If you’re gearing up for a round of golf in Los Cabos, take a moment to appreciate the vision that made this destination the golf haven it is today. While you’re admiring the stunning ocean views and perfect greens, don’t forget to thank Don Koll, the man whose foresight and passion for the region’s beauty helped pave the way for Los Cabos to become one of the most sought-after golfing destinations in the world.
In the mid-1980s, Koll, a prominent Southern California real estate developer, saw the untapped potential in Los Cabos. With its pristine landscapes of desert, mountains, and ocean, he knew this area could become a golfer’s dream. In 1985, Koll, in partnership with Robert Day, purchased land for the Cabo del Sol development, followed by acquiring the iconic Hotel Palmilla in 1986. He then took a bold step by hiring golf legend Jack Nicklaus to design two world-class golf courses—one at Cabo del Sol and another at Palmilla. This was the turning point for golf in Los Cabos.
How Jack Nicklaus Put Los Cabos on the Map
Nicklaus, already a golf icon, was no stranger to Los Cabos. He had vacationed in the region for years and fell in love with the diverse terrain, which he believed was perfect for crafting championship courses. In 1993, Palmilla Golf Course opened, quickly becoming one of the most desirable courses in the region. Then, in 1994, Nicklaus’ Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol opened its fairways to golfers, and it didn’t take long for Golf Digest to name it one of the best courses in the world.
But Nicklaus’ influence didn’t stop there. In the years that followed, other renowned designers such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Greg Norman, and Tom Weiskopf followed suit, contributing to a golf landscape that would eventually attract golfers from all over the globe.
Pioneering Courses and Growing Prestige
By the time the Cabo Real Golf Course opened in 1993, Los Cabos had already become a top golf destination. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., quickly gained recognition and hosted two Senior Slam tournaments in 1996 and 1999. But it wasn’t just about the golf—television cameras captured the breathtaking backdrop of breaching whales, and that moment put Los Cabos on the world stage.
Private, exclusive courses followed, with El Dorado (1999) and Querencia (2000) becoming highly sought-after by golf aficionados. Querencia, in particular, earned a spot in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses by 2016, cementing Los Cabos’ reputation as a must-visit golfing paradise.
The Emergence of Iconic Names
In the new millennium, the golf scene in Los Cabos continued to flourish. The Diamante Cabo San Lucas development introduced Davis Love III’s Dunes Course in 2009, which became an instant classic. But the game-changer was the addition of Tiger Woods. Woods’ El Cardonal Course at Diamante, which opened in 2014, put a new spin on the region’s golf offerings, and his Oasis Short Course followed in 2017.
Woods has also hosted the World Wide Technology Championship at Diamante, bringing the world’s best golfers to Los Cabos and further cementing the area’s status in the global golfing community.
A New Chapter: Golf Comes to the East Cape
As golf continues to evolve in Los Cabos, the East Cape region has become the next frontier. In 2020, Robert Trent Jones Jr. unveiled the first course in the East Cape at Costa Palmas, with another course, Baja Bay Club, expected soon. Other notable names, such as Fred Couples and Tom Fazio, have also left their mark in this growing region, adding to the diversity of golf options in Los Cabos.
Today, Los Cabos is home to 18 courses, with several more in the works, and is even hosting PGA Tour events. What started as a vision by Don Koll and a few golf legends has blossomed into a world-class golfing destination.
Why Los Cabos is the Golfer’s Dream
At Cabo Dream Homes, we’re proud to see our region’s golf scene continue to grow and thrive. Whether you’re teeing off at one of our renowned courses like Cabo del Sol, Palmilla, or Puerto Los Cabos, or discovering the latest gems, you’ll find that golf here is more than just a game—it’s an experience. The beauty of the Baja Peninsula, combined with courses designed by golf’s greatest, makes this the perfect place to play, relax, and invest in your dream property.
Whether you’re planning your next golfing adventure or considering making Los Cabos your permanent home, the future of golf here looks brighter than ever. And at Cabo Dream Homes, we’re here to help you find the perfect spot to enjoy it all.
