Golf es magnifico en Los Cabos, Baja Sur. For the past several decades, the Los Cabos area has attracted golfers from all over the world to its stunning beauty and world-class designs. In just a few short years, the Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos area has become one of North America's hottest golf destinations. The area's luxury accommodations please even the most discerning traveler, and although the courses are designed to be difficult and sometimes intimidating (and pricey!); the courses are still playable for the beginner golfer.

Two resorts (Fiesta Americana Grand and Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar) are located within chipping distance of the Cabo del Sol (http://www.cabodelsol.com/). Cabo del Sol is a frequent first stop for golfers with its two 18-hole courses: the Cabo del Sol Ocean Course designed by Jack Nicklaus and the Cabo del Sol Desert Course designed by Tom Weiskopf.

The Ocean Course has perhaps received the most golf accolades. In its first year of operation, Cabo del Sol was ranked No. 70 in Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses in the World. Nicklaus himself refers to the 16, 17 and 18 holes as the "finest three finishing holes in golf." He even goes so far as to call Cabo del Sol "the most spectacular golf course property on earth."

After a recent visit to the Ocean Course, I wholeheartedly agree. The sweeping ocean views stretching along the craggy, yet pristine, coastline of the Sea of Cortes will definitely make or break any golf game. Bunkers are strategically placed on narrow terrain, steadily climbing its way up to the 6th tee at 460 feet above sea level. Just prior to the finishing holes, the 15th hole, a 3-par at 158 yards, parallels the Sea of Cortes, presenting its own intimidating challenges.

The 18 holes of the Cabo del Sol Ocean Course each offer their own spectacular take on the exciting terrain of the Baja. Situated on 1,800 acres and two miles of ocean front, this 18-hole signature course stakes its claim to desert landscaping and sweeping ocean views.

Although usually the second choice for golfers (and less expensive than the Ocean Course), the Cabo del Sol Desert Course by Tom Weiskopf is equally impressive, sprawling across 140 acres of gently rolling desert terrain. Weiskopf reportedly deliberately designed his course with one thing in mind: Sea of Cortes views from every hole. Golf Digest rates the Desert Course sixth in Mexico, placing it behind only the Ocean Course among Los Cabos' resort golf offerings.

Opening in late 2002, the Desert Course is coined "target-style golf" because the design incorporates large landing areas and few forced carries. The complexity of this course is decidedly less stressful than its sister course, but still an impressive 18-holes blending desert and ocean with canyon-like arroyos for a visually appealing golf experience.

When the golf game is over, the Cabo del Sol's 40,000 square-foot clubhouse fuses the perfect blend of colonial and traditional architecture to create a distinctive Mexican design. The clubhouse features spacious verandas, terraces with flowering gardens, spacious golf shop, and indoor/outdoor dining - and a chance to sample Mexican cuisine and drink while reminiscing about your recent memorable golf experience.