Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta for 35 years. However, not until this past year have I decided to go back to my one true love, golf.

Last year, a man I met and his wife, both from Colorado, became friends with Elizabeth and me. I had lived in Colorado in the 70's and 80's, so we had lots in common. As it turned out he is a golfer. One day he suggested we play. My golf bag, clubs and shoes were in St. Charles, Missouri at my son's home.

Gary and I decided to go to Vista Vallarta Club de Golf. Their website boasted two courses, one designed by Tom Weiskopf and the other designed by Jack Nicklaus. From the website it looked challenging. The website also showed the club house, restaurant and the fact that they had Taylor Made clubs for rent.

When we arrived and paid for the round, we were asked which course we wanted to play. Gary said "the easiest one."

We went out to the starter and they gave us a very nice golf cart, buckled Gary's bag and my rented clubs on and asked if we wanted a caddy. There were several to choose from. We declined.

The starter pointed us toward the 1st tee.

The course was in magnificent condition. We had a nice time, and several times during our round, a young lady came up to us and offered beverages of all kinds. Water, soda, beer and tequila, along with many snacks. If we were hungry, she would order us something from the restaurant menu and then deliver it to us on the course.

I have played the course many times since then and also the Jack Nicklaus course. Believe me when I tell you it is very challenging. The company that owns it also owns and operates the Marina Vallarta course.

The staffs of all the courses are knowledgable of the sport, and I recommend you use a caddy when you play for the first time. They know distances from fairway to green and whether you should lay up or go for the green. I wish I had had one the first time I played the course.

The Vista Vallarta courses are in the foothills of Puerto Vallarta. And, from the course you can see the bay on a clear day. The terrain is rolling, hills and valleys with many streams, creeks and several man-made lakes on the course.

One more thing. You will see lots of wildlife on the course. From Mexican ducks, with their long necks, to sandpipers with extra long legs, turkey buzzards, and partridge. Many, many different types of birds. Also two types of iguana. One type lives in the trees, these are the ones that eat flowers and plants, the other ones live underground and they eat insects mostly.

There are also several other golf courses in Nayarit. In Nuevo Vallarta, there is El Tigre and the Mayan Resort Golf course. In Punta Mita there are also two courses, one of which is a Nicklaus design, located at the Four Seasons Resort. A little further north is a new course designed by Greg Norman.

If you are a real hacker, you can go further north on Hwy #200 and find a little 9 hole course, with no electric or gas carts, but rather pull carts. It is out in a pasture and par is only 29. However, it is a good place to work on your short game. The beer is cold... and that is all I have to say about that course.

I will have to warn you up front, golf in this part of Mexico is not inexpensive. A typical round of golf will cost you anywhere from $150 to $200 USD, depending on when you play and if you have your own equipment. The 9 hole course is much less expensive, however, you get what you pay for.

I have enjoyed my time on the golf courses here in Puerto Vallarta. I hope you will too.

Ron Morgan Properties specializes in luxury real estate in the Marina Vallarta area and beyond to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, as well as along the southern shores of Banderas Bay, from the Romantic Zone, Amapas and Conchas Chinas down to Mismaloya and even Costa Alegre. For more information, visit RonMorgan.net.

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