Play Golf in the Riviera Maya

Though the Mayans never used the wheel, they did have the ball, and it is believed that they took great pleasure in playing various games. Their most famous ball game was called pok-ta-pok, and it was serious business. The ball was about the size of a kickball, and the game was played on a large field about the size of a basketball court.

Similar to basketball, the game’s object was to shoot the ball through a hoop mounted above the playing surface. Considering that players weren’t allowed to use their hands, though, scoring was quite rare and was considered a tremendous feat. Large numbers of villagers turned out to watch the games, which had great religious and ceremonial importance. Fans sang songs, acted boisterously, and even bet on who would win. The winners of the game were given a hero’s welcome, and a celebration was held in their honor. As legend has it, the losers were put to death.

Today, the open fields, beachfronts, and carved-away jungles of the Riviera Maya make a perfect backdrop for the more “civilized” ball game of golf. There are a dozen places to play within a short distance of the Riviera Maya, including courses in Cancún, Cozumel, and the town of Bacalar (south of the Riviera Maya). Some of the courses are par 3, but others are par 72 championship courses designed by some of the best golf architects in the business, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Robert Von Hagge.

Most of the courses have beautiful views of the ocean and the tropical jungle. Iguanas, colorful birds, and other animals are commonly seen. Most have multiple water and sand features, and a couple even have actual Mayan ruins next to the fairways.

Most courses have clubs for rent, and unless you’re a real pro or planning on playing multiple rounds, the loaners are normally sufficient. Balls can be expensive (and the loss ratio can be high), so it’s usually best to bring some of your own since they’re cheap back home and fairly easy to pack. The larger courses have full-service pro shops with name-brand equipment and apparel, club repair, and instruction.

Some of the courses operate with an all-inclusive concept, where the greens fee includes a cart, range balls, and all the food and drink you care to consume during your round. To keep the costs down, consider playing in the afternoon to take advantage of discounted twilight rates. Just make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

The Riviera Maya is becoming more of a golf destination each year. More than 15 courses are currently under construction or are in the design/approval/development stages. For information on all area golf courses, check with the Mexican Caribbean Golf Association.

A full description of all area courses is available in the Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya guide book available online.

More:
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook

Riviera Maya Golf Report

Though the Mayans never used the wheel, they did have the ball, and it is believed that they took great pleasure in playing various games. Their most famous ball game was called pok-ta-pok, and it was serious business. The ball was about the size of a kickball and the game was played on a large field about the size of a soccer pitch. Similar to basketball, the game's object was to shoot the ball through a hoop mounted above the playing surface. Considering that players weren't allowed to use their hands, though, scoring was quite rare and was considered a tremendous feat. Large numbers of villagers turned out to watch the games, which had great religious and ceremonial importance. Fans sang songs, acted boisterously, and even bet on who would win. The winners of the game were given a hero's welcome, and a celebration was held in their honor. As legend has it, the losers were put to death -- or was it the winners? Nobody knows for sure.

Today, the open fields, beachfronts, and carved-away jungles of the Riviera Maya make a perfect backdrop for the more "civilized" ball game of golf. There are a dozen places to play within a short distance of the Riviera Maya, including courses in Cancún, Cozumel, and in the town of Bacalar (south of the Riviera Maya). Some of the courses are par 3, but others are par 72 championship courses designed by some of the best golf architects in the business, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Robert Von Hagge.

Most of the courses have beautiful views of the ocean and the tropical jungle. Iguanas, colorful birds, and other animals are commonly sighted. Most have multiple water and sand features, and a couple even have actual Mayan ruins next to the fairways.

Most courses have clubs for rent, and unless you're a real pro or planning on playing multiple rounds, the loaners are normally sufficient. Balls can be expensive (and the loss ratio can be high), so it's usually best to bring some of your own since they're cheap back home and fairly easy to pack. The larger courses have full-service pro shops with name-brand equipment and apparel, club repair, and instruction.

Some of the courses operate with an all-inclusive concept, where the greens fee includes a cart, range balls, and all the food and drink you care to consume during your round. To keep the costs down, consider playing in the afternoon and take advantage of discounted twilight rates. Just make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

The Riviera Maya is becoming more of a golf destination each year. More than 15 courses are currently under construction or are in the design/approval/development stages.

