Cabo del Sol, Mexico   

 
the view down the 15th fairway captures the appeal of golf at Cabo del Sol

The dream of every architect is to lay out a course along the ocean.  The sandy soil, the constant wind and the stunning views lead to the ideal setting for golf to be played.  It is even better when the ocean can be used as a design feature of the holes and not just a backdrop.

At Cabo del Sol, in Baja, Mexico, Jack Nicklaus had such an opportunity.  He didn’t have the key sandy soil, so it is not a links course with firm running ground.  Cabo del Sol is a unique blend of seaside golf with desert golf.  The terrain itself is desert, replete with cacti, rocks and other less than friendly things.  However, there is a good view of the vividly blue Pacific Ocean from almost every hole, and on five holes the ocean is most definitely in play.

When given the chance to put holes along a spectacular shoreline, the architect must be shrewd in the use of this prime real estate. MacKenzie’s work along the coastline at Cypress Point is, of course, a stunningly successful example of an architect building inspirational, yet fundamentally  sound, golf holes. Given more shoreline, other architects face the dilemma of deciding whether to build one terrific stretch along the water or should they have the holes come and go from the coast?  It is so tempting to opt for the former tact and build an exhilarating stretch, a la Turnberry.  However, such a routing plan inevitably leads to a weak stretch of holes, a la Turnberry.

At Cabo del Sol, Nicklaus designed two nine-hole loops, each with several holes touching the Pacific.  The beauty behind such a routing plan is that it leads to a well-balanced course with spectacular holes on each side.  There is no stretch where the sole purpose is to get from, say, the tenth green to the fifteenth tee over dull terrain.  The player does not experience a let-down, as at Spyglass after playing the first five holes.  In fact, the most dramatic part of Cabo is the finish, so a player leaves the course on an emotional high, a key element in luring him back for another round.  Credit should also be given to the developer, who did not insist that the clubhouse be along the ocean.  Here, the best land is devoted to the golf.

the inspiring approach to the 18th green

Modern technology being put to good use is in evidence at Cabo del Sol.  First, it allowed this course to be built in the first place. Second, it is now easier to build courses without indifferent holes (in theory at least).  Many older courses (especially overseas) have several undistinguished holes that are, not coincidentally, over the least interesting land.  At the time of its construction, the inability to move much dirt severely handicapped the builder in terms of making much out of dull land.  While the 1st, 3rd and 9th are not stimulating holes, they could not be characterized as indifferent or weak.

Common with other Nicklaus layouts, the five pars are particularly strong. Before driving, the golfer needs to work his strategy back from each green to the tee. Dependent on the wind conditions, each hole is reachable and yet dire results await the sloppy golfer. A par on each of the four par fives is within reach of most level of golfers. The low marker, trying to force the issue, may succeed in securing his birdie(s) but only if the execution mirrors sound course management. Sound like something the architect might well understand?
 

Holes to Note:

Hole 5, 450 yards: One of the five best fifth holes in the world.  It is a stronger, south-western version of the fifth at Royal Portrush.  The fairway is miles wide, but there is  value in going down the right side, challenging the trees and sand on the inside corner of the dogleg.  If the player bails left, he is faced with a longer approach from a more difficult angle that is also blind.  The green is appropriate for a hole of this length -- open and friendly.  It is a shame that the great view from the tee is now blighted by the new hotel on the left.

The 5th green was designed to accomodate a low chaser or an approach flown all the way in.

Hole 15, 520 yards: Sound bunkering makes this fun, relatively easy three shotter a good hole.

Hole 16, 400 yards: Nicklaus used the land to great advantage and created a visually stunning par four that plays downhill directly toward the blue Pacific Ocean. The approach shot flighted against the back drop of the Pacific Ocean is one of the most satisfying on the course.

Hole 17, 175 yards: The tees were well thought-out on this postcard hole across the beach.  From the back tee even the designer would feel a little more perspiration, yet the higher-handicap player would experience the same feeling from his tee at 145 yards.

Hole 18, 430 yards: Nicklaus’ finest finishing hole and one of the best anywhere.  Playing down the right side, challenging the ocean considerably shortens the hole.  Again, not instantly recognizable as a Nicklaus design -- it just follows the land without having anything forced upon it.

Along with its 300 sunny days a year, this course and several others in the area have made Baja a top golf destination.  However, there remains a troublesome feeling as one feels almost guilty enjoying his time here.  As much fun as the entire experience is, it is difficult to take this kind of golf too seriously.  Because of the climate, players need to zoom around in golf carts, stocked full with bottled water. One feels this almost a different game. It’s similar to watching a Naked Gun film: one enjoys it immensely and might prefer to watch it than one of the “classics,” but one would never admit such to anyone outside his family.

This hotel is not from a James Bond movie but it is 5 miles from the course, don't miss it.

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