Overview
If you’re golfing in the Riviera Maya region and looking for a course that blends lush jungle scenery with resort-level convenience, Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya should be on your radar.
Nestled inside the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel complex in Playa del Carmen, this Robert von Hagge–designed course offers a challenging layout with water hazards a recurring theme.
Located just over an hour North of Tulum, it’s a golf course that can get overlooked when compared to El Camaleón at Mayakoba or PGA Riviera Maya. It’s a great option for a casual round, group trip, and days where you’d prefer to enjoy all inclusive margaritas rather than chase your best score.
The Vibe & Setting
Arriving at Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya means driving through the gated, upscale Playacar neighborhood, a quiet, well-maintained residential area that’s closed off to general traffic. You’ll need to check in at the gate with your ID and tee time confirmation before entering, which gives the whole approach a private, resort-like feel.
While the Hard Rock brand is known for its party-first energy, the golf course itself is surprisingly chill. Once you tee off, it’s calm, peaceful, and far removed from the party and lively atmosphere the brand is renowned for.
Expect a laid-back experience rather than high-performance golf championship. You will find a mix of resort guests, traveling golfers, and local regulars. It’s not overly formal — just a solid place to enjoy a round, lose a few balls to the water, and maybe sip a cold drink between shots.
It feels like there is a water hazard on every hole. At least the margaritas are included.
Sarah Williams, Co-Founder and Average Golfer
A frequent and often bold spectator is the white-nosed coati, or “tejón” as it’s known locally. These raccoon-like mammals, with their long snouts and ringed tails, are known for their inquisitive and often mischievous nature.
No golf course in Playa del Carmen would be complete without the stoic presence of iguanas. These prehistoric-looking reptiles can often be seen basking in the sun on the warm surfaces of the greens and sand traps, their size and stillness commanding a respectful distance. Golfers are advised to be mindful of the potential for encountering crocodiles but we personally have never seen any on this course.
The pro shop stocks the expected branded Hard Rock merch from Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, Ping, and Srixon. As well as all your golf essentials — balls, gloves, tees, etc… Like all pro shops in the area they charge extortionate prices so it’s wise to stock up on your Golf Tulum essentials here.
Course Layout & Design
A par-72 course playing just over 6,800 yards from the tips, with multiple tee boxes to accommodate different skill levels. There are no ocean views or dramatic elevation changes, but the flat, tree-lined layout has its own kind of beauty — dense greenery, occasional lagoons, and curious wild life.
The defining feature here? Water hazards. They come into play on more than half the holes — sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes aggressively guarding greens or flanking tight landing zones. The fairways are relatively narrow, so accuracy off the tee matters more than distance. There’s very little margin for error when you miss wide, as jungle or water often means a lost ball and a reload.
To be honest, this isn’t a course that will blow you away with signature holes or postcard views.
Karsten Rowe, Co-Founder and Average Golfer
Bunkering is well-placed but not overdone, and the greens are mid-sized with gentle slopes — challenging enough to keep your attention but not overly punishing.
Course Conditions
For a course with premium-level green fees, the conditions at Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya can be underwhelming. On our most recent round, tee boxes were noticeably worn and uneven, fairways were shaggy with longer-than-expected grass, and the greens — while playable — showed signs of neglect, with rough patches around hole cups and inconsistent roll.
It’s not unplayable by any means, but it doesn’t match the level of polish you’d expect at this price point, especially when compared to other courses in the region. The overall vibe leans more “resort convenience” than “tour-level maintenance.”
That said, the course is still enjoyable if you manage your expectations. The all-inclusive food and drink during the round is a nice perk — cold beers, cocktails, sodas, and grab-and-go snacks are included in your fee. But in some ways, it feels like that amenity is built into the cost, and the maintenance suffers as a result.
If pristine conditions are a priority for your golf trip, this may not be your top pick. But if you’re after a more relaxed experience where the round is as much about the vibe as the scorecard, it’s still a fun option — just don’t expect tournament-quality conditions.
Difficultly
While it’s not brutally long, the course can be deceptively tough, especially for players who aren’t accurate off the tee.
The narrow fairways, jungle-lined rough, and frequent water hazards leave little room for error. Wayward drives often mean lost balls.
Greens are fair, without severe undulations, but approach shots need to be dialed in to avoid tricky bunker placements or water lurking near the edges.
Beginners or casual players will likely lose a lot of balls in the water, jungle or most likely both. More experienced golfers will appreciate the challenge, but expect to work for a good score.
Signature Hole
Hole 9 is the standout hole. A tough par 4 that demands precision from start to finish. Water runs the entire length of the right side, creating a tight landing area off the tee. Play it too safe to the left, and you’re flirting with trees or rough; challenge the right side, and a small miss can mean a lost ball.
If you manage to find the fairway, you’re not in the clear yet. The long approach shot plays over water to a bunker guarded green, making it one of the most intimidating second shots on the course.
A true risk-reward hole where a safe, short tee short leaves a long dangerous second shot. A tough hole regardless how you play it.
Staff and Practice Facilities
Service at Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya is friendly but inconsistent. You’ll get the basics — check-in, cart setup, and a quick rundown if you ask — but don’t expect highly attentive staff or golf centric experience. It feels more like a resort amenity than a dedicated golf operation.
The practice facilities are functional but limited. There’s a small driving range, a putting green, and a modest chipping area. Range balls are included with your tee time, but don’t expect top-tier turf or targets. It’s enough to get loose before your round, but probably not where you’ll want to spend extra time dialing in your game.
On-course drink service is available, and the all-inclusive setup means your beverages and snacks are covered.
Pricing & Booking
Green fees at Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya typically range from $150 to $200 USD, depending on the season, time of day, and whether you’re staying at the resort. Tee times include a shared cart, range balls, and unlimited food and drinks, which adds value — but the overall course conditions don’t quite justify the premium price tag.
If you’re staying at the Hard Rock Hotel or a nearby resort, you can usually book through the concierge or golf desk. Otherwise, you can book by phone or sending a message.
For golfers, we recommend morning tee times when the course is less busy and conditions are a bit crisper. Afternoon rounds tend to be hotter, slower, and more relaxed — better suited for casual groups who are there for the vibes (and beverages) more than the scorecard.
Overall:
Difficulty:
Pace of Play:
Design:
Condition:
Leave a Reply