GolfinMexico.net - Your Guide to Mexico's Resorts and Golf Courses

2/28/2010

Target Golf Newsletter

Target Golf Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

Dear Target Golf Amigos,

Positive signs of renewed interest for golf and travel in Mexico appears in the key markets of Los Cabos, Cancun and the Vallarta's. Increased flight loads are due in part to some reduced schedules but also in part to aggressive hotel pricing, added value green fees and more importantly a rebound in interest from US and Canadian Golfers.

Some outstanding new golf courses have recently opened including a great links course in Los Cabos. The first on the Pacific side is the Diamante Dunes course designed by PGA veteran Davis Love III. Golfers are giving this course high marks not only for its layout but more importantly the level of personalized service including well trained caddies. On the opposite side of Los Cabos, close to San Jose del Cabo is the newest of Jack Nicklaus creations; the oceanside nine at Puerto Los Cabos. Mr. Nicklaus was in town to have a ribbon cutting and walk through that consisted of a playing exhibition, clinic and press conference.

In Mr. Nicklaus says that at seventy, he no longer plays golf. Don't understand completely his way of thinking...he had targeted tee shots, crisp irons and nothing more than two putts. I'd take his game any day of the week. His nine holes complements the Greg Norman nine at Puerto Los Cabos and beckons to be played by one and all on your next visit to Los Cabos.

Up the road in between Los Cabos and La Paz and now ready for play is the first Tom Doak golf course in Mexico at Bahia de los Sueños. Make the effort to play this great golf course and enjoy the Grand Sueños boutique suites...you may want to stay for a while.

Yucatan Country Club will finally have its day of fame at its grand opening in April with Jack Nicklaus present for the event and when they will be the recipient of the BEST's Golf Guide award for the TOP new PRIVATE Country Club in Mexico.

The PGA Tournament at Mayakobá was held last weekend in Cancun/Riviera Maya area followed by four Canadian Tour events in Mazatlan, Punta Mita, Merida and San Luis Potosi.

The Puerto Los Cabos World Cup and Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held in October including fishing, high stakes poker and a one day surfing event.

To view our Best’s Golf Guides to Mexico online go to: Click Here

To book your golf travel/tee times: www.best4mexicoteetimes.com

For more detail information about golfing in Mexico go to www.golfinmexico.net

Mexico is better than ever...come and join us for your next individual, corporate or family outing.

See you on the next tee.

Sincerely,

Chuck Kinder, CTC

President/ Publisher

949-494-8561

ckinder@golfinmexico.net

Expanding Golf In Mexico...

(Left to right)
Davis Love III; Professional Golfer and Course Designer.

Chuck Kinder; CTC, Publisher of BEST'S Golf Guides to Mexico.

*WE do not sell or provide your e-mail address to any third parties.
Your privacy is most important to us.

12/30/2009

Target Golf Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

Dear Target Golf Amigos,

Thoughts of posadas and Christmas cheers to our friends and family on both sides of the border are in our minds, as well as, what golf courses we can conquer and challenge during the Christmas Season. Come play golf in Mexico!

We are now emerging from one of the most challenging economies that we have faced in recent history and are seeing signs of increased travel from US and Canadian Golf Travelers to Mexico. Golf Courses and resorts throughout Mexico have rolled out the red carpet and are offering great value pricing for some of the best golf in the world.

Price points for green fees and hotel rates have been packaged and adjusted to attract the attention of world wide consumers who still have pent up desire to travel and enjoy Mexico’s 200 + golf courses with the perfect winter climate.

New courses are opening in Baja, Central Mexico and the Cancun Riviera Maya, including: Bahia Principe, Campestre León, Bahía de Sueños and Diamante Cabo San Lucas. Note to Gary…I would like these hyperlinked but not showing the actual web…just to click to link

Michelle Wie won her first LPGA tournament at the Guadalajara Country Club hosted by the number one golfer in the world, Lorena Ochoa. Click Here for More Information.

The PGA will host its annual event in Mexico at the El Camaleón golf course at Mayakobá on the Riviera Maya in February. The Canadian tour has announced four golf tournaments in Mexico at El Cid in Mazatlán, Yucatán Country Club in Mérida, Punta Mita and San Luis Potosí.

Grab some friends, your golf bag and head for Mexico for an unforgettable experience: world class golf, warm, spectacular beaches; historic cities and villages.

Mexico is safe and secure for tourism and golf. Welcome back to Mexico!

To view our Best’s Golf Guides to Mexico online go to: Click Here

To book your golf travel/tee times: www.best4mexicoteetimes.com

For more detail information about golfing in Mexico go to www.golfinmexico.net

Best Wishes for most enjoyable Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Chuck Kinder, CTC

President/ Publisher

949-494-8561

ckinder@golfinmexico.net

Expanding Golf In Mexico...

(Left to right)
Greg "The Shark" Norman; Professional Golfer and Entrepreneur.

Chuck Kinder; CTC, Publisher of BEST'S Golf Guides to Mexico.

10/27/2009

Target Golf Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

From the Desk of Chuck Kinder: Dear Target Golf Amigos, As I write this month’s TargetGolf Mexico newsletter fires are all around Southern California… we will to express our deep concern for our friends and colleagues for their safety and offer our support. We now look forward to the upcoming high season for golf in Mexico and the bag is a mixture of forecasts. Travel and Tourism, and real estate will be challenged by the US economy and the drop in value of domestic home values, effecting the lower to middle travel markets. The positive input is that the golf market is more upper middle to higher end and this segment will continue to travel, while looking for value priced golf vacations, tee times and real estate opportunities. I had the pleasure of interviewing seven time LPGA winner and Rolex player of the year, Lorena Ochoa recently at the Samsung Championship at Bighorn CC in Palm Desert. She is the most wonderful ambassador for golf in Mexico, charming, pleasant and professional. She loves Golf and she loves Mexico, check out the conversation at this link. Our Golf Guide to Mexico - Winter/Spring issues are coming out in December and we are doing a feature on the huge market of Real Estate in Mexico geared to the golfer’s needs and his profile. A directory of all of the most important projects and properties will be included. To see our golf guides online http://www.golfguidetomexico.com/digital/ Jack Nicklaus will be presented with the award to Best’s Top Golf Architect in Mexico this week at the ceremonial opening of his new Campeche Playa, Golf, and Marina & Spa Resort oceanfront Signature Golf Course. Just a little over six weeks and it is the time for the International Golf Travel Market 2007 meeting December 3-6, 2007 in Cancun…vendors, golf tour operators, golf oriented travel agents from around the world are coming to discover the growth of great golf in Mexico. Click here to register. Many world class courses are offering quality and value-priced deals… for more information go to www.golfinmexico.net or www.best4mexicoteetimes.com. Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico is launching a story of the BEST new Golf Courses and Golf Communities in Mexico. Be part of this high-growth area of opportunity for investors, consumers and golfers from around the world. Grab a friend and head south for world class golf in Mexico. Sincerely, Chuck Kinder, CTC President/ Publisher 949-494-8561 ckinder@golfinmexico.net

5/2/2006

Torneo Casa de la Amistad 2006

A benefit tournament for children with Cancer. Register at: http://www.golf.com.mx/masivo/amistad_abril2006.html

3/27/2005

Retirees find value, sun in Mexico.

