Cancun and Riviera Maya: The Golf Paradise of the Caribbean

Photo by Freepik

Imagine playing golf in an environment where the tropical jungle meets the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. With a perfect blend of challenging design and natural beauty, the Riviera Maya and Cancun are home to stunning golf courses that offer an unparalleled experience. It has also become one of the most significant destinations in the golf world, hosting the only PGA Tour and LIV Golf League tournaments in Mexico.

Thanks to its privileged location amid the Mayan jungle, the golf courses in the region incorporate the area’s natural wonders to create layouts with breathtaking views and obstacles that ensure challenging rounds, all while allowing you to play golf year-round due to its tropical climate. Get ready to discover why this region is a dream destination for golfers of all levels.

Golf Course Puerto Cancun

Outstanding Design in the Mexican Caribbean

In addition to hosting luxury resorts where design plays a crucial role in providing sophisticated experiences, this region features courses designed by legendary sports figures worldwide. Some of the distinguished names include:

• Jack Nicklaus: Known as “The Golden Bear,” he is considered one of the greatest golfers in history, with 18 major titles. He has designed over 300 golf courses worldwide.
• Greg Norman: “The Shark” was the world number one for 331 weeks in the 80s and 90s. He won two majors and is a successful entrepreneur and golf course designer.
• Robert Trent Jones Jr.: Son of the legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones, he has designed over 270 courses in 40 countries, noted for his focus on integrating the natural environment.
• Tom Weiskopf: A prominent American golfer, he won 16 PGA Tour tournaments, including the 1973 Open Championship. After his career, he became a respected golf course designer.
• Nick Price: The Zimbabwean golfer was world number one in 1994. He won three majors and is recognized for his work in golf course design.

Golf Courses in Riviera Maya and Cancun

Riviera Maya and Cancun are unmatched destinations for golf enthusiasts seeking to perfect their game in a tropical setting or enjoy a relaxing day on a seaside course. Discover the features that make some of the most notable courses in the region irresistible:

Riviera Maya

1. PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course

• Opening: 2010
• Design: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
• Address: Carretera Chetumal Benito Juarez km 250, Akumal, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Clubhouse, golf shop, and equipment rental.

Offers an 18-hole par 72 golf experience, spanning 7,272 yards of challenging layout with various natural obstacles, such as bunkers and lagoons, requiring precision and strategy. For players looking to refine their game or beginners learning the rules, there are also 9-hole par 27 options with panoramic views that enhance the golfing experience.

2. Gran Coyote Golf Riviera Maya

• Opening: May 2011
• Design: Nick Price
• Address: Carretera Federal Puerto Juárez Km: 294+700, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Pro shop, clubhouse, golf lessons, restaurant, and beverage carts.

Ideal for golfers of all levels. Confront an 18-hole par 72 layout that perfectly integrates winding fairways and well-protected greens with the tropical jungle. Refresh throughout your game with beverage carts, or enjoy a Sirloin burger at Coyote Grill after your round.

Green Fee Includes:

• 18 holes
• GPS golf cart
• Bottled water
• Tees
• Fresh facial towels at the end of the game
• Practice balls before the game

3. Puerto Aventuras Golf

• Opening: 1991
• Design: Thomas Lehman
• Address: Carr. Tulum – Cancún km 269.5 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: PA Golf Academy.

Enjoy the first golf course on the Riviera Maya. It features 9 holes par 36 and 3,262 yards of smooth Bermuda grass. This course offers a relaxed playing experience with accessible challenges through coastal landscapes and lagoons, providing a pleasant experience in a picturesque and cozy environment.

4. El Camaleón Mayakoba

• Opening: 2006
• Design: Greg Norman
• Address: Carretera Federal Cancún, Playa del Carmen Km. 298, Quintana Roo
• Additional Services: Pro shop, golf academy, clubhouse, practice facilities.

As a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts, El Camaleón Mayakoba stands out as the first course in Mexico to host an official PGA Tour event. Its name reflects the diversity of landscapes it traverses, from dense jungle and mangroves to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Here, you’ll enjoy 7,024 yards of green, with challenges like cenotes, crystal-clear water channels, white sand bunkers, and 18 holes that demand precision and strategy. Plan your next round from Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which offers round-trip transportation to El Camaleón.

