TPC Danzante Bay, Loreto, Mexico Review
Escape to Mexico’s Most Photographed Hole and So Much More…
There are some iconic par 3’s around the world that virtually everyone knows from a single picture: 7 at Pebble, 12 at Augusta National, 17 at TPC Sawgrass, 8 at Royal Troon, 16 at TPC Scottsdale, 2 at Lofoten Links, etc. Those 1 shot holes are some of the most recognizable holes in all of golf. Their beauty, their challenge, their tournament history, and their fame has golfers flocking to these courses to play them in person.
The 17th hole at TPC Danzante Bay I would say is near the top of that list. It is the most iconic and most photographed hole in Mexico, but honestly one of the best in the world. This course however is not a “1-trick pony”, but the other 17 holes are amazing with perfect conditions. The setting in Loreto, Mexico is tranquil and relaxing paired with an amazing resort. Go for a weekend or stay for the week to enjoy golf, beach, hiking, spa, fine dining and ocean adventures.
This is my official TPC Danzante Bay Golf Resort Review.
1. Hole 17 – “The Most Photographed Hole In Mexico”
TPC Danzante Bay is known for the 17th hole. It is absolutely beautiful and the most photographed hole in Mexico for a reason. The back story is even more interesting as it was not part of the original Rees Jones design. It was discovered during construction as kind of a “what if” as they were working on the holes near it. The rest is history as they found a way to build up the peninsula for a large green that juts out into the Sea of Cortez.
It plays 185 from the tips down to 100 from the forward tees. The green is large and surrounded by a bunker that will catch errant shots. It feels good to walk off this amazing hole with a par.
2. Immaculate Conditions
Before I start talking about the rest of the holes at TPC Danzante Bay, the real heros ride on mowers, spray for weeds and rake the bunkers. The grounds crew at this course is second to none. I was blown away with the immaculate course conditions. Every tee box is flat and tight. The fairways roll like carpet into greens that are as pure as any I’ve every played.
They keep the greens at a nice resort pace around 10 on the stimp meter. The paspallum grass is perfect for their desert coastal setting. It is firm for bounce and roll, but soft enough to take a nice clean divot on iron shots. The consistency throughout the day and round to round was amazing. You won’t find nicer conditions anywhere.
3. Par 3s
There are 4 par 3s at TPC Danzante Bay and they are all very different and excellent. The variety of par 3s is truly special from the long and toughest of them at hole 3 to the large drop down par 3 9th. The original “iconic” hole on the course was 13 as it hugs the beach for an almost island like green surrounded by sand. They each have a different look, play a different yardage and offer unique challenges.
The collection of par 3s is truly special and one of the real treats of this course. I’d also recommend playing different tee boxes on the par 3s if you get to enjoy multiple rounds to see all the different angles and options for playing these holes.
4. Spectacular Terrain and Layout
So far I’ve covered 4 of the 18 holes. The other 14 holes at TPC Danzante Bay wind from the club house and back a couple times going up and down some canyon slots by the bay, climbing up the hills and then falling back down. The entire course has a lush desert like feel. There is lots of rock, plenty of sand and cactus on every hole. Yet the course plays fair and allows golfer to score low if you keep the tee-ball in play.
There is a variety of length means there are some drivable par 4s, eagle opportunity on par 5s or big numbers possible on any given hole. It has a fairly high slope/rating, but I don’t think that should scare golfers away, I shot under par on the back 9 playing with the head pro.
5. Putting Course
I was at the grand opening of TPC Danzante Bay in 2017 and there was a 9 hole putting course available to golfers and resorts guests. Just this year they completed another 9 holes to make it a full 18 hole putting course. This is not your putt-putt course with artificial turf and windmills, but real green grass with unique slopes and doglegs for a real putting experience. I was blown away by how fun it was for my wife and I to grab drink, putter and spend an hour testing our putting skills on this Rees Jones Putting Course.
6. Explore Nature
My last visit to TPC Danzante Bay for the grand opening didn’t allow me much time to explore the nature surrounding this resort. However this time my wife and I trekked the entire 7 mile hiking trail that wraps around the resort, we found secret beaches, we swam in the sea, we kayaked, and we spend time just enjoying the amazing terrain and nature that surrounds this resort. There were snorkeling and whale watching boats that go right out of the bay so you can enjoy one of the most diverse marine life bays in the world. You can really enjoy nature while still staying right on property.
7. All-Inclusive Option
TPC Danzante Bay is at the Villa Del Palmar Resort which offers ala carte or all-inclusive options. (I highly recommend the all-inclusive option) There are 5 different restaurants in property that offer a variety of food. They have drinks around the resorts as well as on the course. It is simply relax and enjoy your stay without worrying about anything.
They have various themes and events each week so you can enjoy something special like a beach front BBQ or massage on the beach or tennis on the rooftop. The pools and hot tubs allow for a variety of settings with or without children. There is a spa on property that can also be included in certain packages with your stay.
8. Location, Location, Location
Where is Loreto Mexico? If you know the baja of California, go right in the middle from top to bottom and drop a pin on the Sea of Cortez side and that is Loreto. TPC Danzante Bay is set about 20 minutes south of town which has a 1 terminal airport serviced by at least 3 airlines. It is an easy flight from LA, Phoenix and other connections.
The actual resorts feels as private and secluded as any I’ve ever stayed at. The entrance out by the main road which leads you up, around and down into this secluded bay which is entirely this resort. The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and children because of how flat and calm it is, yet it gives you access easily to much deeper waters for other water sports right out from the resort.
9. Getaway, Anniversary, Buddies Trip, Etc.
My wife and I got to celebrate our 25th anniversary at TPC Danzante Bay for 4 days and nights. It is just about the perfect trip to enjoy it all, play a bunch of golf and do everything the resort has to offer. The lodging is set up in a variety of ways so that you can stay in a traditional hotel room, suites, multiple bedroom suites or even there are houses on property to rent. This place is perfect for a family getaway, anniversary celebration, or a buddies golf trip. The variety of lodging, dining and packages make it perfect for the golfer or non-golfer.
Summary
Golfers flock to TPC Danzante Bay for hole 17 and rightly so, but there is so much more to this course and resort that will make you fall in love with the entire property. I highly recommend the hiking trail, it is the best I’ve ever seen at a resort. The all-inclusive package is also suggested so that you don’t have to worry about anything, just stay, drink, eat and play golf without a worry in the world. After golf enjoy the night life, the sea, the beach, the spa, tennis or lounging by the pool. This resort has something for everyone of any age.
If you are looking for a golf trip in 2026; I’d put this one at the top of your list of destination.
For more information: TPC Danzante Bay Website
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