Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is experiencing a surge in luxury golf development, joining destinations like the Sandhills of the Carolinas and the Denver high plains as hotspots for latest courses. The region’s consistent growth in tourism and real estate has attracted renowned designers, including Greg Norman, Fred Couples, and Tiger Woods, who is slated to open his exclusive Legacy Golf Club at Diamanté later this year. Adding to this momentum, four-time major champion Ernie Els is putting the finishing touches on his first golf course design in Mexico, Oleada Golf Links.
Announced last year, Oleada Golf Links is quickly becoming a reality, with recently released renderings offering a glimpse of the course’s dramatic layout. The project is the centerpiece of Oleada Pacific Living & Golf, an 860-acre resort community boasting a mile of oceanfront property, approximately 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas. The influx of development underscores Cabo’s growing appeal as a premier golf destination, attracting both investors and players.
Els describes the site as a “best natural property” he’s encountered, a sandy landscape characterized by ridges, dunes, and undulating terrain ideal for a links-style course, though not a traditional links in the strictest sense. He told GOLF.com the setting is the kind architects dream about – naturally dramatic and requiring minimal earth-moving. Working alongside design partner Greg Letsche, Els aims to create a course that begins on higher desert terrain, dotted with cacti, before descending towards the ocean, where many holes will play closer to the water’s edge.
The design will account for the area’s prevalent winds, incorporating wide landing areas, multiple angles of approach, and a focus on creative ground play. This approach is common in Cabo San Lucas, where wind is a consistent challenge for golfers. The larger Oleada development will also include three luxury resorts, wellness and fitness centers, hiking and biking trails, orchards, and nursery space, all carefully positioned to minimize impact on the golf course corridors.
A Links-Inspired Design in a Desert Setting
Oleada Golf Links is designed to offer a unique playing experience, blending the characteristics of a links course with the natural beauty of the Baja California desert. The course’s routing, beginning in the higher desert and cascading towards the ocean, is intended to provide a variety of challenges and stunning views. The emphasis on strategic play and adaptability to wind conditions will reward golfers who can shape their shots and reckon creatively. The course’s design prioritizes a natural aesthetic, minimizing disruption to the existing landscape.
Resort Access and Future Play
Tee times at Oleada Golf Links will primarily be reserved for resort guests and homeowners. Limited access will be available to outside visitors through select stay-and-play packages. Preview play is scheduled to commence in July, with a grand opening planned for mid-November. This phased approach will allow the course team to fine-tune the playing experience and ensure a high level of service for all golfers.
The development of Oleada Golf Links reflects a broader trend of investment in Cabo San Lucas’s golf infrastructure. Tom Fazio is currently working on a second course at Querencia, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a world-class golf destination. The arrival of Els’s design adds another compelling option for golfers seeking a challenging and memorable experience.
As Cabo San Lucas continues to attract both tourism and investment, the addition of Oleada Golf Links promises to enhance the region’s appeal to discerning golfers. The course’s unique design, stunning location, and commitment to sustainability position it as a significant addition to the landscape of Mexican golf. The grand opening in November will be a key moment for the resort and the region, signaling continued growth and a bright future for golf in Cabo San Lucas.
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