Playing golf in Los Cabos is among the top leisure activities in this part of Mexico. Golf enthusiasts can find 18 first-class Cabo golf courses and, of these, can test four that were ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world (the USA excluded) by Golf Digest in 2018.
Golf courses at the tip of the Baja Peninsula feature stunning scenery, with views encompassing nearby mountains, desert landscapes, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Sea of Cortes. And renowned designers – the likes of Jack Nicklaus (the Golden Bear), Greg Norman (the Great White Shark), and Tom Fazio – built many of them. What’s more, many iconic golf tournaments, such as PGA Senior Grand Slam, took place in Cabo.
Also, weather conditions, featuring cool ocean breeze and sunshine, favor golfing in Los Cabos most of the year. Because of these and other reasons, many renowned players, such as Tiger Woods, have often played here.
Cabo courses are either public, private, or accessible with some limitations. And since passionate golfers outstrip members, we’ll give an overview of the best golf courses in Los Cabos that welcome guest players.
Best Golf courses in Los Cabos
One&Only Palmilla
Palmilla is among the top golf clubs in the Cabo region. Boasting a signature design by Jack Nicklaus, it features diverse landscapes throughout its three courses – Mountain, Ocean, and Arroyo. The club has 27 holes, and each course has 18-hole combinations.
To enjoy mountain views under the clear skies between holes, head to Mountain Course. At holes four and five, take some time to admire a scenic water reservoir. Mountain Course occupies a 3,602 yards area.
If you prefer canyons and deserts over mountains, Arroyo Course is where you should go. This fairway measures 3,337 yards and prides itself in “The Three Best Holes in Los Cabos” (sixth, seventh, and eighth). Besides centuries-old cacti, you may spot roadrunners, hawks, and other wildlife as you advance.
To get from the first to the sixth hole of the 3,572-yard Ocean Course, you have to overcome an elevation change of 600 feet. Along the way, admire the Sea of Cortes and palm trees. When you get to the ninth hole, the mountainous and desert landscapes will welcome you.
The best part of playing at One&Only Palmilla is the convenience. For guests of Elegant Mexico, the access is open, privileged and ready to go with your own dedicated cart to take you from your villa on the sea to the undulating greens with all your clubs and provisions. Plus, guests of Elegant Mexico have full signing privileges for all dining, spa and activities offered at the stunning One&Only Palmilla resort, a verified member of the Forbes Travel Guide Luxury portfolio.
Cabo Real Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Cabo Real is the only golf club in Los Cabos that hosted two PGA events so far (in 1996 and 1999). And the appearance of whales near the green during the former made this golf course famous throughout the world.
Located along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the 18-hole Cabo Real boasts fairways climbing the mountainside almost 500 feet above sea level. In accordance, you’ll relish rewarding vistas of the Sea of Cortes while enjoying your favorite pastime.
The 7,037 yards golf course also features seaside holes, and each of them offers sea views. But don’t let these distract you since you’ll have to deal with arroyos and sand traps along the way.
Cabo Real Golf Club caters both to beginners and advanced golfers. Due to the club’s popularity, you would do well to make early reservations, preferably no less than seven days in advance.
Vidanta
Vidanta is the oldest and the most affordable golf course in the Cabo region. It measures 3,153 yards and is pretty flat compared to other courses that make Los Cabos famous. It has nine holes, moderate bunkering, relatively narrow fairways, and a substantial water hazard.
Vidanta boasts an attractive location, with the Sea of Cortes, desert landscapes, and Sierra de la Laguna mountains flanking the golf course. And well-manicured greens run between those while palm trees and other vegetation dot the area.
You are sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you get from one hole to another. However, other golf clubs scattered throughout the region typically boast more spectacular views than Vidanta does. Still, that is the price you pay for a budget-friendly golfing in Cabo.
If you need to brush up on your skills before getting to the course, use an on-site practice ground.
Campestre
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, just like Palmilla, Campestre is minutes away from the San Jose del Cabo downtown and among the most popular golf clubs on the Baja Peninsula. Occupying the undulating hills of the Sierra de la Laguna, Club Campestre has a 7,055-yard course with 18 holes. The landscape combines mountain, desert, and sea views.
While playing golf, expect to find green fairways, sandy areas, omnipresent big bunkers, and curved arroyos. Also, you’ll have to contend with elevation changes in the process. If you like to challenge yourself, you will enjoy the par-5 7th, par-3 11th, and par-4 18th holes, in particular.
Besides the golf course, Campestre boasts other facilities for a premium experience. A private beach, an infinite edge pool, and tennis courts are some of them. Note, though, that only club members can enjoy these additional facilities.
Puerto Los Cabos
Laid out by two legendary designers, Nicklaus and Norman, Puerto Los Cabos is another sought-after golf club in the Los Cabos region. At present, it features three nine-hole courses dubbed the Norman, Nicklaus I, and Nicklaus II courses.
Norman Course is a 3,590-yard signature design featuring a 400-foot elevation change. Nicklaus I measures 3,758 yards and stretches from mountain hills to the sea. Nicklaus II, flanked by dunes, covers 3,436 yards.
Besides views of the blue and turquoise waters from around 3/4 of the entire ground, you can benefit from tacos, burritos, margaritas, and other food and drinks from on-course comfort stations.
What Are the Most Popular Public Golf Courses in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas Country Club, boasting Lands End views, is another course open to the public.
Cabo del Sol Desert Course is also publicly available. Yet, this may change in 2022 following the opening of a nearby Park Hyatt Los Cabos hotel. See our Punta Mita beachfront villas here.