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.
Really enjoy your posts. My fiancee and i are planning to get married in las villas mazatlan (estrella del mar) and are eagerly waiting your review, seeing more photos and video of las villas. We see a review of the golf course has been posted today, and hopefully there is more to come, re: las villas!
Thanks very much!
Mark
Ottawa, Canada
Mark, congratulations and it’ll be wonderful I’m sure. Here’s the review!
http://www.luxurylatinamerica.com/mexico/las_villas.html