Golfing Boom Amid Water Woes

News Summary

A significant expansion in the golfing scene is underway in a sun-soaked paradise as five new courses are set to join the existing 18, totaling 23 in just a few years. This rapid development, however, raises concerns about water availability in a desert area where each course consumes over 600,000 gallons of water daily. As golf courses primarily cater to affluent tourists and real estate sales, questions arise about equity and access for local residents. Balancing tourism growth with sustainable water use remains critical for the region’s future.

Golfing Boom Amid Water Woes

Get ready to tee off! The golf scene is about to expand significantly, particularly in a sun-soaked paradise known for its stunning landscapes. Right now, this place boasts 18 golf courses, and with five more in development, the total is bound to reach 23 courses in just a couple of years. This surge is set against a backdrop of nearly 350,000 residents, meaning there will be roughly one golf course for every 15,200 locals.

A Golfer’s Dream Landscape

If you fancy yourself a golfing aficionado, this area showcases some of the finest golf courses in the world, nestled beautifully against a mix of ocean, desert, and mountain terrain. Sounds dreamy, right? But here’s the twist: each of these sprawling greens consumes a staggering over 600,000 gallons of water daily. To put that into perspective, that’s enough water to meet the needs of around 8,000 residents.

Water Scarcity: A Ticking Time Bomb?

Now, while golf courses are undoubtedly appealing, they come with serious questions—like what does this mean for water availability? With a lot of this region being classified as desert, water scarcity looms large. Local aquifers are drying up faster than they can recharge, sparking genuine concerns about how sustainable this golfing boom really is.

The Price of Play

US $400 per round. Ouch! For many locals, that price tag can feel more like a fantasy than a feasible option. Most courses are also private, further limiting access for those who want to swing their clubs close to home.

The Real Estate Factor

real estate sales. Many of these developments are created not just for friendly rounds of golf but to drive high-value second home sales. It’s no secret that golf courses can elevate property values by around 8% to 12%—and who wouldn’t want that shiny new home next to a lush green?

Future Growth vs. Community Needs

Equity in Recreation

Conclusion: The Future is Uncertain

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Mexico News Daily: Does Los Cabos Have Too Many Golf Courses?
• Golf Digest: Best Golf Courses in Mexico
• GolfPass: Best Public Golf Courses in Mexico
• Golf365: Five Great Golf Courses in Cabo San Lucas
• Golfweek: Tiger Woods Legacy Club at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas
• Wikipedia: Golf in Mexico

Author: HERE Orlando