Puerto Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine   Order by Amex   Order by Check   Articles   Profiles   Search

Costa Vallarta's getting into the game By Helena Herzog-Photos Lalo Solórzano Fall-winter/2000 Perhaps the most compelling attraction that brings golfers to Puerto Vallarta is the weather. It's usually possible to golf year round, and during high season, there are very few days that are rained out. The summers can get humid and hot, but often mornings are pleasant. What has been the largest detriment to attracting more golfers is that there just aren't enough courses to warrant calling Puerto Vallarta a 'golf destination'. However that is quickly changing! Well aware that golf is becoming increasingly popular, developers have spectacular golf courses under plan or construction. Many have been created by well-known golf course architects who incorporated the tropical surroundings into their designs. Punta Mita Golf Club The exciting Punta Mita golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in September 1999 and represents a true challenge for experienced golfers. One of its most unique features is hole number 3, located on a small island just off the coast. Special vehicles are available so players can reach it. During very rough weather a back-up hole (3b) is available to play. Unfortunately, this spectacular golf course is private and therefore not open for everyone to enjoy. However those interested in fabulous home sites along the fairways and some of the finest coastline of the bay should contact Punta Mita Properties for a tour, and a round of golf! Call (329) 1-6120. Los Flamingos Golf Club Located just 12 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Los Flamingos hosts not only golfers and tennis players, but also several kinds of water birds which seem to be as contented with the attractive lakes and jungle as are the golfers. Designed by architect Percy J. Clifford, this public facility, in addition to its 18-hole championship course, has a driving range, putting green and golf lessons. The club provides free transportation by minibuses that leave from in front of the Sheraton Hotel at 7:30 and 10:30 am. The telephone numbers are (329) 8-0280 and (329) 8-0606 Marina Vallarta Golf Club Birds, iguanas and the occasional crocodile are part of the attraction of this magnificent course, while, palms, natural lagoons and oceanfront fairways all contribute to its relaxing qualities. With the splendor of Banderas Bay in the background, this course is the site of the Governor's Cup Pro/Am Tournament as well as several other annual tournaments such as the Jalisco Cup, the Father-Son Tournament and the Women's Tournament. Designed by American golf course architect, Joe Fingers, the Marina Vallarta Golf Club is a part of the Marina Vallarta development with many upscale shops and restaurants situated along the marina boardwalk. Facilities include a driving range and putting green, golf shop, lessons and a full-service clubhouse. Reservations: 221-0073 and 221-0545. La Vista Puerto Vallarta's golfers are eagerly awaiting the grand opening at the end of this year of the La Vista Project, with two professional golf courses built by Club Corp of Latin America. These beautiful new fairways will be located about three miles from Marina Vallarta, toward the mountains. A state-of-the-art course designed by Jack Nicklaus will be the first to open followed by the Weikopf-designed course set to open in April of 2001. Bobby Heine, Construction Director for Club Corp, forecasts that these two courses will comprise Ąthe best golf complex in Latin America,' and he predicts that ĄPuerto Vallarta will become one of the top 50 golf destinations in the world in record time.' Mayan Palace A multi-faceted development in Nuevo Vallarta, will soon have a golf course designed by Jim Lipe of Jack Nicklaus Associates. The project is slated to open in stages with the first 14 holes ready for tee-off this December and the rest completed in February 2001. Paradise Village Paradise Village, Nuevo Vallarta has a 400-acre development with an 18-hole professional golf course under construction. Designed by golf course architect Ernesto del Castillo, working with North American landscape architects, the golf course will probably open in the winter of 2001. With seven artificial lakes (two with holes set on small islands) and a theme of Mayan artifacts that will extend to the design of the clubhouse, the golf course will be an integral part of a varied residential development. Information for prospective buyers is at 226-6739. Land has been set aside for two more luxurious golf courses in the Punta Mita area and at Costa Banderas to the north of the bay. So far they are just a gleam in the planner's eye; but the way the region is growing, they are sure to become a reality before long. Clearly Costa Vallarta has a glorious future as a major international golf destination

Back | Top of Page | Home | Free Newsletter | Search | Help | Tell a Friend

m3 © Producciones ViVa