golf, Pacifico Course, Punta Mita, Mexico

They Have a Name For Great Golf Courses.

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NICKLAUS DESIGN 1 1 7 8 0 U . S . H I G H WAY O N E , S U I T E 5 0 0 N O RT H PA L M B E A C H , F L 3 3 4 0 8 USA +1 561-227-0300

NICKLAUS DESIGN LISBOA 176, COLONIA VERSALLES P U E R T O V A L L A R T A , J A L I S C O C . P. 4 8 3 1 0 MEXICO +52-322-225-46-00

Publisher’s Letter Dear Golf Amigos, Yes the global economics are affecting Golf in Mexico in the $100 billion USD business of real estate, resorts and world class golf courses. Don’t think things have come to a stand still, golf is alive and well with our neighbors to the south. I recently attended the ground breaking of Mr. Gary Player and his new Signature course in La Paz at CostaBaja Marina and Golf Resort, next was the opening of the first true links dunes course in Mexico in Puerto Penasco at the Mayan Palace’s Peninsula de Cortes, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This month I am attending another Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and winner of our BEST’s NEW PRIVATE Golf Course in Mexico award, Yucatan Country Club in Merida. Tom Doak’s first course in Latin America at Bahia de los Sueños is taking shape along a pristine beach on the Sea of Cortes south of La Paz. In addition 10 other new courses will open this year and another 14 are on schedule for 2010. Reduced rounds of golf played range from 30% to on level have been reported in Golf Mecca’s in Mexico of Los Cabos, Vallarta/Manzanillo and Cancun and Rivera Maya, Ixtapa, Acapulco and Mazatlán. The impact of negative news has had a huge effect on the Northern Baja State and the Sea of Cortes, where play is down 50 to 60% or more. What a shame as the players who do travel are welcomed with open arms and assurance that city, state and the entire country of Mexico are looking out for your best interest and safety. The PGA hosted a great tournament event at the El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakobá in the Riveria Maya, next door, the last of four Canadian tournament at the Iberostar resort with a delightful and challanging RB Dye course. Other stops are in San Luis Potosí, El Cid in Mazatlán, and Yucatan County Club in Merida. Tres Marias host the annual LPGA’s

event in Morelia, The nation wide tournament is looking for some locations and Guadalajara is hosting one of the world’s richest amateur tournament the Closest to the Pin with over 2,000 projected participants. Several charity tournaments made the headlines; the Taylor Made at the Vista Vallarta complex in Puerto Vallarta and the Cabo Cup Classic in Los Cabos attracts the world’s rich and famous. We are still waiting for Mexico to create its first public course and open golf to her masses. Lorena Ochoa is reaching out to a raising Latino youth group that wants to follow in her foot steps and learn to play golf in Mexico. My strongest message to you is that Mexico remains a safe and secure a country with 99% of its population a warm and friendly people who love to host international travelers, golfers and investors seeking out the charm and value of live, golf and relaxation in Mexico. Rates reductions and added value deals are available from hotels, resorts and golf courses in Mexico. Travel to Mexico now for the BEST value in Golf, Hotels and Real Estate. Find Cool prices this summer or beat the cold, plan now for the fall, as well as next winter’s busy golf travel season. Many world class courses offer quality offseason value-priced packages, now online at: www.best4mexicoteetimes.com Remember, you can always view BEST’s Golf Guides to Mexico online, by visiting: www.golfguidetomexico.com/digital For more up-to-date information regarding golf and golf resorts in Mexico, go to: www.golfinmexico.net See you on one of tees of the world BEST golf courses in Mexico.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO 1540 South Coast Highway, # 206 Laguna Beach, California 92651 USA (949) 494-8561 • (949) 494-9292 fax www.golfinmexico.net PUBLISHER

Charles Kinder ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Fabiola Thébaud - Kinder ART DIRECTOR, DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Chris Partida EDITOR

Maria Ring SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Kristen Purll Jaime Alvarez del Castillo Enrique Castellanos Marta Cereghino Ralph Coster Carlos Hampe Sho Kaneko John Lara Jose Antonio Murillo Cayetana De Regil ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES USA

Eleanor Kreis (949) 494-8561 Cancún

Paola de Maria y Campos (984) 119-8766 Guadalajara

Andrés Castellanos (333) 640-1180 Los Cabos

Best regards,

Ricardo Torres (624) 143-9093 Puerto Vallarta

Carlos Farias (322) 225-8158

Chuck Kinder, CTC Publisher

OUR GRATITUDE TO: EVA EVANS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

To advertise in Best’s Golf Guides, visit: www.golfguidetomexico.com GGTMSS09

Left to right: Chuck Kinder, CTC: Publisher of BEST'S Golf Guides to Mexico. Mr. Gary Player, Golf Legend, Golf Architech of CostaBaja Resort & Marina in La Paz, Baja Sur

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Published semi-annually by Golf Publishing International, a California Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from Golf Publishing International. Every effort was made to insure the accuracy of the material presented. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions of data for golf courses, facilities, resorts or rates. Copyright 2009.

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

GOLF IN MEXICO 2009 BIRDIES OR BUNKERS by Chuck Kinder

Mexico continues to maintain and develop new and wonderful championship

sea-side links and inland golf course treasures for all to play. Currently over 100 billion dollars’ worth of golf-related resort and real estate development is taking place all around Mexico, making golf one of the fastest growing and most important segments of Mexico’s tourism and real estate industries. In the last quarter of 2008 alone, at least 20 new golf courses were under development, with some openings expected in the months to come. Recent surveys show Mexico continues to be the No. 1 destination outside of the continental United States for U.S. and Canadian golfers. This popularity is due in no small part to the fact that many of the top names in the world of golf course design, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert von Hagge, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Sr. & Jr., Tom Fazio, Tom Doak, a couple of Dyes, Gary Player, Davis Love and David Duval. With over 700,000 golfers traveling annually to play some of the BEST golf courses in the world, the 2009 question is: How will the world economic slowdown affect some or all of the positive growth which has taken place over the past 20 years, when championship golf first arrived in Los Cabos? From a bicultural, cross border point of view; golf in Mexico in 2009 will have unique opportunities and challenges for travel and tourism segments and real estate developments, both completed and at various building stages. Mexico, unlike its northern US neighbors, pays for its building materials and services in cash or with low leveraged loans. One can anticipate that most developments that were funded properly in the past will continue to offer value investment opportunities, while those seeking funding or that had been funded by troubled Wall Street type lenders will have challenging days ahead. The consumer looking for a golf vacation or a second home, or a home that is to become a primary residence during retirement will find a buyer’s market for any or all of their purchasing objectives. The good news is that Los Cabos is like the “ Mo n te C arlo ” of Me xico and that the carriage trade and timeshare owners continue to fill flights, despite the reduced air lift, to pursue golf and the lifestyle that Los Cabos and Mexico have to offer. A memorable moment in Mexico is brighter than staying at home. Wanderlust has become an ever increasing trait in those who experience a higher standard of living. Americans, for a long time, have been the world leader in travel expenditures, and Californians have been the best target market for golfers to Mexico. 8

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Chuck Kinder Panelist, Speaker, Writer Publisher/President Golf Publishing International

Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, general director of Questro Golf, Mexico’s number one golf course development group; with six courses in Mexico and a dominant presence in Los Cabos, stated: “Our goal is quality, consistency and professionalism.” WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes Los Cabos is “Newport Beach-South” for the 20 million West Coast golfers and travelers alike; whereas, the Yucatan Peninsula, consisting of the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Mérida has become the vacation spot for those on the E ast Co ast. Most resort areas in Mexico are equally accessible from large, centrally located population centers like Texas and Illinois. All areas in Mexico have great new golf courses that are well positioned to welcome all types of golfers, those for which money is no object, and those seeking “Wal-Mart” specials. Many golf course and resort operators are hesitant to actually lower rates, but are rolling out the extra val ue carpet with free local transportation from hotel and course. Some are becoming more all-inclusive; meaning that all food and drink on the beverage cart or snack bar are included in the green fee. Early twilight rates, a few multi-tiered rates depending on the time of day, and potentially earlier low season rates beginning in May and extending to November, will become more widely seen. Another critical issue for 2009 travel to Mexico is the unrelenting reporting on a job well done by President Calderon’s efforts on Mexico’s war on drugs. The headlines blanket the whole of Mexico incorrectly, as the violence is mostly limited to the Northern border of Mexico and has not affected the resort corridors outside of the border areas. Most of Mexico continues to be a safe, secure, and a friendly place to travel.

Los Cabos has been the leader in the development of world-class golf in Mexico. This burgeoning resort area, located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is ranked 14th in a listing of the 50 most popular golf destinations in the world. Los Cabos’ climate and setting are perfect, like Palm Springs or Phoenix, only better, as the stark desert landscape meets the cooling azure sea. A 20-mile stretch of coastline, including the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos is home to some of the world’s best oceanside courses. There are now five Nicklaus courses, including two signature courses open along the Los Cabos corridor. The top-rated Cabo del Sol - Ocean course, ranked 88 in Golf Magazine’s top 100 courses in the world. The course boasts five oceanfront holes, including the “finest three finishing holes in golf,” according to its designer, Jack Nicklaus. Cabo del Sol hosted the 1995 and 1998 PGA Senior Slams, as well as Shell’s 1996 Wonderful World of Golf match featuring Lee Tre viñ o and Jack Nicklaus. These made-for-TV events brought Los Cabos into the homes of millions of viewers, who then flocked to play golf south of the border. In 2001 Tom Weiskopf added the Desert course at Cabo del Sol. His masterful inland layout, featuring 180-degree views of the sea from nearly every hole, takes advantage of natural river washes, subtle changes in elevation and dramatic bunkering, as it weaves through lush desert landscape. Up the road, at the legendary On e & O nl y P alm il la Re sort, you’ll find Nicklaus’ first signature course in Latin America, which opened in 1993, with 27 holes featuring the ocean, arroyo and mountain nines. This course is currently Best’s Golf Guide Top 30 No. 2 resort course in Mexico. In the middle of the Los Cabos corridor is Cabo Real, a master-planned golf resort featuring such deluxe hotels as the Westin Resort, The Marquis Los Cabos, Hilton Los Cabos, Melia Cabo Real, Dreams Los Cabos, as well as the ultra-luxurious Las Ventanas al Paraiso. Cabo Real boasts several courses in the area under 10

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

#1 Resort - Cabo del Sol Ocean Course

#3 Resort - Punta Mita Pacifico

The #2 rated BEST’s Resort course for 2009 Palmilla Golf Course

1. CABO DEL SOL GOLF OCEAN 2. PALMILLA GOLF CLUB 3. PUNTA MITA PACIFICO 4. EL CAMALEON MAYAKOBA 5. EL TAMARINDO COUNTRY CLUB 6. VISTA VALLARTA NICKLAUS 7. ISLA NAVIDAD COUNTRY CLUB 8. PLAYAS MUJERES 9. VISTA VALLARTA WEISKOPF 10. CABO REAL GOLF COURSE 11. MOON PALACE 12. CABO DEL SOL GOLF DESERT 13. EL TIGRE PARADISE VILLAGE 14. CLUB DE GOLF PIERRE MARQUEZ 15. IBEROSTAR PLAYA PARAISO GOLF CLUB 16. CLUB CAMPESTRE SAN JOSE DEL CABO 17. PLAYACAR CLUB DE GOLF 18. RIVIERA CANCUN 19. COZUMEL COUNTRY CLUB 20. PUERTO LOS CABOS 21. PUNTA MITA BAHIA 22. CLUB DE GOLF ACAPULCO PRINCESS 23. CLUB DE GOLF PALMA REAL 24. MAYAN PENINSULA DE CORTES 25. CLUB DE GOLF LOS FLAMINGOS 26. CABO SAN LUCAS CC 27. ESTRELLA DEL MAR GOLF COURSE 28. MARINA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF 29. THE LINKS AT LAS PALOMAS 30. LAS HADAS, LA MANTARRAYA COURSE

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

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Gr Ri memorable golf makes it one of anthe most oB de San Antonio ra Isla vo rounds in the world. design and is recognized as theCedros Grand Dame of golf in Rosarito Chihuahua A Mexican decor clubhouse, on-site golf shop and Los Cabos. Challenging, masterfully-conceived and Guaymas Delicias COAHUILA DE expert staff help provide for your every need. Palmilla stunningly beautiful, Palmilla has ocean views from ZARAGOZA Ciudad Obregon ferry Laredo Corpus Santato the NuevoTOUR, Laredo Senior Golf Club has hosted the 1997 PGA Senior every hole. The Ocean Course actually flows Hidalgo Christi Rosalia delIrwin Parral defeating Jack Monclova Nicklaus, Ray Floyd ocean as you play on the beaches of the Sea of Cortes. Slam withRioHale Verde NUEVO design, and Gil Morgan. With its skillful This 27-hole championship course is MEXICO Brownsv Escollus LEON Loreto BAJA Reynosa Mochis Los expert management and idyllic locale, Matamor perched on deep canyon arroyos Alijosand sits CALIFORNIA Gomez Palacio Monterrey Palmilla Golf ClubTorreon is recognized as one of among century old cardon cacti. It is SUR Saltillo DURANGO Culiacan top four courses in Mexico, and, one the a great resort course with daily trade La Paz TAMAULIPAS Durango finest in the world. winds that enhance pinpoint accuracy ZACATECAS Ciudad SINALOA The renewed One&Only Palmilla that challenges even the most experiVictoria LUIS Mazatlan Resort maintains the SAN classic Mexican enced of players. POTOSI Ciudad Mante Zacatecas ORTH ambiance which has made San it aLuis favorite Tampico Jason Ballog, Club Manager says,N“The Potosi NAYARIT 1 P A for CIFIC among anAguascalientes international ‘who’sRiowho’ since Ciudad M golf experience at Palmilla is unique Location Los Cabos ISLAS Ve rde while opening in 1956, several reasons. Palmilla Golf Club gently O C E A NCourse Palmilla Golf Club, TRESits original VERACRUZTepic Guanajuato LLAVE MARIAS 4 7 expanding and recreating the legendary takes you through 800 vertical feet of the Leon 3 27 hole, Jack Nicklaus Sig. Queretaro Poza R Puerto Vallarta Irapuato property for a new generation of travelers. Baja Desert. The design allows our guests Guadalajara Celaya Pachuca Contact ISLAS52 (624) 995-144-5250 JALISCO Zamora Tulancingo The resort features 172 spacious5 rooms to experience native desert vegetation REVILLAGIGEDO www.palmillagc.com Ja Mexico Texcoco Morelia 8 and suites, each luxuriously appointed on the Mountain and Arroyo courses. On Colima Tlaxcala Toluca 2 www.oneandonlypalmilla.com MICHOACAN Cuernavaca Cor and offering views of the Sea the Ocean course guests play along Manzanillomagnificent DE OCAMPO 6 Puebla Orizab COLIMA PUEBLA Rio restaurants, of Cortes, along with three the white sandy beaches of the Sea of Bals as Spa, two pools includ- Inter-A Cortes. During the odyssey, golfers enjoy looking at the indoor/outdoor One&OnlyLazaro Chilpancingo me Cardenas ri the “Gin Blue” water on all 27 holes. Sometimes our ing a children’s swimming and activity area, a new GUERRERO Oaxaca Acapulco property’s OAXACA guests will see blue whales breech the water, as Executive Conference Center, and the Sa they migrate around the Baja to their winter breeding renowned Chapel, which makes One&Only Palmilla a grounds. When you combine the natural experiences favorite for weddings. and how we take care of our guests with the Troon Golf

Experience, it Hermosillo

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AGUASCALIENTES DISTRITO FEDERAL GUANAJUATO HIDALGO MEXICO MORELOS QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA TLAXCALA

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes the management of Questro Golf brand: the Cabo Real course by Robert Trent Jon e s II , and the newer, spectacular, oceanfront El Do rado Go l f C l ub by Jack Nicklaus, rated the No. 1 Private course by Best’s Golf Guide Top 30.. The latter is now a part of a private resort community under the management of the Discovery Land Group. Another of Los Cabos’ top private golf courses, Qu ere ncia opened in November 2000. This world-class, 18-hole course is Tom Fazio’s first signature course in Mexico, but certainly not his last. Querencia hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf between Se rgio Garcia and P hil M icke ls on. An dre Bo ers ma, General Manager, brings a vast array of luxury hotel experience to this spectacular location with endless vistas of the Sea of Cortes perched overlooking the coastline of Los Cabos. “This is an exclusive residential community with a private gated club experience in Mexico,” he advises, “The residents and members enjoy a true sense of camaraderie, friendship and appreciation for the lifestyle and service offered. Award winning architectural design for homes and a sense of community set this private gated residential community apart for our 270 content members”. Closer to Cabo San Lucas is the C abo San Lu cas Co un try Cl ub designed by Ro y an d M att D ye. It features an open layout with a view to Land’s End, Los Cabos’ most photographed landmark. Another downtown resort favorite is the sophisticated ME by Melia and its Nikki Beach Club, a great bachelor and bachelorette party hangout in Los Cabos. At the opposite end of the corridor, is the Punta Sur Golf Course Los Cabos in S an Jos e del C abo with nine very playable holes, pleasantly priced at a little over $100 USD for a round of 18 holes. Next door is the a wonderful Nicklaus design called Cl ub Cam pe stre S an Jose, inland of the corridor road, near the new toll road from the airport. A new pair of nine-hole courses at Puerto Los Cabos, one by Greg Norman, the other by Jack Nickl aus, are in the running for the Best’s Golf Guide Top 30 NEW Resort Course for 2009. Eight more signature courses are on the drawing board, including designs at Qu ivira G ol f Cl u b, originally conceived as Cabo P acifica by Jack Nicklaus and owned by legendary developer Ernesto “Netto” Coppell. Acknowledged for his role in turning Los Cabos into a world-class resort destination, Netto runs Pueblo Bonito, Resorts, the most successful timeshare development company in México. He is now expanding on the P acific side near P u ebl o Bon ito S u ns et Resort with two new Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, one private and the other semi-private. Recently it was announced that the Ritz-Carlton will establish a 200-room hotel and Jack Nicklaus will partner in this project. Chileano Bay is underway with the first of two Tom Fazio Golf Courses finished with construction by Diamond Construction Company. This property, the former Hotel Cabo San Lucas exuding with potential, has one of the best beachfronts in Los Cabos.” Two world class courses are in line to compete for Mexico’s best courses, both by Tom Fazio. Watch for signs of life from Diam ante Go lf C ou rse by Davis Love and Phil Mickelson, and the Freddie Couples designed Montage Resort Course located at the former site of the old Twin Dolphins. All of these new courses will continue to help Los Cabos regain the lead for golf in Mexico. During this spring and fall season, special deals are available in Los Cabos, with advanced tee time reservations. Check out current rates and information via the Internet at www.best4mexicoteetimes.com. 14

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

CABO & BAJA SUR

Rated number three of all private golf courses in Mexico is Querencia, which opened in November 2000. This world class 18-hole course is Tom Fazio’s first signature course in Mexico. Andre Boersma, General Manager brings a vast array of luxury hotel experience to this spectacular location perched over the Los Cabos coastline with endless vistas of the Sea of Cortes.

