Punta de Mita

Teeing Off in Mexico? Here’s Why Punta Mita is a Golf Lover’s Dream

by Susannah Rigg

Photograph by Susannah Rigg

punta mita golf

Careful not to get too distracted by the views at these golf courses. (Photo: Petr Myska)

The Punta Mita community was designed around 20 years ago as a golf destination and it now has two stunning palm-tree-lined golf courses with views of the Pacific Ocean. Anyone staying at Punta Mita has access to both courses and can play whenever they like.

Both courses, the Bahía and Pacífico, are designed by Jack Nicklaus, guaranteeing first-rate design, and each one has something special that makes it unique.

punta mita golf
Golf your heart out in Punta Mita. (Photo: Getty Images)

Pacífico Course

The Pacífico Course was opened in 1999 and is an 18-hole course on an 81-hectare plot of land. The Pacífico is a joy to play, not only because of the computerized weather station, which ensures perfect ground humidity, but also because the course boasts eight holes that look out over the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay. During the whale-migration season, from November to March, it’s possible to whale-watch while you play.

The layout is designed to be beginner friendly, while also providing a challenge for highly skilled golfers. The Pacífico Course also has the only hole in the world with a natural island green. Known as The Tail of the Whale, golfers come from all over the globe to play it. The hole, 3b, can only be accessed by a golf cart at low tide and is so difficult that many golfers do not want to include it in their handicap. However challenging it may be, it is also a very special experience to play golf over the sea.

Bahía Course

punta mita golf
A golf vacation never looked better. (Photo: Susannah Rigg)

The Bahía Course, also designed by Jack Nicklaus, was opened in 2008 and is also an 18-hole course with breathtaking views. It has a more undulating layout than the Pacífico, which makes it more suitable for advanced players looking to improve their technique. One of the most impressive holes is the 17th, which is located next to El Faro, a famous surfing spot in Punta Mita. There are also other holes with amazing views of the ocean.

Golf Club

The Golf Club offers private and group classes for beginners, as well as for experienced golfers looking to improve their games. The range of services on offer is also about to improve with the opening of a new Golf Academy in winter 2018. With over 30 years of experience, Tom. F Stickney II will be in charge of instruction, which can be given both on the course and at the golf club.

Just like the luxurious and modern facilities at Punta Mita, the academy will be equipped with advanced technology. For example, a program called Swing Analysis will be available, providing a 3D representation of a player’s swing.

If you love golf, then a vacation at Punta Mita should definitely be on your bucket list. You never know, you might even make a hole-in-one on the infamous Tail of the Whale!