From Cancun to the archeological site of Tulum lies the land of the Maya which has given the newly dubbed “Riviera Maya” an international appeal that attracts more visitors each year. This stretch of coastline, on the eastern side of Mexico, is an amazing vacation destination with the Great Mayan Reef, second only to the Great Barrier Reef, underground rivers, cenotes, lagoons that are natural aquariums, soft sand beaches and the lush tropical jungle that will leave you relaxed and fulfilled after your visit. Whether you choose an All-Inclusive in Cancun, a boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen, or go bohemian in Tulum; you will certainly enjoy your stay, and will always be drawn back to The Riviera Maya for your next adventure.

Up until recently The Rivera Maya was known more for its natural wonders and laid back attitude rather then a world class golf destination. That has all changed in the past couple of years, and it is anticipated to be the number one golf destination in Mexico in the near future; even beating out the ever famous Cabo San Lucas courses. The Riviera Maya is number one in development and growth in Mexico and with this brings big investors, big developers, and golf course designed by such greats as Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Among the most famous is Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, with more than 200 golf courses around the world, he signed off on the Moon Palace Spa and Golf Club with his Nicklaus Signature, and his Nicklaus Design company takes the honors for the Cozumel Country Club and Mayan Resorts Golf Riviera Maya. Greg Norman makes his debut with two new courses in the area, El Camaleón Mayakoba, Cancún and Playa Mujeres Golf Club was recently inaugurated. P.B. Dye designed Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club and Robert Von Hagge designed the competitive course at the Playacar Spa and Golf Club. Robert Trent Jones Jr. has designed more than 700 golf courses, including Cancún Golf Club at Pok Ta Pok and Pedro Guereca Hilton Cancún Golf and Spa Resort which names just a portion of the booming golf course developments in the Riviera Maya.

With the Greg Norman designed El Camaleon hosting the first ever PGA sanctioned golf tournament in Mexico, this past February, it has brought international attention to the area from golf aficionados, players, and spectators. There are at least 5 more golf courses in development that are slated to be fully operational by late 2008, and with the numerous courses already here people are taking notice of The Rivera Maya as a world class golf destination.

Golf in Mexico has traditionally been played on private courses located near larger city centers such as Mexico City, where the first golf club opened in 1905. It took tourism, specifically along the Pacific Coast and the Baja Peninsula, to dramatically pick up the pace of course construction during the past 20 years. When Cancun was launched, golf was a natural addition to the east coast as well, although the limestone terrain, marshy landscape, jungle foliage, salt water intrusion, and other elements presented challenges that only 20th century technology could feasibly and economically overcome. Indigenous ruins were another sensitive issue. The area is full of Mayan archeology sites, burial centers, and cenotes. In keeping with Mexican tradition and conservation policies, courses were built around untouched ruins, incorporating the natural surroundings. This often means alligators, lizards and birds have the right-of-way, and their natural habitat of jungle and lagoons are part of the scenery.

The mild tropical temperature, with a yearly average of 26 degrees centigrade or 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit, allows golfers to enjoy playing year round. In addition there are many levels and courses to choose from to cater to all levels of play as well as making it easily accessible to everyone. So whether you are a diver, a snorkeler, a beach comber, a bohemian, or a golfer there is now something for everyone here in the beautiful Rivera Maya, Mexico.

The Moon Spa & Golf Club - Book your tee time now Three 9 Hole Courses 36 par each Golfers navigate through native vegetation as well as numerous wetlands and strategically placed bunkers. Designed with a unique concept of environmental conservation, a perfect ecological harmony is achieved. Yardage: 10,798 yards ( 3, 9 hole courses) Course Type: Executive Grass on Greens: Tifdwarf Grass on Fairways: Bermuda Designer: Nicklaus Design
Playacar Golf Course - Book your tee time now 18 hole - 72 par course Designed and constructed under the supervision of the famous Architect Robert Von Hagge, this golf course is surrounded by a diversity of lakes and exuberant vegetation and is considered the most challenging course of the region. Yardage: 7,144 Course Type: Resort Grass on Greens: Tidward Grass on Fairways: Bermuda Designer: Robert Von Hagge Driving Range: Yes
Mayan Resorts Golf 18 hole 54 par course Nicklaus Design created this course. Filled with radiant white sand traps, the dark tones of natural stone lining pristine lakes, the deep, lush hue of the greens and the waste bunkers, this course is a garden of delights for golf lovers. Yardage: 2,923 Course Type: Executive Grass on Greens: Tidward Grass on Fairways: Bermuda Designer: Nicklaus Design Golf Pro: Calvin Nielson Number of Bunkers: 38 Number of Lakes: 2
	Puerto Aventuras Golf 9 hole 36 par course The Puerto Aventuras Golf Course is an exiting and challenging course. This beautiful jungle golf course was designed in 1991 by Thomas Leman and is still one of the best kept secrets in the area. The fairways and greens are covered by a smooth carpet of Bermuda grass and surrounded by palm trees, bugumbilias, tropical ficus and lush foliage. Yardage: 3,206 Course Type: Resort Grass on Greens: Tidward Grass on Fairways: Bermuda Designer: : Robert Thomas Lehman Driving Range: Yes
	El Cameleon Mayakoba 18 hole - 72 par course Camaleón is aptly named for its diverse layout and ever-changing landscape, always in total harmony with the region’s natural beauty. The territory extends perfectly between exotic jungle, impressive “cenotes”, lush mangrove and the unmistakable beauty of the Mexican Caribbean: El Camaleón will be the host for the newest Official PGA Tour Calendar Event, the Mayakoba Classic, Riviera Maya Yardage: 7,067 Course Type: Executive Grass on Greens:Paspalum Grass on Fairways: Bermuda Designer: Greg Norman
	Pok Ta Pok, Cancun 18 hole - 72 par course This course boasts some unequalled qualities, such as the most beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea, landscapes along the Nichupte lagoon and age-old archaeological treasures from the Mayan culture. Yardage: 6,750 Course Type: Resort Grass on Greens: Tidward Grass on Fairways: Bermuda Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr. Driving Range: Yes
	Hilton Cancun 18 hole - 72 par course The Hilton Cancun Golf Course just completed a 6 million dollar renovation of their course in December 2006. Manicured fairways and greens and spectacular scenery. Every interest of golf enthusiasts from scratch players to high-handicappers has been provided with care and anticipation. Yardage: 6,734 Course Type: Resort Grass on Greens: Tidward Grass on Fairways: Paspalum Sea Isle 1 Driving Range: Yes
Sources: www.worldgolf.com and www.cancungolf.org

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