Staff WriterClub de Golf Chapultepec stands proudly atop the high-altitude outskirts of Mexico City, weaving together a centuries-old tradition and an exciting new chapter in LIV Golf.
From the moment you set foot on these storied fairways, the club’s history envelops you like a warm Mexican breeze—one that quickly reminds you this place is more than just a golf course; it’s a shrine to the game’s past and a gateway to its future.
History and Legacy of Chapultepec
Established in 1921, Club de Golf Chapultepec began as the brainchild of Scottish golfer Willie Smith, who brought U.S. Open pedigree and a keen design eye to Mexico.
Smith’s untimely passing led his brother—another two-time U.S. Open champion—to finish the job, and by the 1920s, Chapultepec opened its doors.
Strolling through its grand clubhouse is a stroll through the timeline of Mexican golf itself, with trophies and photos that practically whisper, “You’re standing on sacred ground.”
Over the years, Chapultepec has seen more than its fair share of star-studded moments.
It was the original host of the Mexican Open, first played here in 1944, and it has welcomed legends like Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Billy Casper, Roberto De Vicenzo, and hometown hero Juan Neri.
More recently, Chapultepec burst onto the global stage when it hosted the WGC-Mexico Championship from 2017 through 2020, crowning winners like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Patrick Reed.
In effect, Chapultepec went from a local jewel to a world stage – and now, in 2025, it steps into the LIV Golf spotlight. (The old course has aged like fine tequila: getting more valuable – and more potent – with time.)
Course Layout and Design Details
Chapultepec’s layout is classic parkland golf at its best: gently rolling terrain, fairways tight enough to make you think twice before swinging for the fences, and thick stands of trees that force creative shot shapes.
Sitting at over 7,500 feet above sea level, the ball doesn’t just fly here—it practically levitates.
Some pros claim a 10–12% gain in carry, which can take a modest 300-yard drive and turn it into a jaw-dropping, 330-yard bomb.
The championship routing is a par 71 around 7,345 yards from the tips, though the effective yardage feels shorter once the altitude works its magic.
Small, slick greens and dense rough keep ego in check; the kikuyu grass around these parts loves nothing more than to grab a clubhead and twist it mercilessly.
Kikuyu may look and feel luxurious in the fairway, but once you wander into the rough, you’ll discover how it earned its reputation as a “sticky” menace.
Throw in bent/poa greens that can run fast enough to make your eyes water, and you’ve got a course that demands shot-making and imagination.
Notable Holes and Signature Features
- Hole 1 (Par 4, 316 yards) – A drivable opener that can jumpstart your round with an eagle putt or derail it if your aggressive tee shot finds the trees.
- Hole 4 (Par 4, 506 yards) – A dogleg-left beast that winnows the contenders from the pretenders. Bring your A-game off the tee or be prepared for a bruiser of a second shot.
- Hole 6 (Par 5, 625 yards) – The longest hole here, winding uphill. Even the biggest hitters rarely see this green in two. It’s Chapultepec’s version of a marathon—endurance and strategy required.
- Hole 7 (Par 3, 235 yards) – A demanding, tree-framed brute that often plays over par. If you walk off with a three, take a bow and run.
- Hole 17 (Par 3, 172 yards) – The signature “party” hole complete with water lurking left and front. Jon Rahm famously aced it on his way to a course-record 61. Expect plenty of adrenaline and maybe some mariachi tunes to celebrate the occasional hole-in-one.
- Hole 18 (Par 4, 388 yards) – A scenic finisher with enough risk-reward drama to decide a tournament.
Those are just the highlights. You’ll find unique challenges at nearly every turn, from cramped landing areas to altitude-assisted tee shots that sail onto parts unknown.
Stats, Records, and Interesting Facts
High Altitude, High Drama: At roughly 7,800 feet above sea level, drives soar farther, but the thin air also means less spin and control. It’s not all bombs away; approach shots can sail over greens with a little too much oomph.
Course Record: Jon Rahm’s jaw-dropping 61 (−10) in 2020 stands as the gold standard. It even included that ace at 17, proving that if you get hot and solve the subtle putting surfaces, record books can be rewritten.
