The Mexican resort region around Puerto Vallarta offers many public golf options, but the best course locally is reserved for Punta Mita homeowners, guests of homeowners, or guests of certain luxury hotels: the Pacifico course at Punta Mita Golf Club, adjacent to the Four Seasons Punta Mita.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pacifico is one of two championship courses on the Punta Mita peninsula between Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. Developed in the 1990s on roughly 1,500 acres, the community emphasizes open spaces rather than dense high-rises. Guests of both the Four Seasons and The St. Regis have playing privileges on the courses. Pacifico has earned numerous awards over the years, including multiple top honors from Condé Nast Traveler.
The 200-acre track benefits from warm weather year-round, with a refreshing ocean breeze that keeps summer heat comfortable. Eight holes edge the coastline, offering dramatic seaside views, and between December and March you may even spot whales offshore.
Maintenance is meticulous: groundskeepers keep fairways and greens in pristine condition, and amenities such as water stations, air-conditioned restrooms and a roving drinks cart are available on the course. A popular extra feature gives golfers 19 holes for the price of 18, thanks to one of the most photographed par-3s in golf.
HOLES 3A AND 3B | 134 yards and 184 yards, par 3
The course demands respect from the start. After warming up, you meet a 373-yard par 4 and a testing 493-yard par 5. The ocean first reveals itself near the green on Hole 2 and then frames Hole 3, a forgiving 134-yard par 3 with sweeping blue water beyond the green.
On 3A I hit an 8-iron that settled on the green for a par. The bonus 3B—known as the Whale’s Tail—is unique: the green sits on a natural island accessible by a submerged causeway. At high tide you must attempt to reach the green from the tee without a second shot; when the tide is low, an amphibious cart carries players to the island to pitch and putt.
Playing the Whale’s Tail can be humbling. I overhit my first drive, struggled with a 3-wood, and finally found the fringe; my playing partner, the director of golf at the time, promptly sacrificed a ball to the surf. Fortuitously, tide timing allowed us to finish with putts on the island—an unforgettable experience.
HOLE 8 | 159 yards, par 3
The course’s variety and challenge continue through the front nine. Hole 7 is a demanding 465-yard test that funnels down a narrow, bunker-lined fairway. The reward comes at Hole 8, a 159-yard par 3 that reveals water to the left on the opposite side of the peninsula. While a birdie was possible for some, others will settle for a bogey and the view.
Hole 9 keeps the ocean and a stretch of beach in view along the left side. Between holes, staff provide thoughtful touches—on one round they opened a cooler and handed out mango paletas to refresh us before heading to Hole 10.
HOLE 18 | 414 yards, par 4
On the back nine the routing moves inland, though standout holes remain. Hole 13 features a lake along the fairway and demands precision to avoid water. By Hole 17 the sea returns to view for the last par-3 challenge. The finishing Hole 18 is memorable: a 414-yard par 4 with ocean exposure to the right on each tee shot. In windy conditions keeping the ball in the fairway is an achievement, and the approach to a small promontory green must be judged carefully to avoid overshooting.
Arriving at the clubhouse after the round feels rewarding. Attendants often present chilled, scented towels to freshen up before entering the Tail of the Whale Restaurant for a cold beer and a well-earned meal. Regardless of score, a round at Pacifico is a highlight of golfing along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Punta Mita Golf Club
Punta Mita, Bahía de Banderas
Nayarit, Mexico
tel 52 329 291 5590
clubpuntamita.com