BEST'S Golf Guide to Mexico by Charles Kinder

Playa Mujeres Golf Club - Greg NormanSignature Golf Course

JACK NICKLAUS

BEST’s Top Architect of the Year

LORENA OCHOA

We interview the #1 Female Golfer

GARY PLAYER

Breaking Ground in Mexico

REAL ESTATE GROWTH IN MEXICO A Golfer’s Paradise

MOST COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF ALL GOLF COURSES IN MEXICO

Table Of Contents

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO Features 6

One&Only Palmilla Nicklaus’ first Latin America design

Gary Player The Black Knight In Mexico

Growth of Real Estate In Mexico A Golfer’s Paradise - by Charles Kinder

Lorena Ochoa Mexico’s BEST

Paradise Village Home to El Tigre by von Hagge.

Club Corp A Driving Force in Mexico golf

El Tamarindo David Fleming’s Jungle Wonderland

Isla Navidad von Hagge’s Top Ranked Golf Resort

Jack Nicklaus Mexico’s Oso Dorado

Buying Real Estate in Mexico by Fabiola Thébaud

2008 - My Perspective by Bruce Greenberg

Top 10 Golf Courses In Mexico Including Top New Golf Courses

Playa Mujeres Golf Course Greg Norman’s Cancun Masterpiece

Departments 48

Publisher’s Letter

Los Cabos Golf Map

Real Estate Directory Mexico’s BEST golf course Real Estate

Golf Course Directory The Complete Guide to All of Mexico’s Golf Courses

Cabo Azul Resort & Spa Real Estate Showcase

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Paradise Village - Playa Royale Real Estate Showcase

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Publisher’s Letter Dear Golf Amigos, This issue of BEST’s Golf Guide to Mexico has taken a swing for the BEST. We have made an effort to offer you more stylistic pages with fascinating stories, up-to-date information on what is new in Golf in Mexico. Our current, updated Golf directories are the favorites of many. Featured in this issue is Jack Nicklaus, named BEST Golf Course Architect in Mexico for the third consecutive year. Another highlight: Gary Player enters his hat on the green with a beautiful new golf course at CostaBaja Resort & Marina in La Paz, set to open in 2009. Recently, I had a chance to sit down and interview this year’s run-a-way superstar, or more precicely, “fairway” superstar; the world’s #1 female golfer LORENA OCHOA. She is truly fantastic! Talented, warm and friendly - a very bright star in the world of golf, indeed. Our main feature article covers Golf Course Communities – Real Estate in Mexico. The article showcases up-to-date information for your education and enjoyment. With forty new golf course communities in Mexico; it is a great opportunity to enjoy and be part of this highgrowth area for investors, consumers and golfers from around the world. The 2008 Annual Tianguis conference on tourism for Mexico this year was vibrant with enthusiasm and great energy. It seems as though Mexico is not fully dependent on the US Golf travelers -

caught up in the sub-prime melt down. Although there are some signs of off-peak tourism, the Europeans - along with their strong Euro - are traveling in record numbers and coming to the land of bargains with their purchasing power. In the months to come, we will see pricing reductions and added value: 4th or 7th night free incentives for the lower priced rooms and the mid-market. As for the luxury buyer, most five star and grand tourismo resorts are doing quite well. Another indicator that the high end has resistance; Cabo del Sol, the most expensive 18 hole resort course in Mexico was the only golf course in Los Cabos to have an increase in rounds played in the first quarter of 2008 vs. 2007. Travel to Mexico now for the BEST value for Golf, Hotels and Real Estate. Plan now for the fall, as well as next winter’s golf travel season. Many world class courses offer quality off-season value-priced packages, now online at: www.best4mexicoteetimes.com Remember, you can always view BEST’s Golf Guides to Mexico online, by visiting: www.golfguidetomexico.com/digital For more up-to-date information regarding golf and golf resorts in Mexico, go to: www.golfinmexico.net Grab a friend and head south for world class golf in Mexico. Best regards,

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO 1540 South Coast Highway, # 206 Laguna Beach, California 92651 USA (949) 494-8561 • (949) 494-9292 fax www.golfinmexico.net PUBLISHER

Charles Kinder ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Fabiola Thébaud - Kinder ART DIRECTOR, DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Chris Partida EDITOR

Maria Ring SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Vera Alvarez del Castillo Jaime Alvarez del Castillo Enrique Castellanos Marta Cereghino Ralph Coster Carlos Hampe Sho Kaneko John Lara Jose Antonio Murillo Cayetana De Regil ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES USA

Eleanor Kreis (949) 494-8561 Cancún

Paola de Maria y Campos (984) 119-8766 Guadalajara

Andrés Castellanos (333) 640-1180 Los Cabos

Ricardo Torres (624) 143-9093 Puerto Vallarta

Carlos Farias (322) 225-8158

Chuck Kinder, CTC Publisher

OUR GRATITUDE TO: EVA EVANS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

To advertise in Best’s Golf Guides, visit: www.golfguidetomexico.com GGTMWS08

Left to right: Christianne Kinder: Future LPGA star. Chuck Kinder, CTC: Publisher of BEST'S Golf Guides to Mexico. Lorena Ochoa: #1 female golfer in the world.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Published semi-annually by Golf Publishing International, a California Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from Golf Publishing International. Every effort was made to insure the accuracy of the material presented. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions of data for golf courses, facilities, resorts or rates. Copyright 2008.

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ONE&ONLY PALMILLA A SERENELY PRIVATE TROPICAL HIDEAWAY

Palmilla Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first Latin America

Experience, it makes it one of the most memorable golf design and is recognized as the Grand Dame of golf in rounds in the world. Los Cabos. Challenging, masterfully-conceived and A Mexican decor clubhouse, on-site golf shop and stunningly beautiful, Palmilla has ocean views from expert staff help provide for your every need. Palmilla every hole. The Ocean Course actually flows to the Golf Club has hosted the 1997 PGA Senior TOUR, Senior ocean as you play on the beaches of the Sea of Cortez. Slam with Hale Irwin defeating Jack Nicklaus, Ray Floyd This 27-hole championship course is and Gil Morgan. With its skillful design, perched on deep canyon arroyos and sits expert management and idyllic locale, among century old cardon cacti. It is Palmilla Golf Club is recognized as one of a great resort course with daily trade top four courses in Mexico, and, one the winds that enhance pinpoint accuracy finest in the world. that challenges even the most experiThe renewed One&Only Palmilla enced of players. Resort maintains the classic Mexican Jason Ballog, Club Manager says, “The ambiance which has made it a favorite golf experience at Palmilla is unique for among an international ‘who’s who’ since Location Los Cabos several reasons. Palmilla Golf Club gently its original opening in 1956, while Course Palmilla Golf Club, takes you through 800 vertical feet of the expanding and recreating the legendary 27 hole, Jack Nicklaus Sig. Baja Desert. The design allows our guests property for a new generation of travelers. Contact 52 (624) 995-144-5250 to experience native desert vegetation on The resort features 172 spacious rooms www.oneandonlypalmilla.com the Mountain and Arroyo courses. On the and suites, each luxuriously appointed Ocean course guests play along the white and offering magnificent views of the Sea sandy beaches of the Sea of of Cortez, along with three restaurants, Cortez. During the odyssey, golfers enjoy looking at the the indoor/outdoor One&Only Spa, two pools includ“Gin Blue” water on all 27 holes. Sometimes our guests ing a children’s swimming and activity area, a new will see blue whales breech the water, as they migrate Executive Conference Center, and the property’s around the Baja to their winter breeding grounds. renowned Chapel, which makes One&Only Palmilla a When you combine the natural experiences and how we favorite for weddings. take care of our guests with the Troon Golf

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

HEROES OF GOLF IN MEXICO by Charles Kinder

The Black Knight in Mexico

GARY PLAYER Known worldwide as the ambassador of golf, Gary Player is winner of over 166 international golf tournaments and is one of only five golfers ever to win golf’s Grand Slam. He has won nine Major championships on the regular tour (The British Open three times, The Masters three times, The US Open once and the PGA Championship twice), making him the third player in the game’s history to win the career Grand Slam. This year he bested Arnold Palmer’s record to become the player to participate in the most Masters Tournaments ever— 51 total. The Black Knight, as Player is respectfully referred to, is recognized as an uncompromising perfectionist who settles for nothing but the best. He has transformed this insistence on quality into a successful golf course design firm with more than 250 layouts in five continents and in over 30 countries. Player’s first ever venture into Mexico will be in Baja Sur, in La Paz, at the CostaBaja Resort & Marina. It’s no surprise why Gary Player chose to affiliate with CostaBaja—it is already the most impressive resort in La Paz with a 250 slip state-of-the-art marina, a lively

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

marina village with great restaurants, shops and excursion companies, a 120 room contemporary Fiesta Inn, a luxurious Beach Club and three sold-out residential developments. The 550-acre CostaBaja Resort is located on a whitesand beach on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, a tenminute drive from downtown La Paz and ninety miles north of Los Cabos. The 18-hole golf course, clubhouse and pro shop will start construction soon. A key reason CostaBaja selected Gary Player Design was its reputation for building courses with great respect for the natural topography and environment. Almost every hole will reveal panoramic water views and the challenging course will feature an innovative design that complements the unique “desert by the sea” landscape. Looking for a world-class golf course led CostaBaja Resort to Gary Player; undeniably one of the best golfers, and designers in the world. For more information, visit www.garyplayerdesign.com and www.costabajaresort.com.

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes

R EAL E STATE G ROWTH

in Mexico A Golfer’s Paradise by Chuck Kinder

ot all golfers seeking second, retirement or investment homes or condos are looking for golf course communities. After all, not all residents of golf course communities are golfers, but they do like to be near great golf in Mexico. Real Estate marketers seek out golfers as a desirable target group known for their higher net worth, premium spending for airlines, hotels, restaurants and real estate. Golfers tend to travel and love to play golf year round, which is something that México can offer. The fact is, today the economic balance in real estate has shifted from a sellers market to buyers delight, especially in the search for homes in the US. The Mexican real estate market should expect the same, no doubt, but not as much, nor for as long a period. Mexico has over $300 billion worth of build out value in the planning stage or in process of development. Mexico has several advantages to help counter downward pricing pressures. Buoyed by the US Dollar’s weakness and the pesos’ close ties in housing prices, the Europeans and their stronger Euros are looking at Mexico as a bargain real estate market. One year ago, a couple from Germany considering purchasing a $300,000 USD oceanfront 3 bedroom condo in the Riviera Maya was looking at paying 240,000 Euros. Now, with a weaker dollar, they would be looking at paying 198,000 Euros, a bargain from their point of view. All of Latin America is aware of Mexico’s real estate growth as an investment opportunity with plenty of direct flights from Rio, Buenos Aires, Lima and Bogotá. Canadians are feeling the same way about their dollar exchange value. For years they have been the stepchild with a deflated Canadian dollar. They now have a renewed interest in investing because of a double digit increase in valuation. Longtime savers and frugal spenders, they can now can take advantage of their new purchasing power to have their dream homes in Mexico. Sustainable, eco-sensitive, smart homes are the buzz words of the day, and projects that promote these concepts are reaping the benefits and separating themselves from the competition. The Villages at Loreto Bay, under the watchful eye of Citibank group, is one of the leaders of this movement with a highly successful development in Loreto, in Baja Sur. Here at Loreto Bay they are focused on the restoration of the Estuary with the goal that every hectare of (2.2 acre) water reclaimed creates ONE TON of commercial fish per year and provides new life and habitats for birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. More and more, developers are thinking the same for their projects. John Solis, former president of Koll International and a development consultant, strongly urges project developers to give back to the communities that they are working in, and to improve the highways and airports, making conditions better for the sake of lifestyle and investments. Mexico’s home mortgage credit is a new vehicle now available in quantity with competitive rates for Mexican nationals and foreign investors for the first time, thus opening a new segment of buyers and investors. BBVA Bancomer is the market leader for residential and commercial lending for acquisition and construction loans. 12

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Chuck Kinder Panelist, Speaker, Writer Publisher/President Golf Publishing International

Sustainable, eco-sensitive, smart homes are the buzz words of the day, and those projects that promote these concepts are reaping the benefits and separating themselves from the competition. WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes The growth of world class golf in the key areas of Los Cabos, Vallarta and Cancun Riviera Maya have helped stimulate and enhance accumulated appreciation of real estate projects. Large development groups from around the world have taken an aggressive search for raw open land with or without SEMARNAT (Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Nationales) permits to build master planned communities. The US and Spain lead the way with experienced and well financed companies planting the seeds for over 30 new golf courses with designer labels like Nicklaus, von Hagge, Fazio, Dye, Love, Player, Norman, Doak and even Michelson. You can bet that all of these courses are real estate plays: hotels, full ownership and fractional ownership homes, villas, and condos, and to some degree, time shares, residence clubs, or exchange clubs. Mitch Brinton, Executive Director of The Markers, heads up a private golfers residence club that will have up to 325 owner-members who have equity in over 36 deluxe estates in all of the best golfing spots around the world. Membership gets you up to 56 days in a beautiful villa with all services, including advance tee times, at all of the best courses in each area. The Marker’s first Mexico location is at Cabo del Sol. Their members have access to the Cabo del Sol Ocean course, rated number one in Mexico by Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico and rated in the top 100 in the world by Golf Magazine. Several more home sites are being planned throughout Mexico. Where to live and invest is a matter of preference, knowledge of locations in Mexico, proximity to airports, health services, safety and sanitation. Typically golfers who have traveled about Mexico have experienced one or more destinations, and are attracted to areas with multiple courses to choose from, among daily fee, resort courses, or private country clubs. Although beach destinations are the favored location for many US and Canadian second home or retirement investors, inland cities are getting on board and are becoming attractive due to the low cost of land and housing, living expenses, fee simple title, and thriving US ex-PAT communities. Areas such as Lake Chapala near Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Morelia, and Monterrey are fast becoming terrific communities befitting old world colonial, with modern health services, wonderful restaurants, and private country club amenities at respectable rates. Billionaire Carlos Slim has taken on the health care issue in his own grand style by establishing some very high end medical centers called Grupo Star Medica catering to the US baby boomers, with the first two locations in Puerto Peñasco and Los Cabos…after all golf is for life. We have created a directory (see page 44) of select and recommended real estate projects and golf course communities in most of Mexico’s key locations. Some are private, guard-gated golf communities, while others are individual, stand alone condos, villas, single family homes, or townhouses near golf courses. For your convenience we have an updated website featuring these same properties at www.GolfInMexico.net/RE_dir Financing, at approximately a 70% loan-to-value, at a reasonable rate, amortized over 20 years, is available from a handful of well-funded, professional companies such as BBVA Bancomer, GE Capital, GMAC, Latin American Financing, Finance North America, and Platinum Capital. Some projects offer prospective buyers their own financial package. There are several national real estate firms including Prudential, Century 21, Re/Max, Coldwell Banker and Realty Executives that have English speaking agents who offer personalized service and who understand lenders’ documentation process. Mexico has become more American consumer friendly with the availability of title insurance and escrow companies, which give assurance, security, and safety throughout the closing and ownership process. About the only thing left is to pack your clubs, clothes, and sun lotion and head south for a look at your next new home. For a primer and your own quick tour-guide of golf and real estate in the BEST areas in Mexico... read on. 14

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Mitch Brinton, Executive Director of The Markers, heads up a private golfers residence club that will have up to 325 owner-members who have equity in over 36 deluxe estates in all of the best golfing spots around the world.

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes CABO & BAJA SUR Los Cabos Without a doubt, Los Cabos is the leader in the development of world-class golf in Mexico. This burgeoning resort located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula recently ranked 14th in a listing of the 50 most popular golf destinations in the world. Los Cabos’ climate and setting are perfect, like Palm Springs on the ocean. A 20mile stretch of coast between the two towns of Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, is home to some of the world’s best oceanside courses, carved out of a landscape where stark desert meets an azure sea. Three Nicklaus signature courses are open along this corridor, including the top-rated Cabo del Sol Ocean, ranked 88 in 2007 in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in the World.” The course boasts five oceanfront holes, including the “finest three finishing holes in golf,” according to its designer, Jack Nicklaus. Up the road, at the legendary One and Only Palmilla resort, you’ll find Nicklaus’ first signature course in Latin America, with 27 holes featuring the ocean, arroyo and mountain nines. Surrounding the One and Only Palmilla is one of Cabo’s great real estate success stories. Villas Del Mar, guard gated, ocean front homes that originally sold for $400,000 in 1987, now fetch over $5 million each according to Chris Snell, president of Snell Real Estate, who specializes in several high end developments in Los Cabos, including Cabo del Sol, Villa de Oro and Punta Ballena. Snell also reports that “In 2008 sales of homes are down 15% from 2007, the highest year on record; yet at the same time, price per deals are up 20%, an indicator that prices are holding up for good quality homes that have all of the bells and amenities with great views or locations. New home tours are up 11% over last year.” Across town, Debbie Dodson of Prudential CaboGold represents a broad range of real estate properties in Los Cabos with three offices for the past 20 years along with her husband, Golf Professional, Steve Dodson. One of the great new finds in San Jose del Cabo is the ocean front, Cabo Azul, a fantastic hotel /resort/ vacation ownership experience with architecturally stunning rooms and a delightful Mexican style restaurant, Javier’s. Here they exceed your expectations with quality service and experienced management. Close by is one of the six successful Mayan Palace Resorts in Mexico, along with it’s unique, nine hole San Jose del Cabo golf course directly across the street. In the middle of the Los Cabos corridor is Cabo Real, a master-planned golf resort featuring deluxe hotels and properties such as the Westin Regina, Grand Regina, Hilton Los Cabos (now under the Waldorf-Astoria brand), Melia Cabo Real, Dreams Los Cabos, and the ultra-luxurious Las Ventanas al Paraíso. Tiger Woods stayed here after he won the US Open. Cabo Real boasts three residential golf course master plans; Cabo Real Golf Course by Robert Trent Jones II; the newer, spectacular, oceanfront El Dorado, a Jack Nicklaus signature design, now a private real estate retreat under the management of the Discovery Land Group; and the just opened Campestre San Jose, another Jack Nicklaus design rounding out the current projects open for business. Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, general director of Questro Golf, Mexico’s number one golf course development group with six courses in Mexico and a dominant presence in Los Cabos said, “Our goal is quality, consistency and professionalism.” Soon Grupo Questro will open the mega-complex Puerto Los Cabos, a project four years in the making, with two 18-hole golf courses, one by Greg Norman and the other Jack Nicklaus, along with Cabo’s newest and grandest marina. The location between Los Cabos and the expansion on the East Cape is spectacular and a perfect option for your second home investment. On a stretch of beach next to the Greg Norman designed golf course is one of my favorite real estate project, called El Encanto de la Laguna. Wonderfully designed and built villas and town 16

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CABO & BAJA SUR

Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, general director of Questro Golf, Mexico’s number one golf course development group; with six courses in Mexico and a dominant presence in Los Cabos, he said: “Our goal is quality, consistency and professionalism.”

