The Best Golf Courses Near Puerto Vallarta

The best golf courses near Puerto Vallarta: challenges, stories and why they are perfect for a vacation without leaving your passion

There are days in Puerto Vallarta when the sun paints the sky a soft orange — that shade that invites you to take a deep breath and let life flow slowly. For those who love golf, that same sunrise brings another kind of emotion: the promise of a perfect swing, the clean sound of the club hitting the ball, and the elegant challenge of the region’s best courses.

Today I want to take you with me on a warm, story-filled journey, where golf, nature, and family vacations intertwine like the waves and the shore. Because yes: in Vallarta you can rest, laugh, savor, and live great moments… without leaving your passion for golf behind.

Laughs by the sea: golf as part of your family vacation

At Buenaventura Grand, many families arrive with a very clear plan: some play golf… and the rest enjoy the pool, spa, boardwalk, food, and beach.
And at the end of the day, everyone meets again to share stories: how fast the green was, how spectacular the ceviche tasted, how the sunset looked like a painting.

That’s why this blog exists: to help you discover the most emblematic golf courses near Puerto Vallarta — each with its challenges, personality, and magic — and to show you how they fit perfectly with an all-inclusive vacation by the sea.

Must-play golf courses near Puerto Vallarta

Marina Vallarta Golf Club — Design by Joe Finger

Coastal–lagoon style | Ideal for tactical players

Here, golf is played among mangroves, natural lagoons, and the unexpected company of tropical birds. Joe Finger designed a course with a true coastal soul:

• Narrow fairways that demand precision, not power.
• Fast greens that reward a soft touch.
• Strategic lagoons that force you to carefully read every hole.

Playing here is like dancing with the harbor breeze: those who rush lose, those who think win.

Vista Vallarta Club de Golf – Two courses, two personalities

Jack Nicklaus Course

High elevation | Panoramic views | Deep bunkers

This course makes any golfer feel on top of the world — literally. Its elevation changes offer spectacular panoramic views of the bay and the Sierra Madre mountains.
Nicklaus’ design is generous with wide fairways, yet deceptively technical with deep bunkers and rolling greens.

Tom Weiskopf Course

Jungle + mountain | Fluid, natural, and challenging

Weiskopf’s course is a true work of art embraced by lush vegetation. It combines:

• Constant elevation changes
• Holes that wind their way through the jungle
• A sense of adventure in every swing

Both courses hosted the WGC 2002 and have been championship references ever since.

Flamingos Golf Club — Classic parkland style

Tree-lined fairways | Honest greens | Gentle pace of play

Flamingos is the perfect course for those seeking a relaxed day without giving up on challenge. It’s not overly aggressive, but it is very technical:

• Consistent greens that help you improve your reading and control
• Tree-lined fairways
• A calm atmosphere and friendly pace of play

Ideal for mid-handicap players, families, or anyone looking for “a beautiful day of golf.”

El Tigre Golf & Country Club — Design by Robert Von Hagge

More than 7,200 yards | Aggressive hazards | Island green

This course is pure adrenaline. Considered one of the most challenging in Mexico, it tests your mind as much as your technique. Here’s what defines it:

• Dramatic hazards, in signature Von Hagge style
• Long distances
• An iconic island green that excites even seasoned pros

If you’re looking for a round that pushes you out of your comfort zone… this is where the Tiger roars.

Flavors to share: Why these courses are perfect for tourists

Puerto Vallarta is an unpretentious golf destination: warm, accessible, and designed for you to enjoy without complications.

• Access for the general public. All these courses welcome visitors with a prior reservation — perfect for those traveling as a family or couple.
• Premium equipment rentals. Forget hauling your clubs on the plane; here you’ll find top brands ready to play.
• Friendly pace, even in high season. The courses are used to international golfers, so everything flows smoothly.
• A variety of styles in a single destination. From marina and jungle to mountain and championship layouts… in Vallarta you can play a different style every day.

Memories that become tradition: Golf + Buenaventura Grand

After a morning on the course, there’s nothing like coming back “home by the sea.”

At Buenaventura Grand you’ll find:

• A warm, refreshing welcome drink when you arrive
• The oceanfront pool
• Snacks that taste like vacation
• Spa treatments to unwind from your day’s swing
• A warm, human, and family-friendly all-inclusive experience, where every team member greets you with a genuine smile

As we like to say here: “Each visit becomes a family tradition by the sea.”

Vacations without leaving your passion means exactly that: you enjoy your sport while your family has fun, relaxes, and experiences the destination in their own way.

Q&A

Do golf courses in Puerto Vallarta accept non-members?
Yes, they all allow access to the general public with a prior reservation.

How far are the golf courses from Buenaventura Grand?
Marina Vallarta is about 10–15 minutes away; Vista Vallarta, Flamingos, and El Tigre are approximately 25–35 minutes away.

Can I go play golf while my family enjoys the hotel?
Of course! It’s one of the favorite combinations: you head out to the course while they enjoy the beach, pools, spa, and activities.