Specialized magazines say that golf plays a starring role in this paradise, as a large percentage of the people who visit come specifically to play and many international golfing events take place here, in one of the most splendid locations on the planet, where spectacular natural bounty and contemporary infrastructure come together.

The magical scenery permits the creators of golf courses to give the environment curves, mounds, fairways, and greens, creating a perfect combination of natural scenery and modern design. Mayan culture is present everywhere and some courses have been built near ancient vestiges of one of the most enigmatic civilizations that have ever existed on this Earth.

The courses of the Mexican Caribbean offer; practice areas, putting greens, golf-cart rental, golf clubs for men or women, special shoes, and tips from on-site pros.

Golf courses owe their success and prestige to the designer or group that prints its signature, some of them internationally renowned with a presence in, of course, the Mexican Caribbean.

Some of the golf courses in Riviera Maya are members of the Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association

Mexican Caribbean Golf Course Association

Riviera Maya Golf Courses Playacar Golf Club Puerto Aventuras Golf Club Mayan Palace Riviera Maya Iberostar Paraiso Golf Course El Camaleon Golf Course

First Official Tour Event in Mexico
El Camaleón, Greg Norman's first course in Mexico, and the Fairmont Mayakob will host a new event on the 2007 PGA TOUR schedule -The Mayakobá Classic, Riviera Maya. The event is one of historic significance as it marks the first time the TOUR will conduct an official-money event in the country of Mexico.
The Mayakobá Classic will be held the week of Feb. 19-25, 2007 and offer a purse of $3.5 million. The field will consist of 144 players, and the winner will take home $630,000. The Golf Channel, the TOUR's new exclusive cable broadcast partner, will show all four days of action from the Mayakobá Classic.
The tournament will be contested on the 7,067-yard El Camaleón course, a par-72 layout spread across a fascinating mix of scenery that includes jungle, dense mangroves and oceanfront holes bisected by limestone canals.
Tucked in and around a ribbon of crystal clear waterways, the Fairmont Mayakobá is literally in the center of a new resort complex developed by Grupo OHL on the Mayan Riviera. Located just 35 miles south of the Cancun Airport, Mayakobá features five luxury hotels and villas, a resort in which the natural and man-made will intertwine, complementing and enhancing each other. The distinctive nature of resort is evident from arrival. To maintain the authenticity and delicate ecology, vehicles are parked in a main lot and transportation is accomplished via covered boats called lanchas, electric golf carts, bicycles or on foot.
" This is a thrilling day for the Mayakoba Resort," said Juan Miguel Villar Mir, President of Grupo OHL. "What a fantastic way to announce the grand opening of the resort and the Greg Norman golf course. We are very excited to play a role in this historic PGA TOUR event coming to Mexico."
" The PGA TOUR is very excited about making golf history in Mexico," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Timothy W. Finchem. "One of our goals is to expand the reach of golf and Mexico has demonstrated a growing passion for the sport. We are pleased to be able to showcase our players to Mexico, and in turn showcase Mexico to the world."
Opening April 1, 2006, the 397-room Fairmont Mayakobá features a Willow Stream spa with treetop treatment areas, a secluded beach alongside one of the world's largest reefs, two infinity edge pools, signed nature trails, five restaurants and a private island suite. Fairmont will also manage the neighboring 18-hole El Camaleón course, designed by Greg Norman.
" Mayakoba is truly a special place, and I am thrilled that it will be showcased to the world with the first-ever PGA TOUR event in Mexico," said Norman. "With three distinct landscapes and a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Yucatan, there is uniqueness to each hole. I know it will be an enjoyable week for all the fans and a test of golf for the competitors."

Since 1884, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has welcomed guests to a remarkable collection of castles, lodges, meeting places and retreats. Today 44 branded destinations in eight countries, from The Fairmont San Francisco to The Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Monte Carlo, reflect authentic surroundings, offer genuine service and promise lasting memories. Future Fairmont experiences include Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya (Spring 2006) as well as locations in Kenya, Cairo, Abu Dhabi and Dubai's Palm Islands. Explore our world by calling 1-800-441-1414 or visiting www.fairmont.com.