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With a continually changing topography – winding from lush jungles and thick mangrove forests to limestone canals and the sandy fringe of the Caribbean sea – Mayakoba's El Camaléon course (the Cameleon) lives up to its name. In just one round, players are immersed in vastly different ecosystems of the Yucatan, all while enjoying the modern conveniences of a world-class resort. Opened in 2006, the Greg Norman-designed, 7,000-yard track is the jewel of the luxury Mayakoba resort complex. In its first year, the course had so impressed the golf gods that it was chosen to host of the 2007 Mayakoba Golf Classic, the PGA Tour's first-ever event in Mexico, and it continues to host the $3.6 million tournament through at least 2009.

El Camaléon's varied landscapes ensure that every hole will be memorable, but the par-3s are a cut above the longer neighboring holes. In particular, the par-3 15th hole plays 160 yards directly into the electric Caribbean sea, and insistent trade winds are a major factor in club selection here. From the 7th, another waterfront stunner, golfers can glimpse the soft silhouette of Cozumel beyond the green.

With Mayakoba's unique canal system, guests of the resort need not even head for the valet to play. Thatched-roof water taxis are at the ready to usher guests from door to tee. Before hopping back on the lancha taxi after a challenging round, be sure to swing by the modern but Maya-influenced clubhouse, perched at the back of the 18th green, for a bite at the Argentinean restaurant inside.

Greens fees from $180-230 seasonally; club rentals from $55. Book tee times in advance, online or over the phone, to ensure the best rate and availability.

mayakoba.com

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