Mayan Palace Riviera Maya Golf: Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole, par 54 golf course (it’s a great little Executive par-3 course) features numerous sand traps, fast undulating Tifward greens, picturesque lakes surrounded by natural rocks and the vegetation of the natural waste lands.
The natural landscape featuring lakes and native Mayan vegetation is a huge part of the challenge and will provide a constant distraction. The greens, have been constructed using a 1950’s style that make them quite complex. The fairways, Bermuda 419, are often tight and water is in play over many of the holes.
The 13th hole, with 276 yards, stands out by featuring an impressive green with a dune in the center. The approach play is against the wind most of the time.
The signature hole is 17 - known as the Donna green. It’s features two strategically-placed traps, one on each side of the green. What makes this the signature hole, however, is the trap that Nicklaus placed right in the middle of the green, making it unique among greens and further complicating the challenge.
The 195-yard, par 3 18th hole features a green built on an island-like area with as trap guarding the approach, thus players have no other option but to go for the green: there’s no place to safely lay up.
The course has a Snack Bar area, where you can enjoy a light meal or a cold beverage.
Green Fees: From $92 – but can be included in the Resort package
The course is open the year round from 6:30 a.m
The Verdict: While this course is not really a reason all by itself to make the pilgrimage to Cancun, it is a challenging little course designed by the Jack Nicklaus team. Leave your clubs at home and rent them at the course. If you’re a golfer, and on vacation at the Mayan Palace, you should give the course a try.
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Read The Full Mayan Palace ReviewContact:
Mayan Palace Riviera MayaKm 48 Carretera Federal
Cancún - Playa del Carmen
Riviera Maya Quintana Roo. 77710 México
Phone: 52 (984) 206 – 4002
Fax: 52 (984) 206 - 4050
