When golfers think of the best places to play in Mexico, Palmilla Golf Club Los Cabos is always at the top of the list. As the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Latin America, Palmilla set the standard for golf in Baja and continues to anchor Caboβs reputation as a world-class golf destination.
For homeowners and vacationers alike, Palmilla offers the rare combination of 27 championship holes, sweeping ocean views, and a luxury real estate lifestyle β making it one of the most desirable golf communities in Los Cabos.
The History of Palmilla Golf Club
When Palmilla Golf Club opened in 1992, it forever changed the golf scene in Los Cabos. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 27-hole masterpiece introduced championship-level play to the region, putting Cabo on the global golf map.
- Opened: 1992 β the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Latin America.
- Location: Nestled in the heart of Palmilla, minutes from San JosΓ© del Cabo.
- Reputation: Consistently ranked among the top resort courses in Mexico.
For golfers, playing Palmilla is like walking through history β itβs where Cabo golf truly began.
Why Palmilla Golf Club Is World-Renowned
Palmilla Golf Club remains one of the most iconic Cabo golf experiences because:
- History: First Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Latin America (1992).
- Variety: 27 holes across the Arroyo, Mountain, and Ocean nines.
- Oceanfront holes: The Ocean Nine is one of the most photographed in Cabo.
- Prestige: A centerpiece of the luxury Palmilla community.
- Location: Just 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and minutes from San JosΓ© del Cabo.
Why is Palmilla Golf Club famous? Palmilla is the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Latin America, featuring 27 holes and stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.
Palmilla Golf Club β Course Overview
Palmilla Golf Club is unique because it offers 27 holes divided into three distinct nines: Arroyo, Mountain, and Ocean. Each nine has its own character, providing golfers with a fresh experience every time they play.
Arroyo Nine
The Arroyo Nine winds through desert arroyos and natural canyons, creating an adventurous and strategic round. Players encounter dramatic elevation changes, wide landing areas, and fairways that snake through the Baja desert landscape. This nine is perfect for golfers who enjoy a blend of challenge and scenery, as desert flora frames every shot.
Mountain Nine
The Mountain Nine is the most elevated of the three, offering sweeping panoramas of the Sea of Cortez and surrounding mountains. Elevated tees provide breathtaking sightlines, and precision is rewarded on this more challenging stretch. Itβs a favorite for players looking for dramatic vistas and a true test of shot-making ability.
Ocean Nine
The Ocean Nine is the most celebrated and iconic of the three. Here, the Sea of Cortez becomes part of the experience, with several holes playing directly toward or alongside the water. Gentle ocean breezes add an extra layer of strategy, and the postcard-worthy views make every swing memorable. For many, this nine alone makes Palmilla Golf Club a must-play in Los Cabos.
Living in Palmilla β Golf & Real Estate
Owning a home in Palmilla means living just steps from Jack Nicklausβ masterpiece. From golf villas and condos near the clubhouse to ocean-view estates, Palmilla offers some of the most prestigious golf-course living in Cabo.
Benefits of Palmilla real estate include:
- Direct proximity to Palmilla Golf Club.
- Strong rental potential from golf vacationers.
- Prestigious address in San JosΓ© del Cabo.
- Secure gated living with resort-style amenities.
Cabo Golf Beyond Palmilla
While Palmilla is a centerpiece, homeowners also enjoy quick access to other Cabo golf courses 2025:
- Cabo Real β Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with championship oceanfront holes.
- Quivira β Nicklaus Signature course with dramatic cliffside holes.
- Diamante β The Dunes (Davis Love III) and El Cardonal (Tiger Woods).
- Puerto Los Cabos β 27 holes designed by Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
- Club Campestre β Nicklaus Design course in central San JosΓ© del Cabo.
Palmilla Golf + Resorts
Palmilla blends seamlessly with resort and lifestyle amenities. Visitors often stay at:
- One&Only Palmilla Resort β Luxury beachfront hotel with direct golf access.
- Nearby resorts like Dreams Los Cabos and Hilton Los Cabos, which connect vacationers to Palmilla and Cabo Real golf.
Which resorts are closest to Palmilla Golf Club? One&Only Palmilla sits right next to the course, with Dreams Los Cabos and the Hilton Los Cabos just a short drive away.
FAQs β Palmilla Golf Club
Is Palmilla Golf Club open to the public?
Yes. Homeowners, resort guests, and the public can book tee times.
How many holes does Palmilla Golf Club have?
27 holes β Arroyo, Mountain, and Ocean nines.
Who designed Palmilla Golf Club?
Jack Nicklaus. It was his first Signature course in Latin America.
Is Palmilla a good place to live for golfers?
Yes. Palmilla offers golf villas, condos, and estates with direct access to the course.
How far is Palmilla from the airport?
About 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).
Final Thoughts
If youβre searching for the ultimate Cabo golf experience in 2025, Palmilla Golf Club offers world-class play and a prestigious real estate lifestyle. From its historic Jack Nicklaus design to its luxury homes and villas, Palmilla continues to be one of the most exclusive addresses in Los Cabos.
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