Mayakoba - El Camaleón - Mexico

Mayakoba El Camaleón is a classic resort course. El Camaleon leverages three different environments, limestone canals, mangroves and oceanfront. Interesting, but contrived and squeezed in my opinion. Yes, there are ocean holes, but it is more about showing a little leg than being of substance. The layout has changed since I played it, the first hole was the par five the cave bunker. I believe it is now the 7th hole. The longest par three is only 200 yards but the others are in the 150 yard range and one less than 120 yards. Under the right circumstances most of the par fives can be reachable. You may also find yourself with a water carry over people in kayaks in the canals. Stay focused. There are some good holes and while I encourage you to play, be prepared to spend a lot of $$ and wondering what the heck just happened.

Outstanding course that winds through mangroves and cenotes of the Yucatan. Was in excellent shape in July 2021 when I played there. Customer service is top level (lime/orange cold towels after the round, free popsicles). Not every crowded so feels like you have the place to yourself. Bizarre that the range balls an amalgamation of practice balls and "found" balls.

Course is long mostly to make up for three par 3s that are under 150yds. Many par 4's over 400yds from the blues. Somewhat forgiving with room to miss on several though any punches of the coral wastelands are not a great feeling. It's not the beastiest course you'll play. Par 5's can be reachable especially with a helping wind (thinking of the dog leg right par 5 16th where you can be hitting 150 in off the tee with an off shore wind). Great vacation golf course where you can be challenged but not killed. Just don't get caught in a off shore storm cuz saw some poor bros trying to putt the par 3 15th with the wind bending the flag stick and whipping sand in their face.

In my view the best course in Mexico. Long, challenging, but eminently playable, it is extremely well maintained and its a course that will never get old.

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!!