by Gordon MacAlpine
I will never profess to being a great golfer. Many years ago, I could break 80 on a good day but now finishing the hole with the same ball I started is considered an accomplishment. Whether you live in the Riviera Maya or want to challenge yourself against some of the best courses in Mexico, the Riviera Maya is a golfer’s mecca. Here are four courses that will challenge you within 30 minutes of Playa del Carmen.
El Camaleon Golf Club at Mayakoba
By far, the best known of area golf courses, this Greg Norman design is the site of the OHL Mayakoba Classic that in recent years has attracted PGA tour stars like Rickie Fowler, Jordan Speith, Ernie Els and the winner of the 2018 tournament, Matt Kuchar. Set in the luxurious Mayakoba resort, this course is worth playing just for the challenge of playing the par 3, 15th hole, where are errant tee shot to the right could end up on the beach in the world’s most beautiful sand bunker.
Tulum Country Club Bahia Principe
Located 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen is the Robert Trent Jones III designed Bahia Principe course. It features are 18 hole championship course and a 9 hole executive course. The highlights are the challenging par 5, 4th hole, with water all the way down the side and in front of the green and the par 3, 15th hole, which features a carry of more than 200 yards over water to a green surround by beautiful, natural rock formations. It’s a course that can be very forgiving and very punishing, often on the same hole.
Gran Coyote
Nestled in the Corasol gated community near Playa del Carmen is the Gran Coyote golf course, designed by Nick Price. This course is very playable as it meanders its way through the giant Corasol complex. One of the great features of the course is the huge practice area, a full-service clubhouse that includes a spa and a great outdoor restaurant. Try the cheeseburger. It’s awesome. For golfers having a good round, beware Gran Coyotes own “Amen Corner” – holes 15-17 have ruined many a good round.
Hard Rock Golf Course in Playacar
Cut out of the jungle in the gated community of Playacar is the Hard Rock Course. This is not a course where you can expect to play 18 holes and be afforded many birdie opportunities. The greens are small, the sand traps are big and the fairways are narrow. But, the location is a great one for locals and tourists alike, the service is great and your green fee is all inclusive, meaning it includes 18 holes of golf, cart, practice range and all food and beverage.
If you are a tourist coming to play a round in paradise, it isn’t cheap. But, there are deals to be found on various websites that work with the local courses to fill in their tee times with discounted rates. Or, play with a local and maybe you will get lucky and be able to pay the local rate. No matter what, you are likely to find one of my lost golf balls in the jungle somewhere during your round.