Green Fee Includes:

• 18 holes
• Golf cart with GPS
• Practice balls before the game
• On-course beverage cart

Photo by El Tinto

Cancun

1. Moon Palace Golf & Spa – South of the Airport

• Opening: 2002
• Design: Jack Nicklaus
• Address: Cancún – Chetumal km 340, Riviera Maya, Cancún, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Clubhouse, pool, Awe Spa, pro shop, restaurant, luggage storage, practice area, and Golf Academy.

Features a layout that balances challenge and enjoyment across 27 holes, challenging golfers with undulating fairways, bunkers, and views of lagoons and jungles. Choose between three challenging nine-hole courses: dunes, jungle, and lakes.

2. Playa Mujeres Golf Club – North of the Hotel Zone

• Opening: 2017
• Design: Greg Norman
• Address: Prol. Bonampak, Carr. a Punta Sam s/n, Cancún, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Pro shop, snack bar, equipment rental, putting green, and driving range.

On the 18-hole, par 72 course, the Caribbean breeze and panoramic views create a spectacular golf setting. Each hole is surrounded by a sea of Paspalum SeaDwarf grass, which gleams under the tropical sun. As you play, you feel the connection between the course design and the coastal landscape, making every shot a celebration of natural beauty.

Green Fee Includes:

• 18 holes
• Golf cart
• Round-trip transportation
• Unlimited use of practice areas on the day of play
• Bottled water
• Tees

3. Riviera Cancun Golf Club – South of the Airport

• Opening: 2008
• Design: Jack Nicklaus
• Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 25.3, Hotel Zone, Cancun, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Pro shop, putting green, lockers and showers, driving range, and club rental.

Players face an 18-hole course with a mix of natural challenges, such as mangroves and lagoons, with ocean views from holes 14 and 15. The golfing experience provides an exciting challenge for golfers seeking a test in an idyllic setting.

Green Fee Includes:

• Practice balls
• Use of range
• Golf cart
• Tees
• Round trip

4. El Tinto Golf Course – South of the Airport

• Opening: 2011
• Design: Nick Price
• Address: Km 388 Carretera Federal 307, Cancun, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Pro shop, snack bar, equipment rental, practice area, putting green, and driving range.

Located within Cancun Country Club, this challenging 7,435-yard course offers an 18-hole par 72 layout enriched with panoramic views, making each hole a unique and stimulating experience.

Green Fee Includes:

• Golf cart
• Bottled water
• Game accessories

5. Golf Puerto Cancun – Hotel Zone

• Opening: 2013
• Design: Tom Weiskopf
• Address: Av. Bonampak Mz 27 Calle Puerto Acapulco L-1-02, Cancun, Quintana Roo.
• Additional Services: Pro shop, putting green, lockers, driving range, club rental, and food.

This course challenges all types of players with 18 holes par 72, spanning 7,241 yards with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea, canals, protected mangroves, and numerous holes traverse the beach and Marina. It offers a high-quality golfing experience in a stunning coastal setting.

Green Fee Includes:

• 18 holes
• Practice balls
• Use of range
• Golf cart
• Tees

Photo by Riviera Cancun Golf Club

Golf Pro Tip: How to Improve Your Swing

Mastering the golf swing is crucial as the movement brings the ball closer to or into the hole. To improve it, here are three exercises:

• Towel Swing: Place a towel under your armpits and perform swings without letting the towel fall. This exercise helps keep your arms close to your body and promotes more effective torso rotation.
• Elastic Band Twist: Attach an elastic band around a post and hold it with both hands like a golf club. Perform torso twists to strengthen key muscles and improve rotation and stability.
• Impact Practice: Place a ball or an impact pad in front of you and perform gentle swings, focusing on hitting the ball with the center of the club to improve accuracy and achieve more consistent shots.

Photo by Freepik

Whether you have years of experience or are just starting to learn golf, you now have all the information needed to choose where to play during your next visit to Cancun or the Riviera Maya and practice your swing. May the green welcome you smoothly!