Tee Time In Paradise

Aug 30, 2008

As I tee up on the 14th hole of the Cabo Real golf course, in Los Cabos, the Sea of Cortez glistens in front of me. The contrast between the green grass of the course, the white sand of the beach and the sparkling blue water makes it hard to concentrate on my swing. As I play out the 15th hole and make the turn back toward the clubhouse, I stop for a moment just steps away from the beach. The sun is shinning, a breeze blows softly from over the water and seagulls wail somewhere in the distance — not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

The Cabo Real Golf Club will be a part of the 6th Annual People vs. Pros Golf Tournament.

Of course, Los Cabos is far from a hidden gem for golfers; its 10 courses (eight public and two private) are, without a doubt, some of the finest in all of Mexico. In fact, Cabo Real itself made quite a splash (pun intended) on the golf world map in 1996 when whales put on a show breaching just yards offshore during the Senior Slam golf tournament.

These days, however, there’s new cachet to playing Cabo’s courses, as the PGA has started to expand its tournaments and events south of the border. That acknowledgment by the pros, as well as the fact that the top female golfer in the world today, Lorena Ochoa, is Mexican, has breathed fresh life into the golf scene here. There are 10 more courses currently under construction in Los Cabos that should be open in the next two to three years.

"With the PGA events and tournaments continuing to choose Los Cabos as a host location — along with the continued growth and development of new courses in the area — it ensures Los Cabos’ reputation as a premier golf destination and mecca for championship golf," said Ella Messerli of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The 6th Annual People vs. Pros Golf Tournament returns to Los Cabos for the second consecutive year Dec. 4-9. This will allow hundreds of amateur golfers to compete against golf legends Fred Couples and Nick Faldo for a prize of $50,000 to be donated to the charity of their choice."

Participants in this tournament will play on four championship Los Cabos courses — Cabo Real Golf Club, Club Campestre San Jose and two new courses that have recently opened at Puerto Los Cabos.

In fact, there are so many great courses in Cabo that, perhaps, agents’ greatest challenge is suggesting the right course for a particular client.

"Golfers should choose a course that fits them — their playing level, style and comfort zone," said Messerli. "There are many wonderful courses in Los Cabos, but some are much more advanced and may not be the best fit for an amateur golfer."

Another good idea is to watch the pocketbook, as greens fees in Los Cabos can be hefty.

"In Cabo, the best way to choose a golf course is to look for a good deal," advised Frederico Vaughan, director of Questro Golf. "Usually most of the hotels have a deal with certain golf courses. Just make sure your clients are booked at a ‘golf resort.’"

Vaughan also suggests visitors look for opportunities for multiple-play discounts at different courses, free transportation and other services.

"At the Questro Golf call center you can find out about great golf deals, hotel discounts and other activities," he said.

Agents should also consider booking golf outings for cruise passengers. Many of these excursions can be booked through the cruise lines, but they’re often limited to a certain number of participants. Agents can arrange individual tee times as well.