At Punta Mita Golf Club, everywhere you look there’s an opportunity to experience a brush with greatness.
Consider that Punta Mita’s Pacifico and Bahia Golf Courses were both designed by Jack Nicklaus. For some vacationers, reserving a tee time on a course designed by the greatest name in golf is a bucket list highlight that is hard to top.
The thing about playing at Punta Mita is … there’s so much more.
A Setting Like No Other
For those seeking an endorsement as to why one should book a Punta Mita golf getaway, know that the Four Seasons and St. Regis flank the two golf courses’ 380 pristine acres. If two of the world’s most highly regarded hospitality brands partner with Punta Mita, that’s a good indicator that your vacation and golf experience is aligning with 5-star excellence.
The Punta Mita golf visual is extraordinary. When teeing it up at the driving range you’ll catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Head left to The Deck alfresco restaurant, and you’ll freeze-frame a beautiful shot of the Pacifico’s 16th green. Gaze beyond the flagstick, and you’ll see a golf hole that has created an international buzz.
What you’re viewing is a 19th hole dubbed The Tail of the Whale. If you’re wondering if this whale reference means there’s a chance you’ll spot a humpback species during your round, well, Punta Mita aims to please.
World Class Golf Instruction
Once golfers learn what Punta Mita has to offer from an instruction standpoint, many also seek to add a lesson to their golf vacation. The most obvious draw for sharpening one’s sticks is the Punta Mita Golf Academy, a venue delivering unique and individualized instruction. But wait, have we mentioned who is on hand to teach and inspire?
If putting is an aspect of your game that needs improvement, did you know that the Punta Mita team includes one of the best short-game teachers in the world? Marius Filmalter has worked with Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Brad Faxon. Filmalter’s groundbreaking research in putting makes him an amazing resource for Punta Mita members and guests looking to shave strokes on the green.
If your full swing needs work, wouldn’t it be great to learn from a former player on the European and PGA Tours? Jean van de Velde, like Filmalter, has taken up residence at Punta Mita. Van de Velde is another international member of the Punta Mita family who is on hand to enhance your total golf experience.
Pacifico, Tail of the Whale, and Bahia
The Pacifico Golf Course burst onto the international golf scene in 1999. The course features vistas of the Sierra Madre Mountains and beautiful white sand beaches. Seven of Pacifico’s golf holes include gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and Banderas Bay.
Playing the 180-yard Tail of the Whale as a Pacifico third-hole diversion is a definite golf adventure. Standing between you and a true island green is the Pacific Ocean. Tail of the Whale is a selfie, Instagram, and fortitude-testing golf swing moment you won’t soon forget.
Bahia Golf Course is Jack Nicklaus’ second Punta Mita masterpiece. Bahia is home to lush tropical landscaping and five ocean holes. From December through April, Bahia’s ocean holes are great venues for spotting humpback whales. Bahia’s 17th hole is positioned along a beach, and the latitude and longitude of this hole make it a whale magnet.
Best Kind of Golf Vacation
Punta Mita’s international reputation is due in large part to Carl Emberson, their Director of Marketing and Operations. Gourmet and Golf, Emberson’s brainchild comprised of food, wine, tequila, and golf, will celebrate its 12th anniversary in December of 2023. In addition to playing the Pacifico and Bahia golf courses, Gourmet and Golf participants enjoy three nights of great food, drink, and music. The rubbing elbows with greatness theme continues as Lorena Ochoa and Craig Stadler is ambassadors for this event.
John McIntyre is Punta Mita’s Director of Golf. This Michigan by way of Colorado golf professional is a stranger only once. Spend five minutes with McIntyre and his engaging personality has members and guests feeling like they’ve met a friend for life. McIntyre is a pro’s pro who serves as a great resource for a short game tip, restaurant recommendation, or an upcoming tee time.
Emberson has a hospitality mission that states, “Culture before strategy.” This culture is evident in the dozens of employees who work tirelessly to make the Punta Mita courses look spectacular and guests feel appreciated. Golf vacationers will remember the Punta Mita team’s unmistakable friendliness long after they’ve returned home. After rubbing elbows with greatness, and kindness, your Punta Mita golf vacation may be the best you’ve ever had.
https://www.upscalelivingmag.com/features/rubbing-elbows-with-greatness-at-punta-mita-golf-club/,
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