By Sally Stich
Special to The Denver Post

Sunday, March 27, 2005 -

Retiring to Mexico has never looked better, hanks to a change in the tax laws that allows foreigners to own property.
One Colorado company is developing homes near La Paz for American retirees, and other residents nearing retirement say that by crossing the border they can stretch their dollars.
"Mexico is this generation's Florida," said Pam Dumonceau, a financial adviser and owner of Consistent Values Inc. in Aurora. "Not only is the climate ideal, but you can get beachfront property in some areas at a fraction of what it would cost in desirable retirement locations like Florida or California."
Dumonceau has been suggesting retirement in Mexico - or elsewhere abroad - to many of her clients for the past five years.
"There are two phases to retirement," she said, "early, when your health is still good, and late, when it starts to decline. Almost 95 percent of Americans retire with debt, so if they can reduce expenses and save in the early phase, they should be OK in the later phase," she said.
Since housing is often the biggest expense in retirement, the key is to reduce housing costs while maintaining a high quality of life.
A couple who retire on $60,000 a year after taxes can afford a home in Mexico and a modest condo in the States for family visits, she said. Their $5,000 a month could stretch a lot farther if their primary residence is in Mexico.
"It never crossed our minds to live in Mexico during retirement," said Phil Allen, 56, a semiretired Denver business development consultant. But last year, when he and his wife, Trish, were introduced to the still-in-progress development Paraiso del Mar in La Paz, they fell in love with the promise of a lifestyle that mixes beautiful scenery with a balmy climate and outdoor recreation.
It doesn't hurt that their 2,150-square-foot home, still being built, already has appreciated. "Prices of homes in this development have gone up 10 (percent) to 20 percent since we bought," Allen said.
The process has been expedited by sweeping reforms in Mexico's judicial and foreign investment system. Foreclosure laws were strengthened two years ago, which has led more U.S. financial institutions to lend money for Mexican real estate. Although Mexico's Constitution prohibits direct ownership of real estate by foreigners along the country's borders and coastlines, a new real estate trust has been created. A Mexican bank holds the property's title on behalf of the foreign buyer.
"It's much easier now for Americans to get mortgage financing for homes in Mexico," said developer John Fair, whose company Fair Enterprises is developing Paraiso del Mar.
Developers like Fair also offer traditional construction financing packages, get title insurance "and we help get the trust lined up, since the title is in the form of a trust with a Mexican bank as the trustee," Fair said.
It's still not the same as buying a home in the U.S. "There's more paperwork, which takes more time to process than here," Fair said, "and closing costs will run between 3 (percent) and 6 percent."
Retirees Lowell and Kathy Williams consider their 1989 purchase of a condo in San Jose del Cabo a great preretirement move. One hundred yards from the Sea of Cortez, they enjoy a climate much like Southern California, their last residence before retirement.
"Beachfront property in Southern California was well out of our financial range," said Kathy, 51, a former regional manager for Pacific Bell. In Mexico, the couple enjoy a lifestyle not far removed from the life they dreamed about in Los Angeles.
Lowell loves fishing. He and Kathy enjoy exploring the mountain trails on ATVs. They also admit that, at least where they live, the price of housing is far from reasonable.
"We paid $300,000 for our condo in 1989. Today, new condos on the same stretch of beach are going for closer to a million," Kathy said.
Farther north at Paraiso del Mar, Fair's development offers 5 miles of beachfront at about a third of what a similar place in Cabo San Lucas costs. Buyers can enjoy a gated community that will eventually include 2,000 condos, 1,500 single-family homes and 1,500 rooms in five hotels. The homes will range from $200,000 to $600,000. The development will offer churches, tennis courts, golf courses, country clubs and an extensive system of nature trails for pedestrians and cyclists. The south shore's mangrove ecosystem will remain intact, and 1,000 acres have been set aside for wildlife sanctuaries and open space.
"The cost of living in La Paz is simply lower than in Cabo," Fair said. "You can hire a full-time maid in La Paz for $300-400 a month. Food is fairly reasonable. You can live as if you were upper middle class in America but on much less money."
Another popular development is farther north, just 700 miles south of San Diego. The Villages of Loreto Bay will be built over 15 years and will create a town of approximately 6,000 homes in pedestrian-oriented, car-free neighborhoods. Homes start in the mid-$200,000s.
Still, retiring in Mexico raises certain predictable issues. "I hear people raise two concerns," Dumonceau said. "The first is they don't want to be far from their grandkids. The second is a concern over health care."
Kathy Williams calls the grandkid issue a no-brainer. "It's easy to fly back to the States to get a grandkid fix," she said.
Health-care concerns appear to be less an issue than in years past, although it depends on where you choose to live.
The Williamses say it's easy to find a good doctor in their town. The real problem is a lack of equipment and facilities. They solved it by buying an insurance policy that covers their costs if they need to be airlifted to the States for medical care.
For routine care, Kathy Williams uses a local doctor who has a small boutique hospital where she spent three days several years ago with pneumonia.
"I had 24-hour on-premise doctors and nurses, fresh flowers in my room every day, and food from local restaurants - whatever I wanted," she said.
Trish and Phil Allen haven't tested the medical care yet, but they aren't terribly concerned.
"There are two world-class hospitals in La Paz," Phil said, "but if we hike and swim, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables - as we plan to do - we don't think we'll need much medical attention."

3/19/2004

Update!

ISKY data base
Greg Tallman former director of golf at Estrella del Mar has now officially assumed the position of Head Golf Professional at Cabo del Sol in Los Cabos. Brad Wheatley remains the Director of Golf. --
Tianguis in Acapuclo April dates get information 15-19 November in Morelia 3rd Annual --
T+L Golf magazine will do a special for the Los Cabos Special Section, which we will have in May/June issue.
The Golfer Magazine will do a feature for Los Cabos this spring and a special feature for Vallarta golf in the early fall.
OC/LA/SD Golf Magazine is doing the Best golf resorts in the West in the April issue covering all of Southern California.
El Palomar is embarking on an aggressive marketing campaign to attract local Guadalajara golfers and well as offering a welcome to visiting players as well. Well known for its breathtaking views over looking the beautiful history city of Guadalajara it provides a world class golfing experience on a course that is very well maintained in a unique private country club setting. Carved out of the highland residential master plan the course changes elevations thorough the layout with surprising grace and playability. Caddies add to the charm of this must play courses.
Get a report from Rene Martinez regarding Fontir in Spain and current information
Get a report from Sally Ogilvy on her reaction and assessment from her trade show this year so far…how is our Golf guide being received…she is supposed to provide us with mailing address and data from those attending her shows
Puerto Vallarta tourism office led by President Gabriel Igaruta has taken a bold step with the support of a well-crafted marketing study by Bruce Goodwin to show the increasing value of the golf segmentation market. With seven world-class golf courses in the Vallarta area the destination will commit a portion of their budget to focus on the special niche of Golf. Carlos Hampe and the CONSEJO with provide some co-operative funds along with the newly formed Vallarta Golf association with the support of KC Crandall, director of golf with ClubCorp, representing the Vista Vallarta and Marina Vallarta golf courses and William Davis managers of the Flamingo golf course in Nuevo Vallarta. All seven courses have committed to participate. The program will launch in April for a twelve-month period. Gabriel who also holds the position of President of the Hotel association has over 30 experiences in the hotel industry
Steve Dobson, former director of golf at the Cabo San Lucas CC is recovering from a serious health issue that sent him to emergency live saving surgery followed by careful and watchful eyes from nurses around the clock and attentive loving care from his wife Debbie. Thankfully he his home today resting and eager to get back on his feet and out onto the best golf courses in Los Cabos.
Speaking of Steve, he and Carlos Siosaio are hosting the Fire fighters in Los cabos for a fund raising event to bring attention to the needs of the local fire heros in Los Cabos. Fellow firemen from around the world will decend on the local area to enjoy golf, fishing and the many restaurant in Los Cabos.
Wayne Sisson emeritus Golf Professional from the Acapulco Princess and the Pierre Marquis states, that “We have now opened all 18 holes at the newly renovated Pierre Marques course, and are getting many positive comments on the new look being presented. It is definitely a more challenging course, with 2 new lakes having been added, and 3 more having been expanded! The new slope rating from the back tees is now 136, up from 127, and we have now added a fourth set of tees for seniors that plays to a slope of 124. He invites everyone to attend Tianguis in April, and look forward to seeing you then, and perhaps have an opportunity to give the Pierre a workout with you!
Akira, golf director of the Palace Resort group consiting of the Playacar course in the Riviera Maya and the Moon Palace in Cancun reports “ We are building the next 9 holes totally different concept (Dune type) at Moon Palace (Nicklaus Signature too) in order to be 27 holes, we are expecting to open in November.” Moon Palace is the number one rated golf course in the Yucatan and was the site of the 2003 Mexican Open. --
Letter to the CONSEJO Another great year is shaping up for Golf in Mexico. Having traveled extensively and interviewing and chatting with my golf club directors and hotel GM and sales directors it looks as though a positive increase of golf is being paid. Most courses show increase in round of golf with rates has stayed competitive. The only exception is Los Cabos where most of the courses, with the exception of Palmilla, have felt compelled to increase rate and watch as number of rounds have either slowed in the number of new golfer
Golf in Mexico needs you…it needs your support…it needs to support the continued efforts of Carlos Hampe…it needs to participate with the golf grow areas of Los Cabos, Vallarta, Manzanillo, Cancun, Riviera Maya, IXTAPA, Loreto, Puerto Pensaco, Acapulco, San Felipe, Mazatlan, Morelia, Baja Norte…etc. It needs your support in developing tournaments, promoting events, publicizing the great value of golf in Mexico. --
Tournaments upcoming MasterCard Senior tournament in Mexico City March 1-7, 2004 at Bosque Real
Canadian Open request information from Paco Lavat
Tour de Las Americas request information from Gaintan
Mexican Open Paco Lavat
Playboy golf tournament in PVR November 2004 --
Golf Events
Golf Expo The third edition will be in Mexico City at the Exposiciones Banamex (Hipódromo de las Américas) 27, 27, 28 y 29 de Mayo. This upshot group has created success with their ability to bring some strong sponsorship catering to the growing domestic golf market. Plan to attend. For more information see. www.expogolfmexico.com
Golf Tianguis contact René Martinez to find update on Morelia --
Eldorado and Cabo Real announced an abrupt reduction in the discounts and commissions to travel industry suppliers of clients. Eldorado to go private…Todas Santos to expand. La Paz looking for a new development. --
What are they reading Wisconsin Page Journal Internet Traffic and online travel buyers up 8% according to TIA
Viva Golf in Mexico…are you in?? --
How to reach the golf market CONSEJO consumers trade show half way mark
Carlos Hampe, director of the Golf Segmentation for the CONSEJO has planned several tradeshows directed at either the golf consumer or the golf/travel trade to enlighten, information and education them on Golf in Mexico. Spend your golf promotional dollars wisely…share in his booth. Destinations or major groups can be in the Orlando show for $1500 to be shared by 1-5 entities. Six of more pay $2500. Get the whole golfing community to participate. If you can’t attend then send your materials and for $100.00 he will hand out your product collateral. Shows are scheduled for Texas, California, Canada, Illinois and Michigan. --
Golf Charity events.
Give a ways charity golf events bring in some great clients and give you maxim exposure to a group of high spending golfers who might pay between $250 to $1000 to play in a charity tournament for a good cause at a great golf course. After the round a silent or live action is held…your 4day/3 night with golf package is sold to the highest bidders. All of the golfers that day have seen your package…read your brochure and someone the exact client you are looking for bids $500 to $2000 dollars for your give a way…then he brings his buddy or two or a couple or a foursome. Call us for details.
Summer time offer UNLIMITED golf package and cater to the youth and mid age range market. --
Magic of Mexico
Greg and Jane Custard host the Come to know Los Cabos and Mexico Magic seminars and do a great job of education agents. LIST ALL of the Mexico programs starting in March in Chicago. A program of E-learning online is being planned to help agents understand how to make money selling Golf in Mexico.
With over 600,000 international golf visitors entering into Mexico to play and spend their upscale dollars for green fees, view rooms, boutique gifts, fine dinning and premium brands drinks and real estate investment it is important how to find these clients, bring them to your property and keep them coming back again.
Marketing dollars are limited and need to be spent wisely…targeted to your specific goals.
Our Golf Guides to Mexico, Los Cabos, and the Mexican Riviera offer you several choices on how to reach a client who in many cases is planning his next golf vacation or has the ability to influence his friend or golf travel professional by sharing his recent vacation experience by sharing with them a copy of our guides on his return to his hometown. Carefully constructed to reflect the quality and beauty of Golf in Mexico they are current and convincing to a consumer that has many choice of international destinations to choose from…give him the change to consider your great offering.
Our role is not just limited to writing in our three publications as we contract with other major golf publications to provide them with accurate and informative articles and features sharing our knowledge of Golf in Mexico. Recently we have published stories on Golf Magazine, The Golfer, American Express’s T&L Golf Magazine and the OC, LA and SD Golf magazines. Travel Age West and America West in-flight magazines had feature story on Golf in Mexico that we assisted in providing important updates and valuable facts and figures. We reach millions of golfers through out the year.
The Internet is rapidly playing a more and more important role in educating the computer friendly golfer. www.golfinmexico.net offers international and domestic golfers the opportunities to search for golf courses, resorts and real estate by state, city, area, architect, price, rankings or to view all. Each golf related property in Mexico can be listed for FREE. We encourage your inspection to make sure rates and current information is up to date. Upgraded displays are available as are banners and marketing campaigns via our target golf travel agents and meeting planners, incentive agents and golf professionals.
Planning an event…list it in our calendar section. Have a package that you want extra attention…send us a press release we will post it immediately for FREE…no cost…NADA.
Your currently reading our monthly target Golf Mexico newsletter. Send us your timely information and we will pass it along the others like yourselves who want to know more about Golf in Mexico. Our database grows daily with more requests to be added, occasionally we receive a request to be deleted…what are they thinking??
Most exciting is that we have finally launched our TEE TIMES reservation system providing the Travel industry and the golf consumer alike the opportunity to instantly confirm multiple rounds of golf at the same course or another one in Mexico all at the same time, booking 1-16 person in the most user friendly – error free system possible.
We are planning to add packages as soon as possible and gladly await your participation.
As series of How to Sell Golf in Mexico seminars are scheduled for 2004…contact us for more information.
E marketing and Emotion…next time. --

