Nayarit Makes Its Case as Mexico’s Pacific Coast Golf Capital

Nayarit Makes Its Case as Mexico’s Pacific Coast Golf Capital

Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, PGA TOUR competition and Pacific Ocean fairways make the Mexican state a compelling golf escape for U.S. and Canadian players

When golf courses across much of the United States and Canada begin closing for winter, Mexico’s Pacific coast offers a compelling reason to keep the clubs out.

The state of Nayarit is emerging as one of Mexico’s most complete golf destinations, combining championship courses designed by some of the biggest names in the game with Pacific Ocean scenery, internationally recognized luxury resorts, gastronomy and a growing collection of experiences beyond the fairways.

Across Riviera Nayarit, golfers can play courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Robert von Hagge, experience one of Mexico’s most photographed golf holes and even test their game on a course used for PGA TOUR competition.

For buddies trips, couples getaways and winter golf escapes from the United States and Canada, Nayarit is making an increasingly strong case for bringing the clubs.

Punta Mita: Two Jack Nicklaus Signatures

At the northern end of Banderas Bay, Punta Mita has established itself as one of Mexico’s premier luxury golf communities.

The 1,500-acre peninsula is home to two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, Pacífico and Bahía, both shaped by the dramatic relationship between the Sierra Madre and Pacific Ocean.

Pacífico features seven holes facing or running alongside the Pacific, but its most memorable challenge technically comes after the traditional 18.

The optional par-3 3B, known as the “Tail of the Whale,” plays toward a natural island green sitting offshore in the Pacific and accessible from land at low tide. The experience has become one of the signature images of golf in Mexico.

The Bahía Course provides a different Nicklaus test, stretching to 7,035 yards and featuring undulating fairways, deep bunkering and five ocean holes.

Together, the two courses give golfers enough variety for multiple rounds while remaining within one resort community.

Punta Mita also offers access to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, allowing travelers to combine championship golf with beaches, spas, restaurants and some of Mexico’s most established luxury hospitality.

The destination has increasingly embraced the social side of the sport as well. Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf brings together tournament play, chefs, culinary experiences and social events, creating programming for golfers and non-golfing companions alike.

Play Where the Pros Play at VidantaWorld

Farther south in Nuevo Nayarit, VidantaWorld brings professional golf into the destination experience.

Designed by Greg Norman, the Vidanta Vallarta Course is an 18-hole, par-73 championship layout stretching 7,287 yards, with 55 bunkers, six lakes and wall-to-wall paspalum.

It is also home to the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, giving recreational golfers the opportunity to experience a setting associated with PGA TOUR competition.

VidantaWorld adds two more options for golfers. The Nayar Course is an 18-hole, par-70 layout measuring 6,668 yards, while The Lakes Course offers 10 par-3 holes and the opportunity for evening golf under the lights.

Together, the three courses allow groups to mix championship rounds with shorter and more social golf experiences during the same stay.

Golf Beyond the Resort Gates

Nayarit’s golf credentials extend beyond Punta Mita and VidantaWorld.

El Tigre Golf & Country Club, designed by Robert von Hagge, adds another championship-level challenge, with extensive water features and strategic bunkering.

Flamingos Golf Club, one of the region’s established courses, offers a tropical setting, while Litibú Golf Course brings Greg Norman design to a landscape where jungle, mountains and the Pacific meet near Punta de Mita.

Golfers looking for something more relaxed can also discover Las Huertas Golf Course in San Pancho, adding another option to a multi-course itinerary through the destination.

The concentration of courses makes it possible to build a Nayarit golf vacation around different designers, landscapes and levels of play rather than spending an entire trip on one resort course.

A Golf Trip That Doesn’t End on the 18th Green

Perhaps Nayarit’s greatest advantage is everything surrounding the golf.

A morning round can be followed by sailing or snorkeling on Banderas Bay, surfing in Sayulita, a spa afternoon, whale watching during the winter season or dinner built around Pacific seafood and regional Mexican cuisine.

Travelers can also head beyond the coast to explore Nayarit’s nine Pueblos Mágicos, vineyards growing in volcanic soils, coffee and cacao experiences, Indigenous art and traditions, and the historic communities that reveal another side of the state.

For buddies trips, couples and groups traveling with non-golfers, that diversity means golf can be the reason for the trip without having to become the entire trip.

An Easy Winter Escape for U.S. and Canadian Golfers

Nayarit is particularly well positioned for winter golf, when players across the northern United States and Canada are looking for warm-weather alternatives.