Originally debuted as a resort venue, the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course at this exclusive Discovery Land Co. community has evolved into one of the region’s best and most beautiful layouts. The well-strategized course, always in top condition, is a desert-meets-sea masterpiece framed by bristling desert vegetation and dramatic rock formations. Several holes meander through a pair of stark canyons divided by a rocky hill, while two interior lakes bring water into play at several holes.

Dramatic bunker complexes signpost the fairways and defend the subtly undulating greens.

The opening holes introduce players to El Dorado’s arroyos, which girdle the fairways below the cactus-studded hills and granite outcrops. The layout then heads upcountry to explore the interior portions of this private community. The challenging par-3 third hole plays to an amphitheater-style green set at the base of a mountain, while the splendid par-5 ninth features a spectacular view of the sweeping fairway as it rolls along the Baja shoreline. The infinity-edge green here appears to float on a sea of variegated blues.

El Dorado’s signature hole is the short par-3 16th, its pledged green set directly above the beach and sea. The prevailing onshore breeze can play havoc with mishit tee shots. The downhill par-5 18th, with its panoramic view of the sea and shoreline, provides a picturesque finale to the round.