Querencia Golf Club Private, 18-holes by Tom Fazio

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watery landing for wayward balls. From the black tips Ri o n San Antonio Cabos has exponentially expandedIsla its population of full you need everything de in Bravoyour bag Cedros Rosarito Chihuahua and part time residents, tourists and investors. Its inter- to cover the required 7,220 yards with a heart- pumping Delicias DE COAHUILA national acclaim, compounded through “buzz” net- Guaymas rating of 75.4. Mere mortals can play from the more ZARAGOZA Ciudad Obregon ferry Laredo works and wide media coverage of its golf courses enjoyable white tees at 6,603 yards with a more realistic Corpus Santa and Nuevo Laredo Hidalgo Christi Rosalia championship tournaments, certainly has had an 72.1 rating. del Parral Monclova Rio V e rde impact on its growth. All Bermuda from tee to green, Cabo NUEVO MEXICO Brownsv Escollus in LosBAJA LEONfeel of a Loreto One of the first golf courses San Lucas Country Club has the Reynosa Los Mochis Alijos CALIFORNIA Matamor Gomez Palacio Monterrey Cabos, Cabo San Lucas Country Club, has a SUR target course while Torreonhaving wide open Saltillo DURANGO grand history. Ed Reisdorf, having purlanding areas. The plush greens roll true Culiacan La Paz chased it with ambitious vision in 1992, and Durango have a naturalZACATECAS break towards the ever TAMAULIPAS Ciudad had to delay the grand opening to 1994 present Sea of Cortes. SINALOA Victoria LUIS after a disastrous storm. Still under the highlight feature Mazatlan The par 5, 7th hole, a SAN POTOSI Zacatecas guidance of Ed Reisdorf, today Cabo of the course, is claimed to be the Mante Sanone Luisof Ciudad N San ORTH Tampico Potosi Lucas Country Club is operating in full longest holes in Mexico, measuring 610 NAYARIT 1 Ciudad M PA C I F I C R io Aguascalientes ISLAS swing, a retreat amidst the bustlingOtown yards. The course is managed byVePGA pro- VERACRUZrd e C E A NLocation Los Cabos TRES Tepic Guanajuato MARIAS of Cabo San Lucas, where it enjoys a fabufessional Eric Grindereng, who 7can4 be LLAVE Course 18 holes, Roy & Leon 3 Queretaro Poza R Puerto Vallarta at egrindereng@pga.com Irapuato lous view of Land’s End. reached Matt Dye design Guadalajara Pachuca Celaya ISLAS Cabo San Lucas Country Club’s original On site lodging is provided by Los JALISCO Zamora Tulancingo 5 Contact (888) 298-1132 REVILLAGIGEDO Texcoco Ja Mexico nine was designed by Roy Dye, brother of Cabos Resort, a seriesMorelia of Spanish hacien8 www.golfincabo.com Colima Tlaxcala Toluca 2 MICHOACAN Pete Dye, and completed by Roy’s son das that combine the charm and intimacy Cor Cuernavaca Manzanillo DE OCAMPO 6 Puebla Orizab Matt Dye, a second generation golf course of colonialCOLIMA Mexico and luxurious ameniPUEBLA Rio Bals as for timearchitect. On a fantastic piece of relatively flat land ties of a world class resort. Units are available Int Lazaro erAm Chilpancingo Cardenas e ri with a slight slope from the back side downward to the share purchase or for rent; stay and play packages offer Oaxaca direction of the ocean, Cabo San Lucas Country Club great value. Cabo San Lucas Country Club has the best GUERRERO Acapulco OAXACA offers a variety of views of the mountainous desert with 18-hole rates and value in Los Cabos. Current golf rates, Sa groves of magnificent Palo Blanco trees and stately car- which are subject to change without notice, range from don cacti that stand guard over the course’s expansive $95.00 to $185.00 in the winter and $79.00 to $119.00 in fairways. Nine refreshing but subtly menacing lakes, the summer. All rates include shared cart, practice facil1. AGUASCALIENTES 2. DISTRITO FEDERAL a sprinkled throughout the desert course, provide ities, and bottled water. CHIHUAHUA

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GUANAJUATO HIDALGO MEXICO MORELOS QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA TLAXCALA

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Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes You will want to drive up and down the coast at your leisure to make the most of your golf vacation, so it’s a good idea to rent a car.

Todos Santos, a sleepy artist town and an oasis on the Baja map just north from Los Cabos, is getting ready to join the golf scene. Arthur Hills is working on his second course in the Baja, at Punta Lobos, (“Sea Lion Point”) which will occupy more than 1,800 acres of seaside property owned by the Santa Ana Family, stewards of this land since 1803. Two golf courses, hotels, residences, and marina associated with the project will be built on coastal terrain made verdant by arroyos that channel fresh water from the Sierra de La Laguna Mountains. Paraiso del Mar, located less than an hour up the coast from Todos Santos, on a peninsula across the Bay of La Paz, boasts Arthu r Hil ls ’ first championship course in Mexico. The developers have an agenda of sustainable living, which only include golf carts as means of transportation within the community, and ferry service to the beautiful portside state capital, La Paz. High demand calls for full build-out of 290 single story casitas and 400 condo villas. Across the bay, is the 500 acre seaside development of CostaBaja Resort & Marina. Full ownership condos and villas on the waterfront or with golf course view can be purchased. This is a project conceived in the ivory towers of Mexico City-based Grupo Concord and will be the first in Mexico to have a Gary Player Signature designed golf course. Its ceremonially ground breaking in January puts golfers on the ready by early 2010. The 18 holes layout will start from the perched view overlooking CostaBaja and the Bay of La Paz, and wander down to the marina, beach, and the crystal clear water. The Concord Group has teamed up with Prudential Real Estate Investors. CostaBaja Resort & Marina will be one of the most sought after addresses in Mexico with units starting at $300,000. The team of Schmidt & Curley is moving forward with an 18-hole design plus a shorter course called IRONS for seniors at Maravia. This is a 5,000- acres project with views to the Sea of Cortes. All homes are to include solar power. Azul de Cortes, a Spanish master plan with an interesting 18-hole hillside golf course designed by von Hagge, Smelik and Barril incorporates vistas and the natural environment of the existing landscape. Perhaps one of the hidden treasures of golf will be the Tom Doak minimalist design championship course, with ocean views from 15 of the holes, at Bahía de lo s S ueños proudly boast the first Doak golf course in Mexico. Bahía de los Sueños, or in English Bay of Dreams, is 45 minutes south of La Paz, located on 4,000 acres with its own private landing strip ready to handle most corporate jets at this Seven Star residential resort. Three and a half hours up the coast along the Sea of Cortes at the Villages of Loreto Bay, is a successful project now under the watchful eye of Citibank and the Replay Group. This Loreto Bay project will have the first David Du val golf course in Mexico. This is a redo of the existing FONATUR golf course that has incredible scenic value, and it is now a quality, 18-hole layout with major investments in shaping, design and infrastructure. The back nine includes a spectacular 14th hole par three, which is now open for play. Alfredo Rosas, General Manager of the Inn at Loreto offers an unlimited golf package during the first opening phase of Loreto Bay golf. The future of golf in the Baja looks bright with all of these spectacular courses and a host of new developments on the East Cape; all the more reason to visit and invest in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. 18

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CostaBaja Resort & Marina Gary Player Signature Golf Course to open in 2010.

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Now known as the Golf of Mexico. Introducing the first and only Gary Player Signature Course in the country.

Why did Gary Player choose CostaBaja? Because CostaBaja is like no other destination on Earth. Minutes from the town of La Paz, CostaBaja will share its natural landscape with 18 holes of integrated design and beauty, created by The Black Knight himself. Virtually every vantage point will have a magnificent view of the Sea of Cortez, home to one of the greatest marine reserves in the world, and CostaBaja’s own private state-of-the-art marina. Phase II construction is well underway. And we won’t stop until you’re lining up a shot at a whole new way of life. Ocean and golf course view homes now available. Pre-construction pricing from mid $400’s to $2 million, USD.

usa

866-409-9940

méxico

800-COSTABAJA

612-121-6226

www.costabajaresort.com

ISLA NAVIDAD RESORT > G O L F E R ’ S PA R A D I S E <

sla Navidad Resort is one of the most unique natural wonders of the Mexican Pacific – offering an unparalleled venue that's truly a golfer's paradise any time of year. Recently selected as the top beach resort in Mexico by the Travel Channel, it has also been awarded a gold medal by Golf Magazine and named an AAA Four Diamond Resort. As a golf adventurer, you have got to visit Isla Navidad Resort and Golf Course at least once in your lifetime. The entire resort, located on a historic peninsula, encompasses 1,235 acres of colorful bays, jetties, inlets, beaches and little harbors where only quaint, native villages dot the landscape. Featuring one of Mexico’s largest marinas, it is home to sail boats and motor yachts that moor at more than 200 berths. The marina also has an on-site fueling and service depot. Isla Navidad's luxurious, award-winning hotel has 158 elegantly appointed rooms and 41 suites where attention is given to every detail. Guests look out over spacious balconies and delight in the view of the marina and the salt-water pool, as well as the picturesque Barra de Navidad Lagoon. Next door is the ultra private Meson Dona Paz with 14 guest rooms that create a special environment perfect for family reunions and corporate retreats. Isla Navidad Resort is situated on a beautiful natural harbor on the south end of the Mexican Pacific, 20 minutes from Manzanillo International Airport. The airport is served by AeroMexico, Mexicana, Alaska Airlines, Continental, and AmericaWest, as well as several charter aircraft from the U.S. and Canada. In the same latitude as Hawaii, Isla Navidad has the perfect climate with an average temperature of 79˚F. It is kissed by the sun during the day and is fanned by cool ocean breezes at night. All this only 2.5 hours away via direct flights from Phoenix, and from Los Angeles on both Alaska Airlines & Delta. Facing both the Navidad Lagoon and the Pacific

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Ocean, the centerpiece of the property is the expertly conceived Robert von Hagge Isla Navidad 27-hole golf course. The course itself is made up of three nines; the ocean, the mountain, and the lagoon. They play to more than 7,000 yards with par of 72. The rolling layout has brick cart paths that wind their way past undulating greens and huge sculpted sand traps. The dominant feature is the clubhouse, a much photographed, handsome Spanish-style edifice overlooking the finishing holes of two of the nines. The clubhouse restaurant and bar are superb, and the golf shop is fully stocked. The locker rooms are equal to those of the best private clubs anywhere in the world, complete with sauna, steam and masseurs. Ever since the Leaño family created this incredible paradise resort, they have had plans to develop the lush, spacious land into a premier real estate project. And now, Isla Navidad Resort has introduced an exclusive new program to sell two-to- four bedroom villas on some of the most sought-after premium view lots on the golf course, ocean front or the hillside above with commanding views of the entire resort. Other lots provide a window to the sea with panoramic views that end in golden sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Also being sold are one-to-three-bedroom condominiums on sites overlooking the marina and quaint village shopping area, as well as other prime resort locations. Custom home designs are part of the overall services that will attract discriminating buyers who appreciate the safety and security of the Isla Navidad Resort. Title insurance and escrow accounts are all part of a secure services package being offered to prospective clients and investors. Isla Navidad Resort Sales and Marketing professionals and appointed real estate broker/agents are available to provide complete details on the purchase of any of the resort’s outstanding dream home options.

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Location Manzanillo Course 27-hole, von Hagge Contact Golf: 011-52-315-355-6194 Hotel: 011-52-314-331-0500 Real Estate: 011-52-314-337-9010 Sales: 011-52-333-641-0100 or email eblancarte@yahoo.com

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Toluca Cuernavac Rio

AGUASCALIENTES DISTRITO FEDERAL GUANAJUATO HIDALGO MEXICO MORELOS QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA TLAXCALA

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

Good golf travel advice would not be complete without a few words about the Mexican Riviera, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, an area that stretches from Mazatlán in the north to Acapulco in the south. In the center you will find the heart of this golfing Mecca, from Manzanillo to Nayarit, including Puerto Vallarta, which claim to have the best golf in the world. More than 40 years ago, billionaire tin magnate Antenor Patiño from Bolivia gave us a golf course rated “10” at Las Hadas in Manzanillo. Designed in 1969 by Roy Dye, La Mantarraya began the move to hire top-rated US golf architects to design courses in Mexico. This is the Dye family, including son Andy, at its best, with a wonderfully crafted course surrounded by sand traps in the middle of the greens. An addition to the original plan, the famous million-dollar hole, is a 144yard par-three 18th hole with the green positioned on a man-made island built in the ocean. The view from the tee is spectacular with the all-white Las Hadas resort in the background. The best advice is to take a couple of extra balls! Next door, the all-inclusive Barceló Karmina Palace shares the spectacular view of the 18th hole and offers a super package that includes golf and many other activities for the entire family. Heading north up the coast is the “kingdom” of Isla Navidad and its deluxe Grand Bay Hotel, one of only two properties in Mexico to receive Golf Magazine’s Gold Award (the other is Los Cabos’ One & Only Palmilla). Here Robert von Hagge has built a masterpiece with 27 holes of oceanfront and bay front fairways and green s. Isla is poised, for the first time, to expand their real estate offerings with a series of oceanfront single family offerings and a lagoon view condo project. The tiny town of Barra de Navidad, just a short panga ride across the lagoon, offers an enjoyable, laid back environment for strolling amid shops, restaurants, and even a church with a history of miracles. Thirty-five minutes north, lies El Tamarindo, Best’s Golf Guide Top 30 No. 5 Resort golf course in Mexico. It is a spectacular, modern wonder in the world of golf, with its own unique village-like retreat and an ocean side golf course carved out of the jungle, designed by David Fleming. This property now boasts the ultrachic El Tamarindo Resort with an incredible array of villas with views ranging from forest to ocean. Sophisticated and adventurous golfers would be able to brag to friends about their experience of a lifetime with a visit to El Tamarindo. The ninth hole is a “black diamond” vertical descent with a Par 3 drop-dead vista view of plush green vegetation and the sparking blue Pacific. So awesome is the spectacular scene that a palate respite will prolong the Kodak moment, stay as long as you like, review the round with a few Coronas and shrimp tacos, no need to hurry. Limited, exclusive and pristine ocean view lots are available at El Tamarindo through Grupo Plan. Play golf, stay a lifetime. Enrique Valenzuela, famous Mexican architect, is building Corazon de Manzanillo, a new course near Manzanillo with commanding views of Santiago Bay that is scheduled to open in 2009. The entire Costa Alegre area between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, in the State of Jalisco is gearing for mega developments in conjunction with the new regional airport being built close to Chamela. Future Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman golf developments are slated to make this southern area of the Mexican Riviera a carefully planned growth area for golf, boutique resorts, and residential communities.

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MEXICAN RIVIERA

The World Famous La Mantarraya also known as Las Hadas Golf Course by Roy Dye

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Gu Torreon At the ninth hole’s rest area have the chef as your own. Saltillo o serve up some fresh seafood as you relax on a hilltop El Tamarindo has done just that and offers the more La Paz ZACATECAS overlooking the blue Pacific TAMAULIPAS below. Tamarindo has 29 M e x adventurous golf traveler luxury in a wild tropical jun-Durango Ciudad SINALOA thatched roof villas with beautifully styled and furgle that courses down a mountainside to a primordial Victoria SAN LUIS nished interiors,POTOSI open to freshCiudad ocean breezes. Each villa seashore, hence the beaches are truly pristine Mazatlan and natMante Zacatecas San king-sized Luis O Rcharm TH is air-conditioned, has or twin beds, beautiural. That isNthe of El Tamarindo. Fly into Tampico Potosi NAYARIT 1 ful bathrooms and showers, Ciudad Madero ACIFIC spas and each Manzanillo’sPInternational Airport and R io Aguascalientes ISLAS Ve rd e O Cdrive E A Nnorth for about 40 VERACRUZ- There are two TRES has its own private garden. take a beautiful Tepic Guanajuato LLAVE MARIAS sizes: 3oneQueretaro or7two4 bedrooms. Restaurant La minutes. El Tamarindo; two thousand Leon Poza Rica Puerto Vallarta Irapuato Guadalajara Higuera, serves acres of tropical rain forest with ten miles Pachuca on the beach, Bahia Camp Celaya located de ISLAS JALISCO Zamora Tulancingo 5and Mexican International cuisine. of undisturbed sandy beaches. REVILLAGIGEDO Campeche Jalapa Mexico Texcoco Ciudad de Morelia 8 GuestsToluca can also dine in theVeracruz privacy of Carmen Sandwiched between forest ravines and Colima Tlaxcala 2 MICHOACAN Cuernavaca Cordoba TABASCO Manzanillo their own terrace. The chef is most happy dramatic cliffs with views down to the DE OCAMPO 6 Puebla Orizaba COLIMA Coatzacoalcos Villahermosa PUEBLA Rio to cater a meal of your choice, served in crashing surf is the spectacular El Bals as Int Lazaro the privacy er- pier byMinatitlan of a wooden candleTamarindo 18-hole championship golf Location Jalisco A Chilpancingo me Tuxtla Cardenas nH light. If you are one of thericasophisticated course carved out of the raw landscape by Course 18-hole, jungle/ocean Gutierre i g Oaxaca hw GUERRERO San ay quiet, Acapulco travelers who dreamsOAXACA of peace and David Fleming. Rated as the #5 Resort view, David Fleming de L Salina Cruz miles of unspoiled beaches, horseback Golf Course in the top ten courses in Contact Hotel: CHIAPAS Golfo de Tehuantepec riding, excellent food, cordial staff, golf Mexico by Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico, it 011(52) 315-351-5031, and pure tranquility to totally unwind,Tapachula G is a must play venue. Here you can take www.eltamarindoresort.com AGUASCALIENTES El Tamarindo is for you. full advantage of 1.2.having a course almost DISTRITO FEDERAL Monterrey

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GUANAJUATO HIDALGO MEXICO MORELOS QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA TLAXCALA

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes Two and a half hours north, along a peaceful highway dotted with small town pueblos and attention getting topes (sleeping policemen) is Puerto Vallarta. This city hosted the PGA-sponsored World Cup in December 2002 and The Champions Tour in 2006. Puerto Vallarta is no longer a one-course beach town. The development of the Vista Vallarta Golf Club and its two dynamic championship courses established Vallarta as a major golf destination in Mexico. Occupying the property’s highest elevations, Vista Vallarta’s first course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers golfers a variety of terrain and challenges as they play across rolling hillsides, dense forests of palms, giant ficus trees, and at least a dozen natural arroyos. With dramatic views of the town & bay, golfers will want to play this course twice: once with a camera, and again with clubs. The second Vista Vallarta course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, takes players across deep natural ravines and swift creeks, all characteristic of the property’s lowest elevations. Weiskopf has done a masterful job of working the terrain’s natural features into an incredibly playable and memorable course, from the first tee to the green of the “drivable” 18th hole. Diamond Golf Construction, the leading golf course builder in Mexico, transformed the property from wild jungle into landscaped fairways and greens. The preservation of the natural beauty of this idyllic setting appears to have been a key directive throughout the project. In the words of Mexico’s foremost agronomist, Bobby Heine, “The result is one of the best golf complex in Mexico… difficult to duplicate anywhere in the world.” The Marina Vallarta Golf Course, designed by Joe Finger in 1985, was Puerto Vallarta’s first golf course. Located between the marina and the ocean, the course is owned and managed by ClubCorp. Resident Director of Golf, K.C. Crandall maintains US standards, services, and maintenance. Several notable hotels surround the course; one in particular is Casa Velas, a boutique all-inclusive spa resort located on the course, with access to the beach club. An array of first class hotels including the Westin, Sol-Melia and the Marriott Casa Magna are located on the oceanfront. High-rises overlook the mega marina full of large, expensive yachts on one side, and a perfect sunset that overlooks the Pacific Ocean on the other. Bay View Grand group is the powerhouse here with several condo options to choose from, including the new Venetian development with all of the lifestyle amenities to complete your Puerto Vallarta investment. Going north toward Nuevo Vallarta in the State of Nayarít, one crosses the Rio Ameca Bridge to a magnificent destination featuring golf properties such as the Peninsula de Cortes. This course is a highly successful timeshare project that has five locations throughout Mexico under the brand of Albatross Golf. Currently the front nine holes are closed for a complete redo by the Nicklaus design team, which will be finished by October, 2009. Here in Nayarít, several important resorts and developments are midway through their build out. Paradise Village is Graziano Sovernigo’s brainchild with his vast real estate development including a hotel, sports-oriented residential beach resort, and the famous El Tigre Golf Course, a Robert von Hagge design with eleven water holes to keep you cool. Look closely and you might just see Jesus Carmona taking the bengal tiger cubs for a walk. Originally designed by legendary Percy Clifford and now under the Davis family’s attentive management, Flamingo Golf Club is one of the up and coming OLD WORLD courses a favorite of a loyal locals and international winter residents. 26

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

NUEVO & PUERTO VALLARTA

The preservation of the natural beauty of this idyllic setting appears to have been a key directive throughout the project. In the words of Mexico’s foremost agronomist, Bobby Heine, “The result is one of the best golf complex in Mexico… difficult to duplicate anywhere in the world.”

El Tigre Golf Course at Paradise Village by Robert von Hagge Inlay: Jesus Carmona, Director of Golf & Cubs

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CLUBCORP LATINAMERICA

> A DRIVING FORCE IN MEXICO GOLF < ClubCorp owns and operates nearly 100 golf courses, country clubs, private business clubs and golf resorts. ClubCorp leadership style consists of a superb approach to client satisfaction and provides golf courses and club facilities with upscale amenities. ClubCorp, one of the world’s leading golf club management groups, has two outstanding property locations in Mexico; Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel

VISTA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF (Puerto Vallarta, State of Jalisco)

Three great golf courses and one great destination add up to Puerto Vallarta. ClubCorp’s development of Vista Vallarta Tom Weiskopf 7,009-yard, par 72 golf course, and the Vista Vallarta Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course combined with the Marina Vallarta Golf Course create a premier 54-hole golf experience. Enjoy the natural features of rugged terrain, ravines, and mature trees of the 18-hole Weiskopf course or play the Nicklaus Signature Course, 18-hole, 6,595 yard, par 72, with the challenges and dramatic changes in elevations that confronted the players in the prestigious 2002 World Golf Championships-EMC World Cup. General Manager, K.C. Crandell, PGA Golf Professional member runs the two Vista Vallarta courses and the Marina Vallarta Golf Club with second generation golf skills and hospitality offering for individuals and tournaments. Both courses are rated in Best’s Top 10 Resort Golf courses in Mexico, Vista Vallarta Nicklaus is number 6 and the Weiskopf course number 9.

Location Puerto Vallarta Course 18 hole Nicklaus and 18 hole Weiskopf Contact K.C. Crandall, PGA Professional, General Manager for the Vista Vallarta Golf Complex. From US 01152-322-290-0030, www.foremexico.com

MARINA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF (Puerto Vallarta, State of Jalisco)

This par-71, 6,700-yard Joe Finger course sits in a dramatic location with the beach on one side and Banderas Bay and the marina on the other with two holes on the Pacific Ocean. Players feel the sea breeze amidst the natural beauty of the Mexican tropics. Playing the course will test your resolve, with ponds, lagoons and lakes dotting the area. Its magnificent view of Banderas Bay and the natural obstacles such as palms, tropical plants and natural lagoons along with abundant wildlife and waterfountains, have made it increasingly popular in the last few years with locals and international tourists.

