Golf in Puerto Vallarta.

Updated May 2026

Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay have eight championship golf courses within 45 minutes of the airport — designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Greg Norman, Robert von Hagge, and Joe Finger. Green fees run $149 to $285 per round. The Vidanta Norman Course is the only active PGA Tour venue in the region. This is Mexico's most underrated golf destination.

Field photography · Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta

At a glance

Everything you need to know before you book.

Courses

8 around Banderas Bay

Designers

Jack Nicklaus · Tom Weiskopf · Greg Norman · Robert von Hagge · Joe Finger · Percy Clifford

Green fees

$149 – $285 USD per round

Best months

November – May

Avoid

July – October (rain + humidity)

Airport

Puerto Vallarta International (PVR)

Caddie

Optional at most · mandatory at Vidanta Norman

PGA Tour

Mexico Open at VidantaWorld — Vidanta Norman (annual since 2022)

Value

30–40% below Cabo or Punta Mita for comparable pedigrees

USD

Accepted everywhere

The bay

Vallarta golf — the bay-wrapping geography.

Eight Puerto Vallarta golf courses ring the bay — all within 45 minutes of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Banderas Bay is the largest bay on Mexico's Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta sits on the south arm in Jalisco. Riviera Nayarit wraps the north arm, with Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, and Punta Mita carrying the resort load.

The two anchors are Vista Vallarta (Jack Nicklaus + Tom Weiskopf, both opened April–November 2001, World Cup host 2002) on the hillsides above the city, and the Vidanta Norman Course (Greg Norman, PGA Tour Mexico Open venue since 2022) in Nuevo Nayarit just north of the Ameca River. Both sit within 20 minutes of PVR.

The Banderas Bay corridor makes an honest case for best value in Mexican golf. The same design pedigrees — Nicklaus, Norman, Weiskopf — that command $395+ in Los Cabos and Punta Mita run $150–$285 in Puerto Vallarta. Vista Vallarta hosted the 2002 WGC-World Cup on the same Nicklaus greens. The Vidanta Norman Course hosts the PGA Tour annually. The value is structural, not seasonal. The city amplifies everything: old-town Zona Romántica, the Malecón, the bay restaurants. Puerto Vallarta is the golf destination you bring non-golfers to and they don't notice they're at a golf destination.

Courses around Banderas Bay

25 mi

Bay span tip to tip

2002

WGC-World Cup at Vista Vallarta

30–40%

Below Cabo / Punta Mita pricing

From GIM

Stay in the loop on Puerto Vallarta golf.

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The courses

Six courses worth your round.

The Banderas Bay golf belt — anchored by the only active PGA Tour venue in the region.

GIM VerifiedCourses we have played, walked, and verified ourselves.

Vidanta Norman Course (PGA Tour)

Greg Norman · Par 73 (Par 71 PGA Tour) · 7,200 yards

The only active PGA Tour venue in Puerto Vallarta. Designed by Greg Norman. Host of the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld since 2022 — an official PGA Tour event awarding 500 FedEx Cup points to the winner. Jon Rahm won in 2022, Tony Finau in 2023, Jake Knapp in 2024. The 2026 event moves to October 29–November 1 with a $6 million purse. "Renovation of the Year" by Golf Inc. magazine in 2022. Wall-to-wall paspalum, layout winds along the Ameca River with views of the Sierra Madre. 15 lakes. 49 bunkers. The longest golf cart suspension bridge in the world — 560 feet spanning the Ameca River — connects the clubhouse to the course. Hole 10 was ranked the toughest on the 2023 PGA Tour. Open to Vidanta resort guests and public with advance booking. Caddies mandatory and paid in cash at the course (Single $28 · 2-some $45 · 3-some $56 · 4-some $67).

Standout#7 — driveable par 4 at 297 yards. Water left, bunkers right. One of the most discussed risk-reward holes on the Mexico Open schedule.

AccessPublic

FeePublic + caddies $28–$67

Difficulty4/5

Best forOnly active PGA Tour venue in PV

Honorable MentionsWorth knowing — pending GIM verification. Want to play one? Let us coordinate.

