Punta Mita Golf Club: Bahia

The Four Seasons Resort at Punta Mita sits on a 1,700-acre peninsula framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains on one side and the Bahia de Banderas on the other. Located 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta's international airport the resort is home to two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. The more difficult Bahia course opened in 2008 and features stark elevation changes and jagged rocky outcroppings that add a feeling of proximity to the ocean as five holes run adjacent to the Pacific. The standout hole on the front-nine is the par-5 second, a scorable hole framed by the sprawling ocean in the backdrop. The second nine is known for its dramatic and intimidating views of the ocean, as the green on 15th appears to fall over into the sea behind it, as does the entire left side of the par-4 17th, which is flanked by the ocean and rocky beaches. Jim Lipe was tasked with undertaking a five-year renovation beginning in 2021 to both courses including replacing fairways with Trinity Zoysia grass.