The Best Golf Tournaments in Mexico

Let’s talk about golf. Not the prim and proper version you see on the rain-sodden greens of Surrey, but golf with a bit of spice, a dash of tequila, and the occasional mariachi band. Yes, my dear reader, we’re heading south of the border to Mexico, a land where the fairways are as fiery as the salsa and the sun never forgets to turn up.

Mexico, a country celebrated for its tacos, tequila, and a knack for partying until sunrise, has also become a premier destination for world-class golf tournaments. And trust me, these aren’t your average strolls across the links. These events blend precision and passion, where the golfers sweat under the blazing sun while the spectators sip margaritas and soak in the breathtaking vistas. So, we’re about to explore the best golf tournaments Mexico has to offer—and why they’re absolutely worth the journey.

The Mayakoba Golf Classic

Let’s kick things off with the Mayakoba Golf Classic, now rechristened as the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba. This is not just a golf tournament; it’s a five-star vacation disguised as a sporting event. Played on the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón Golf Course in Playa del Carmen, this PGA Tour event is the crown jewel of Mexican golf.

Lush mangroves, limestone canals, and the Caribbean Sea forming a backdrop so stunning it could make a Scotsman cry. But don’t be fooled by the beauty. This course has more tricks up its sleeve than a magician with a hangover. It weaves through jungles, skirts along the coast, and even includes a cenote (a sinkhole, for the uninitiated) smack dab in the middle of one fairway. Watching the pros navigate this labyrinth is a spectacle in itself.

And the best part? You’re in the Riviera Maya, a stone’s throw from beaches, nightlife, and ceviche that could convert the most die-hard fish-and-chips loyalist. If you’re going to watch golf, this is the place to do it.

The Mexican Open

The Mexican Open is the granddaddy of golf tournaments in Mexico, a storied event that dates back to 1944. Held at the Vidanta Vallarta, a course so immaculate it looks like it’s been vacuumed by a team of perfectionists, this tournament has seen a renaissance in recent years. Thanks to its inclusion in the PGA Tour, it’s now attracting top-tier talent from around the globe.

What sets the Mexican Open apart is its unpretentious charm. It’s like that friend who’s brilliant at everything but never brags about it. The course, nestled along the Pacific coastline, offers sweeping ocean views and enough challenges to keep even the most seasoned pros on their toes. But here’s the real kicker: the atmosphere. Fans here aren’t just spectators; they’re participants in a fiesta that just happens to have a golf tournament in the middle of it.

The Lorena Ochoa Invitational

You can’t talk about golf in Mexico without tipping your hat to Lorena Ochoa, the nation’s greatest golfer and a global icon. The Lorena Ochoa Invitational, held in Guadalajara, is a celebration of her legacy and a showcase of the best in women’s golf.

This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a masterclass in skill, grace, and grit. The Guadalajara Country Club, Ochoa’s home course, is a beautiful yet demanding venue. It’s a place where every shot matters, and the competition is as fierce as a jalapeño on steroids. Add in the passionate Mexican crowd, and you’ve got an event that’s as electrifying as it is inspiring.

The Cabo Collegiate

Now, if you’re the type who likes to spot talent before it hits the big leagues, the Cabo Collegiate is the tournament for you. This collegiate event, held at the Twin Dolphin Club in Los Cabos, is where tomorrow’s stars cut their teeth.

The setting? Oh, just another ridiculously picturesque course overlooking the Sea of Cortez. The competition? Fierce, as college teams from the U.S. and beyond battle it out for glory. The vibe? Relaxed but charged with youthful energy. It’s like watching a rock concert, except the guitars are replaced by golf clubs, and the mosh pit is a perfectly manicured green.

Why Mexico? Because It’s More Than Golf

Let’s be honest: half the fun of going to a golf tournament in Mexico is everything that happens off the course. The food is a revelation, the tequila flows like water, and the locals—well, they’re as warm and welcoming as a well-struck drive on a par five.

And then there’s the scenery. Whether it’s the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya, the dramatic cliffs of Los Cabos, or the verdant jungles of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s landscapes are a golfer’s dream and a photographer’s paradise.

So, there you have it. The best golf tournaments in Mexico, each offering a unique blend of sport, scenery, and celebration. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these events are worth the trip. Just remember to pack your clubs—and maybe a bottle of sunscreen. You’re going to need it.