Vista Vallarta — Nicklaus Course

Jack Nicklaus · Par 72 · 7,074 yards · Opened April 2001

The most prestigious public course in the Puerto Vallarta corridor. Perched at the property's highest elevation — breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta, the Marina, and Banderas Bay from nearly every tee box. Grassy hillsides, dense forests of palm and giant ficus trees, natural creeks and arroyos. True to Nicklaus style: wildly undulating greens balanced by generous driving areas. Host of the 2002 WGC-World Cup. Course record: 62, Phil Mickelson. Rating: 73.8 · Slope: 144. 15 min from PVR.

Standout#3 — par 5, 550 yards. Three strong shots required. Elevation rises with every swing. The most demanding hole on the Banderas Bay corridor.

AccessPublic

Fee$235 – $285

Difficulty4/5

Best forWGC pedigree · Banderas Bay views

Vista Vallarta — Weiskopf Course

Tom Weiskopf · Par 72 · 6,993 yards · Opened November 2001

The more accessible side of Vista Vallarta's double routing. Built on the property's lower west end — dense jungle, deep ravines, swift creeks. A dramatically different landscape from the Nicklaus course despite sharing the same clubhouse. Fewer blind shots and more receptive greens make it the preferred round for mixed-handicap groups. Wide fairways, natural hazards, Weiskopf's signature finesse on the par 3s. Rating: 74.7 (gold) · Slope: 138.

Standout#15 — uphill par 3 over a ravine. Multi-tiered green, bunkers on all sides. Concentration required from the tee.

AccessPublic

Fee$210 – $265

Difficulty3/5

Best forMore accessible mixed-group round

Marina Vallarta Golf Club

Joe Finger · Par 71 · 6,573 yards · Opened 1989

The original Vallarta routing and the most centrally located course in the city. Joe Finger's 1989 design sits in the heart of the Marina Vallarta residential and hotel zone — 5 minutes from PVR. Water protects 9 greens. Three holes have views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre. Crocodiles sunbathe near the water hazards. Iguanas in the rough. Tropical birds overhead — 100+ species on site. The 11th–15th stretch is consistently cited as the best run of holes on the course. Hacienda-style clubhouse. Hosts the International Pro-Am annually each December — one of the largest Pro-Am tournaments in the world. Cart, practice facilities 30 min before tee time, and taxes included in green fee. TaylorMade and Callaway rentals available.

Standout#18 — long par 4 with crocodile lagoon on the right. The one hole where your scorecard and your instincts are in conflict.

AccessPublic

Fee$180 – $225

Difficulty3/5

Best forOriginal PV routing · 5 min from PVR

El Tigre Golf Club

Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril · Par 72 · 7,239 yards

Nine water features come into play on 12 holes. Challenge brief: "Create the most exciting championship golf course in Mexico." Von Hagge transformed a flat piece of land into a championship routing with molded elevation changes, 9 water features on 12 holes, and "beach bunkers" lurking at almost every turn. The stone archway at the entrance resembles a Mayan temple. The course finishes with two of its toughest holes. Champion Bermuda on greens, 419 Bermuda on fairways. Prevailing ocean winds — especially in late afternoon — add a variable the scorecard doesn't account for. Top 10 in Mexico 2008 (Golf Guide Magazine + Golf in Mexico Magazine).

Standout#16 — par 4, 421 yards, long dogleg right. Approaches to a peninsula green. The hole that defines the course's water-and-accuracy character.

AccessPublic

Fee$200 – $250

Difficulty4/5

Best forDemanding water-heavy routing

Flamingos Golf Club

Percy Clifford · Par 72 · 6,853 yards · 1978

The oldest course in Banderas Bay and the strongest value on the corridor under $150 per round. Percy Clifford's 1978 design built as a cornerstone of the Nuevo Vallarta resort development. Parkland routing with natural mangroves, turquoise lagoons, and tropical rainforest. Rolling hills, 9 water hazards, 43 sand bunkers. More than 100 bird species have been recorded on the property. Fair for all levels: long broad lanes alternate with doglegs and narrow short holes. Greens slightly fast. Not spectacular — but honest, well-maintained, and accessible from any hotel in Nuevo Vallarta with free return transportation. Fee includes shared cart, water, range balls. High season: Nov 1 – Apr 30.

