First Glimpse: Jack Nicklaus's Quivira In Cabo

After several quiet years in Cabo San Lucas, Jack Nicklaus's Quivira looks like it'll generate some buzz this fall, only to be followed soon thereafter by Tiger Woods' design at Diamante.

(Click image to enlarge)For Immediate Release, followed by a photo of the par-3 6th hole and the cart drive to get there, described below:

Los Cabos, Mexico (May 6, 2014) – In a dramatic setting at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, marked by windswept dunes, sheer cliffs and desert foothills 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, Jack Nicklaus has crafted a golf course that is poised to redefine the Cabo golf experience. Quivira Golf Club is the centerpiece of Quivira, the newest luxury development in Los Cabos, which encompasses two resorts—Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa—and three high-end real estate communities:  Montecristo Estates Luxury Villas by Pueblo Bonito, Copala, and Novaispania Residences.

“Our team has worked with the canvas Mother Nature provided to create what we hope is one of the most spectacular courses in the world,” Nicklaus said of Nicklaus Design’s sixth course in Los Cabos. “This property afforded us a rare opportunity because of its topographic diversity and natural environment.”

The formal opening of the 7,224-yard, par-72 layout on Oct. 1 will mark a watershed moment in the history of golf development in Los Cabos, a destination revered for its consistently sunny weather and unique mountain-desert-ocean ecosystem. In addition to its stunning panoramas and breathtaking drops from tee to fairway, Quivira offers players more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. All 18 holes feature outstanding vistas of the Pacific and, in the winter months, views of breaching whales.
 
The $40 million golf facility at Quivira, more than eight years in the making, commences at sea level near the rolling surf before climbing to a highest point of more than 350 feet above sea level, where the views are a match for the challenge. During the round, players can refresh themselves at four comfort stations interspersed throughout the all-inclusive facility. A halfway house situated near the eighth green, called the “Oasis,” will showcase the culinary talents of the resort’s chefs, with tuna sliders, fish tacos and Mexican specialties available.

The first three holes at Quivira head inland away from the sea before reversing direction at the par-5 fourth hole, which plays over a pond to a broad fairway framed by rolling dunes and raw desert.

The three-quarter mile drive to the fifth hole, which crosses arroyo-spanning bridges and traces a switchback route up the side of a mountain, has already been dubbed the “Greatest Drive in Golf.” At more than 200 feet above sea level, the tee at the short par-4 fifth hole offers splendid views of the beach and crashing waves far below. The par-3 sixth, its concave cliff-top green carved from the base of a massive dune, is equally dramatic. The layout then weaves through the dunes, returns to the cliffs at the dazzling par-3 13th hole, proceeds inland through the desert toward distant mountain peaks, and drops sharply from a set of elevated tees at Nos. 16 and 17, a pair of thrilling par 4s. Quivira’s par-4 18th hole, stretching to 469 yards, is a classic links-style creation that plays to an infinity-edge green overlooking the sea.

Completing the experience at Quivira Golf Club is a stylish, thatched-roof clubhouse between the first tee and 18th green that offers a large rectangular bar, a casual steakhouse, and ample outdoor seating overlooking the sea. Beside the clubhouse is a spacious double-ended practice facility that parallels the ocean, as well as an elongated practice putting green and an expanded short-game practice area. 

Quivira Golf Club is accessible to guests of the four Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas in Los Cabos, and to owners of properties in Copala, Montecristo Estates Luxury Villas, and Novaispania Residences.  Each of the Pueblo Bonito Resorts welcomes guests with lavish accommodations, unsurpassed service, fine dining and a host of on-site amenities.  Complimentary shuttle service to and from Quivira Golf Club will be included within the Quivira development.

Possible Future Mike Keiser Projects: Ireland, Cabo, Streamsong

The star developer of minimalist projects talked to Global Golf Post's Steve Eubanks about a wide range of topics. While his concerns for Gil Hanse's reputation taking a hit because of Rio's Olympic design delays stood out (as did criticism of the green designs of Tom Doak and David McLay Kidd), the only thing most care about is where Keiser hopes to build going forward after his success at Bandon Dunes and guiding hand in Cabot Links and Barnbougle Dunes.

Of interest is the "1-in-50 chance" project at Diamante in Cabo San Lucas where Tiger is currently building the second course.  Keiser also mentions two sites in Ireland, Bushmill Dunes in Northern Ireland and a site 30 minutes from Killarney in Ireland.

And in last week's Golf World, Ron Whitten looked at the history of the Lido hole and contest and talked to Keiser, who revealed that he has a proposal in to the developers of Streamsong to re-create the Lido at that popular development.

Is Driving Doral's New 16th Worth The Risk?

I consider this vital, weighty question heading into the WGC Cadillac Championship that starts Thursday.

Of course, the previous 16th hole did not look like a hole one should drive and players did it, adding some excitement to recent final years. But as I explain in this GolfDigest.com Local Knowledge item, the biggest question mark heading in will be the new 16th's risk-reward equation.

A few photos from three weeks ago, starting with the vastly improved tee view:

(Click image to enlarge)The second shot view from the lay-up area:

(Click on image to enlarge) And the rear view looking back toward the fairway (tee is to the right in the distance):

(Click on image to enlarge)