Centerpiece of an 834-acre master-planned resort and residential community fronting the Pacific Ocean, the Greg Norman-designed course at Rancho San Lucas is a multi-themed, ‘least-disturbance’ layout that spans three different ecosystems and features sweeping ocean views from every hole.

The 7,210-yard, par-72 course hugs huge windswept dunes and parallels the beach at the start before climbing through a thick cactus forest creased by arroyos. The back nine descends from desert foothills to the wave-tossed sea for a rousing finish.

One of the defining traits of the links-style course t Rancho San Lucas is its revetted pot bunkers. These sharp-edged, steep-walled sandy pits, constructed from recycled artificial turf, are identical to the natural sod-walled bunkers found on British seaside courses.

Tees, greens and fairways at Rancho San Lucas are surfaced in SeaDwarf Paspalum, a drought-tolerant, disease-resistant cultivar that uses a fraction of the pesticides, insecticides and fertilizer required by normal grasses. The grass responds well to lower mowing heights. The speed of ball roll on the greens is consistent and true.

With comfort stations spaced around the course providing snacks and refreshments, players can enjoy an all-inclusive experience during the round. The club’s full-service practice facility features a spacious range, a large practice putting green, and dedicated chipping, pitching and sand play areas.

From the resort website