The legendary One and Only Palmilla resort

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes homes command a majestic view of the Sea of Cortez, prices start at $695,000 for a 2 bedroom condo, all with top notch quality construction. Rated number three of all private golf courses in Mexico is Querencia, which opened in November 2000. This world-class 18-hole course is Tom Fazio’s first signature course in Mexico. It was host to Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf tournament between Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson. Andre Boersma, General Manager brings a vast array of luxury hotel experience to this spectacular location perched over the Los Cabos coastline with endless vistas of the Sea of Cortez. “This is a real genuine country club experience in Mexico”, he advises. “The members have a real sense of friendship and appreciation for the style and services of our club. Award winning architectural designs and a sense of community set this private, gated residential project apart for our 270 content members. A second course by minimalist, Gil Hanes, who mentored under Tom Doak, is in the works.” Closer to Cabo San Lucas is the Cabo San Lucas Country Club designed by Roy and Matt Dye, featuring an open layout with a view to Land’s End, Los Cabos’ most photographed landmark. This is the location of Los Cabos Golf Resorts for golf-focused guests who like the idea of owning a villa for a week or more on a golf course close to town. What is on the drawing board? Over 20 new golf courses are being planned or conceptualized; branded designs by Nicklaus, Fazio, Norman, Dye, Love, Couples, and Mickelson are keeping Los Cabos in the lead for Golf in Mexico “Chileno Bay is one of the grandest of all —a family sanctuary…enchanting,” according to managing director Gonzalo Franyutti. “This property is recognized as having one of the best beach fronts in Los Cabos. It was the former Hotel Cabo San Lucas, exuding with potential.” Chileno Bay has been purchased, in part, by the, Midas touch king, Discovery Land Company. You can plan on another “off the charts” success story here. Two world class courses by Fazio are in line to compete for Mexico’s best courses. For the first time, growth along the Pacific side of Los Cabos is taking shape with highly anticipated Diamante Life. It will compete for the best course in Mexico with its Davis Love private ocean front golf course and a potential second golf course in the making on this wonderful master-planned community according to managing director, Bob Gaudet. Netto Coppell is a legend in Los Cabos, running Pueblo Bonito Resorts, the most successful timeshare development in México. Now he is expanding on the Pacific side near the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Resort with two new Jack Nicklaus golf courses and a Quivira master plan. Project DIrector, Jose Luis Mogollon indicates, “It will have two Nicklaus Signature Ocean courses, one private and one semi-private. Among the two, they will have 8 ocean front golf holes, and almost all of them will be ocean view. Bandon Dunes meets Pebble Beach is a good description for these golf courses due to the dramatic location of several ocean front holes on the cliffs and the dune areas”. The courses will break ground this summer, while at the same time the announcement of the Ritz-Carlton will establish a 200-room hotel and the first residential community in Mexico. This residential ocean front community will be the talk of Los Cabos. During the high season in Los Cabos, advanced tee time reservations are a must, and now they are available via the Internet at www.best4mexicoteetimes.com It’s also a good idea to rent a car to make the most of your golf vacation; with the variety of golf courses and fine restaurants located along the corridor, you will want to drive up and down on your own schedule. Expect to pay premium prices in Los Cabos for accommodations, golf and restaurants, often referred to as Newport Beach South. After all you’re in a most beautiful grown-up fantasy land. Some great new courses are just beginning to take shape north of Los Cabos on the Pacific Coast on the way to Todos Santos, La Paz and Loreto.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Querencia, Private Golf Club and Residential Community.

Rated number three of all private golf courses in Mexico is Querencia, which opened in November 2000. This world class 18-hole course is Tom Fazio’s first signature course in Mexico. Andre Boersma, General Manager brings a vast array of luxury hotel experience to this spectacular location perched over the Los Cabos coastline with endless vistas of the Sea of Cortez.

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t Querencia, residents work, play and reconnect with family and friends inside a private but casual, close-knit community. At the center is a private Tom Fazio golf course, but here even non-golfers enjoy this amenity-rich lifestyle, unique to the Los Cabos region. Be it your primary or secondary residence, Querencia is an enticing place to call home. Nestled between rugged desert mountains and the sparkling Sea of Cortez, Querencia offers an exclusive, master planned community with an array of ownership options for the most discerning of residents.

In Querenciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residential community dreams do come true...

MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes Todo Santos An oasis spot on the map is Todo Santos, a sleepy artist town, now getting ready to join the golf scene. Arthur Hills has begun construction on his second course in the Baja, at Punta Lobos (Sea Lion Point). It will occupy more than 1,800 acres of seaside property owned by the Santa Ana Family, stewards of this land, since 1803. The two golf courses, residences, hotels and marina associated with the project will be built on coastal terrain made verdant by arroyos that channel fresh water from the Sierra de La Laguna Mountains. Also slated for development in sleepy little Todo Santos is Maravilla Resort, with spa, golf and villas on over 900 acres of plush palm trees, an oasis setting with a swimable beach. A golf course designed by Clive Clark, of Indian Wells fame, has been permitted.

La Paz Less than an hour up the coast in La Paz is Arthur Hills’ first championship course, in Mexico, taking shape at Paraiso del Mar, a peninsula in the bay of La Paz with an agenda of sustainable living. No motor cars on this peninsula; just golf carts and a ferry service between the gated community and the beautiful port side of the state capital. High demand calls for full build out of 290 single story casas and 400 condo villas. Across the bay, is the 500-acre seaside development of Costa Baja Resort & Marina. One can purchase full ownership condos and villas on the waterfront or with golf course view. This project was conceived in the ivory towers of Parque Reforma in Mexico City and boasts of being the first Gary Player designed golf course in Mexico. Parque Reforma is committed to the preservation, enhancement, and protection of the nation’s natural wonders, and has been a continual supporter of the Mexican Foundation for Environmental Education. This will be one of the most sought after addresses in Mexico with units starting at $300,000. The team of Schmidt & Curley is moving forward with their 18-hole design plus a shorter course called IRONS for seniors at Maravia. Construction of the first course at Maravia Golf Club begins this summer. Named “Comillo de Coyote” (Fang of the Coyote), it is part of a planned golf residential community overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Located after Pichilingue, 15 minutes north of La Paz in Mexico’s Baja California, it is a par 71 of 7,068 yards and will combine desert-style “target golf” with numerous spectacular ocean vistas. The layout will feature extensive, rugged, sandy waste areas with backdrops of the sea and dramatic mountains, as well as the revolutionary Seashore Paspalum grass on its tees, greens, fairways and roughs. The master planning firm von Hagge, Smelik and Barril designed Azul de Cortez, a community that will include an interesting 18-hole, hillside championship course with the goal of preserving the natural environment and making the best use of the terrain around incredible ocean vistas. Perhaps one of the hidden treasures of golf will be the Tom Doak minimalist design at Bahia de los Sueños, the first Doak golf course in Mexico. The routing is completed, and dirt has been moved, open for play in 2009. I predict that it will be one of Mexico’s most sought after golf course resorts and high-end custom residential communities. Several homes currently on site, utilities exist other prime locations still available in the first release for site inspection and rental. You must see Villas of Bahia de los Sueños. On site you can enjoy a taco and beer at the Giggling Marlin II.

Costa Baja Resort & Marina is a favorite of many; a 500-acre seaside development in La Paz, where one can purchase full ownership condos and villas on the waterfront or with golf course view. Many of the visitors choose to stay at one of the prestigious luxory hotels or on their boats in the Marina. The Marina in La Paz by right, is the host to some of the most extravagant sports fishing boats in the world. Home to Gary Player’s first golf course in Mexico.

Loreto Up the coast, is The Villages of Loreto Bay, a successful project now under the watchful eye of Citibank and the Replay Group. Over 600 villas are under construction, 900 homes have been sold, and more than 175 owners have moved in. This project will have the first David Duvall golf course, a redo of the existing course that has incredible scenic value, and now quality investment in shaping, design and infrastructure. With all of these spectacular courses and developments moving forward. All the more reason to visit and invest in the state of Baja Sur, Mexico. 20

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

The newly established CostaBaja Resort & Marina.

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes MEXICAN RIVIERA Good golf travel advice would not be complete without some focus on the Mexican Riviera, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. From Mazatlán to Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and south to Acapulco, this area has a legitimate claim to some of the best golf in the world.

Mazatlan Mazatlan is located on the northern tip of the Mexican Riviera, in the state of Sinaloa. It has awakened from a period of flat tourism, whereas many other areas of Mexico have grown and prospered. Here, branded hotels and luxury resort developments have been limited. In the mean time, central downtown has seen a renaissance in the restoration of colonial buildings and historic sites. Now Mazatlan is taking shape as a form of golf destination. El Cid, the mainstay, is an oceanfront mega-resort with more than a thousand rooms to meet your budget needs. It is home to a Lee Treviño designed nine-hole expansion for a total of 27 holes of pleasant recreation. El Cid offers vacation ownership in the hotel towers, marina villas, and single family homes at the country club. Down the beach and conveniently close to the international airport, Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort boasts a top-rated Robert Trent Jones, Jr. masterpiece with eleven holes touching the water. A second 18-hole course is in the works according to Managing Partner, Pat Butler. This beautiful property provides an investment opportunity as a second home with its upscale condo/hotel accommodations. The third condominium building, with 84 units, is now ready for sales after the first two buildings successfully sold out with high demand. In addition, a new ultra spa facility and new restaurant are in the works. Rounds of golf are up considerably as word is getting around about this beautiful golf course on the Pacific. The other side of town has growth going north with Grupo Echavarria, a powerhouse of residential and resort golf development in Mexico. Stylish David Fleming designed Marina Mazatlan Golf Club - with Paspalum grass and views to the ocean and the marina is ready to open. This is a full scale residential development with pleasantly surprising price points. Next door is the new Serena Marina and Golf, a private community of waterfront residences designed in the Spanish Mediterranean style, and surrounded by beachfront, boating and golf. Although the word is spreading fast, Golf in Mazatlan is still relatively less known, so those who discover it, practically have affordable golf courses and real estate to themselves. Amongst the other new projects is the expansion of Pueblo Bonito’s Emerald Bay with a new Greg Norman golf course on the drawing board. Nearby, the San Antonio Hills Golf Links are taking shape - a David Fleming project and residential golf resort with a different face. These golf links designed with sandy dunes and pot bunkers that will challenge all levels of golfers; a fun course to play, indeed. The residential community carries the tradition of Mexican architecture and the charm of its people. Last, but no least, we are also anticipating Nuevo Altata‘s golf courses to break ground in the mega-resort, located near Culiacan.

Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta Puerto Vallarta, with commanding views of Bandaras Bay, is no longer just a one-course town. The Vista Vallarta Golf Club and its two dynamic championship courses, having hosted the PGA-sponsored World Cup in December 2002 and The Champions Tour in 2006, is making the Vallarta area a major golf destination in Mexico. Occupying the property’s highest elevations, Vista Vallarta’s first course designed by Nicklaus offers golfers a variety of terrain and challenges as they play across rolling hillsides, dense palm forests, giant ficus trees, and at least a dozen natural arroyos. With dramatic views of the town and bay, golfers will want to play this course twice—once with a camera, and again with their clubs. 22

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MEXICAN RIVIERA

The Vista Vallarta Golf Club and its two dynamic championship courses - having hosted the PGA sponsored World Cup in December 2002 and The Champions Tour in 2006 - is making the Vallarta area a major golf destination in Mexico. With dramatic views of the town and bay, golfers will want to play this course twice—once with a camera, and again with their clubs. WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

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Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes The other Vista Vallarta course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, takes players across deep natural ravines and swift creeks that are characteristic of the property’s lowest elevations. Weiskopf has done a masterful job of working the terrain’s natural features into an incredible, playable and memorable course, from the first tee to the green of the “drivable” 18th hole. Diamond Golf Construction, a leading golf course builder in Mexico, transformed the property from wild jungle into landscaped fairways and greens, preserving the natural beauty of this idyllic setting. The result is, in the words of famed agronomist Bobby Heine, “The best golf complex in Mexico…difficult to duplicate anywhere in the world.” The Marina Vallarta Golf Course, designed by Joe Finger, was Puerto Vallarta’s first golf course. Located between the marina and the ocean, the course is owned and managed by ClubCorp, Resident Director of Golf, KC Crandall, maintains U.S. standards, services and upkeep. Surrounding this course are several notable hotels, one — the Casa Velas, a small, intimate all-inclusive boutique spa resort is located right in the middle of the Marina Golf Course, is a must stay. Along the oceanfront sky, high rises overlook the marina full of large and expensive mega yachts on one side, and the sun sets over the Pacific at the end of a perfect day. The Bay View Grand group is the power house here with several condo options to choose from, including the new Venetian styled development with all of the lifestyle amenities to complete your Puerto Vallarta investment. By crossing the Rio Ameca bridge northward, into the State of Nayarit, and then the Nuevo Vallarta area, one will find several golf properties. The Mayan Resort, a highly successful timeshare project with five locations throughout Mexico, has a property with a golf course in Nuevo Vallarta. It has closed down the front nine holes for a complete redo of its entire 18-hole golf course by the Nicklaus design team. Next door is Paradise Village, the super sports residential resort complex, a one-ofa-kind property in Mexico, and its top-ranked Robert von Hagge golf course with 11 water holes. Paradise Village has a complete range of real estate offerings from marina villas, Porto Royal, ocean view high rise condos and golf course single family home sites on the El Tigre golf course. In this master plan complex you will find several unique, independent developments that cater to seniors looking for Paradise. According to their president Bill Jennings, “Luma Living offers one the first American-developed, full ownership, active adult beachfront communities in Mexico by one of the most successful real estate management groups, Front Porch.” They are California’s largest non-profit provider of active adult and senior living communities, comprising 13 communities in California, Louisiana and Florida.” Luma will create a new standard in active adult living,” said Mr. Jennings. Sensara Vallarta, also on the Paradise Village property, is another luxury living facility geared toward the golden aged baby boomers with a passion for golf and pets. This collaboration is between Grupo Suites of Spain and Active Living International of Newport Beach, California. Their project, on the El Tigre golf course, is backed with 30 years of real estate experience and success. North of Nuevo Vallarta and before Punta de Mita in the Costa Bandera area you can find the lovely Vallarta Gardens. Close to the beach and golf, these full ownership homes - set within lush gardens - are represented by Chris Haines at G3MEX GROUP Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta. Villa Amor features a total of 35 luxury beachfront villas. Every villa is uniquely designed to afford expansive views of the magnificent coastline, jungle and town. Beautiful, landscaped gardens of tropical plants, including fan palms, torch ginger, bird of paradise, and bougainvilleas frame the villas. All villas feature unique open-air designs and incomparable views from the terraces, with lounges for sunbathing and nighttime stargazing. Punta Mita is approximately forty minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit. 24

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Punta Mita, Four Seasons. The ultimate luxury to endulge your senses.

Puerto Vallarta has maintained its real estate number one value, as the leader in unit sales and price points in Mexico - according to G3MEX GROUP’s founding partner, Chris Haines, an investment real estate broker in Vallarta. “We are the place to visit first for your next home selection.” - he adds. WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

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Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes Punta Mita Resort - a huge success story - developed by Grupo Dine and operated by the Four Seasons, has a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. It is designed as a semi-private club for hotel guests, Punta Mita residents and their invited guests. The course has 19 holes; no typo here. When water or tide conditions prevent players from reaching the ”Tail of the Whale”, a unique, par three third hole with its green situated on a natural island 180 yards off the coast, then an optional par three is played. The master-planned residential-resort community of Punta Mita is Four Seasons‘ first resort in Latin America, offering both award-winning luxury hotel services and vacation ownership with a lifetime of Four Seasons amenities. A second Jack Nicklaus golf course is almost complete and ready for play this summer. Just north of Punta Mita, the Mexican Government tourism development arm, FONATUR, is master planning the Litibu resort community with a spectacular Greg Norman golf course which will be ready for year-end golf. This area will have several small boutique residential developments. Brett Ellsworth, who is planning a private community adjacent to the Norman course said, “CDC has been instrumental in transforming some of the world’s most prominent resort developments from vision to successful completion and global renown, with a blend of US management and the roots of a quality Mexican Company.” Their exclusive 89-unit project will have continued success here as well.

