"If I died today, I've died a happy man" was my only thought when I finished playing El Camaleon. I may not have played as many of the top ranked golf courses as my playing partner, Claudio but even he agrees this course ranks in his top 5.

I must attest, I have never played a Greg Norman designed course before but I cherish the opportunity to play the next one. The Shark's impressive tenure of almost 7 straight years as the world's No. 1 golfer has proven to all of us that he has a competitive and perfectionist spirit on the course. Now he is willing to take on the likes of Fazio & Dye in golf course design off the course.

Environmental integrity was Norman's top priority when designing El Camaleon. "We begin each new golf course design with a least-disturbance approach" said Norman "it's my hope that people will look at it and say that it appears to have been part of the landscape for many years".

The more we played the more I fell in love with this course. A great mixture of short and long holes with well positioned bunkers and the best conditioning and greens of all the courses that we have experienced in Mexico.

Control is the key to scoring well on this course. Hit it straight or it's "Adios Amigo"! Make sure you bring lots of balls because I won't tempt fate looking for a little white object in one of those impenetrable mangrove swamps.

My favorite hole is a toss up between the 7th and the 15th. Both are par 3's, where the prevailing winds, sea spray and soothing waves along with a view of one of the world's largest coral reef will leave a lasting impression, regardless of your score (trust me).

One the most amazing features of this Fairmont managed property is their unique 9 kilometers of freshwater natural canals that meanders through the property where guests can be shuttled in "lanchas" (custom-built mahogany gondolas – causing Mayakoba to be dubbed "the Venice of the Yucatan").

By the way, have I even bothered to mention that El Camaleon is the only course to host an official PGA Tour event in Mexico? In 2007, the likeable Fred Funk was triumphant at the inaugural Mayakoba Classic and on Feb 18-24/08 El Cameleon will again test their skills. But, don't be intimidated. You may be in for a real "shark bite" if you play from the 7,039 yard back tees with a slope rating of 137 but Norman has made it enjoyable for golfers for all abilities.

This may be Norman's first design in Mexico but not his only one. Nearby, the recently opened Playa Mujeres Golf Club is another "must play" and will soon be ranked as one of the top courses in Mexico.

El Camaleon is a 45 minute drive south of Cancun in the heart of the Mayan Riviera and only minutes from the dynamic beach destination of Playa del Carma. Visit their website at www.mayakobagolf.com. For reservation and more information call 011-52(984)206-3088 or email Adriana Monroy at adriana.monroy@fairmont.com.

Dave Finn is the Co-Publisher of The Traveling Golfer.