While I was in Mazatlan last month I got to hit the links at Estrella del Mar. This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and has six holes that look out at the Sea of Cortez. It’s one thing to say it’s a PGA Championship course, but I didn’t need any convincing: there was a PGA tournament wrapping up the day before I got there.

I’m a pretty sucky golfer I have to admit, so I was thankful that I was having a good day and could really enjoy it. The houses aren’t too close to the fairway here, which I always appreciate. Nobody likes to put an errant drive onto someone’s terrace. Like most great golf courses the service is excellent: range balls already to go on the driving range, places to clean your ball or get a drink of water at the tee boxes, and a refreshments cart coming around regularly.

The course itself is beautiful, maintained by a huge team of gardeners. With sea views, water hazards, and hills that are rolling without being too steep, it’s a real pleasure to play on. I’m putting up a few photos here to give you an idea.

Despite all the great attributes here, including an excellent restaurant at the clubhouse, rates are a screaming bargain. This may be the best-priced oceanfront course you’ll play on in North America. Here’s a link to the rates since they could change, but at the moment they tap out at $110 for morning play in high season, including a cart and taxes. They dip down to $49 for twilight play in low season. If you book a golf package at the Las Villas hotel on the grounds, it can be folded into the room rate for a trifling amount.

For more information on this excellent course, which is only 10 minutes from the Mazatlan airport, visit the Estrella del Mar website.