All golf courses in Cancún are conveniently located within the main hotel corridor, making them easily accessible. From there, it’s only a short way back to the beach.

Canún Golf Club at Pok-ta-Pok is the oldest and most prestigious golf club on Cancún island. Located in between the Nichupté lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course is a true delight for all the senses, regardless of handicap. Now in its fourth decade of operation, the 18-hole Cancún Golf Club boasts unparalleled golf course scenery, which not only incorporates hundreds of yards of oceanfront, but also ancient Mayan ruins. This is the golf you have been dreaming about while playing in the wind and snow back home. It’s a challenging course, with the ruins serving as unusual hazards. Rates start at $115 depending on season and time of day and club rentals starting at $45. Many hotels in town offer special promotional rates, including RIU, Presidente InterContinental, Dreams Cancun and Gran Caribe Real. To qualify for this special rate, tee time reservations have to be made at the front desk of the hotel. The golf club also features a driving range and practice greens. There’s a well-stocked pro shop and a good restaurant with views of the lagoon for a 19th hole drink or a snack before your round.

The Hilton Golf Course is located on 150 stunning acres. It’s a challenging course that’s nonetheless suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Surrounded by the blue waters of the Nichupté lagoon, this course is delightful for both the golfer and the vacationer in you. Green fees for this 18-hole, par-72 course start at $125 for Hilton guests and $125 for visitors, depending on the season and time of day.  The pro shop offers club rental starting at $30.  In addition, the Hilton Golf Course features the Hoyo 19 clubhouse and restaurant as well as a good driving range and putting green.

Moon Spa & Golf Club features the only Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the area with a dynamic layout that’s interesting to amateurs and professionals alike.  Transportation to and from the course is included from anywhere in Cancún or the Riviera Maya with paid green fees. There are three distinctive nine-hole courses, and golfers will navigate a variety of vegetation and natural hazards, including wetlands. You might just see exotic animals and you will enjoy the serene atmosphere created by the environmental conservation that the course strives for. Hole six on the Jungle course is an interesting one, as it doglegs almost 90 degrees to the right. It’s hard to resist the temptation to try to reach the green by hitting over the lake and bunker on this par-four. On the Dune course, the third hole, a par-three, will force you to hit the shot of the day toward an island green with two options: green or water. Green fees start at $165 and golf club rentals at $30. The club also features a pro shop, a club house with beautiful open terraces, a pool and spa, several restaurants, a driving range and putting and chipping greens.

Further south in Playa del Carmen, Playacar Golf Club offers a unique all-inclusive golf experience, where all food and drink consumed on the course and at the 19th hole are included in the green fees. This includes sandwiches, snacks, and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This par-72 course measures 7,144 yards and is surrounded by a number of sparkling lakes and jungle (mostly along the sides of the holes).  The course, designed by Robert von Hagge, has literally been carved out of the thick Caribbean jungle, making for a spectacular golf experience. Round-trip transportation from the hotel is also included. Green fees start at $120, and club rentals range between $30 and $50. Amenities include a well-stocked pro shop, practice areas, restaurant and classes.

The charming island of Cozumel offers a spectacular course: Cozumel Country Club. Designed by the Nicklaus Design Group, this course features jungle, natural mangroves and local wildlife, especially birds, in this quiet natural sanctuary.  The unique clubhouse is housed under a palapa. The par-72 course is 6,734 yards long and is home to dramatic holes with lots of water hazards and sand bunkers.  For guests of several hotels on the island, unlimited golf at Cozumel Country Club is included (minus the cart fee). For other golfers, rates start at $105. Rental clubs and a driving range are also available.

--By Judy Jenner

Acapulco, one of the crown jewels in the Mexican Pacific, is also home to some unforgettable golf courses. Two of our favorites are the lush Acapulco Princess Golf Course and the Fairmont Pierre Marqués Golf Course, which are located right next to each other 15 minutes south of Acapulco’s main bay.  The Fairmont course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and recently underwent an extensive renovation.  This is a somewhat difficult course with 65 bunkers that demands precise shots off the tee.  This par-72 course measures 6,855 yards in length, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and bougainvilleas. There’s a world-class double ended practice facility, and green fees start at $110 for non-guests. Rental clubs and rental shoes are available.

The Acapulco Princess course, designed by Ted Robinson, has a good layout with narrow fairways and numerous palm trees lining the course. If the sight of water hazards makes you want to take a mulligan, this is a good place to overcome your weakness, as 12 out of the 18 holes have a water element. With 6,255 yards, this par-72 course is a true delight, especially the last hole, a par-four, which doglegs around a lake and has you hitting your second shot towards the enormous pyramid-shaped hotel. Green fees start at $100 for non-visitors, with Taylor Made rental clubs running $40.

