El Rio Country Club

About the club

The course at this private, high-end residential complex was laid out by Jack Nicklaus, and the outstanding setting gave him the perfect opportunity to work his magic. The rolling terrain is a large part of the challenge, making for all kinds of lies and demanding careful shot placement. One excellent hole is the 15th, a 188-yard par 3 that is well bunkered and plays to a green on the other side of a water hazard. Also of note are a trio of par 3s that all extend to 210 yards or more, and the par 5 18th with its stupendous length of 656 yards. El Rio is a little ways north and west of Guadalajara, Mexico's #2 city—known to the golf world for nurturing LPGA champ Lorena Ochoa—and visitors to the club will want to be sure to spend some time exploring the culture and history there.