Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Isla de Cozumel became famous in 1961 when Jacques Cousteau discovered the beauty of the Palancar Reef. The spectacular coral reefs on the southern end of Cozumel soon became one of the most important dive centers in the world.
Today, the island is a thriving Metropolis with a population of 90,000 supporting the tourism industry with friendly people concerned with the conservation of the island, the reefs and a dedication to helping visitors enjoy their time in Cozumel, Mexico.
Golfing and Relaxing on the Beach in Cozumel, Mexico
The Cozumel airport is small and the process of going through customs is relatively easy in today’s standards. Arrive in the morning, have a full day to relax on the beach, watch the sun go down as the birds skim the waves and walk ankle deep in water swarming with fish of many colors.
Cozumel Country Club and Golf Course
Next day rise early, breakfast on the patio and get ready to tee up at the Cozumel Country Club. Located in the center of Cozumel, 10 minutes from downtown, it is presently the only course on the island. The Nicklaus Design Group took 5 years to create this environmentally friendly and challenging course. Cozumel Country Club is the first golf course in Mexico to be a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. You definitely have to play the course three or four times to be able to focus on your game instead of the flora and fauna. Keeping the pace of play does not seem to be an issue, everyone is taking pictures while watching the iguanas and salt-water crocodiles maneuver the marshes yet playing ready golf. The course is surrounded by jungle so if your ball drifts into the jungle just play it as a lateral water hazard and do not interact with the wildlife. The penalty for entering the jungle could definitely have worse effects than a one-stroke penalty.
The course is 6,734 yards from the back tees with a slope of 133, 6247 yards from the blue tees with a slope of 126, 5624 yards from the white tees with a slope of 114 and 4881 yards from the gold tees with a slope of 119. Play the tee box that is most comfortable for your game and you will want to return for the twists this course brings to any golfer.
The Hole Ox – Par 5 third hole is reachable in two but be aware your second shot can be swimming with the crocodiles on the right or the sand on the left. Hol Wuk or #7 is a dogleg left and a challenging driving hole that plays into the wind. If you drive through the fairway the jungle comes at you fast and this is one of the most contoured greens on the course. Bolon is the 9th hole, a par 5 downwind and very reachable with a narrow fairway out 100 yards and Mangroves guarding the green on the left and the jungle on the right. This is a green where your putt will definitely break towards the water. Oxlahun, #13 is the longest par 4 at 407 from the Blues, you need to stay on the left to avoid the water along side the hole one the left and aim for the center of a huge green with two big bunkers guarding each side.
The hardest hole on the course is the 18th finishing hole with mangroves facing you from every tee box and jungle on either side. You can truly enjoy your round of golf on this Caribbean test of golf if you dial back your tee box and bring plenty of balls.
Before you head for the beach stop by The Crocodile Club for a Cervesa and their tasty Nachos while visiting with Benny Campos, Director of Golf. He will visit and talk about golf and the history of the course. Our experience was definitely a memorable one that will bring us back time and time again.
Cozumel has many sports besides golf and diving with shopping definitely on the top of the list. They have a fine array of merchandise from crafted textiles, to fine diamonds but our favorites were the Mexican Stoneware Pottery with its Mayan designs.
From Bienvenido to Aurevoir, Cozumel has an international flavor in its hotels, restaurants and the history of its people. Whether you want to celebrate, meditate or participate in the activities of the moment, the vision of Cozumel keeps urging you back to the Island.
For more information or golf holidays in Cozumel, Mexico, please visit: www.thegolfspot.com.