Top Courses Include:
Golf Club Moon Palace Cancun - 27-hold Nicklaus Signature course, 10 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport.
Golf Club Playacar - Beautiful Robert Von Hagge course just south of Playa del Carmen. Features Mayan ruins along the fairways.
Golf Club Iberostar Paraiso Maya - Designed by P.B. Dye, this jungle-side course is between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.
Golf Club Mayan Resorts - This Nicklaus Design 18-hole course is par 54 with giant sand traps, water features and challenging greens.
Cozumel Country Club - 18-hole course on Cozumel's western shore, just a few miles north of the San Miguel tourism center.
Golf Club Cameleon Mayakoba - Located at the Fairmont resort north of Playa del Carmen, it's 18 holes through mangrove and jungle. GPS yardage and electronic scoring and food/drink service.
Cancun Golf Club Pok Ta Pok - The region's oldest course, located in the Cancun hotel zone. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1976. Several courses along the ocean.

More:
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook

PGA Golf Tournament Ends

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico (AP) -- Fred Funk came to Mexico aiming to show the young guys on the PGA Tour that he could still play championship golf at age 50. And he managed to do it, despite a back problem that left him aching like an old-timer.

The 50-year-old Funk overcame the pain and a rocky final round to win the Mayakoba Golf Classic on the second hole of a playoff with Jose Coceres, making him only the second man to win on the regular tour after winning on the Champions Tour.

"It shows that the old guy has still got something," Funk said. "It's a very satisfying win.

"I think I validated how good the players are on the Champions Tour. Even though you are 50 or 51 through 55 ... age doesn't really mean anything. I just want to see how long I can last."

Funk led the tournament, the PGA Tour's first in Mexico, from the start, setting the course record with an 8-under 62 Thursday. He never lost the lead, but was tied several times, including from the 14th hole Sunday until sinking a birdie putt in the playoff.

Read the complete story here.

More:
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook

Tickets On Sale for Riviera Maya PGA Tournament

PLAYA DEL CARMEN — PGA TOUR players are starting to make plans for the 2007 season and are including the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya - Cancun as part of their schedule for the February 19-25 tournament at the Mayakoba resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Major championship winners Mark Calcavecchia, Jeff Sluman and Steve Elkington have indicated they plan to participate in Mexico’s first-ever official PGA TOUR event. Past PGA TOUR champions John Cook, J.B. Holmes and Dean Wilson have also added their names as possible competitors in February.

“Now that the 2006 season is behind them, players are starting to focus on where they will be competing in 2007 and we are excited to see a few of these stars make initial plans to come to Playa del Carmen,” said Tournament Director Larson Segerdahl. “We know that players are already talking about the Cancun Riviera Maya region of Mexico as an exotic resort destination. Also, the opportunity to play in a historical event for Mexico has created quite an interest among the TOUR membership.”

Greg Norman, the course-designer and winner of over 90 worldwide golf tournaments, is also expected to participate in this premier PGA TOUR event.

Also included in the field will be four players who qualify through an Open Qualifying Tournament to be held at the Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club in Playa del Carmen on Monday, February 19, 2007.

TICKET SALES

Tickets for the inaugural Mayakoba Golf Classic will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 15th. Fans and businesses will have several options to purchase tickets for the five day event by visiting www.mayakobagolfclassic.com, calling 984-873-4916 in Mexico or 888-66-SHARK in the United States.

Weekly tickets, which include ground access only Wednesday through Sunday, are available for $100 USD. The daily ticket option begins with the Wednesday Pro-Am for $20 USD. Competition days, Thursday through Sunday, are $30 USD.

More:
Fairmont Mayakoba
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook

Resort Report: Hacienda Vista Real

This luxurious villa-style property has 78 rooms and is surrounded by the Playacar golf course, straight back from Reef Playacar hotel. The decor is a combination of Mexican hacienda, Roman, and Mayan, with dark woods, marble floors, column and arches, granite accents, and warm colors.

Rooms have air-conditioning, satellite TV, safes, glass showers, original artwork, and amazingly soft sheets and duvets. Suites have up to three bedrooms and feature Jacuzzis, terraces, and large living rooms. The hotel has a restaurant and pool facing several water hazards and the fairway of the first hole and the club house beyond. There is a massive fitness center with more than 30 LifeFitness machines, a kids club, convenience store, bakery, VIP TV lounge, Internet café, and Thai restaurant and sushi bar.

Guests have access to the resort’s exclusive beach club, located on Xpu-Ha beach, 15 minutes south of the hotel. The attached day spa is housed inside a recreation of a Mayan temple that is a marvel just to look at. It is the most lavish facility of its kind in all of Playacar, featuring a 30-foot waterfall, climbing wall, Mayan murals and stonework, and the most modern medical, therapeutic, and relaxing facilities available. Popular treatments include coconut milk body wraps, aroma facials, Turkish baths, hot stone massages, Shiatsu, hydrobaths, and full beauty salon services. There is even an indoor temazcal, with upgraded seating and amenities from the traditional Mayan sweat lodges.

Rates: starting around $161, per room EP (European plan). All-inclusive plans and suites are available for an additional fee.

More:
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook