Los Cabos, Mexico, offers some of the most breathtaking and challenging public golf courses in the world, perfect for both scenic views and skill-testing play.
Here are the five best public courses you should consider: Cabo del Sol – Ocean Course, Palmilla Golf Club, Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club, Cabo Real Golf Club, and Club Campestre San Jose—each with its unique design and appeal.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes each course special.
Cabo del Sol – Ocean Course
The Cabo del Sol – Ocean Course is a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece that has earned a reputation as one of the premier public golf courses in Los Cabos.
It’s a course that combines challenging play with breathtaking views, providing an unforgettable experience for golfers who appreciate both stunning landscapes and the thrill of a well-designed layout.
Designer and Background
Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the Cabo del Sol – Ocean Course is celebrated for its dramatic coastal holes that blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural beauty.
Nicklaus designed the course to highlight the spectacular scenery of the Baja coastline, incorporating the natural contours of the land to craft a truly unique golf experience.
The course is often referred to as having some of the best finishing holes in the world, with Nicklaus himself singling out the back nine as the best trio of holes he has ever created.
Highlights and Unique Features
The Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol lives up to its name, offering stunning views of the Sea of Cortez at almost every turn.
The layout features several cliffside holes that offer not only incredible vistas but also challenging play that requires precision and nerve.
The course is particularly known for its back nine, where the combination of elevation changes, coastal winds, and the strategic design of the holes come together to create a demanding and visually stunning challenge.
The par-3s and par-4s along the coastline are especially memorable, with each hole providing a unique blend of difficulty and scenic beauty that is rarely found elsewhere.
Experience and Playing Conditions
Playing at Cabo del Sol is more than just a round of golf—it's an experience designed to be memorable from start to finish.
The course is known for its well-maintained practice facilities, which allow players to warm up and hone their skills before starting their round.
Along the way, the service and amenities stand out as well, including the famous fish tacos served at the turn, adding a local flavor to the experience.
This course is ideal for experienced golfers who want a true test of their abilities, as the challenging design, paired with ocean winds and natural hazards, requires a strategic approach to every shot.
Green Fees and Accessibility
The green fees for Cabo del Sol – Ocean Course range from $175 to $375, depending on the season and the time of day.
During peak seasons, such as winter, prices tend to be on the higher end, while off-peak times can offer a more affordable rate for those looking to experience this exceptional course.
It is recommended to book tee times in advance, especially during high season, as the popularity of the course can make securing a slot challenging.
What Makes Cabo del Sol Unique?
Cabo del Sol stands out because it offers more than just a round of golf—it’s a full sensory experience set against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful landscapes in Los Cabos.
The course combines the difficulty of tight fairways and cleverly positioned bunkers with the visual reward of coastal vistas and dramatic elevation changes, especially on the back nine, which is often described as one of the finest closing stretches in the world of golf.
For players seeking a mix of high-quality course design, stunning natural beauty, and a sense of challenge, Cabo del Sol delivers an unparalleled golfing adventure.
Palmilla Golf Club
Palmilla Golf Club, affectionately known as the “Grand Dame of Los Cabos Golf,” was the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Latin America, setting a high bar for golf in the region.
This course offers a well-balanced blend of scenic beauty, challenging design, and versatility that makes it a favorite among both casual and seasoned golfers.
Designer and History
Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, Palmilla Golf Club holds the distinction of being the first Nicklaus Signature course to open in Latin America.
This milestone helped establish Los Cabos as a premier golf destination.
Nicklaus’s goal was to create a course that leveraged the natural beauty and varied terrain of the Baja Peninsula while providing an engaging and challenging experience for players of all skill levels.
Often referred to as the “Grand Dame of Los Cabos Golf,” Palmilla has continued to maintain its reputation for excellence and charm since its inception, drawing players back year after year for its memorable layout and well-crafted challenges.
Course Layout and Highlights
Palmilla Golf Club features three nine-hole courses—Arroyo, Mountain, and Ocean—each providing a distinct golfing experience, and players can mix and match these nines for a unique 18-hole round.
The Ocean nine offers some of the most dramatic elevation changes, with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez that can distract even the most focused golfers.
Meanwhile, the Mountain and Arroyo nines provide a different challenge, moving inland to feature dramatic desert landscapes, canyon crossings, and a rugged natural backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the greens.
The Arroyo and Mountain nines feature a number of blind shots, elevation changes, and natural desert hazards that require a strategic approach.
In contrast, the Ocean nine offers coastal views and more open spaces, but also features significant elevation shifts, especially on the tees, that demand both accuracy and power.