Standout#17 — par 3 from elevated tee, views of the Pacific and tropical landscape. The most scenic hole on the course.

AccessPublic

Fee$149 high season

Difficulty2/5

Best forStrongest value under $150

Public — book directly Resort — room key required Private — invitation onlyDifficulty: 1 Beginner → 5 Tournament · GIM editorial rating

The math

Mexico's value tier for championship golf.

Comparable Nicklaus and Norman pedigrees run 30–40% below Cabo or Punta Mita. The room rate is the primary variable.

Cost Element	Low	High	Notes
Flights (commercial)	$240	$520	LAX · DFW · IAH · ORD · SFO
Accommodation (4 nights)	$680	$2,800	Old-town boutique → Grand Velas
Green fees (3 rounds)	$525	$795	Vista Nicklaus + Marina + Vidanta Norman
Caddie tips	$45	$120	Mandatory at Vidanta ($28–$67) · optional elsewhere
Club rentals (optional)	$0	$120	TaylorMade + Callaway available
Ground transport	$80	$220	Taxi corridor + bay crossing
Food & beverage	$350	$1,100	City restaurants + clubhouse
Total all-in (per person)	$1,920	$5,675	Mid-season estimate · 4 nights · 3 rounds

🏡 The city advantage

Vallarta is the only Mexican golf destination where the city itself rivals the golf. Zona Romántica, the Malecón, the bay restaurants, the Saturday market in Sayulita. Bring non-golfers — they won't notice they're at a golf destination.

🌉 The bay-crossing logistics

Half the courses sit on the south arm (Vista Vallarta, Marina Vallarta), half on the north arm (El Tigre, Flamingos, Vidanta). Pick your hotel based on which half you'll play more. Crossing the bay daily eats 35–50 minutes round-trip via the perimeter highway, or 20 minutes via the toll bridge ($4 USD).

On the ground

Getting there and around the bay.

Airport + arrivals

Puerto Vallarta International (PVR) — direct from 20+ US cities: DFW, IAH, LAX, ORD, SFO, PHX, YYZ and more. Customs 30–45 min. PVR sits exactly between the south-arm and north-arm golf — equidistant to either side of the bay.

Getting to courses

PVR → Vista Vallarta: 15 min. PVR → Marina Vallarta: 5 min. PVR → El Tigre / Flamingos (Nuevo Vallarta): 15 min. PVR → Vidanta Norman: 20 min. The most compact golf geography in Mexico.

Between courses

South arm (Vista, Marina) to north arm (El Tigre, Flamingos, Vidanta) via perimeter highway: 35–50 min. Toll bridge: 20 min ($4 USD each way). Plan course pairs on the same arm where possible.

Currency + tips

USD accepted everywhere. Pesos preferred for taxis. Caddie fees at Vidanta Norman are mandatory and paid in cash at the course — bring MXN or USD bills. Uber operates city-wide and reaches every major course.

The calendar

When to play.

Peak Season

Nov – Apr · 72–85°F · High · $$$

Dry, warm, low humidity. The window every visiting golfer should target. Vista Vallarta and El Tigre fill 4–8 weeks in advance during Christmas through Easter. Flamingos high-season rate (Nov 1 – Apr 30): $149. Book early.

Shoulder Season

May – Jun · 80–90°F · Moderate · $$

Warmer, slightly more humid. Rooms drop 25–35% off peak. Course conditions remain strong through May before the rains arrive. The value window.

Rain / Hurricane

Jul – Oct · 82–92°F · Low · $

Tropical storms and afternoon thunder. Mornings still playable. October is the sharpest value window as the hurricane season closes mid-month. 2026 PGA Tour Mexico Open: October 29 – November 1.

Frequently Asked

Your questions, answered.

Eight championship golf courses ring Banderas Bay within 45 minutes of Puerto Vallarta International Airport. They are divided between the south arm (Jalisco: Vista Vallarta Nicklaus, Vista Vallarta Weiskopf, Marina Vallarta) and the north arm (Nayarit: El Tigre, Flamingos, Vidanta Norman, and the Punta Mita peninsula courses). All eight are within a 45-minute drive of PVR. Green fees range from $149 at Flamingos to $285 at Vista Vallarta.

