World Class Golf
Interesting fact: Puerto Vallarta shares the same latitude as Hawaii. Thus the average temperature of 78 degrees from December through April makes the area ideal for golfing. And now world-class courses beckon. Among the notables:
El Tigre Golf Club at Paradise Village. It’s Robert von Hagge’s 11th design in México.
There is also Vista Vallarta Golf Club with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf courses, Marina Vallarta Golf Course, Los Flamingos Golf Club, Mayan Palace Golf Club and Punta Mita Golf Club.
Right now El Tigre is enjoying the buzz. Framed in all directions by the Sierra Madre Mountains, El Tigre is 7,239 yards, par 72. Most players come away talking about the 18th hole, a par-5, 621-yard beast with water along the left side and breezy conditions. The course features undulating, wide fairways, contoured sand bunkers, grass mounds and bunkers. If you like greens that are perched above rock walls and water all around, you’ll enjoy El Tigre. Troon Golf of Scottsdale, AZ manages El Tigre.
Vista Vallarta offers Nicklaus or Weiskopf designs that are set in the foothills. The Nicklaus course measures 7,057 yards and features long par-5 holes. Weiskopf’s layout features native jungle growth.
Many feel the most spectacular area course is the Nicklaus’ design at Punta Mita complete with a Four Seasons Resort. It’s got Pebble Beach scenery and unforgettable turquoise-colored Pacific Ocean views.
Punta Mita features one of the most spectacular golf holes in the world, a par 3 of 190 yards, that plays to a natural black, lava-rock island. Your only entry to the green comes at low tide, tip-toeing across a sandbar, unless you have an amphibious vehicle or boat. In all eight holes border the ocean. Yes, you need your clubs but you’ll always want to bring your camera. Stunning.
Not far from Paradise Village is Los Flamingos Country Club. This 18-hole course is located in the countryside with lakes, jungle and countless birds. The Marina Vallarta Golf Club, designed by Joe Finger, has birds, iguanas and crocodiles on the site. The course winds through palms, natural lagoons and has oceanfront fairways along with Banderas Bay views.