This variety within Palmilla makes it a highly versatile course that keeps even repeat players engaged with its diverse mix of natural settings and technical demands.
Playing Experience
Managed by Troon Golf, Palmilla Golf Club ensures top-tier quality in terms of course maintenance, facilities, and overall playing experience.
This level of management means the course is always in excellent condition, with greens that run true and fairways that are meticulously groomed.
The course is characterized by a mix of long carries over desert terrain, shots that require precise placement to avoid well-placed bunkers, and drives that call for navigating canyon crossings and blind turns.
The natural setting contributes significantly to the enjoyment of Palmilla.
Playing here means you’re not just hitting balls on a well-manicured lawn—you’re navigating an environment filled with dramatic cliffs, cacti, and shifting elevations that make each hole a unique challenge.
The presence of multiple nines allows for a degree of customization to suit a player’s preference, whether they are looking for a more relaxed round along the Ocean or a tougher, more technical round across the Mountain and Arroyo tracks.
Green Fees
The green fees at Palmilla Golf Club generally range from $150 to $250, depending on the season, with rates fluctuating higher during peak tourist months when Los Cabos is at its busiest.
To get the best rates, booking a tee time in advance is recommended, particularly during the winter months when the course is in high demand.
Discounts are sometimes available for late afternoon tee times, offering an opportunity to enjoy the course as the sun begins to set over the Pacific, adding another layer of beauty to the experience.
Key Reasons to Play Palmilla
Palmilla Golf Club stands out for its versatility and the way it offers multiple distinct environments in one location.
Golfers can choose from three different nine-hole courses, allowing them to tailor their experience based on personal preferences, whether they want to challenge themselves on the rugged desert landscape of the Mountain nine or take in the breathtaking sea views on the Ocean nine.
This variety means that every visit to Palmilla can offer something different, making it a favorite for repeat visitors who want a course that never feels the same twice.
With its impeccable course conditions, diverse landscape, and the reputation of being a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, Palmilla is perfect for golfers who are looking to experience both the natural beauty and the unique challenges of golfing in Los Cabos.
Whether you’re aiming for an all-day golfing adventure or simply want to enjoy a morning of playing along the stunning coastline, Palmilla Golf Club delivers an experience that is rich, rewarding, and beautifully set against the backdrop of Los Cabos’ iconic scenery.
Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club
Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience that combines the creative genius of two legendary designers—Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
This course seamlessly blends two different styles of play into a single, memorable round that provides both variety and challenge, all against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea of Cortez.
Course Designers and Layout
Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club is the result of a unique collaboration between Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, each contributing nine holes to create a distinctive 18-hole course.
The front nine, designed by Greg Norman, features more forgiving fairways and sweeping vistas, making it accessible for golfers who prefer a less demanding start to their round.
The design is characterized by wide-open spaces that allow for a degree of freedom, encouraging long drives without excessive concern for hazards.
The landscape flows naturally, embracing the contours of the terrain while providing expansive views of the Sea of Cortez.
The back nine, designed by Jack Nicklaus, presents a contrasting experience.
Here, players face tighter fairways, strategic bunkering, and more pronounced elevation changes.
Nicklaus’s emphasis is on precision and strategic play, demanding careful shot placement and control.
This dual-design approach means that players get a taste of both designers' philosophies in one course, making it ideal for those who appreciate variety and a gradual increase in difficulty as they progress through the round.
Course Highlights
One of the standout features of Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club is the way it showcases the natural beauty of the Baja landscape.
The front nine, designed by Norman, features several holes that offer panoramic ocean views, with broad fairways that invite players to open up their swing and enjoy the coastal breeze.
As you move to the back nine, Nicklaus’s influence becomes immediately apparent.
Here, the layout transitions to a more technically challenging environment with tighter landing areas, undulating greens, and dramatic elevation shifts that test a player’s skill level.
Throughout the round, golfers will encounter a mixture of both relaxed and strategic play styles, from Norman's open and forgiving designs to the precise and demanding holes crafted by Nicklaus.
The elevation changes are significant in many parts of the course, especially in the Nicklaus nine, where raised tees provide opportunities for impressive downhill shots and scenic views that are perfect for photo opportunities.
The diversity in course architecture keeps players engaged, with each hole presenting a unique challenge and a new way to appreciate the landscape.
Green Fees and Player Experience
Green fees at Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club typically range from $200 to $285, depending on the season and the time of day.
During peak periods, fees are on the higher side, reflecting the popularity and exclusivity of this dual-designer course.
However, the experience justifies the price, as players are effectively getting two courses in one—each with its unique style and challenge.
The player experience at Puerto Los Cabos is enhanced by the juxtaposition of Norman and Nicklaus’s different approaches to course design.
