Golf Riviera Maya provides for a fun family outing on a Mexico golf vacation.

Clearly, the most important news to come out of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Dean was that there were no reported deaths as a result of yesterday’s storm.

And though it hardly compares in importance, those considering a Mexico golf vacation to the Mayan Riviera will be glad to know that the major golf resorts in the area were spared any significant damage.

That includes the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya and its Golf Riviera Maya layout, the most family-friendly golf course to play on a Mexico golf vacation to the Mayan Riviera region of the Yucatan Peninsula.

This golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus’ son Michael, consists of 18 par-three holes that range in length from 69 to a whopping 276 yards from three sets of tees. The forward tees play at 2,141 yards, perfect for kids, beginners, or rusty players, while the 2,923-yard “tips” can give more experienced and proficient players all they can handle on their Mexico golf vacation.

The pace of play is brisk and the holes provide one thrill after another. Nowhere is this more evident than on the tough finishing combo. On hole 17, the putting surface actually encircles a sand trap — so this is one place where you don’t want to aim for the center of the green. On the 18th hole, you need to take the exact opposite strategy as its island green is completely surrounded by water.

Though it’s only a par-three course, Golf Riviera Maya is maintained according to the same high standards of the championship tracks in the area. Its sand traps are well groomed, its tees are flat and not overly pocked with divots, and the greens putt smoothly. Taken with the challenging holes, you really couldn’t ask for more in a layout suited for a family outing on a Mexico golf vacation.

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