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Location Puerto Vallarta Course 18 hole, jungle, Joe Finger Contact K.C. Crandall; PGA Professional, General Manager for the Marina Vallarta Golf Complex. From US 011-52-322-221-0073, www.marinavallartagolf.com WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Marina Vallarta by Joe Finger

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes One of the most promising new courses developed by Grupo Dina, a Nicklaus Signature design, is at Punta Mita, 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Named Pacifico, it is a private club for hotel guests, Punta Mita residents and their invited guests. The course has 19 holes; that’s right. When water or tide conditions prevent players from reaching the unique, par three third hole, “The Tale of the Whale” with its green situated on a natural island 180 yards off the coast, then an optional par three is played. A second eighteen hole Championship Jack Nicklaus course called Punta Mita Bahia was completed and opened for play at 2008 year’s end, and was nominated for Best’s Golf Guide Top 30 NEW Resort Course for 2009. FONATUR, the development arm of the Mexican Government, is the vision and energy behind L itibu. This is a master planned resort community with a spectacular Greg Norman golf course in the works, just north of Punta de Mita, which will be ready for play in 2009. Litibu will have several small, boutique residential developments. Brett Ellsworth, President for Contact Development Company, who is planning a private community adjacent to the Norman course said, “CDC has been instrumental in transforming some of the world’s most prominent resort developments from vision to successful completion and global renown, with a blend of US Management and the roots of a quality Mexican Company.” Their 89-unit project will have continued success here as well.

Mazatlán is at the northern tip of the Mexican Riviera, in the state of Sinaloa. At one time, developments and branded hotels were limited in Mazatlán; whereas, many other areas of Mexico grew and prospered. Mazatlán has awakened from a period of a standstill or neutral tourism growth. Downtown has seen a renaissance of some sort with the restoration of its colonial buildings and historic sites. A sense of a golf destination is emerging once again, giving the golfer more courses to choose from in this seaside village area. El Cid, the mainstay, is an oceanfront mega resort with more than a thousand rooms to meet your budget needs. Home to a Lee Trevino nine holes expansion in 1990, for a total of 27 holes, it offers vacation ownerships in their hotel towers, marina villas, and country club residences. Down the beach and conveniently close to the International airport is Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort. It boasts a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. masterpiece, with 11 holes touching the water. According to managing partner Patrick Butler “Plans call for an upscale hotel, residential community with a vacation ownership component, and another 18-hole course is being contemplated”. Grupo Echavarria, owner of several residential golf developments in Mexico, is ready to open a David Fleming-designed golf club called Marina Mazatlán, with tee to green Paspalum grass, which makes for great contrasts with the beautiful views to the ocean and the marina. Another David Fleming course ready for play in 2009 will be San Antonio Hills Golf Links, a residential golf resort with a different face. A golf links design with sandy dunes and pot bunkers that will challenge all levels of golfers. This will be a residential community loaded with amenities and housing in the traditional Mexican architecture. Several more projects are taking shape in this area. Netto Coppel of Pueblo Bonito has announced a Jack Nicklaus designed course on the drawing board near his Emerald Bay Resort in northern Mazatlán. 30

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Brett Ellsworth, President for Contact Development Company, who is planning a private community adjacent to the Norman course said, “CDC has been instrumental in transforming some of the world’s most prominent resort developments from vision to successful completion and global renown, with a blend of US Management and the roots of a quality Mexican Company.”

Punta Mita Bahia Winner of BEST’s New Resort Golf Course 2009

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Photo by Mark J. Witkin

BEST’s New Resort Golf Course for 2009

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

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Reynosa European preserve. Matamoros Gomez Palacio health spa, a zoo, and a wildlife Monterrey G Torreon (6,584-meter) centerpiece El Tigre Vallarta, a lively tourist enclave on the “Mexican DURANGOThe 7,200-yard Saltillo Riviera,” Paradise Village Beach Resort &Culiacan Spa offers Golf Course is credited with putting Nuevo Vallarta on La Paz Durango ZACATECAS the map as a TAMAULIPAS golfing destination. something for everyone, from golfers to Me Ciudad SINALOA Designed by Robert Von Hagge and Rick boaters to shoppers to those who just Victoria SAN LUIS Mazatlan Baril, the par-72 PGA rated course feawant to wade in the pristine waters of POTOSI Ciudad Mante Zacatecas San Luis tures lakes, a meandering Banderas Bay. N O R T H Tampicocreek, rolling Potosi NAYARIT 1 Ciudad Madero bunkers A C I F Iyou C can stay for a greens, and strategically placed “At ParadisePVillage, R Aguascalientes io V ISLAS erd e OC AN VERACRUZTRES and swales, framed by the Sierra Madre day, a week, or aE lifetime,” says Barry Tepic Guanajuato LLAVE MARIAS 4 7 45,000-square-foot Mountains. Its (4,181Cohen, Executive Vice President of Leon 3 Queretaro Poza Rica Puerto Vallarta Irapuato square meter) clubhouse is considered Paradise Village Group, which developed, Guadalajara Cam Celaya Pachuca Bahia de ISLAS JALISCO Zamora Tulancingo 5 one of the finest in all of México. markets, and manages REVILLAGIGEDO the resort. “We Campeche Texcoco Jalapa Mexico Ciudad Morelia 8 Golf & Country Location Nuevo Vallarta Veracruz Club Paradise have everything from hotel rooms to Colima Tlaxcala TolucaVillage Carm 2 MICHOACAN Cuernavaca Cordoba Course El Tigre,Manzanillo 18 hole, TABASCO features restaurants, a pro shop, its own waterfront estate homes with their own DE OCAMPO 6 Puebla Orizaba COLIMA Coatzacoalcos Villahermos PUEBLA von Hagge and Baril io B spa, a Rracquet club, eight tennis courts yacht slips.” alsa I s n Minatitlan ter Contact 1(800) 995-5714 ext.111 Lazaro andChilpancingo tennis stadium, basketball courts, an The resort stretches over 440 master-Am Tuxtla Cardenas eri c www.paradisevillage.com Olympic sized pool, a children’asn Hpool with planned acres (178 hectares) and includes Gutier i g Oaxaca hw GUERRERO Sa ay gym, Acapulco animation features, a well-equipped 510 traditional timeshare units, a full-serOAXACA de Salina Cruz and other amenities. “It’s a completeGolfo facilvice hotel, full-ownership condominiums, CHIAPAS de Tehuantepec “If and private homes. The complex also includes Paradise ity, where nothing has been overlooked,” Cohen says. Plaza, an air-conditioned mall with more than 100 you’re not at the beach, if you’re empty nesters with an Tapachula 1. AGUASCALIENTES stores, a 204-slip marina that can accommodate mega- active lifestyle or family-oriented and into any sport at 2. DISTRITO FEDERAL Puerto yachts, the championship El Tigre Golf Course, a conven- all, the country club is the place to be.” 3. GUANAJUATO 4. HIDALGO tion center, a country club and fitness center, a 5. MEXICO Los Mochis

6. MORELOS 7. QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA 8. TLAXCALA

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

Mexico’s sun triangle from Ixtapa to Acapulco to Hualtuco is often overlooked by avid golfers who seek out Mexico’s golden greens in Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya. Some great gems, more than worthy of your consideration, dot this 300 mile coastline which hugs the Pacific Ocean along southern Mexico. Today’s treasures in Acapulco are championship golf courses lined with palm trees and vegetation from around the world. By 1964 the first public course was built at the downtown, nine-hole Acapulco Club de Golf. Conveniently located on the Costera Manuel Aleman - only one block from the Convention Center it offers several sets of tees allowing for a varied 18 holes with a welltrained staff of caddies to make your conference visit a great experience. Robert von Hagge, who has over fourteen championship courses in Mexico, designed one of his best at Tres Vidas Golf Club. Inaugurated in 1995, it features nine lakes, recognizable von Hagge “moguls,” palm trees, and sand traps. Lying parallel to the Pacific Ocean, with five of its greens extending along the beach, it was chosen for the PGA Chrysler Cup Tournament. Leo Castellanos, a second-generation golf professional, continues to oversee the operations with great care, as he has for the past 10 years. Tres Vidas, rated No. 5 in BEST’s TOP 30 Private Golf Courses in Mexico, is well positioned to be one of Mexico’s finest private residential real estate developments. Fairmont Princess sits on 480 acres of lush gardens and palms which frame the view of the Sierra Madres in the beautiful Acapulco Diamante area. Built in the form of an ancient Aztec pyramid, the hotel has 701 exquisite rooms that offer spacious bathrooms, large walk-in closets and separate dressing rooms. The resort also features four freshwater pools with waterfalls and a saltwater pool, all of which overlook Revolcadero Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Additional amenities include two championship golf courses and eight outdoor tennis courts. In 1997 Fairmont purchased and refurbished this grand hotel. Today a new owner, Global Hospitality Investments (GHI), has ambitious plans for the property. The centerpiece of Princess will be the new Turtle Dunes Country Club, which will be Acapulco’s premiere country club and golf experience. The exclusive country club will have a world class championship golf course, a luxury full-service club house and a Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy. The introduction of the Turtle Dunes Country Club is part of GHI’s larger strategy to renew the glamour and position of the Princess development This 18 hole, 7200 yard, Par 72, PGA Championship caliber course will be a dunes course. On a dunes landscape that represents the original heritage of the site. Not only will this present a uniquely beautiful experience for golfers, it marks a historic return of a unique environment where, among other things, a variety of Sea Turtles once nested and flourished. Fairmont Princess Golf Course is a favorite course that provides plenty of shot-making challenges although it is easy to play. Excellently maintained, the 18-hole course prompted Golf Digest to include the Princess Golf Course on its list of “The 25 Greatest Golf Resorts.” BEST’s TOP 30 Resort Golf Courses has this layout at number 22 in Mexico. Designed by Ted Robinson, it offers narrow fairways, Parrota trees and water hazards on 12 of the 18 holes. Glenn Doyle, Director of Golf, from Canada has the great responsibility of overseeing this property, as well as the new design for its sister course, the Pierre Marques. 34

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Robert von Hagge, who has over fourteen championship courses in Mexico, designed one of his best at Tres Vidas Golf Club. Inaugurated in 1995, it features nine lakes, recognizable von Hagge “moguls,” palm trees, and sand traps. Lying parallel to the Pacific Ocean, with five of its greens along the beach, it was chosen for the PGA Chrysler Cup Tournament.

The spectacular Fairmont Acapulco Princess by Ted Robinson

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San Luis Ciudad Mante ORTH Tampico Potosi NAYARIT the Princess Golf Course on its list of “The 25 olf lovers looking for the ultimate adventure vaca1 Ciudad Madero CIFIC Cancu R io Aguascalientes Progreso ISLAS V erd Greatest Golf Resorts.” BEST’s TOP 30 Resort Golf tion needn’t look any further. Merida e CEAN VERACRUZTRES Tepic Guanajuato LLAVEthis layout at Number 22 in Mexico. It has Located in famousMARIAS Playa Revolcadero, Acapulco, The Isla 4 7Courses YUCATAN Leon 3 Cozume Queretaro Poza Rica PGA sectional pro-am tournaments Puerto Vallarta Irapuato has hosted eight Fairmont Princess and The Fairmont Pierre Marques Guadalajara Campeche Celaya Pachuca Bahiafrom de ISLAS more than 480-acres of tropical as pro-am events Canada, EnglandQUINTANA and boast With 5 as wellTulancingo JALISCO paradise. Zamora REVILLAGIGEDO Campeche Texcoco Jalapa ROO Ciudad delTed Robinson, Germany. Designed by it the soaring mountains of the Colima Sierra Morelia Mexico 8 Veracruz Chetumal Tlaxcala Toluca Carmen 2 MICHOACAN Cuernavaca Cordoba offers narrow fairways, Parrota trees and Madre on one side and the crystal blue TABASCO Manzanillo DE OCAMPO CAMPECHE 6 Puebla Orizaba Villahermosa Coatzacoalcos PUEBLA water hazards on 12 of the 18 holes. Mexican Pacific Ocean on the COLIMA other, Rio Belize City Bals as Int Glenn Doyle, Director of Golf, from these two magnificent hotels offer guests Lazaro Minatitlan erAm Chilpancingo Tuxtla responsibility of Belmopan Cardenas eri Canada has the great an assortment of world-class amenities; ca nH Gutierrez BELIZE i g Oaxaca hw GUERRERO San Cristobal overseeing this property, as well as the four freshwater pools with waterfalls and ay Acapulco OAXACA de Las Casas Salina design Cruz new for its sister course,Puerto the Pierre a saltwater pool, two of the world’s top San Ped Barrios CHIAPAS Golfo de Marques, which will be the land mass for Sula golf courses, eight outdoor tennis courts. GUATEMALA Tehuantepec HONDURAS Guatemala the new Turtle Dunes Country Club. World-class cuisine and Willow Stream, Tapachula Tegucigalpa Location Guerrero Percy Clifford designed Pierre the spa at The Fairmont Princess. 1. AGUASCALIENTES Course two 18-holes, 2. DISTRITO FEDERAL Marques Golf Course inSan 1967, Robert La Union Under the ownership and managePuerto Jose andSan 3. GUANAJUATO Robert Trent Jones Sr. & Jr., Salvador Trent Jones Sr. redesigned the course in 4. HIDALGO ment of Global Hospitality Investments EL SALVADOR Ted Robinson 5. MEXICO 1982 for the (GHI), they have unveiled a master plan World Cup Golf Tournament . 6. MORELOS NIC Contact Princess: 011(52) forDEthis historic resort complex. The redesign included changing 65 7. QUERETARO ARTEAGA 744-469-1000, Pierre Marques: 8. TLAXCALA The centerpiece of Princess will be bunkers, adding mounds, and another 011(52) 744-435-2600, the new Turtle Dunes Country Club, 300 yards. Jones placed a premium on www.fairmontgolf.com which will be Acapulco’s premiere counaccuracy from the tee and precise shots try club and golf experience. The excluinto his well-guarded greens. sive country club will have a world-class championship In 2004, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. completed a redesign golf course, a luxury full-service club house and a of this course, re-grassing the layout with seashore Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy. The introduction of the Paspalum, an almost perfectly salt tolerant turf has Turtle Dunes Country Club is part of GHI’s larger stratturned this course, tee to green, into a vibrant emeregy to renew the glamour and position of the Princess ald color. Now his legend will be transformed into a development. This 18-hole, 7200 yard, Par 72, PGA wonderful new chapter in the history of the Princess Championship caliber course will be a dunes course. residental complex. Fairmont Princess Golf Course is a favorite course New real estate villas and condos are part of the that provides plenty of shot-making challenges upgrade to the entire Princess and The Turtle Dunes although it is easy to play. Impeccably maintained, the Country Club will reawaken the tremendous golf oppor18-hole course prompted Golf Digest to include tunities available to travelers bound to Acapulco.

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes Copra Golf Course, formerly the Mayan Palace, is an 18-hole, par-72 course that blends in with its natural environment. The Copra course features lakes and gardens that surround the many of the greens. The course’s avant-garde layout, which features many dunes and other distinguishing characteristics, was designed by the well-known golf designer/architect Pedro Guereca. Several other hotels of note come to mind when traveling to Acapulco would be the world famous Las Brisas, with its individual pools and pink jeeps, and the beautiful Quinta Real overlooking the Diamante coastline. Golfers may not need a wake up call, as most of the action in Acapulco starts at midnight and ends just in time for the first morning tee times. For some fun, try the exclusive and famous BabyO’s, or the trend setting Palladium or Mandara overlooking the breathtaking lights of Acapulco harbor.

The mix & match towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are on the northern edge of the Sunshine Triangle, one is traditional, primal, unpolished and exotically charming. The other is refined, fabricated and planned down to the last coconut palm and purple bougainvillea. As far as twin cities go, Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo are as fraternal as it exists in eternal proximity, yet as different as night and day. Taken together, however, these two cities on Mexico’s southwestern coast combine to form one of the country’s most underrated and underutilized destinations and have two most enjoyable and affordable golf courses. Both courses offer golfers an enjoyable and relaxed pace of play as well as the traditional expert-and-caring caddie system that is so highly valued in Mexico. The courses are meticulously maintained, and the greens are groomed daily. An elaborate underground irrigation system draws purified water from one of Ixtapa’s three advanced-technology treatment plants. First on the scene was Campo de Golf Ixtapa (previously named “Palma Real”), was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., in 1977. This 18-hole championship course harmonizes with its environment: a former coconut plantation, natural lakes, lagoons, and lush tropical vegetation alongside the scenic Pacific coastline. Do not attempt to retrieve balls from the water hazards because crocodiles live in some of them! They usually remain submerged and out of sight, however they do stroll around at dawn and dusk. The 16th hole is spectacular from tee to green, its full-length runs along a lake. The green is bordered by water on one side and sand on the other. Optimum precision is required here. Robert von Hagge designed Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa, site of the 2008 Lorena Ochoa and Ana Sorenstam skins match. Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa is known for being an imaginative course, built in 1994 including canals meandering through it. They provide delightful nautical recreation and transportation routes between Marina Ixtapa’s private villas, the clubhouse and other facilities. This course requires both accurate tees shots and approach shots in order to navigate the rolling terrain, expansive sand traps, and water hazards that come into play on 14 of the 18 holes. A golf outing at any point along the Mexican Riveria will be a wonderful and memorable experience for individual, couples, foursomes, golf groups and corporate events. Mexico’s pesos more than ever offer a great pricing advantage for US and International currencies. Many hotels, golf courses and real estate projects are offering BEST value ever. 38

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

CAUTION! Crocodiles live throughout many courses in Ixtapa, and all around Mexico so be careful when retrieving your sunken balls

Club de Golf Marina Ixtapa by Robert von Hagge

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

Cancun and the Riviera Maya regions have overcome Los Cabos with the most rounds of golf played in Mexico and now boasts the most popular golf destination in Mexico. Cancun; the crossroads of Latin-America, US, Canada and Europe has been featured worldwide via the PGA Tournament “The Mayakobá Classic” for the last three years. The Canadian Tour has also been responsible for bringing quality exposure to international golfers looking for Championship play. MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

Cancun attracts upwards of three million visitors a year. To golfers, it offers a couple of vintage courses in and around the main tourism area and a host of new golf courses along the expanded corridor to the south, called the Riviera Maya. This is truly a golf destination set on gaining market share in the world of golf now the NUM BER ONE most played area in Mexico with over 12 challenging golf courses open for play, 3 more to open in 2009 and 5 getting ready for 2010. It all started with FONATUR’s Robert Trent Jones-designed Pok-Ta-Pok course (today called the Cancun Golf Club) that was part of the original development in the early 1970’s now it is a very playable public type course with value priced daily fees. Currently under new management with plans to update the playability of this course that has lowered its quality experience over the years. We are hoping that this new management will finally commit to it’s potential. Nearby, the Kukulcan at Hilton Can cun S pa & Golf Resort, formerly known as Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort, previously named Cesar Park (more name changes than Prince) is a landmark 426-room property, patterned after a threetiered pyramid, offers guests an ocean view from every room and an interesting layout with several sightings Mayan ruins. In 2007 this Mayan playground had a $2 million dollar remake by Pedro Güereca and has regained a worthy of praise and enjoyable golf experience by visitors and locals as well. Four miles north of Cancun on a small, secluded peninsula nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Chacmochuc Lagoon is a budding 930-acre development known as Playa Mujeres Resort, designed by Greg Norman and rated number 11 by BEST’s TOP Resort Golf Courses in Mexico. The resort will eventually feature four luxury hotels (including the Excellence hotel), a high-end retail shopping, horse stables, a 50-slip marina, and 50-plus exclusive waterfront homes. Playa Mujeres utilized a rearrangement of the site’s native vegetation, notably palms; Norman predicts that “when players walk on that first tee for the first time, the course is going to look like it’s been there for 20 years.” Opened in 2008, Riviera Cancun Golf Club, an 18-hole course at 7,000 yards designed as a Jack Nicklaus Signature course - is part of the mega Palace resort group. The club features a first class clubhouse and country club facilities offering all inclusive rates that include pick up and return transportation from local hotels and condos, clubhouse and on cart refreshments and snacks. Located in the hotel zone near the airport. Puerto Cancun Golf Course to open October 2009 will be an elite 18-hole golf course nestled within 75 hectares of gorgeous ocean and tropical forest views, comfortably lodged between Cancun's hotel strip and the downtown area. Designed by award winning designer and British Open champion Tom Weiskopf, his third course in Mexico, the course is located within the Bay of Isla Mujeres. Puerto Cancun is adjacent to downtown Cancun and the hotel zone on the last stretch of untouched oceanfront. 40

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are golf destinations set on gaining market share in the world of golf now the NU M B ER ONE most played area in Mexico with over 12 challenging golf courses open for play, 3 more to open in 2009 and 5 getting ready for 2010.

