Top Golf Courses in and Around Playa del Carmen: 2026 Guide
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Playa del Carmen

Top Golf Courses in and Around Playa del Carmen: 2026 Guide

Miguel Hernandez
Miguel Hernandez
February 2, 2026 6 min read 36

Playa del Carmen offers 5 championship golf courses within 30 minutes, including El Camaleon (the only PGA Tour venue in Mexico with $369 green fees) and budget-friendly options like Grand Coyote starting at $85. The Riviera Maya offers some of the most spectacular golf in Mexico, with courses designed by legends like Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and Nick Price cutting through jungle, cenotes, and mangrove ecosystems. From PGA tour venues where professionals compete to accessible resort courses perfect for vacation rounds, here is your complete guide to golf in and around Playa del Carmen for 2026.

Premier Golf Courses

1. El Camaleon Golf Course (Mayakoba)

The flagship course of the region and the only PGA Tour venue in Mexico. El Camaleon hosts the World Wide Technology Championship, bringing professional golfers to compete where you can play.

  • Location: North of Playa del Carmen in the Mayakoba resort area, about 15 minutes by car
  • Designer: Greg Norman, who used the unique terrain to create something genuinely special
  • Green Fees:
    • Prime Time (7:00-10:20 AM): $369
    • Hot Deal (10:30-11:50 AM): $299
    • Twilight (12:00-4:00 PM): $270
    • Junior (under 17): $139
  • Highlight: The course features play through mangroves, along limestone canals, and past cenotes - you are golfing through an ecosystem, not just on manicured grass

This is the bucket-list course for the region. The price reflects the exclusivity and condition, but the experience justifies it for serious golfers. For more on the Mayakoba area, see our Playa del Carmen destination guide.

2. Hard Rock Riviera Maya Golf Club

Excellent value for quality golf without the PGA-level prices. The course winds through jungle terrain with enough challenge to be interesting and enough forgiveness to be enjoyable.

  • Location: Playacar area, walking distance from southern Playa del Carmen
  • Green Fees:
    • 18 holes: $250
    • Early Shot (first tee times): $200
    • Twilight (9 holes): $180
    • Junior (13-17): $70
  • Amenities: Cart, practice balls, food and drinks are all included in the rate - no nickel-and-diming

The all-inclusive pricing makes budgeting simple. You know exactly what you are paying before you arrive.

3. Grand Coyote Golf Course

Nick Price designed a course that works with the natural terrain rather than fighting it, creating interesting play through jungle, lakes, and challenging sand traps.

  • Location: South of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307, toward Tulum
  • Designer: Nick Price, who understood the landscape and designed accordingly
  • Green Fees:
    • Prime Time (high season): $175
    • Low season: $126
    • Twilight: $126 (high season) / $85 (low season)
  • Features: Natural lakes integrated into several holes, dense jungle rough that punishes wayward shots, and sand traps positioned to challenge approaches

The low season pricing makes this an excellent value for off-peak visitors. The course condition remains solid year-round.

4. Moon Palace Golf Course

Jack Nicklaus brings his design philosophy to the Riviera Maya with a 27-hole complex that offers variety and challenge.

  • Location: North of Playa del Carmen, near Cancun
  • Designer: Jack Nicklaus - the Golden Bear's signature strategic bunkering and green complexes are evident throughout
  • Layout: 27 holes divided into three distinct nines - Dunes, Jungle, and Lakes - allowing different combinations each round
  • Add-ons: Extra rider $37, club rental approximately $53

The three-nine format means you can play different course combinations on different days, keeping repeat rounds fresh.

5. Mayakoba Guest Course

A more accessible option within the Mayakoba complex for those who want the resort experience without El Camaleon's price tag.

  • Location: Mayakoba resort area alongside El Camaleon
  • Green Fees:
    • Prime Time: $259
    • Twilight: $199
    • Junior (under 17): $129
    • Club rental: $70-100
  • Amenities: GPS-equipped carts for accurate yardage and unlimited practice balls at the range

Golfer Tips

  • Book early during high season: December through April sees heavy demand from snowbirds - prime tee times sell out weeks ahead
  • Dress code applies: Collared shirts required, soft-spike shoes only, shorts must have a professional appearance
  • Check transportation: Many courses offer shuttle service from Playa hotels - ask when booking
  • Consider resort golf packages: Bundling accommodation with rounds often provides 20-30% savings versus booking separately
  • Hydrate aggressively: The heat and humidity here dehydrate you faster than you expect - bring extra water
  • Morning tee times are cooler: Afternoon golf means playing in serious heat, which affects both comfort and stamina

Golf in the Riviera Maya combines world-class course design with stunning natural settings you will not find anywhere else. Whether you want to play where PGA pros compete or enjoy a relaxed resort round surrounded by jungle, options abound within easy reach of Playa del Carmen.

For more activities and experiences, check out our guides to resort day passes and 5th Avenue hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to golf in Playa del Carmen?
Golf green fees in Playa del Carmen range from $85 (low season twilight at Grand Coyote) to $369 (prime time at El Camaleon). Mid-range options like Hard Rock Golf Club offer 18 holes with cart and amenities for around $200-250. Budget an additional $37-100 for club rentals if needed. Resort packages that bundle accommodation with golf rounds typically save 20-30% compared to booking separately.
What is the best time of year to golf in Playa del Carmen?
November through April offers the best weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal rain, though this high season means higher green fees and more crowded courses. May through October brings lower prices (up to 40% off) and fewer golfers, but you'll face heat, humidity, and occasional afternoon rain showers. Book morning tee times year-round to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Can I walk the golf courses in Playa del Carmen?
Most Riviera Maya golf courses require carts due to the heat, humidity, distance between holes, and course layouts designed around cart paths. Walking 18 holes in 30-35°C heat with high humidity is both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Cart fees are typically included in green fees, so you're not paying extra. Focus on enjoying the ride and the spectacular jungle scenery.
Do Playa del Carmen golf courses offer club rentals?
Yes, all major courses offer club rentals ranging from $53-100 depending on the quality of clubs and course prestige. Most rental sets are well-maintained Callaway, TaylorMade, or similar brands. Reserve rental clubs when booking your tee time during high season to ensure availability. If you golf regularly during your visit, bringing your own clubs may be more economical than multiple rental fees.
Written by:
Miguel Hernandez
Miguel Hernandez
Mexico From Chihuahua, Mexico | Mexico Living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Chihuahua born. Playa del Carmen converted. Restaurant consultant by trade, taco evangelist by passion. I know where to eat, where to avoid, and why the beach beats the desert every time.

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