33 ROGELIO ABARCA INSIGHT Greg Norman Golf Course Design’s first project in Mexico was El Camaleón at Mayakoba, completed in 2004, followed by Playa Mujeres in 2005. These early designs introduced us to the extraordinary ecological richness of the region, where dense jungle, mangroves and coastal ecosystems demanded a thoughtful and restrained approach to design. From the outset, our ‘least disturbance’ design philosophy guided the work. In environments like Riviera Maya where El Camaleón was built, the goal was not to impose a golf course onto the landscape, but to carefully shape the course within it. Many natural elements had to be preserved while working with the terrain and surrounding biodiversity. That approach ultimately contributed to the layout being certified by Audubon International, reflecting a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. Over the years, we have completed many more projects across Mexico, but our focus has remained consistent: respecting the natural environment while creating memorable golf experiences that reflect the unique character of each landscape in which we work. Mexico offers an extraordinary range of landscapes, and we have had the privilege of designing courses across many of them. In Riviera Maya, the terrain is defined by dense jungle, cenotes and natural waterways, where the richness of the ecosystem requires a thoughtful approach that carefully works within the existing environment. The ecosystems of Los Cabos, where we have projects like Solmar Golf Links, are characterised by a unique mix of desert, mountains, the Pacific Ocean and coral reefs of high biodiversity. The design embraces the natural contours, arroyos and coastal vistas, allowing the course to look like it has been part of the landscape for generations. Along Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Norman course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta presented a very different setting, where expansive beaches meet the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. A least-disturbance approach to design in Mexico has delivered distinctive playing experiences within natural settings. Where diverse landscapes define great golf
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