Discover the best golf courses in San Jose del Cabo

What makes a golf course truly exceptional? Is it the challenge the course offers, the beauty of the surroundings, or the exclusivity of the club? For many, it’s a combination of all these factors, ideally set against a breathtaking oceanfront backdrop.

If this sounds like your ideal golfing experience, then the top golf clubs in San Jose Del Cabo should be at the top of your bucket list. Renowned for their stunning coastal views, unparalleled facilities, and challenging greens, these clubs offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO’S BEST GOLF COURSES

Golfing in San Jose del Cabo is unlike any other. Many of the golf clubs and facilities here combine challenging and well-designed courses with the natural beauty of the Baja Peninsula. And thanks to the agreeable local climate, golfers can play their favorite courses or holes all year round. Add the possibility of spotting local wildlife– such as iguanas and roadrunners– and you’ve got a golfing experience that’s unique and enjoyable.

Palmilla Golf Club
Consistently ranked among the best courses, not only in San Jose del Cabo, but in Mexico and Latin America, Palmilla Golf Club is a true seaside jewel with courses designed by none other than legendary golf architect Jack Nicklaus. In total, Palmilla offers 27 holes that are spread across three distinctive courses that feature jaw-dropping oceanfront scenery: Arroyo, Mountain, and Ocean.

• The Arroyo course: This is a nine-hole course that follows the natural arroyo (creek bed) through the desert landscape. It offers a mix of long and short holes, with strategically placed water hazards and bunkers.

  What makes the Arroyo course especially challenging are its tight fairways, undulating greens, and water hazards that require careful planning and accurate shots. The Arroyo’s 6th, 7th, and 8th holes are often recognized as some of the best holes in the region.

• The Mountain course: This is the second of the Palmilla’s three nine-hole courses, featuring significant elevation changes as it follows the desert landscape. Thanks to this rolling topography, golfers are treated with dramatic and sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez as they aim for hole-in-ones.

  But the Mountain course’s signature elevation changes also provide ample challenge and precise shot-making that takes into consideration the course’s narrow fairways and strategic bunkering. Some of the natural beauty, particularly in holes 4 and 7, can also be distracting!

• The Ocean course: Breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez and its beautiful coastal terrain are the two main highlights of the nine-hole Ocean course. But it’s not all beauty and scenery here. The first six holes of the course feature a 600-feet elevation change.

  Though the course features relatively wider fairways, the coastal winds blowing from the sea can set golfers off track. The occasional saltwater sprays and coastal troughs are some other environmental challenges you must face to conquer the Ocean course.

Palmilla Golf Club provides a luxurious array of amenities that elevate the overall golfing experience. The elegant clubhouse, adorned with traditional Mexican architecture, features great locker rooms, a fully-stocked pro shop, and a variety of dining options, including the renowned Cantina Restaurant. After a round, golfers can unwind at the tranquil Spa Palmilla, indulge in a refreshing cocktail at the bar, or take a dip in one of the resort’s sparkling pools.

Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club
Another premier golf destination in San Jose del Cabo is Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club. They’re known for providing a premier golfing experience with its dual designer courses by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. This combination of designs offers golfers a rare opportunity to experience the distinct styles of two golfing legends on one property.

• The Ocean course: One of the two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses at Puerto Los Cabos, the Ocean course takes golfers on a 3,567-yard, par-36 journey that begins up in the foothills. As golfers travel down to the Sea of Cortez coastline, they’ll have to navigate rippling fairways and sculpted bunkers. The main highlights of the Ocean course are the 5th and 6th holes, both of which are carved into the shoreline and look as if they’re part of the natural landscape.
• The Vista course: Opened in 2018, this is the second of Jack Nicklaus’ signature golf courses at Puerto Los Cabos. While the Ocean course stays close to the sea, the Vista course heads farther away and up to the hills. Some of the course’s prominent features include the links-style opening and dramatic vistas of the Sea of Cortez, which golfers can especially enjoy from holes 6 through 9.
• The Mission Course: Puerto Los Cabos’ Greg Norman course is a 3,436-yard, par-36 layout along the oceanfront and features a 400-feet elevation change. With the location and the rugged desert landscape, golfers are in for a beautiful albeit challenging and thoughtful play.

What makes golfing at Puerto Los Cabos truly unforgettable, however, is the complimentary access to the facility’s palapas. Golfers are invited to stop by for up to four times during their round to replenish their energy with drinks and food made with locally grown and sourced ingredients.

Guests are also welcome to access Puerto Los Cabos’ Spanish Mission Revival clubhouse. There, they can relax and even indulge in some retail therapy at the golf shop, which comes stocked with both golf wear, equipment, as well as the latest in resort fashion. Alternatively, you can hang out at the outdoor bar and restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch to both golfers and non-golf guests daily.

Club Campestre San Jose
Set against the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, Club Campestre San Jose features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course that is also recognized as one of the best in San Jose del Cabo.

The layout takes full advantage of the region’s natural terrain, with a mix of desert landscapes and ocean vistas. Elevation changes, wide fairways, and large greens further enhance the golfing experience.

What makes playing at Club Campestre’s golf course satisfying and rewarding, however, is overcoming its challenges. These include the water hazards, undulating greens, and bunkers that are scattered throughout the 6,966-yard, par-71 course. Such a layout requires careful shot planning and offers a good balance of risk and reward.