Manzanillo More than 31 years ago, billionaire tin magnate Antenor Patiño gave us a golf course Las Hadas. Designed in 1969 by Roy Dye - La Mantarraya’s management began to hire top-rated U.S. golf architects to design courses in Mexico. The Dye family, Roy and Andy Dye at its best - made it one of the most magnificently crafted course. An addition to the original plan, is the famous million-dollar hole —a 144-yard par three 18th hole with the green positioned on a man-made island, built in the ocean. The view from the tee is spectacular, with the all-white Las Hadas Resort in the background. The best advice is to take a couple of extra balls! Next door, the all-inclusive Barceló’s Karmina Palace, also with a spectacular view of the 18th hole, offers a super package that includes golf and many other activities for the entire family. Heading north up the coast is the “kingdom” of Isla Navidad and its deluxe Grand Bay Hotel, one of only two properties in Mexico to receive Golf Magazine’s Gold Award (the other is Los Cabos’ One and Only Palmilla). Here Robert von Hagge has built a masterpiece with 27 holes of oceanfront and bay front fairways and greens. Isla Navidad is poised to expand their real estate offerings with a series of oceanfront single family homes and a lagoon view condominium project. Thirty-five minutes north is El Tamarindo, the number three golf course in Mexico, a spectacular, modern wonder in the world of golf with its own unique village-like hideaway and an ocean-side golf course in the jungle, designed by David Fleming. This destination requires special consideration and may appeal to those who have a sense of classy adventure or luxurious isolation. This property, with an incredible array of villas with views ranging from jungle to ocean is owned by ultra chique Yellowstone Club. Sophisticated and adventurous golfers will be able to brag about an experience of a lifetime with a visit to El Tamarindo. Limited, exclusive and pristine ocean view lots are available at El Tamarindo through Grupo Plan. The Enrique Valenzuela designed golf course, Corazon de Manzanillo, with commanding views of Santiago Bay in Manzanillo, is scheduled to open in 2008. The entire Costa Alegre area between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, in the State of Jalisco, is gearing for mega developments in conjunction with the new regional airport close to Chamela. Projects with Nicklaus and Norman courses are set to make this southern area of the Mexican Riviera a fast-paced growth area for golf and specialized boutique developments. 26

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Thirty-five minutes north from Manzanillo is El Tamarindo, the number three rated ocean side golf course in Mexico. A spectacular, modern wonder inthe world of golf with its own unique village-like hideaway in the jungle. Luxury at its best, a spa-lovers’ favorite, indeed.

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes Acapulco Acapulco, in the southern limits of the Mexican Riviera, is regaining its luster as a wonderful golf destination, due in part to the top-rated Tres Vidas Golf Club, site of the Chrysler Cup Championship. This plush, private country club, rated number four in Mexico, is an incredible Robert von Hagge lay-out hugging the Pacific Ocean, using the offshore breezes as friend and foe. Several high-rise towers on Tres Vidas are being snapped up as second homes with access to this terrific course and to the second course that is being planned. Much of Acapulco’s demand is from Mexico City residents who make the 4 hour journey by car, many weekends throughout the year. The US and Canadian markets find their way here by cruises, boats, air charters, and some direct and connecting flights through Mexico City and Guadalajara. The Fairmont Acapulco Princess and the Pierre Marques hotels which, along with their respective courses, have been updated, revamped - and recently purchased by a sophisticated investment group - will experience further enhancements and real estate expansion with opportunities for home purchasers. The two complimentary golf courses have both moved up in BEST’’s TOP 30 rankings. Both resort courses have famous histories: renowned golfer-architect Ted Robinson designed the Acapulco Princess and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., redesigned the Pierre Marques, which served as the site of the 1960’s World Cup. The Mayan Acapulco Resort has an enjoyable and playable 18-hole golf course designed by Pedro Guerrica which meets the needs of its resident owners and hotel guests. In addition, there is a fun nine-hole course; the Acapulco Country Club which is closer to the convention center. Acapulco truly offers great golf followed by the best nightlife in Mexico.

One of the most exciting cities in the world, Acapulco is famous for its explosive nightlife, postcard beaches, unlimited watersports, first-class hotels, gourmet restaurants and the breathtaking physical beauty of Acapulco Bay!

KEY POINTS TO FOLLOW WHEN READY TO BUY - GET PROOF OF OWNERSHIP – an “Escritura or Fideicomiso” - HIRE A MEXICAN ATTORNEY with references you are comfortable with. - GET PROPER LEGAL ADVICE - This is a must to help you through the buying process. All contracts must be written in Spanish, the official language in Mexico. - GET A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION OF THE DOCUMENTS - make sure you understand everything before signing papers. - USE AN ESCROW COMPANY WITH AN AMERICAN DEPOSIT INSTITUTION You must protect your deposit and final payment. (Some foreign banks have lost deposits due to negligence, or fraud) - YOU MUST USE A NOTARIO A notario has to oversee all land ownership transfers in Mexico. Bank Trusts (Fideicomisos) are required in the Restricted Zone. - DO NOT EVER PAY A LANDOWNER DIRECTLY - A MUST DURING CLOSING OF TRANSACTION: the buyer have to appear front of a notario unless he appoints a personal representative with a Power of Attorney from the Secretary of State’s office in the state of residence.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess for all your earthly pleasures

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA Cancun The Cancun area attracts upwards of three million visitors a year. For golfers, it offers a couple of vintage courses in and around the main tourism area and a host of new ones along the expanded corridor to the south, called the Riviera Maya. With over ten world class golf courses, and now the most played rounds of golf area in Mexico, this is truly a golf destination set on gaining higher market share in the world of golf in Mexico. It all started when Robert Trent Jones-designed Cancun Golf Club at the Pok-Ta-Pok course that was part of the original FONATUR development in the early 1970’s. Now it is a very playable municipal type course with value priced daily fees. Nearby, the Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort, formerly known as Cesar Park, is a landmark 426-room property, replicating a three-tiered pyramid. This property offers guests an ocean view from every room and an interesting layout with several views of Mayan ruins. Last year the Hilton golf course had a 2 million dollar remake by Pedro Guerreca and has regained a very credible golf experience. Four miles north of Cancun on a small, secluded peninsula nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Chacmochuc Lagoon is a budding 930-acre development known as Playa Mujeres Resort, with a Greg Norman designed course. The resort will eventually feature four luxury hotels (including a Ritz-Carlton), a high-end retail shopping component, horse stables, a 50-slip marina, more than 50 exclusive waterfront homes, and more than 1,000 interior home sites. Now open for play, the 18 holes of Playa Mujeres utilize a rearrangement of the site’s native vegetation, notably palms. Norman states: “When players walk on that first tee for the first time, the course is going to look like it’s been there for 20 years.” A second golf course by Norman is in the works. From Cancun, one must go south into the Riviera Maya area along a modern highway known as “the corridor”, and stop at some of the best golf resorts in the world on the way to Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Riviera Maya First stop is the Palace Resort’s Moon Spa & Golf Club with 27 holes, designed by Jack Nicklaus. As fine as the course is, and it is one of the fairest tracks on Jack’s long résumé, at Moon Palace, it is not all about golf. A round of golf here doubles as a nature safari. Crocodiles sun themselves on the sandy banks of the lagoons. Iguanas and aardvarks occasionally appear where the rough meets the jungle. Deer and fox can often be seen early and late in the day. The Moon Palace course has the distinction of having the most rounds of golf played, over any course in Mexico. The Palace Resort has become very successful in real estate sales via their timeshare offering. Here you can get a great property with golf privileges and exchange opportunities. Driving south, one will find the Grupo Mayan’s...Golf Riviera Maya, an exciting executive par 3, Jack Nicklaus design. An 18-hole par 54, this 2,923-yard course, with radiant white sand traps, dark tones of natural stone lining pristine lakes, deep hues of the greens and bunkers, is a garden of delight for golf lovers. The lakes and native plant life that make the Mayan jungle such an extraordinary natural landscape are seamlessly integrated into all 18 holes, becoming additional obstacles in the game. The greens, built in a style in fashion half a century ago, add to the challenge in a striking way. The 17th, the course’s signature hole, nicknamed “Donna-green”, boasts two bunkers on either side of the green and one more at its center, making it one-of-a-kind, not to be forgotten and notoriously difficult. Almost next door, mega resort, Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club has a great championship caliber course designed by Pete Dye’s eldest son PB Dye. It is a “must play” in this area. Iberostar Paraíso Maya, a deluxe, all-inclusive property with 432 junior suites opened in late 2004. The hotel’s towering entrance is a replica of the pyramid-shaped temple at Chichen-Itza. It joins three other pre-existing Iberostar hotels on site. 30

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA

Playa Mujeres Resort, will eventually feature four luxury hotels, including a Ritz-Carlton, a high-end retail shopping component, horse stables, a 50-slip marina and plenty of exclusive waterfront homes from developers La Amada and Capricho on site.

Cenote, “reservoir” of the Greg Norman designed Playa Muheres Golf Course

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When nature lends its authenticity to your game... magic happens.

www.plajamujeresgolf.com

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Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes The golf course, located on the west side of the highway, is accessible via tunnel from the resort hotels. While the site was solid rock—caliche, Dye calls it “the water table.” It was low enough for him to dig down 15 feet. “And if I can go down 15 feet, I can go up 15 feet,” he chuckled, referring to his conspicuous mounds and bold shaping. The course is covered from tee to green in Paspalum, the emerald-green, salt-tolerant turf grass that is driving golf growth along the Riviera Maya, as it has in the Caribbean. Iberostar guests receive preferred tee times, but the course is open to the public. Forty miles south of Cancun, the resort complex of Mayakobá featuring the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón Golf Course, site of the Mayakobá Classic, host of the first ever PGA event in Mexico. The golf course has sinuous fairways that trace the curve of the meandering waterways with cenotes, and even a few limestone caves in play. Many of the tee shots will be hit-or-miss affairs. The Golf Club at Mayakobá transitions very quickly from short grass to dense jungle. Two of the holes are links-style creations that are routed among dunes near the sea, but for the most part, the golf experience like the hotel experience, is set well back from the beach and the sea’s turquoise-blue waters. Fred Funk managed to hold on for a playoff win at the site’s first PGA Event in 2007. Brian Gay battled for the title and trophy by winning in 2008. Mexico’s Esteban Toledo finished 11th. Expertly conceived hotels at Mayakobá are among the finest in all of Mexico. The 401 room Fairmont Mayakobá is a low-rise resort with deluxe rooms, suites, casitas with lagoon views, and beachfront villas that wind throughout the property. The Mayakobá complex houses several independent real estate developments of which many are noteworthy: Soon to open is Laguna Kai, a mixed-use resort and residential project that features a 120-room hotel managed by Rosewood. The hotel’s spacious suites hover over the waterways and are built among the tops of the mangrove trees. Developed in conjunction with OHL of Spain and managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the design of Laguna Kai has been influenced by the surrounding jungle, lagoons, and towering palms. Real estate sales here have been brusque under the strong marketing arm of Playground. The Mandarin Oriental Resort, a hideaway where luxury and natural beauty are in complete harmony, is set amidst 36 acres of tropical forests with 128 guestrooms within villas, Mandarin Oriental service and spas are world famous. Another part of the master plan is Banyan Tree, the exclusive Singapore-based hotel and Resort Company. The firm’s 100-room hotel will have its own deluxe spa, as will each of these fine luxury properties. . Mayakobá set the stage for the Kor Group’s first international resort, Viceroy Riviera Maya themed Urban Retreats and Uncommon Resorts. The refined haven of 128 new luxury resort residences and villas will also offer exclusive community amenities, including meeting facilities, a swimming pool, gourmet restaurant, and cocktail lounge. A private water taxi service to its own Viceroy beach club, home to a full-service spa and waterfront restaurant and beach bar will also be provided. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, 91 villas weaved throughout the resort’s lagoons and fairways. The residences will enjoy elite-caliber finishes and amenities, including private infinity edge pools, latest technology, and custom-designed furnishings. In addition to an unparalleled investment in luxury, Viceroy Riviera Maya offers purchasers rental revenue generated by guests when owners are not in residence. An hour south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is the major crossroad in this corridor and a “jump off” spot by ferry to Cozumel, which is visible in the horizon. Playa del Carman is home to the highly rated Robert von Hagge course at Playacar Spa & Golf Club, long considered one of the most challenging courses in Mexico at 7,202 yards. Opened in 1994, with a slope rating of 148 from the tips, it incorporates a number of cenotes, or sinkholes used by the ancient Mayans to collect rainwater. A key characteristic of von Hagge’s design is the use of steep mounds that guard very long 5 pars, some over 600 yards. Bring your A game! 32

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

The Mayakobá complex houses several independent real estate developments; one of which is the soon to be openned Laguna Kai, a mixed-use resort and residential project that features a 120-room hotel managed by Rosewood. The hotel’s spacious suites hover over the waterways and are built among the tops of the mangrove trees.

Mayakobá’s Viceroy Riviera Maya. Luxury at its best.

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Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes Riviera Maya / Courses To Watch For The TPC of Cancun will be located on the west side of Cancun, seven miles south of the airport. The TPC of Cancun golf course, designed by PGA Tour star Nick Price, is expected to open in late 2009. The centerpiece of the 2,000-acre residential golf community is to be known as La Roca Country Club. At full build-out, La Roca will include over 2,800 residential units and two additional courses, one of which will be designed by Tom Fazio. Comfortably lodged between Cancun’s hotel strip and the downtown area - designed by award winning designer and British Open champion, Tom Weiskopf - is the 18-hole Puerto Cancun Golf Course. Nestled within 75 hectares of gorgeous ocean and tropical forest views, the golf course will open its doors on the winter of 2008. Two more 18-hole courses at the Riviera Cancun Golf Club are being designed by Jack Nicklaus. They will feature a first class clubhouse and country club facilities. The Kanay Resort course, which will snake through lush, primordial jungle, is Schmidt-Curley’s seventh collaboration with Nick Faldo. Plans for this community, located 45 minutes south of Cancun, calls for an 847-room hotel and a residential component. Bahia Principe, a residential community, is located half way between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, on 700 plus acres with beach frontage. Spain based Grupo Pinero has 35 years of experience in the real estate and hospitality industry to make this the right choice for investment. The land is allocated for 27 holes of Robert Trent Jones championship design, a 9-hole par 3 course, and a practice facility. It is also planned to includes a modern hospital facility for general and emergency care. Puerto Aventuras is at the far end of the long Mayan highway, one and a half hours from Cancun, and close to the ancient Mayan area of Tulum. This area has developed on a low key base with a marina, tennis and golf complex. The golf here is a very user friendly, informal, par 36, 9-hole course designed by Thomas Leeman.

Cozumel Cozumel has unveiled its only golf course, the Cozumel Country Club, designed by Nicklaus. Having been granted the first permit for golf course construction in the Yucatán in almost 20 years, ClubCorp, in conjunction with Diamond Golf Construction, fashioned a championship course that is serving as an ecological model for all future golf development in the Yucatán. Jacques Cousteau, in 1961, proclaimed the waters around the island of Cozumel among the finest for diving on the planet, but this new course will encourage any diver to trade in his fins for a set of clubs. Playa Azul a lovely family style hotel on the beach across from the golf course with value priced golf packages. Cancun’s golf future has never been brighter with more than a dozen new courses in the works.

Gulf Of Mexico / Merida, Campeche Area One of the hidden treasures in the Yucatán Peninsula is the emerging area of Merida, Progreso, and Campeche on the Gulf of Mexico. The ancient Mayan have built some of the most incredible cities of stone that one must visit today. Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Kabah are wonders of the world. Jack Nicklaus, of course, has already made his mark in this wonderful part of Mexico. His latest two projects are the Yucatán Country Club and Campeche Playa. The Yucatán Country Club is a beautifully designed master plan in the heart of Merida, with rolling hills and open space conducive to residential, resort, spa and golf. On site is the first ever, state-of-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy teaching center in Latin America. All of this is ready for play starting in September 2008; a good time to buy your next home. Campeche Playa, the most ambitious project in the state of Campeche, is ready to launch its new line of residential units labeled as “Golden Bear Residences”. General Manager and Director of Golf, Hugo Bremer reports, “These luxury units will be a perfect match for the Troon Golf-operated Jack Nicklaus Signature Course being developed at this time.” The resort will also include a luxury hotel, a marina with a 160 slip capacity, as well as a commercial area and a health clinic. 34

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The Yucatán Country Club is a beautifully designed master plan in the heart of Merida, with rolling hills and open space conducive to residential, resort, spa and golf. On site is the first ever, state-of-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, a teaching center in Latin America.

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes BAJA (NORTE) – SEA OF CORTEZ Puerto Peñasco This fast growing area of Mexico, in the state of Sonora, is primarily geared toward a 4 to 6 hour drive market for tourism, golf, and real estate. Travelers from Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and other land-locked areas are happy to find the Sea of Cortéz. A new international airport is in the works and will welcome more flights. The future is bright for this arid area along the Sea of Cortéz. Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), a huge success story, is known for its middle market real estate properties that have turned this area into a bonanza for developers and investors alike. Attractive high-rise condos and single family villas transform the desert into an oasis paradise for water starved Americans looking for affordable second homes they can rent out or possibly live in during their retirement years. Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort opened to rave reviews and made our list of BEST’s TOP NEW RESORT Courses for 2007. Their 18-hole sea side golf course was designed by Forest Richardson, who took advantage of the dunes for a unique golf landscape. This mega development is along a stretch of sand that plays host to extreme high and low daily tidal swings. It is close to the main residential area of Sandy Beach. Hotel guests and resident owners at Las Palomas have first preference for tee times at the Las Palomas course, which is managed by OB Sports. Two major resort developers have announced a $1.2 billion joint project within the Sandy Beach Resorts master planned community at Rocky Point. Grupo SBR, which has built more than 1,500 units at Sandy Beach, will team with Grupo Questro, the largest real estate developer in Los Cabos. The 630-acre project, known as The Joint Venture, will feature two 300-room beachfront hotels, 900 beachfront condominiums, a Nicklaus designed, 18-hole golf course and resort with 1,000 homes, 1,000 more condominiums, and a convention and expo center to be built by the state of Sonora. “Sandy Beach Resorts, a 5,000-acre planned development, primarily been built by Phoenix and Sonora developers, has recently attracted major players from Mexico City and Cancun, and now Cabo San Lucas and Spain” according to Bruce Greenberg of Montaña Verde. New life has come back to Laguna del Mar, a beautiful Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course that currently has only nine holes. With the rebirth investment of Grupo Salvago, from Spain, together with the original owner and development partner, Carlos Ruiz Galindo has committed to complete this low density project with a balanced mix of condos, attached, and detached single family homes. New construction will begin by May 2008 and Ruiz Galindo stresses that Laguna del Mar will be “the” address of Puerto Peñasco. Approximately 40 minutes to the east, the Mayan Resort Group has opened a new Jack Nicklaus Signature designed 18-hole championship links style course along with their well known timeshare residential project. The Grupo Mayan Golf Puerto Peñasco voted one of BEST’s TOP NEW RESORT Golf Courses for 2008. This seaside resort development will catch the eyes and ears of vacation ownership investors looking for paradise on the Sea of Cortez.

