Although the Baja Peninsula is nearly 750 miles long, golfers tend to concentrate their attention at the tip, on Cabo San Lucas. Thanks to this new course, that gaze may begin wandering north about 250 miles to Villa del Palmar in Loreto, a resort in one of the oldest towns on the peninsula, which sits on the eastern (or inside) side along the Sea of Cortez.
Rees Jones set Danzante Bay between the inlet of the same name and the Sierra de la Giganta mountains, and provides gorgeous views of both. He also set aside his reputation as the “Open Doctor”—prescribing extra penalty and challenge to courses hosting the best golfers in the world—and created a fun, playable layout that will charm every player.
Yes, the tips stretch to 7,400 yards, but to be sure even the high-handicapper enjoys the experience (while loving the scenery), there are multiple sets of tees, most holes have open green fronts for running on approach shots, and the cliffside holes feature collection areas that should keep errant shots from drowning in the sea below.
The course moves through hills, dunes, and a lake, all while keeping the bay in sight. Just as dependable is the wind, which will continually change the conditions and, says Jones, “make people want to play it over and over again.”
An 18-hole putting course mirrors features found on the big course. And plans are in the works for 150 half-acre residential lots overlooking the course and the water.
