"Golf is a puzzle without an answer. I've played the game for 40 years and I still haven't the slightest idea of how to play." Gary Player

There are a surprising number of professionally designed and built golf courses within The Bay of Banderas on the West Coast of Mexico. The old Indian name of this Valley was Xiutla, which means grasslands. Greens of these 18 hole courses recall the history and the future of Mexican tourist development.

Vista Vallarta Golf Club I and II are nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre and are two of the newest courses. Managed by Country Clubs of America (CCA), these two 18 hole courses have a par 72 of 6,976 and 7,073 yards. VVI was designed by Jack Nicklaus and VVII was designed by Tom Weiskopf.

Currently, there is no residential development around these two courses, but the developers have long term plans to do so. In the future, there will be a variety of real estate products, as well as other sports activities, offered at Vista Vallarta.

The Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf Club was designed by Jim Lipe and its par 71 is 6,446 yards. Located within Nuevo Vallarta, this course is in addition to The Tigre Paradise Village Golf Club designed by Robert Van Hagge with a par 72 of 7,239 yards. Both courses have luxury golf club facilities and golf cart services.

In Nuevo Vallarta there are a number of opportunities to own a condominium. Prices are from $180,000USD for 3 bedroom 3 bath condominium to $699,000USD for a large 4 bedroom in a new building. The developers of Mayan Palace and Paradise Village continue to build condominiums, town homes, villas and retail to meet the large demand for their area. Nuevo Vallarta has one of the few indoor air conditioned shopping malls in the area.

Homes are available within Nuevo Vallarta, from $195,000USD for a 3 bedroom (without a golf or garden view) to $1,595,000USD for a four bedroom, 3.5 bath on the Marina itself.

If you want to build your own home, there are also lots available from $94,000USD (for convenience, no view), as well as new residential lots in Isla Capitan from the mid $200's to the mid $300's. There is some land available for development in the price range $3 million for over 30,000 meters (with 82 meters of frontage on Highway 200). The largest individual tract outside of the Mayan or Paradise resorts is $4,520,000USD for more than 124,000 meters of land.

At the Flamingo Golf Club, designed by Percy Clifford, par 71 of 6,982 yards, there is on-going development of hotels and time share facilities lining the beach area. You can acquire an ocean view, two bedroom, three bath turn-key condominium for $299,000US or a three bedroom room with a view of the river for $350,000US.

Located in the gated community of Residential Flamingos, this cozy home has pleasant living areas that any growing family could enjoy; high ceilings, spacious dining and living rooms and an indoor bar that can serve an outdoor grill area. The master bedroom has a private patio, and the whole residence is air conditioned. The lovely common areas include a large pool and wet bar.

In Punta Mita, the Fours Seasons Golf Club designed by Jack Nicklaus, with a par 72 - 7,001 yards, boasts one of the world's only natural island greens, which plays 194 yards on the Pacific side.

Located on the north tip of the Bay of Banderas, Punta Mita Development is over 1,600 acres of master planned luxury homes and sports facilities. The resort is a gated, low-density development with a private beach club, golf course and tennis center. Future plans will add a private marina, equestrian center, spa and fitness facility. In addition, two more 18-hole private championship courses are planned.

If you don't want to stay in the Four Seasons Hotel, you can opt for one of the 65 villas of the Fours Seasons Private Villas………. as an owner or a paying guest. These luxury 4 bedroom plans range in size from 3-4 thousand sq. ft. of air conditioned area. Prices are $1, 89,000US to $4,550,000US.

New projects available include 32 lots in the Lagos Del Mar Estates and 54 villas in Las Palmas (2 and 3 bedroom plans). Prices for lots within Lagos begin at $250US per square foot. Villas in Las Palmas, Phase One, are priced from $825,000USD to $1,500,000USD.

This villa in Punta Mita, has over 12,000 square feet of luxurious living area (9500 Air-Conditioned) and is built on over a ½  acre of lavishly landscaped land. The designer and builder of this home is the world famous architect Manuel Mestre. This home has over 180 degrees of ocean view, and is built on the hill of Lagos Del Mar, within the Jack Nicklaus golf course. Privacy and security is provided with access to the best nine on the course. $4,000,000 USD furnished.

"No other game combines the wonder of nature with the discipline of sports in such carefully planned ways. A great golf course both frees and challenges a golfer's mind."
Tom Watson

The golf course in Marina Vallarta is one of the original courses and was designed by Joe Finger. The par 71 is 6,701 yards. In the center of the course, is the beautiful Quinta Real Hotel.

"If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate."
Tom Watson

Marina Vallarta has some of the finest boats… sail and motor in its slips. There is retail, including a board walk with restaurants, art galleries, and services.

Condominiums have been very popular in this location. A two bedroom in a multi-story building begins at $128,000US. The popular Bay View Grand re-sales are currently available from the $300's to $1,285,000USD for a penthouse.

Homes surround the golf course and are priced from $123,800US for a garden home of three bedrooms to $575,000USD for a larger villa.

Casa La Marina:

Professionally decorated, an elegant 3 bedroom, 4 bath home on the Golf course with an impressive top master suite, and a spacious interior living area. Other amenities include: a customized kitchen with granite counter tops, all marble baths, 6 zoned A/C units, and great outdoor terrace w/infinity swimming pool. This home is newly built on a large 6,500 sq. ft. lot and is priced to sell.

New developments of luxury condominiums are planned in several towers for the Marina Vallarta area. This location continues to be popular with boaters and non-boaters.

For a special treat, take the drive south on the Highway to Melaque for a golfing experience at El Tamarindo Golf Club. Designed by Robert Trent Johns, Jr. and David Fleming, this 18 hole Championship course, par 72 - 6,615 yards, is on the ocean's edge. You are still in the state of Jalisco, and can find luxury accommodations within the area.
 
Americans, Canadians, Europeans, and Nationals traveling to the Bay of Banderas, choose golf as one of their main activities. These world travelers enjoy fine dining, cultural, and musical events, which the Bay offers.

Come enjoy the many opportunities for golf within the Bay of Banderas!

Harriet Cochran Murray

This article is based upon legal opinions, current practices and my personal experiences in the Puerto Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I recommend that each potential buyer or seller conduct his own due diligence and review.