Golf in Puerto Vallarta

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Golf

"Not a bad mango in the bunch" is how one golf aficionada described Puerto Vallarta's courses. From the Four Seasons Punta Mita to the Gran Bay at Barra de Navidad, the region is a close second to Los Cabos in variety of play at a range of prices. Well-known designers are represented, including Jack Nicklaus and Tim Weiskopf.

Logistics

Most of these courses offer first-class services including driving ranges and putting greens, lessons, clinics, pro shops, and clubhouses.

Courses

Joe Finger designed the 18-hole course at Marina Vallarta (Paseo de la Marina s/n, Marina Vallarta. 322/221-0545 or 322/221-0073); the $128 green fee includes practice balls and a shared cart. It's the area's second-oldest course and is closest and most convenient for golfers staying in the Hotel Zone, Old Puerto Vallarta, and Marina Vallarta. Very flat, it's way more challenging than it looks, with lots of water hazards. Speaking of hazards, the alligators have a way of blending into the scenery. They might surprise you, but they supposedly don't bite. Some of the best views in the area belong to the aptly named Vista Vallarta (Circuito Universidad 653, Col. San Nicolás. 322/290-0030 or 322/290-0040). There are 18 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus and another 18 by Tom Weiskopf. The green fee for the course, which is a few miles northwest of the Marina Vallarta area, is $174. A shared cart and tax are included.

At the Paradise Village hotel and condo complex, El Tigre (Paseo de los Cocoteros 18, Nuevo Vallarta. 322/297-0773; 866/843-5951 in U.S.; 800/214-7758 in Canada. www.eltigregolf.com) is an 18-hole course with 12 water features. The green fee of $138 includes a shared cart and practice balls but not 15% tax. Don't be surprised if you see a guy driving around with tigers in his truck: the course's namesake and mascot is the passion of the club's director. El Tigre has a fun island par 3. Four Seasons Punta Mita (Punta de Mita. 329/291-6000. www.fourseasons.com) was designed by Jack Nicklaus. Nonguests are permitted, but not encouraged, to play the 195-acre, par-72 course; advance reservations are essential. The club's claim to fame is that it has perhaps the only natural island green in golf. Drive your cart to it at low tide; otherwise hop aboard a special amphibious vessel (weather permitting) to cross the water. There are seven other oceanfront links, as well as an optional par 3, the resort's signature hole.

Designed by Percy Clifford in 1978, PV's original course, Los Flamingos Country Club (Carretera a Bucerías, Km 145, 12 km [8 mi] north of airport, Nuevo Vallarta. 329/296-5006. www.flamingosgolf.com.mx), has been totally renovated. The 18-hole course at the northern extremity of Nuevo Vallarta has new irrigation and sprinkler systems to maintain the rejuvenated greens. The green fee is $130, including a shared cart and a bucket of balls. The $149 green fee for the 18-hole course at Mayan Palace (Paseo de las Moras s/n, Fracc. Nautico Turistico, Nuevo Vallarta. 322/226-4000 Ext. 4600) includes a golf cart for each player. Twilight fees (after 1 PM) are almost half that price, at $89.

Costalegre

About two hours south of Vallarta on the Costalegre is the area's best course. At least six of the holes at El Tamarindo (Carretera Melaque-Puerto Vallarta, Careterra 200, Km 7.5, Cihuatlán. 315/351-5032 Ext. 113) play along the ocean; some are cliffside holes with fabulous views, others go right down to the beach. On a slow day, golfers are encouraged at tee time to have a swim or a picnic on the beach during their round, or to play a hole a second time if they wish. Designed by David Fleming, the breathtaking course is the playground of birds, deer, and other wildlife. It's an awesome feeling to nail the course's most challenging hole, the 9th: a par-3 with a small green surrounded by bunkers. The green fee is $210, including cart and tax. Resort guests get priority for tee times; call up to a week ahead to check availability. Isla Navidad (Isla Navidad, Barra de Navidad. 314/337-9006. www.islanavidad.com) must have the best variety of play in the area, with three 9-hole courses of different flavors: mountain, lagoon, and ocean. Designed by Robert VanHagge, the course is beautifully sculpted, with lovely contours. Green fees are $184 for 9 holes or $207 for 18, including driving range practice, cart, and tax.