Tail of the Whale Included, Here Is Every Par 3 on the Pacifico Course at Punta Mita Golf Club in Nayarit, Mexico [Video]

The best golf itinerary is one with several golf courses because after all, variety is the spice of life, especially in golf travel. However, if only one golf course can make the Nayarit, Mexico golf schedule—it should be the Nicklaus-designed Punta Mita Golf Club, which has two 18-hole tracks, the Bahia and Pacifico Courses.

Both of these golf courses are a pleasure from the range, to starter hut, palapa halfway house and everything in between. Quality golf courses need a nice piece of land, a smart design and a committed maintenance crew—Punta Mita has it all. Not only in Mexico, this course is built on one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of land. And its Tale of the Whale island green is arguably the Golden Bear’s crowning design achievement. The par 3 third hole plays around 200 yards and is only playable at low tide when its natural rocky cart path is revealed. It’s a brilliant idea and unlike any other par 3 in the world.

Green fees start at around $200 USD which is a fair price, in line with the world-class experience. From bag drop, to range, first tee, and halfway house, legendary golf experiences are rich with details and Punta Mita excels here. The stroll from the pro shop to the range is short, sweet and colorful. The framed path is surrounded by vibrant foliage and well-placed flowers. Turf on the range is perfect, a sign of pristine course conditions to come. There’s a palapa bar and lounge next to the first tee which makes a lot of sense. Views on the golf course crescendo from amazing to breathtaking as this golf course cuts through tall palms and wanders along the Pacific Ocean. Waves crash near putting greens and the hum of a well-stocked beverage cart is always nearby.

Punta Mita isn’t what the early golf course architects such as A. W. Tillinghast and Dr. Alister MacKenzie had in mind, but it’s how modern-day vacation golf should be.

Punta Mita Travel Information:

• Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
• Stay: Iberostar Selection Playa Mita
• Play: Punta Mita Golf Club (Pacifico and Bahia Course)
• Rental clubs available, first tee time is at 7:30 a.m. (subject to change depending on sunrise) and can be made online or in the pro shop
• Dress Code:
  • Men: Collared shirts or sleeved mock shirts must be worn at all times. No cut-offs, swimwear, gym shorts or denim is allowed on the golf course or practice facility.
  • Women: No tank tops, cut-offs, swimwear, gym shorts or denim is allowed on the golf course or practice facility.