Depending on where you stand on the “shrink vs grow” debate, you have to admit that there’s been one truly amazing benefit of golf’s explosion: New courses, baby. And we’re not just talking about new municipal tracks that will offer your foursome a break from the local offerings. This is about debuting designs that you can plan an entire vacation around, and the best, latest example of this is Oleada Golf Links on the Baja Peninsula.

Legendary golfer Ernie Els knows a thing or two about designing (and redesigning) amazing courses, as he’s earned rave reviews for efforts like Albany in the Bahamas and bucket-list-worthy Anahita in Mauritius, so it’s safe to say that Oleada will join the conversation of Mexico’s Best in short order. Set to open in November, the South African icon’s first south-of-the-border design is a links-style concept that leans into the natural elements of the region, challenging golfers to take on the rolling dunes and elevation changes, all while not getting distracted by the phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean. (Blink and you’ll probably miss a whale or two.)

As for the vacation plans, Oleada Golf Links will be part of myriad spoils at Oleada Los Cabos, a sprawling resort community that will undoubtedly attract aspiring A-listers with the Pacific Villa residences (two designs, starting at $2.9 million), but golfers on the go will soon be able to choose from two 5-star resorts: Grand Hyatt Los Cabos (also set to debut in late 2026) and Conrad Los Cabos (expected to open in 2027, and boasting a massive spa and fitness center). 

Golfers searching for only the best will strike gold at Oleada Golf Links, as the actual playing experience will be bolstered by a spacious clubhouse, fine dining option, elevated comfort stations (hopefully with the best margs on the coast), and a next-level practice facility for those of us who like to get a little work in between trips to the Hyatt and Conrad pools.