Further north, in Manzanillo, there is Las Hadas Golf Course, part of the legendary Greek-inspired luxury hotel with its own private beach. Spanish for “the fairies,” Las Hadas is truly a magical place, and so is the golf course.  Chosen by Condé Nast as one of the top 100 golf courses in the world, Las Hadas lives up to its reputation with 5,985 yards, 12 water hazards and the spectacular signature 18th hole finish facing the Pacific Ocean.  To conquer this hole, you must be precise in your tee shot, as you will be hitting across open water. Part of the tradition includes tossing the final ball into the water after finishing your round. This par-71 course was designed by Peter and Roy Dye and is surrounded by more than 4,000 palm trees. The course includes practice facilities and offers limited caddie service.

Mazatlán, one of the country’s sports fishing meccas, is also home to some impressive golf courses. One of the best courses not only in Mazatlán, but in Mexico is the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed, 18-hole Estrella del Mar Golf Course. It runs along more than three miles of pristine shoreline, and six of the holes are right off the beach, making for spectacular shots, memories, and pictures. You’ll play with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack, surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation.  The interesting layout and stunning surroundings will make this one of your most memorable golfing experiences. The pro shop has golf clubs available for rent, and there’s a nice restaurant and bar, perfect for watching the sun set into the Pacific after your round. Estrella del Mar is located in a private, gated community.

Puerto Vallarta is home to seven golf courses, with Vista Vallarta Golf Club ranking among the standouts. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, these two courses are distinct and fascinating. Nicklaus’ 18-hole course has the highest elevation at the club, allowing for impressive views of Puerto Vallarta down below. Grassy rolling hills and numerous palm trees as well as arroyos complete this beautiful course. Weiskopf’s par-72 course measures 6,993 yards and is characterized by thick jungle, deep ravines, and rapidly-flowing creeks.  Green fees start at $129, and rental clubs and golf lessons are available.  

The 18-hole, par-72 Flamingos Golf Course, designed by Percy Clifford, is located north of Vallarta. Transportation from Puerto Vallarta is available. Flamingos is the area’s first course, and it’s affordable with nice, friendly staff.  It is known for being the (relatively) easiest course in Vallarta, making it a great choice for those who have never broken 100. There’s lots of trees and some water hazards, and in the afternoons, golfers will play mostly into the wind, surrounded by migrating birds, lush tropical vegetation, natural lagoons, and lots of palm trees. This championship course measures 6,853 yards and features 43 bunkers. Amenities include a driving range with grass tee-off, putting green, pro shop and open-air restaurant. Flamingos has an excellent team of caddies available, who will help you shave a stroke or two off your final score – they know the course better than anyone. Rates start at $77 for twilight play. Club rentals are available.

--By Judy Jenner

If one thinks Los Cabos, what comes to mind is rugged beaches, beautiful waters, enormous cacti, world-class spas and outstanding golf courses. You can’t go wrong with a golf vacation in Los Cabos: the non-golfing spouse will be delighted to be at the spa. Los Cabos also boasts ideal golf weather with 11 rain-free months.

Located at the ultra-exclusive One& Only Palmilla, the 27-hole Palmilla Golf Club is a spectacular blending of sand and sea. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the test is a challenge for any golfer, thanks to its elevation changes, abundant cacti, and deep arroyos. The course is comprised of three nine-hole courses: Ocean, Mountain and Arroyo.  Green fees start at $190 depending on the season. The resort offers golf and hotel packages for those looking for the ultimate luxury experience.

Spanish for “Faces of Mexico,” Las Caras de México Golf Club is an 18-hole course located on the Sea of Cortez, and it is truly unique. Every hole features a different statue of individuals of historical significance who have played a pivotal role in Mexico’s history, including Montezuma, Benito Juárez, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course features no less than 80 bunkers, three lakes and measures just over 7,000 yards. Golfers will enjoy unparalleled views of both the mountains and the sea. While Las Caras de México is currently a public course, it will eventually be converted into a private course that’s only open to residents and hotel guests. There’s a full-service clubhouse, a driving range, and practice areas. Golf club rentals are available. Green fees for non-residents start at $70 on weekdays.

Cabo Real Golf Course opened in 1989 and quickly became an international favorite. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course has the toughest front nine holes in the area. Its three oceanfront holes are a golfer’s delight, especially during the winter months, where you might see whales playing in the ocean. Dominated by lush greens and lots of bunkers, this championship course can be a bit intimidating, but it’s quite playable for low handicappers, and is a rewarding challenge for less accomplished golfers. The views are breathtaking, so take advantage when waiting to tee off to snap a few pictures. Often described as the Pebble Beach of Mexico, Cabo Real sits on more than three miles of coastline. Green fees start at $180 and rental clubs cost between $35 and $55.

--By Judy Jenner