Home to the most beautiful beaches in Baja California, Baja California Sur’s capital La Paz continues to grow in popularity as a tourist destination as well as being second home to an increasing number of non-Mexican citizens. It is therefore not surprising that in recent years, La Paz has stepped up its efforts to develop – without compromising its natural wonders, of course – La Paz into a place that would further bring convenience to non-local residents (both permanent and part-time), and possibly attract more visitors. From groundbreaking to renovations, these hotels, resort communities, condominiums and the like aim to bring something new to the La Paz’s substantial plate.

One of the newer things is golfing. Up until recently, La Paz has been overlooked as a site for major golf courses (or any kind of golf course for that matter) for one reason or another – including perhaps a contention that its beaches alone could pull in enough tourism to support the city (although La Paz refuses to depend on tourism) and make money for foreign investors. Places like La Paz’s neighbor Los Cabos have helped turn the Mexican state of Baja California into a major golfing destination, however, and the rising demand for more golf courses in the peninsula have begun to change things. No longer a mere tourist ploy, having a golf course brings substantial business to cities that host them – since indulging in the pleasant weather while golfing in Baja has become one of the major reasons why people are coming to live there (or at least decide to buy homes there).

This being the case, many La Paz companies and investors have announced projects involving the development of golf courses. Among them is major golf course designed by designers from Gary Player, which is supposed to become part of the CostaBaja Resort and Marina (opened in 2005, it is designed to house entire communities). It has been confirmed that construction of the course is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2007 and will take a grand total of twenty months to complete. This golf course is touted as the first La Paz golf course.

Another golf course, to be located in nearby Punta Colorada, is currently undergoing development planning. It is said to be a Robert von Hagge championship course, with holes that showcase the most breathtaking views the area has to offer. There are three other places in Punta Colorada being considered for similar projects.

The most ambitious undertaking involves the Bahia de los Sueňos, which is a resort that began construction in 2002. It is to host two golf courses – one a full eighteen-hole deal and the other a 6-hole “barefoot” informal course – designed by famous golf landscaping architect Tom Doak.

La Paz proves again and again that it can surprise us – these new additions to its appeal are definitely worth looking forward to.

The small Mexican municipality of Loreto can be found on the southeastern portion of the Baja California Peninsula, or on the middle eastern portion of Baja California Sur. Unlike the tourist-crowded municipalities of Los Cabos and La Paz that have become resort towns, Loreto is relatively less congested with tourists and vacationers. Small town Loreto is known for its distinctly Mexican quaintness and its relaxing tropical atmosphere, making it a perfect place for what many consider as the most relaxing and slow-paced physical sport–golf.

Golf is the quintessential essence of class, leisure and relaxation. Of all the known sports in the planet, golf has always been considered as a sophisticated enjoyment for those with refined tastes. Golf is commonly pictured as being played by rich bankers and businessmen in plaid shorts, polo shirts and visors during weekends in exclusive sports clubs. Although many of these popular connotations about golf and golf enthusiasts might be true, golf in Loreto is more than just an exclusive sport for the opulent.

At the moment, the Nopolo Sport Center’s golf course is the primary golf destination in Loreto, Baja California Sur. The Nopolo golf facilities offers a challenging 18-hole championship golf course that will instantly take your breath away. The golf course gently slopes and twists along the glistening coast of the turquoise blue Sea of Cortez, the cactus-bloom carpeted deserts of Loreto, and the intimidating behemothic expanse of the Sierra de la Giganta mountain ranges.

Somewhere in the expansive greens of Loreto’s Nopolo golfing range are two man-made lakes and several sand dunes and sand traps which improve the range’s over-all appearance as well as provide additional golfing challenges for the players. World renowned architects Pedro Guereca and Mario Shjetman Danton are the two geniuses responsible for the golf course’s lay-out and design.

Aside from the harmoniously incorporated natural environments of Loreto, Nipolo Sports Center’s golf facilities also includes large, functional shower and locker facilities for men and women, a golfing equipment and clothing shop, and club restaurant, bar and lounge area.

A new golf course recently opened is the Costa Loreto Golf Club. Just 5 miles south of Loreto’s town proper, this 177-acres vast facility features an 18-hole championship course that runs through coastal and desert environments. Aside from the scenic and contrasting backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta and the Sea of Cortez, Costa Loreto’s golf course also has three man-made lakes as well as an enhanced golfing ground designed especially to challenge golf enthusiasts.

At the moment, there are more golf courses intended to be built in Loreto, Baja California Sur. Because of Loreto’s peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, as well as its perfect, year-round climate, this small Mexican municipality is bound to be a golfing hot spot soon enough.

Baja California Peninsula extends some 775 miles from Mexacali in the north to Cabo San Lucas to the south. Baja California is nestled between the majestic Pacific Ocean and the azure water of the Sea of Cortes. It has also one of the most unique and diverse geographical landscapes in the world. Baja California Peninsula is the home of the most rustic deserts, lush mountainous regions, and miles of miles of immaculate beaches and coastlines.

Baja California is the ultimate swinger’s paradise. It has many celebrated golf courses such as the El Dorado Golf Course (Los Cabos), Club Campestre (Tijuana), Real del Mar (Ensenada), and Fonatur Golf Course (Loreto) to name a few.

These outstanding golf courses of the Baja have been the location of prestigious golfing tournaments and championships. The PGA Senior Slam Tournaments have been constantly held in these courses. They have also been reputed for their unique fairways, dogleg, water and bunker challenges. Furthermore, the scenic view of the desert landscapes, azure waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortes adds to this unique golfing experience. Only in the golf courses of Baja can one golf while observing the whales as they pass the Mexican Sea and Alaska between the months of December through May.

Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr. are just some of the designers of these golf courses. Moreover, each individual golf resort has excellent facilities like fitness center, shopping boutiques, restaurants and even spas accessible to their customers.

It wouldn’t really matter whether you are an amateurs or professional golfer. Because in Baja, golfers of varying levels can choose on the course they want. For the serious golfers, there are courses which offer large sand traps, lakes, and plenty of roughs. For the amateur ones, there are golf courses with closer tees, shorter play and wider fairways.

For those with a limited budget, there are resorts like the Villas de Cortez Golf Course which features holes that ranges from 55 yards to 155 yards, together with several sand traps and water hazards at a very affordable price of US$20 for nine holes.

Avid golfers need not forgo their favorite sport when taking a vacation in Rosarito. The Mexican coastal city is strategically located in between two of Baja California’s most popular golf courses: the Real Del Mar Golf Resort and the Bajamar Ocean Front Resort.

Real Del Mar, located 20 minutes south of the US border on the Scenic Road between Tijuana and Rosarito, started its operations in 1992 and currently features a par 72, 18-hole golf course. With a course that spans 6,400 yards interspersed with six lakes, Real Del Mar presents a challenging canyon style golf for veterans as well as novice players. The resort offers golf clinics for beginners and private lessons for adults, teens, and children. It holds regular tournaments throughout the year, accommodating 60 to more than 100 players on each tournament. It also offers corporate services such as organizing golf tournaments for companies and even taking care of awards and prizes as well as the meals of the participants. The rates for an 18-hole game is US$69 on Monday through Thursday and US$89 on Friday through Sunday. A twilight rate, lower by more than US$30, is offered starting at 2 PM. Senior citizens (60 years old and above) can also avail of up to 45 percent discount.

Real Del Mar also features scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Coronado Islands. It has a 76-room hotel run by Marriott, a residential area, health club and spa, and an equestrian center.

South of Rosarito is the Bajamar Front Golf Resort. Dubbed as the Pebble Beach of Mexico, it features a 27-hole golf course and Scottish style links with three combinations of play, namely: Lagos/Vista par 71, Vista/Oceano par 72, and Oceano/Lagos par 71. The Vista and Lagos courses were first designed in 1970 and later redesigned in 1991 while the Oceano course was created in 1996.

Bajamar Resort features a hotel, tennis courts, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and jacuzzi. The rates for an 18-hole game is US$75 on Monday through Thursday, US$99 on Friday through Saturday, and US$89 on Sunday. A cheaper twilight rate is offered after 3 PM (the twilight rate during summer is after 4 PM). The resort also offers a hotel and golf package for US$99 per golfer for a one-night stay. This includes an 18-hole game with cart, a bucket of balls, and standard hotel room accommodations with an American breakfast. The package is valid only until the end of July, 2007.

For a more relaxed, congestion-free golfing complete with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains, take a drive to the golf courses in Rosarito.

Golfing is a very relaxing sport because of its pleasant, untroubled pace and its proximity with natural outdoor sceneries. And golfing is one of the many recreational activities in Ensenada, Baja California that both vacationers and locals enjoy doing. Fortunately, there are three very impressive golf courses in Ensenada that golfing pros and amateurs can try out.

Baja Country Club
Ensenada’s geography is quiet diverse, having deserts, valleys, mountain ranges and coastal areas in and around the municipality. The Baja Country Club golf course is located in a valley from where you can see the silhouetted peaks of the Baja California mountain ranges. The vibrant green lawns are spotted with large, leafy oak trees and towering palm trees.

Because of the beautiful surroundings and Ensenada’s mild Mediterranean climate, golfers at the Baja Country Club are sure to enjoy walking from hole to hole in this large golfing facility. The Mediterranean weather also means golfers can enjoy a relaxing game without the worry of rain or even drizzles.

At the moment, there are no housing developments near the Baja Country Club, ensuring that golfers can enjoy a quiet, peaceful 9 or 18-hole game. The Baja Country Club also has a clubhouse where golfers can go to for an after-golf dip at the pool or a relaxing time in the hot tubs and the sauna. The price range is somewhere around $47 for an 18-hole game and $36 for a 9-hole game of golf.

Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort
Measuring a vast 6,900 yards, the Bajamar Ocean Front Golf course is large enough to host 27 holes, or three sets of 9-holes featuring distinct landscapes and requiring different golfing strategies and skills.

Bajamar’s Lagos nine features expansive and relatively flat emerald green lawns with the Baja California peninsular mountain ranges looming in the far background. Several man-made lakes where colorful fishes and plants reside however, are strategically placed posing a fun challenge to the golfers.

The Vista nine on the other hand, challenges pro and amateur golfers in a different way. Bajamar Ocean Front golf course’s Vista nine has no lakes and water forms where a straying golf ball might suddenly splash into. However, this set of 9-holes has a multi-level landscapes. Greens gently slope up and down, challenging the players by tricking the eyes.

The most breathtaking 9-hole set in Bajamar is no doubt the Oceano nine. Golfers can enjoy the view of the coast, the twittering of the seagulls, and the sound of the waves as the crash on rocks, not realizing that the golf course will eventually lead them into the ocean.

Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort (Turistico)
Designer: Percy Clifford, Robert Von Hagge y David Fleming
Carr. Escenica km 77.5
Ph. (+52-646) 155-0151

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Weekend
$ 89 usd
Midweek
$ 69 usd