Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 58

THINGS TO DO :-- Golf Courses

Flamingos Club de Golf

Located in Nuevo Vallarta it is just 8 miles from the airport. This is the area’s first golf course and was designed by Percy Clifford in 1978. It covers more than 72 acres, with an 18 hole, par 72 championship course which is renowned for its superbly well-groomed fairways that have a noticeably natural feel to them. They decided to use a Bermuda grass on the course that is soft, not coarse which helps with its appeal. It has 9 water hazards and 43 bunkers. During your game, you may have the opportunity to view crocodiles, anteaters, turtles, and birds. Services include putting greens, driving range, pro shop, golf lessons, rental clubs, golf carts, caddies, golf club storage, dressing room with showers and lockers, car bar, and open air palapa restaurant and bar. Flamingos Golf offers complimentary transportation from the main hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Out of all of the area’s courses, Flamingos has the most reasonable fees, with golf carts included in their rates.

Nayar Vidanta Golf Course – Mayan Palace

Located in Nuevo Vallarta, and part of the Mayan Palace Resort, the back 9 holes of this 18-hole course were redesigned by the Jack Nicklaus Design firm in mid-2010. This course is well maintained and in excellent condition. Guests are challenged by seven lakes, a river and the sea, and sometimes by the direction of the changing wind. At the 18th hole, golfers are treated to an incredible panoramic view of Banderas Bay. Amenities include a golf shop and restaurant, and complimentary storage of clubs. On-course drinks are good, and prices are fair with great overall service. Golfers enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean for a large part of the course. Fees are mid-range and include golf carts, plus you also get return transportation to your hotel.

El Tigre Golf Course – Paradise Village

In 2008 Golf Guide Magazine & Golf in Mexico reviewed this course as one of the Top 10 Best Golf Courses in the country. It is located at the Paradise Village hotel and condo complex in Nuevo Vallarta. The 18 hole course is designed by Robert von Hagge, has 12 water features and hosts several national and international tournaments. Many top golfers have said this course is one of the most challenging in Mexico. It has traps in 13 of the 18 holes, including a par-3 hole played entirely on an island. The greens fees are around $150 USD plus tax, and include a shared golf cart, bottled water, cold towels, and practice balls. When you arrive you pass through an impressive stone archway which resembles a Mayan temple. You then get to understand the name of the course as you see a full grown Bengal tiger living in a secure habitat.

That just about concludes all the information on this part of the world. However just think how different things might have been had the movie industry decided to shoot ' The Night of the Iguana' somewhere else.