There are golf courses that challenge you. There are golf courses that impress you. And then there are golf courses that stay with you long after you’ve put the clubs away.
For me, Solmar Golf Links in Cabo San Lucas belongs firmly in that last category.
Right from the start, I knew this would be no ordinary day of golf. Solmar Golf Links sits on a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline just west of downtown Cabo San Lucas, and it’s one of the most striking places to play in Mexico. Greg Norman designed the course, which opened in 2020. It weaves through tall sand dunes, desert filled with cacti, and rugged oceanfront, making for a round that’s as stunning to look at as it is to play.
The first thing I noticed was how big everything felt. The Pacific Ocean is always nearby as you play. Waves hit the shore, seabirds fly above, and on many holes, the horizon seems to go on forever. Solmar says every hole has an ocean view, and after playing, I can say the sea is always in sight.
As a high-handicap golfer, I sometimes feel nervous at tough courses. Many layouts seem designed to punish every mistake. But Solmar Golf Links is different. Some holes need careful shots, but there are also wide landing areas and forgiving fairways, so you can enjoy your round without feeling stressed.
That balance may be one of the course’s greatest strengths.
The first few holes help you settle in and get used to the course while you enjoy the amazing views. Big dunes line the fairways, and the land’s natural shape gives it a true links feel, like you’d find in Scotland or Ireland. The deep bunkers and rolling ground add to that classic style, even though you’re in Baja’s unique desert.
One thing I loved was how much the scenery changes from hole to hole. Solmar covers three different landscapes, from windy dunes to cactus forests, and then back to the beach and ocean. These changes keep the course interesting all the way through.
Several holes along the shoreline are simply spectacular.
I’ll remember the par-3 third hole for a long time. It sits right by the beach, with the Pacific stretching out behind the green. It’s one of those rare holes where you almost forget to play because the view is so beautiful. During whale season, you might even see whales jumping offshore while you wait to hit.
Of course, beauty alone doesn’t make a great golf course.
What impressed me most was how Solmar rewards smart play without being unfair. Some holes make you think about which club to use, especially when the ocean wind picks up. Greg Norman’s design encourages you to use the ground and work with the land, not just aim straight for the flag.
There were definitely moments when Solmar reminded me of my handicap.
Some of my approach shots ended up in bunkers I wanted to avoid. More than once, a fairway that looked wide from the tee turned out to need more accuracy than I expected. But unlike some tough courses, mistakes here didn’t feel like the end of the world. There was usually a chance to recover, which made the round much more fun. Instead of hunting for lost balls in thick rough, I could focus on playing and enjoying the scenery.
That combination of challenge and forgiveness is something many public courses strive for, but few achieve.
The course’s condition was just as memorable. The fairways were perfect, the greens rolled smoothly, and everything showed real care and attention to detail. The natural setting feels like part of the course, not something added later. Huge cardón cacti, native plants, and big dunes make Solmar feel truly unique to Baja California Sur.
The service was another highlight of the day.
From the start, every staff member made me feel truly welcome. Whether it was the clubhouse team, people on the course, or those at the practice area, everyone was warm and professional, which made the whole day better.
Golf trips are often special because of the people you meet, and Solmar knows that good hospitality is just as important as course design. All day, the staff was helpful but never in the way. They answered questions quickly, were always ready to help, and really cared that guests had a good time.
It’s the kind of service that transforms a good golf day into a great one.
The practice facilities deserve mention as well. Before heading to the first tee, I spent time in the practice area. The practice area is worth mentioning too. Before I started my round, I warmed up and enjoyed the views. Even here, the ocean is in the background, making it feel more like a luxury resort than a regular golf club. focused on the next shot, but Solmar repeatedly demanded attention. One moment you’re standing atop a dune looking out over the Pacific. The next time you’re navigating through a landscape dotted with towering cacti. Then, suddenly, you’re back by the beach, with waves rolling onto the sand just beyond the fairway.
A course that constantly reminds you where you are.
The last holes make for a great finish, especially the famous island-green par-3 17th. It’s a dramatic hole that looks both tempting and a little scary. Standing on the tee, I hoped for a perfect shot, even though golf doesn’t always go as planned. No matter how you play it, it’s the kind of hole people remember and talk about long after.
By the time I reached the clubhouse after 18 holes, I wasn’t thinking about my scorecard.
I was thinking about the experience.
I kept thinking about the endless ocean views, fairways winding through wild landscapes, and a course that challenged me but never made me feel beaten. I thought about the staff who truly cared about making the day special and a setting that’s among the most amazing I’ve ever seen.
For high-handicap golfers like me, Solmar Golf Links is especially rewarding. It’s challenging enough to keep things interesting but still easy and fun to play. You don’t need to be an expert to see what makes this course special.
And if you hit a few good shots with the Pacific shining next to you, that’s just a bonus.
In a place known for great golf, Solmar Golf Links stands out for more than just its design or location. From the first tee to the last putt, it offers great golf, amazing scenery, and real hospitality.
That’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