12/11/2003

other tradeshows:

North Coast Golf Shows: January 2-4, 2004 @ the Wall to Wall Sports Complex, Cincinnati, OH January 9-11, 2004 @ the Franklin County Veterans Memorial, Columbus, OH January 23-25, 2004 @ the Dulles Expo Center, Washington, DC January 30- February 1, 2004 @ the Erie County Fairgrounds, Buffalo, NY February 13-15, 2004 @ the Fort Washington Expo Center, Philadelphia, PA February 20-22, 2004 @ the International Exposition Center, Cleveland, OH February 27-29, 2004 @ the Pittsburgh ExpoMart, Pittsburgh, PA March 5-7, 2004 @ the Garden State Exhibit Center, Somerset, NJ 800/939-0040 www.northcoastgolfshows.com 16th Annual West Michigan Golf Show; February 6-8, 2004 @ DeVos Place, Downtown Grand Rapids. 800/328-6550 www.showspan.com The Vancouver Golf & Travel Show; February 13-15, 2004 @ BC Place Stadium, Vancouver. 800/891-4859 www.vancouvergolfshow.com The Great Minnesota Golf Show; February 27-29, 2004 @ the HHH Meteordome in Minneapolis. www.minnesotagolfshow.com Boston National Golf Expo; March 5-7, 2004 in New England. 877/898-8780 www.imggolfexpo.com/boston/ If you would like more info on any of these tradeshows, please email us at ckinder@golfinmexico.net

12/11/2003

ORLANDO TRADESHOW

Join Carlos Hampe in his Golf in Mexico Booth at the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show welcomes a global audience of more than 40,000 PGA Professionals, retailers and industry professionals to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 28 – Feb. 1. A full day of outdoor golf product demonstrations for PGA Members and VIP buyers is followed by an expansive four-day education conference and the traditional four-day trade show featuring some 1,200 golf-related exhibitors. The Show will be open Jan. 29 – Jan. 31st, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Feb. 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buyers can register online at www.pgaexpo.com or by calling 1-800-840-5628. Media may register by logging on to www.pgaexpo.com or by calling 1-203-840-5464. In addition, the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show offers airfare discounts, shuttle bus service from 32 official hotels, and many more amenities. The PGA Merchandise Show, organized in partnership with The PGA of America, is one of five leading golf trade shows in PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions’ global golf portfolio including the PGA Fall Expo in rotating U.S. West Coast cities; the Ontario PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Toronto, Canada; and the PGA Merchandise Show of Australia in Sydney.

