Rose's Picks
Rose's guide to golf near Playacar and Playa del Carmen
Picked by Rose Medina, House Manager, Mayan Mansion
The short answer
Mayan Mansion is in Playacar Phase 2, which is built around the Playacar golf course, so golfers can play steps from the house. Within a short drive, Rose Medina also recommends El Camaleón at Mayakoba, which hosted the first PGA Tour event played outside the United States and Canada, plus the Riviera Maya Golf Club, Iberostar Playa Paraíso and the Hard Rock Golf Club.
Golf groups love Mayan Mansion because the course is on their doorstep: Playacar Phase 2 is built around a golf course. Eight bedrooms means four foursomes under one roof. These are the courses I book for groups.
1. Playacar Golf Club
The 18-hole course Playacar is built around, designed by Robert von Hagge, through jungle and lakes.
Why Rose picks it: Minutes from the house. Play in the morning and be in the pool by lunch.
2. El Camaleón, Mayakoba
A course that runs through jungle, mangroves and along the ocean, and the first course to host a PGA Tour event outside the United States and Canada.
Why Rose picks it: The bucket-list round. Book tee times well ahead.
3. Riviera Maya Golf Club
A course by Robert Trent Jones II at the Bahía Príncipe complex, built around natural lakes and cenotes.
Why Rose picks it: Spectacular jungle holes, with cenotes in play.
4. Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club
An 18-hole P.B. Dye design with narrow fairways and dramatic contours through the jungle.
Why Rose picks it: A real test, between Playa del Carmen and Cancún.
5. Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya
A Jack Nicklaus design south of Playa del Carmen.
Why Rose picks it: A great second course for a golf week.
Places change. Before your trip, Rose confirms what's open and what she'd recommend for your group that week.
More of Rose's picks
- Rose's favorite cenotes near Playa del Carmen
- Where Rose sends groups for dinner in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's rainy-day plan in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite day trips from Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite beaches and beach clubs near Playa del Carmen
- Rose's picks for families in the Riviera Maya, from toddlers to teens
- Rose's picks for couples, inside a group trip
- Rose's night out in Playa del Carmen, starting at home
- Rose's four perfect days at Mayan Mansion
Have another question? Ask Rose.
Rose Medina answers every question personally, usually the same day. If it's a question other guests will have too, her answer may end up on this page.