Mayakoba - El Camaleon - Mexico

Home to the Mayakoba Golf Classic (don't ask the caddies about Matt Kuchar!). A solid test of golf in a beautiful setting, however I found the golf to not be memorable, with a few exceptions. The par 5 opener has the cave (cenote) bunker on the 1st. Of course I managed to hit it in that bunker- it was certainly an interesting shot getting back out of it! There are also a couple of short par 3s right on the beach, although I question if it wasn't for the setting right on the beach, if they would have been that memorable.

El Camaleon opened in the spring of 2006 and certainly lives up to its’ name. Like the lizard capable of changing colors accordingly to blend in with their surroundings, this course celebrates nature at its finest as it delicately winds through the sensitive jungles and mangrove swamps and alongside magnificent ocean vistas. Another amazing feature of this Fairmont managed property is the unique nine kilometers of freshwater natural canals that meander throughout the property shuttling guests to and fro in custom-built mahogany gondolas “lanchas”. No wonder Mayakoba has been dubbed “the Venice of the Yucatan”. Picking my favorite hole was definitely a challenge but in the end it was a toss-up between the 7th and the 15th. Both are par 3’s, where the prevailing winds, sea spray and soothing waves will leave a lasting impression, regardless of your score. Greg Norman has been quoted as stating “With three distinct landscapes and a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Yucatan, there is uniqueness in every hole” and I couldn’t agree more! For a complete article on El Camaleon and other courses in the Riviera Maya visit http://golftravelandleisure.com/2013/10/18/golf-in-riviera-maya-mexico/

Its an amazing course with amazing views. The bunkers are fantastic. Played the course in March 2012.

This course has some excellent holes, particularly on the front 9. There is a lot of water to contend with and even a couple of caves to play over. A super run of holes from the 5th to the 10th are the real highlight. It was in excellent condition although the greens were on the slow side. There are couple of weaker holes such as the 2nd and the 11th and the par 3's are all short. Well worth a round on your Mexican holiday itinerary, but it is not cheap!!