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By Dave Finn as published in the October 2024 issue of Golf Central Magazine
What’s your pleasure? Is it wading into the Caribbean Sea or plunging into the crystal-clear freshwater cenotes? It is exploring the many archeological sites or simply chilling around the pool with a cool beverage. Either way the Riviera Maya Golf in Mexico is the perfect winter getaway – me included, on more than one occasion. It stretches over 140kms along the eastern Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to just south of Cancun and is home to several world-class golf courses just waiting to be played. Here is a quick rundown of the courses I’ve recently played just to ‘whet your whistle’.
Hola Lorena Ochoa! by Dave Finn
Riviera Maya Mexico – How often do you get the chance to play golf with a former number #1 golfer in the world? No, not Rory, Lorena Ochoa – the #1 female golfer in world for 157 weeks in a row and Mexico’s national icon.
That was my great fortune when I was invited to participate in the Annual Aero México Golf Tournament at the El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. While it was only a single hole and a single shot, I understand how Lorena has managed to win the hearts of not only her fellow Mexicans but fans around the world.
Lorena did more than simply lend her ‘Celebrity’ name to the event. From the Opening Celebration Dinner to the charity auction held to raise funds for her foundation and throughout the entire event, Lorena was engaged and involved creating magic ‘Mexican moments’ not only for the tournament participants but for others who did not have the same opportunity that I had to meet her personally. More on that later…
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, most seasoned travelers have at one time or another, considered or have escaped to Mexico for a winter getaway – myself included, on more than one occasion. With so many direct flights from major North American cities, not to mention an amazing array of quality accommodations and things to do, the Riviera Maya has become a favorite destination for those of us seeking warmer climes.
Over the last decade I have watched as this area transform itself from ‘simply’ another tropical paradise renowned for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches into a vacation destination that boasts a huge variety of outdoor activities that begs for your participation. The Riviera Maya stretches over 140kms of shoreline along the eastern Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to just south of Cancun so naturally what first comes to mind is snorkeling or diving on the largest coral reef in North America or exploring ancient Mayan ruins but many golfers have no idea that the Riviera Maya is also home to a number of world-class golf courses just waiting to be played.