San Felipe The Mexican State closest to California, Baja California consists of two major parts: the Tijuana - Ensenada corridor, and San Felipe, a small, seaside town four hours from San Diego, a most important city on the Sea of Cortez. This quiet and peaceful area with wide swings of ebbing tides flourishes on the weekends. In San Felipe, land reform pioneer, Patrick Butler has privatized over 40,000 acres of Ejido (agrarian) land into a successful project, El Dorado Ranch. Las Caras (The Faces) is the community’s first golf course to open. Designed by Bradford Benz, a 9-hole expansion is under way, complete with an island green. Each hole has a statue of a famous person who has contributed to golf or Mexico. A statue of Lorena Ochoa, the woman golfer who is currently the LPGA’s best player, stands guard on the 18th hole. A complete array of quality homes and condos are available to meet the price points of the Canadian and US investors. 36

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

BAJA (NORTE) – SEA OF CORTEZ

Two major resort developers have announced a $1.2 billion joint project within the Sandy Beach Resorts master planned community at Rocky Point. Grupo SBR - which has built more than 1,500 units at Sandy Beach - will team with Grupo Questro, the largest real estate developer in Los Cabos. WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes Playa Paraiso is a 208-unit condominium resort with 1,000 feet of beach frontage and 100% Sea of Cortez views. The three buildings are at various stages of construction, with a first building that is nearly completed. There are deposits on 95% of the 208 units, which are among the most spacious for the value. Prices here range from approximately $215,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1,035 sq. ft. condominium to $700,000 for a 2,700 sq. ft. Penthouse. Title insurance is provided by Stewart Title. A popular investment, indeed.

Ensenada / Tijuana Corridor Over on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, just south of the border between Tijuana and Ensenada, is a wealth of coastal real estate. An unbelievable amount of beachfront property along this 100-mile corridor is owned by foreign investors, 82% of which are Americans, purchased through bank trusts (Fideicomisos) where they are the beneficiary of the trust and owners of the land. Ensenada is a pleasant city with all of the services, amenities, and attractions that make living here enjoyable and affordable. Less than 30 minutes, along a most beautiful, scenic highway, you will find the large ocean side enclave of BAJAMAR, one of BEST’s TOP GOLF RESORTS in Mexico. With new owners and several new projects, including the expansion of a Greg Norman designed golf course, this property is having a renaissance. Currently there are 27 holes of golf, designed by Percy Clifford, David Fleming, and the ocean nine by Robert von Hagge. All are in the best of shape with ample water from the winter storms. Santa Barbara, a luxurious community at Bajamar, is a new, four phase development with 96 units planned for the total build-out. Their first phase of 24 units per building, consists of 2 and 3 plus bedrooms, designed by the award-winning architect, Danielian, who combines Spanish mission and early California architecture, resembling homes in the Santa Barbara, California region. Full ownership starts at $399,000 or Club Santa Barbara a private co-ownership from $85,000 is available all with Bajamar golf membership with unlimited golf including cart. Opening is scheduled for summer 2008 with some developer financing available. The big gun on this picturesque point is La Punta at Bajamar, being developed by Bay View Grand, one of the residential development giants in Mexico. A series of low rise condos with spectacular sunset views of the Pacific Ocean is currently under construction. They will overlook the new, exclusive, Greg Norman, La Costa golf course. “I’m very excited about this new project. I have always been intrigued by the natural beauty of the Baja region, and I consider it an honor to have my design associated and showcased on this magnificent piece of waterfront property Bay View Grand is developing. When finished, it will be one of the most spectacular scenic golf courses in Mexico,” stated Norman. Amenities and features include a fitness center, business center, lobby lounge, private, double guard gated entrance for increased security, storage, underground parking, walking areas, jogging trails, and an exclusive private beach club! For only 240 exclusive Owners, Bay View Grand will offer the best on a 12.5 acre site. Weekend golf packages are available at the Bajamar Hotel. Real del Mar, 30 minutes to the north and half way to the border, is a solid success story of the Rivera Torres family from Mexico City. Having greatly expanded their residential offerings and marketed to both the domestic and international cross-border community, they have sold most of everything they have built. This large land mass overlooks the vast Pacific Ocean, Isla Guadalupe, and a wonderful, 18-hole golf course designed by Pedro Güereca. A treat, either going into or returning across the border, is the Tijuana Country Club, which welcomes golf visitors with open arms. Here one has a chance to enjoy the warmth and wonderful people of Mexico, and play in a private country club with either a caddie and or cart. Whatever you find, today, along this very scenic highway and water way is nothing compared to what you will see in the future. This area represents the tip of the iceberg; many projects - big and small - are on the drawing board. Purchasing now while prices are down is a smart move. 38

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

In less than 50 minutes, from the US Border, along the most beautiful, scenic highway, you will find the large ocean side enclave of BAJAMAR; one of BEST’s TOP GOLF RESORTS in Mexico. With new owners and several new projects - including the expansion of a Greg Norman designed golf course this property is having a renaissance.

Bay View Grand “first stone” ceremony at La Costa with Greg Norman. On his left, Elias Sacal, President of BVG, on his right, Chuck Kinder, Publisher of Golf Guide to Mexico.

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes

INLAND - COLONIAL & INDEPENDENCE ROUTES Guadalajara Mexico is a more convenient travel destination than Europe for Americans. Its early cities of temples, its stunning architectural masterpieces; churches, cathedrals theatres, government buildings, incredible mansions, are the autentic blueprint of Mexico’s rich history. Most of these cities retain a certain glory from centuries past for that are for all to enjoy. Guadalajara and the nearby lakeside towns of Chapala and Ajijic are considered the golf Mecca of Mexico’s inland destinations. They claim to have the largest collection of Americans expatriates living off-shore. This area in the heart of Mexico, perhaps often overlooked in favor of beach locations, is home to six outstanding private country clubs with an open door policy for foreign golfers. Guadalajara, at an altitude of 5,000 feet and perfect weather, offers golfers the opportunity to play city clubs, “the Riviera Country Clubs or Oak Hills of Mexico” year round. Add friendly veteran caddies to the intimate country club environment, and you have a golf vacation or lifelong investment that can rarely be matched. Atlas Country Club, in Guadalajara, BEST’s number four on the TOP 30 PRIVATE CLUBS list, has one of the longest courses in the country. It is host to several annual amateur tournaments events. El Cielo (formerly, El Palomar) is a spectacular, upscale course - overlooking Mexico’s second largest city - is a hit among local golfers. It has steadily developed on the surrounding hillside along with custom homes that afford vistas of the city lights below. This golf course, high above Guadalajara, is a source of great satisfaction to visitors. El Rio, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, is a new Jack Nicklaus Signature designed course and a favorite of Lorena Ochoa, their Touring Professional. Jack Nicklaus said, “It is the best piece of inland property in Mexico.” Las Lomas Club de Golf, voted BEST’s number one NEW PRIVATE GOLF COURSE in 2007, is an exclusive, 18-hole city golf club in a residential community. Created by the US based JMP design team, it is a Par 71, 6950 yard parkland style golf course with numerous sand bunkers, extensive colorful landscaping, and captivating water features throughout the setting. The putting greens and tees, planted with bent grass, are in superb condition, while fairways and roughs feature Salam Paspalum turf; a first for Mexico. There is more to life in Guadalajara than Tequila and Mariachis, although they are great as well.

San Miguel Allende San Miguel Allende, this beautiful colonial village with narrow cobblestone streets, grand plazas, boutiques, quaint hotels, and now of course golf, is enchantment redefined. Its charm has been attracting visitors for centuries. “If you visit once, most likely you come back a second time - if not forever” - as the locals say. Just outside of the town is the luxurious Las Ventanas de San Miguel Golf Resort. In this exclusive resort community - a collaboration with Schmidt-Curley - is their Nick Faldo designed 18-hole championship golf course. At Las Ventanas de San Miguel one can experience the tranquility of countryside living and the challenge of playing a world class championship golf course within minutes from the heart of the historic town of San Miguel de Allende. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will open a full ownership resort village in San Miguel de Allende. The developer, Bald Mountain de Mexico is planed to complete the project in late 2009. Rosewood San Miguel de Allende The Resort, which will define luxury in San Miguel de Allende, will also include some of central Mexico’s most unique residences, the Artesana Rosewood Residences, which will be available for sale in 2008.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

INLAND - COLONIAL & INDEPENDENCE ROUTES

In the 1950s, San Miguel de Allende became a destination known for its beautiful colonial architecture and its thermal springs. Every year, during the final week of July - amongst other festivities San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, are co-hosts to the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, Mexico’s largest competitive film festival and the most prestigious of its kind in Latin America. Did I mention hot springs after a round of golf?

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Los Cabos - Mexican Riviera - Cancun/Riviera Maya - Baja/Sea of Cortez - Inland/Colonial Routes

Morelia Morelia - in the state of Michoacan - is a thriving town that has expanded greatly from its historic central zocolo. The rolling hillsides, fantastic weather, cultural diversity, and warm and friendly people, is a “welcome sign” for any and all who want to come play and invest. Tres Marias, set out to be the best residential golf course in the interior of Mexico. Its 27 holes Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course varying from tame to intimidating, offers a great game to all. Tres Marias have hosted several LPGA tour events including, of course Lorena Ochoa, and the February 2008 Mexican Open. It houses a modern clubhouse with state-of-the art facilities and an awesome pro shop; thanks to its golf focused management. All visitors will find the Tres Marias a community of comprehensive, attractive lifestyle. Bosque Monarca has teamed up with Rafael Alarcon and Jay Moorish to build a great new course set to open in 2008, along with a master-planned, gated community surrounded by a forest. The state of the art golf clubhouse will have an area for the first Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy with her coach, Rafael Alarcon. El Club de Golf Hacienda Erandeni - just outside the city of Morelia - is a residential complex with a golf course. Designed by Enrique Valenzuela,this 18-hole course is equally shared and enjoyed by home owners and visitors.

Tres Maria Golf Club set out to be the best residential golf course in the interior of Mexico. Its 27 holes Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course varying from tame to intimidating, offers a great game to all.

San Luis Potosi Last but not least, our number one selection of this year’s winner of BEST NEW SEMIPRIVATE GOLF COURSES in MEXICO at San Luis Potosi is the La Loma Club de Golf. This is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, with 18 holes, par 72 and 7577 yards long. La Loma is a semi desert golf course and it has bent grass on the greens and blue, fescue and ray grass in rough and ray grass in fairways. The golf practice facility also has a building with a golf clinic, equipped with video facilities. Individual lots and custom homes will be a feature of this must-see property. It has a great Club House with a restaurant, business center, and a world class gym many golf courses would envy. It is equipped with the newest, state of the art Technogym, a kinesis wall, the latest technology in strength conditioning. All the cardio equipments are complete with TV monitors and iPod dockings. Wellness assistants and personal trainers are standing by to help you. Now, that’s a gym. Needless to say that golf in Mexico is growing and attracting top investors and adventuresome golfers from around the world. Bruce Greenberg, Mexico’s leading valuation consultant and President of Tucson-based Montaña Verde, a real estate appraisal company, has a handle on the current real estate situation south of the border. “Mexico, with its financial infrastructure, is better prepared than before for a United States economic slowdown and is now “globally” oriented. Mexico’s GNP growth rate will be slower (2.8% vs. 3.8%) for the forthcoming year, yet this is still a respectable amount. The low-end market will be weak, but the high-end buyers will present their cash to worried developers. This cycle has been seen before.” He also adds: “Mexico ranks second in the world in timeshare sales and its tourism will exceed 30 million visitors this year – a projected growth rate of about 7.5% is forecasted. Come and join them; live and play at some of the best golf communities in Mexico. Your choice. Your real estate. Your life. 

Mexico’s starlet, Lorena Ochoa at Tres Marias Golf Club winning the 2007 Corona Championship.

For a free Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico, contact Golf Publishing International at (949) 494-8561 or go to www.golfinmexico.net

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

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Photograhy by Jim Mandeville

(Nature and Man in absolute harmony)

Tres Marias Golf Club 52- (443)-428-0033 www.ciudad3marias.com

Directory of

Golf Communities

IN MEXICO Cabo Azul

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (877) 216-2226 MX: 01(624)163-5100 www.caboazulresort.com Fantastic time share experience.

Cabo Real Golf Club

Club Campestre San Jose

CostaBaja Resort & Marina

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (877)795-8727 MX: 1 (800) 543-2044 www.caboreal.com Robert Trent Jones II golf course.

US: 1 (877) 795-8727 MX: 1 (800) 543-2044 www.clubcampestresanjose.com Nicklaus Design 18 hole golf course.

La Paz, BCS US: 1 (866) 409-9940 MX: 01 (612)121-6226 www.costabajaresort.com Gary Player’s first course in Mexico.

Diamante Cabo San Lucas

El Encanto de la Laguna

Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (702) 435-6222 www.diamantelife.com Davis Love III designed dunes golf & Phil Mickelson oasis golf course.

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (949) 582-0004 x105 MX: 01(624)105-8858 www.elencantoloscabos.net

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 011 52 (624) 146-9656 www.puertoloscabos.com Greg Norman Signature course & Jack Nicklaus Signature course.

Punta Ballena, Palmilla

Querencia

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (888) 463-2816 www.puntaballena.com

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (888) 236-2229 MX: 01 (624) 145-6600 www.loscabosquerencia.com Tom Fazio designed golf course.

Quivira

Villas de Oro, Palmilla, Rental

Villas del Mar, Palmilla

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (866) 578-4847 www.quiviraloscabos.com

Phyllis Rockower San Jose del Cabo, BCS www.PalmillaLuxuryCondos.com Limited Luxury Rental Opportunity

San Jose del Cabo, BCS US: 1 (888) 348-3221 www.villasdelmar.com

Villa La Estancia

The Villages at Loreto Bay

Cabo San Lucas, BCS US: 1 (866) 843-7005 www.villalaestancia.com

Loreto, BCS US: 1 (866) 956-7386 MX: 01 (551)285-2597 www.loretobay.com

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MEXICAN RIVIERA Bay View Grand

Estrella del Mar

El Cid Resorts

Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 601-2090 MX: 01 (555) 292-0100 www.bvg.com.mx/english Oceanfront residential.

Mazatlan, Sinaloa US: 1 (800) 967-1889 www.estrelladelmar.com Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course.

Mazatlan, Sinaloa US: 1 (800) 525-1925 MX: 01(800) 7169-800 www.elcid.com 27 championship holes including a Lee Travino 9-hole expansion.

Emerald Estates, Pueblo Bonito

Four Seasons Punta Mita

Mazatlan, Sinaloa US: 1 (619) 793-4907 MX: 01 (669) 998-0691 www.pbemeraldestates.com Greg Norman golf course design.

Punta de Mita, Nayarit US: 1 (213) 291-7590 MX: 01 (329) 291-6420 www.puntamita-realestate.com Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

Isla Navidad Manzanillo, Colima US: 011 52 (314) 333-0575 www.islanavidad.com.mx Robert von Hagge golf course design.

Luma Living Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 554-LUMA MX: 01 (322) 226-7290 www.lumaliving.com Active adult living.

Paradise Village El Tigre Golf Course

Marina Mazatlan Mazatlan, Sinaloa US: 011 52 (669) 998-0484 www.marinamazatlan.com.mx New course by David Fleming.

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (888) PRUDMEX www.paradisevillagerealestate.com Robert von Hagge design golf course.

Sensara Vallarta

Serena Marina

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 386-4976 www.sensaravallarta.com Active adult living.

Mazatlan, Sinaloa US: 1 (866) 528-0976 www.serenaresidences.com Great golf course community.

Villa Amor Sayulita, Nayarit US: 1 (619) 819-5407 MX: 01 (329) 291-3010 www.villaamor.com Beautiful ocean residential.

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Tres Vidas

Vallarta Gardens

Acapulco, Guerrero MX: 01 (744) 444-5126 www.tresvidas.com.mx Robert von Hagge golf course design.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 598-2580 MX: 01 (800) 229-2583 www.vallartagardens.com Unique residential.

Villa La Estancia Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit US: 1 (866) 843-7005 MX: 1 (800) 561-3128 www.villalaestancia.com Top choice oceanfront.

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CANCUN - RIVIERA MAYA Bahia Principe Mayan Riviera, Quintana Roo US: 0 11 52 (984) 875-5085 www.bahiaprincipegolf.com 36 holes by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Campeche Playa, Golf, Marina & Spa Resort Campeche, Campeche www.campechebeachresort.com Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and Golden Bear Residences.

Capella Residences Bahia Maroma Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo www.capellalivingmaroma.com Rees Jones designed golf course.

Capricho Residences Cancun, Quintana Roo US: 1 (866) 613-6416 MX: 01 (800) 054-6245 www.caprichoresidences.com Greg Norman design golf course.

La Amada Residences Hotel & Marina

La Roca Country Club Cancun, Quintana Roo www.larocacountryclub.com New Nick Price golf course design.

Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo US: 011 52 (998) 883-9754 www.laamada.com Greg Norman design golf course.

Laguna Kai, Mayakoba Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo US: 1 (866) 519-8769 (Rosewood) www.rivieramayakoba.com www.ownrosewoodmayakoba.com Greg Norman golf course design.