Club Campestre San Jose is also home to a long list of recreational amenities that you can enjoy before or after your round. These include the 32,000-sq.-ft. hacienda-style clubhouse. You can take advantage of the extensive practice facilities, which include a driving range, a short game area, and putting greens. The club also offers a fitness center, swimming pool, and tennis courts for those looking to stay active off the course.

Rates at Club Campestre range from $160 to $260. You can enjoy lower rates if you come during the low season or specific times of the day– daily rates are usually lower during the early twilight and twilight hours. Regardless of when you play, these rates already come with a round of 18 holes, access to practice facilities, a shared golf cart with GPS, and water to keep you hydrated during your round.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Triple Crown golf pass that enables you to enjoy all three Questro golf facilities: Club Campestre, Puerto Los Cabos, and Cabo Real. These passes range from $450 to $730 and are valid for 14 days after your initial round.

Cabo Real
Cabo Real Golf Club is a standout among the best golf courses in San Jose Del Cabo. It serves as the centerpiece of an enormous 2,800-acre resort and residential development boasting 3.2 miles of beachfront.

The course itself is a multi-themed, target-style design crafted by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. According to Trent Jones, Jr., they “created a golf course that appears to have been designed by its setting, and on which every hole offers a view of the Sea of Cortez. The desert sun produces an intensity of light and shadow that sometimes… creates a mirage effect.”

The front nine holes at Cabo Real were completely refashioned by Jones from a pre-existing layout. This opening half provides a scenic, relatively gentle test. The back nine, on the other hand, presents a greater challenge with holes chiseled into desert foothills at the base of rugged mountain peaks. It’s easy to see why Cabo Real was chosen to host two PGA Senior Slam events in the 1990s.

The amenities at Cabo Real are top-notch as well. One of the centerpieces is a beautiful clubhouse with a pro shop, restaurant, and bar. The practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, and chipping area, allowing golfers to hone their skills before hitting the course. Additionally, the club offers golf instruction from PGA professionals, catering to golfers of all abilities.

El Dorado Golf and Beach Club
Situated near the edge of San Jose del Cabo, El Dorado Golf and Beach Club plays host to another Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course by the sea. But since it’s part of a private community, golfing at El Dorado is exclusive to members. If you do decide to make an investment, here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect.

El Dorado’s golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 course that mixes both desert and oceanfront holes. Shaded canyons figure prominently in the layout, and since coastal winds can affect your play, you’ll also need some careful shot planning whenever you play a round or two here. Comfort stations are scattered throughout the course should you need refreshments, snacks, and even entertainment.

Membership at El Dorado Golf and Beach Club can be obtained in two ways. First, you can purchase a property in the community, which automatically grants you membership. Second, you can become a part of the club by invitation, which is subject to committee approval. That said, you can enjoy El Dorado’s golf and other amenities as a valued guest of a member as well.

Real estate options at El Dorado Golf and Beach Club include oceanfront villas, custom homes, as well as home sites. If you’d like to explore housing options within the community, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Querencia Golf and Beach Club
Another option for private golf experiences in San Jose del Cabo is Querencia Golf and Beach Club. Best known for its upscale amenities amidst well-preserved natural surroundings, Querencia is also home to an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio. According to Fazio, he designed the Querencia golf course “to maximize the views of downtown San Jose del Cabo and the Sea of Cortez, and provide a fair balance between risks and rewards.”

And so Fazio’s 18-hole golf course spans over 300 acres and follows the natural topography of the area, easily creating challenges for even the most advanced golfers. Three comfort stations mark certain points of the course and offer food and cocktails for refreshment. To allow golfers to fully experience and enjoy the course, each tee is spaced 12 minutes apart– there’s no need to rush here. Finally, for those who want to warm up before their rounds, there’s a majestic 12-acre practice facility that also provides a sneak peak of Querencia’s total golf experience.

Querencia offers different types of membership to suit various needs and lifestyles. If golf is your primary goal, you can purchase a full golf membership. For those with real estate investment also in mind, you can also find housing options in the community. As a member and/or resident of Querencia, you’ll get to enjoy a bevy of perks as well as the power to invite close friends and family as your guests.

GOLF CLUBS NEAR SAN JOSE DEL CABO

Apart from those in San Jose del Cabo, you’ll also find other top-tier golf clubs in nearby Cabo San Lucas. Here are some of them:

• Diamante Cabo San Lucas: This is a world-class golf destination renowned for its stunning ocean views and challenging layouts. Designed by Davis Love III and Tiger Woods, the Dunes and El Cardonal courses offer an unforgettable golfing experience.
• Quivira Golf Club: Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Quivira Golf Club offers golfers an unparalleled waterfront experience. Another Jack Nicklaus masterpiece, its cliffside course is known for its incredible sunset views and challenging terrain.
• Cabo del Sol Golf Club: Cabo del Sol Golf Club is a premier golf destination featuring two championship courses: the Ocean Course and the Desert Course. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus respectively, they offer options for those who want a challenge or those looking for a more forgiving experience.

LIVE NEAR THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN SAN JOSE DEL CABO

What’s better than enjoying San Jose del Cabo’s world-class golf courses as a tourist? Experiencing them as a resident and getting to play whenever you want, of course!

The Finn Real Estate Group is excited to show you your luxury real estate options in San Jose del Cabo and the rest of the Los Cabos region. Get in touch with us by calling 624.124.3533 or sending us an email. You can also get started by messaging us here.