Cabo has quickly become a golfer’s paradise. Situated at the southern end of Baja’s famed coast, Cabo is now home to 17 golf courses, as of 2018. Most of the courses are scattered across the tourist-haven that is Cabo San Lucas. However, a new course located on the less-trafficked East Cape has golfers eager to try something different.
East Cape, a vastly undeveloped, slow-paced side of Cabo, just opened the Costa Palmas Golf Course.
Here’s what link-lovers should know about the new 18-hole golf course in East Cape:
1. The course was designed by golfing legend, Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
If you’re a golfer, you’ve likely heard about the Jones legacy. Robert Trent Jones was responsible for designing more than 500 courses in 45 U.S. states. He died in 2006, but his son, Robert Trent Jones, Jr, studied under his father since the 1960s and has carried on his legacy.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. has designed 270 golf courses in more than 40 countries, including his latest marvel, the Costa Palmas Golf Course.
When asked to describe the golf course in East Cape, Jones referred to the creation as a “golf symphony” that takes advantage of the area’s natural beauty.
Golfers know that courses designed by Jones are championship-caliber courses situated in amazing locales. It’s one of the many reasons golfers are planning a trip to the East Cape.
2. Golf surrounded by natural beauty
The Costa Palmas course is breathtaking. The Sierra de la Laguna Mountains provide an amazing backdrop. As golfers wind their way through the course, they’re treated to stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. said, “We were given a spectacular site and shaped a golf course generous to the golfer that takes advantage of ocean views without being right on the water.”
The course, he added, “Will feel beautiful.” Jones says the course’s design was inspired by the area’s natural beauty.
“We created mounds in the shape of the surrounding mountains, for example, so they create a silhouette effect and blend harmoniously with the background.” You can hear Jones’ take on the course in this video.
3. One of few walking courses in Cabo
The links-inspired layout at Costa Palmas offers a walkable course.
Many of the courses in Cabo aren’t designed with walking in mind and have multiple transitions between greens and tees. As a result, caddies help golfers make it around the course. The Costa Palmas Golf Course is different.
The design of the course makes it simple to walk-on, play a few holes, and head back to the on-site Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos, for example.
4. The course design offers something for everyone
The first six holes, The Dunescape, features greens with unguarded entrances from the fairways. The next six holes, The Upland, offer wide landing areas off the tee and strategically placed bunkers. Completing the journey is, The Marina, where the final stretch of holes overlooks the marina and yacht cove.
5. Golf amenities galore
This prestigious golf course in East Cape gives golfers luxurious extras that make the game enjoyable.
Before hitting the course, try a few practice swings at the 30,000 sq. ft., lit putting course, or consider setting up a private lesson with the on-site golf pros.
In addition, the Costa Palmas Golf Club is open exclusively to members and hotel guests, making the experience truly one-of-a-kind.
6. End a round with a bite to eat
Steps from the greens, golfers will find a refreshing restaurant, Bouchie’s. Guests can stop in for a quick snack, a full lunch, or a handcrafted cocktail.
Artfully designed and conveniently located, Bouchie’s open-air cafe is the perfect place to relax after a day on the links.
7. Stay where you play
The Costa Palmas Golf Course is part of a 1,000-acre resort community, about 45 minutes from the Cabo International Airport.
The course unfolds in Cabo’s East Cape where dirt roads, deserts, and miles of untouched beaches welcome guests.
The resort community is home to the renowned golf course and recently-opened Four Seasons Resort Lost Cabos at Costa Palmas.
Golfers can stay in one of the 118 guest rooms or 23 suites. When golfers aren’t on the greens, they can enjoy the resort’s expansive pools, sports and activity center, spa treatments, and five restaurants with dazzling dishes.
8. See amazing sites during your stay
Golfers come for the course, but stay for the endless sunshine and unique sights. After playing a round at the golf course in East Cape, a visit to the Cabo Pulmo National Park is a must. This national marine park is home to one of three living coral reefs and is teaming with tropical fish and sea life. Snorkeling or diving is a must.
The famed “Arch” should also be on your itinerary. The natural limestone arch carved by winds and waves is an impressive natural wonder to see.
Of course, the East Cape has some of the most pristine, sugar-sand beaches in the world. The Costa Palmas resort has its own two-mile stretch of swimmable beach, but East Cape Beach, Playa Anonima, and Playa Higuera are also great beaches to try.
A trip to Baja isn’t complete without taking an ATV tour. Baja’s dirt roads and rugged landscape were an iconic draw for tourists of old, but development tapered the experience. However, East Cape’s landscape is a throwback to Old Baja, making it the perfect place for an old-school ATV tour.
Before you go, take a stroll through some of East Cape’s boutiques too. The area offers a calm, enjoyable shopping experience as opposed to the hectic, crowded malls of Cabo. Take home a few local gifts like homemade jewelry or Mexican spices.
The Costa Palmas Resort offers an elite vacation for golfers looking to experience a new, sought-after golf course designed by golfing royalty, Robert Trent Jones Jr.
In addition to playing a round at the newest golf course in East Cape, golfers can stay in a luxurious resort, enjoy five-star restaurants, relax on picture-perfect beaches, and return to the walkable golf course whenever the urge strikes.
Learn more about the Costa Palmas Golf Course on the Costa Palmas website.