Playa Mujeres Resort

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort

Cancun, Quintana Roo www.playamujeresgolf.com Greg Norman Signature course design.

Cancun, Quintana Roo US: 1 (800) 635-1836 MX: 01 (998) 881-6000 www.palaceresorts.com/resorts/moon palace/General.asp Jack Nicklaus Signature course design.

Puerto Cancun Cancun, Quintana Roo US: 1 (866) 580-0749 MX: 01 (800) 523-4868 www.puertocancun.com Tom Weiskopf 18-hole golf course design.

Viceroy, Mayakoba

Yucatan Country Club

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo US: 1 (800) 473-0089 www.rivieramayakoba.com www.viceroymayakoba.com Greg Norman design golf course.

Merida, Yucatan US: 011 52 (999) 800-4000 www.yucatangolf.com Jack Nicklaus golf course design.

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BAJA CALIFORNIA NORTE Baja Country Club

El Dorado Ranch

Ensenada, BCN US: 1 (866) 599-0631 www.bajacountryclub.com Enrique Valenzuela design golf course.

San Felipe, BCN US: 1 (877) 787-2624 www.eldoradoranch.com Bradford Benz design golf course.

Laguna del Mar

Las Palmas Beachfront Resort

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora www.lagunadelmar.com.mx Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora US: 1 (866) 475-5445 www.laspalmas-mex.com Beautiful oceanfront residential.

La Punta, Bay View Grand La Costa, Bay View Grand Ensenada, BCN US: 1 (866) 601-2090 www.bvg.com.mx/english Greg Norman golf course design.

Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora US: 1 (866) 623-9228 MX: 1 (800) 108-1000 www.laspalomasresort.net Links-style golf experience.

Mayan Palace Resorts

Playa del Paraiso

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point),Sonora US: 1 (800) 292-9446 MX: 01 (638) 383-0400 www.mayanpalace.com/penasco Jack Nicklaus Signature Design 18-hole championship links style course.

San Felipe, BCN US: 1 (888) 647-5292 MX: 011 52 (686) 577-0822 www.playadelparaiso.com Luxurious residential condominiums.

Real del Mar

Santa Barbara at Bajamar

Golf Resort & Country Club Ensenada, BCN www.realdelmar.com.mx Pedro Güereca design golf course.

Ensenada, BCN US: 1 (866) 376-1190 www.santabarbaraatbajamar.com 27 Holes of von Hagge, Percy Clifford & David Fleming designed golf course.

COLONIAL ROUTE Artesana Rosewood Residences San Miguel de Allende, Gto. US: 1 (800) 519-7683 MX: 011 52 (415) 154-5650 www.artesanasanmiguel.com Colonial inspired residential.

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Bosque Monarca

La Loma Residential & Golf Club

Morelia, Michoacan www.bosquemonarca.com Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy.

San Luis Potosi, SLP MX: 011 52 (444) 825-2141 http://www.lalomagolf.com.mx Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

Tres Marias

Ventanas de San Miguel

Morelia, Michoacan US: 1 (443) 340-4949 www.ciudad3marias.com Jack Nicklaus design golf course.

San Miguel de Allende, Gto. www.ventanasdesanmiguel.com Nick Faldo design golf course.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

HEROES OF GOLF IN MEXICO Interview by Charles Kinder

Mexico’s BEST

LORENA OCHOA You are on top of your game, the leading money winner and 8 time winner last year. You have a wonderful reputation of being one of the nicest golfers ever; both humble and realistic. Universally, Mexicans have the reputation of being warm and friendly but you are more so. To what do you attribute your attitude and congeniality? Well, Thank you. I think being this way, it has been a process. I think to be able to get here, where I am today, it is not just a couple of weeks or months but many many years of hard work in order to be number one today. 2007 was a wonderful season. I enjoy my life very much on the tour. I have lots of friends and it brings me a lot of fun and enjoyment. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Guadalajara Country Club when you where 14. You were diligently on the practice tee all alone. You were already a 5 time world champion. When did you first develop your passion for golf and your desire and ability to WIN? I knew that I wanted to be a professional golfer probably around…maybe 12, 13, or 14. Golf was something that I knew was for me and I wanted to play for the rest of my life. Then I asked what I needed to do…I first played general golf in Mexico. Then I went to the United States for a couple of years to play college golf at the University of Arizona and here I am today! It’s been a great process. Did you have any inspirations in golf as you grew up? Very much, yes. My dad was into the game and introduced me to golf. Then I had my first teacher, Jesus Sandoval at the Guadalajara Country Club and today for sure it’s Raphael Alarcon. He is my teacher and my greatest inspirations. He helps so much both inside and outside of the golf course. It has been a lot of fun to work together. He helps me improve and get a lot better. We both want to get very far and to achieve a lot of goals; so we are working hard. You are a role model and have the opportunity to influence young girls to enter golf as a sport as a way of life. I have my 14 year old daughter here with me today who plays on her High School Team. What is your message to the young golfers in Mexico? Yes, for sure you know I think the best thing is to enjoy very much what you do. I think going outside to the golf course and spending some time there is always a lot of fun. Just try to play some games and really enjoy the afternoon because it 48

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

is a beautiful sport . Don’t be afraid to dream and don’t be afraid to have some high goals… wake up everyday and try very hard to do your best… everything is very possible. I would recommend for everyone to go to college. It is something that really helps you. To me, college was really the most important thing… it got me where I am today. Colleges and universities always have opportunities… Doesn’t really matter as you will be much better after a few years. In 2001, you received the prestigious Mexico National Sports Award as an athlete and the first golfer ever to receive this honor from President Vicente Fox. What did it mean to you? Well, that was very important. It was something that really helped the sport to be more popular in the country. The media got involved, and a lot of friends started to learn to play. I would like to say it was the most important award that I have receive in my career because it really made a difference. It has been great and I am trying for another one. If you weren’t playing golf what would you be doing at 25 years old today? Well that’s a tough question… I never imagine my life outside the golf course… I love teaching; I love to train, maybe a coach, or something like that. Our focus with our Golf Guides is travel and tourism and investments for Golf in Mexico. What are some of your favorite golf courses in Mexico? You know I love the golf courses in Guadalajara. El Rio Country Club a Jack Nicklaus design is right outside of the city, and the Guadalajara Country Club is a beautiful golf course. There are wonderful golf courses in Puerto Vallarta that I really enjoy. I can go there in the off season for some practice so it’s not only about golf. In Mexico, it is a good excuse to go out and play but at the same time the Mexican culture is amazing. You know it has so much to offer and I want to say I am very proud to be Mexican. I think that it is a great country. Mexico is the number ONE golf destination for US golfers…What needs to be done to maintain these positions and attract even more golfers to Mexico? Well for sure it is a great opportunity to enjoy my country and a beautiful way to make a business trip or family vacation. It is always a good escape to take the afternoon or the whole WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

day at the golf course... it gives you so much peace to enjoy this sport and be with your family. The beaches of Mexico are beautiful, with some courses very nearby. Welcome to Mexico, it is a very special place. You are a wonderful ambassador to Mexico. You represent the warmth of the people of Mexico Thank you very much. Thank you. Lorena Ochoa grew up on the greens of Guadalajara Country Club and became FIVE times winner of the Junior World Championship. She is currently ranked number ONE in the world of female golfers; member of the LPGA, with 22 professional wins and over $11 million in prize money. Lorena was awarded Mexico's National Sports Prize twice and named BEST Sport Woman of the 20th Century.

Watch this interview at: www.GolfInMexico.net/Lorena

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PARADISE VILLAGE BEACH •SPA •MARINA •GOLF •RESORT

Set on a magnificent Pacific Ocean beach in Nuevo

health spa, a zoo, and a wildlife preserve. Vallarta, a lively tourist enclave on the “Mexican The 7,200-yard (6,584-meter) centerpiece El Tigre Riviera,” Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa offers Golf Course is credited with putting Nuevo Vallarta on something for everyone, from golfers to boaters to the map as a golfing destination. Designed by Robert shoppers to those who just want to wade Von Hagge and Rick Baril, the par-72 PGA in the pristine waters of Banderas Bay. rated course features lakes, a meandering “At Paradise Village, you can stay for creek, rolling greens, and strategically a day, a week, or a lifetime,” says Barry placed bunkers and swales, framed by the Cohen, Executive Vice President of Sierra Madre Mountains. Its 45,000Paradise Village Group, which develsquare-foot (4,181-square meter) cluboped, markets, and manages the resort. house is considered one of the finest in “We have everything from hotel rooms all of México. to waterfront estate homes with their Paradise Village Golf & Country Club Location Nuevo Vallarta own yacht slips.” features restaurants, a pro shop, its own Course El Tigre, 18 hole, The resort stretches over 440 masterspa, a racquet club, eight tennis courts von Hagge and Baril planned acres (178 hectares) and and tennis stadium, basketball courts, an Contact 1(800) 995-5714 ext.111 includes 510 traditional timeshare Olympic sized pool, a children’s pool with www.paradisevillage.com units, a full-service hotel, full-ownership animation features, a well-equipped gym, condominiums, and private homes. The and other amenities. complex also includes Paradise Plaza, an “It’s a complete facility, where nothing air-conditioned mall with more than 100 stores, a 204- has been overlooked,” Cohen says. “If you’re not at the slip marina that can accommodate mega-yachts, the beach, if you’re empty nesters with an active lifestyle championship El Tigre Golf Course, a convention cenor family-oriented and into any sport at all, the counter, a country club and fitness center, a European try club is the place to be.”

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CLUBCORP LATINAMERICA

> A DRIVING FORCE IN MEXICO GOLF < ClubCorp owns and operates nearly 200 golf courses, country clubs, private business clubs and golf resorts. ClubCorp leadership style consists of a superb approach to client satisfaction and provides golf courses and club facilities with upscale amenities. ClubCorp, one of the world’s leading golf club management groups, has two outstanding property locations in Mexico; Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta.

VISTA VALLARTA CLUB DE GOLF (Puerto Vallarta, State of Jalisco) Three great golf courses and one great destination add up to Puerto Vallarta. ClubCorp’s development of Vista Vallarta Tom Weiskopf 7,009-yard, par 72 golf course, and the Vista Vallarta Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course combined with the Marina Vallarta Golf Course create a premier 54-hole golf experience. Enjoy the natural features of rugged terrain, ravines, and mature trees of the 18-hole Weiskopf course or play the Nicklaus Signature Course, 18-hole, 6,595 yard, par 72, with the challenges and dramatic changes in elevations that confronted the players in the prestigious 2002 World Golf Championships-EMC World Cup. The Marina Vallarta Golf Course has a magnificent view of Banderas Bay and features natural lagoons, obstacles of palm trees and tropical shrubs and an abundance of wildlife with two ocean holes. This Joe Finger designed course has become increasingly popular in the last few years with locals and international tourists.

Location Puerto Vallarta Course 18 hole Nicklaus, 18 hole Weiskopf, and 18 hole Joe Finger Contact K.C. Crandall, PGA Professional, Director of Golf for the Vista Vallarta Golf Complex. From US 011-52-322-290-0030, www.foremexico.com

COZUMEL COUNTRY CLUB (Cozumel, State of Quintana Roo) World Class diving and now World Class golf! 18 holes carved out of dense jungle and showcasing inland lagoons, red mangroves, and four sets of tees to suit any player. The 6,734 yard, par 72 course was designed by the Nicklaus Design Group and is owned and operated by ClubCorp International. Amenities include a full practice facility, golf shop, club rental, shoe rental, and palapa style clubhouse with snack bar and seating for 40. This course is a favorite stop for golf cruise passengers. Free and discounted green fee packages are available at several of the island hotels.

Location Cozumel Course 18 hole, jungle, Nicklaus Contact Benny Campos, PGA Professional, Manager of Cozumel Country Club. From US 011-52-987-872-9570, info@cozumelcountryclub.com.mx

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

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Vista Vallarta by Jack Nicklaus

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

EL TAMARINDO > B E A C H & G O L F R E S O RT <

isarming a dense jungle is no small endeavor, but as your own. At the ninth hole’s rest area have the chef El Tamarindo has done just that and offers the more serve up some fresh seafood as you relax on a hilltop adventurous golf traveler luxury in a wild tropical junoverlooking the blue Pacific below. Tamarindo has 29 gle that courses down a mountainside to a primordial thatched roof villas with beautifully styled and furseashore, hence the beaches are truly pristine and natnished interiors, open to fresh ocean breezes. Each villa ural. That is the charm of El Tamarindo. Fly into is air-conditioned, has king-sized or twin beds, beautiManzanillo’s International Airport and ful bathrooms and showers, spas and each take a beautiful drive north for about 40 has its own private garden. There are two minutes. El Tamarindo; two thousand sizes: one or two bedrooms. Restaurant La acres of tropical rain forest with ten miles Higuera, located on the beach, serves of undisturbed sandy beaches. Mexican and International cuisine. Sandwiched between forest ravines and Guests can also dine in the privacy of dramatic cliffs with views down to the their own terrace. The chef is most happy crashing surf is the spectacular El to cater a meal of your choice, served in Tamarindo 18-hole championship golf the privacy of a wooden pier by candleLocation Jalisco course carved out of the raw landscape by light. If you are one of the sophisticated Course 18-hole, jungle/ocean David Fleming. Rated as the #3 Resort travelers who dreams of peace and quiet, view, David Fleming Golf Course in the top ten courses in miles of unspoiled beaches, horseback Contact Hotel: Mexico by Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico, it riding, excellent food, cordial staff, golf 011(52) 315-351-5031, is a must play venue. Here you can take and pure tranquility to totally unwind, www.ycwtamarindo.com full advantage of having a course almost El Tamarindo is for you.

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

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El Tamarindo is the #3 rated Resort Golf Course in Mexico WWW.BEST4MEXICOTEETIMES.COM

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

ISLA NAVIDAD RESORT > G O L F E R ’ S PA R A D I S E <

sla Navidad Resort is one of the most unique natural wonders of the Mexican Pacific – offering an unparalleled venue that's truly a golfer's paradise any time of year. Recently selected as the top beach resort in Mexico by the Travel Channel, it has also been awarded a gold medal by Golf Magazine and named an AAA Four Diamond Resort. As a golf adventurer, you have got to visit Isla Navidad Resort and Golf Course at least once in your lifetime. The entire resort, located on a historic peninsula, encompasses 1,235 acres of colorful bays, jetties, inlets, beaches and little harbors where only quaint, native villages dot the landscape. Featuring one of Mexico’s largest marinas, it is home to sail boats and motor yachts that moor at more than 200 berths. The marina also has an on-site fueling and service depot. Isla Navidad's luxurious, award-winning hotel has 158 elegantly appointed rooms and 41 suites where attention is given to every detail. Guests look out over spacious balconies and delight in the view of the marina and the salt-water pool, as well as the picturesque Barra de Navidad Lagoon. Next door is the ultra private Meson Dona Paz with 14 guest rooms that create a special environment perfect for family reunions and corporate retreats. Isla Navidad Resort is situated on a beautiful natural harbor on the south end of the Mexican Pacific, 20 minutes from Manzanillo International Airport. The airport is served by AeroMexico, Mexicana, Alaska Airlines, Continental, and AmericaWest, as well as several charter aircraft from the U.S. and Canada. In the same latitude as Hawaii, Isla Navidad has the perfect climate with an average temperature of 79˚F. It is kissed by the sun during the day and is fanned by cool ocean breezes at night. All this only 2.5 hours away via direct flights from Phoenix, and from Los Angeles on both Alaska Airlines & Delta. Facing both the Navidad Lagoon and the Pacific

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Ocean, the centerpiece of the property is the expertly conceived Robert von Hagge Isla Navidad 27-hole golf course. The course itself is made up of three nines; the ocean, the mountain, and the lagoon. They play to more than 7,000 yards with par of 72. The rolling layout has brick cart paths that wind their way past undulating greens and huge sculpted sand traps. The dominant feature is the clubhouse, a much photographed, handsome Spanish-style edifice overlooking the finishing holes of two of the nines. The clubhouse restaurant and bar are superb, and the golf shop is fully stocked. The locker rooms are equal to those of the best private clubs anywhere in the world, complete with sauna, steam and masseurs. Ever since the Leaño family created this incredible paradise resort, they have had plans to develop the lush, spacious land into a premier real estate project. And now, Isla Navidad Resort has introduced an exclusive new program to sell two-to- four bedroom villas on some of the most sought-after premium view lots on the golf course, ocean front or the hillside above with commanding views of the entire resort. Other lots provide a window to the sea with panoramic views that end in golden sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Also being sold are one-to-three-bedroom condominiums on sites overlooking the marina and quaint village shopping area, as well as other prime resort locations. Custom home designs are part of the overall services that will attract discriminating buyers who appreciate the safety and security of the Isla Navidad Resort. Title insurance and escrow accounts are all part of a secure services package being offered to prospective clients and investors. Isla Navidad Resort Sales and Marketing professionals and appointed real estate broker/agents are available to provide complete details on the purchase of any of the resort’s outstanding dream home options.

