Punta Mita

Bahia is a challenging golf course, especially the greens. They are large and undulating. You have to hope the person who sets the pins was in a good mood. The course is in good shape. The staff are wonderful. Many holes have beautiful ocean views and the elevation changes can make things interesting.

Sadly the tide was in when we played and so we didn't get to play the Tale of the Whale (hole 3B). Otherwise it was a great day. Weather was perfect. The course is well maintained and eminently fair. Some interesting holes by the water. Interesting that I had much nicer rental clubs on this course compared to Bahia. The greens on Pacifica are more forgiving than Bahia. The staff was welcoming and helpful.

What a great track with amazing new greens and over 50% of the holes with amazing ocean views or ocean front

The Tail of the Whale is a must - just around190yds - with wind it is not easy

Enjoy

Having played most of Nayarits courses I have to put Pacifico top of the class - the whole experience - the golf, services, details just make it special

So many water view holes ............amazing place

I've been coming here annually for ten years and love this course despite the cost per round($360). I was comped my first round this year due to some issues last season and I was grateful. The staff is super friendly and professional. At issue is the course conditions. The fairways were brown and crusty in most spots and every tee shot ended up having mud on the ball from them trying to keep it moist. The greens were very inconsistent and patchy. It was in bad shape and played like a heavily used muni. I don't know if it's anyone's fault on the conditions, but the course shouldn't be charging what they do for a course in this bad shape.

Like everybody else, I'm torn. Which is the better course at Punta Mita, Bahia or Pacifico? I guess it depends what you're looking for in a round of golf. If you're a high handicapper who plays only 'vacation' or 'casual' golf, head to Pacifico. It's a couple shots easier and maybe slightly prettier with a few more ocean holes. For low handicaps or those who love a challenge, Bahia's the choice. Some of its severe greens border on the insane. One poorly cut cup on a ridge can send your mind into madness, cursing the universe.
Take the par-4 17th hole. It's a beyond-beautiful Cape Hole that hooks left along the beach. The green is a wild creation clinging to land's end. If you're on the wrong tier, forget about par. Thankfully, it's easier to forgive a three-putt when the waves crashing on the shore create such a sense of serenity.

My experience playing the famed extra par-3 hole named '3B' on Pacifico wasn't exactly memorable. I drowned two balls on the hole nicknamed the 'Tail of the Whale'. Even if I had hit the natural island green in the Pacific Ocean, I wouldn't have been able to retrieve the ball. The tide was in when it wasn't supposed to be, flooding the cart path with waves, and the club's amphibious cart wasn't working. Despite my Debbie Downer moment, Pacifico still ranks among Mexico's best resort courses (only guests of the on-site Four Seasons or St. Regis can play). Pacifico's eight ocean holes add beauty to any round. Jack Nicklaus designed Pacifico to be very playable in the wind off the water. Shooting a good score - even with the extra hole on your scorecard - is within reach.