Palmilla Golf Club

The verdict

Palmilla is where modern Los Cabos golf began. When Jack Nicklaus opened it in 1992, it was his first signature course anywhere in Latin America, and it set the template the corridor has followed ever since: desert holes framed by cardon cactus and granite, dramatic canyons and arroyos, and the constant pull of the Sea of Cortes. It grew to 27 holes across three distinct nines, the Arroyo, the Mountain and the Ocean, each with its own character.

The access picture changed at the start of 2025. The Mountain and Arroyo nines are now exclusive to members and guests of the adjacent One and Only Palmilla resort, while visitor golf is played on the Ocean nine, looped twice for an 18 hole round of par 72 and about 6,868 yards. Indicative public rates are moderate by Cabo standards, which makes Palmilla one of the more attainable marquee names for a traveling golfer. We profile the current reality and build the round into a trip that holds together.

The holes worth the trip

The Ocean nine is the stretch most visitors come to play, and it earns the name. It works toward the Sea of Cortes through the desert, with the kind of long views and downhill tee shots that have made Cabo famous, and the par 3s in particular ask for a committed swing against the backdrop of the water. Played twice, it gives a satisfying full round while showing off the best of the property.

The character is pure early Nicklaus in the desert: generous off the tee in places, then demanding precise approaches into greens defended by sand and slope. The arroyos that cut through the site are the natural hazards, and the wind off the ocean firms up the test in the afternoon. The Mountain and Arroyo nines, now reserved for members and resort guests, add the elevation and the inland drama that complete the original 27.

For a Los Cabos golf trip, Palmilla is a natural pairing with the corridor's other public and resort rounds. We will sort the access, the tee times and the order of play so the historic Nicklaus lands at the right moment in the week.

Where to stay nearby

Palmilla shares its name and setting with the landmark One and Only Palmilla resort, and the wider corridor near San Jose del Cabo is lined with hotels of every style. A base in this stretch keeps you minutes from the first tee and within a short drive of the rest of the corridor's golf, which makes it an easy hub for a couples week or a buddies trip.

We match the hotel to the courses on your list and the access you want, then cost it to the head. Palmilla slots in as one of the more attainable marquee rounds while the rest of Los Cabos fills out the schedule.

Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Palmilla Golf Club.