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Location Manzanillo Course 27-hole, von Hagge Contact Golf: 011-52-315-355-6194 Hotel: 011-52-314-331-0500 Real Estate: 011-52-314-337-9010 Sales: 011-52-333-641-0100 or email eblancarte@yahoo.com

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BESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Golf Course Directory

MEXICO GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY STATE

TELEPHONE

Club Campestre de Aguascalientes (P) Apartado Postal No. 296 Country Club Pulgas Pandas (R) Apartado Postal No. 577 Deportivo Colon de Aguascalientes (R) Club de Golf Pichacho (P)

(449) 914-2203 (449) 914-1157 (449) 9140075 (449) 9140023

Aguascalientes Aguascalientes Aguascalientes Aguascalientes

(646) 177-5523 (866) 599-0631 (646) 155-0151

Ensenada

(686) 563-6170 (686) 563-6171

Mexicali

Ensenada

(664) 631-3401

Mexicali Rosarito

(877) 787-2624

San Felipe

(664) 104-7500

Tijuana

PAR

RATING CHAMP

MEN

WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND

18 72 71.3 Bob Walton design. 9 36 68.3 Joe Finger design. 9 N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A

6722

6471

5618

$160

6420

6043

5546

$79

$139

N/A N/A

$47

$79

$114

$30

$45

N/A $69

N/A $89

$70

$85

$45

$69

18 72 73.1 6834 6103 5203 Enrique Valenzuela design. 27 72 73.5 6968 5712 4696 Robert von Hagge design. Mexico’s Pebble Beach. 18 72 72.0 6752 6524 6066

18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 70.7 6460 6043 5534 Y Y Pedro Guereca design. Ocean views on 11 of 18 holes. 18 72 N/A 7202 6337 5772 Y N Bradford Benz design. 18 72 72.9 6834 6616 5393 Y Y Alister Mackenzie design. Challenging golf course near racetrack.

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

Campo de Golf Loreto (D) (613) 133-0788 Blvd. Mision San Ignacio s/n Cabo San Lucas Country Club (R) 22 (624) 143-4653 Lazaro Cardenas s/n Eldorado Golf Course (P) 1 (877) 795-8727 Carr. San Lucas - San Jose KM 22.5 Mayan Resorts Golf Los Cabos (D) (624) 142-0900 Paseo Fenisterra #1 Palmilla Golf Resort (R) 2 (624) 144-5250 Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7.5 Cabo Real Golf Course (R) 15 (624) 144-0243 KM 19.5 Transpenin. San Jose del Cabo Cabo del Sol Golf, Desert (R) 12 (624) 145-8200 Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7.5 Cabo San Lucas Cabo del Sol Golf, Ocean (R) 1 (624) 145-8200 Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7.5 Cabo San Lucas Campestre San Jose (R) 19Jack Nicklaus design.

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

HOLES

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Baja Country Club “Ensenada” (R) KM 16 Carr. Transpeninsular Bajamar (R) 18 KM 77.5 Ensenada Toll Road Club Campestre de Mexicali (P) Carr. San Felipe, KM 2.5 Laguna Country Club (P) Real Del Mar Golf Club (R) KM 19.5 Ensenada Toll Road Las Caras de Mexico (R) KM 176.5 Federal #5 Tijuana Country Club (P) 25 Blvd. Agua Caliente 11311, Fracc. Aviacion

CITY

AGUASCALIENTES

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Loreto Los Cabos Los Cabos Los Cabos Los Cabos Los Cabos Los Cabos Los Cabos Los Cabos

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

18 72 71.5 6800 6400 5497 Y Y $60 $60 Loreto Bay company course, with an outstanding 14th hole. 18 72 73.0 7220 6603 5302 Y N $186 $186 Roy Dye design with view of Land’s End. 18 72 74.7 7050 6476 4855 Y Y Members Only Jack Nicklaus design. Seven holes on the ocean. 9 70 72.0 6306 5404 5840 Y N $70 $70 M. Schjetnan/Joe Finger design. Delightful ocean view course. 27 72 72.2 6939 6130 4858 Y N $292 $292 Jack Nicklaus design. Site for the ‘97 Senior Slam. 18 72 74.1 6945 6437 5068 Y N $280 $280 Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. Site of ‘96 & ’99 Senior Slam. 18 72 69.6 6698 6252 6252 Y N (L) $185 (L) $185 Tom Weiskopf design. Desert course with ocean views. (H) $220 (H) $220 18 72 74.3 7053 6238 4980 Y N (L) $250 (L) $250 Jack Nicklaus design with 5 oceanfront holes. (H) $350 (H) $350 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $220 $220

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

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Golf Course Directory STATE Querencia Country Club (P) Carr. Transpeninsular KM 27.5

3

(938) 389-2507

Campeche

68.9

6234

5938

5144

$60

$65

(961) 615-0637 (961) 140-2048

Chiapas Chiapas

9 9

72 N/A

71.5 N/A

3374 N/A

3120 N/A

2882 N/A

Y N/A

$30 $25

(614) 418-1061

Chihuahua

6829

4901

$70

(614) 425-1004 (639) 472-5790

Chihuahua Ciudad Delicias

6112 6666

5152 5150

Y N

Y Y

$60 $40

$85 $60

(656) 617-7707

Ciudad Juarez

18 72 71.1 6879 Percy Clifford design. 18 70 70.6 6344 27 72 70.7 6666 David Fleming design. 18 72 71.3 6846 George Hoffman design. 18 N/A N/A N/A

6383

5269

$80

N/A

$35

$55

9 63 61.2 N/A 6646 N/A N Y Jaime Padilla design. Golf at 9,500 feet with views of alpine forests. 9 35 68.4 5600 5600 5300 N Y Easy and fun for most players. 9 59 N/A 3625 N/A 3000 N Y

$80

$30

CHIHUAHUA

Club Campestre Chihuahua (P) Camino al Campestre s/n Club de Golf San Francisco (P) Delicias Country Club, S.C. (P) KM 4.5 Carr. Delicias Rosales Club Campestre Juarez (P) Pedro Pelayo y Av. Campestre Mision de los Lagos Romanos (P)

HOLES PAR RATING CHAMP MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND 18 72 74.5 7070 6624 5092 Y N Members Only Tom Fazio Design-one great course.

CHIAPAS

Club Campestre Tuxtla (P) Campiñas Golf Country Club (D)

CITY Los Cabos

CAMPECHE

Club de Golf Playa Palmas (P) KM 5 1/2 Carr. Carmen Real

TELEPHONE (624) 145-6600

Ciudad Juarez

COAHUILA

Club de Golf Bosques de Monterreal (P) Carr. San Antonio Mesa Club de Golf El Socorro (P) Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos No. 50 Rincon del Montero Hotel & Resort (P) Carr. Parras - Paila KM 3 Club Campestre Saltillo (P) Apartado Postal No. 438 Club Campestre Lourdes (P) Apartado Postal No. 501 Club Campestre de Torreón (P) Apartado Postal No. 946 Club Campestre Montebello (P)

(844) 438-8170

Arteaga

(866) 633-1396

Monclova

(844) 422-0540

Parras de la Fuente

(844) 432-0143

Saltillo

71.7

6514

5356

(844) 417-3422

Saltillo

70.7

6590

6360

5496

$105 $115 Sat - Pros only $30 $30

(871) 721-2323

Torreón

6428

5393

$70

$90

(871) 729-8800

Torreón

N/A

$90

Club de Golf Los Azulejos (P)

(8715) 750-7490

Torreón

18 71 72.1 6800 Closed on Mondays. 18 72 N/A 6840 David Fleming design. 18 72 76.6 7576 Robert von Hagge design.

7040

5478

$95

Club de Golf Colima (R) (312) 314-4230 Autopista Colima Manzanillo KM. 4.2. Las Hadas Golf and Resort (R) 24 (314) 331-0101 Av. de los Riscos s/n, Peninsula de Santiago Isla Navidad Golf Course Marina & Resort (R)(315) 355-6439 Paseo Loma Larga 3885 6 Santiago Country Club (SP) (314) 335-0410 Av. Camaron 1-A Santiago

Colima

N/A

4235

$40

$60

18 71 69.7 6435 5985 4773 Y Y $150 Roy Dye designed course. Million dollar island green 18th hole. 27 72 73.9 6943 6469 5152 Y Y $207 Robert von Hagge design. Voted Best Beach Resort in Mexico. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $50 Larry Hughes design. Small, semi-private course located at Club Santiago.

$150

18 18

COLIMA

Manzanillo

5338

$207 $55

(618) 826-0651 (871) 714-2075

Durango Gomez Palacio

(461) 612-1797

Celaya

(461) 611-0241 (462) 623-0303

Celaya Irapuato Lago de Moreno León

72 71

69.4 69.7

6862 6286

6642 6121

5416 5091

N N

Y Y

$30 $25

$35 $35

18 72 70.3 Roy Dye design. 18 72 73.6 18 72 N/A 9 N/A N/A 18 72 70.0

6785

6265

5171

$40

6934 6846 N/A 6609

6367 6486 N/A 6135

4925 5298 N/A 4797

Y Y N/A Y

$60 $40 N/A $100

$80 $70 N/A $100

GUANAJUATO

Club Campestre de Celaya (P) KM 264 Carr. Panamericana Mexico-Celaya Alamo Country Club (P) Club De Golf Santa Margarita (P) Club de Golf Los Nardos (P) Club Campestre de Leon (P) Exhacienda Cerro Gordo S/N DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

Manzanillo

N/A

DURANGO

Club Campestre Durango (P) Club Campestre Gomez Palacios (P)

Manzanillo

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(477) 717-0521

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

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STATE Club de Golf Hacienda de León (P)

HOLES PAR RATING CHAMP 18 72 69.1 6635 Marcelino Moreno design. Club de Golf en Las Nubes (P) (477) 717-5989 León 9 36 68.2 6421 Larry Hughes design. Club Vergel de la Sierra (P) (477) 717-5658 León 9 36 N/A 3047 Marcelino Moreno design. Country Club Los Naranjos (P) (477) 776-0003 León 9 72 N/A 6778 Marcelino Moreno design. Club Campestre Riama (P) (464) 648-6083 Salamanca 9 33 N/A 2407 Campo de Golf La Hacienda Santuario (P)Isabela Castro design.San Miguel de Allende 9 N/A N/A N/A Ventanas de San Miguel (P) Nick Faldo design. San Miguel de Allende 18 N/A N/A N/A Club De Golf Malanquin (P) (415) 152-0516 San Miguel de Allende 9 36 70.5 6724 Carr. San Miguel de Allende a Celaya KM 3 Clay Fuller design.

TELEPHONE (477) 717-2500

6043

6041

$30

N/A

2627

$100

6195

5180

$50

$70

2299 N/A N/A 6489

1830 N/A N/A 5735

Y N/A N/A Y

$30 $30 N/A $55

$30 $30 N/A $80

Acapulco

$70

Acapulco

$80

Acapulco

$110

Acapulco

$130

Acapulco

$200

Ixtapa

$85

Ixtapa

$75

Taxco

$50

9 72 70.0 6898 5801 N/A Y Y Percy Clifford design. Short, fun course. Established in 1957. 18 72 69.4 6112 6085 5400 Y N Ted Robinson design. Flat terrain. Water on 12 holes. 18 72 67.7 6860 6112 5112 Y N Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design. Water on 12 holes, well bunkered. 18 72 6507 5959 6156 5352 Y Y Pedro Guereca design. 18 72 74.7 7040 5895 5015 Y Y Robert von Hagge design. Rates in Top 10 in Mexico. Troon. 18 72 70.0 6898 6408 5801 Y Y Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, alligators in lake! 18 72 74.1 6781 6328 5197 Y Y Robert von Hagge design. 9 35 N/A 2901 2833 2380 N Y

HIDALGO

Club De Golf La Esmeralda (P) Club De Golf Pachuca (P) Carr. Mexico Pachuca KM 85.5 Club De Golf El Agrario (P)

MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND 6161 4795 N Y $70 $80

GUERRERO

Club De Golf Acapulco (SP) (744) 484-0781 Av. Costera M. Aleman s/n Fairmont Acapulco Princess (R) 21 (744) 469-1000 Playa Revolcadero s/n Fairmont Golf Pierre Marques (R) 13 (744) 435-2600 Playa Revolcadero s/n Mayan Palace Acapulco (R) (744) 469—6000 Av. Costera de las Palmas, Fracc. Playa Diamante Tres Vidas Golf Course (SP) 5 (744) 444-5135 Carr. a Barra Vieja KM 7 Club de Golf Palma Real (R) 27 (755) 553-1163 Blvd. Ixtapa s/n Marina Ixtapa Golf Course (R) 28 (755) 553-1410 Calle de Darsena s/n Nueve Hoyos en el Cielo (P) (762) 622-1300

CITY León

Jose Guillermo Rapp design. (771) 711-3077

Pachuca Pachuca

(778) 738-0211

Tula de Allende

9 N/A N/A N/A 18 72 72.3 7200 F. M. Schjetnan design. 18 66 69.1 4022

N/A 6900

N/A N/A

N/A N

N/A Y

N/A $40

N/A $80

4022

$40

$80

JALISCO

Chula Vista Golf Club (P) (376) 766-2515 Country Club de Chapala (P) (376) 763-5384 Atlas Country Club (P) 12 (333) 689-2620 Carr. Guadalajara Chapala KM 6.5 Guadalajara Country Club (P) 4 (333) 817-2858 Mar Caribe 260, Col. Country Club El Cielo (Palomar) Country Club (SP) 22 (333) 684-4436 Paseo de la Cima 437, Fracc. El Palomar Rio Country Club (P) Jack Nicklaus design. El Tamarindo Country Club (R) 3 (315) 351-5031 Carr. Melaque-Pto. Vallarta, KM 7.5 Club Campestre Camcel A.C. (P) (392) 925-9136 Marina Vallarta Club de Golf (R) 26 (322) 221-0073 Fracc. Marina Vallarta Vista Vallarta Nicklaus (R) 5 (322) 290-0030 Circuito Universidad #653 Vista Vallarta Weiskopf (R) 9 (322) 290-0030 Circuito Universidad #653 Club de Golf Santa Anita (P) 26 (333) 686-0321 Carr. Guadalajara-Morelia Tapalpa Country Club (P) (343) 432-0710 Carr. Tapalpa - San Gabriel KM 5.5 San Ramon Country Club (P) Enrique Valenzuela design. Ayamonte (P) Las Cañadas Country Club (P) (333) 685-0412 Av. Bosques de San Isidro Nte No. 777 DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

(P) = Private Course

Chapala Chapala Guadalajara Guadalajara Guadalajara Guadalajara Melaque La Manzanilla Ocotlan Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta Santa Anita Tapalpa Tepatitlan Zapopan Zapopan

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

WWW.BEST4MEXICOTEETIMES.COM

(D) = Daily Fee

9 31 N/A 1850 1760 1659 N Y $40 $50 18 36 69.8 6879 6879 4901 Y N $50 $60 18 72 70.6 7169 6378 5589 Y Y $85 $110 Joe Finger design. Visitor’s golf package available. 18 72 70.8 6821 6490 5464 N Y Members Only John Bredemus design. Site of Seniors Invitational every February. 18 72 N/A 6600 6400 5900 Y Y $200 $200 Victor Langham design. Architecturally breathtaking located high above Guadalajara. 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 73.5 6515 6300 5800 Y Y $210 $210 Dave Fleming design. Jungle setting, a must play. 9 68 65.4 5400 5176 4702 N Y $40 $40 18 71 72.0 6700 6093 5259 Y Y $129 $129 Joe Finger design. Challenging layout, oceanfront hole on the Bay. Club Corp. 18 72 72.0 7073 6031 5251 Y Y $183 $183 Jack Nicklaus design. Club Corp, site of World Cup. 18 72 73.0 6976 5876 4943 Y Y $183 $183 Tom Weiskopf design. Club Corp. 18 72 70.8 6811 6546 5521 Y Y $100 $150 Larry Hughes design. Bermuda fairways, Bent-grass greens, well manicured. 9 36 71.3 7260 6680 5400 Y Y $40 $40 Joe Finger design. Mountain course with views of the Valley. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 71.0 6663 6731 5228 Y Y $60 $80 Larry Hughes design. Original home to Bing Crosby College Invitational.

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Golf Course Directory STATE Las Lomas Club de Golf (P)

TELEPHONE 21 (331) 086-1400

CITY Zapopan

(333) 682-1154

Zapopan

Rancho Contento Golf Course (P)

Cuajimalpa

Club Campestre Ciudad de Mexico (P)16 (555) 489-3041

Coyoacan

Canadas San Fe (P) Club de Golf Mexico (P)

2

Jack Nicklaus design. (555) 487-2000

Mexico City Tlalpan

(555) 308-1700

Aztipan

23 (555) 366-8050

Aztipan

Club de Golf La Hacienda (P) 14 (555) 379-0033 Apartado Postal No. 2-161 Club De Golf Valle Escondido (P) 20 (555) 308-0093 Av. Club de Golf s/n, Fracc. Vallescondido Bosque Real Country Club (P) 6 (555) 258-9422

Aztipan

Huixquilucan

28 (555) 291-3863

Huixquilucan

Club de Golf Bellavista (P)

Lomas Country Club (P) Coral Golf Course & Country Club (P) La Purisima Golf & Sports Club (P) Club de Golf Nueva Ixtapan (P) Blvd. Arturo A. San Roman S/N Ixtapan Golf Resort Country Club (P) Madeiras Country Club (P) Club de Golf Los Encinos (P)

Aztipan

(555) 972-0343 Ixtapaluca Marcelino Moreno design. Ixtlahuaca (721) 143-2244 Ixtapan de la Sal

(555) 877-0676

Ixtapan de la Sal Izcalli

18 (728) 285-3920

Club de Golf Malinalco (P) 19 (555) 281-4283 Club de Golf Chapultepec (P) 10 (555) 589-1200 Apartado Postal No. 34-015 Club de Golf la Esmeralda (D) (551) 994-5710 Club De Golf Rancho Viejo (P) (722) 235-1767 Carr. Toluca - Temascaltepec, San Antonio Albarranes KM 45.3 Club de Golf Copal (D) (555) 715-8009 Club de Golf San Carlos (P) (722) 216-0528 Campestre Izar (P) Club de Golf Avandaro (P) Fracc. Avandaro Club de Golf Rancho Avandaro (R) Vega del Rio, Fracc. Avandaro Club de Golf Santuario (P)

N/A

$50

5673

4940

4518

$75

$300

7213

6428

5854

$250

$300

N/A 7153

N/A 6649

N/A 5779

N/A Y

N/A $280

N/A $500

$320

$450

$150

$180

N/A

$150

$200

$150

$245

$300

$420

$90

$150

Y N/A Y

$100 $30 $220

$170 $40 $220

Y Y

$140 $160

$220 $220

$150

$300

Y Y

$60 $200

$120 $300

18 72 N/A 6800 N/A N/A N/A 9 36 N/A 6820 6300 5300 N Larry Hughes design. 9 70 N/A 5857 5531 5136 N 18 71 70.5 6829 6499 5469 Y Percy Clifford/Pedro Guereca design. 18 72 36 6265 5734 5195 Y 18 72 72.0 6369 5968 5113 Y Percy Clifford design, a challenge at every hole! 18 72 72.0 6725 6535 5498 Y High-altitude golf at its best. Panoramic views of valley. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A Y

$40 $50

$60 $60

Y Y

$30 $80

$60 $150

Y Y

$100 $130

$170 $190

$150

$280

N/A

$35

$45

18 N/A N/A 9 72 72.9 27 108 73.9 Jack Nicklaus design.

N/A Y Y

$50 $30 $150

$100 $40 $200

9 70 66.7 Jack Nicklaus design. 18 72 73.0 Willy Smith design. 9 N/A N/A 18 72 72.3 Larry Hughes design.

