Los Cabos is famous for its big-game fishing tournaments, many of which feature enormous payouts and cash-rich 
jackpots. Golf can’t really compete, at least in terms of lucrative prize money, but Los Cabos does feature an impressive collection of tournaments that show off the region’s many seaside golfing glories.
And to be fair, the prize money at some of these events is enticing. Most of it, however, is earmarked for the professionals. The big lure for amateurs and flat-out duffers is the opportunity to play and compete on some of the most spectacular courses in the world. Golf Digest’s most recent ranking of the World’s 100 Greatest Courses, for example, included four from Los Cabos, including two – Querencia and Cabo del Sol’s Ocean Course – that play host to annual tournaments.
Here are the top local golf tournaments to keep in mind when making plans for your next trip to Los Cabos.
Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol
Now on its third name, the 2018 version of this tournament is scheduled for November 6 – 11 at Cabo del Sol’s picturesque Ocean and Desert Courses in the Los Cabos tourist corridor. Originally called the TaylorMade Invitational, the tournament was renamed in 2016 in honor of the late Jim Flick, a PGA Professional and golf instructor for more than 50 years. Flick taught golf in 23 countries and worked with pros like Tom Lehman and Jack Nicklaus, with whom he founded the Nicklaus-Flick Golf Schools. The now Adidas sponsored tournament retains the pro-am format, with professionals competing for $100,000 over 72-holes of stroke play, and foursomes (featuring one professional and three amateurs) battling in handicap-adjusted best ball contests. Participants are hosted by the luxurious Grand Fiesta Americana, and the tournament helps to raise money for American military veterans.
Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Cabo del Sol’s acclaimed Jack Nicklaus designed Ocean and Tom Weiskopf sculpted Desert Courses also play host to the 11th annual Los Cabos Pro-Am, yet another of the region’s signature golf competitions. Stay and play packages for the tournament include five days and four nights of accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, as well as three rounds at the participating courses, plus an invitation to the opening and closing cocktail parties, and daily breakfast at one of Hacienda del Mar’s excellent onsite restaurants. Overall team prizes are another lure for amateurs. The 2019 event will take place January 14 – 18.
Cabo Collegiate at Querencia
This is the one local event with restrictions, as entry is reserved for collegian golfers. The Cabo Collegiate was established in 201o as a three-day invitational tournament, and each year since it has welcomed a dozen or more NCAA Division I teams to compete at Tom Fazio’s masterful and muy exclusivo Querencia Golf Club. Next year’s competition at the beautiful and challenging private layout – currently ranked #97 of the World’s 100 Greatest Courses by Golf Digest – is slated for March 3 – 5, 2019. Oklahoma State University is the two-time defending champion.
Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament
The biggest annual fundraiser for the Los Cabos Humane Society traditionally features a golf competition at one of Los Cabos’ many world-class courses, before concluding with a fundraising dinner at a premier local restaurant The gorgeous Jack Nicklaus’ designed Palmilla Golf Club has played host for the last two competitions, with 18-holes chosen from among its three 9-hole layouts (Ocean, Mountain and Arroyo courses). Also notable during the last two years: Acre Restaurant, one of the leaders of the local farm-to-table movement, has fired up the BBQ fixings to accompany the usual fundraising silent auction. No dates, course or dinner destination have been announced as yet for the 2019 event, but the Paws n’ Claws Tournament typically takes place in March or April.
Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament
Stars and Stripes is more than just a golf and fishing tournament….it’s a complete lifestyle experience. Participants stay at the luxurious Hilton Los Cabos; play golf at some of the world’s best golf courses; go big-game sportfishing for dorado, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, swordfish, and black, blue and striped marlin; and enjoy beach days and spectacular live entertainment nightly (Sammy Hagar headlined in 2015). Youth focused charities are the big winners, though. In its 20+ years of existence, the tournament has raised over 26 million dollars for kids. Dates are yet to be determined for 2019, but keep some time free in late June, early July.
For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com .
Photo courtesy of Querencia Cabo Collegiate.
Upcoming Event Calendar
July
Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1
28th Annual Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – July 13 – 15
East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21
12th Annual Mango Festival in Todos Santos – July 15, 22, 27 – 31
Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4
August
Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4
East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25
September
Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16
October
Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21
Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27
25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2
November
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4
IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4
Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11
WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18
Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20
Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22
December
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27
Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24
Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31
January 2019
Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6
Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18
February
Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14
March
Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5
Please let me know what you think about this!