Created as an exclusive amenity for owners and guests of Quivira Los Cabos and Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas, the award-winning Quivira Golf Club is anchored by a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course, built on one of the most stunning settings in the world: the tip of the Baja Peninsula.
The course starts out from the shoreline, with the opening three holes heading inland before switching direction at the par five 4th, which plays over a pond to a wide, rolling fairway framed by dunes.
The most difficult hole at Quivira Golf Club
A three-quarters of a mile ride then follows to the short par four 5th rated stroke index 1 as it’s fraught with danger from start to finish. After crossing arroyos and scaling the flank of a mountain, players arrive at this one-of-a-kind oceanfront par 4 situated 278 feet above sea level. The fairway, slanted below a shouldering dune on the right, traces the edge of sheer granite cliffs to the left as it tumbles downhill to a transition zone before dropping to a rock-walled, cliff-hanging green 106 feet below the tee. The putting surface is defended to the left by a huge deep bunker.
Perched almost 300 feet above the waves crashing onto the rocks below, the tee plays down to a sliver of fairway that clings to the side of the granite cliffs before falling further to a small green that somehow defies gravity by not falling off the precipice onto the beach below – a truly stunning hole that’s one of Jack’s best ever designs.
The gorgeous par three 6th and par four 7th continue to hug the strand before the routing moves inland, returning briefly at the short 13th, where an all-or-nothing tee shot is required to find a tiny green sitting on a granite shelf above the beach. The only par three on the back nine, this 148-yard little beauty is a real test, especially when the wind is up. The green is not large, and competing for your attention are the sparkling ocean waves dancing off the sun in the background.
The 14th is a delightful hole, its bunkerless fairway doglegging abruptly to a long, thin “peek-a-boo” green that’s hidden in the dunes. After reaching the highest point on the course at the par five 15th, it’s downhill all the way to the finish, where the 18th returns to the beach.
The 18th is a classic links-style closer returns to sea level, its broad, gently undulating fairway framed on the left by an arroyo and to the right by a grove of mesquite trees, low rolling dunes and a huge bunker. The fairway, banked slightly from right to left, leads to a large green set directly on the beach. The putting surface, well protected by sand to the left and behind, is bisected by a deep trough.
The signature hole ?
Everyone has their own version of the ‘signature hole’ when playing this incredible course. The Director of Golf Antonio Reynante is no different. He shared: “My signature hole is number 12, the ‘Z hole.’” The longest hole on the course at 635 yards, this downhill, Z-shaped par 5 is as picturesque as it is challenging.
In addition to the fabulous scenery, there are three “comfort stations” on the course. These are basically mini restaurants. You can order any kind of beverage imaginable, and tequila is the main ingredient in every drink! Food options include mouth-watering huevos rancheros prepared right before your eyes, small tortillas with various fillings, and other fresh items including fruits and vegetables. Cheese burger sliders are also a favorite.
The dazzling 7,085-yard layout was recently voted to Golf Digest’s elite roster of the “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.” Golf Magazine named it the “Best New International Golf Course” in 2014, while Golf Inc. recognized Quivira as “The Development of the Year” when it opened.
Note that the green fees include use of golf carts, driving range and all food and refreshments at the comfort stations.
To conclude, if you get the chance to experience Quivira Golf Club in Los Cabos, you’ll never play a municipal course again.