Lerma Malinalco Naucalpan Tecamac Temascaltepec Tlalnepantla Toluca

(726) 251-2027 (726) 251-4064

Valle de Bravo Valle de Bravo

(555) 282-1212

Valle de Bravo Valle de Bravo

18 72 71.9 6776 6404 5453 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 70.1 6987 6613 5600 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 71.1 7090 6670 5879 Larry Hughes design. Site of the Mexican Open. 18 72 68.8 6775 6396 5488 Percy Clifford design. 18 72 N/A 7322 6445 5266 Robert von Hagge design. 18 71 66.0 6502 6100 5534 Mahana/Green design. 18 72 69.8 6644 6227 5136 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 7200 6666 6120 5162 Joe Finger design. 18 72 7200 6666 6120 5162 18 72 68.0 6793 6361 5425 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 68.7 7043 6248 5000 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 71.3 7094 6668 5074 18 72 69.9 7043 6624 5558

MICHOACAN

Hacienda Cantalagua Country Club (R) Club Campestre de Morelia (P) Tres Marias Residential Golf Club (P) 7

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

N/A

MEXICO, ESTADO DE (STATE OF)

Club Campestre Chiluca S.A. de C.V. (P)

MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND 5443 4799 N/A Y $102 $128

MEXICO, DISTRICT FEDERAL

Club de Golf Bosques S.A. de C.V. (D) 11 (555) 589-1200

HOLES PAR RATING CHAMP 18 71 70.2 6209 Charles Mahannah design. 9 35 N/A 2800 Emilio Rodriguez design.

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(443) 314-1203 (443) 428-0033

Contepec Morelia Morelia

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

N/A 6754 11359

N/A 6508 9526

N/A 5228 9526

(H) = High Season

N/A N Y

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

STATE Club Campestre de Zacapu A.C. (P) Valle Las Rocas Country Club

TELEPHONE (436) 363-4420

CITY Zacapu Zacapu

(735) 356-1140

Cocoyoc

(735) 356-2211

Cocoyoc

Country Club de Cuernavaca (P) (777) 314-0207 Apartado Postal No. 17 Club de Golf Los Tabachines (P) 30 (777) 314-3999 KM 93.5 Autopista Mexico Acapulco Club de Golf Hacienda San Gaspar (P) (777) 319-4424

Cuernavaca

Club de Golf Tlahuica (D) Los Colinas Golf Club (P) Santa Fe Club de Golf (P) El Paraiso Country Club (D)

Tlahuica Xochitepec Xochitepec Xochitepec

(55) 791029 (53) 790033 (777) 391-5862 Pedro Guereca design.

Cuernavaca Cuernavaca

Nuevo Vallarta

El Tigre, Paradise Village 10 (322) 297-0773 Country Club (SP) Four Seasons Punta Mita Golf Club (R) 4 (329) 291-6037 Bahia de Banderas Nayar Club Campestre (P) (311) 218-0231 (311) 218-0236

Nuevo Vallarta

N/A

Club Refineria Cadereyta (P) Tierra Dorada Club (P) Las Misiones Country Club (P) 8 (818) 450-0550 Apartado Postal No. 1398 Club Campestre Monterrey (P) 9 (818) 335-9726 Apartado Postal No. 1448 Club de Golf Valle Alto (P) 24 (818) 155-8400 Apartado Postal No. 1924 Club de Golf La Herradura A.C. (P) (818) 104-1040 Carretera Nacional km. 266 Av. Portal del Huajuco Hacienda El Mirador Club De Golf (P) (818) 114-9467 Camino Al Mirador, KM 2 Col. Del Paseo Residencial Golf Parque Rio (P) Real del Desierto Golf Country Club (P)

18 72 69.7 6724 6287 5013 N Y $65 $75 Mario Schejtnan design. Hilly, manicured Championship course with views of the valley. 9 35 N/A 3031 2775 2555 N Y $50 $70 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 N/A 7029 6496 5277 N Y $65 $85 18 72 68.6 Percy Clifford design. 18 72 68.7 Joe Finger design. 9 N/A N/A 18 71 N/A 18 72 74.6 18 N/A N/A

6052

5787

6244

$80

$160

6916

6359

5424

$60

$100

N/A 6461 6966 N/A

N/A 6496 6564 N/A

N/A 5277 5521 N/A

N/A N N/A N/A

N/A Y Y N/A

$60 $90 $70 N/A

$110 $140 $110 N/A

Nuevo Vallarta

Punta Mita Tepic

18 72 73.7 6982 N/A N/A Y Y $139 Percy Clifford design. Thirty minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. 18 71 73.7 6936 5692 4942 Y Y $140 Lipp/Guereca design. 18 72 71.7 6649 6271 5744 Y N $167 Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 72.9 7014 6641 5037 Y N Members Jack Nicklaus signature course. Famous for its 19th hole. 9 36 72.0 6420 6041 5545 Y N $30 Miguel Perez Acosta design.

$139

18 72 73 6970 Jack Nicklaus design. 18 N/A N/A N/A 18 N/A N/A N/A 18 72 69.6 6751 Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 70.4 6826 Bredemus/Hughes design. 18 72 70.9 6854

$140 $167 Only $40

Apodaca Cadereyta Cadereyta Cerrito Santiago Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey

6829

4901

$80

$110

N/A N/A 5939

N/A N/A 5214

N/A N/A N

N/A N/A Y

$40 N/A $150

6489

5453

$160

6579

5442

$160

$80

$110

$30

$80

N/A N/A

$43 N/A

18 72 N/A 6851 6366 5605 Y Y F.M. Schjetnan design, jungle setting, ocean front views of the Bay. 9 68 67.4 5900 5218 4216 N Y Manuel Bello design.

$60

$70

$60

18 71 68.6 9 62 58.5 Pedro Guereca design. 9 68 63.6 9 70 70.6 18 72 69.6

18 72 72.1 6912 6382 5657 Y Robert von Hagge design. 9 70 63.7 4422 N/A 4036 N Surrounded by mountains, 10 minutes from downtown. 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

OAXACA

Club de Golf Tangolunda (R) Bahia de Tangolunda s/n Club De Golf Vista Hermosa A.C. (P)

MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND 6584 5900 N Y $30 $30 N/A N/A N/A N/A $30 $40

NUEVO LEON

Las Cruces Golf & Country Club (SP)

RATING CHAMP 70.5 6834 N/A N/A

NAYARIT

Flamingos de Golf Club (SP) 29 (329) 296-5006 KM 145 Carr. Fed. 200 Tepic-Puerto Vallarta Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta (SP) 25 (322) 226-4000

PAR 72 N/A

MORELOS

Club Campestre Lomas de Cocoyoc (P) Lomas De Cocoyoc Hacienda Cocoyoc (R)

HOLES 9 9

(958) 581-0059

Huatulco

(951) 547-1177

Oaxaca

(244) 445-0295 (222) 247-9611

Atlixco Cholula

(222) 224-0777 (555) 683-9701 (222) 228-2893

Puebla Puebla Puebla

(222) 284-1919

San Andres Cholula

PUEBLA

Club Campestre El Cristo (P) Club de Golf La Huerta (P) Prolongacion 15 Sur, No. 2319 Club de Golf Las Fuentes (P) Club Campestre de Marvillas (P) Club Campestre de Puebla (P) Apartado Postal No. 598 Suc. “H” La Vista Country Club & Golf A.C. (P) 15 Blvd. Atlixcayotl KM 4

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

(P) = Private Course

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

WWW.BEST4MEXICOTEETIMES.COM

(D) = Daily Fee

6653 6576

6082 N/A

5296 5320

Y N

Y Y

$75 $40

$150 $50

5176 6344 6795

5015 6112 6529

4542 5152 5426

N Y N

Y N Y

$60 $40 $80

$70 $40 $160

18 72 73.9 7127 Robert von Hagge design.

6595

5470

$160

$260

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Golf Course Directory STATE Club de Golf Penafiel (P) Tehuacan Golf Course (P)

TELEPHONE

CITY Tehuacan Tehuacan Corregidora Juriquilla Queretaro

El Campanario Country Club (P)

(442) 220-6958

Queretaro

Club Campestre San Gil (P) Apartado Postal No. 117 Querenda Country Club (P) Club De Golf Tequisquiapan (P) Apartado Postal No. 14

(427) 271-0275

San Juan del Rio

(414) 273-1332

San Juan del Rio Tequisquiapan

(998) 883-1230

Cancun

(998) 881-8016 (998) 881-6000

Cancun Cancun Cancun

(987) 872-9570

Cozumel

(984) 873-4990

Playa del Carmen

(984) 877-2800

Playa del Carmen

(984) 473-5109

Puerto Aventuras

(998) 887-7322

Punta Sam

(888) 252-5020

Riviera Maya

(984) 206-4043

Riviera Maya

San Luis Potosi

Club de Golf Covadoga (P)

San Luis Potosi

18 72 71.8 6872 18 72 70.2 6541 Larry Hughes design. 18 72 69.1 6893 Percy Clifford design. 18 76 N/A 7922 Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 68.8 7083 Roy Dye design. 18 N/A N/A N/A 18 72 68.1 6754 Larry Hughes design.

6183 6079

5270 4713

N Y

Y Y

$70 $100

$100 $150

6397

5209

$150

$250

7374

6828

$140

$190

6315

5441

$80

$100

N/A 6177

N/A 5622

N/A Y

N/A N

N/A $175

N/A $375

18 72 72.9 7010 6055 5365 Y Y $140 Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, Mayan ruins on ocean. 18 72 71.1 6734 6734 5209 Y N $145 9 27 N/A 943 893 844 N N $18 27 72 75.6 7196 7196 5243 Y Y $260 Jack Nicklaus Signature course. 18 72 72.2 6734 5624 4881 Y N $149 Jack Nicklaus design. Club Corp. 18 72 73.1 7202 6724 5768 Y N $190 Robert von Hagge design. Outside play welcome. 18 72 69.7 6133 5654 4680 Y N $190 P.B. Dye design. 9 36 N/A 3206 2936 2533 Y Y $79 Thomas Leman design. 36 72 74.5 7218 5854 5195 Y N $253 Greg Norman design. 18 72 138 7024 6562 5078 Y N $253 Host of PGA TOUR event - The Mayakoba Classic. Greg Norman Signature design. 18 54 N/A N/A N/A N/A Y Y $190 Jack Nicklaus design.

$190

18 72 68.2 3339 3339 2875 N Robert von Hagge design. 18 72 68.2 3339 3339 2875 N Jack Nicklaus design. #1 Best’s new course in 2008. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

$149 $30 $260 $149 $190 $190 $79 $253 $253 $190

$75

$100

$150

N/A

$30

Y Y

$60 $60

Y Y Y

$30 $40 $80

SINALOA

Las Iguanas Country Club (P) Country Club de Culiacán (P)

(667) 714-2275 (667) 714-2385

Culiacan Culiacan

Country Club Los Mochis (P) Club Campestre de Mazatlan A.C. (P) El Cid Golf & Country Club (R) Apartado Postal No. 813

(668) 815-3646 (669) 980-1570 (669) 913-5611

Los Mochis Mazatlan Mazatlan

DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND N/A N/A N/A N/A $40 $40 N/A N/A N/A N/A $40 $40

SAN LUIS POTOSI

Club Campestre de San Luis (P) (444) 813-0608 Albino Garcia 1035, Fracc. Potosino del Golf La Loma Country Club (P) 13

RATING CHAMP N/A N/A N/A N/A

QUINTANA ROO

Club de Golf Cancun - Pok-Ta-Pok (R) Blvd. Kukulcan KM. 7.5 Club de Golf Hilton (R) Gran Melia Golf Club Cancun (R) Moon Spa & Golf Course (R) 11 Carr. Chetomal, KM. 3.2 Cozumel Country Club (P) 16 Carr Costera Norte KM. 6.5 Playacar Spa & Golf Course (R) 17 Paseo Xaman-Ha s/n Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club (R) 14 Carr. Chetumal-PTO Juarez, KM. 309 Puerto Aventuras Resort Course (R) Carr, Chetumal-PTO Juarez, KM. 269.5 Playa Mujeres Golf Club (R) 8 Bonampak S/N El Camaleón at Mayakoba (R) 7 Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa KM. 298 Mayan Palace Riviera Maya (R) 30 Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa KM. 48

PAR N/A N/A

QUERETARO

Balvanera Polo & Country Club (P) (442) 225-1661 Club de Golf Provincia Juriquilla (P) (442) 234-0141 Apartado Postal No. 42 Club Campestre de Queretaro (P) 17 (442) 216-2030

HOLES 9 9

(P) = Private Course

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

18 71 72.1 6534 6096 6242 Y 18 71 75.4 3031 2829 2464 N Percy Clifford design. 9 70 68.3 5699 5686 N/A Y 9 72 69.0 6516 6241 5263 Y 27 72 N/A 6729 6480 5752 Y Lee Trevino re-design. Annual El Cid Pro-Am, open to guests.

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

WWW.GOLFINMEXICO.NET

Golf Course Directory STATE Estrella del Mar Golf Course (R) KM 10 Camino a la isla de la Piedra

TELEPHONE 23 (669) 982-3300

CITY Mazatlan

SONORA

Club de Golf Canenea (P) Club De Golf De CD. Obregon (P) (644) 418-0044 Campo de Golf Marina San Carlos (SP) (622) 226-1102 Domicilio Conocido entre Loma Bonita y Solimar Club Campestre de Hermosillo (P) (621) 224-3095 Postal Naruarte No. 76-2 Club De Golf Los Lagos (P) 29 (662) 260-8860 Club de Golf Real de Las Palmas (P) Club de Nogales (P) Grupo Mayan Golf Puerto Peñasco (D) (638) 383-0400

Hermosillo Hermosillo Nogales Puerto Peñasco

20 (638) 108-1072

Puerto Peñasco

The Links at Las Palomas (R)

(993) 316-5411

Villahermosa

N/A $50 $55

N/A $50 $65

$50

Y N/A N/A N/A

$80 N/A N/A $160

$110

5600

4800

$50

$95

(883) 224-1070

Altamira

5078

$100

$120

Cuidad Madero

18 72 N/A 6845 6199 Joe Finger/Tom Lehman design. 9 72 69.7 6200 5608

(833) 216-9682

4662

$50

(867) 714-2334

Nuevo Laredo

N/A

6315

N/A

5735

$60

(899) 922-0948 (868) 822-9675

Reynosa Matamoros

18 18

72 71

71.1 N/A

6458 6529

6050 6196

4826 5089

Y Y

N N/A

$20 $120

(831) 232-7323 (833) 229-0889 (834) 316-0618

Tamaulipas Tampico Victoria

9 18 9

N/A 70 72

N/A 70.0 71.0

N/A 6089 6250

N/A 5955 N/A

N/A 5221 N/A

N/A Y N

N/A Y Y

$35 $100 $30

$35 $150 $50

(229) 986-0890

Boca del Rio

9 70 70.7 6213 5347 N/A N Percy Clifford design. Boasts the best greens in Veracruz. 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 72 71.6 6900 6621 5606 N 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 72 70.8 6874 6540 5710 N 9 72 70.1 6526 6442 5370 N 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

$60

$90

N/A Y N/A Y Y N/A N/A N/A

$50 $45 $50 $40 $30 $30 $30 $30

$50 $55 $50 $40 $30 $30 $30 $30

Merida Merida

18 18

72 N/A

78.5 N/A

6605 N/A

5844 N/A

5131 N/A

Y N/A

$140 N/A

Fresnillo Guadalupe

9 9

72 72

68.4 69.5

3092 N/A

3092 6172

2737 5474

Y N

N Y

$35 $100

(271) 716-0144 (228) 820-0188 (922) 225-0024

Coatzacoalcos Cordoba Huatusco Jalapa Minatitlan Orizaba Poza Rica Tuxpan

27 (999) 922-0053 Jack Nicklaus design.

76.0

2900

ZACATECAS

Club de Golf Fresnillo (P) Club De Golf Zacatecas (P) DIRECTORY KEY (R) = Resort Course

N/A Y N

YUCATAN

Club de Golf Yucatan (P) Yucatan Country Club (P)

N/A N Y

VERACRUZ

Club de Golf La Villa Rica (P) Apartado Postal No. 1351 Club Campestre Coatzacoalcos (P) Club Campestre Cordobes (P) Los Cocuyos Resort & Club Golf (P) Club de Golf Jalapa (P) Asociacion Deportivo Minatitlan (P) Club de Golf Santa Gertudiis (P) Tajin Club de Golf (P) Club Campestre Tuxpan (P)

Hermosillo

9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 70.7 6588 6138 5373 18 72 68.7 5858 5439 5072 Roy Dye design. 9 72 70.7 6234 N/A N/A Larry Hughes design. 18 72 70.3 6830 6348 5367 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 18 72 N/A 7100 N/A N/A Jack Nicklaus design. 18 72 72.0 6855 6480 N/A Forest Richardson and Arthur Jack Snider design.

