When golfers from around the world arrive in Los Cabos, they are welcomed by immaculate fairways, breathtaking ocean vistas, and an atmosphere that feels tailor-made for the sport. Yet behind this golfer’s paradise lies a remarkable story of ambition and foresight—a story that began less than four decades ago with one man’s bold vision.
That man was Don Koll, a real estate developer from Southern California who looked beyond the sun and surf to imagine Los Cabos as the future epicenter of golf in Latin America. His dream, combined with the expertise of legendary course designers, transformed this once-quiet peninsula into a destination that now hosts some of the world’s most celebrated courses.
The Spark: Don Koll’s Bold Move
In the mid-1980s, Don Koll recognized what few others had—the extraordinary potential of Los Cabos. Its rugged desert terrain, majestic mountains, and miles of coastline offered a natural stage for championship-level golf.
In 1985, Koll and his partner Robert Day secured land for the ambitious Cabo del Sol development. The following year, they acquired the iconic Hotel Palmilla, planting the seeds of what would become a luxury golf and lifestyle haven. To bring his dream to life, Koll turned to the greatest golfer of the era: Jack Nicklaus.
By commissioning Nicklaus to design two signature courses, Koll effectively rewrote the future of Los Cabos.
Jack Nicklaus: Shaping a Legacy
Nicklaus was already familiar with Los Cabos, having vacationed here for years. He knew firsthand that the region’s dramatic landscapes—where desert meets sea—were unlike anywhere else in the world.
In 1993, the unveiling of the Palmilla Golf Course marked a turning point, introducing Los Cabos to golfers across the globe. Just one year later, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol opened to international acclaim. With its cliffside holes, endless ocean panoramas, and demanding play, Golf Digest ranked it among the world’s best almost immediately.
Nicklaus’ success inspired others. Soon, names like Robert Trent Jones Jr., Greg Norman, and Tom Weiskopf added their designs, each bringing unique artistry to the Baja landscape.
The 1990s Boom: Prestige on the Rise
By the early 1990s, golf in Los Cabos was on a meteoric rise. The Cabo Real Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 1993, earned international spotlight when it hosted the Senior Slam tournaments in 1996 and 1999. Millions of television viewers marveled not just at the golf but at the sight of humpback whales breaching in the background—a visual that etched Los Cabos into the global golfing imagination.
The late ’90s also saw the birth of exclusive, members-only clubs. El Dorado (1999) and Querencia (2000) catered to elite golf enthusiasts seeking privacy, luxury, and challenge. By 2016, Querencia had earned recognition in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses, further proving that Cabo’s golf scene could compete with the very best.
A New Era: Icons of the 2000s
The new millennium ushered in another wave of innovation. Diamante Cabo San Lucas became the focal point, introducing the Dunes Course in 2009, designed by Davis Love III. It quickly earned global praise for its rolling sand dunes and ocean views.
Then came the arrival of Tiger Woods as a designer. In 2014, Woods launched El Cardonal Course at Diamante, blending tradition with modern flair. Three years later, he introduced the Oasis Short Course, designed for fun, fast, and family-friendly play. Woods didn’t stop there—by hosting the World Wide Technology Championship, he attracted the world’s top players to Los Cabos, cementing its reputation as a global golf stage.
The East Cape Expansion
As Los Cabos continued to flourish, developers looked eastward. The East Cape soon became the next frontier of luxury golf. In 2020, Robert Trent Jones Jr. introduced his latest course at Costa Palmas, redefining the standard for resort-style golf. The upcoming Baja Bay Club promises to add yet another jewel to the crown, while icons like Fred Couples and Tom Fazio have also made their mark on this expanding region.
Today, Los Cabos boasts 18 world-class golf courses, with more in development. Hosting PGA Tour events has only strengthened its standing as one of the premier golf destinations in the world.
Golf Meets Lifestyle: Why Cabo Stands Apart
What makes Los Cabos extraordinary is that golf here isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine teeing off while watching whales breach in the Pacific, or finishing your round just steps away from pristine beaches, fine dining, and luxury real estate. Every course is an invitation to embrace the Baja Peninsula’s natural wonders while enjoying the finest in design and amenities.
At Cabo Dream Homes, we believe golf reflects the very essence of Cabo living—luxury, beauty, and harmony with nature. Whether you’re discovering the legendary Cabo del Sol, playing the timeless Palmilla, or exploring new gems like Costa Palmas, Los Cabos offers something for every golfer and investor.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Golf in Cabo
The story of golf in Los Cabos is still unfolding. What began as Don Koll’s bold experiment has evolved into a global phenomenon. With continued innovation, iconic designers, and international tournaments, the region is poised to shine even brighter in the years ahead.
For homeowners, investors, and golf enthusiasts alike, Los Cabos represents more than a destination—it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and a dream made real.
At Cabo Dream Homes, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Whether you’re searching for your next vacation home, investment property, or simply planning your golf getaway, we’re here to help you find your place in this paradise.
Final Thought
Next time you step onto a Cabo fairway, remember—you’re not just playing golf. You’re part of a legacy that transformed desert and sea into one of the world’s most celebrated golfer’s paradises