Yes — open to Vidanta resort guests and the public with advance booking. The Vidanta Norman Course at VidantaWorld in Nuevo Vallarta is a Greg Norman-designed championship layout and the only active PGA Tour venue in the Puerto Vallarta corridor. It has hosted the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld since 2022. Past winners include Jon Rahm (2022), Tony Finau (2023), and Jake Knapp (2024). The course plays par 73 for resort guests and converts to par 71 for the PGA Tour event. Caddies are mandatory and paid in cash at the course ($28–$67 depending on group size).

Yes — both Vista Vallarta courses are fully public with direct booking. The 478-acre property in Puerto Vallarta offers two championship courses opened in 2001: the Jack Nicklaus Signature course (par 72, 7,074 yards, $235–$285) and the Tom Weiskopf design (par 72, 6,993 yards, $210–$265). No resort affiliation required. The Nicklaus course hosted the 2002 WGC-World Cup — the 24-team international competition that included Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. Course record is 62, held by Phil Mickelson. Located 15 minutes from PVR.

Yes, consistently 30–40% less expensive. Vista Vallarta offers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf championship designs for $210–$285 per round. Comparable Nicklaus designs in Los Cabos run $315–$500. Flamingos Golf, Percy Clifford's 1978 design, is $149 high-season — the lowest championship green fee on any corridor covered by GIM. The Vidanta Norman PGA Tour venue is publicly accessible with mandatory caddies at $28–$67, added separately to the green fee.

November through April — dry, 72–85°F, low humidity. For best value, May delivers near-peak conditions with rooms 25–35% off peak rates. Avoid July through October: tropical storms and afternoon rain. October is the sharpest off-season value window, and the 2026 PGA Tour Mexico Open at Vidanta takes place October 29 – November 1, making late October an ideal time to combine a tournament visit with your own rounds.

Most courses are cart-mandatory due to terrain — Vista Vallarta climbs significant elevation, El Tigre stretches across a property with long transitions between holes, and Vidanta Norman includes a 560-foot cart suspension bridge over the Ameca River. Marina Vallarta and Flamingos are flatter and theoretically walkable, but caddies and carts are the local standard and green fees typically include cart rental. Bring shoes that work for both walking the city in the afternoon and 18 holes in the morning — Puerto Vallarta does both in one day.

A 4-night, 3-round trip to Puerto Vallarta runs $1,920 on the accessible end (old-town hotel + Flamingos + Vista Vallarta + Marina Vallarta) to $5,675 at the premium tier (Grand Velas or equivalent + Vista Nicklaus + Vidanta Norman + El Tigre). The primary variable is accommodation. Green fees run 30–40% below Cabo or Punta Mita for comparable design pedigrees — making Puerto Vallarta the strongest value proposition in championship golf along Mexico's Pacific coast.

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Sources & notes

· PGA Tour — Mexico Open at VidantaWorld official records
· Vista Vallarta Golf Club — course records and 2002 WGC-World Cup archive
· Golf Advisor — Mexico course rankings 2020–2024
· Vidanta resort — green fee and caddie pricing (Q1 2026)
· Banco de México — peso/USD exchange data (May 2026)

More golf in Mexico.

Cabo, Cancun, Vallarta, Punta Mita, CDMX, and the hidden routings — the rest of the country in one editorial directory.

Golf in Puerto Vallarta.

Everything you need to know before you book.

Vallarta golf — the bay-wrapping geography.

Stay in the loop on Puerto Vallarta golf.

Six courses worth your round.

Vidanta Norman Course (PGA Tour)

Vista Vallarta — Nicklaus Course

Vista Vallarta — Weiskopf Course

Marina Vallarta Golf Club

El Tigre Golf Club

Flamingos Golf Club

Mexico's value tier for championship golf.

Getting there and around the bay.

Airport + arrivals

Getting to courses

Between courses

Currency + tips

When to play.

Your questions, answered.

Stay in the loop on Puerto Vallarta golf.

Sources & notes

Read next

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