12/11/2003

HOW TO REACH THE GOLF MARKET

With over 600,000 international golf visitors entering into Mexico to play and spend their upscale dollars for green fees, view rooms, boutique gifts, fine dinning and premium brands drinks and real estate investment it is important how to find these clients, bring them to your property and keep them coming back again. Marketing dollars are limited and need to be spent wisely… Targeted to your specific goals. Our Golf Guides to Mexico, Los Cabos, and the Mexican Riviera offer you several choices on how to reach a client who in many cases is planning his next golf vacation or has the ability to influence his friend or golf travel professional by sharing his recent vacation experience by sharing with them a copy of our guides on his return to his hometown. Carefully constructed to reflect the quality and beauty of Golf in Mexico they are current and convincing to a consumer that has many choice of international destinations to choose from…give him the change to consider your great offering. Our role is not just limited to writing in our three publications as we contract with other major golf publications to provide them with accurate and informative articles and features sharing our knowledge of Golf in Mexico. Recently we have published stories on Golf Magazine, The Golfer, American Express’s T&L Golf Magazine and the OC, LA and SD Golf magazines. Travel Age West and America West in-flight magazines had feature story on Golf in Mexico that we assisted in providing important updates and valuable facts and figures. We reach millions of golfers through out the year. The Internet is rapidly playing a more and more important role in educating the computer friendly golfer. www.golfinmexico.net offers international and domestic golfers the opportunities to search for golf courses, resorts and real estate by state, city, area, architect, price, rankings or to view all. Each golf related property in Mexico can be listed for FREE. We encourage your inspection to make sure rates and current information is up to date. Upgraded displays are available as are banners and marketing campaigns via our target golf travel agents and meeting planners, incentive agents and golf professionals Planning on an event…list it in our calendar section. Have a package that you want extra attention… send us a press release we will post it immediately for FREE… No cost… NADA. Your currently reading our monthly target Golf Mexico newsletter. Send us your timely information and we will pass it along the others like yourselves who want to know more about Golf in Mexico. Our database grows daily with more requests to be added, occasionally we receive a request to be deleted… What are they thinking?? Most exciting is that we have finally launched our TEE TIMES reservation system providing the Travel industry and the golf consumer alike the opportunity to instantly confirm multiple rounds of golf at the same course or another one in Mexico all at the same time, booking 1-16 person in the most user friendly – error free system possible. We are planning to add packages as soon as possible and gladly await your participation. Carlos Hampe, director of the Golf Segmentation for the CONSEJO has planned several tradeshows directed at either the golf consumer or the golf/travel trade to enlighten, information and education them on Golf in Mexico. Spend your golf promotional dollars wisely…share in his booth. Destinations or major groups can be in the Orlando show for $1500 to be shared by 1-5 entities. Six of more pay $2500. Get the whole golfing community to participate. If you can’t attend then send your materials and for $100.00 he will hand out your product collateral. Shows are scheduled for Texas, California, Canada, Illinois and Michigan. As series of How to Sell Golf in Mexico seminars are scheduled for 2004…contact us for more information. Greg and Jane Custard host the Come to know Los Cabos and Mexico Magic seminars and do a great job of education agents. A program of E-learning online is being planned to help agents understand how to make money selling Golf in Mexico. Give a ways charity golf events bring in some great clients and give you maxim exposure to a group of high spending golfers who might pay between $250 to $1000 to play in a charity tournament for a good cause at a great golf course. After the round a silent or live action is held…your 4day/3 night with golf package is sold to the highest bidders. All of the golfers that day have seen your package…read your brochure and someone the exact client you are looking for bids $500 to $2000 dollars for your give a way…then he brings his buddy or two or a couple or a foursome. Call us for details.

2/25/2003

Mexico Sun Triangle

This area along Mexico’s Southern Coast hugs the warm Pacific Ocean a distance of 300 miles with some great gems more than worthy of your consideration.

Hernán Cortés ordered his Spanish sailors to take the Bahía de Acapulco in 1521. Its natural harbor became a jumping off port for further explorations and conquests and soon Acapulco became the only port in the New World authorized to receive Spanish galleons from the Philippines, China and Peru loaded with spices, silks, ivory, jade and porcelain.

The rebellion of 1812 and the Independence of Mexico lead to a decline of this port for the next century. Its isolation from the rest of the world ended when a paved road was built in 1927 linking it with Mexico City. As the capital grew larger its citizens began flocking to the Pacific coast for vacations. A new international airport was built, and by the 1960s Acapulco was a booming resort, its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous set.

Today’s treasures come in the way of championship golf courses lined with palm trees and vegetation from around the world.

By 1964 the first public course was built in Acapulco at the downtown nine hole Acapulco Club de Golf lovingly watched over by the recently retired little BIG pro Gerardo Castellanos. Conveniently located on the Costera Manuel Aleman -- only one block from the Convention Center it offers several sets of tee allowing for a varied 18 holes with a well-trained staff of caddies to make your conference visit a great experience.

Around the same time... Paul Getty, one of the richest men in the world, originally built the Pierre Marques as his private hideaway. Now it is the Fairmont Pierre Marques a legendary hotel and a quiet paradise, hidden away among 480 acres of palm, mango and lime on the longest and most beautiful beach in Acapulco.

Pierre Marques Golf Course was designed by Percy Clifford in 1967 and was later redesigned in 1982 for the World Cup Golf Tournament by Robert Trent Jones Sr. who made changes to 65 bunkers and added a number of mounds and added 300 yards in length, Jones placed a premium on accuracy from the tee, and precise shots into his well guarded greens. As testament to the challenge he created, Spain’s, the winning team, score for the tournament was just 3 under par. This year the Pierre Marques course is going through a transformation and will be closed from March until December. A major facelift and hole construction including rerouting for two holes to be oceanfront. When finished it will reawaken the tremendous golf opportunities available to Acapulco bound travelers.

According to Acapulco historian Mike Oliver author of "Mike Oliver's Acapulco" at www.amazon.com, down the road a tremendous story was unfolding at Club Tres Vidas en la Playa owned by the famous Texan millionaire businessman Troy Post which was a take off on his initials Troy V. Post. In 1968 Troy had sold his Greater American Insurance Co. for 500 million dollars, came here and started building the Tres Vidas for forty million dollars, with two eighteen hole golf courses, many villas with their own swimming pool, and two condominiums where planned. The golf courses where designed by Robert Trenton Jones, Sr. and the grass was flown in from Los Angeles. Everybody said would not grow on sand, but he proved otherwise. During its heyday there was not a week that at least one world-renowned celebrity would be there, even Onasis spent time at Tres Vidas. A third golf club was planned to be opened to the public and on the river across the highway, a Yacht Club. Tres Vidas was the club in Mexico. Unfortunately a land dispute took place and eventually Troy Post left Acapulco and abandoned the project, he later helped save and expand Braniff airlines during the height of its great success.

Tres Vidas was dormant until the Santos family from Monterrey Mexico took over the land that was only a distant memory of earlier days.

A new Tres Vidas Golf Club was inaugurated in 1995 designed by Robert von Hagge who has over fourteen championship courses in Mexico, Tres Vidas being on of his best. Lying parallel to the Pacific Ocean, with five of its greens extending along the beach. It also features nine lakes, famous von Hagge "moguls," palm trees and sand traps measuring over 7200 yards from the championship tees. It has been the home of the PGA Chrysler Cup Tournament. Recently is has been given new professional management in the form of Troon golf with Director of Golf, Sam Login from Punta Mita and Paradise Village. Second-generation golf professional Leo Castellanos continues he great diligence as he has for the past 6 years. Tres Vidas is well positioned to be one of Mexico’s finest private residential real estate developments. Several 15,000 feet homes are completed and a villa hotel called L’Hotel de Tres Vidas. will offer guests the opportunity stay in style and to play Mexico’s number 5 rated golf course. Members of the private Trev Vidas Club, and their guests, enjoy the use of the club’s 72,000 square foot clubhouse. Another 18 hole course in projected in their expansion program along the eastern edge of their complex. Tres Vidas is a must play!

Designed in 1971 by William Rudolph and Leonides Guadarrama, The Acapulco Princess sits on 480 acres of lush gardens with palms framing the view of the Sierra Madre in the beautiful Acapulco Diamante area. Built in the form of an ancient Aztec pyramid, the hotel contains 1,017 exquisite rooms, offering spacious bathrooms; large walk-in closets and separates dressing rooms. The resort also features four freshwater pools with waterfalls and one saltwater pool - all overlooking Revolcadero Beach, the Pacific Ocean, a championship golf course, and nine outdoor and two indoor tennis courts. In 1997 The Fairmont group rescued the Recently; the readers of Travel and Leisure Magazine ranked The Fairmont Acapulco Princess the eighth best hotel in Mexico, Central and South America.

Acapulco Princess Golf Course:

One of my favorite courses that is both easy to play while providing plenty of shot making challenges. An excellently maintained 18-hole course that led Golf Digest to include the Acapulco Princess on its list of "The 25 Greatest Golf Resorts." It has been host to eight PGA sectional pro-am tournaments as well as pro-am events from Canada, England and Germany. Designed by Ted Robinson, it offers narrow fairways, Parrota trees and water hazards on 12 of the 18 holes. Wayne Sisson, veteran Director of Golf, from Canada has maintained calm and collective wisdom over the many years of management transformations and now has the great challenge of the new design for his sister course the Pierre Marquis.

Mayan Palace Golf Club:

The newest entry is an 18-hole, par-72 course that blends in with its natural environment; the Mayan Palace features lakes and gardens that surround the greens. The course's avant-garde layout, which features many dunes and other distinguishing characteristics, is by the well-known golf designer/ architect Pedro Guereca. The Mayan Palace group is making a name for itself in Mexico with their timeshare success in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and a new Nicklaus complex in the Sea of Cortez at Punta Pesardo check spelling and details.
Several hotels of note come to mind when traveling to Acapulco would be the world famous Las Brias with their individual pools and pink jeeps and the beautiful Quinta Real overlooking the Diamante coastline.

Golfers may not need a wake up call as most of the action in Acapulco starts at midnight and ends just in time for the first morning tee times. Try BabyO’s, XXXX and XXX overlooking the breathtaking lights of Acapulco harbor.

