The Weiskopf course doesn’t have the same views as the Nicklaus course, but combines extensive native jungle growth and different elevations into a great playing experience. Although it is not an extremely long course, it’s also not easy! Like the Nicklaus course it’s a course for strategic golf. It does not have any water hazards, but does have several streams crossing the fairways. Many holes are protected by tough bunkers. And it makes effective use of the many elevation changes and fairway slopes. It’s signature par 3 hole is carved out of the jungle hillside.

Jack Nicklaus Course

The Nicklaus course is located on Vista Vallarta’s highest location, treating the golfer to stunning views of the Bay of Banderas as well as the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains. It combines fresh mountain breezes with a very challenging course. The course uses the natural terrain to combine grassy hillsides, dense forests of Palm and giant Ficas trees, natural creeks and arroyos, and pleasant changes in elevation. It’s a course for strategic golf. Fairway width is generous, but there are strategically placed sandtraps guarding the shortest route on several holes that punish misclubing. Some sloping fairways. The course is very open, allowing wayward shots a chance to get back in play. Only one hole has water, but several holes have creeks crossing the fairway. Greens are generous, fast, well kept, and roll true, with some steps in them. Has a par 3 island green that is encircled by jungle. Shared cart is included in the price and required. Caddies (not required) are $10 not including tipps. Practice range is $13 an hour. Club rentals $50 per set and per round (Taylor Made).

With a magnificent view of Banderas Bay, this Joe Finger designed course is a good challenge for all skill levels, but a little tough for hackers. Several holes are long and ten have water. Target golf with many greens being fairly small. You occasionally play a ball with an alligator within sight—forget about retrieving water hazard balls! Several holes have views of the ocean and the course is strewn with palm trees, jungle foliage, iguanas, and tropical birds. Normal $129, twilight (after 2:00 pm) $98, replay $65. Tel. 221-0545 or 221-0073. Driving range $15 hour. Villa Encantada has arranged for a 10% off discount with Marina Vallarta-just ask Humberto. The course is within walking distance of the Marina boardwalk. Caddies are available. High season can be busy. www.foremexico.com, tel. 322 221 0073.

Designed by Jim Lipe, Jack Nicklaus senior designer. Located in the heart of the Mayan Palace Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. The course plays long. It has a fair amount of water and huge bunkers running along two fairways. Opened in December 2002, but plants and trees are already fairly mature. A decent challenge for golfers of all levels. Everyone plays with a caddy, so fairways and greens are in very good shape. Greens tend to be fast. Normal $140, twilight (after 2:00 pm) $80. Not as challenging a course as Vista or El Tigre. The signature par 3, 180 yard hole plays to an oceanfront green over a lake. Tel. 322-297-1830, www.mayanpalace.com.mx.

Paradise Village – El Tigre Golf Course

Golf course designer Robert Van Hagge’s new upscale golf facilities, located in Nuevo Vallarta. Lots of water on the course, and many huge bunkers (some lining the fairways), tend to make it a target golf course. Needs time to grow in. Has a par 3 island hole surrounded by water. Located not far from the ocean. Par 72, 7230 yard course. Normal $145 high season $116 low season, twilight (after 2:00 pm) $95 high season, $80 low season. 1-(800) – PARAISO. Fees do not include 15% tax. Book on line and save 10%. www.eltigregolf.com, Tel. 322-297-0717.

Flamingos Golf Club

The oldest course in Vallarta is located north of Nuevo Vallarta, in the Bucerias countryside, off the main road. It’s the cheapest and easiest Vallarta course. It was designed by architect Percy J. Clifford and offers tennis, too. This 6853 yard, par 72 course (blue tee 70.4 rating, and 130 slope from the white tee) is a mature, natural feeling, unmanufactured type of course which is different from the others in PV. It has somewhat narrow fairways on sloping terrain with lakes (even crocodiles), jungle , many trees (mangos, oranges, lemons, and 1800 palms) lining the fairways, and countless birds. Bermuda grass fairways and greens. 9 water hazards, and 43 bunkers. 4 tee off marks to accommodate both long and short distance hitters. Very friendly staff. The course has a nice sense of space and openness. Normal high season rate (November 1 to April 30) $121 plus tax, twilight (after 2:00pm) $77 plus tax, under 18, $35 (includes shared cart, 25 practice balls, and water bottle). Check for lower rates on weekends. $15 unlimited grass tee driving range, $45 rental clubs, caddies $20 (available and required for 4 balls), free club storage. Check out their frequent player discount (eg. 5 rounds for $61 each) on the website as well as flyover views of each hole on the website. Normally not crowded. Tel. 296-5006, www.flamingosgolf.com.mx