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We recently spoke with Danny Garcia, the Senior Head Golf Professional at TPC Danzante Bay, an acclaimed course designed by Rees Jones, located in Loreto, Baja California Sur, 220 miles north of La Paz on the Sea of Cortez. As the region gradually gains recognition as a serious golf destination, Danny reflected on the course’s unique natural setting, how it compares to more well-known locations like Los Cabos, and what makes TPC Danzante Bay an unforgettable experience for everyone, whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging a club for the first time.
How would you describe Loreto as a golf destination to someone who’s never been?
If you want a fast-paced scene — bars, restaurants, lots of action — then you go to Cabo or Cancun. Loreto is the opposite. It’s quiet, exclusive, and very private. You get real quality time with your loved ones. And if you love golf, fishing, hiking, snorkeling, or just natural beauty, you’ll feel like you’ve found a hidden gem.
What’s the golfing landscape like in Loreto today?
Loreto wasn’t always a golf destination. Years ago, there was just one course up north, Loreto Bay Golf Resort. It had a nice layout, but over time it deteriorated and now needs extensive repairs. The fundamental shift came when Mr. Owen Perry — who’s a passionate golfer — came in and developed Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto. He brought in Rees Jones, one of the world’s top golf architects, and built this course from scratch. We opened in December 2017, and by the following year, we were already ranked one of the best in Mexico. Now we’re the number one course in Mexico and Latin America.
What sets TPC Danzante Bay apart from other top courses in Baja or beyond?
The terrain’s diversity is a key differentiator. We’re surrounded by desert, valleys, mountains, and the ocean. You start in the desert, work your way gently up into the hills, cross canyons, and then descend toward the sea. It’s a whole experience. Not many courses in the world can offer that kind of variety. Plus, every hole is visually stunning. I always tell players to stop and take in the views. You won’t see the same thing twice.
The course seems very integrated into the landscape. Was that intentional?
Absolutely. The Sierra de la Giganta mountains are part of the course’s identity. They hug the resort from nearly every side, and several holes play directly into or alongside the mountains. It’s like the course is cradled in the landscape. And then you get these moments, like hole 3 or 17, where the ocean or canyon just opens up in front of you. It’s dramatic, but never forced. Rees Jones did a masterful job blending the layout with the natural topography.
Does the setting hit you right away, or does it take a few rounds to really appreciate?
It hits you immediately. The moment you drive in on the panoramic road and see the hotel in the middle of the bay, you’re struck by the setting. People always ask, “How does something this pristine even exist?” And then they go out to the course and get blown away again. We get a lot of golfers who say, “Why haven’t I heard of this place before?” And that’s the beauty of it — it still feels like a discovery.
What kind of community has formed around the golf course, especially among homeowners at Danzante Bay?
We’re definitely growing into a golf community. Homeowners here are excited to be part of something that’s still maturing but already very special. They have regular playing days, and we host a members’ tournament each year that’s getting bigger. Everyone’s proud to be here, and many end up buying one, two, or even three memberships. It’s part social, part lifestyle, part passion. People are drawn to the balance of exclusivity and authenticity.
Is a golf membership included with home purchases?
That depends on the deal you negotiate. Some people bundle the membership into the purchase, others don’t. But almost everyone eventually gets one. We’re also building ready-to-move-in homes now, so people can join the community without waiting for construction.
What kind of player is this course designed for? Is it just for experienced golfers, or can a newcomer enjoy it too?
It’s definitely built for everyone. Reese Jones made it a player-friendly course. Every hole has five tee boxes, so you can choose how much of a challenge you want. If you’re starting out, play from the forward tees and you’ll have a great time. But we’ve also hosted tour professionals, guys like Charlie Hoffman and Bob May, who find it competitive and rewarding. So yeah, it’s world-class, but totally welcoming too.
Do you have a favorite hole on the course? One that’s especially meaningful to you?
That’s a tough one. I love them all, they each have a personality. But I’ll tell you a story. When I came here for a site visit, I played hole 17, which is now our signature hole. It wasn’t even done yet. I told myself, “If I birdie this hole, I’ll take the job.” And I made the putt. That moment sealed it for me. So 17 is close to my heart.
But there’s also hole 3, a par 3 over a canyon with an unbelievable view. And hole 5, which brings you back toward the ocean through a mountain-lined valley. Every round is a different experience. It never gets old.