Ingrained in a family rich in history and tradition, Jones crafted a course layout that covers 6,898 yards on a relatively flat inland course that is carved through dense jungle palms for the first nine holes, then takes on some altitude before bringing you directly on to the beach for a marvelous scenic stretch of holes. . Open for over 27 years, this course provides Ixtapa bragging rights along with the nearby von Hagge course as a mini golf destination.

Mexico’s Sun Triangle’s northern corner is the location of the most unlikely sister cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo that are both complimentary and downright opposites.

One has the charm of the old world traditions, sleepy and village like with quaint shopping. The other is textbook defined, modern in construction and pleasant to the eye and open to the ease of beachfront living. Together, however, these two cities on Mexico's southwestern coast combine to form one of the country's most underrated and underutilized destinations.

Zihuatenejo retains the flavor of a colonial beach town unchanged for over fifty years. Spanish in design with low-rise buildings and narrow streets carved through ancient hills to form an artistic haven for locals and tourist alike.

Ixtapa is very much the opposed to its rural neighbor. Created in the early 1970s, by the Mexican federal tourism agency FONATUR that used a modern technology to identify the tourism needs and opportunities in this virgin area. Cancun was a great success, in the beginning, where as Ixtapa never quite got it’s jump start. On the other hand, perhaps it worked out just a well as Cancan is perhaps overbuilt and Ixtapa is still just beginning.

One of the most important elements in the development of a FONATUR mega site is golf and Ixtapa was no exception. Often thought of as the golf destinations with the alligators…but understand, it is so much more.

In 1975 it was determined that the best architect was to be selected to create Palma Real. This was Robert Trent Jones, Jr.’s first golf course in Latin America.

Later renamed CAMPO DE GOLF IXTAPA this 18-hole championship course (Length: 6,898 yards) reflects a tropical environment that enchants the golfers experience. Built on a former coconut plantation ripe with natural lakes, lagoons, as it wanders a bit inland at first past an area where a sign at the tee box reads "cuidado con los lagartos," or "watch out for alligators."
It then aims towards the sea up to a challenging par 3 number # 14, slightly behind the Westin hotel. Then down to a panoramic view of the Pacific coastline, passing for a while to provide refuge for a few alligators before it brings you home on two great uphill finishing holes ending at its charming clubhouse.
I once witnessed a couple of Mexican workers both barely visible in the pond nestled next to the par 3 16^th holes in search of errant golf balls for a few extra pesos, one feeling the bottom of the muddy floor with his feet for old Titleist's and Spalding’s; the other, his buddy, with a sharp eye lookout for wandering crocodiles.

Palma Real has broad fairways, well-maintained light rough, and natural Bermuda grass greens for user-friendly golf, perfect for the avid golf traveler. Caddies are a welcomed bonus. Jones welcomes golfers seeking a shot-maker’s course without the need of great length

Club de Marina Ixtapa is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo's modern, upscale golf offering, courtesy of prolific south-of-the border designer Robert von Hagge. Built on undulating terrain with salt-water canals running through it, the course sports water on 14 of 18 holes. The first hole, a rather benign par 5, assures that most golfers begin the round in good spirits. Each succeeding hole systematically chips away at this positive mindset as Marina Ixtapa comes into its own on the back nine, culminating with the 609-yard par 18th.

In true von Hagge fashion, the fairways sport more moguls than a ski run and the greens are almost unequivocally of the severely undulating variety. At 6,781 yards, Marina Ixtapa is actually a bit shorter than its elder cousin. But anyone who has braved the ubiquitous gators and the omnipresent agua will tell you the course's gravely sand traps, mounded fairways and diabolical greens make Marina Ixtapa the more challenging layout.

Known for his imaginative courses, in 1994 Texan Robert von Hagge designed the championship links of this club to include canals meandering through it. They provide delightful nautical recreation and transportation routes between Marina Ixtapa's private villas, the clubhouse and other facilities. The course has been ranked by Golf Digest Magazine as one of Mexico's best. Its "dunes-style" topography requires both accurate tees shots and approach shots in order to navigate the rolling terrain, expansive sand traps, and water hazards that come into play on 14 of the 18 holes with over 6,781 yards. The 9th hole - Par 4, with water from tee to green on the left and bunkers on the right to catch any errant tee shots. Hitting the green requires an approach shot over a large lake, which is home for many crocodiles. They do not eat golfers, but they do like to watch the game while sunbathing, so bring your camera.

The 18th hole - Par 5, locally known as "El Hoyo del Diablo" (the Devil's hole), with 609 yards, it is probably one of the toughest par 5s you will ever play. There is water from tee to green on the left, and a series of bunkers all the way down the right side leading to a very narrow green surrounded by more water on the left and sand on the right. A par there is really something to brag about.

Because the greens are large and undulating, getting to them is only half the challenge. But with four sets of tees, the course can be enjoyed by all levels of players.

HUATULCO

Ever play a great golf course where you and your partner were the only two there? No problem, if you hit a bad shot you can throw down another ball. In fact you can hit all you want at a unique place to play and practice, the Club de Golf Tangolunda. Often overlooked as a golfer’s destination, Hualtulco (pronounced Wah-tool-koh) is much more than just the beautiful Bay of Tangolunda. In fact, it is SEVEN beautiful bays that the good folks of FONATUR took perfect advantage of in its master plan design. It lies in pleasant seclusion along a golden stretch of Pacific shoreline south of Acapulco, with plenty of romantic beach combing and exploring…as yet the area is so undiscovered that seashells abound along its sandy beaches. Without a doubt, the centerpiece of this spectacular new resort destination is a championship 18-hole golf course surrounded by jungle in the comfort of ocean breezes. FONATUR’s team of golf course architects, Pedro Guereca and F.M. Schjetnan Dantan have blended this tropical paradise setting into wonderful ocean side parkland for golfers of all levels. Striking a golf ball while in sight of the magnificent bays of Hualtulco can take away some of your concentration, but the openness of the fairways are somewhat forgiving for a wandering mind and errant shot. Constructed in 1991, the course has a respectable length of 6,851 yards, so the average golfer will score well and be encouraged to recommend Hualtulco to his golfing buddies.

12/15/2002

World Cup final results

February 2003

Dateline Laguna Beach,CA
Mexico is the Winner of the World Cup!

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco is on the golf map!
The Mexican Riviera is Mexico's newest golf destination.,
They didn't actually win the tournament but they won a lot of converts to travel to a wonderful destination that was viewed world wide on ABC, The American Broadcasting System.
Now it is true that the Mexican team consisting of Esteban Toledo and Pablo del Almo tied Columbia for the last place, but they brought pride to all of Mexico who cheered on their Mexican team and supported them to the end.
Vista Vallarta's Nicklaus course played a perfect host to some of the top golfers of the world at the World Golf Championship - EMC World Cup team event. Shigeki Maruyama pumped his fist and hugged his partner, Toshi Izawa when it became evident Japan had won the World Golf Championships-EMC World Cup for the first time in 45 years. The two Japanese players took home the first place prize of $1,000,000 to be shared by each of them. They had the third round lead at 30 under only to see tournament favorites Phil Mickelson and David Toms take a one shot lead on the 14th hole representing the United States. Ranked Number 2 and 6th in the world, Mickelson and Toms stepped up to the final hole with the lead and promptly shot a two over par, double-bogey to hand over the World Cup to Maruyama and Izawa.
Over 4,000 spectators enjoyed blue skies and excellent weather and listened to player after player who thanked tournament officials about how much they enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of the citizenship of Mexico.
Steve Wilson, Tournament Director did a fantastic job in organizing one of the best tournaments ever held in Mexico.
Special thanks to Billy Sitton and KC Crandall, Mike Field and Bill Schaefer from ClubCorp on having the Vista Vallarta Nicklaus and Weiskopf course in perfect shape.
These kinds of events need the total support of the CONSEJO besides the local and state tourism offices.
add list of final money winners as folows.

