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Puerto Vallarta Golf, The Marina course was the second to be built and it is situated in the heart of Marina Vallarta, near the Marriott hotel.
The course is well established and is a stiff challenge to all golfers. Most people would consider it to be the hardest course in the area. Many of the holes are long and ten of them have water (five are "if you are not on the green, start swimming"). It is not really a good course for hackers as the number of lost balls could destroy the confidence of all but the toughest. The greens are usually in good condition and are relatively small, making the course feel very much like target golf. Some of the garden areas could be spruced up and at times the bunkers seem to be compacted and lacking some sand. The enormous, deep waste bunker on the par 5, 14th hole, looks a mess, has lots of stones and doesn't really serve any purpose except cause a few curses when the ball lands in it.
With all the water on the course, it is worth noting that there are quite a few alligators and it is quite common to have to play your shot with a basking alligator not too far away. There have been no reports of anybody ever having been attacked but it is wise to take a free drop if you are in danger of hitting it on the head with your follow through. The course has quite a lot of trees and some very unforgiving palm trees. The ball never seems to fall out of them. The par 3, 13th hole is alongside the ocean and is a nice challenge. If there is any breeze you have to start the ball out over the beach to come in with the wind. In the rainy season, particularly in the morning, use plenty of mosquito repellent. The mosquitoes can be a bit of a nuisance but shouldn't detract from a good game of golf.
Prices tend to be on the high side and on course drinks aren't the cheapest in town. Caddies are available. Some are excellent, most are good but a couple could improve. There is a charge for storing clubs.
In summary, the Marina is a tough test, it is well established and is easily reached from all the Marina hotels. It is popular and can get busy in high season. It is in the top range of prices but many hotels have a discount deal.
Vista Vallarta, Nicklaus Course.
The Vista Vallarta golf club has two courses set on the hillside, overlooking Puerto Vallarta. The Nicklaus course was used for the 2002 PGA world cup tournament. It is about 5 Km. from the main hotels. The views from the course over the bay are quite spectacular and the mountains in the background certainly make the Vista courses the most pleasant in the area.
The Nicklaus course has been open for nearly three years and uses the natural lie of the land. It is not the longest course in the world and the fairways seem to be ample but strategic fairway bunkers make it risky to take the shortest route on several holes. It is certainly a course for smart golf. Several holes have small streams crossing the fairway and it frequently pays to play short rather than try to blast over them. The greens are big, some with big steps in them and they are usually fast. They can suffer a bit in the rainy season but quickly recover. The bunkers are now in good condition and some are not for the faint-hearted. The course has everything and is a very good all-around test of golf. It has some established trees, some "jungle", some sloping fairways, some coarse grass around some greens where the ball will disappear, even when you know where it is. Being built on a hillside, there are nice changes in elevation and there is no feeling of playing on a golf course set out in a field. Only one hole (a par 3) has water and it shouldn't really cause problems unless you have a right-handed slice. Pin placements can change the course dramatically. The course is a picture and is well worth a visit.
In summary, the Nicklaus course is an excellent golf course and a joy to play. The main building, grounds etc. are fabulous and offset the feeling of it being a business rather than a golf club.
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