Where desert meets sea on the tip of the Baja Penisula, 50 years ago there wasn’t much except crashing waves rolling up on debris-strewn beaches and average temperatures a boring old 78° year-round.  Sure there was a new luxury resort, La Palmilla, a  paparazzi-free vacation zone for Hollywood celebs, but this part of Mexico was not on the global golfers, “A” list.

Today this cactus-encrusted coastal area has morphed into one of the world’s most elite golf destinations with snazzy resort complexes and six show-stopping courses by world’s top architects like Roy Dye’s Cabo San Lucas Country Club track where The Sea of Cortez and the Land’s End rock formations serve as the backdrop.

The One&Only Palmilla course by Nicklaus that   started it all in 1994, reveals spectacular sea views backed by the textures of cacti and plunging arroyos. Cabo Real by Robert Trent Jones Jr.  climbs up the hillside then drops down toward the water while the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course is arguably  the most challenging in Los Cabos, a stunner with 1.5 miles of oceanfront, rock outcroppings.

When you get to the 15th tee of the Cabo del Sol Desert Course by Tom Weiskophand and catch the scenery, you may  be at a loss of words. One guy came up with, “Gee willikers,”   albeit in jest. But you get the picture.

Courses in Cabo are not inexpensive with green fees typically running between $150 and $350. We   suggest booking a golf package. At Los Cabos Golf Resort, a deal  from Golf in Cabo is priced at $225 for four rounds (plus cart fees) while accommodations are priced from $99. The pricier Marquis Los Cabos with drop-dead views of the water has golf packages from $625 per night/per person including accommodations, golf and other great perks.

Nitty Gritty: www.caboreal.com  • www.cabodelsol.com   •   www.marquisloscabos.com • www.oneandonlyresorts.com • www.golfincabo.com