Norman’s front nine allows golfers to ease into their round, enjoying the scenery and taking advantage of the open layout to build confidence.
By contrast, the back nine challenges players to strategize, making each shot count as they navigate tighter fairways and elevated greens.
The variety in play styles means that golfers are constantly engaged, with the difficulty gradually ramping up, which helps make the entire round enjoyable from start to finish.
What Sets Puerto Los Cabos Apart
What truly sets Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club apart is the opportunity to experience the design philosophies of two world-renowned golf architects in one cohesive course.
The contrasting styles create a dynamic and memorable round, blending Norman's sweeping fairways with Nicklaus’s tighter, more technical holes.
This combination ensures that players of all skill levels can find something to enjoy—whether it's the freedom of the front nine or the strategic challenges of the back.
Additionally, the course’s natural beauty, framed by ocean views and desert mountains, adds a layer of aesthetic pleasure to the round, making it as visually captivating as it is challenging.
For those looking to enjoy a varied and engaging golfing experience that combines coastal views, elevation changes, and two of the biggest names in golf design, Puerto Los Cabos delivers a golfing experience unlike any other in Los Cabos.
Cabo Real Golf Club
Cabo Real Golf Club is an iconic course in Los Cabos designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offering a diverse and immersive golfing experience that seamlessly blends coastal beauty with rugged desert landscapes.
Its reputation for hosting high-profile events, combined with a layout that takes players from ocean views to mountainous challenges, makes Cabo Real a must-play for those visiting the region.
Designer and Reputation
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Cabo Real Golf Club has established itself as one of the premier golf destinations in Los Cabos, highlighted by its hosting of the PGA Senior Grand Slam.
Jones, known for his ability to incorporate natural landscapes into the course design, crafted Cabo Real to make the most of the stunning Baja topography.
The result is a course that is both beautiful and strategically challenging, appealing to a wide range of golfers.
The high-profile tournaments held here are a testament to the course's quality, and they have helped to cement Cabo Real’s status as one of the top golfing destinations in Mexico.
Course Features
Cabo Real’s layout features a dramatic transition from oceanfront holes to desert and mountainous terrain, creating an exciting and varied golfing experience.
The course was redesigned to enhance the progression from coastline to mountains, ensuring that players are treated to a visually striking round that evolves in both scenery and difficulty.
The front nine starts near the ocean, providing expansive views and relatively forgiving holes, which serve as a comfortable introduction to the course.
These holes are characterized by wide fairways and approachable greens that allow golfers to settle into their game while enjoying the coastal breeze.
As the course moves inland, the terrain shifts dramatically, with holes winding into the hills and canyons that characterize the desert landscape.
The back nine is more challenging, featuring significant elevation changes, tighter fairways, and strategically placed hazards that require careful shot planning and precision.
This dynamic change keeps players on their toes, ensuring that the round stays engaging from start to finish.
The mountains offer not only a tougher golfing challenge but also panoramic views that showcase the diverse beauty of the Los Cabos region, from its rolling hills to the distant coastline.
Playing Experience
The playing experience at Cabo Real is defined by its balance of relaxing and challenging segments, allowing golfers to enjoy a well-rounded round.
The front nine is particularly forgiving, making it perfect for easing into the day.
It features open fairways that are ideal for warming up, with many holes allowing players to take in views of the sparkling sea while navigating straightforward, but fun, layouts.
For players seeking a relaxing start, this part of the course provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenery without too much pressure.
The back nine, however, changes pace significantly. As the course climbs into the desert hills, players face a mix of demanding shots that involve elevation changes and canyon crossings.
These holes require both accuracy and strategic decision-making, particularly where tight fairways are paired with undulating greens.
Despite the increased difficulty, the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape provides an incredible backdrop that makes every challenge worth facing.
Overall, Cabo Real provides an excellent blend of relaxation and difficulty, catering to golfers who want a mix of approachable play and technical challenge in a single round.
Green Fees
Green fees at Cabo Real range from $140 to $240, with prices varying based on the season and time of day.
During peak seasons, such as the winter months when Los Cabos is at its busiest, fees tend to be on the higher side.
To get the best value, it’s advisable to book early, especially if you plan to play during the high season.
There are also opportunities for twilight rounds, which are typically offered at a lower rate, providing a beautiful way to play as the sun sets over the Baja landscape.
Why Cabo Real is a Must-Play
Cabo Real is an excellent choice for golfers who appreciate a mix of diverse terrains, from oceanfront fairways to desert hills and mountainous challenges.
This variety ensures that every hole feels unique, providing a balanced golfing experience that moves from scenic relaxation to focused, strategic play.
