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