Palace Resorts’ newest Riviera Cancun Golf Club Jack Nicklaus Signature

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PERFECTLY MANICURED GOLF

he vast blue turquoise water of the Mexican Caribbean visit an unforgettable experience. With its masterful design, expert management by Sea is the backdrop to Playa Mujeres Golf Course, well XICO Brownsville Reynosa inside 2,290 + acres of lush tropical land, just Troon Golf and unmatched playing conditions, Playa positioned Matamoros Monterrey Mujeres Golf Club is recognized as one of the top seven miles north of Cancun, México. G u l f n Saltillo courses in Mexico; currently it is on our BEST’s TOP 10 Playa Mujeres Golf Course, designed by worldof TAMAULIPAS list of resort courses in Mexico. famous golf player Greg Norman, currently has 18 holes TECAS Mexico Playa Mujeres friendliness is noticethat areCiudad strategically located to make the Victoria SAN LUIS game most able in several different ways. It was given interesting and challenging. POTOSI Ciudad Mante San Luis another an award by The Executive Women´s Golf With 18 holes on the way, the Tampico Potosi Association (EWGA) in June 2007, for completion of 36 Madero holes makes it one of Ciudad Cancun R io Progreso Ve being a women-friendly course. From the therdebest golfVERACRUZcomplexes in Mexico. Merida Guanajuato LLAVE Isla simplest things like air-conditioned It7 is 4a great resort course where daily YUCATAN Leon 3 Cozumel Queretaro Poza Rica puato restrooms along the course, to fairway trade winds that demand pinpoint accuCampeche Celaya Pachuca Bahia de Zamora and tee design, where men and women racy, with water coming into play Tulancingo QUINTANA 5 paired Campeche Texcoco Jalapa ROO Ciudad del Location Cancun Morelia Mexico 8 challengeVeracruz are treated equally regarding the chalin 10 holes, even the most expeChetumal Tlaxcala Toluca Carmen 2 ACAN Cuernavaca Cordoba Course Playa Mujeres Golf lenges they face on fairways and greens. rienced players. TABASCO AMPO CAMPECHE 6 Puebla Orizaba Villahermosa Coatzacoalcos PUEBLA Club, 18 hole, GregBelize Norman Playa Mujeres Golf Course is a must Playa Mujeres Golf Club was created Rio City Bals as Int respect for Signature Course Minatitlan play for anyone planning a golf vacation, a with a profound the abundant erAm Chilpancingo Tuxtla Belmopan eri Contact (998) 8877 322 ca day of golf, or an event to be long rememwildlife and vegetation of the delicate nH Gutierrez BELIZE i gh GUERRERO Oaxaca San Cristobal wa www.playamujeresgolf.com bered. Real estate opportunities are availecosystem that surrounds the course. Acapulco y OAXACA de Las Casas Salina Cruz able at both the Capricho Residences and Operated under the highest standards of San Pedro Puerto Barrios CHIAPAS Golfo de Sula GUATEMALA Residences Hotel and Marina. Resort accomquality and service, theirTehuantepec attention to detailed mainte- La Amada HONDURAS modations are available at the Excellence Group Luxury nance will impress you as you play yourGuatemala first quality Tapachula Tegucigalpa Resorts at Playa Mujeres. round of golf. San Puerto San Jose La Union Mujeres will have you dreaming of a return Playa A well-appointed clubhouse, on-site pro-shop and Salvador visit or investment in the future. expert staff help provide your every need to makeELyour SALVADOR

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Playa Mujeres - a spectacular Greg Norman Signature Golf Course

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

From Cancun you must go south into the Riviera Maya area along a modern highway known as the corridor with various stops at some of the best golf resorts in the world to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. First stop is the Palace Resorts’ Moon Spa & Golf Club with 27-holes, designed by Jack Nicklaus. As fine as the course is, and it’s one of the fairest tracks on Jack’s resume, it’s not all about the golf at Moon Spa & Golf Club. This Moon Spa & Golf Club course has the distinction of having the most rounds of golf played here than any other courses in Mexico. Th e Pal ace Reso rt itself is a very successful real estate buy via their timeshare offering, here you can get a great property with golf privileges and exchange opportunities. Rates here include local transportation, food & beverage in the clubhouse and on course. Director of Golf, Akira Tominaga oversees three Palace resorts properties, including Riviera Cancun and Playacar Spa & Golf Club. Driving south you will find the M ay an P al ace now called El Man gl ar go lf course, part of the 5 course family of golf under the Group, an exciting executive par 3, Jack Nicklaus design. An 18-hole par 54 this 2923-yard long filled with radiant white sand traps, the dark tones of natural stone lining pristine lakes, the deep, lush hue of the greens and the waste bunkers, this course is a garden of delights for golf lovers. The lakes and native plant life that make the Mayan Jungle such an extraordinarily natural landscape, are seamlessly integrated into all 18-holes, the greens -built in a style in fashion half a century ago - add to the challenge in a striking way. Next door is the mega resort, Iberostar Paraiso Maya rated (18) that created a great championship caliber course by Pete Dye’s eldest son PB Dye, a must play in this area. Iberostar Paraiso Maya, an upscale all-inclusive property with 432 junior suites. Opened in late 2004, the hotel’s towering entrance is a replica of the pyramid-shaped temple at Chichen Itza. The golf course located on the west side of the highway, is accessible via tunnel from the resort hotels. While the site was solid rock—caliche, Dye calls it—the water table was low enough for him to dig down 15 feet. “And if I can go down 15 feet, I can go up 15 feet,” he chuckled, referring to his conspicuous mounds and bold shaping. The course is covered from tee to green in Paspalum. Iberostar guests receive preferred tee times, but the course is open to the public. Iberostar has hosted the C an adian T ou r for the last three years and is the qualifier host for the PG A Mayakoba open each year. TV coverage of the PGA golf tournament has brought fame to the area and its host course at Mayakoba Golf Course. Forty miles south of Cancun. OHL, a Madrid-based company has fashioned a 1,600-acre complex, which currently features five of Yucatan’s best hotels, closed to auto traffic. Guests get around on foot, on bicycles, in golf carts, or in canopied launches powered by electric motors. Mayakoba features the Greg Norman-designed, El C amal eó n G o lf Course, site of the February based third annual, Mayakoba Classic, the first ever PGA event in Mexico. Fred Funk (266) managed to hold on for a playoff win at the site’s first PGA Event in 2007. Brain Gay, in his 293 career start, battled for the title and trophy by winning in 2008 shooting the low tournament score to date of 264. Mexico’s Esteban Toledo finished 11th. 2009 winner was Mark Wilson with a winning score of 267 for first place prize of $648,000. Ranked number 4 in BEST’s TOP 30 Resort courses. The El C amal eó n G o lf Course has lush, well manicured fairways that trace the curve of the meandering 44

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

All-inclusive travel packages for the Mayakoba Golf Classic are now online and available for purchase! Be a part of Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event! If you love to travel, if you are a PGA TOUR fan, if you love Mexico, the Mayakoba Golf Classic launching its all-inclusive travel packages just for you! Let BEST4GOLF plan your trip in 2010. Call us toll free at 1(800)381-7054.

Three years of history at the Mayakoba Golf Classic with more to come. A Greg Norman Production Company event.

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Resort itself is a very successful real Christi estate buy via their Monclova Rio V erde timeshare offering, NUEVO here you can get a great property the Chapur family has dominated the landscape of MEXICO Brownsville Escollus LEON Loreto BAJA Reynosa Los Mochis with golf privileges and exchange opportunities. Cancun and the Riviera Maya with an assortment of 8 Alijos CALIFORNIA Matamoros Gomez Palacio Monterrey Gu del Carmen upscale all inclusiveSUR Palace Resorts locations and threeDURANGO PlayaTorreon Saltillo is home to the highly rated Robert Culiacan o von Hagge course at Playacar Golf Club, long considof the area’s best world class golf courses. La Paz TAMAULIPAS Durango ZACATECAS Mex ered one of the most challenging The all inclusive theme carries into the golf SINALOA courses Ciudad courses in Mexico Victoria at 7,202 yards. SAN Opened in 1994, with a slope rating of as well, when you pay your green fee it include your LUIS Mazatlan POTOSI Ciudad Zacatecas 148 from the tips, itSan incorporates aMante number of cenotes, normal half share Luis N O Rcart, T H but the Palace Resort way is to Tampico Potosi NAYARIT 1 or sinkholes used byCiudad the ancient Mayans offer local P transpiration pick up and Madero ACIFIC R io Aguascalientes ISLAS Ve rd e O C E A N VERACRUZTRES to collect rainwater. A key characteristic of return from any hotel or villa in the Tepic Guanajuato LLAVE MARIAS Leon von Hagge’ s7 is 4the usePoza of Rica steep mounds entire area in addition to any of the 3 Queretaro Puerto Vallarta Irapuato Guadalajara Pachuca Camp Celaya that guard very long 5 pars, some over Palace Resort, plus food and beverage on Bahia de ISLAS JALISCO Zamora Tulancingo 5 REVILLAGIGEDO Campeche Texcoco Jalapa Mexico 600 yards. the course. They have advanced GPS sysCiudad de Morelia 8 Veracruz Colima Tlaxcala Toluca Carmen 2 MICHOACAN Cordoba Opened in 2008; Riviera Cancun Golf tem where you can order food and drinks Cuernavaca TABASCO Manzanillo DE OCAMPO Puebla Orizaba 6 COLIMA Coatzacoalcos Villahermosa PUEBLA is the delivered to you hole location. It is Rio newest golf course in the Palace Bals as I nte Minatitlan Lazaro Resort inventory, an 18 almost better than pars or birdies. r-A hole courses at Chilpancingo me Tuxtla Cardenas Location Cancun ric an Gutierre 7,000 yards,GUERRERO designed as a Jack Akira Tominaga, Director of Golf, overHig Nicklaus Oaxaca hw Course 3 courses; Moon San ay Acapulco OAXACA de L Signature, located in the hotel zone near sees three Palace Resorts golf properties, Palace, Riviera Cancun Salina Cruz CHIAPAS Golfoclass de the airport. The club features a first including: Moon Palace, Riviera Cancun, (2) Jack Nicklaus Signature, Tehuantepec Playacar Golf Club G clubhouse and country club facilities Playacar and their newest location schedTapachula (1) Robert von Hagge 1. AGUASCALIENTES offering all inclusive rates that include uled for grand opening late 2009 in the 2. DISTRITO FEDERAL Contact 800-635-1836, pick up and return transportation from Puerto S Dominican Republic. 3. GUANAJUATO www.palaceresorts.com 4. HIDALGO local hotels and condos, clubhouse and on Palace Resorts’ Moon Palace is a Jack 5. MEXICO 6. MORELOS cart refreshments and snacks. Be sure to Nicklaus Signature course that opened for 7. QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA 8. TLAXCALA explore all it has to offer. play in 2002, it was originally constructed for 18 holes, Palace Resorts’ newest “PASSPORT” Promotion probut added 9 holes in 2007 for a total of 27 holes. These vides guests with 25% discounts on golf and spa ser3 nines offer any golfer a wonderful challenge between vices and also on select local tours. jungle setting, lake views and wide open inviting fairGuests can stay at any of the eight Palace Resorts ways. One of the area’s most popular courses is has the and travel between each of them for food or drinks, distinction of having the most rounds of golf played dinner or beach; life is great at Palace Resorts. here than any other courses in Mexico. The Palace

Right top: Moon Palace Golf & Spa, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course Right middle: Playacar Golf Club, by Robert von Hagge Right Bottom: Riviera Cancun Golf, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

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Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes waterways, with cenotes and even a few limestone caves in play. Two of the holes are links-style creations routed among dunes near the sea, but for the most part, the golf experience, like the hotel experience, is set well back from the beach and the sea’s turquoise-blue waters. This is one of the best golf complexes in Mexico, with professional staff and management. The hotels at Mayakoba were expertly conceived and will be among the finest in all of Mexico. The 401 room Fairmont Mayakoba is a low-rise property that winds through the property with deluxe rooms, suites, and Casitas with lagoon views, or beachfront villas. The Mandarin Oriental Resort is a hideaway where luxury and natural beauty are in complete harmony, it has128 guestrooms within a series of villas and their service and spa are world famed. The Mayakoba complex houses several independent real estate developments several are noteworthy: Laguna Kai, a mixed-use resort and residential project that features a 120room hotel managed by Rosewood. Another part of the master plan is Banyan Tree, the exclusive Singapore-based hotel and Resort Company. Mayakoba set the stage for the Ko r Gro up's first international resort, Vicero y Riv iera Maya themed Urban Retreats and Uncommon Resorts. Playa del Carmen is the major crossroad in this corridor - an hour south of Cancun as the jumping off spot by ferry to Cozumel. Playa del Carmen is home to the highly rated Robert von Hagge course at Playacar Spa & Golf Club, long considered one of the most challenging courses in Mexico at 7,202 yards. Opened in 1994, with a slope rating of 148 from the tips, it incorporates a number of cenotes, or sinkholes used by the ancient Mayans to collect rainwater. A key characteristic of von Hagge’s is the use of steep mounds that guard very long 5 pars some over 600 yards. Bring your “A” game! A former fishing village, Playa del Carmen is today a sultry little town built on the broad slope of a hill that is equally popular with Europeans and Americans. The best place to commence a tour is Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with colorful boutiques, artisan galleries, small bed & breakfasts, trendy little hotels and bustling open-air cafes. Playa del Carmen attracts the young and young-at-heart. Ferries run on the hour from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, one of the region’s prettiest seaside towns. The island of Cozumel that has unveiled its only golf course, the Co zum el Co un try C l ub designed by Nickl au s. Having been granted the first permit in almost 20 years for golf construction in theYucatan peninsula. ClubCorp in conjunction with Diamond Golf Construction fashioned a championship course that is serving as an ecological model for all future golf development in Yucatan. From pulverizing rock into bunker sand to hewing trees into lumber for a bridge over a mangrove swamp, this project is an environmental masterpiece. Playa Azul a lovely family style hotel on the beach across from the golf course has value priced golf packages. P ue rto Ave ntu ras is at the far end of this long Mayan highway one and a half hours from Cancun, close to the ancient Mayan area of Tulum. This area has developed on low key bases with a Marina, tennis and golf complex. The golf is a very user friendly informal set among its dense jungle par 36, 9-hole course, maximum length 3,236 yards designed by Thomas Leeman. Bahia Principe Residencial Golf Resort is taking shape on 717 acres of tropical jungle area of which 223 acres are devoted to 27 holes of design by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. plus a 9-hole par 3 golf courses and a practice center. Located half 48

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Playacar Golf & Spa Club is one of the area’s first Championship golf courses designed by Robert von Hagge

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Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes way between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the first of 9 holes are scheduled to open before the end of 2009. Also making progress with their new development, located on the west side of Cancun seven miles south of the airport will be the Cancun Country Club with two golf courses, the centerpiece of a 2,000-acre residential golf community. Long in the planning stage now under construction, one designed by PGA Tour star Nick Price, is a TPC course and is expected to open in late 2009, the other is by legendary T om Fazio. The PGA Tour, which governs the network of To u rnam en t Pl aye rs C l ubs, is providing technical assistance to the project’s developer and operator. Punta Maroma will be the site of the Riviera Maya’s only private golf course by Ree s Jon es, son of the great Ro be rt Trent Jo nes , Sr. at Cape ll a Residen ce s Bahia Maroma. Designed in the neoclassic style friendly to the members and challanging to all with many of the holes feature striking views of the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, with the 9th and 17th holes finishing directly at water’s edge. In the tradition of great seaside courses, the 18th fairway runs parallel to the water for a finish on the Caribbean.

The Yucatan Country Club, with the jewel of the Club, it features El Jaguar, the 18- hole, 7,295 yards, from the tips – par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf course. El Jaguar, long considered an icon of power and status now has come roaring back as the masterpiece from Jack Nicklaus in the Yucatan Peninsula. Laid out around four lakes and six natural cenotes, it is one of a few courses in the world to be played around historic Mayan ruins. One can sense the ancient warriors and game players watching over your shot making as you do battle for pars and birdies on this world class golf course, combining the strategy and design of Jack Nicklaus with the holistic experience inspired by spirit of the Mayan civilization. Here you will find the home to Latin-American first Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf. Golf is a lifetime pursuit of problem solving. We hope you’ll experience quality golf instruction at our Academy of Golf location at the Yucatan Country Club, and take what you have learned quickly from the practice tee to the golf course.” Quoted by Jack Nicklaus. El Jaguar, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in YUCATAN COUNTRY CLUB voted as BEST Golf Guide to Mexico’s TOP NEW (semi) PRIVATE golf course in Mexico for 2009. The on and off again project of the Campeche Playa Golf Marina & Spa Resort is on again. Located on a great stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico near the town of Campeche it will feature a Jack Nicklaus Signature design golf course most significant of its characteristics, is length will measure over 7,000 yards, from the tees meant for friendly playability of wide open fairways par 72, 18holes. It will be the home of the first Golden Bear Residences in Latin America and managed by Troon Golf. Golf growth in the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo State will dominate the headlines and offer domestic and international players, investors, home buyers some of the best options available is the world, in a setting of unsurpassed beauty, pur white sand beaches, clear blue waters and travel budget value.

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#1 Private - El Dorado Golf Course

#2 Private - Club de Golf Mexico

Yucatan Country Club Winner of BEST’s New Private Golf Course 2009

1. EL DORADO GOLF COURSE 2. CLUB DE GOLF MEXICO 3. QUERENCIA GOLF CLUB 4. GUADALAJARA COUNTRY CLUB 5. CLUB DE GOLF TRES VIDAS 6. TRES MARIAS 7. BOSQUE REAL COUNTRY CLUB 8. LAS MISIONES CLUB CAMPESTRE 9. CLUB DE GOLF CHAPULTEPEC 10. LA LOMA CAMPO DE GOLF 11. ATLAS COUNTRY CLUB 12. CLUB CAMPESTRE MONTERREY 13. CLUB DE GOLF LA HACIENDA 14. CLUB DE GOLF LOS ENCINOS 15. YUCATAN COUNTRY CLUB 16. EL RIO COUNTRY CLUB 17. CLUB CAMPESTRE DE LA CIUDAD DE MEXICO 18. CLUB DE GOLF MALINALCO 19. CLUB DE GOLF BELLAVISTA 20. LAS LOMAS CLUB DE GOLF 21. SANTA ANITA CLUB DE GOLF 22. CLUB DE GOLF VALLE ESCONDIDO 23. BOSQUE REAL COUNTRY CLUB 24. CLUB CAMPESTRE EL CAMPANARIO 25. LA VISTA COUNTRY CLUB & GOLF A.C. 26. EL CIELO (PALOMAR) COUNTRY CLUB 27. CLUB DE GOLF VALLE ALTO 28. TIJUANA COUNTRY CLUB 29. LOMAS COUNTRY CLUB 30. CLUB DE GOLF LOS TABACHINES

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BEST’s New Private Golf Course for 2009

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YUCATAN COUNTRY CLUB

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courts; soccer field; luxurious men’s and women’s locker n the emerging Austin growth of Golf in Mexico, it has taken New Orleans rooms; a women’s hair salon and men’s barber shop; a the ancient world of Houston the Mayan to make use of their Ri oland comprehensive children’s daycare and activities facility, in a new and unique way for golf. One imagines B San Antonio e ra Galveston vo an equestrian club, and a beach club and marina. returning to those golden days, where the Mayans Here you will find the home to Latin America’s first a sacred ball game. YUCATAN VILLAGE & COAHUILAplayed DE ZARAGOZA Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf. As the championship RESORT isLaredo being introduced as the WORLD’S FIRST SIGCorpus Nuevo Laredo Christi golfer and golf course designer said, “Golf is a lifetime NATURE ACADEMIES COMMUNITY in the cultural capMonclova pursuit of problem solving. We hope you’ll experience ital of MEXICO, an 800-acre exclusive residential resort NUEVO MEXICO& golf quality golf instruction at our Academy of Golf community near Merida, Mexico. This $180 milBrownsville LEON Reynosa Matamoros location at the Yucatan Country Club, and take what lion project offers a stunning mix of custom home sites Monterrey Gulf Torreon you have learned quickly from the practice tee to the and luxury homes. Saltillo f own golf course.” This vast complex of luxury features oits TAMAULIPAS ZACATECAS x i cjewel o The Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf will welcome Country Club, YUCATAN COUNTRY CLUB.MAsethe Ciudad serious students of the game of golf for all levels of of the Club, it features El Jaguar, the 18-hole 7,295 yards Victoria SAN LUIS POTOSI amateur play. Come to a relaxing and – par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature designed ecas San Luis Ciudad Mante Tampico peaceful world at the Yucatan Country golfPotosi course. El Jaguar, long considered an 1 Ciudad Madero Cancun entes io V power and status, now has come Club and attend a series of clinics and iconRof Progreso e rd Merida e VERACRUZlearning experiences for a day or a week roaring back as the masterpiece from Jack Guanajuato LLAVE Isla 4 7 YUCATAN Leon Nicklaus 3 or longer, with the top professional in the Yucatan Peninsula. Laid Cozumel Queretaro Poza Rica Irapuato Pachuca Campeche Celayaaround instructors selected by Jack Nicklaus out four lakes and sixBahia natural de Zamora Tulancingo QUINTANA 5 Campeche Texcoco Academy world-wide director of instruccenotes, it is one of a few courses in the Jalapa ROO Ciudad del Morelia Mexico 8 Veracruz Chetumal Tlaxcala Toluca tions, Mike Malaska. world to be around historic Mayan Carmen 2played MICHOACAN Cuernavaca Cordoba TABASCO DE OCAMPOruins. One can Orizaba CAMPECHE Yucatan Village & Resort offers 1,500 sense the ancient warriors 6 Puebla Location Merida Coatzacoalcos Villahermosa PUEBLA Rio Belize City home sites ranging in price from Bals and game players watching over your as Course 18-hole, El Jaguar, Int Minatitlan Lazaro erAmbattle for pars and Chilpancingo shot-making, as you do TuxtlaJack Nicklaus SignatureBelmopan$140,000 to $600,000 USD, and in size ardenas eri c from 4,000 to 21,500 sq. ft. This gated birdies onGUERRERO this world classan Hgolf course. ElGutierrez BELIZE i gh Oaxaca Contact Hotel: San Cristobal wa Acapulco y OAXACA community features a mix of low density Jaguar is a combination of the strategy de011(52) Las Casas 999-800-4000, Salina Cruz San Pedro Puerto Barrios CHIAPAS home sites and the luxurious creations and design of Jack Nicklaus Golfo with the de Sula www.yucatangolf.com GUATEMALA Tehuantepec of some of the best architects from holistic experience inspired by the spirit HONDURAS Guatemala Tapachula Tegucigalpa Mexico and the United States. of the Mayan civilization. El Jaguar, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in San Merida is a popular hub for those looking to explore Puerto San Jose La Union the sites of numerous historical ruins and ecological YUCATAN COUNTRY CLUB was voted as BEST Golf Salvador wonders of the area. Residents, guests and tourists Guide to Mexico’s TOP NEW (semi) PRIVATE golf courseEL SALVADOR enjoy fineNIC. dining and shopping, visiting the city’s in Mexico for 2009. numerous museums and art galleries, swimming and Its powerful clubhouse is a masterpiece of design cave diving in the area’s cenotes, visiting nearby pink and the focal point of social gatherings for it internaflamingo sanctuaries, watching bullfights, and enjoytional membership and their guests. Yucatan Country ing the soft white sands of nearby beaches at Progreso. Club features a 15-acre stone-glass clubhouse, El Jaguar With more than one million residents, Merida is Pro Shop; The Concession Golf Lounge (19th Hole); Spa also very accessible, with flights from the U.S. and & Wellness Sanctuary, three restaurants and three cockMexico into Merida’s International Airport available tail lounges; private dining rooms; terraces, gardens, daily on Continental, Delta and Aeromexico. It also feaspacious rooms for special events; indoor and outdoor tures an FBO terminal for private aviation. swimming pools; lighted tennis & paddle tennis an Gr

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Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

The Sea of Cortes is a vast water way separating the Baja peninsula from mainland Mexico. It contains some of the most unique plants and sea life in the world and is the closest experience to the life on display in the Galapagos Islands without having to travel to the equator. Along its coastline, stretching over 2,000 miles, are flawless sandy beaches, coves and bays. Near the apex of the Sea of Cortes is the fast growing resort destination called Puerto Peñasco, just south of Arizon a’s borde r with the state of Sonora, Mexico. A mere 3.5-hour drive from two major metropolises in Arizona, I named this weekend getaway Phoenix Beach” or “P Playa de Tucson.” “P During the past ten years’ real estate boom, this destination was on fire with a constant stream of SUVs and suburbans racing to escape the heated inland desert area for a cool seaside experience. Puerto Peñasco has become a getaway for moms, dads, and their families, all intent on buying their dream home in Mexico. Golf has played a key role in the development process along the way, with plans for future projects. While some are on hold, others are investing today for the long term future. First on the scene in 1999 with real time golf was Laguna del Mar, a visionary residential project with a Jack Nicklaus Signature designed course. Now after an ownership change in the form of a prestigious consortium of Spanish investors, the back nine of a spectacular 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature design course are now being completed. Three years ago the L inks o f Las P al o mas golf course designed by Forest Richardson close to the main development area of Sandy Beach opened to rave reviews and made the BEST's Golf Guide to Mexico list of TOP new resort courses in Mexico. This 18-hole layout has the newest of the salt resistant hybrid grass called Seaside Paspalum. Las Palomas has several holes meandering along a series of lagoons. This community has created a lifestyle that combines the cultures of the states of Arizona and Sonora. Going towards the east 20 minutes from Puerto Peñasco, you will find a fantastic new oceanside Jack Nicklaus Signature 18 hole design, par 72 called The Peninsula de Cortes Golf Club at the five-star Mayan Palace Resort. It features a link style dunes course with majestic views situated between the sea and estuary; destined to be in the TOP 15 courses in Mexico. Stay and play golf packages are available for groups and individuals and families looking for great weekend value. www.golfinmexico.net for details. Future golf plans include the Que stro gro up, which have firm roots in Los Cabos, are looking to provide this area with another Nicklaus design in the Sandy Beach area. Questro Golf is one of the largest companies that owns and manages golf courses in Mexico. Down the road Robert von Hagge has a contractual agreement to build an 18 hole master plan community scheduled for this high growth area. The roads to Peñasco through Lukeville, Arizona are very safe and easy to get to from Phoenix and Tucson. With the new coastal highway soon to open, visitors from California can get to this resort destination saving 2 hours’ driving time. The new Peñasco International Airport should be open sometime in 2009. 54

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BAJA - SEA OF CORTES

Grand Opening ceremony for the Mayan Palace Peninsula de Cortes Golf Course

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the grand opening of the Peninsula de Cortés golf eaching new heights with their renewed commitcourse, which is a world class links design set amongst ment to excellence and high end golf, The Mayan the sand dunes on the Sea of Cortez. The back drop is Palace group, is now making a mark under the branda Kodak moment of the brilliant blue of the Sea of ing of Albatross Golf. Amarillo Los Angeles Cortez, with emerald green of Albuquerque the Pspalum of the fairFIVE unique and fantastic golf courses combine for R ways and the pure white sand dunes. This is a true their current collection, making them the largest golf San Phoenix links course where premium shot making course operator in Mexico. Jack Nicklaus Diego U N I and T Echallenges D S TAT E S rewards focused players and his design team are the architects for Tijuana Yuma F Mexicali wayward ones. Open for over a year thisAbilene three of the location in Nuevo Vallarta, Tucson Ensenada course has earnedElaPaso reputation as a must the Rivera Maya and the new masterpiece Odessa play course Ciudad and rising on the ratings of a Jack Nicklaus Signature design at the Heroica Juarez BEST’ s TOP 30 courses in Mexico. Mayan Palace Puerto Peñasco at their Nogales San Quintin “The Nayar Golf Course Nuevo Vallarta Peninsula de Cortés golf course. Pedro SONORA BAJA is in the finalCHIHUAHUA stages of renovation with Guereca, famed Mexican golf architect,CALIFORNIA Ri oG Ri ra front nine a complete make over on the gets credit for his creations in Acapulco oB Hermosillo nd e ra Location Puerto Peñasco, Isla vo with a scheduled opening in October”, and Los Cabos. Cedros Rosarito Chihuahua Vallarta, Los Cabos & Cancun states director of Golf, Jesus Torres. The Mayan Palace are also leaders in vacaDelicias COAHUILA DE Course Five different courses Guaymas ZARAGOZA Mayan Palace’ s El Manglar golf course tion ownership with over 1,000 rooms y r Ciudad Obregon fer throughout Mexico La Santa Nuevo Laredo in the CancunHidalgo region is a very pleasant throughout Mexico introducing carefree Rosalia Contact 1-800-996-2926 del Parral Monclova par 3 executive golf designed by Jack accommodation to many visitors the Rio V erde www.mayanpalace.com Nicklaus. In Los Cabos, you will find a NUEVO opportunity to own and exchange real Escollus MEXICO LEON Loreto BAJA Rey Los Mochis Alijos delightful nine hole Punta Sur Golf estate in Mexico. CALIFORNIA Gomez Palacio Monte SUR Torreon Course in San Jose that allows views from most of holes New upgrades of Grand Luxx and Grand Bliss propSaltillo DURANGO Culiacan and is pricedLaat value rates. The Copra Golf Course erties provide an upscale lifestyle for fractional and full Paz Durango is a perfect ZACATECAS in Acapulco is very enjoyable; location 300 ownership famed Mayan Palace product line that may SINALOA yards distance from the Pacific Ocean breezes. appeal to up market buyers. SAN LUIS Mazatlan Jack Nicklaus and his son Jackie recently attending POTOSI Zacatecas San Luis NORTH Potosi NAYARIT 1 PA C I F I C R io Aguascalientes ISLAS Ve rde OCEAN TRES Tepic

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AGUASCALIENTES DISTRITO FEDERAL GUANAJUATO HIDALGO MEXICO MORELOS QUERETARO DE ARTEAGA TLAXCALA

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Photo by Jim Mandeville

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Peninsula de Cortés a Jack Nicklaus Signature design

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Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

The Mexican State closest to California, Baja Cal ifornia consists of two major parts: the Tijuana - Ensenada corridor and San Felipe, a small but most important city on the Sea of Corte s, just four hours from San Diego. This quiet and peaceful area with wide swings of ebbing tides flourishes on the weekends. In San Felipe, land reform pioneer, Patrick Butler has privatized over 40,000 acres of Ejido (agrarian) land into a successful project, El Dorado Ranch. Las Caras (The Faces) is the community’s first golf course to open. Designed by Bradford Benz, a nine-hole expansion is under way, complete with an island green. Each hole has a statue of a famous person who has contributed to golf or Mexico; A statue of L oren a Och oa, the woman golfer who is currently the LPGA’s best player, stands guard on the 18th hole.

Over on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, just south of the border between Tijuana and Ensenada, there is a wealth of golf to experience. Baja Country Club is a golf resort located in Ensenada, about a one and half hour’s drive from the San Diego Border. The resort sprawls over 300 semi-arid acres, surrounded by mountains and a picturesque, par 72 golf course with 6.859 yards from blue tees. Built in 1990 by Enrique Valenzuela, it features 12 acres of lakes, mature trees and plenty of natural, physical elements to challenge the seasoned golfer. Tiger Woods sightings have occurred in recent months with the announcement of his uber private Punta Brava 18 hole design along the ocean’s edge of breathtaking coastline...more details later. Less than 30 minutes, along a most beautiful, scenic highway, you will find the large ocean side enclave of BAJAMAR, one of BEST’s TOP GOLF RESORTS in Mexico. Currently there are 27 holes of golf, designed by Percy Cl ifford, David Fleming, and the ocean nine by Robert von Hagge. Next door at Bay View Grand plans are underway for an oceanfront 18 holes Greg Norman Signature designed golf course, La Costa golf course. Real del Mar, 30 minutes to the north and half way to the border, this large land mass overlooks the vast Pacific Ocean, Isla Guadalupe, and a wonderful, 18hole golf course designed by Pedro Güereca. A treat, either going into or returning across the border is the Tijuana Country Club, which welcomes golf visitors with open arms. Here one has a chance to enjoy the warmth and wonderful people of Mexico, and play a private country club with either a caddie and or cart. Ensenada is a center of Mexican wine growing with a convenient day trip to the beach and nearby winery visits complete with tours and tasting. A must-see visit during the summer is the Fiesta de la Vendimia, the vintage festival in August, which is fun for both locals and tourists alike. An increasing number of wine connoisseurs from California and from around the globe make trips to the region - which has been recently giving its Northern neighbor a run for the money in terms of wine quality and consistency. This makes for a wonderful golf and wine weekend in this beautiful Val l ey s of Guadalupe and Calafia with great choices for wine Whatever you find, today, along this very scenic highway and water way is nothing compared to what you will see in the future. This area represents the tip of the iceberg—many projects, big and small, are on the drawing board. Buy now, while prices are down; Baja is beautiful. 58

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An oceanside challenge at Bajamar Golf Resort by Robert von Hagge

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TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes

Mexico’s history is rich, close and a better travel destination than Europe. Mexico’s early cities, full of stunning architectural masterpieces, churches, cathedrals, theatres, government buildings, and incredible mansions, are fantastically interesting. Most of these cities retain a certain glory from centuries past that are for all to enjoy. Guadalajara and the nearby lakeside towns of Chapala and Ajijic are considered the golf Mecca of Mexico’s inland destinations. They claim to have the largest collection of Americans expatriates living off-shore. This area in the heart of Mexico, perhaps often overlooked in favor of beach locations, is home to six outstanding private country clubs with open door policies for foreign golfers. Guadalajara, at an altitude of 5,000 feet and perfect weather, offers golfers the opportunity to play city clubs, “the R ivie ra Co un try C lu bs or Oak Hil l s of Mexico” year round. Add friendly veteran caddies to the intimate country club environment and you have a golf vacation or lifelong investment that can rarely be matched. Atl as C ou ntry C lu b, in Guadalajara, has one of the longest courses in the country. It is host to several annual amateur tournament events. El Cielo (formerly, El Palo-mar) is a spectacular, upscale course overlooking Mexico’s second largest city, and a hit among local golfers. It has steadily developed on the surrounding hillside along with custom homes that afford vistas of the city lights below. This golf course, high above Guadalajara, will be a source of great satisfaction to visitors. El R io, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, is a new Jack Nickl aus S ign atu re designed course and a favorite of Lorena Ochoa, their Touring Professional. Jack Nicklaus said, "It is the best piece of inland property in Mexico." Las Lomas Club de Golf is an exclusive, 18-hole city golf club in a residential community. Created by the US based JMP design team, it is a Par 71, 6950 yard parkland style golf course with numerous sand bunkers, extensive colorful landscaping, and captivating water features throughout the setting. The putting greens and tees planted with bent grass are in superb condition, while fairways and roughs feature Salam Paspalum turf, a first for Mexico. There is more to life in Guadalajara than Tequila and Mariachis, although they are great as well.

Morelia, in the state of Michoacan, is a thriving town that has expanded greatly from its historic central Zócolo. The rolling hillsides, fantastic weather, cultural diversity, and warm and friendly people, have a welcome sign out for any and all who want to come, play and invest. Tres Marias Golf Club, set out to be the best residential golf course in the interior of Mexico, has a great start with 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf, varying from tame to intimidating. They have hosted several LPGA tour events including some with Loren a O ch oa as well as the Me xican Open. Tres Marias has a modern clubhouse with state-of-the art facilities, pro shop, and golf focused management, where golfers and their families will find Tres Marias a community of comprehensive and attractive lifestyle. Bosque Monarca has teamed up with Rafael Alarcon and Jay Moorish to build a great new course, along with a master-planned, gated community surrounded by a forest. The state of the art golf clubhouse will have an area for the first Lorena Ochoa Gol f Academy headed by her coach, Rafael Alarcon. Living and 60

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

COLONIAL ROUTE

Runner up for BEST’S NEW GOLF COURSE El Rio Country Club a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

TOP 30 Golf Courses in Mexico

Baja Sur - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortes - Inland/Colonial Routes playing in this unique setting will be quite an experience. Well known local designer, Enrique Valenzuela, has an 18-hole course called El Club de Golf Hacienda Erandeni, in a residential complex of villas and condos just outside the city of Morelia.

Hearing the words “SSan Miguel de Allende” brings warm thoughts of this beautiful colonial village, narrow cobblestone streets, grand plazas, boutiques, quaint hotels and now of course golf. Las Ventanas de San Miguel, collaboration with Schmidt-Curley, is Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course within an exclusive resort community. Ventanas Al Cielo is located in Ventanas de San Miguel, a residential development in a golf course providing an exceptional lifestyle. Las Ventanas de San Miguel is a project in balance with nature since it establishes a harmony with the typical vegetation and natural resources of the region. All of these in the exceptional beauty and nobility of the historical town of San Miguel de Allende, founded in 1542 where visitors can immerse in a sea of heritage, culture and tradition.

Last but not least, in San L uis P oto si is La Lo ma C l ub de G ol f. This is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, with 18 holes, par 72 and 7577 yards long. La Loma is a semi desert golf course with bent grass on the greens and blue, fescue and ray grass on the rough and ray grass on the fairways. It has a great club house with a restaurant and one of the best gyms that any golf course has in the world.

Year after year we vote for the top nine hole golf courses in Mexico, each year Hacienda Cocoyoc is selected number ONE and few US clients have been to this hidden treasure. With a rich history including Aztec kings and Empero r M octe zu m a and his son in law Hernan Cortes, who married his daughter, Atotoztli, better known as La Malinche, Hacienda Cocoyoc is worthy of a royal stay for a weekend or a lifetime. In 1957, Paulino Rivera Torres bought the Hacienda Cocoyoc and carried out his dream of making it into a Hotel. with the elegance of the past of the old "Hacienda Cocoyoc." Known for excellent weather, fertile land and water flowing through the property today via an ancient aqueduct. A delight park-like course, flat with tree lined fairways and best of all a 16th century horse riding ring surrounding the entire course. Nine holes, 3,031 yards, par 35, designed by Hans Wieler. Caddies make a wonderful advantage to enjoying this course like a walk in the park. Needless to say that golf in Mexico is growing and attracting top investors and adventuresome golfers from around the world. We didn’t cover the Capital of Mexico, Mexico City and many of the surrounding areas that we will do in a later issue. In the meantime come join us and play and live at some of the Best Golf Courses and resorts in Mexico. For a free Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico, contact Golf Publishing International at (949) 494-8561 or go to www.golfinmexico.net. 62

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Hacienda Coco yo c is also a place of peace and relaxation and as our voting panel and directors would indicate as their choice for the best nine hole golf course in Mexico for 5 consecutive years, and I suspect for many more as well.

Top: La Loma Club de Golf a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course Bottom: Hacienda Cocoyoc by Hans Wieler

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Golf Communities

IN MEXICO Directory of

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

Cabo Azul

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (877) 216-2226 MX: 01(624)163-5100 www.caboazulresort.com Fantastic time share experience.

Cabo Real Golf Club

Club Campestre San Jose

US: 1 (877) 795-8727 MX: 1 (800) 543-2044 www.clubcampestresanjose.com Nicklaus Design 18 hole golf course.

La Paz, BCS US: 1 (866) 409-9940 MX: 01 (612)121-6226 www.costabajaresort.com Gary Player’s first course in Mexico.

Diamante Cabo San Lucas

El Encanto de la Laguna

Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club

Punta Ballena, Palmilla

Querencia

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

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (702) 435-6222 www.diamantelife.com Davis Love III designed dunes golf & Phil Mickelson oasis golf course.

Quivira

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (949) 582-0004 x105 MX: 01(624)105-8858 www.elencantoloscabos.net

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

Villas de Oro, Palmilla, Rental

Villas del Mar, Palmilla

Phyllis Rockower San Jose del Cabo, BCS www.PalmillaLuxuryCondos.com Limited Luxury Rental Opportunity

Villa La Estancia

The Villages at Loreto Bay

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Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 011 52 (624) 146-9656 www.puertoloscabos.com Greg Norman Signature course & Jack Nicklaus Signature course.

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (888) 463-2816 www.puntaballena.com

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (866) 578-4847 www.quiviraloscabos.com

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (866) 843-7005 www.villalaestancia.com

CostaBaja Resort & Marina

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (888) 348-3221 www.villasdelmar.com

Loreto, BCS US: 1 (866) 956-7386 MX: 01 (551)285-2597 www.loretobay.com

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MEXICAN RIVIERA Bay View Grand

Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 601-2090 MX: 01 (555) 292-0100 www.bvg.com.mx/english Oceanfront residential.

Estrella del Mar

Mazatlán, Sinaloa US: 1 (800) 525-1925 MX: 01(800) 7169-800 www.elcid.com 27 championship holes including a Lee Travino 9-hole expansion.

Emerald Estates, Pueblo Bonito

Four Seasons Punta Mita

Mazatlán, Sinaloa US: 1 (619) 793-4907 MX: 01 (669) 998-0691 www.pbemeraldestates.com Greg Norman golf course design.

Isla Navidad

Manzanillo, Colima US: 011 52 (314) 333-0575 www.islanavidad.com.mx Robert von Hagge golf course design.

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 554-LUMA MX: 01 (322) 226-7290 www.lumaliving.com Active adult living.

Paradise Village El Tigre Golf Course

Mazatlán, Sinaloa US: 011 52 (669) 998-0484 www.marinamazatlán.com.mx New course by David Fleming.

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 386-4976 www.sensaravallarta.com Active adult living.

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (888) PRUDMEX www.paradisevillagerealestate.com Robert von Hagge design golf course.

Serena Marina

Mazatlán, Sinaloa US: 1 (866) 528-0976 www.serenaresidences.com Great golf course community.

Tres Vidas

Acapulco, Guerrero MX: 01 (744) 444-5126 www.tresvidas.com.mx Robert von Hagge golf course design.

Villa Amor

Sayulita, Nayarit US: 1 (619) 819-5407 MX: 01 (329) 291-3010 www.villaamor.com Beautiful ocean residential.

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Punta de Mita, Nayarit US: 1 (213) 291-7590 MX: 01 (329) 291-6420 www.puntamita-realestate.com Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

Luma Living

Marina Mazatlán

Sensara Vallarta

El Cid Resorts

Mazatlán, Sinaloa US: 1 (800) 967-1889 www.estrelladelmar.com Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course.

Vallarta Gardens

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 598-2580 MX: 01 (800) 229-2583 www.vallartagardens.com Unique residential.

Villa La Estancia

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 843-7005 MX: 1 (800) 561-3128 www.villalaestancia.com Top choice oceanfront.

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CANCUN - RIVIERA MAYA Bahia Principe

Mayan Riviera, Quintana Roo US: 0 11 52 (984) 875-5085 www.bahiaprincipegolf.com 36 holes by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Campeche Playa, Golf, Marina & Spa Resort

Campeche, Campeche www.campechebeachresort.com Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and Golden Bear Residences.

Capella Residences

Bahia Maroma Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo www.capellalivingmaroma.com Rees Jones designed golf course.

Capricho Residences

Cancun, Quintana Roo US: 1 (866) 613-6416 MX: 01 (800) 054-6245 www.caprichoresidences.com Greg Norman design golf course.

La Amada Residences Hotel & Marina

La Roca Country Club

Cancun, Quintana Roo www.larocacountryclub.com New Nick Price golf course design.

Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo US: 011 52 (998) 883-9754 www.laamada.com Greg Norman design golf course.

Laguna Kai, Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo US: 1 (866) 519-8769 (Rosewood) www.rivieramayakoba.com www.ownrosewoodmayakoba.com Greg Norman golf course design.

Playa Mujeres Resort

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort

Cancun, Quintana Roo www.playamujeresgolf.com Greg Norman Signature course design.

Cancun, Quintana Roo US: 1 (800) 635-1836 MX: 01 (998) 881-6000 www.palaceresorts.com/resorts/moon palace/General.asp Jack Nicklaus Signature course design.

Puerto Cancun

Cancun, Quintana Roo US: 1 (866) 580-0749 MX: 01 (800) 523-4868 www.puertocancun.com Tom Weiskopf 18-hole golf course design.

Viceroy, Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo US: 1 (800) 473-0089 www.rivieramayakoba.com www.viceroymayakoba.com Greg Norman design golf course.

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Yucatan Country Club

Merida, Yucatan US: 011 52 (999) 800-4000 www.yucatangolf.com Jack Nicklaus golf course design.

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BAJA CALIFORNIA NORTE Baja Country Club

El Dorado Ranch

Ensenada, BCN US: 1 (866) 599-0631 www.bajacountryclub.com Enrique Valenzuela design golf course.

San Felipe, BCN US: 1 (877) 787-2624 www.eldoradoranch.com Bradford Benz design golf course.

Laguna del Mar

Las Palmas Beachfront Resort

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora www.lagunadelmar.com.mx Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora US: 1 (866) 475-5445 www.laspalmas-mex.com Beautiful oceanfront residential.

Mayan Palace Resorts

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora US: 1 (800) 292-9446 MX: 01 (638) 383-0400 www.mayanpalace.com/penasco Jack Nicklaus Signature Design 18-hole championship links style course.

Real del Mar

Golf Resort & Country Club Ensenada, BCN www.realdelmar.com.mx Pedro Güereca design golf course.

San Miguel de Allende, Gto. US: 1 (800) 519-7683 MX: 011 52 (415) 154-5650 www.artesanasanmiguel.com Colonial inspired residential.

Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora US: 1 (866) 623-9228 MX: 1 (800) 108-1000 www.laspalomasresort.net Links-style golf experience.

Playa del Paraiso

San Felipe, BCN US: 1 (888) 647-5292 MX: 011 52 (686) 577-0822 www.playadelparaiso.com Luxurious residential condominiums.

Ensenada, BCN US: 1 (866) 376-1190 www.santabarbaraatbajamar.com 27 Holes of von Hagge, Percy Clifford & David Fleming designed golf course.

Bosque Monarca

La Loma Residential & Golf Club

Tres Marias

Ventanas de San Miguel

Morelia, Michoacan www.bosquemonarca.com Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy.

Morelia, Michoacan US: 1 (443) 340-4949 www.ciudad3marias.com Jack Nicklaus design golf course.

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Ensenada, BCN US: 1 (866) 601-2090 www.bvg.com.mx/english Greg Norman golf course design.

Santa Barbara at Bajamar

COLONIAL ROUTE Artesana Rosewood Residences

La Punta, Bay View Grand La Costa, Bay View Grand

San Luis Potosi, SLP MX: 011 52 (444) 825-2141 http://www.lalomagolf.com.mx Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

San Miguel de Allende, Gto. www.ventanasdesanmiguel.com Nick Faldo design golf course.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Your Mexico Real Estate Connection

BUYING REAL ESTATE IN MEXICO by Fabiola Thébaud - Kinder

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

WHAT TYPES OF OWNERSHIP CAN A FOREIGNER HAVE IN MEXICO, AND WHAT IS THE ACQUISITION PROCESS? On the Mexican mainland, a foreigner can purchase property fee simple (direct deed); except when the property is located in the restricted zone: 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the shoreline or 100 kilometers (62.5 miles) from the borders. Residential properties located in all of the Baja Peninsula, and coastal and border areas within the restricted zone, may only be acquired through a Mexican Bank Trust called a Fideicomiso. The bank, for an annual service fee of $300-$400, serves as a trustee, which holds the legal title to the property for up to 50 years. The cost for the permit to establish a bank trust is less than $1,000 USD. To purchase through a Fideicomiso, a foreigner must first register at the Secretariat de Relationes Exteriores for a permit to establish the trust. Upon receipt of the permit, the trustee bank sends instructions to a Notario (a governor appointed attorney), who prepares the deed (Escritura) to the beneficial rights. Applicable taxes are paid (2% of purchase price), then the deed is recorded in the local municipality. The foreigner, as a beneficiary of the Fideicomiso, has the right to use, improve, lease, sell, mortgage, and will the property. Should you die, your estate becomes the beneficiary. Also a second beneficiary to the trust can be named on a Fideicomiso to avoid probate. Upon expiration, a Fideicomiso may be extended indefinitely in 50-year periods when one pays the renewal fee. After 100 years, the property remains yours, but a new trust must be created.

Commercial or non-residential property in the restricted zone can be purchased fee simple with 100% foreign capital as a Mexican corporation, without the need for a Fideicomiso, but going through an application process through the Secretariat de Relationes Exteriores. Escrow arrangements in Mexico do not typically exist as in the US. Some American-based real estate companies work with a hybrid type of escrow, incorporating the closing customs of Mexico and California for U.S.-based buyers. Fabiola Thébaud-Kinder has close working relationships with the most professional, bilingual notarios to better serve her clients.

WHERE CAN WE FIND FINANCING TO PURCHASE HOMES IN MEXICO? In Mexico most residential real estate is purchased on a cash basis. Financing of homes in Mexico has been customarily done through a home equity loan on a U.S. buyer’s primary residence. Developers usually offer some type of financing and some will carry back a portion of the note. Mexican banks and finance companies have begun to offer loans to foreigners. U.S.-based mortgage companies are offering long term, fixed rate financing with as little as 20-30% down.

SHOULD WE BUY A TITLE INSURANCE POLICY? Absolutely! Questions of title may be resolved through the title company rather than through the Mexican Courts. In the US things may go wrong with title, and in Mexico as well, so it is prudent to get a title policy. The Title insurance policy issued for Mexico is 99% similar to an ALTA policy. There are differences in the law and the language, i.e. there is no Spanish equivalent of “marketability.” Ejido rights and agricultural reform have a part in the Mexican policy. In addition, in Mexico, mineral rights belong to the federal government, not to the owner of the land. First American Title Corporation, Stewart Title, and Fidelity National Title are a few US-based companies offering title policies in Mexico. *The above is provided as general information. As laws are subject to change and not all details can possibly be mentioned in this article, we recommend that you seek legal and tax advice from a qualified professional.

Fabiola Thébaud - Kinder is a licensed real estate agent in Laguna Beach, California. With over 18 years management experience at several major international hotel companies, her specialty is hospitality & resort real estate. If you are interested in learning more about real estate in Mexico, please contact Fabiola at (949) 246-2327, or email: fabkinder@gmail.com www.fabulousresorts.com

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE Tee off in your backyard

- Los Cabos, Baja California Sur -

Relaxation...

Cabo Azul Resort & Spa Experience everything luxury resort living should be when you choose Cabo Azul Resort & Spa. Luxury has never felt so good, relaxation has never been more rejuvenating, nor recreational activities more exciting than at the beautiful Cabo Azul Resort. First-class villa accoutrements, a variety of dining options, an immensely indulgent spa and unparalleled wedding services are all available at this idyllic location. Featuring Javier’s Cantina & Grill; a famed Orange County, CA hot-spot. www.CaboAzulResort.com

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE Tee off in your backyard

- La Paz, Baja California Sur -

Tranquility...

CostaBaja Resort & Marina CostaBaja’s most luxurious real estate property, VistaMar spares no extravagance. Here, every day is an experience of understated elegance. From the grand arrival plaza with its palapa roof, to the hill-hugging casitas, every aspect of VistaMar is deluxe. Set off on foot through the plush, landscaped grounds which complement and embrace the natural surroundings. Saunter through the lobby of this remarkable development, which blends the opulence of a 5-star hotel with all the comforts of home. www.CostaBajaResort.com

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- Los Cabos, Baja California Sur -

You’re home...

El Encanto de la Laguna El Encanto de la Laguna is a unique, high-end, single family real estate development located in the new tourist corridor of Los Cabos, approximately 6 kilometers from San Jose del Cabo. El Encanto de la Laguna neighbors the ìFundadoresî or founders side of Puerto Los Cabos, the biggest development in town, housing two exclusive golf courses and a marina. El Encanto de la Laguna is renown by all realtors and developers for its unique and astonishing design. www.ElEncantoLosCabos.net

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

by Charles Kinder

Domination is a trademark of the Nicklaus legend. He did it in his illustrious playing career with 18 major victories world wide. Now Mr. Jack Nicklaus has surpassed his 18 majors with 22 Nicklaus designed golf courses currently open for play in Mexico. Several others are in production, in design or in a dream state for the future private and resort courses. The Golden Bear is Mexico’s Oso Dorado

It all started with a phone call in 1988 from Don Koll, President of Koll International and the proud owner of Palmilla, the old veteran hotel that is surrounded by thousands of acres of rolling desert hillsides, ideally suited for golf in a landscape only known for fishing. On the other end was Carlos Hampe, then director for the Minister of Tourism in Los Angeles. Asked by Koll what the Mexican Government could do to support his efforts to build a golf course in Los

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Cabos, Carlos, an avid golfer, was quick to respond "Let’s fly to Phoenix to look at the golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus in the same type of desert climate, minus the beautiful blue of the Sea of Cortes that serves as the backdrop for Los Cabos." After the site inspection, the rest is history. Palmilla became the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Latin America, opened in 1993 with the 18 holes of the Arroyo and Mountain courses, and later the addition of the Ocean 9 in 1999. Palmilla’s creation spawned a second golf course in Los Cabos—another brainchild of Koll—the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol. Shortly thereafter, Cabo del Sol became a staple in world rankings, and now the Ocean Course and Palmilla are rated the No. 1 and 2 resort courses, respectively, in Mexico. Jack Nicklaus has also designed the No. 1 private club in Mexico, also located in Los Cabos, at El Dorado Golf Club. Currently Los Cabos is rated in the top 15 golf destinations in the world, and Nicklaus has four and a half of the top ten courses completed in Los Cabos, the half reffering to his Nicklaus/Norman Puerto Los Cabos. Several more are on the drawing board in the entire Baja Sur area. Some additional statistics from BEST’s “Top 30 Resort Courses” are in order. Nicklaus Design has four of the top 10 listings, and eight of the top 20. BEST’s “Top Private Courses” includes five Nicklaus Design courses in its top 20 listings. Highly acclaimed, Yucatan Country Club - El Jaguar in Merida, is BEST’s “Top New Private Golf Course 2009.” Nicklaus Design’s Punta Mita Bahia is the winner of this years BEST’s “Top New Resort Courses.” It should not come as any surprise that Mr. Jack Nicklaus has been voted BEST’s Top Golf Course Architect in Mexico for the past 5 years. Mr. Nicklaus has a sixth sense for golf course design; understanding how to work in concert with the existing land; the importance of balancing playability for amateur players and challenge for the better players; perhaps most importantly, how to maximize the economic impact of the golf component for the developer. Nicklaus blends all of these ideals together as pleasingly as how the desert meets the ocean in the Baja. Nicklaus Design team includes his son Jackie that has just inaugurated his beautiful Dunes Links course In Puerto Peñasco for the Mayan Group called Peninsula de Cortes. The Nicklaus legend will be generational for his impact on golf in Mexico, insurmountable and once you play one of his well designed and perfectly maintained courses your experience will be memorable. Golf has been good to Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Nicklaus has been good to golf in Mexico. WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

JACK NICKLAUS

Golf Course Directory

MEXICO GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY STATE

TELEPHONE

Club Campestre de Aguascalientes (P) Apartado Postal No. 296 Country Club Pulgas Pandas (R) Apartado Postal No. 577 Deportivo Colon de Aguascalientes (R) Club de Golf Pichacho (P)

PAR

RATING CHAMP

MEN

WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND

(449) 914-2203 (449) 914-1157 (449) 9140075 (449) 9140023

Aguascalientes Aguascalientes Aguascalientes Aguascalientes

18 72 71.3 Bob Walton design. 9 36 68.3 Joe Finger design. 9 N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A

6722

6471

5618

$160

6420

6043

5546

$79

$139

N/A N/A

(646) 177-5523 (866) 599-0631 (646) 155-0151

Ensenada

$47

(686) 563-6170 (686) 563-6171

Mexicali

Ensenada

$79

$114

$30

$45

(664) 631-3401

Mexicali Rosarito

18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 70.7 6460 6043 5534 Y Y Pedro Guereca design. Ocean views on 11 of 18 holes. 18 72 N/A 7202 6337 5772 Y N Bradford Benz design. 18 72 72.9 6834 6616 5393 Y Y Alister Mackenzie design. Challenging golf course near racetrack.

N/A $69

N/A $89

(877) 787-2624

San Felipe

$70

$85

(664) 104-7500

Tijuana

$45

$69

(888) 789-4975

La Paz

18 72 N/A 7157 6679 6161 Y Y Arthur Hills design. 18 72 71.5 6800 6400 5497 Y Y David Duval design, with an outstanding 14th hole. 18 72 69.6 6698 6252 6252 Y N Tom Weiskopf design. Desert course with ocean views. 18 72 74.3 7053 6238 4980 Y N Jack Nicklaus design with 5 oceanfront holes. 18 72 73.0 7220 6603 5302 Y N Roy Dye design with view of Land’s End. 18 72 74.1 6945 6437 5068 Y N Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. Site of ‘96 & ’99 Senior Slam. 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Jack Nicklaus design 18 72 74.7 7050 6476 4855 Y Y Jack Nicklaus Signature design. Seven holes on the ocean. 27 72 72.2 6939 6130 4858 Y N Jack Nicklaus Signature design. Site for the ‘97 Senior Slam. 18 73 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman design, 9 holes each. 9 70 72.0 6306 5404 5840 Y N M. Schjetnan/Joe Finger design. Delightful ocean view course. 18 72 74.5 7070 6624 5092 Y N Tom Fazio Design. Host of SHELL’s Wonderful World of Golf

N/A

(613) 133-0788

Loreto

$60

(624) 145-8200

Los Cabos

(L) $185 (H) $200 (L) $250 (H) $350 $204

(L) $185 (H) $220 (L) $250 (H) $350 $204

(624) 145-8200

Los Cabos

(624) 143-4653

Los Cabos

(624) 173-9400

Los Cabos

$280 $180 $220 $160 Members

$280 $180 $220 $160 Only

(624) 173-9400

Los Cabos

(877) 795-8727

Los Cabos

(624) 144-5250

Los Cabos

$230

(624) 173-9400

Los Cabos

$135

(624) 142-0905

Los Cabos

$63

(624) 145-6600

Los Cabos

18 72 73.1 6834 6103 5203 Enrique Valenzuela design. 27 72 73.5 6968 5712 4696 Robert von Hagge design. Mexico’s Pebble Beach. 18 72 72.0 6752 6524 6066

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

Paraiso del Mar (R) El Mogote Loreto Bay Golf Course (D) Blvd. Mision San Ignacio s/n 12 Cabo del Sol Golf, Desert (R) Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7.5 Cabo San Lucas 1 Cabo del Sol Golf, Ocean (R) Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7.5 Cabo San Lucas 26 Cabo San Lucas Country Club (R) Lazaro Cardenas s/n 10 Cabo Real Golf Course (R) KM 19.5 Transpenin. San Jose del Cabo 16 Club Campestre San Jose (R) KM 119 Libramiento Aeropuerto SJC 1 El Dorado Golf Course (P) Carr. San Lucas - San Jose KM 22.5 2 Palmilla Golf Resort (R) Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7.5 20 Puerto Los Cabos (R) Paseso de los Pescadores Punta Sur Golf Course Los Cabos (D) Paseo Fenisterra #1 3 Querencia Country Club (P) Carr. Transpeninsular KM 27.5 DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

HOLES

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Baja Country Club “Ensenada” (R) KM 16 Carr. Transpeninsular 21 Bajamar (R) KM 77.5 Ensenada Toll Road Club Campestre de Mexicali (P) Carr. San Felipe, KM 2.5 Laguna Country Club (P) Real Del Mar Golf Club (R) KM 19.5 Ensenada Toll Road Las Caras de Mexico (R) KM 176.5 Federal #5 28 Tijuana Country Club (P) Blvd. Agua Caliente 11311, Fracc. Aviacion

CITY

AGUASCALIENTES

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

Members Only

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

BAJA - CANCUN - LOS CABOS - MANZANILLO - MAZATLAN - VALLARTA - 1(800)381-7054

Golf Course Directory STATE

TELEPHONE

RATING CHAMP

MEN

WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND

(938) 389-2507

Campeche

68.9

6234

5938

5144

$60

$65

(961) 615-0637 (961) 140-2048

Chiapas Chiapas

9 9

72 N/A

71.5 N/A

3374 N/A

3120 N/A

2882 N/A

Y N/A

$30 $25

(614) 418-1061

Chihuahua

6829

4901

$70

(614) 425-1004 (639) 472-5790

Chihuahua Ciudad Delicias

6112 6666

5152 5150

Y N

Y Y

$60 $40

$85 $60

(656) 617-7707

Ciudad Juarez

18 72 71.1 6879 Percy Clifford design. 18 70 70.6 6344 27 72 70.7 6666 David Fleming design. 18 72 71.3 6846 George Hoffman design. 18 N/A N/A N/A

6383

5269

$80

N/A

$35

$55

$80

$30

CHIHUAHUA

Club Campestre Chihuahua (P) Camino al Campestre s/n Club de Golf San Francisco (P) Delicias Country Club, S.C. (P) KM 4.5 Carr. Delicias Rosales Club Campestre Juarez (P) Pedro Pelayo y Av. Campestre Mision de los Lagos Romanos (P)

PAR

CHIAPAS

Club Campestre Tuxtla (P) Campiñas Golf Country Club (D)

HOLES

CAMPECHE

Club de Golf Playa Palmas (P) KM 5 1/2 Carr. Carmen Real

CITY

Ciudad Juarez

COAHUILA

Club de Golf Bosques de Monterreal (P) Carr. San Antonio Mesa Club de Golf El Socorro (P) Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos No. 50 Rincon del Montero Hotel & Resort (P) Carr. Parras - Paila KM 3 Club Campestre Saltillo (P) Apartado Postal No. 438 Club Campestre Lourdes (P) Apartado Postal No. 501 Club Campestre de Torreón (P) Apartado Postal No. 946 Club Campestre Montebello (P)

(844) 438-8170

Arteaga

(866) 633-1396

Monclova

(844) 422-0540

Parras de la Fuente

(844) 432-0143

Saltillo

71.7

6514

5356

(844) 417-3422

Saltillo

70.7

6590

6360

5496

$105 $115 Sat - Pros only $30 $30

(871) 721-2323

Torreón

6428

5393

$70

$90

(871) 729-8800

Torreón

N/A

$90

Club de Golf Los Azulejos (P)

(8715) 750-7490

Torreón

18 71 72.1 6800 Closed on Mondays. 18 72 N/A 6840 David Fleming design. 18 72 76.6 7576 Robert von Hagge design.

7040

5478

$95

Club de Golf Colima (R) (312) 314-4230 Autopista Colima Manzanillo KM. 4.2. 30 (314) 331-0101 Las Hadas Golf and Resort (R) Av. de los Riscos s/n, Peninsula de Santiago Isla Navidad Golf Course Marina & Resort (R)(315) 355-6439 7 Paseo Loma Larga 3885 (314) 335-0410 Santiago Country Club (SP) Av. Camaron 1-A Santiago

Colima

N/A

4235

$40

$60

18 71 69.7 6435 5985 4773 Y Y $150 Roy Dye designed course. Million dollar island green 18th hole. 27 72 73.9 6943 6469 5152 Y Y $207 Robert von Hagge design. Voted Best Beach Resort in Mexico. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $50 Larry Hughes design. Small, semi-private course located at Club Santiago.

