Golf Magazine says Mexico has become the second most popular destination for US golfers behind Hawaii, and Vallarta is quickly climbing to the top of that list.

Breathtaking seaside fairways fringed by swaying palms in the shadow of the massive Sierra Madre certainly make for a dynamic visual on the course. Plus, the weather is perfect for golf year-round, starting times are rarely an issue, you usually won’t have crowds, service is excellent and prices are more than competitive.

Lush tropical greens, sprawling palm trees, meandering fairways and an epic view of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Pacific Ocean describe Puerto Vallarta's six, soon to be seven championship golf courses. Vallarta also recently hosted the PGA World Golf Championships in 2002 and is quickly becoming the most prominent golf resort in Mexico.
Unlike some resorts in the US, Mexico boasts quality not quantity. With big-name course designers like Nicklaus, Weiskopf, Finger and Von Hagge, Vallarta has made sure it’s developing the best of the best. Nothing in the world can beat finishing a seaside round of golf just in time to watch a perfect sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

VISTA VALLARTA GOLF CLUB
Spread across 550 acres, the Vista Vallarta property encompasses two 18-hole, 72-par championship golf courses: the first is a Signature Design by golf great Jack Nicklaus, and the neighboring course is a Signature Design by golf legend Tom Weiskopf. Conceived and developed by Dallas-based ClubCorp International, Vista Vallarta was designed to become Mexico's premier golf destination. Opened in April 2001, the Jack Nicklaus Signature course is located on the property's highest elevation, offering breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta, the Marina and Banderas Bay. Grassy hillsides, dense forest of Palm, giant Ficus trees and natural creeks provide the setting for this world-class course. Opened November 1, 2001, the Tom Weiskopf Signature course offer a dramatic contrast from the Jack Nicklaus Signature course.

Located on the West end of the Vista Vallarta property, the golf course was built on extreme terrain with dense jungles, deep ravines and swift creeks. Weiskopf has done a masterful job of blending the elevations and natural features to create the ultimate golf experience. There are holes designed to suit every level of golfer on both courses, from amateurs to professionals.

The construction of the Vista Vallarta championship courses is already attracting major golf tournaments to the region, and the excitement surrounding the future of golf for Vallarta is felt throughout the region. The Ford U.S. Collegiate Golf Championships took place April 4-8, 2001. Previously won by Tiger Woods, this premier college golfing event is the only televised college golf tournament of the year, and was broadcast on ESPN2, for the next year edition they will come back to these courses. The World Golf Championship EMC World Cup at Vista Vallarta, took place in December 2002.

MARINA VALLARTA GOLF CLUB
The Marina Vallarta Golf Club is an exclusive, 18-hole, par 71, 6,700-yard championship course located in the fashionable Marina Vallarta district of Puerto Vallarta. The course was designed by Joe Finger, in Marina Vallarta, dramatically set between the beach on one side and Banderas Bay and the marina on the other, players feel the breeze of the ocean amidst the natural beauty of the Mexican tropic. Facilities include a luxurious clubhouse, golf carts, caddies, a pro-shop, dining, driving range, putting green, professional instruction, course snack cart and showers. Greens fees start at $120 dollars, cart included. Golf club rental starts at $20 dollars. Tel: 52 (322) 221-0545.
The Marina Vallarta Club de Golf offers a challenge for all levels of golfers, from the advanced to the casual player. There is a complete practice facility available from the driving range to the putting green.

PUNTA MITA GOLF COURSE
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Golf Course Offshore from a world-class hotel, the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita golf course features a challenging 19th hole on an island just off its beach golf course setting. It's a 7,014-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature course spread over 200 acres, and takes full advantage of its location on the Punta Mita peninsula. Eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay, and all holes offer ocean views. Along with the vistas across white coral sand beaches and of the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains, Punta Mita's tropical landscape of palm trees and flowering trees add to the pleasure of playing this challenging course.

Five sets of tee boxes offers play from 5037 yards to 7014 yards, making the course enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned golfers. Fairways are wide and open, with targeted greens. The presence of constant ocean breezes offers golfers both a challenge and a pleasant climate in which to play year-round. The greens were designed to USGA standards, and use Champion-Dwarf Bermuda, while Bermuda T-419 is used on the fairways, tees, and in the roughs.

The signature island hole, 3B, is a par 3 hole with an ocean side tee overlooking the beach, and a green situated on an idyllic natural island 194 yards away. Driving the ball across the Pacific Ocean is a unique experience, as is getting over to the green to putt. At low tide, you can walk along a connecting rocky pathway over shallow waters. As the tide moves in, a staff member will shuttle you back and forth in an amphibious version of a golf cart. The hole is known as the "Tail of the Whale," because when seen from the air, it resembles the shape of the tail of the Humpback whales that frequent the offshore waters of Punta Mita during winter months. As an alternative, 3A does not require you to hit across the ocean, but does offer an equally challenging marshy area to hit across to the green.

The clubhouse offers complete food and beverage services, locker facilities, and Pro Shop with pro-line equipment rentals, including graphite Callaway clubs. The course is and will continue to be managed by Four Seasons. In addition to the course itself, there is also a striking double-ended driving range 370 yards deep, six target greens, two putting greens, two practice bunkers and a chipping green round out the practice areas. Four Seasons Golf Club at Punta Mita is private, open only to Four Seasons Resort Club Members or as a client of Coldwell Banker International Previews. For more information or reservations, call Tel. +52 (322)-291-6000 or 800-332-3442.

FLAMINGO BEACH AND GOLF RESORT
Located in the northern part of Banderas Bay, just eight miles from the airport, this picturesque 18-hole, 71-par course offers a driving range, putting green, snack bar, golf lessons and tennis courts. It boasts a handsome, stucco clubhouse and pro-shop which overlooks rolling hills that fade toward the ocean. It's a public course and no reservations are necessary; players are served on a first-come, first- served basis. Call the course directly to confirm hours of operation when you arrive in Vallarta. Greens fees start at $75; cart not included. Golf club rental begins at $20 dollars.
Tel. +52 (329) 296 5006 +52 (329) 296 5183

EL TIGRE AT PARADISE VILLAGE GOLF CLUB & MAYAN PALACE GOLF COURSE
Located in Nuevo Vallarta, eight miles from the airport on the northern end of Banderas Bay. These courses are open to the public and offer 18 holes, 72 par. Course architect Robert Van Hagge. The courses are newly opened and are garnering rave reviews. Call 52 (322) 297-0733 or 1-800-995-5714.