The Scenic and Challenging Links of the Yucatan

Though true golfers most likely take their golfing vacations to the recently developing Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side of Mexico, there is no reason that they should not enjoy the beautiful and quite challenging courses in and around Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras.

Without a doubt the best course on the Yucatan's coast is the Playacar Club de Golf, located in the Playacar development just south of Playa del Carmen. This Robert Von Haggae par 72 championship course is carved out of the lush Mayan Jungle. Rough translation, bring lots of balls. If you miss the scenic fairways you will probably not want to battle snakes, tarantulas, and monkeys for your errant MaxFli. Greensfees include cart for 18 holes, $100. If you are staying at the Allegro Resorts or the Continental Plaza greens fees are $75, for those staying at the Caribbean Village the cost is $30 p/p. They change these discounts all the time so ask at your hotel when you make a reservation.

Special twilight rates of $65 after 3pm. During the off season there is no need to make reservations, but during peak season try calling or faxing at least one day in advance. From the US 01152 (987) 30624. Try to play in the early morning as it gets quite hot on the course.

Cancun's Lovely Links

Cancun is not known as a golfer's paradise, but does offer two very nice courses. Pok-Ta-Pok designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. is located on the lagoon side of the hotel zone across the street and a little east of the Intercontinental Presidente. It boasts many holes with both ocean and lagoon views. Looks pretty nice. Rates start at $90 USD for 18 including a cart. They also offer special twilight rates after 2pm. Play is a little busier here so be sure to reserve your tee time. Telephone: from US 01152 98 83-12-30, Fax: 83-33-58.

A very nice and challenging championship course located at right in the middle of the 15 mile long hotel zone, Hilton Cancun Golf Club (formerly Caesar Park) is one of the only golf courses in Cancun. It was designed by the Aoki Corporations.

The club offers a professional golf course with facilities including: driving range, challenging sand traps, transportation service from the lobby, golf shop with name brand equipment for men and women, electric carts, equipment rental and golf pros. For reservations Telephone: 01152 998 881 8000 or email golf@hiltoncancun.com Public rates range from $80-$140 depending on the time of year.

Puerto Aventuras' Little Gem

Though only 9 holes, the Puerto Aventuras Resort course is cut right out of the jungle. The 9 holes are pretty good, play it twice and you have your 18. The rich vegetation offers cool breezes and actually some shade. Well, those of us who stray from the fairway enjoy more shade than others. Not a bad break from the beach, fishing or diving, for those staying south of Playa del Carmen. Walk-ons are welcomed or call 01152 987 23233.

	Par	Length	Rating	Slope	01152	Price
Playacar Club de Golf	72	7202/6724/5768	76.1/73.4/72.8	148/136/134	984 873 0624	$100
Hilton Golf and Beach Resort (formerly Caesar Park)	72	Blue Tees: 6,663 yards / Slope 121 / Rating 71.1 White Tees: 6,062 yards / Slope 115 / Rating 68.2 Red Tees: 5,046 yards / Slope 114 / Rating 70.4			998 881 8000	$80-$140 depending on the time of year
Club de Golf Pok-Ta-Pok	73	6721			998 883 1230	$100
Puerto Aventuras Resort Course	36	3206			984 872 3233	$50

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