$150

COLIMA

Manzanillo Manzanillo

N/A

5338

$207 $55

(618) 826-0651 (871) 714-2075

Durango Gomez Palacio

(461) 612-1797

Celaya

(461) 611-0241 (462) 623-0303 (477) 717-0521

Celaya Irapuato Lago de Moreno León

(477) 717-2500

León

18 18

72 71

69.4 69.7

6862 6286

6642 6121

5416 5091

N N

Y Y

$30 $25

$35 $35

18 72 70.3 Roy Dye design. 18 72 73.6 18 72 N/A 9 N/A N/A 18 72 70.0

6785

6265

5171

$40

6934 6846 N/A 6609

6367 6486 N/A 6135

4925 5298 N/A 4797

Y Y N/A Y

$60 $40 N/A $100

$80 $70 N/A $100

18 72 69.1 6635 Marcelino Moreno design.

6161

4795

$70

$80

GUANAJUATO

Club Campestre de Celaya (P) KM 264 Carr. Panamericana Mexico-Celaya Alamo Country Club (P) Club De Golf Santa Margarita (P) Club de Golf Los Nardos (P) Club Campestre de Leon (P) Exhacienda Cerro Gordo S/N Club de Golf Hacienda de León (P)

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

Manzanillo

DURANGO

Club Campestre Durango (P) Club Campestre Gomez Palacios (P)

9 63 61.2 N/A 6646 N/A N Y Jaime Padilla design. Golf at 9,500 feet with views of alpine forests. 9 35 68.4 5600 5600 5300 N Y Easy and fun for most players. 9 59 N/A 3625 N/A 3000 N Y

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Golf Course Directory STATE Club de Golf en Las Nubes (P)

HOLES PAR RATING CHAMP 9 36 68.2 6421 Larry Hughes design. Club Vergel de la Sierra (P) (477) 717-5658 León 9 36 N/A 3047 Marcelino Moreno design. (477) 776-0003 León 9 72 N/A 6778 Country Club Los Naranjos (P) Marcelino Moreno design. Club Campestre Riama (P) (464) 648-6083 Salamanca 9 33 N/A 2407 Campo de Golf La Hacienda Santuario (P)Isabela Castro design.San Miguel de Allende 9 N/A N/A N/A Ventanas de San Miguel (P) Nick Faldo design. San Miguel de Allende 18 N/A N/A N/A Club De Golf Malanquin (P) (415) 152-0516 San Miguel de Allende 9 36 70.5 6724 Carr. San Miguel de Allende a Celaya KM 3 Clay Fuller design.

TELEPHONE (477) 717-5989

Acapulco Acapulco Acapulco Acapulco Acapulco Ixtapa Ixtapa Taxco

Jose Guillermo Rapp design. Pachuca (771) 711-3077 Pachuca (778) 738-0211 Tula de Allende

2627

$100

6195

5180

$50

$70

2299 N/A N/A 6489

1830 N/A N/A 5735

Y N/A N/A Y

$30 $30 N/A $55

$30 $30 N/A $80

$70

$80

$110

$130

$200

$85

$75

$50

N/A $40 $40

N/A $80 $80

9 72 70.0 6898 5801 N/A Y Y Percy Clifford design. Short, fun course. Established in 1957. 18 72 69.4 6112 6085 5400 Y N Ted Robinson design. Flat terrain. Water on 12 holes. 18 72 67.7 6860 6112 5112 Y N Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design. Water on 12 holes, well bunkered. 18 72 6507 5959 6156 5352 Y Y Pedro Guereca design. 18 72 74.7 7040 5895 5015 Y Y Robert von Hagge design. Rates in Top 10 in Mexico. Troon. 18 72 70.0 6898 6408 5801 Y Y Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, alligators in lake! 18 72 74.1 6781 6328 5197 Y Y Robert von Hagge design. 9 35 N/A 2901 2833 2380 N Y 9 18 18

N/A 72 66

N/A 72.3 69.1

N/A 7200 4022

N/A 6900 4022

N/A N/A 4022

N/A N Y

N/A Y Y

JALISCO

Chula Vista Golf Club (P) (376) 766-2515 Country Club de Chapala (P) (376) 763-5384 11 (333) 689-2620 Atlas Country Club (P) Carr. Guadalajara Chapala KM 6.5 4 (333) 817-2858 Guadalajara Country Club (P) Mar Caribe 260, Col. Country Club El Cielo (Palomar) Country Club (SP) 26 (333) 684-4436 Paseo de la Cima 437, Fracc. El Palomar 16 (333) 817-0108 El Rio Country Club (P) Av. Rubén Dario #1109 1er Piso. El Tamarindo Country Club (R) 5 (315) 351-5031 Carr. Melaque-Pto. Vallarta, KM 7.5 Club Campestre Camcel A.C. (P) (392) 925-9136 28 (322) 221-0073 Marina Vallarta Club de Golf (R) Fracc. Marina Vallarta 6 (322) 290-0030 Vista Vallarta Nicklaus (R) Circuito Universidad #653 9 (322) 290-0030 Vista Vallarta Weiskopf (R) Circuito Universidad #653 21 (333) 686-0321 Club de Golf Santa Anita (P) Carr. Guadalajara-Morelia Tapalpa Country Club (P) (343) 432-0710 Carr. Tapalpa - San Gabriel KM 5.5 San Ramon Country Club (P) Enrique Valenzuela design. Ayamonte (P) Las Cañadas Country Club (P) (333) 685-0412 Av. Bosques de San Isidro Nte No. 777 20 (331) 086-1400 Las Lomas Club de Golf (P)

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

N/A

HIDALGO

Club De Golf La Esmeralda (P) Club De Golf Pachuca (P) Club De Golf El Agrario (P)

MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND 6043 6041 N N $30 $30

GUERRERO

Club De Golf Acapulco (SP) (744) 484-0781 Av. Costera M. Aleman s/n 22 (744) 469-1000 Fairmont Acapulco Princess (R) Playa Revolcadero s/n 14 (744) 435-2600 Fairmont Golf Pierre Marques (R) Playa Revolcadero s/n Mayan Palace Copra Golf (R) (744) 469—6000 Av. Costera de las Palmas, Fracc. Playa Diamante 5 (744) 444-5135 Tres Vidas Golf Course (SP) Carr. a Barra Vieja KM 7 23 (755) 553-1163 Club de Golf Palma Real (R) Blvd. Ixtapa s/n Marina Ixtapa Golf Course (R) (755) 553-1410 Calle de Darsena s/n Nueve Hoyos en el Cielo (P) (762) 622-1300

CITY León

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Chapala Chapala Guadalajara Guadalajara Guadalajara Guadalajara Melaque La Manzanilla Ocotlan Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta Santa Anita Tapalpa Tepatitlan Zapopan Zapopan Zapopan

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

9 31 N/A 1850 1760 1659 N Y $40 $50 18 36 69.8 6879 6879 4901 Y N $50 $60 18 72 70.6 7169 6378 5589 Y Y $85 $110 Joe Finger design. Visitor’s golf package available. 18 72 70.8 6821 6490 5464 N Y Members Only John Bredemus design. Site of Seniors Invitational every February. 18 72 N/A 6600 6400 5900 Y Y $200 $200 Victor Langham design. Architecturally breathtaking located high above Guadalajara. 18 72 73.0 6954 6494 5170 Y Y Members Only Jack Nicklaus Signature design. 18 72 73.5 6515 6300 5800 Y Y $238 $238 Dave Fleming design. Jungle setting, a must play. 9 68 65.4 5400 5176 4702 N Y $40 $40 18 71 72.0 6700 6093 5259 Y Y $135 $135 Joe Finger design. Challenging layout, oceanfront hole on the Bay. Club Corp. 18 72 72.0 7073 6031 5251 Y Y $194 $194 Jack Nicklaus design. Club Corp, site of World Cup. 18 72 73.0 6976 5876 4943 Y Y $194 $194 Tom Weiskopf design. Club Corp. 18 72 70.8 6811 6546 5521 Y Y $100 $150 Larry Hughes design. Bermuda fairways, Bent-grass greens, well manicured. 9 36 71.3 7260 6680 5400 Y Y $40 $40 Joe Finger design. Mountain course with views of the Valley. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 71.0 6663 6731 5228 Y Y $60 $80 Larry Hughes design. Original home to Bing Crosby College Invitational. 18 71 70.2 6209 5443 4799 N/A Y $102 $128 Charles Mahannah design.

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Amarillo

Little Rock

Albuquerque Gra nd

Atlanta

Rio

U N I T E D S TAT E S El Paso

Montgomery Jackson

Odessa

Mobile

Bavis p

Austin New Orleans nd

Co nc h

Houston Ri

Chihuahua

oG ra

COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA

Ciudad Obregon

Laredo

Nuevo Laredo

Hidalgo del Parral

Galveston

an Gr

Delicias

Guaymas

San Antonio o Ri

Rio

CHIHUAHUA

Hermosillo

Corpus Christi

Monclova

Rio V erde

Co rt ez

Shreveport

Ciudad Juarez

Heroica Nogales

rry

Dallas

Fort Worth

Birmingham

Abilene

Tucson

SONORA

Mississippi

hoenix

Red R.

NUEVO LEON

MEXICO Gomez Palacio

Gulf of Mexico

Saltillo

Durango

TAMAULIPAS

ZACATECAS

Ciudad Victoria

SINALOA SAN LUIS POTOSI

Mazatlan

Zacatecas NAYARIT ISLAS TRES MARIAS

Matamoros

Monterrey

Torreon DURANGO

Culiacan La Paz

Brownsville

Reynosa

Los Mochis

Aguascalientes Tepic

San Luis Potosi R io

Ve rd

Ciudad Mante Tampico Ciudad Madero

Cancun

Progreso e

Guanajuato

Merida

VERACRUZLLAVE

Isla 4 7 YUCATAN Leon 3 Cozumel Queretaro Poza Rica Irapuato Guadalajara Campeche Celaya Pachuca Bahia de JALISCO Zamora Tulancingo QUINTANA 5 Campeche Jalapa ROO Mexico Texcoco Ciudad del Morelia 8 Veracruz Chetumal Colima Tlaxcala Toluca Carmen 2 MICHOACAN Cuernavaca Cordoba TABASCO Manzanillo DE OCAMPO CAMPECHE 6 Puebla Orizaba COLIMA Coatzacoalcos Villahermosa PUEBLA Rio Belize City Bals as Int Minatitlan Lazaro erA Chilpancingo me Tuxtla Belmopan Cardenas ric

Puerto Vallarta

Acapulco

GUERRERO Oaxaca OAXACA

Hi g

Gutierrez

hw a

Salina Cruz Golfo de Tehuantepec

BELIZE

San Cristobal de Las Casas Puerto Barrios CHIAPAS

GUATEMALA

San Pedro Sula

HONDURAS

Guatemala

Tegucigalpa

Tapachula

San Salvador

Puerto San Jose

La Union

EL SALVADOR NIC.

TEAGA

El Tamarindo is the #3 rated Resort Golf Course in Mexico WWW.BEST4MEXICOTEETIMES.COM

BESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Golf Course Directory STATE Rancho Contento Golf Course (P)

TELEPHONE (333) 682-1154

CITY Zapopan

Cuajimalpa

17 (555) 489-3041 Club Campestre Ciudad de Mexico (P)

Coyoacan

Canadas San Fe (P) Club de Golf Mexico (P)

Jack Nicklaus design. (555) 487-2000

Mexico City Tlalpan

9 70 66.7 Jack Nicklaus design. 18 72 73.0 Willy Smith design. 9 N/A N/A 18 72 72.3 Larry Hughes design.

5673

4940

4518

$75

$300

7213

6428

5854

$250

$300

N/A 7153

N/A 6649

N/A 5779

N/A Y

N/A $280

N/A $500

$320

$450

$150

$180

N/A

$150

$200

$150

$245

$300

$420

$90

$150

Y N/A Y

$100 $30 $220

$170 $40 $220

Y Y Y

$140 $160 $150

$220 $220 $300

Y Y N/A Y

$60 $200 $40 $50

$120 $300 $60 $60

Y Y

$30 $80

$60 $150

Y Y

$100 $130

$170 $190

$150

$280

N/A

$35

$45

MEXICO, ESTADO DE (STATE OF)

Club Campestre Chiluca S.A. de C.V. (P) Club de Golf Bellavista (P)

(555) 308-1700

Aztipan

19 (555) 366-8050

Aztipan

13 (555) 379-0033 Club de Golf La Hacienda (P) Apartado Postal No. 2-161 22 (555) 308-0093 Club De Golf Valle Escondido (P) Av. Club de Golf s/n, Fracc. Vallescondido 7 (555) 258-9422 Bosque Real Country Club (P)

Huixquilucan

29 (555) 291-3863

Huixquilucan

Lomas Country Club (P)

Aztipan Aztipan

Coral Golf Course & Country Club (P) (555) 972-0343 Ixtapaluca La Purisima Golf & Sports Club (P) Marcelino Moreno design. Ixtlahuaca Club de Golf Nueva Ixtapan (P) (721) 143-2244 Ixtapan de la Sal Blvd. Arturo A. San Roman S/N Ixtapan Golf Resort Country Club (P) Ixtapan de la Sal Madeiras Country Club (P) (555) 877-0676 Izcalli 14 (728) 285-3920 Club de Golf Los Encinos (P) Lerma 18 (555) 281-4283 Club de Golf Malinalco (P) 9 (555) 589-1200 Club de Golf Chapultepec (P) Club de Golf la Esmeralda (D) (551) 994-5710 Club De Golf Rancho Viejo (P) (722) 235-1767 Carr. Toluca - Temascaltepec, San Antonio Albarranes KM 45.3 Club de Golf Copal (D) (555) 715-8009 Club de Golf San Carlos (P) (722) 216-0528 Campestre Izar (P) Club de Golf Avandaro (P) Fracc. Avandaro Club de Golf Rancho Avandaro (R) Vega del Rio, Fracc. Avandaro Club de Golf Santuario (P)

MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND N/A N/A N Y $50 $50

MEXICO, DISTRICT FEDERAL

Club de Golf Bosques S.A. de C.V. (D) 23 (555) 589-1200

HOLES PAR RATING CHAMP 9 35 N/A 2800 Emilio Rodriguez design.

Malinalco Naucalpan Tecamac Temascaltepec Tlalnepantla Toluca

(726) 251-2027 (726) 251-4064

Valle de Bravo Valle de Bravo

(555) 282-1212

Valle de Bravo Valle de Bravo

18 72 71.9 6776 6404 5453 Y Larry Hughes design. 18 72 70.1 6987 6613 5600 Y Larry Hughes design. 18 72 71.1 7090 6670 5879 Y Larry Hughes design. Site of the Mexican Open. 18 72 68.8 6775 6396 5488 Y Percy Clifford design. 18 72 N/A 7322 6445 5266 Y Robert von Hagge design. 18 71 66.0 6502 6100 5534 Y Mahana/Green design. 18 72 69.8 6644 6227 5136 Y 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 7200 6666 6120 5162 Y Joe Finger design. 18 72 7200 6666 6120 5162 Y 18 72 68.0 6793 6361 5425 Y 18 72 68.7 7043 6248 5000 Y Larry Hughes design 18 72 71.3 7094 6668 5074 Y 18 72 69.9 7043 6624 5558 Y 18 72 N/A 6800 N/A N/A N/A 9 36 N/A 6820 6300 5300 N Larry Hughes design. 9 70 N/A 5857 5531 5136 N 18 71 70.5 6829 6499 5469 Y Percy Clifford/Pedro Guereca design. 18 72 36 6265 5734 5195 Y 18 72 72.0 6369 5968 5113 Y Percy Clifford design, a challenge at every hole! 18 72 72.0 6725 6535 5498 Y High-altitude golf at its best. Panoramic views of valley. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

MICHOACAN

Hacienda Cantalagua Country Club (R) Club Campestre de Morelia (P) Tres Marias Residential Golf Club (P) 6 Club Campestre de Zacapu A.C. (P) Valle Las Rocas Country Club

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

(P) = Private Course

(443) 314-1203 (443) 428-0033

Contepec Morelia Morelia

(436) 363-4420

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

Zacapu Zacapu

18 N/A N/A 9 72 72.9 27 108 73.9 Jack Nicklaus design. 9 72 70.5 9 N/A N/A

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

N/A 6754 11359

N/A 6508 9526

N/A 5228 9526

N/A N Y

N/A Y Y

$50 $30 $150

$100 $40 $200

6834 N/A

6584 N/A

5900 N/A

N N/A

Y N/A

$30 $30

$30 $40

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

, . D Excellence in Golf Course Construction diamondgolf.com.mx

BESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starlet, Lorena Ochoa at Tres Marias Golf Club winning the 2007 Corona Championship.

Photograhy by Jim Mandeville

(Nature and Man in absolute harmony)

Tres Marias Golf Club 52- (443)-428-0033 www.ciudad3marias.com

Golf Course Directory STATE

TELEPHONE

CITY

Club Campestre Lomas de Cocoyoc (P) Lomas De Cocoyoc Hacienda Cocoyoc (R)

(735) 356-1140

Cocoyoc

(735) 356-2211

Cocoyoc

Country Club de Cuernavaca (P) (777) 314-0207 Apartado Postal No. 17 30 (777) 314-3999 Club de Golf Los Tabachines (P) KM 93.5 Autopista Mexico Acapulco Club de Golf Hacienda San Gaspar (P) (777) 319-4424

Cuernavaca

Club de Golf Tlahuica (D) Los Colinas Golf Club (P) Santa Fe Club de Golf (P) El Paraiso Country Club (D)

Tlahuica Xochitepec Xochitepec Xochitepec

(55) 791029 (53) 790033 (777) 391-5862 Pedro Guereca design.

El Tigre, Paradise Village Country Club (SP) Punta Mita Bahia (R) Bahia de Banderas Punta Mita Pacifico (R) Bahia de Banderas Nayar Club Campestre (R)

Nuevo Vallarta Nuevo Vallarta

21 (329) 291-6037

Punta Mita

(329) 291-6037

Punta Mita

(311) 218-0231 (311) 218-0236

Tepic

RATING CHAMP

MEN

WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND

18 72 69.7 6724 6287 5013 N Y $65 $75 Mario Schejtnan design. Hilly, manicured Championship course with views of the valley. 9 35 N/A 3031 2775 2555 N Y $50 $70 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 N/A 7029 6496 5277 N Y $65 $85 18 72 68.6 Percy Clifford design. 18 72 68.7 Joe Finger design. 9 N/A N/A 18 71 N/A 18 72 74.6 18 N/A N/A

6052

5787

6244

$80

$160

6916

6359

5424

$60

$100

N/A 6461 6966 N/A

N/A 6496 6564 N/A

N/A 5277 5521 N/A

N/A N N/A N/A

N/A Y Y N/A

$60 $90 $70 N/A

$110 $140 $110 N/A

N/A

Apodaca

18 72 73.7 6982 N/A N/A Y Y $139 Percy Clifford design. Thirty minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. 18 71 73.7 6936 5692 4942 Y Y $140 Lipp/Guereca/Nicklaus design. 18 72 71.7 6649 6271 5744 Y N $167 Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 N/A 7035 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Jack Nicklaus design. 18 72 72.9 7014 6641 5037 Y N Guests Jack Nicklaus signature course. Famous for its 19th hole. 9 36 72.0 6420 6041 5545 Y N $30 Miguel Perez Acosta design.

