News Summary
As the popularity of golf surges in a vibrant area, the number of courses is set to grow from 18 to 23 in the coming years. However, this growth raises concerns about water usage, as each course consumes over 600,000 gallons daily, highlighting the struggle between meeting resident needs and appeasing real estate interests. With high costs limiting access and a focus on property values, the balance between golfing paradise and sustainable resources remains a pressing issue.
Golf Courses on the Rise Amid Water Woes
Excitement is in the air as the golfing scene expands in a beautiful location that boasts breathtaking views of ocean, desert, and mountains. Currently, there are 18 golf courses in operation, with five more on the way. This means in just a couple of years, we’ll be looking at a grand total of 23 stunning courses for a local population of about 350,000 residents. That’s a golfing paradise with an average of one course for every 15,200 residents.
Scotland vs. Us: The Numbers Game
To put things into perspective, let’s take a glance at Scotland, where there is a golf course for every 9,800 residents. By contrast, in our vibrant destination, each golf course will average around one course for 15,200 residents. It’s not quite Scotland, but it’s certainly becoming a golfer’s utopia!
Water, Water, Everywhere… Or Is There?
But there’s a bit of a hiccup. Golf courses, while incredibly fun and visually stunning, require a huge amount of water to keep those greens pristine. Each course guzzles over 600,000 gallons of water daily, enough to quench the thirst of around 8,000 people! This is a significant concern in a region that is already facing desert-like conditions and limited water resources. With local aquifers depleting, many wonder how these golf courses will impact the water supply for residents.
Who’s Playing on the Golf Courses?
While these golf courses are a joy to behold, there’s often a catch. Most local residents might have to fork out over $400 per round to play a round of golf! That’s not exactly pocket change. Many of the currently available courses are private, leaving a substantial portion of the local golf enthusiasts on the sidelines.
Aiming for Real Estate Gains
Now, here’s the real kicker: the driving force behind these new golf courses isn’t primarily about giving residents a place to tee off. It’s more about boosting real estate sales! These newly developed courses frequently feature famous designers, making them irresistible to potential second-home buyers. It’s not just about the game; it’s about increasing property values, which could jump by anywhere from 8% to 12% in these areas. All new courses being developed are tied to real estate projects, which mostly cater to tourists and vacation homeowners, not locals looking for a friendly round of golf.
The Local Dilemma
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. While there’s an apparent increase in resources, locals have faced challenges in accessing important recreational facilities, despite the beaches being federally protected as public property. Real estate developments tend to prioritize the needs of tourists, often letting local community needs take a backseat. It raises pertinent questions regarding the fair allocation of resources between visitors and local residents.
The Road Ahead
With a rising population in the area, the thirst for additional golf courses seems undeniable. However, the central question remains: will we be able to sustain this growth without turning the taps dry? As local aquifers continue to dwindle faster than they can recharge, balancing the needs of the growing golfing populace and local residents will be crucial.
Final Thoughts
As we watch this golfing opportunity blossom, it’s essential that both developers and community leaders come together to ensure that the sporting landscape caters to everyone. Golf may be a luxury for many, but everyone deserves a fair shot at enjoying the local beauty while maintaining access to vital resources.
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Additional Resources
- Mexico News Daily: Does Los Cabos Have Too Many Golf Courses?
- Golf Digest: Best Golf Courses in Mexico
- GolfPass: Best Public Golf Courses in Mexico
- Golf365: Five Great Golf Courses in Cabo San Lucas
- Golfweek: Tiger Woods Legacy Club at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas
- Wikipedia: Golf in Mexico