6/26/2002

TargetGolf Mexico

Marketing insights California’s Hotel and Lodging Association issued this market recap report for the year 2000 that provides a good look comparison for Mexico and each major destination areas. How does this compare with your destination? California has approximately 4,500 lodging properties, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, resorts, guest ranches, vacation home rentals, timeshares, fractional ownership and condominiums – which make over 400,000 guest rooms available to visitors each night. Approximately 202,000 Californians were employed in the state’s lodging establishments. Lodging guests spent $12.8 billion USD just on their lodging accommodations alone. California lodging guests spent a total of approximately $35.1 billion USD, which represented 46% of all tourism spending in the state. California travel spending creates over $2.9 billion in state taxes each year. For every $1 of tax money spent to promote travel and tourism, the state gets back an estimated $12 in new tax revenue. Spending money to promote tourism is one of the best investments that can be made to enhance the health of Mexico’s economy. Current status for comparison Occupancy percent Month end comparison Year to date comparison February 2001 2002 (=-%) 2001 2002 (=-%) California 68.4 61.9 (-9.5) 65.1 58.7 (-9.8) Mexico 64.5 57.8 (-6.7) 60.6 53.3 (-7.3) Other Stuff… Looking to improve your golf art inventory go to (www.clipartforgolf.com) for images you can use for newspapers and magazine ads, newsletters, flyers, tournament announcements plus many more. Great source of information…what would we do without the limitless web. Elite Traveler is a new bimonthly publication with a circulation of 125,000. Its subscribers are travelers who move about on private jets and yachts. The magazine is interested in receiving information on luxury real estate, hotels, spas and resorts. Madelyn Miller is a food, wine and travel writer who contributes to twelve publications with a combined circulation of several million readers. She is interested in short write ups on upscale resorts. goTravelNews.com is a news release distribution service that has been launched with a focus on travel news for travel editorial specialists. New release packages are delivered via the Internet to travel editors of newspapers, magazines, broadcasters, web sites, and syndicates around the world. The Latin American office of the Travel Industry Association of America has been approached by a new travel channel from Brazil that wants to feature stories about US and Mexican destinations. The channel needs video footage. In BETA format on resort properties. Golf Real Estate Mr. Steve Games, President and CEO of Prudential California Realty, one of the largest privately owned real estate companies in the United States representing over $14 billion USD in sales in 2001 has announced the expansion of Prudential California Realty – Mexico. Along with Partner Gary Wagner of the famed Giggling Marlin the first office to open will be in Los Cabos. Plans include the development of 4000 acres, 30 minutes south of La Paz at Bahia de Sueños with two golf courses, several hotels and lots of expensive homes. Prudential California Realty will rely on their 3400 professional real estate sales agents. It is projected that over 5,000 additional travelers will visit Mexico due to these aggressive marketing efforts to encourage buyers to travel and take home tours of the over $6.5 billion USD worth of ocean view, golf course oriented real estate in Mexico. GOLF TIANGUIS and other expos in Mexico Rene Martinez, director of the often scheduled yet to be held Golf Tianguis, now is to take place in exactly the right spot…Puerto Vallarta. Carlos Hampe has suggested PVR as the best area in Mexico to host this event due to the spotlight of the upcoming World Golf Championship later this year. Rescheduled for Oct 10-13, 2002 in Puerto Vallarta, at the Krystal Hotel, it is meant to bring together the leaders of the golf industry in Mexico to discuss ways to increase marketing exposure for the continued growth and respect of the Mexico golf product world-wide. A golf tournament is scheduled on the Vista Vallarta Nicklaus course on October 10 and a final dinner reception will take place as a joint effort with golf professionals participating in the Tour Las Americas a tournament taking place at the same time. Bigger is better. Go to (www.golfexpotianguis.com) Scheduled for Guadalajara, July 22-24, 2002 is the EXPO GOLF. For sales, marketing and exposure of Golf in Mexico go to (www.expogolfmexico.com) for details. CONSEJO Golf Tradeshows 2002 PGA International, Reno, Nevada, August1-3, 2002, 35,000 attendance, cost $1,100. World Golf Championship, Puerto Vallarta, December 10-15, 2002, 25,000 attendance, Mexico Golf “Closer than ever” McCann-Erickson on again off again 100,000-copy direct mail piece is OFF again awaiting new approvals from Mexico City and the CONSEJO. Now is the time to get this project launched so that it can help influence the traveling golfers throughout the US to come and play around in Mexico. July starts the season of inquiry; one of four steps in the reservations process. This is followed by booking, payments and travel. Each segment has a four peak months overlapping time frame that goes from July each year until April. The four-color brochure features the best golfing areas in Mexico and encourages the receiptants to request our Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico from Isky (www.isky.com) fulfillment in Bend Oregon. Greg Tallman, Golf Director of Estrella del Mar has made arrangements for Best’s Golf Guide to Mexico to be placed in each of the 1000 cabins on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line on their Mexico Cruise Voyage. Ports of call include Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on their weekly cruise to and from Los Angeles. Great News and Thanks to Greg. Changing Places… Gonzalo Franyutti has left Fiesta American Los Cabos (www.fiestaamericana.com) and moved over to Hotel Palmilla (www.palmillaresort.com) as General Manager; his replacement from Argentina’s Caesar Park is Eduardo Cruz del Rio. Congratulations to both. Tina Brown is the right person to know at the top rated Eldorado Golf course…she is in charge of reservations for individual and groups at both Eldorado and Cabo Real golf courses email: groups@caboreal.com Luis Klein former tourism director for the State of Baja Sur and future mayor candidate of Los Cabos is representing the Federal Tourism in Mexico City for the APEX conference Los Cabos in October. Prime ministers from most of the Pacific Rim countries will be in attendance. This event will be BIG for Los Cabos and Mexico. Hotelier Peter Maxwell finds himself in Loreto as director of FONATUR with lot’s of great opportunities. Golf in Mexico.net website…?? Is your information correct and up-to-date on our site???…Send us your details on any and all tournaments that are scheduled at your course for our Calendar section…check it out! El Cid Golf & Country Club and its Golf Committee, calls upon all golf players to participate in the XX “Tom Garcia 2002” Golf Amateur Tournament”, that will take place June 14 to 16, 2002 at El Cid Golf & Country Club in Mazatlan, (www.elcid.com) World Golf Championships Puerto Vallarta A series of press trip through out Mexico with Esteban Toledo has brought much more awareness to this year’s EMC World Cup in Puerto Vallarta, December 10-15, 2002. Defending champions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen from South Africa will be featured in December along with the 46 top world-class players representing 24 countries. A wonderful array of hospitality, VIP sponsorships and corporate benefit packages are available. Starting at $51,000 up to $600,000 for companies wanting to entertain clients, create incentives for employees or host corporate business colleagues. Best Design Group and our two associates in Mexico City, Señor Arturo Cervantes, 558-595-7505 and Dr. Alfredo Gaitan 555-566-3519 (in Spanish see ( www.golf.com.mx ) have sponsorship packages and details to help you take advantage of this world-class event. Every resort, golf course and business entity in Mexico should participate in this event. The eyes of the golf world will be in Puerto Vallarta or watching it on international television. A special volunteer travel package is available. Call for details. Tournament News… Michelin Ixtapa Canadian Pro-Am Birdies…Eagles…and Crocodiles? The inaugural event was played recently at the Palma Real in Ixtapa. Mexican Golfer Pablo del Olmo, who became the first Mexican to win a Canadian PGA tour, captured the first place prize of $16,000 with a 21 under par score of 267. The tournament played at the beautiful Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed golf club also got some attention from a half-ton female crocodile which laid her eggs in a bunker just beyond the seventh green. This event is organized by Championship Management with Francisco Lavat and Jim Cook and sponsored by the CONSEJO and Michelin. Mother and little crocodile baby are well. Continental Airlines and Fairmont Acapulco Princess hosted its annual golf tournament in Acapulco with “questionable” first and second place winning teams. Host Golf Professional Wayne Sisson provides a great venue to bring together the best want-to-be-golfers in the travel industry with a fun-filled day of scramble or Acapulco go-go. Somehow co-host Terry Williams representing Continental Airlines won this year’s event after declaring Adrian Schjetnan and his gang of sandbaggers, ineligible to win and defend their dubious string of victories. Vacation Specials… The Grand Bay at Isla Navidad is promoting a 4th night free along with a 30 minute spa feature…Bermuda has a summer deal worth noting, Booking’s are now being accepted for the summer version the Compliments of Bermuda tour operator promotion. It calls for a free companion air ticket when a five-night or longer vacation is booked by June 30 for travel completed by October 31. Estrella del Mar (www.estrelladelmar.com) has a host of daily activities to spice up the week and stimulate business, such as Pueblo Bonito days where guests of their Mazatlan properties including the new beautiful Emerald Bay (www.pueblobonito.com) receive 25% discounts off regular golf rates. Beat the Pro wins prizes for players, Name your price?? Guests pay the fee they determine fair. Canada Days, every Sunday, 25% discount. Skin game every Monday brings in locals for $50.00 who can win CASH prizes. Great Promotions. Management changes… The Cabo San Lucas Country Club is going through its third name change. Does anyone remember the original name? Submit your answers for a free round of golf! Now it is going to be called The Raven at Cabo San Lucas – Mexico. The Raven’s distinction is that they are part of the upscale approach to golf from Intrawest Golf, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a division of Intrawest Corporation. Intrawest, is one of the premier mountain resort operator in North America, ventured into the golf arena because it saw golf as a natural complement to its mountain properties. Golf expands mountain resorts from cold-weather destinations to year-round playgrounds. The expansion began with the acquisition of the Raven Golf Group in Phoenix, Arizona in 1998. The Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs in Tucson and The Raven Golf Club at South Mountain in Phoenix were consistently awarded for their superior layouts and, more importantly, their superior guest service. This concept aligned perfectly with the ideals at the Intrawest Corporation, so they acquired the Raven Golf Group and Intrawest Golf was born. Currently they have over 300,000 members in the Intrawest world. Since that time, Intrawest Golf has continued its expansion, opening three additional Raven Golf Clubs: The Raven Golf Club at Sandestin in Destin, Florida, The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks in Silverthorne, Colorado and The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia. At present, Intrawest Golf owns and/or manages more than twenty golf courses across the United States and Canada. In fact, Intrawest Golf’s Raven brand of golf courses is only the second branded network of golf courses in the world (TPC owned by the PGA is the other). The Raven at Cabo San Lucas – Mexico will be Intrawest Golf’s first Mexican Property. It is also the only course in Los Cabos that has consistently had more than 35,000 rounds played per year during the last few years. Rates this summer will be $140.00 and up to $170.00 in the fall, both plus 15% tax. Ed Reisdorf and sons will continue ownership of their long term lease from Grupo Sidek. In addition, they are the developers of a successful project of timeshare at The Resort at Cabo San Lucas. Currently they are offering a special $49.00 per night, per person rate, including room and golf, with a minimum of seven nights, call 877-461-3667 for details. Troon Golf has taken over the management of the highly regarded Tres Vidas in Acapulco. This 18 holes delight was designed by Robert von Hagge and has the potential of finally getting on with its long term development program for a high end private country club and one of the most exclusive real estate developments. Leo Castellanos continues as the resident PGA golf professional. Ray Metz has returned to Los Cabos at Palmilla’s 27 hole world class championship course. This was Jack Nicklaus first signature golf course in Latin America and also the first golf course in Los Cabos when it opened in 1987. Ray represents Troon Golf management and they took the place of ClubCorp’s Pinehurst Resort group. Palmilla (www.palmillaresort.com) is currently owned in part by Goldman Sach which also has ownership in Troon golf…sort of figures. New Openings… The Hilton Los Cabos (www.hiltonloscabos.com) …The new Hilton Los Cabos neighbor to the Cabo Real and Eldorado golf courses is open and eager to please its golf-oriented clientele. If you plan to play a round on the nearby tournament-class Cabo Real course, be sure to make your arrangements through the Hilton Los Cabos concierge desk. As a way of showing their appreciation for your patronage, they are offering one complimentary Cabo Real green fee for each one purchased at full price for the same course. Scheduled to open late this year is a PGA Tour Tournament Players Club golf course 30 miles northwest of Mexico City. John Cook, PGA golf professional will co-share design honors with Chris Gray and the Hurdzan/Fry design group. BEST DESIGN GROUP and GOLF PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL have compiled this information to give you an update on the world of golf in Mexico. If you have received this newsletter as a fax, please send us your e-mail address so that we can send the next newsletter directly to you. For more information please contact in the U.S.: Chuck Kinder, Fabiola Thébaud, or Marta Cereghino at 949 494-8561 cabogolf@gte.net - www.golfinmexico.net – In Mexico please contact Andrés Castellanos at 333-640-0796 gpt@informador.com.mx or Gustavo Perez-Salas at Cerrando Circulos 555-178-6863 acervantes@cerrandocirculos.com.mx

