 Carved out of the jungle in the lush hills above Puerto Vallarta is the incomparable Vista Vallarta Club. One of Mexico’s greatest facilities, the Vista Vallarta is actually two individual courses designed by two of golf’s greats: Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf. Each course has it’s own unique personality but each of them is as beautiful as any tropical course you will find.
The Nicklaus course was opened in April 2001 to rave reviews and is perhaps most famous for hosting the 2002 EMC World Cup of Golf that attracted such golfing giants as Phil Mickelson, David Toms, Nick Faldo, Vijay Singh and Mike Weir. The Nicklaus course is typical of the Golden Bear’s other designs: Beautiful conditioning, wide fairways, fast greens and innumerable debates for golfers between risk and reward.
 A great example of Jack’s touch can be seen at the par five, third hole. With the tendency of the ball to really jump off the club in the warm tropical air, you are going to be hitting career drives and turning all par fives into birdie situations. At 550 yards from the back tees though this hole is still plenty daunting. Move forward to the blue or white tees though, where we mortals play, and the hole becomes far more interesting. At 484 yards from the white tees the hole suddenly seems very reachable in two. Don’t get far ahead of yourself though. Jack has put a ravine directly across the fairway at 230 yards that requires a carry of 250 to clear it. If you normally hit a drive between 230 and 240 at your home course you will be able to carry the ravine but only if you hit it solidly. If you make it over the ravine you will have about 180 yards left to an elevated but relatively unprotected green. Hit two good shots and you are looking at an eagle putt! Hit your drive short into the ravine and you will be scrambling to save par. The smarter shot is undoubtedly to lay-up short of the ravine but you know what they say about that: “The meek may inherit the earth, but they won’t be putting for eagle!”
 The Weiskopf course is less about risk and reward and more about playing within your game and taking advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves. Nowhere is this more evident than on the 439-yard par four 2nd hole. Take one look at the hole from the tee and there won’t be much doubt in your mind that you are going with the driver. The danger that you have to deal with will be the five deep bunkers that border each side of the fairway, 100 yards from the green. Roll something up the middle and you will be looking at a pitching wedge or less to this large and welcoming green. Hit an errant drive into a bunker and the birdie opportunity that presented itself on the tee will have to wait for another hole. A lateral out is often the only option from these bunkers so you will have to hope for an up-and-down for par and save your golfing glory-story for another hole.
Regardless of what kind of game you play, you are sure to enjoy your rounds at Vista Vallarta. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding emerald hills, this is a course you are sure to remember for a long time. This year treat yourself to the golf vacation you have always wanted. Hit the Vista Vallarta and the tropics with BC Golf Safaris.
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