Swinging in PARadise: Showcasing Puerto Vallarta’s 11 Golf Courses
Why Golfing in Puerto Vallarta Is Better Than You Think Golfing in Puerto Vallarta might just be the most underrated thing to do in Puerto Vallarta. Millions of people come from all over the world to experience Vallarta’s incredible beaches, nightlife, and experience Mexican culture. But if you’re a golfer, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. This is because Vallarta and the immediate surrounding area have some surreal courses. On par (pun intended) with some of the nicest courses in the US and around the world – seriously. Golfing in Puerto Vallarta still hasn’t caught on by the public at large yet, thus golfing here is still quite an exclusive experience. But why is golf here so good you may ask? What makes golfing in Puerto Vallarta exclusive? Great questions! Well, golfing in Puerto Vallarta has several unique characteristics that many courses worldwide simply don’t have. First, the mountains and the ocean are used as backdrops and in some cases integrated into the course itself. This setting, combined with the warm gentle breeze coming off the ocean makes golfing here a breathtaking and memorable experience. The stunning Greg Norman Signature Course at Vidanta Golf. Secondly, the PGA Fedex Cup is hosted regularly now at Vidanta’s Norman Signature exclusive course. This course is in absolutely immaculate shape it makes me feel bad making a divot in the fairway. The same can be said for Vista Vallarta and Punta Mita’s courses. They’re just break taking, every single time. You want to come back as soon as you can to play another round. In addition to these courses, there are several other top-notch golf courses in Puerto Vallarta, each with its own unique features and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice golfer, you’ll find something to love in Puerto Vallarta’s golf scene. Golfing in Puerto Vallarta may not come at a low green fee rate, but these courses are well worth it! Let’s take a closer look at each of them: Vista Vallarta Club de Golf This golf course is situated on a hillside overlooking Banderas Bay, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. The two courses here at Vista were designed by two golf legends, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, and features two 18-hole courses that wind through the lush jungle terrain. The challenging layout and breathtaking views make Vista Vallarta Club de Golf not just one of the top golf courses in Puerto Vallarta, but all of Mexico. This course defines what it means to experience golfing in Puerto Vallarta, and we’re only on the first course! Marina Vallarta Golf Club Located near the Puerto Vallarta Marina, Marina Vallarta Golf Course course was designed by Joe Finger and features an 18-hole, par-71 course that meanders through the resort area. The course features plenty of water hazards and bunkers, making it a challenging but enjoyable course for players of all skill levels. The beautiful landscaping, abundant wildlife, and ocean views make it a scenic course as well. Seriously, the view of the ocean on a few of the holes is truly remarkable and not a common site on golf course worldwide. Picture Pebble Beach vibes. Funnily enough, nearly every golf course on this list is located in the state of Nayarit, next to Jalisco. So technically you would be golfing in Puerto Vallarta much, but more so Nayarit. Not that this changes anything particularly, but it doesn’t hurt to know where most of the courses are actually located! El Tigre Golf Club This golf course is part of the Paradise Village resort complex and features an 18-hole, par-72 course that was designed by Robert Von Hagge. The course is known for its challenging layout, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. Talking with other golfers about courses in the area, many say El Tigre was the most challenging course they experienced when golfing in Puerto Vallarta. Although the course may not be the most beautiful on this list, the stunning views of the Sierra Madre Mountains that surround you, as well as the resort’s lagoon and tropical gardens make golfing here special. El Tigre Golf Club is also a residence with many single family and multi family dwellings on it throughout the course. With no two homes with the same design, you’ll enjoy admiring all the different architecture throughout your round at El Tigre. Additionally, El Tigre offers amenities such as a full size gym, tennis courts, squash courts, spa with sauna and steam rooms, as well as billiards, ping pong, and pickle ball. If you know a member or resident of El Tigre, ask them for more information about how you can join their social membership to have further access to these amenities during the length of your stay in Nuevo Vallarta. If you’re planning on golfing in Puerto Vallarta, this has to be in the top 5 courses that are an absolute must! Flamingos Golf Club Located in the nearby town of Nuevo Vallarta, this golf course was designed by Percy Clifford and offers an 18-hole, par-72 course that is suitable for players of all skill levels. Flamingos Golf Club features rolling fairways, gentle elevation changes, and numerous water hazards, making it a challenging but enjoyable round. The course also offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle and nearby mountains. Higuera Golf Course This golf course is located in Litibu, about 50-60 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and is part of the luxury resort community of Punta Mita. Designed by Greg Norman, Higuera Golf Course features an 18-hole, par-72 course that is known for its breathtaking ocean views and challenging layout. The course winds through a natural landscape of jungle and hills, with dramatic elevation changes and numerous water hazards. When on your trip golfing in Puerto Vallarta, this course may not be the most beautifully manicured or challenging course, but it has one of the most picture esque locations on this list. It also doesn’t hurt