El Camaleón is Mexico's most prestigious golf course and the only PGA Tour course in all of Latin America. Designed by Greg Norman, it weaves Mayan jungle, mangroves, natural cenotes and Caribbean views into an 18-hole par 72 layout that hosts the world's best golfers every year. It is part of the Mayakoba complex, operated by RLH Properties, and is open to the general public — you don't need to stay at any of the resort's hotels.
- The only PGA Tour course in Latin America
- Natural cenotes and mangroves along the route
- Jim McLean Academy — top-level lessons
- Pro shop with PXG rental gear
- Very attentive staff per 2025-26 reviews
- The most expensive in the area — $270-375 USD
- Very pricey club rental — better bring your own
- Requires advance booking, especially in high season
Gran Coyote is the favorite course of PDC residents. Designed by Nick Price (PGA Tour champion), it offers a challenging 18-hole par 71 layout with well-kept fairways and demanding greens, next to the Corasol development. It is considered the best value in the entire Riviera Maya — the green fees are the most reasonable among the area's designer courses.
- The best price among designer courses
- Very well-maintained fairways and greens
- Practice balls and drinks included
- Certified instructors available
- Coyote Grill restaurant at the clubhouse
- No ocean view — inland course
- Less internationally famous than El Camaleón
The Hard Rock Golf Club (formerly The Golf Club at Playacar) sits inside Playacar Phase II, just 5 minutes from downtown PDC. Designed by Robert von Hagge, it offers 18 holes par 72 in a tropical jungle setting. It is the most accessible course in terms of distance from the city center — ideal for anyone staying in Playacar or downtown PDC who wants a round without a long drive.
- The closest to downtown PDC (5 min)
- Inside Playacar — safe and exclusive area
- Cart with drink service included
- More affordable 9-hole twilight option
- Inconsistent greens per recent reviews
- High price ($250) for the perceived quality
- Formerly called "The Golf Club at Playacar" — verify the name when booking
PGA Riviera Maya is the most transformed course in the area — the former Iberostar Playa Paraíso was completely renovated and renamed under Grupo Piñero, becoming a Korn Ferry Tour host in 2025. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed a par 72 course with deep bunkers, demanding greens and unique jungle landscapes. It is the most affordable in the guide and the best value according to recent reviews.
- The lowest green fee among designer courses
- Korn Ferry Tour host 2025
- Recent renovation — in excellent shape
- ~4.3/5 score on TripAdvisor 2025-26
- Cart, water and towels included
- Short 9-hole par 27 course for practice
- The farthest from PDC — 30-40 min by car
- Recent name change — verify when booking
- Club rental ~$70 USD extra
The Bahía Príncipe Golf Club has the largest layout in the Riviera Maya with 27 holes (three 9-hole loops) designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The course integrates tropical jungle, natural cenotes and man-made lakes across a terrain of more than 7,272 yards. It operates alongside the Bahía Príncipe hotels in Akumal and is open to the general public. The three 9-hole loops offer flexibility to play 9, 18 or 27 holes depending on availability and time.
- The largest layout — 27 unique holes
- Natural cenotes integrated into the design
- Flexibility of 9, 18 or 27 holes
- Shared cart and refreshments included
- Spectacular natural setting
- Rates not published — call for a quote
- 35 km from PDC — the farthest in the guide
- Mainly geared toward Bahía Príncipe guests
Quick comparison
| Course | Approx. green fee | Holes | Designer | From PDC | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Camaleón | $270–375 USD | 18 — Par 72 | Greg Norman | 15 min | PGA Tour host |
| Gran Coyote | ~$180 USD | 18 — Par 71 | Nick Price | 15 min | Best value |
| Hard Rock | $250 USD | 18 — Par 72 | R. von Hagge | 5 min | The closest |
| PGA Riviera Maya | ~$175 USD | 18+9 | R.T. Jones Jr. | 30 min | Best price |
| Bahía Príncipe | Inquire | 27 (3×9) | R.T. Jones II | 35 min | Largest |
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