As a late 90s/early 2000s kid, I grew up playing RollerCoaster Tycoon — a computer game that let you build the coolest, most unique theme parks you could think of. There were no limits to your imagination, and it was awesome.
During a recent trip to Cabo San Lucas, I had the chance to play Quivira Golf Club, a Nicklaus-designed course right next to the Pacific, and it reminded me of the childhood game in the best ways. (Editor’s note: Nicklaus Companies and GOLF are both operated by 8AM Golf.)
This course had everything, and I mean everything — stunning views of the Pacific, intense elevation changes, perfectly manicured fairways and greens (even on the cliff’s edge!), thoughtful undulations, and even comfort stations that served up tacos and margs every few holes.
This one had to be fun to draw up.
Sometimes you’re on a cliff, sometimes you’re on a sand dune, sometimes you’re crossing your fingers your ball makes it over a canyon, and sometimes you’re in the desert. It’s like four rounds in one.
The course is part of an expansive property that boasts two Pueblo Bonito Resorts, multiple residential communities, and The St. Regis Resort and Residences that’s slated to open in October 2023. In fact, Nicklaus and his team will be back this coming fall to break ground for a second golf course too.
To get a tee time, you have to be a guest of Pueblo Bonito (their two additional properties in downtown Cabo still count) or you need to own property in one of Quivira’s communities, and once you’re in, you’re in for a ride.
The driving range is practically on the beach. After you get warmed up, you can grab your first of many tacos before heading into the valley for the first four holes.
They’re pretty modest compared to the rest of the course, but still highly enjoyable. To get to the par-4 5th, you need to follow the long and windy cart path up a cliff, and brace yourself for what you’re about to see — stunning views of the entire property and the Pacific Ocean and a teeny-tiny postage stamp green that almost looks like it’s floating because it’s so close to the edge.
Oh, and definitely grab another taco at the 5th-hole comfort station too.
The next couple of holes follow a path along the cliff’s edge, so the bright blue ocean never leaves your sight. As the course parts away from the cliff, you begin to meander through the dunes, back toward the ocean’s edge (looking down at the location for the beach scene in Brad Pitt’s Troy), then into the desert. Due to the size of the property, this part of the course is so remote and beautiful, but beware of cacti.
Throughout this journey, there are even a few opportunities for more comfort, tacos and margaritas before you make your way back down to the final stretch of holes in the valley. The 18th finisher backs up to the ocean once more — this time at sea level — to complete your Quivira golf adventure. As they say, you’re on mañana time when vacationing in Cabo, so throughout the round be sure to take your time, enjoy the views and soak in the oceanside golf experience (and of course, the tacos).