1/5/2002

EMC2 -World Cup Match Play – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico December 10-15, 2002

The World Cup update: Some fine tuning of deal points have progressed through the last stages and all parties are close to agreement for the terms for the PGA tour sponsored World Cup for December 2002. An announcement during this month’s American Express Championship in St. Louis should set the stage for one of the most important tournaments to take place in Mexico and the Vallarta area.

Tournament Overview
The 2001 World Golf Championships - EMC World Cup will mark the second playing of this event as a member of the World Golf Championships series. These events, which debuted in 1999 and also include the Accenture Match Play Championship, NEC Invitational and American Express Championship, are sanctioned and organized by the International Federation of PGA Tours. In last year’s EMC World Cup, Tiger Woods and David Duval of the United States, held off a spirited challenge by home country favorites Eduardo Romero and Angel Cabrera to win the John J. Hopkins Cup at Buenos Aires Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The field for the 2001 EMC World Cup will consist of two-man teams representing 24 different countries. Eighteen teams are comprised of top players from the Official World Golf Ranking, and six teams will become eligible via a World Qualifying competition in Asia this October. There will be two days of foursomes and two days of four-ball. Teams will play for a total purse of US$3 million, with the winning team splitting US$1 million. The playing venue for the 2001 EMC World Cup will be The Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course in Gotemba City, Japan. As long-time host of the Taiheiyo Masters on the Japan Golf Tour, The Gotemba Course is recognized as one of Japan’s top courses. Joining the World Golf Championships is an important evolutionary step for the EMC World Cup. Under its previous name -- World Cup of Golf - the tournament had been a forerunner in the development of the game on a global basis since its birth in 1953. The event had visited 14 countries and crowned a distinguished list of champions, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Roberto De Vicenzo. Two dream-team pairings for the United States account for eight World Cup titles in the event’s 45-year history. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus won in 1963-64 and 1966-67. More recently, Fred Couples and Davis Love III dominated from 1992-95. Tiger Woods has won the event twice, teaming with Mark O’Meara in 1999 and David Duval last year. “The World Cup of Golf has held an esteemed position within the golf world for decades,” says Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner. “It has done as much to promote golf around the world as any event in the sport. We are delighted the EMC World Cup has joined the World Golf Championships.” “The future of the World Cup will be significantly enhanced by its affiliation with the World Golf Championships and the World Golf Championships will be positively impacted in return,” says Ken Schofield, Executive Director of the European Tour. “We are very proud to be hosting this prestigious tournament,” said Kosaku Shimada, Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization. “We look forward to the challenge and the responsibilites that come with hosting a tournament of this caliber.” Proceeds from the EMC World Cup will benefit The First Tee, an initiative of the World Golf Foundation which is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible golf to those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play the game, with a special emphasis on kids.

PAST RESULTS OF THE EMC WORLD CUP
As World Cup of Golf Year Country Players Venue1953 Argentina (Roberto De Vicenzo/Antonio Cerda) Montreal, Canada1954 Australia (Peter Thomson/Kel Nagle) Montreal, Canada1955 United States (Ed Furgol/Chick Harbert) Washington, DC, USA 1956 United States (Ben Hogan/Sam Snead) Wentworth, Surrey, England1957 Japan (Torakichi Nakamura/Koichi Ono) Tokyo, Japan1958 Ireland (Harry Bradshaw/Christy O’Connor) Mexico City, Mexico 1959 Australia (Peter Thomson/Kel Nagle) Melbourne, Australia1960 United States (Arnold Palmer/Sam Snead) Dublin, Ireland1961 United States (Sam Snead/Jimmy Demaret) Dorado, Puerto Rico 1962 United States (Arnold Palmer/Sam Snead) Buenos Aires, Argentina 1963 United States (Jack Nicklaus/Arnold Palmer) Paris, France1964 United States (Jack Nicklaus/Arnold Palmer) Maui, Hawaii, USA1965 South Africa (Gary Player/Harold Henning) Madrid, Spain1966 United States (Jack Nicklaus/Arnold Palmer) Tokyo, Japan1967 United States (Jack Nicklaus/Arnold Palmer) Mexico City, Mexico 1968 Canada (Al Balding/George Knudson) Roma, Italy 1969 United States (Lee Trevino/Orville Moody) Singapore1970 Australia (David Graham/Bruce Devlin) Buenos Aires, Argentina 1971 United States (Jack Nicklaus/Lee Trevino) Palm Beach, USA 1972 Taiwan (Hsieh Min-Nan/Lu Liang-Huan) Melbourne, Australia1973 United States (Johnny Miller/Jack Nicklaus) Marbella, Spain 1974 South Africa (Bobby Cole/Dale Hayes) Caracas, Venezuela 1975 United States (Johnny Miller/Lou Graham Bangkok, Thailand1976 Spain (Manuel Pinero/Seve Ballesteros) Palm Springs, CA, USA1977 Spain (Antonio Garrido/Seve Ballesteros) Manila, Philippines 1978 United States (John Mahaffey/Andy North) Princeville Makai, Hawaii, USA 1979 United States (John Mahaffey/Hale Irwin) Athens, Greece1980 Canada (Dan Halldorson/Jim Nelford) Bogota, Colombia1981 No Tournament 1982 Spain (Manual Pinero/Jose-Maria Canizares) Acapulco, Mexico1983 United States (Rex Caldwell/John Cook) Jakarta, Indonesia 1984 Spain (Jose-Maria Canizares/Jose Rivero) Rome, Italy 1985 Canada (Dave Barr/Dan Halldorson) La Quinta, CA, USA 1986 No Tournament 1987 Wales (Ian Woosnam/David Llewellyn) Maui, Hawaii, USA 1988 United States (Ben Crenshaw/Mark McCumber) Melbourne, Australia1989 Australia (Peter Fowler/Wayne Grady) Marbella, Spain 1990 Germany (Bernhard Langer/Torsten Giedeon) Orlando, FL, USA1991 Sweden (Per-Ulrik Johansson/Anders Forsbrand) Roma, Italy 1992 United States (Fred Couples/Davis Love III) Madrid, Spain1993 United States (Fred Couples/Davis Love III) Orlando, FL, USA1994 United States (Fred Couples/Davis Love III) Dorado, Puerto Rico 1995 United States (Fred Couples/Davis Love III) Shenzhan, China 1996 South Africa (Ernie Els/Wayne Westner) Cape Town, South Africa1997 Ireland (Padraig Harrington/Paul McGinley) Kiawah Is., SC, USA 1998 England (Nick Faldo/David Carter Auckland, NZ 1999 United States (Tiger Woods/Mark O’Meara) Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaAs World Golf Championships-EMC World Cup 2000 United States (Tiger Woods/David Duval) Buenos Aires Argentina2001 Gotemba City, Japan

