No destination is complete unless there is something for the golf enthusiast in your party. This category gives you information about the local Golf Courses in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area. Pack up your clubs and prepare yourself for golfing that can vary between easy and quite difficult.

With 253 days of sunshine a year, Cancun is a golfer’s paradise. There are a number of outstanding courses with interesting sand traps and driving ranges. But be warned – your game may suffer if you are easily distracted by gorgeous ocean views. *Please note that the fees and times listed are subject to change.

Pok ta pok Campo de Golf Cancún is the main course in the area. It’s named after the Maya ball game where the captain of the losing team was beheaded. Depending on who your golfing partners are, you shouldn't worry about suffering the same fate at this 18-hole (par 72) course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Its location between the ocean and lagoon offers some of the most spectacular views in the area. The club also has a practice green, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a restaurant. Hours: Open 6 AM – 6 PM (last tee-off is at 4 PM). *Fees start at: greens $80 ($45 after 2 PM); clubs, $18; shoes, $10; caddies, $20; and golf clinics, $25 per hour. Electric cars are included in the green fees. Located at Blvd. Kukulcán, between Km 6 and Km 7. Tel: (998) 883-1230.

Nearby vacation activities include golf, deep sea fishing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving. In addition to the KidsCamp program, which features activities for children four to twelve, other family vacation activities include nearby miniature golf, jungle cruises, and water parks.

The Pok-ta-Pok golf course, located 10 minutes from the resort, features dramatic views of the ocean and ancient Mayan ruins. The course was designed in 1976 by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

This mini-golf course, suitable for all ages and all levels, is located on the grounds of the Cancun Palace Hotel. Open 11 AM - 11 PM. *Fees: $10 per adult, per round, $5 per child, per round. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 14.5. Tel: (998) 885-0533.

This 18-hole (par 72) championship course is definitely the selling point for the Hilton Cancun Beach and Golf Resort. Robert Trent Jr. designed the course, incorporating one of Cancun's ruins (Ruinas Del Ray) into the grounds. There are some challenging sand traps and an excellent driving ranges, along with a lovely view of the lagoon. The sunsets are especially beautiful. Open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. *Fees start at: greens, between $65.00 to 100.00 US with additional guests at $40 to 50; clubs, $20 to $30; shoe rental $7; 25; 25 range balls, $2.50. Fees include golf cart. Pull carts are prohibited. Located at Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 17. Tel: (998) 881-8016.

This small 18-hole course (par 3) at the Hotel Meliá forms a semi-circle around the property and takes advantage of the cool ocean breezes and terrific views. Morning is an especially pleasant time on this green. Contact the hotel for prices and times. Hotel Meliá Cancún. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 12. Tel: (998) 885-1114.

This 50,000 square foot putting complex includes practice bunkers, a stadium-like practice range, and a course with challenging twists and turns. This 18-hole (par 72) course, designed by Robert Von Hagge, offers the best golf in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Also on site is a restaurant, pool, and tennis courts. Open 7 AM - dusk. *Fees start at $120 per person per round for walk-ins. Check with the hotel for package deals. Located along Paseo Xaman-há, 26 fraccionamiento Playacar, Playa del Carmen, approximately 40 minutes south of Cancun. Tel: (984) 987-30-624 or 800/882-6684 in the U.S.

Puerto Aventuras is a planned community, 2 hours south of Cancun. The 900-acre self-contained resort is built around its 95-ship marina and 9-hole golf course. The verdant par 36 course moves through the surrounding jungle and has a maximum length of 3,236 yards and a putting green. Open daily 7:30 AM - 3 PM. *Fees start at $44 per person, per round. Contact the office for special packages offered. Located on Highway 307, Km 90, approximately one hour south of Cancun. Tel.: (984) 987-35109.