Winning Totals: During the WGC era, victory scores ranged from −14 to −21.
There’s a delicate balance between capitalising on altitude and avoiding Chapultepec’s pitfalls. Mistakes will find you if you get too cavalier.
Hardest Holes: The long par-4 8th and the uphill par-3 7th are unrelenting, commonly playing over par.
Number 13 (another hefty par-3) can also ruin a good round. Meanwhile, you’ll want to keep a cautious eye on any hole with hidden breezes or swirling winds in these mountainous surroundings.
Easiest Holes: Par-5s 15 and 11 serve up prime scoring chances, as does the drivable 1st.
Pros often treat that opener like a par 3½, firing at the green straight out of the gate.
Weather and Elevation: Late April in Mexico City often means warm, sunny days—mid-70s Fahrenheit—and a slim chance of an afternoon shower.
The dryness at altitude can bake the greens, so watch for lightning-fast putts.
And yes, walking 18 holes at high elevation can take a toll, so players have to pace themselves.
How Chapultepec Might Play for LIV Golfers
Many LIV stars have fond memories here (or nightmares, depending on how they fared).
Dustin Johnson hoisted two trophies on these grounds, Phil Mickelson had a legendary win, and Patrick Reed claimed victory with a putter so hot it could’ve started a campfire.
Familiarity might be an advantage—old yardage books are sure to be dusted off. But LIV’s format changes the calculus: it’s only 54 holes, with a shotgun start, and there’s no cut to fear.
Bombers like Bryson DeChambeau may still club down off several tees due to narrower fairways, while short-game magicians like Reed and Cam Smith can let their creativity shine around Chapultepec’s sticky kikuyu and undulating greens.
Ultimately, precision, clever course management and a dash of guts should rule the day.
Fan Guide: Spectator Experience and Tips
- • Getting There: Located in Naucalpan, just northwest of downtown Mexico City, Chapultepec is accessible by taxi or rideshare. Aim to arrive early to navigate traffic and catch players launching moon-ball drives on the range.
- • On-Site Vibe: LIV Golf events are part sporting spectacle, part festival. Expect music, food stands offering local favorites (tacos, anyone?), and interactive fan zones for family fun.
- • Food & Drink: Bring your appetite for authentic Mexican fare—tacos, churros, and maybe a margarita or two. The altitude calls for frequent hydration; water refill stations are usually available.
- • Weather Prep: Sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes are your best friends. Mornings can be mild, afternoons toasty, and occasionally a quick shower pops up.
- • Viewing Hotspots: The raucous par-3 17th is must-see territory. Hole 1 also gets lively if players test the green straight away. For late drama, plant yourself near 18 to watch final-hole heroics.
- • Beyond the Course: Mexico City is a cultural treasure trove. Once the golf wraps, sample the local nightlife, explore museums, or wander Chapultepec Park. You might just find yourself cheering “¡Viva México!” well into the evening.
Conclusion
As LIV Golf arrives at Club de Golf Chapultepec, golf fans can expect altitude-induced heroics, a historic setting that oozes tradition, and a lineup of stars eager to claim victory in Mexico City.
The course might be shorter by modern standards, but it fights back with trees, thick rough, and deceptively fast greens.
One minute, a player’s skipping down the fairway after launching a 350-yard drive in the thin air; the next, they’re chunking a chip from kikuyu rough and cursing the day they picked up a wedge. It’s all part of the drama—and that’s exactly why Chapultepec has captured imaginations for over a century.
In the words of one insider, Chapultepec is “short by today’s standards” on the card, but defends itself with tricky greens and fast conditions that have tested even the world’s best.
Between its storied history and the fresh energy LIV Golf brings, there’s no doubt the altitude won’t be the only thing taking this tournament to new heights.
So grab some sunscreen, get ready for moon-shot drives, and don’t miss the showdown at a course that continues to prove why it’s one of the most captivating golf venues on the planet.
Bienvenidos a Club de Golf Chapultepec—where the air is thin, the stories are tall, and the golf just might leave you breathless.
