Golf

Cancún Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok. Cancún's oldest golf course has fine views of both sea and lagoon but is showing its age with tired greens and rock-hard bunkers. The lack of upkeep means it's seldom crowded, plus it's not as challenging as some of the other courses in the area. Its 18 holes were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It also has two practice greens, three tennis courts, a pro shop, and a restaurant. The green fees include your cart, food, and beverages. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 7.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/883–1230. www.cancungolfclub.com. $160 for 18 holes. 18 holes. 7051 yards. Par 72.

Iberostar Cancún. The only 18-hole championship course in Cancún is at the Iberostar. Designed by legendary golfer Isao Aoki, it lies along the Nichupté Lagoon. The course has a practice facility with driving range and putting green. Four sets of tees stretch from 5,000 yards to 6,800 yards over 150 lush acres; you're likely to see all kinds of wildlife including crocodiles, birds, and iguanas as you play. Other than a few holes lined by jungle and lagoon, the course is wide open and the fairways are fast. The 16th hole overlooks the Mayan Ruinas del Rey. Hotel guests receive 60% off green fees, which include carts, food, and drinks. Iberostar, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/881–8016. www.iberostar.com. $199 for 18 holes. 18 holes. 6734 yards. Par 72.

Moon Spa & Golf Club. This Jack Nicklaus–designed course features four sets of tees and is lined with jungle, wetlands, and strategically placed bunkers. Skilled golfers will welcome the challenge of Hole 17, a 151-yard, par 3 that plays downwind to an island green. Other course highlights include Hole 6 (a drivable par 4 that plays 336 yards but crosses over water), and the last hole (a tough par 4 that plays 446 yards). The 18-hole green fee includes a cart, food, and drink service. If you're staying at any of the Palace Resorts, inquire about all-inclusive golf packages. Lessons are available. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Carretera Cancún-Chetumal, Km 340, about 15 mins from airport, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/881–6000. www.palaceresorts.com. $303 for 18 holes. 18 holes. 7165 yards. Par 72.

Playa Mujeres Golf Club. Designed by Greg Norman, Cancún's newest course is challenging due to the daily trade winds and waterways on most holes. The game gets serious on Hole 11, par 3 which is protected by bunkers, framed on the right by water, and 197 yards into the breeze. Yet the toughest par 4 on the back nine is Hole 12, which has more water on the right all the way, plus the breeze and enormous beach bunker protecting the green; the 446 yards make it difficult to keep the ball dry. Green fees include a cart, bottled water, and balls. Playa Mujeres Beach Resort, Prolongación Bonampak, Punta Sam, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/887–7322 or 998/800–3892. www.playamujeresgolf.com.mx. $179 for 18 holes. 18 holes. 7218 yards. Par 72.

Puerto Cancún Golf. Designed by British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf, this 18-hole course is in Puerto Cancún, midway between the Zona Hotelera and El Centro. It stretches over 185 acres and has ocean views plus two holes that play on the marina. The winding fairways will test your skills on distance and short game swing, and the strategically placed bunkers demand a great deal of accuracy. Stay focused on the final hole, as it is located on an island in the middle of a canal. The course offers access to the Puerto Cancún youth golf program. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 1.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/898–3306. www.puertocancun.com. $93 for 18 holes. 18 holes. 7107 yards. Par 72. Closed Mon.

Riviera Cancún Golf. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole golf course has ocean views and a Mexican-style clubhouse that's surrounded by mangroves, dunes, bridges, and lakes. The beautifully manicured course requires a certain level of strategic bunkering, straight shots, and skill, especially off the tee. Holes 10–18 are more challenging than the front nine. Bring more balls than you think, as you'll encounter water at nearly every hole. This course is not associated with a specific hotel. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km. 25, southern end of Kukulcán near Punta Nizuc, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/848–7777. www.playgolf.mx. $200 for 18 holes. 18 holes. 7060 yards. par 72.