ARIZONANS WILL PLAY MAJOR ROLE WITH UNITING NATIONS CUP
El Manglar
Arizona Golf will be hosting a Uniting Nations Cup event at Iberostar in May 2015. The match-play event will involve partners and handicaps will mimic the Ryder Cup with a team from Arizona competing against a team from Mexico. Pricing varies with the
Mayakoba Classic after an eight-hole playoff with a birdie on the water-laden, par-3. Inside Mayakoba, there
are three premier hotels on property: the elegant Banyan Tree, Rosewood and Fairmont, offering the elite traveler every amenity. All are connected by a series of canals where visitors choose walking, shuttles or boat rides to their rooms. The multiplex ecosystem
makes any round a natural experience as flocks of colorful birds mimic galleries for the players. It culminates in a comfortable clubhouse behind the 18th green, which has a compelling offering of its own: world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera, who has culinary samplings that have brought international acclaim. An eight year resident,
OHL Classic Director Joe Mazzeo describes the setting: “Mayakoba is a truly special place where the beauty of nature comes together with world-renowned Mexican hospitality and an incredible level of luxury. As the venue for the only PGA Tour event in Mexico, El Camaleón Golf Club offers a unique opportunity to play where the
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pros play. The place is really in harmony with a variety of flora and fauna in its natural surroundings. Once a year, spectators have the chance to enjoy the world’s best golfers and some of the PGA Tour’s finest hospitality — it really is an intimate and exciting atmosphere each November.” Look for an AGA Tour of
Mayakoba coming in fall 2015. It may sound a little “over the top” until you arrive. Then it all makes perfect sense.
EL MANGLAR VIDANTA RIVIERA MAYA Those familiar with Mayan Palace south of Rocky Point will find the Riviera Maya version just as compelling even if it is a par-54 tract that hosts “night-play tournaments” from time to time. Short doesn’t mean uninteresting, though. For instance, the 276-yard 13th hole has a green centered on a dune; the 17th’s green surrounds a sand bunker; and the 18th features a shot over a bunker to an island with no option except a watery grave. An extra feature for visitors is Riviera Maya’s first Cirque du Soliel show “Joya” that just opened last month at Vidanta.
MORE OPTIONS What else is there in Riviera Maya for the golfer? Much too much for this writing, but just consider the Hard Rock Hotel has access to two wonderful courses at the fun Playacar and challenging Riviera Cancun, which hosts the PGA Tour Qualifying for Mayakoba. Grand Coral just south of Iberostar is a new public facility worth the effort, and the Moon Palace, which is Jack Nicklaus’ 27 holes of great golf, is as exciting as one might imagine in such a setting. There’s more of course, as we’ve only touched the surface. Yes, it’s hard to stay
in just one resort for the duration. Tours abound for the family, from the Ruins of Chichen Itza to Tulum, and the experiences of fresh water Xcaret, the flowing water tunnels of Xplor, all awaiting the visitor. Just a short day trip takes you to the incredible experiences of Cozumel 45 minutes across the strait. eco-tourism is the word, and we include golf in that definition, of course. Cancun and Riviera Maya have become a bucket-list necessity for the vacationer from Arizona. n
selection of hotel, but the Grand Hotel has no competition for the first-time visitor with its concierge and butler services, as residents also have privileged access to all other property areas. Entries start at $1,150 per person and include five days and four nights, all golf, team uniforms, rooms, meals, transfers, gift packages and parties. The competition will feature men’s and women’s divisions, as well as singles and mixed teams. In other words, all are invited. For the non-golfers, packages
start at $850 per person. When one considers this includes all food and beverages, including wine and liquor, as well, spa and entertainment, it’s a bargain not to be missed. Entries will be available
shortly at
azgolf.org. Come along and bring a friend! – ED GOWAN
The Grand Hotel is the perfect retreat for first-time visitors.
ANNUAL2014 | AZ GOLF Insider | 35
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