The course is designed to showcase the natural beauty of Los Cabos, while also delivering a round that’s enjoyable for golfers of varying skill levels—whether you’re looking for a leisurely start or a demanding back-nine test.
Cabo Real’s combination of stunning views, well-crafted holes, and a dynamic layout makes it a must-play course for anyone visiting Los Cabos, offering both an aesthetic delight and an engaging round of golf.
Club Campestre San Jose
Club Campestre San Jose offers an 18-hole championship experience set against the breathtaking foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
Designed by Nicklaus Design, this course delivers a blend of stunning scenery, thoughtful design, and a challenging yet rewarding play that makes it a standout option for golfers visiting Los Cabos.
Designer and Layout
The Club Campestre San Jose course is a product of Nicklaus Design, featuring 18 holes strategically crafted to highlight the beauty of the Baja California terrain.
Set in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, the course takes full advantage of its unique location, weaving through undulating hills that create a natural rhythm of elevation changes and varied shot angles.
Each hole is designed with both beauty and strategy in mind, providing golfers with a combination of open fairways and more challenging sections that require precise play.
The use of the local terrain means that no two holes are the same, offering a constant sense of discovery as players progress through the round.
The layout is characterized by its emphasis on using the natural landscape, with several elevated tees offering expansive views of the Sea of Cortez.
The fairways follow the contours of the hills, creating a dynamic flow that challenges players to adapt their approach to the varying conditions.
The greens are designed to be well-defended by bunkers and slopes, demanding strategic shot placement and an understanding of the course’s natural elements.
Key Course Highlights
One of the main highlights of Club Campestre San Jose is the panoramic view of the Sea of Cortez that accompanies many of the holes.
The course's elevation changes not only add an extra layer of challenge but also provide golfers with breathtaking vistas that make each shot even more memorable.
The use of saltwater-resistant Paspalum grass, which is well-suited for the arid conditions of Los Cabos, ensures that the greens and fairways remain lush and playable year-round.
This grass type not only withstands the harsh desert conditions but also provides a smooth, consistent playing surface that golfers appreciate.
Another key feature of the course is its challenging greens, which are known for their subtle breaks and undulations that require careful reading and precise putting.
The well-placed bunkers add to the challenge, making accuracy essential, especially on approaches to the greens.
The combination of panoramic views, strategic bunkering, and elevation changes makes each hole distinct and keeps players engaged throughout the round.
Green Fees
Green fees at Club Campestre San Jose start at $150, varying with the season and the time of day.
While the prices reflect the quality of the course and the scenic beauty it offers, booking during non-peak hours or twilight can provide golfers with a more budget-friendly opportunity to experience this high-quality course.
The relatively off-the-beaten-path location also means it’s less crowded compared to some of the more central courses, potentially allowing for more flexible tee times.
Experience and Accessibility
Playing at Club Campestre San Jose offers a tranquil and immersive natural experience, largely due to its location away from the more bustling tourist areas of Los Cabos.
This peaceful setting, combined with the backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, provides a sense of seclusion that is rare among public courses in the region.
The course is meticulously maintained, with consistent fairways and greens that highlight the attention to detail in course upkeep, ensuring that every round is highly enjoyable and rewarding.
The course’s unique setting means that players are treated to an uninterrupted natural environment, with the hills providing a sense of isolation that enhances the overall playing experience.
This makes Club Campestre an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy golf in a more relaxed atmosphere, without the distractions of crowds or the hustle of more commercialized golfing spots.
What Makes Club Campestre Unique
Club Campestre San Jose is distinguished by its scenic mountain setting and commitment to providing a high-quality golfing experience.
Unlike some of the more coastal courses in Los Cabos, it offers a different perspective of the region’s natural beauty, with its location in the foothills providing a unique combination of challenging elevation changes and stunning vistas.
The Nicklaus Design approach is evident in the strategic layout, with each hole thoughtfully integrated into the natural terrain to create both a visually striking and technically demanding course.
For golfers who prefer a peaceful and rewarding round away from the main tourist centers, Club Campestre San Jose is a perfect choice.
It combines the beauty of the Baja landscape with a course that is challenging but fair, making it well-suited for players looking to enjoy a memorable day of golf amidst the serene mountain environment of Los Cabos.
Conclusion
Los Cabos offers an incredible variety of public golf courses, each with its own unique design, stunning views, and memorable challenges.
Whether you're looking for coastal beauty, desert landscapes, or mountain vistas, the courses mentioned provide something for every golfer.
With world-class layouts and unforgettable experiences, these five courses are must-plays for any golf enthusiast visiting the region.