$139

18 72 73 6970 Jack Nicklaus design. 18 N/A N/A N/A 18 N/A N/A N/A 18 72 69.6 6751 Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 70.4 6826 Bredemus/Hughes design 18 72 70.9 6854

$140 $167 N/A Only $40

NUEVO LEON

Cadereyta Cadereyta Cerrito Santiago Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey

6829

4901

$80

$110

N/A N/A 5939

N/A N/A 5214

N/A N/A N

N/A N/A Y

$40 N/A $150

6489

5453

$160

6579

5442

$160

$80

$110

$30

$80

N/A N/A

$43 N/A

$60

$70

$60

18 72 72.1 6912 6382 5657 Y Robert von Hagge design. 9 70 63.7 4422 N/A 4036 N Surrounded by mountains, 10 minutes from downtown. 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

OAXACA

Club de Golf Tangolunda (R) Bahia de Tangolunda s/n Club De Golf Vista Hermosa A.C. (P)

(958) 581-0059

Huatulco

(951) 547-1177

Oaxaca

18 72 N/A 6851 6366 5605 Y Y F.M. Schjetnan design, jungle setting, ocean front views of the Bay. 9 68 67.4 5900 5218 4216 N Y

(244) 445-0295 (222) 247-9611 (222) 224-0777 (555) 683-9701 (222) 228-2893

Atlixco Cholula Puebla Puebla Puebla

18 9 9 9 18

(222) 284-1919

San Andres Cholula

PUEBLA

Club Campestre El Cristo (P) Club de Golf La Huerta (P) Club de Golf Las Fuentes (P) Club Campestre de Marvillas (P) Club Campestre de Puebla (P) Apartado Postal No. 598 Suc. “H” La Vista Country Club & Golf A.C. (P) 25 Blvd. Atlixcayotl KM 4 Club de Golf Penafiel (P) Tehuacan Golf Course (P) DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

Cuernavaca

Nuevo Vallarta

Club Refineria Cadereyta (P) Tierra Dorada Club (P) 8 (818) 450-0550 Las Misiones Country Club (P) Apartado Postal No. 1398 12 (818) 335-9726 Club Campestre Monterrey (P) Apartado Postal No. 1448 27 (818) 155-8400 Club de Golf Valle Alto (P) Apartado Postal No. 1924 Club de Golf La Herradura A.C. (P) (818) 104-1040 Carretera Nacional km. 266 Av. Portal del Huajuco Hacienda El Mirador Club De Golf (P) (818) 114-9467 Camino Al Mirador, KM 2 Col. Del Paseo Residencial Golf Parque Rio (P) Real del Desierto Golf Country Club (P)

Cuernavaca

13 (322) 297-0773

Las Cruces Golf & Country Club (SP)

PAR

NAYARIT

25 (329) 296-5006 Flamingos de Golf Club (SP) KM 145 Carr. Fed. 200 Tepic-Puerto Vallarta 33 (322) 226-4000 Mayan Palace Nayar Golf (R)

HOLES

MORELOS

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Tehuacan Tehuacan

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

71 62 68 70 72

68.6 58.5 63.6 70.6 69.6

6653 6576 5176 6344 6795

6082 N/A 5015 6112 6529

5296 5320 4542 5152 5426

Y N N Y N

Y Y Y N Y

$75 $40 $60 $40 $80

$150 $50 $70 $40 $160

18 72 73.9 7127 Robert von Hagge design. 9 N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A

6595

5470

$160

$260

N/A N/A

$40 $40

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Amarillo

Little Rock

Albuquerque Gra nd

Atlanta

Rio

U N I T E D S TAT E S El Paso

Jackson

Odessa

Mobile

Bavis p

Austin New Orleans nd

Co nc h

Houston Ri

Chihuahua

oG ra

COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA

Ciudad Obregon

Laredo

Nuevo Laredo

Hidalgo del Parral

Galveston

an Gr

Delicias

Guaymas

San Antonio o Ri

Rio

CHIHUAHUA

Hermosillo

Corpus Christi

Monclova

Rio V erde

Co rt ez

Shreveport

Ciudad Juarez

Heroica Nogales

rry

Hacienda Cocoyoc Montgomery

Fort Worth

Dallas

Birmingham

Abilene

Tucson

SONORA

Mississippi

hoenix

Red R.

NUEVO LEON

MEXICO Gomez Palacio

Gulf of Mexico

Saltillo

Durango

TAMAULIPAS

ZACATECAS

Ciudad Victoria

SINALOA SAN LUIS POTOSI

Mazatlan

Zacatecas NAYARIT ISLAS TRES MARIAS

Matamoros

Monterrey

Torreon DURANGO

Culiacan La Paz

Brownsville

Reynosa

Los Mochis

Aguascalientes Tepic

San Luis Potosi R io

Ve rd

Ciudad Mante Tampico Ciudad Madero

Cancun

Progreso e

Guanajuato

Merida

VERACRUZLLAVE

Puerto Vallarta

Acapulco

GUERRERO Oaxaca OAXACA

Hi g

Gutierrez

hw a

Salina Cruz Golfo de Tehuantepec

BELIZE

San Cristobal de Las Casas Puerto Barrios CHIAPAS

GUATEMALA

San Pedro Sula

HONDURAS

Guatemala

Tegucigalpa

Tapachula

San Salvador

Puerto San Jose

La Union

EL SALVADOR NIC.

TEAGA

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BESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Golf Course Directory STATE

TELEPHONE

CITY

(442) 225-1661 (442) 234-0141

Corregidora Juriquilla

(442) 216-2030

Queretaro

El Campanario Country Club (P)

(442) 220-6958

Queretaro

Club Campestre San Gil (P) Apartado Postal No. 117 Querenda Country Club (P) Club De Golf Tequisquiapan (P)

(427) 271-0275

San Juan del Rio

(414) 273-1332

San Juan del Rio Tequisquiapan

(998) 883-1230

Cancun

(998) 881-8016 (998) 881-6000

Cancun Cancun Cancun

(998) 881-6000

Cancun

(987) 872-9570

Cozumel

(984) 873-4990

Playa del Carmen

(984) 877-2800

Playa del Carmen

(984) 473-5109

Puerto Aventuras

(998) 887-7322

Punta Sam

(888) 252-5020

Riviera Maya

(984) 206-4043

Riviera Maya

San Luis Potosi

Club de Golf Covadoga (P)

San Luis Potosi

WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND

18 72 71.8 6872 18 72 70.2 6541 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 69.1 6893 Percy Clifford design. 18 76 N/A 7922 Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 68.8 7083 Roy Dye design. 18 N/A N/A N/A 18 72 68.1 6754

6183 6079

5270 4713

N Y

Y Y

$70 $100

$100 $150

6397

5209

$150

$250

7374

6828

$140

$190

6315

5441

$80

$100

N/A 6177

N/A 5622

N/A Y

N/A N

N/A $175

N/A $375

18 72 72.9 7010 6055 5365 Y Y $140 Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, Mayan ruins on ocean. 18 72 71.1 6734 6734 5209 Y N $145 9 27 N/A 943 893 844 N N $18 18 72 N/A 7060 6627 6292 Y N $230 Jack Nicklaus Signature course. 27 72 75.6 7196 7196 5243 Y Y $260 Jack Nicklaus Signature course. 18 72 72.2 6734 5624 4881 Y N $149 Jack Nicklaus design. Club Corp. 18 72 73.1 7202 6724 5768 Y N $190 Robert von Hagge design. Outside play welcome. 18 72 69.7 6133 5654 4680 Y N $190 P.B. Dye design. 9 36 N/A 3206 2936 2533 Y Y $79 Thomas Leman design. 36 72 74.5 7218 5854 5195 Y N $253 Greg Norman design. 18 72 138 7024 6562 5078 Y N $253 Host of PGA TOUR event - The Mayakoba Classic. Greg Norman Signature design. 18 54 N/A N/A N/A N/A Y Y $190 Jack Nicklaus design.

$190 $149 $30 $230 $260 $149 $190 $190 $79 $253 $253 $190

San Luis Potosi

18 72 68.2 3339 3339 2875 N Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 68.2 3339 3339 2875 N Jack Nicklaus design. #1 Best’s new course in 2008. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

$75

$100

$150

N/A

$30

Y Y Y Y Y

$60 $60 $30 $40 $80

$110

SINALOA

Las Iguanas Country Club (P) Country Club de Culiacán (P) Country Club Los Mochis (P) Club Campestre de Mazatlán A.C. (P) El Cid Golf & Country Club (R) Apartado Postal No. 813 27 Estrella del Mar Golf Course (R) KM 10 Camino a la isla de la Piedra DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

MEN

SAN LUIS POTOSI

Club Campestre de San Luis (P) (444) 813-0608 Albino Garcia 1035, Fracc. Potosino del Golf 10 La Loma Country Club (P)

RATING CHAMP

QUINTANA ROO

Club de Golf Cancun - Pok-Ta-Pok (R) Blvd. Kukulcan KM. 7.5 Club de Golf Hilton (R) Gran Melia Golf Club Cancun (R) 18 Riviera Cancun Golf & Resort (R) Blvd. Kukulcan KM. 26 11 Moon Spa & Golf Course (R) Carr. Chetomal, KM. 3.2 19 Cozumel Country Club (P) Carr Costera Norte KM. 6.5 17 Playacar Spa & Golf Course (R) Paseo Xaman-Ha s/n Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club (R) 15 Carr. Chetumal-PTO Juarez, KM. 309 Puerto Aventuras Resort Course (R) Carr, Chetumal-PTO Juarez, KM. 269.5 8 Playa Mujeres Golf Club (R) Bonampak S/N 4 El Camaleón at Mayakoba (R) Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa KM. 298 Mayan Palace El Manglar (R) Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa KM. 48

PAR

QUERETARO

Balvanera Polo & Country Club (P) Club de Golf Provincia Juriquilla (P) Apartado Postal No. 42 Club Campestre de Queretaro (P)

HOLES

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(667) 714-2275 (667) 714-2385 (668) 815-3646 (669) 980-1570 (669) 913-5611

Culiacan Culiacan Los Mochis Mazatlán Mazatlán

(669) 982-3300

Mazatlán

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

18 71 72.1 6534 6096 6242 Y 18 71 75.4 3031 2829 2464 N 9 70 68.3 5699 5686 N/A Y 9 72 69.0 6516 6241 5263 Y 27 72 N/A 6729 6480 5752 Y Lee Trevino re-design. Annual El Cid Pro-Am, open to guests. 18 72 75 7045 5959 5458 Y Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, great ocean front layout.

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Mazatlan’s Estrella del Mar Golf Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

WWW.BEST4MEXICOTEETIMES.COM

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Golf Course Directory STATE

TELEPHONE

CITY

Club de Golf Canenea (P) Club De Golf De CD. Obregon (P) (644) 418-0044 Campo de Golf Marina San Carlos (SP) (622) 226-1102 Domicilio Conocido entre Loma Bonita y Solimar Club Campestre de Hermosillo (P) (621) 224-3095 Postal Naruarte No. 76-2 Club De Golf Los Lagos (P) (662) 260-8860 Club de Golf Real de Las Palmas (P) Club de Nogales (P) 24 (638) 383-0400 Grupo Mayan Peñinsula de Cortes (R)

Hermosillo Hermosillo Nogales Puerto Peñasco

29 (638) 108-1072

Puerto Peñasco

The Links at Las Palomas (R)

Canenea CD. Obregon Guaymas Hermosillo

(993) 316-5411

Villahermosa

9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 70.7 6588 6138 5373 18 72 68.7 5858 5439 5072 Roy Dye design. 9 72 70.7 6234 N/A N/A Larry Hughes design. 18 72 70.3 6830 6348 5367 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 N/A 7100 N/A N/A Jack Nicklaus design. 18 72 72.0 6855 6480 N/A Forest Richardson and Arthur Jack Snider design.

N/A N Y

N/A Y N

N/A $50 $55

N/A $50 $65

$50

Y N/A N/A N/A

$80 N/A N/A $160

$110

5600

4800

$50

$95

(883) 224-1070

Altamira

5078

$100

$120

Cuidad Madero

18 72 N/A 6845 6199 Joe Finger/Tom Lehman design. 9 72 69.7 6200 5608

(833) 216-9682

4662

$50

(867) 714-2334

Nuevo Laredo

N/A

6315

N/A

5735

$60

(899) 922-0948 (868) 822-9675

Reynosa Matamoros

18 18

72 71

71.1 N/A

6458 6529

6050 6196

4826 5089

Y Y

N N/A

$20 $120

(831) 232-7323 (833) 229-0889 (834) 316-0618

Tamaulipas Tampico Victoria

9 18 9

N/A 70 72

N/A 70.0 71.0

N/A 6089 6250

N/A 5955 N/A

N/A 5221 N/A

N/A Y N

N/A Y Y

$35 $100 $30

$35 $150 $50

(229) 986-0890

Boca del Rio

9 70 70.7 6213 5347 N/A N Percy Clifford design. Boasts the best greens in Veracruz. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 72 71.6 6900 6621 5606 N 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 72 70.8 6874 6540 5710 N 9 72 70.1 6526 6442 5370 N 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

$60

$90

N/A Y N/A Y Y N/A N/A N/A

$50 $45 $50 $40 $30 $30 $30 $30

$50 $55 $50 $40 $30 $30 $30 $30

(271) 716-0144 (228) 820-0188 (922) 225-0024

Coatzacoalcos Cordoba Huatusco Jalapa Minatitlan Orizaba Poza Rica Tuxpan

(999) 922-0053 15 (999) 800-4000

76.0

2900

Merida Merida

18 72 78.5 6605 5844 5131 Y Y $140 $140 18 72 71.7 6616 6164 5183 Y Y $200 $300 Jack Nicklaus Signature design with first Nicklaus golf Academy in Latin America

ZACATECAS

Club de Golf Fresnillo (P) Club De Golf Zacatecas (P)

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND

YUCATAN

Club de Golf Yucatan (P) Yucatan Country Club (P)

MEN

VERACRUZ

Club de Golf La Villa Rica (P) Apartado Postal No. 1351 Club Campestre Coatzacoalcos (P) Club Campestre Cordobes (P) Los Cocuyos Resort & Club Golf (P) Club de Golf Jalapa (P) Asociacion Deportivo Minatitlan (P) Club de Golf Santa Gertudiis (P) Tajin Club de Golf (P) Club Campestre Tuxpan (P)

RATING CHAMP

TAMAULIPAS

Club Lagunas de Miralta (P) Fracc. Lagunas de Miralta Club Refineria FCO. I Madero (P) Av. Alvaro Obregon S/N Club de Golf Riviera del Bravo (D) Rio Panuco y 15 de Septiembre Club Campestre Reynosa (P) Club Campestre El Saucito (SP) Carratera a Cd. Victoria Km. 12 Club de Golf Mante (D) Club Campestre Tampico (P) Club Campestre Victoria (P)

PAR

TABASCO

Club Campestre Villahermosa (P)

HOLES

SONORA

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(492) 923-0341 (492) 923-0291

Fresnillo Guadalupe

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

9 9

72 72

68.4 69.5

(L) = Low Season

3092 N/A

3092 6172

2737 5474

(H) = High Season

Y N

N Y

$35 $100

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

An Inside Look

MEXICO’S GOLF LINK TO THE WORLD by Elisa Gaudet

Mexico as well as from other parts of the world. The Canadian Mexico has an incredible advantage over other destinations Tour now has four key international events in Mexico with looking for the luxury and middle market tourist. The proxtournament stops at El Cid Golf course in Mazatlan, the P.B imity of North America (USA and Canada) to the Mexican borDye course of Iberostar in Riviera Maya, In San Luis Potosi the der enables these 31 million golfers to easily access and enjoy new Jack Nicklaus Signature course of La Loma and finally at Mexico’s growing golf facilities. Once mainly with private and the new Yucatan Country Club in Merida at their new pria few resort courses, Mexico now has approximately 212 vate Jack Nicklaus Signature design. courses and another 30 in development over the next two The Mexican Open has had past Champions like, John years. This offers golfers not only beautiful courses and Cook, Fred Funk, Frank Nabilo and Ben accommodations but choices as well. Crenshaw. The Champions Tour as hosted The three major golf areas are Cancun/ Riviera Maya, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Each The three major golf areas events throughout Mexico. These tournaments and their TV broadhas a unique terrain and tourism are Cancun/ Riviera Maya, cast and news reports bring the eyes and options offering the golfer diversity and Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. ears of the world's golfers to each event and quality as well as signature courses Each has a unique terrain their follow up with more interest to travel designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Robert and tourism options offering to well recognized golf locations and featured courses. von Hagge to name a few. All three areas the golfer diversity and qualLos Cabos got their spring board growth have excellent hotels ranging from the budity as well as signature from the Televised Senior Slam in from 1996 get conscious to 5-star accommodations. Mexico is an excellent choice for golfers courses designed by Jack to 1999 as the world watched in the cold evenings as the likes of Jack Nicklaus, wanting to explore and experience great Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom winter Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, and Hale Irwin golf. EGI has been working in Mexico since Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. battle for fame and glory on the green 1999 and have experienced the unprecedented growth from world class courses to and Robert von Hagge to fairways against the blue Sea of Cortes, having a whale in mid air while this group world class golf events, including the 2002 name a few. putted on number 18 made many viewers EMC World Cup in Puerto Vallarta at the rush to make Mexico golf travel vacations Vista Vallarta Nicklaus golf course won by over the ensuing years. the Japanese team of Toshimitsu Izawa and Shigeki Maruyama. Mexico has the infrastructure and a treasure of world The Mayakobá Golf Classic- the only PGA Tour event in class golf courses to welcome you and your family and Mexico in the running for the past three years at the El friends for a safe and secure memorable golf vacation. Camaleón golf course in the Riviera Maya. Several LPGA events have been hosted in Mexico and the popularity of Mexico golf needs you and I believe you need Mexico golf. Lorena Ochoa only confirms the growing interest within Since 2003 EGI has specialized in creative, calculated and strategic marketing for companies wanting to reach the golf demographic and golf companies looking to gain exposure, reach market segments and expand. We have worked with tourism boards, geographic regions including countries (Promoting the Dominican Republic- the country as a golf destination), hotel chains, real estate developers, golf products, apparel, PGA Tour events and many others. We can help you. We have creative and strategic blueprints to help you reach your targeted results, make the most of your budget and ensure the best ROI possible. www.execgolfintl.com Elisa Gaudet has over 10 years of experience in servicing clients with their marketing, public relations and sponsorship sales needs. She has specialized in the golf industry and has experience working and living in the US, Spain and Latin America for organizations such as the PGA TOUR and Lucent Tour de las Americas. Other special projects include the EMC World Cup 2002 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Caribbean and Latin American benchmarking analysis for international resort chain, launch of a World Amateur Golf Tournament, launch of a Golf Miami program, specialization in emerging golf markets, sponsorship sales, and US/Hispanic golf research. Elisa has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs and has been a guest speaker on a variety of golf topics. She has written several golf related articles and her “On the Lip” www.onthelip.com column appears regularly in numerous publications in the US and Latin America.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

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Mexico Real Estate

A WORD FOR THE WISE - A 250 YEAR LESSON by Bruce D. Greenberg

“We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly.” These famous words were written by a scientist, an inventor, a printer, a philosopher, a musician, a statesman and an economist; Benjamin Franklin. This honored Founding Father of the Americas stated, “God helps those who help themselves”; words of wisdom appropriately written for today’s business environment as we struggle to maximize profit. In this current cycle, it is imperative that we work to maximize our profits. Benjamin Franklin understood this 250-years ago when he wrote the guide of how to succeed in business titled “The Way to Wealth”. In 1758, 18-years prior to the signing of the declaration of independence, Mr. Franklin knew how to guide us through these unfamiliar economic times of today. As we enter into 2009 we are filled with more questions and uncertainty each day. Mr. Franklin’s book provides inspiration and sets forth a strong work ethic. From a real estate perspective, I believe Benjamin Franklin would agree it is necessary for a real estate developer to comprehend the Basic Principles of Real Estate. I have paired these seven basic principles with quotes from Franklin’s “The Way to Wealth”. Supply and Demand: “Buy what you do not need and soon you will sell your necessities.” Anticipation and Change: “Beware of little expenses.” Competition: “Fools make feasts, and wise men eat them.”

Contribution: “Always taking out of the pot and never putting in, one soon comes to the bottom.” Balance: “A small leak will sink a great ship.” Conformity: “Silks and satins and scarlet’s and velvet’s put out the kitchen fire.” Externalities: “If you want to know the value of money, go and try to borrow some.” Franklin also taught in his writings, “with our industry we must likewise be steady, settled and careful.” Information during these economic times is critical to the accomplishment of a successful project. “The eye of the master will do more work than both his hands.” Product reviews are key to survival in a slow recessionary market. “Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep you.” Understanding the project in and out, and performing professional market studies, feasibility studies, competition analysis, pricing analysis and product analysis is more important today than ever before. Montaña Verde is committed to providing the developer and lending communities with recovery plan services and assisting in maximizing the stakeholder’s recovery during these difficult times. Benjamin Franklin concludes his doctrine stating, “Those who cannot be counseled cannot be helped.” As we enter into 2009, remember the lessons of Benjamin Franklin: 1) Work hard and be smart; 2) Work hard with care and surround yourself with information; 3) Be frugal, analyze and test your project; and 4) Have the knowledge to make the right decisions.

Bruce D. Greenberg, MAI, SRA, ASA is the principal consultant/appraiser for Bruce D. Greenberg, Incorporated in Tucson, Arizona and Valuacioñes Montaña Verde, S.A. de C.V. Mr. Greenberg serves as a Bi-National Director of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and on the Executive Committee for both California and Arizona Chapters. Mr. Greenberg is an active participant in the ULI ñ Mexico district. Mr. Greenberg was selected in 1999, by former Arizona Governor Jane D. Hull, as a member of her task force addressing consumer guidelines in the acquisition of real estate in Sonora. Governor Janet Napolitano in 2003 asked Mr. Greenberg to serve on the Real Estate Ad-hoc Committee under the auspices of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. He has been a member of the Financial, Business and Legal Services Committee of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and a member of the National Law Center of Inter-American Free Trade for the past 10 years. He is an active member of the Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios, A.C. (AMPI) of Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta/Nayarit and Puerto Peñasco sections and is also a member of the Multi List organizations of Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Peñasco. Mr. Greenberg can be reached at (520) 750-8200, fax (520) 750-8298, e-mail bgreenberg@brucedgreenberginc.com or visit the web page at www.mexicovaluations.com

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

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