Swing City

James Small discovers the best places in Cancun to practice your golf-from coastal greens to tropical jungle courses, there's something for everyone, whatever your handicap.

With golf going from strength-to- strength in Mexico, it's no surprise that the Riviera Maya has risen to the top of the leader board as the home of courses par excellence in the country. Situated within easy driving distance of Cancun the region's stunning scenery has compelled some of the world's most famous golf designers to build elaborate courses here. Nestled among ancient Mayan ruins flanked by luscious jungle and tranquil seas, the 70-mile strip of coastline has a variety of first-class courses to suit your game.

TOP ADVENTURE
El Camaleón Mayacoba
Designer: Greg Norman
Holes: 18 Par: 72
Length: 6,380 meters

Named after the way the ever-changing landscape blends seamlessly into its tropical surroundings, Norman's masterpiece meanders through 600 acres of jungle canopy, dense verdant mangrove and crystalline coastline.

Although the course was designed with the more advanced golfer in mind-El Camaleón was home to Mexico's first PGA event-less confident players should not be intimidated, since it is well balanced to cater to golfers of all skill levels. If you feel yourself getting "teed off" by the sea breeze on the 15th, you can practice your swing on the driving range or take a few lessons at the prestigious David Leadbetter academy.