First Golf Trip to Mexico? 10 Things to Know Before You Go
Planning your first golf trip to Mexico?
Whether you're heading to Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Cancún or Riviera Maya, a little planning before you leave can make your golf vacation much easier.
Mexico has outstanding golf, spectacular scenery and some of the biggest names in golf course architecture. But playing golf while traveling internationally is a little different from booking a round at home.
At Golf Mexico Tee Times, we've been helping golfers arrange tee times in Mexico for more than 15 years. Here are 10 things we recommend knowing before you go.
1. Book Your Golf Before You Leave Home
This is our biggest recommendation.
Don't wait until you arrive at your resort to start looking for tee times.
Popular courses and desirable morning times can fill up, particularly during the busy winter travel season, Christmas, New Year's and other holiday periods.
If there are particular courses you want to play, arrange them while you're planning your flights and hotel.
Booking in advance through an established company such as Golf Mexico Tee Times also means you can have a confirmed tee time before you travel instead of arriving in Mexico and hoping the course and time you want are still available.
2. You Don't Have to Pay for Your Golf in Pesos
Mexico's national currency is the Mexican peso, and you'll certainly encounter pesos throughout your vacation.
But your golf doesn't have to be complicated by currency conversion.
When booking through Golf Mexico Tee Times, our golf rates are displayed in U.S. dollars.
That allows you to see what your golf costs before your trip without trying to calculate course prices in pesos.
3. Know Where Your Golf Course Actually Is
Mexico's golf destinations cover much larger areas than many first-time visitors expect.
A course advertised as being in the Puerto Vallarta area, for example, may actually be in Nuevo Nayarit or elsewhere in Riviera Nayarit.
The same applies in Los Cabos, where courses can be spread between Cabo San Lucas, the Tourist Corridor, San José del Cabo and surrounding resort areas.
In the Cancún region, your course could be near Cancún itself or farther south in Riviera Maya.
Check the location before you book. Don't choose a 7:30 a.m. tee time and then discover that your golf course is a significant drive from your hotel.
4. Arrange Transportation Before Golf Day
Once you know where you're playing, figure out how you're getting there.
Depending on the destination and course, your options may include resort transportation, a private transfer, taxi or other local transportation.
Don't leave this until you're standing in the hotel lobby with your golf shoes on.
If you're playing several courses during your vacation, check the location of each one before finalizing your golf schedule.
5. Arrive Early
Don't treat your Mexico tee time like you're squeezing in nine holes after work.
You're on vacation.
Give yourself enough time to get to the course, check in, organize rental clubs if needed, use the practice facilities and enjoy the experience.
We generally recommend planning to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your tee time, and earlier if the course specifically requests it.
Always follow the individual course's check-in requirements.
6. You May Not Need to Bring Your Golf Clubs
If you're only playing one or two rounds, think carefully about whether you actually want to travel with your clubs.
Many Mexico golf courses offer rental clubs, which can eliminate oversized-baggage fees and the hassle of carrying your golf bag through airports and hotels.
Rental availability, brands and pricing vary by course, so don't assume you'll be able to walk in and get exactly what you want.
If you need rental clubs, reserve them in advance whenever possible.
And if you're left-handed, require women's clubs or have another specific requirement, make that clear when arranging your golf.
7. Check the Dress Code
You're in a resort destination, but golf courses still have dress codes.
A safe starting point is traditional golf attire: collared or appropriate golf shirt, golf shorts or pants and suitable golf shoes.
Individual course policies can vary, so check before arriving.
Beachwear may be perfect for the pool after your round, but don't assume it's acceptable on the first tee.
8. Understand Tipping
Golf in Mexico often involves more service than golfers may be accustomed to at their home course.
You may encounter bag attendants, starters, caddies, forecaddies, food-and-beverage staff and other course employees.
Tipping practices can vary by facility and service, and some courses may have mandatory caddie or service arrangements.
Check the individual course policies beforehand and carry some cash for gratuities where appropriate.
9. Plan for the Weather
Mexico isn't one single climate.
Los Cabos offers a dry desert environment.
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have a more tropical Pacific climate.
Cancún and Riviera Maya have a humid Caribbean climate.
The time of year matters too.
For many travelers, winter is an ideal time for Mexico golf. Summer can bring considerably more heat, humidity or rainfall depending on the destination.
Regardless of where you're playing, bring sunscreen, appropriate clothing and plenty of water.
And don't underestimate the Mexican sun just because you're riding in a golf cart.
10. Book With a Company You Can Rely On
You're booking golf in another country. Who you book with matters.
A cheap price isn't very useful if you arrive at the golf course and there's a problem with your reservation.
Golf Mexico Tee Times has been helping golfers arrange golf in Mexico for more than 15 years.
We offer a safe, reliable way to reserve your golf before you travel, with confirmed tee times and pricing displayed in U.S. dollars.
That means you don't need to arrive in Mexico, search for golf courses, negotiate prices in pesos and hope the tee time you want is still available.
Get your golf organized before you leave home.
Bonus Tip: Don't Try to Play Every Course
This is a vacation.
If you're staying for seven days, you don't necessarily need seven rounds.
Pick the courses you're most excited to play and leave yourself enough time to enjoy everything else your destination offers.
In Cabo, that might mean fishing, restaurants or a day on the water.
In Puerto Vallarta, leave time for the beach, restaurants and exploring town.
In Cancún and Riviera Maya, you may want days for the resort, Caribbean beaches, cenotes or Mayan archaeological sites.
A great Mexico golf trip should still feel like a vacation.
Ready for Your First Mexico Golf Trip?
Start by deciding where you want to go and which courses you really want to play.
Then book your golf before your departure, particularly if you're traveling during the busy winter season or want specific morning tee times.
Golf Mexico Tee Times can help you arrange golf in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Cancún, Riviera Maya and other Mexico golf destinations.
With more than 15 years of experience, confirmed tee times and pricing in U.S. dollars, you can get your golf organized before you arrive.
Book before you travel. Arrive knowing your golf is taken care of. Then enjoy Mexico.