11/2/2001

Cozumel Country Club Grand Opening

CLUBCORP OPENS COZUMEL COUNTRY CLUB; EXPANDS VISTA VALLARTA WITH WEISKOPF COURSE DALLAS (Nov. 1, 2001) — ClubCorp, the world leader in delivering premier golf, private club, and resort experiences, expands its presence in Mexico with the opening of Cozumel Country Club in Cozumel, and the new Weiskopf Course at Vista Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta. The openings bring the total of ClubCorp owned or operated clubs in Mexico to four, offering five 18-hole courses. ClubCorp also owns Marina Vallarta Club de Golf, an 18-hole Joe Finger design, located north of Puerto Vallarta; and manages Pok-Ta-Pok Club de Golf Cancún, an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. In addition, The Pinehurst Company, ClubCorp’s resorts division, manages Palmilla in Los Cabos, which features 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf. Surrounded by spectacular inland lagoons, dense jungle vegetation, and an abundance of local flora and fauna, Cozumel Country Club features an 18-hole, 6,734-yard, par-72 golf course designed by Steve Nicklaus of the Nicklaus Design Group. Amenities at Cozumel Country Club also include a practice facility complete with driving range, putting green, and chipping green with a practice bunker. A palapa-style clubhouse can seat up to 40 people for casual dining and includes an extensive pro shop. “Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy this course, carved out of the jungle and built around Cozumel’s native trees, red mangroves, and natural wetlands,” said Billy Sitton, managing director of Latin America for ClubCorp. He added, “The addition of the club makes the island a premier golf destination, in addition to being a premier dive location.” The new Tom Weiskopf-designed, 7,153-yard, par-72 course at Vista Vallarta is a complement to the existing Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The course is designed to suit every skill level of golfer. Weiskopf did a masterful job of blending the elevations and natural features to create the ultimate golf experience. “Puerto Vallarta is now a world-class golf destination with two signature golf courses by legendary golfers,” said K.C. Crandall, Vista Vallarta club manager. He added that the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is the site of the prestigious 2002 World Golf Championships — EMC World Cup to be played Dec. 10-15. About ClubCorp Founded in 1957, Dallas-based ClubCorp has $1.7 billion in assets. Internationally, ClubCorp owns or operates more than 200 golf courses, country clubs, private business and sports clubs and resorts. Among the company’s nationally recognized golf properties are Pinehurst in the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina, (the world’s largest golf resort, home to the1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens); Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, (site of the 2002 Senior PGA Championship); Indian Wells Country Club in Indian Wells, California, (site of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic); The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, (America’s first resort founded in 1766); and Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, (home of the LPGA Nabisco Championship). The company’s 23,000 employees serve the 500,000 club members and 250,000 guests who visit ClubCorp properties each year. Visit www.clubcorp.com for additional company information. For more information about Cozumel Country Club, call Benny Campos at 011.529.872.9570. For more information about Vista Vallarta, call K.C. Crandall at 011.523.290.0030. For information on clubs located in Mexico, visit www.foremexico.com.

10/14/2001

The Hualtuco golf tianguis, October 14-19

The Hualtuco golf tianguis, October 14-19 is beginning to take shape. Although Hualtuco is less known for it’s golf, than for it’s wonderful bays, a milestone of importance will result from the quality of speakers and topics to help shape the future trends of golf in Mexico. All interested parties, decision-makers, developers, sales directors and directors of golf will benefit from the forum and networking that is anticipated. Jeff Van Stratton, director of Golf from Mark Travel and AeroMexico golf vacations, will be the keynote speaker.

10/12/2001

PGA show in Las Vegas September 24-26, 2001

Regretfully, the September 24-26, PGA show in Las Vegas was cancelled on September 19. We are rescheduling the CONSEJO’s “How to sell Golf in Mexico” seminars to the 40 travel agents that had pre-registered until November. Our “ How to reach the Market” seminar will take place at the PGA show in Orlando in January 24-27, 2002. This is one of the most important golf tradeshows to reach the golf professionals, golf publications, golf media industry groups. JOIN US.

9/24/2001

PGA Merchandise show in Las Vegas in September 24-26, 2001

Three important events are scheduled during the PGA Merchandise show in Las Vegas in September 24-26, 2001 sponsored by the CONSEJO, Golf Magazine, ClubCorp Latin America, AeroMexico, El Cid Mega Resort and the Los Cabos Tourism Board. Our Golf in Mexico booth will give exposure to the great golf value represented throughout all of Mexico, the number TWO-golf destination for US golfers. Additionally, we will have two seminars that are included in the participation cost. One seminar will incorporate our successful "How to Sell Golf in Mexico" to Golf Oriented Travel Agents, Meeting Planners and Incentive Agents in the Las Vegas area giving the travel industry participants the most important, up to date information on the golf market for Mexican golf courses and resorts. The second seminar will focus on the sponsors, resorts, hotels and golf course vendor participants. We will discuss "How to Reach the Market", analyzing the marketplace, dissecting the golfer profile, examine reasons why they travel, and what forces determine their travel choices and plans. New technology opportunities, co-op media, and a tradeshow and seminar series will also be included. Join Carlos Hampe, director of the golf segmentation for the MTB, at this final show for this year.

9/18/2001

Association of Vallarta area golf courses

A formation meeting was conducted last month to organize a marketing group to take advantage of the emerging golf opportunities of the Vallarta area golf courses. There are 10 courses that have been selected to participate in the area north starting with Punta Mita, Paradise Village, Mayan Palace, and Flamingos to the three ClubCorp courses of Vista Vallarta and the Marina Vallarta. Included in this group are the courses further south along the Mexican Riviera of El Tamarindo, Isla Navidad and the Las Hadas resort course. KC Crandall, Sam Logan and Hugo Bremer, Alberto Bertran are some of the members of this talented group of golf and travel professionals. The idea is to take full advantage of the growing recognition of Vallarta as a golf destination in light of the world tournament opportunities scheduled for this area. The Governors of Jalisco and Nayarit have pledged support for a collective effort to promote the name VALLARTA. Stay tuned.

9/18/2001

The National Golf Club

The National Golf Club, www.nationalgc.com has signed seven golf courses in Mexico to participate in their showcase marketing to it’s projected membership, which has paid $65,000, plus $350 a month to travel the world in pursuit of golf.

8/1/2001

BEST DESIGN GROUP and GOLF PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL

BEST DESIGN GROUP and GOLF PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL have compiled this information to give you an update on the world of golf in Mexico. If you have received this newsletter as a fax, please send us your e-mail address so that we can send the next newsletter directly to you. For more information please call Chuck Kinder, Fabiola Thébaud, Marta Cereghino or Andrés Castellanos (949) 494-8561 cabogolf@gte.net - www.golfinmexico.net