TAMAULIPAS

Club Lagunas de Miralta (P) Fracc. Lagunas de Miralta Club Refineria FCO. I Madero (P) Av. Alvaro Obregon S/N Club de Golf Riviera del Bravo (D) Rio Panuco y 15 de Septiembre Club Campestre Reynosa (P) Club Campestre El Saucito (SP) Carratera a Cd. Victoria Km. 12 Club de Golf Mante (D) Club Campestre Tampico (P) Club Campestre Victoria (P)

Canenea CD. Obregon Guaymas

TABASCO

Club Campestre Villahermosa (P)

HOLES PAR RATING CHAMP MEN WOMEN CARTS CADDIES WKDAYS WKEND 18 72 75 7045 5959 5458 Y N $110 $110 Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, great ocean front layout.

(P) = Private Course

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(492) 923-0341 (492) 923-0291

(SP) = Semi-Private Course

(D) = Daily Fee

(L) = Low Season

(H) = High Season

1 = TOP 30 Private Course ranking 1 = TOP 30 Resort Course ranking

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Mazatlan’s Estrella del Mar Golf Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

HEROES OF GOLF IN MEXICO by Charles Kinder

Mexico’s Oso Dorado

JACK NICKLAUS

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playability for amateur players and challenge for the better players; perhaps most importantly, how to maximize the economic impact of the golf component for the developer. Nicklaus blends all of these ideals together as pleasingly as how the desert meets the ocean in the Baja. By this summer, Nicklaus Design will have completed 18 golf courses throughout Mexico, matching the record number of major championships won by Jack Nicklaus in his illustrious tournament career, and thus cementing the Golden Bear’s playing legacy. With another 16 Nicklaus Design courses under development throughout the country, Oso Dorado (Spanish for Golden Bear) will cement his design legacy in Mexico. Golf has been good for Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Nicklaus has been good for golf in Mexico.

Veni…Vidi...Vici…translated from Latin to Spanish to English, means Jack Nicklaus came to Mexico, saw the potential and conquered the golf course design market. Why else would Los Cabos be nick-named Nicklausville or Cabo San Nicklaus? It all started with a phone call in 1988 from Don Koll, President of Koll International and the proud owner of Palmilla, the old veteran hotel that is surrounded by thousands of acres of rolling desert hillsides, ideally suited for golf in a landscape only known for fishing. On the other end was Carlos Hampe, then director for the Minister of Tourism in Los Angeles. Asked by Koll what the Mexican Government could do to support his efforts to build a golf course in Los Cabos, Carlos, an avid golfer, was quick to respond "Let’s fly to Phoenix to look at the golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus in the same type of desert climate, minus the beautiful blue of the Sea of Cortez that serves as the backdrop for Los Cabos." After the site inspection, the rest is history. Palmilla became the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Latin America, opened in 1993 with the 18 holes of the Arroyo and Mountain courses, and later the addition of the Ocean 9 in 1999. Palmilla’s creation spawned a second golf course in Los Cabos—another brainchild of Koll—the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol. Shortly thereafter, Cabo del Sol became a staple in world rankings, and now the Ocean Course and Palmilla are rated the No. 1 and 2 resort courses, respectively, in Mexico. Jack Nicklaus has also designed the No. 1 private club in Mexico, also located in Los Cabos, at Eldorado Golf Club, now owned and managed by Discovery Land Company. Currently Los Cabos is rated in the top 15 golf destinations in the world, and Nicklaus has four of the top courses completed in Los Cabos, as well as one under construction at Puerto Los Cabos. Several more are on the drawing board. Some additional statistics from BEST’s “Top 30 Resort Courses” might be in order. Nicklaus Design has four of the top 10 listings, and seven of the top 20. BEST’s “Top Private Courses” includes four Nicklaus Design courses in its top 20 listings. Highly acclaimed, La Loma in San Luis Potosi, a design which included key input from his oldest son Jack II (President of Nicklaus Design) is BEST’s “Top New Private Golf Course 2007.” Nicklaus Design creations: Campestre San Jose, Mayan Puerto Peñasco and Asturiano Golf Club in Cuautla are the BEST’s “Top 3 New Resort Courses.” It should not come as any surprise that Jack Nicklaus has been voted BEST’s Top Golf Course Architect in Mexico. Mr. Nicklaus has a sixth sense for golf course design; understanding how to work in concert with the existing land; the importance of balancing

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

Your Mexico Real Estate Connection

BUYING REAL ESTATE IN MEXICO by Fabiola Thébaud - Kinder

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A RETIREMENT OR VACATION HOME? Mexico’s close proximity to the U.S. is a great benefit to the vacationer or retiree. The lower cost of living, availability of quality resort homes at lower prices compared with the U.S., and topnotch medical facilities make living in Mexico more attractive. There are many flights that can get you to destinations such as Cabo and Puerto Vallarta in less than two hours. Destinations such as Manzanillo are attracting more flights. One can also find beautiful resort property within a two-hour drive from San Diego.

WHAT TYPES OF OWNERSHIP CAN A FOREIGNER HAVE IN MEXICO, AND WHAT IS THE ACQUISITION PROCESS? On the Mexican mainland, a foreigner can purchase property fee simple (direct deed); except when the property is located in the restricted zone: 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the shoreline or 100 kilometers (62.5 miles) from the borders. Residential properties located in all of the Baja Peninsula, and coastal and border areas within the restricted zone, may only be acquired through a Mexican Bank Trust called a Fideicomiso. The bank, for an annual service fee of $300-$400, serves as a trustee, which holds the legal title to the property for up to 50 years. The cost for the permit to establish a bank trust is less than $1,000 USD. To purchase through a Fideicomiso, a foreigner must first register at the Secretariat de Relationes Exteriores for a permit to establish the trust. Upon receipt of the permit, the trustee bank sends instructions to a Notario (a governor appointed attorney), who prepares the deed (Escritura) to the beneficial rights. Applicable taxes are paid (2% of purchase price), then the deed is recorded in the local municipality. The foreigner, as a beneficiary of the Fideicomiso, has the right to use, improve, lease, sell, mortgage, and will the property. Should you die, your estate becomes the beneficiary. Also a second beneficiary to the trust can be named on a Fideicomiso to avoid probate. Upon expiration, a Fideicomiso may be extended indefinitely in 50-year periods when one pays the renewal fee. After 100 years, the property remains yours, but a new trust must be created.

Commercial or non-residential property in the restricted zone can be purchased fee simple with 100% foreign capital as a Mexican corporation, without the need for a Fideicomiso, but going through an application process through the Secretariat de Relationes Exteriores. Escrow arrangements in Mexico do not typically exist as in the US. Some American-based real estate companies work with a hybrid type of escrow, incorporating the closing customs of Mexico and California for U.S.-based buyers. Fabiola Thébaud-Kinder has close working relationships with the most professional, bilingual notarios to better serve her clients.

WHERE CAN WE FIND FINANCING TO PURCHASE HOMES IN MEXICO? In Mexico most residential real estate is purchased on a cash basis. Financing of homes in Mexico has been customarily done through a home equity loan on a U.S. buyer’s primary residence. Developers usually offer some type of financing and some will carry back a portion of the note. Mexican banks and finance companies have begun to offer loans to foreigners. U.S.-based mortgage companies are offering long term, fixed rate financing with as little as 20-30% down.

SHOULD WE BUY A TITLE INSURANCE POLICY? Absolutely! Questions of title may be resolved through the title company rather than through the Mexican Courts. In the US things may go wrong with title, and in Mexico as well, so it is prudent to get a title policy. The Title insurance policy issued for Mexico is 99% similar to an ALTA policy. There are differences in the law and the language, i.e. there is no Spanish equivalent of “marketability.” Ejido rights and agricultural reform have a part in the Mexican policy. In addition, in Mexico, mineral rights belong to the federal government, not to the owner of the land. First American Title Corporation, Stewart Title, and Fidelity National Title are a few US-based companies offering title policies in Mexico. *The above is provided as general information. As laws are subject to change and not all details can possibly be mentioned in this article, we recommend that you seek legal and tax advice from a qualified professional.

Fabiola Thébaud - Kinder is a licensed real estate agent in Laguna Beach, California. With over 18 years management experience at several major international hotel companies, her specialty is hospitality & resort real estate. If you are interested in learning more about real estate in Mexico, please contact Fabiola at (949) 246-2327, or email: fabkinder@gmail.com www.fabulousresorts.com

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE Tee off in your backyard

- Los Cabos, Baja California Sur -

Relaxation...

Cabo Azul Resort & Spa Experience everything luxury resort living should be when you choose Cabo Azul Resort & Spa. Luxury has never felt so good, relaxation has never been more rejuvenating, nor recreational activities more exciting than at the beautiful Cabo Azul Resort. First-class villa accoutrements, a variety of dining options, an immensely indulgent spa and unparalleled wedding services are all available at this idyllic location. Featuring Javier’s Cantina & Grill; a famed Orange County, CA hot-spot. www.CaboAzulResort.com

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Mexico Real Estate

2008 - MY PERSPECTIVE by Bruce Greenberg

I have been providing real estate valuations and consulting services in Mexico for the past twelve years and have observed blips in the United States economy including the dot.com and previous Wall Street “Slowdown” that did not affect the real estate cycle in the resort communities of Mexico. As we enter the recession in the United States, I believe this economic re-adjustment cycle will have effects on Mexico and real estate globally. I recently attended a 2008 Economic Forecast in Mexico City where both “National” public & private sector professionals with strong pulses on the economic status of Mexico, cited: • Mexico is better prepared within its finance infrastructure system than ever before for a United States economic slowdown and is now “globally” oriented; • That Mexico's GNP growth rate will be slower (2.8% vs. 3.8%) for the forthcoming year yet this is still a respectable amount. I agree with the consensus, yet I am concerned that many of the resort markets in Mexico will be experiencing an oversupply of “new” condo units. The economic slowdown in the United States will have a direct effect on this “submarket.” Traditionally, in a recession “the rich get richer and the poor have babies!” So I believe, the less affluent U.S. buyer will be less active. If developers have foresight and reduce prices then Canadians, Europeans and Nationals during this cycle can take advantage and fill the U.S. buyer void. Conversely, I do not believe the wealthier U.S. buyer will disappear. In fact the affluent will take advantage of developers “fear factor.” Historically, the wealthy get wealthier in an economic downturn — money talks! So the upper-end market should generally remain stable. More importantly than ever, developers need market/feasibility/absorption/competition/pricing studies!! Information is key in this economic cycle!! Developers and lenders cannot look through the rear view mirror they must look forward.

Presidente Calderon and his Cabinet understand both the need to grow and improve on infrastructure and tourism. They get it! The administration is working vigorously to bring more U.S./Canadian/European/Asians to Mexico. Mexico tourism will exceed 30 million visitors this year — a projected growth rate of about 7.5% is forecasted. Mexico ranks # 2 in the world in timeshare sales. Through “whole” ownership by U.S. buyers will decrease, this is the time for the construction of new hospitality facilities — hotel/timeshare and even fractional complexes will fill the void for condos. Mexico “welcomes” US citizens and are friendly warm hosts. This welcome and attitude is not always true in other resorts locales globally! Mexico is close and affordable so during this U.S. recession, I believe that the hospitality sector will grow. This also benefits Mexico in the long run with increased sustainable employment. The construction of new hospitality/timeshare/fractional facilities will “house” the next wave of buyers as the recession winds down. Re-stated your next buyer is already a stakeholder in your timeshare and/or fractional complex. To help foment the economic growth of Mexico Presidente Calderon has initiated a government/private sector program to spend $46.4 U.S. dollars annually for the next 4 years on: Expanding existing airports; • 3 “new” airports are being built; • Seaports are being modernized; • 3 “new” seaports are being built; • The federal highway system is experiencing tremendous growth — 100 new major roadways are planned and/or under construction; • Fonatur has increased its budget threefold. Many private sector groups will benefit from this growth. Crisis always provides opportunities — so this economic slowdown will be taken straight on by the stakeholders of Mexico with strong public/private partnerships. This synergy will benefit those who join in both the short and long term basis.

Bruce D. Greenberg, MAI, SRA, ASA is the principal consultant/appraiser for Bruce D. Greenberg, Incorporated in Tucson, Arizona and Valuacioñes Montaña Verde, S.A. de C.V. Mr. Greenberg serves as a Bi-National Director of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and on the Executive Committee for both California and Arizona Chapters. Mr. Greenberg is an active participant in the ULI ñ Mexico district. Mr. Greenberg was selected in 1999, by former Arizona Governor Jane D. Hull, as a member of her task force addressing consumer guidelines in the acquisition of real estate in Sonora. Governor Janet Napolitano in 2003 asked Mr. Greenberg to serve on the Real Estate Ad-hoc Committee under the auspices of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. He has been a member of the Financial, Business and Legal Services Committee of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and a member of the National Law Center of Inter-American Free Trade for the past 10 years. He is an active member of the Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios, A.C. (AMPI) of Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta/Nayarit and Puerto Peñasco sections and is also a member of the Multi List organizations of Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Peñasco. Mr. Greenberg can be reached at (520) 750-8200, fax (520) 750-8298, e-mail bgreenberg@brucedgreenberginc.com or visit the web page at www.mexicovaluations.com

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MEXICO REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE Tee off in your backyard

- Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit -

Luxury in Paradise...

Paradise Village - Playa Royale Once you have experienced the pleasures of Paradise Village, it's only natural to begin thinking of ways of turning your vacation into the dream of a life time. Whatever shape your dreams take, an investment in Paradise Village will secure the ultimate vacation retreat for you and your family... in a luxurious, master planned community with all the comforts, recreation and lifestyle opportunities usually reserved for the affluent. www.ParadiseVillageRealEstate.com

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BESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

PLAYA MUJERES GOLF CLUB PERFECTLY MANICURED GOLF

he vast blue turquoise water of the Mexican Caribbean visit an unforgettable experience. Sea is the backdrop to Playa Mujeres Golf Course, well With its masterful design, expert management by positioned inside 2,290 + acres of lush tropical land, just Troon Golf and unmatched playing conditions, Playa seven miles north of Cancun, México. Mujeres Golf Club is recognized as one of the top Playa Mujeres Golf Course, designed by world- courses in Mexico; currently it is on our BEST’s TOP 10 famous golf player Greg Norman, currently has 18 holes list of resort courses in Mexico. that are strategically located to make the Playa Mujeres friendliness is noticegame most interesting and challenging. able in several different ways. It was given With another 18 holes on the way, the an award by The Executive Women´s Golf completion of 36 holes makes it one of Association (EWGA) in June 2007, for the best golf complexes in Mexico. being a women-friendly course. From the It is a great resort course where daily simplest things like air-conditioned trade winds that demand pinpoint accurestrooms along the course, to fairway racy, paired with water coming into play and tee design, where men and women Location Cancun in 10 holes, challenge even the most expeare treated equally regarding the chalCourse Playa Mujeres Golf rienced players. lenges they face on fairways and greens. Club, 18 hole, Greg Norman Playa Mujeres Golf Club was created Playa Mujeres Golf Course is a must Signature Course with a profound respect for the abundant play for anyone planning a golf vacation, a Contact (998) 887-7322 wildlife and vegetation of the delicate day of golf, or an event to be long rememwww.playamujeresgolf.com ecosystem that surrounds the course. bered. Real estate opportunities are availOperated under the highest standards of able at both the Capricho Residences and quality and service, their attention to detailed mainte- La Amada Residences Hotel and Marina. Resort accomnance will impress you as you play your first quality modations are available at the Excellence Group Luxury round of golf. Resorts at Playa Mujeres. A well-appointed clubhouse, on-site pro-shop and Playa Mujeres will have you dreaming of a return expert staff help provide your every need to make your visit or investment in the future.

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Playa Mujeres - a spectacular Greg Norman Signature Golf Course

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO

El Tigre at Paradise Village Golf & Countrry Club - Robert von Hagge, Smelek & Baril design

JACK NICKLAUS

BEST’s Top Architect of the Year

LORENA OCHOA

We interview the #1 Female Golfer

GARY PLAYER

Breaking Ground in Mexico

REAL ESTATE GROWTH IN MEXICO A Golfer’s Paradise

EL TIGRE AT PARADISE VILLAGE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

MOST COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF ALL GOLF COURSES IN MEXICO

JACK NICKLAUS

BEST’s Top Architect of the Year

LORENA OCHOA

We interview the #1 Female Golfer

GARY PLAYER

Breaking Ground in Mexico

REAL ESTATE GROWTH IN MEXICO

Isla Navidad Golf Course - Robert von Hagge, Smelek & Baril design

A Golfer’s Paradise

MOST COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF ALL GOLF COURSES IN MEXICO

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- La Paz, Baja California Sur -

Tranquility...

CostaBaja Resort & Marina CostaBaja’s most luxurious real estate property, VistaMar spares no extravagance. Here, every day is an experience of understated elegance. From the grand arrival plaza with its palapa roof, to the hill-hugging casitas, every aspect of VistaMar is deluxe. Set off on foot through the plush, landscaped grounds which complement and embrace the natural surroundings. Saunter through the lobby of this remarkable development, which blends the opulence of a 5-star hotel with all the comforts of home. www.CostaBajaResort.com

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- Los Cabos, Baja California Sur -

You’re home...

El Encanto de la Laguna El Encanto de la Laguna is a unique, high-end, single family real estate development located in the new tourist corridor of Los Cabos, approximately 6 kilometers from San Jose del Cabo. El Encanto de la Laguna neighbors the ìFundadoresî or founders side of Puerto Los Cabos, the biggest development in town, housing two exclusive golf courses and a marina. El Encanto de la Laguna is renown by all realtors and developers for its unique and astonishing design. www.ElEncantoLosCabos.net

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BEST’S GOLF GUIDE TO MEXICO