Here is a fact that might surprise you: Mexico is the number two worldwide golf destination for U.S. golfers, right behind Hawaii. The Mexican Government Department of Tourism wants to change that ranking. That's right -they are determined to become number one, and at the rate they are going it shouldn't take too long to achieve that goal.

Mexico is an amazingly diverse country blessed with gorgeous locations that rival any in the world, from the stark beauty of Baja California hard against the Sea of Cortez to the new jungle courses in Puerto Vallarta.

The 18-hole La Mantarraya Golf Course (tel. 314/331-0101) is open to no guests. At one time, La Mantarraya was among the top 100 courses in the world, but newer entries have passed it. Still, the compact, challenging 18-hole course designed by Roy and Pete Dye is a beauty, with banana trees, blooming bougainvillea, and coconut palms at every turn. A lush and verdant place (12 of the 18 holes are played over water), it remains a favored of Mexico's 125 courses. When the course was under construction, workers dug up pre-Hispanic ceramic figurines, idols, and beads where the 14th hole now lies. It is believed to have been an important ancient burial site. The course culminates with its signature 18th hole, with a drive to the island green off El Tesoro (the treasure) beach. Local lore says this beach still may hold buried treasure from Spanish galleons, whose crews were the first to recognize the perfection of this natural harbor, and who used it during the 16th century as their starting point for voyages to the Pacific Rim. Greens fees are $122 for 18 holes, $73 for 9 holes; cart rental costs $50.

The fabulous 27-hole golf course associated with the Grand Bay Hotel in Barra de Navidad, an easy distance from Manzanillo, is also open to the public. The Robert Von Hagge design is long and lovely, with each hole amid rolling, tropical landscapes. It is wide open, with big fairways and big greens, and features plenty of water (2 lagoon holes, 13 lakeside holes, and 8 holes along the Pacific). The greens fees are $166 for 18 holes, $192 for 27 holes for hotel guests, $216 and $240, respectively, for non guests, including a motorized cart. Barra is about a 1- to 1 1/2-hour drive north of Manzanillo on Highway 200.

El Tamarindo Golf Resort - Is located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo on the Costa Careyes (also commonly referred to as Costa Alegre). The Resort is about 31 miles north of the Manzanillo International Airport and about 132 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. The stunning 18-hole championship-style golf course at El Tamarindo is set amidst a 2,040-acre natural reserve, making it one of the most spectacular courses in the entire world. The fairways are beautifully lined with scores of Mojote and Cuba palms, as well as breathtaking views of the rocky, untouched coastline that meets the crystal blue Pacific.

Vista Vallarta Twin Course - Within minutes of the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort are two professional courses that will test your skills and please your senses. At Vista Vallarta, legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf designed the twin 18-hole courses around the breathtaking views of the Bahia de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta, and magnificent Sierra Madre mountains. The Jack Nicklaus course hosted the EMC World Cup Championship in 2002.

Marina Vallarta Club de Golf - The 18-hole, par-72 Marina Vallarta Club de Golf. Designed by Joe Finger, this course features natural lagoons, relaxing water fountains, and the unusual challenge of shooting around palm trees and tropical shrubs. Twice the site of the Governor’s Cup Pro/Am Tournament, the facilities include a driving range and chipping putting green, golf shop, and a full-service clubhouse.