We caught up with Jared Cunningham, a real estate expert with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Baja Real Estate, to dive into the world of golf in Cabo. Jared shared his insights on what makes Los Cabos a premier golfing destination, the unique appeal of its top golf communities, and some exciting opportunities for homebuyers and investors. From world-class courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to the lifestyle benefits of living in these exclusive communities, Jared offered a wealth of knowledge for anyone considering golf real estate in Los Cabos. Ready to explore the finest golf communities in Cabo? Read on and get an insider’s perspective.
The Top Communities for Golf in Cabo
Los Cabos is known as a golfing paradise. Can you give us an overview of the top golf communities in the area?
Los Cabos is known as the golf capital of Latin America and is home to two golf courses that made it onto the latest edition of Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses Worldwide. One of these courses is the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, exclusive to Cove Club members. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course offers a unique experience as it winds through high desert cacti and dry washes, ultimately descending to the sea. The other course on the list is The Dunes at Diamante, designed by Davis Love III. This course features stunning white sand dunes along the Pacific Ocean, with large areas devoid of vegetation that resemble massive snow drifts.
Additionally, there are many other communities with excellent golf options. You’ll find Rancho San Lucas and Quivira on the Pacific side, among others. In Cabo, notable courses include Cabo Country Club, Cabo del Sol, Twin Dolphins, Chileno, El Dorado, Palmilla, and Querencia, to name a few. San Jose del Cabo features Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos, which boasts 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Golf in Cabo has something to offer to everyone.
Jared Cunningham’s Favorite Golf Courses in Cabo
Do you have a personal favorite as a golfer and a real estate agent?
I live in Quivira, which is close to my heart. It has been ranked among the best in the world by various publications. It offers breathtaking views, with seven holes at the Baja Peninsula’s tip. For public courses, I enjoy Puerto Los Cabos. The combination of Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman’s designs makes it unique, and the views are spectacular. This course is one of the top options for golf in Cabo.
From a real estate perspective, I appreciate Quivira because it offers many property options, from luxury beachfront villas to condos. This diversity harmoniously caters to different lifestyles.
Public vs. Private: Understanding Golf in Cabo
How many golf courses are there in Los Cabos, and can you explain the difference between public and private courses?
We have approximately five or six public golf courses available, including Cabo Country Club, Cabo del Sol Desert Course, Club Campestre, and Puerto Los Cabos. Some courses, such as Palmilla, are in the process of transitioning to private status. Private courses typically require property ownership or hotel stays within the community. The most exclusive courses, El Dorado and Querencia are strictly limited to homeowners, with no hotels on the property, ensuring exclusivity for owners. In total, there are about 18 golf courses in Los Cabos.
Insights into Top Real Estate Communities in Los Cabos
Which communities are you exceptionally knowledgeable about as a realtor?
I know Quivira quite well. It is situated on approximately 749 hectares and features five kilometers of pristine beaches along the Pacific Coast of Cabo San Lucas. Quivira is a serene residential community that offers world-class amenities, including spectacular golf courses, award-winning restaurants, and luxurious spas.
I am also very familiar with Diamante, which hosts PGA events and is adding the Tiger Woods-designed Legacy Course. Additionally, Querencia is developing a second course by Tom Fazio, which promises to be stunning. Each community offers something unique: ocean views, exceptional course design, or exclusive amenities. Golf in Cabo does not lack options.
The Appeal of Golf Real Estate in Los Cabos
What is the general profile of investors looking to buy in these golf communities?
Buyers of golf real estate in Los Cabos include retirees, snowbirds, and families. Many are second homeowners looking to escape colder climates and enjoy year-round sunshine. These communities typically offer single and family memberships, making them appealing to golfers of all ages. Buyers are seeking a safe investment, a boost in lifestyle, and convenient access from their primary residences in the U.S. Golf real estate in Los Cabos meets all these requirements.
Factors That Attract Buyers to Different Golf Communities
What draws buyers to one community over another?
Price is essential, but location and amenities also play a significant role in real estate decisions. For example, Quivira offers condos starting at around $400,000 and luxury villas at much higher prices. However, most golf communities have properties listed at $1 million and above.
The views and location are crucial considerations; even though the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez are relatively close, they differ significantly in weather. The Pacific tends to have cooler weather but can be windy during certain parts of the year. In comparison, the Sea of Cortez generally offers warmer weather and more swimmable beaches, making it particularly appealing.
Additionally, seemingly minor details, such as the quality of comfort stations—which provide amenities ranging from sliders and hot dogs to gourmet delicacies—can influence buyers’ decisions for golf in Cabo.
Investing in Golf Real Estate in Los Cabos
Are golfing properties a good investment in Cabo?
Absolutely. Property values in golf communities have steadily risen; I expect this trend to continue. Golf appeals to a high-end market, and Cabo boasts 350 days of sunshine, making it ideal for year-round play. Projects like Diamante’s Legacy Club and Quivira’s new Jack Nicklaus course will further enhance property values. Additionally, Mexico offers investment guarantees for foreigners, ensuring their investments are safe and legally protected. The state of Baja California Sur, where Los Cabos is located, particularly welcomes foreign real estate investment.
New Developments and Pre-Construction Opportunities
Are there any exciting pre-construction opportunities right now?
Quivira’s Mavila Towers and Alvar developments are outstanding investment opportunities.
Alvar is the latest project from Quivira, designed by the renowned architectural firm GVI, known for prestigious projects such as The Residences at The St. Regis Los Cabos in Quivira and Rosewood Residences in Mayakoba. Alvar is a private community that offers breathtaking ocean views and consists of seven buildings divided into two low-rise towers with one, two, or three levels. The residences include three or four-bedroom units and one or two penthouses per tower.
Mavila is designed as a luxury community featuring 162 condominium units in two—and three-level layouts. Homeowners can join Quivira Los Cabos and embrace the family-oriented lifestyle developed in Mavila.
Puerto Los Cabos is also releasing more land in the Fundadores area, and Palmilla’s Reserve is expanding with new options. Investing in pre-construction properties is advantageous because prices typically increase as projects progress, making it a reliable equity builder.
The Role of the PGA Tour in Promoting Golf in Cabo
What impact has the PGA tour at Diamante had on Cabo as a unique destination for golfers?
The PGA event at Diamante’s El Cardonal has put Cabo on the global golf map. As the oldest PGA Tour event held outside of the U.S. and Canada, the World Wide Technology Championship represents the international expansion of the sport. This year, Austin Eckroat won by one stroke over Justin Lower and Carson Young.
The PGA strengthens Cabo’s golf community. Golfers here are part of a broader network, with people often sharing and playing at different courses. One naturally plays one’s home course most often. Still, it is usual for golfers to be in Facebook or WhatsApp groups and exchange invitations to play at different courses. The community here is open and welcoming.
Exploring Baja Sur’s Golf Courses Beyond Los Cabos
What about golf beyond Los Cabos? Are there other notable courses in Baja Sur?
Costa Palmas on the East Cape is stunning, with 18 holes along the water. In La Paz, there’s a course with fantastic ocean views. Loreto also has two excellent courses, one hosting an annual event. Baja Sur as a whole is becoming a prime golf destination.
Photos of Quivira and Puerto Los Cabos are credited to Quivira and Puerto Los Cabos, respectively.
