22-05-2025
Large sinkhole in fairway is a real conversation starter for LPGA's return to Mexico
Large sinkhole in fairway is a real conversation starter for LPGA's return to Mexico
The LPGA will be the third pro golf circuit to tackle the El Camaleon Golf Course Mayakoba and those stunning visuals that are called cenotes (see-NO-tays). These large sinkholes, or cave bunkers, are common along the eastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun.
The LPGA's tournament in this part of the world is called the Mexico Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, May 22-25, 2025. It's the circuit's first visit to Mexico in eight seasons.
The much-talked-about and often photographed cenote at El Camaleon is smack dab in the middle of the fairway on the course's par-5 seventh hole. Cenotes are giant natural sink holes, often filled with fresh water. They are mostly found on the Yucatan Peninsula.
What they're saying about the cave bunker
Isabella Fierro: "Some of the longer hitters, if you have downwind, you can get it down there. ... the group I was playing with today went inside and took some pictures. I was like, 'This is awesome.'"
Linn Grant: "I'm just happy that I at least can hit a shot short of that. ... yeah, it's fun. It's nothing like anything else."
Maria Fassi: "I'm actually not carrying driver in the bag this week so I can't reach it. I have mini driver in the bag. I can't reach with it mini driver unless the wind really goes down, which it shouldn't on this hole. ... with how hot it is, it's kind of nice and refreshing to get away from the heat for a second."
