Vista Vallarta Weiskopf
Tom Weiskopf, with design partner Phil Smith, carved the Weiskopf Course at Vista Vallarta in 2001 into the jungled foothills above Puerto Vallarta. A par 72 of about 6,993 yards threading dense forest, deep barrancas and swift creeks, it shared the stage with its Nicklaus sibling at the 2002 World Cup and remains the headline round on Banderas Bay.
Photo: Vista Vallarta Club de Golf via Google.
The verdict
Vista Vallarta sits in the hills above Puerto Vallarta, a 36 hole club where Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus each built a course on adjoining land. The Weiskopf, opened in 2001, plays through the lower and wilder western end of the property, a tumble of dense jungle, deep ravines and fast running creeks that lends the round a genuine sense of drama.
Weiskopf and Phil Smith routed it to use the natural fall of the land rather than fight it, so fairways drop and climb with the terrain and the barrancas frame several tee shots. It is the more naturalistic of the pair, leafy and atmospheric, and together with the Nicklaus course it gives Banderas Bay a golf draw to match its beaches. As a resort and public access club, it is far easier to play than the private clubs elsewhere on this list.
Vista Vallarta, the Weiskopf Course at a glance
- Opened
- 2001
- Designer
- Tom Weiskopf with Phil Smith
- Type
- Jungle parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,993 yds
- Green fee
- Resort, indicative
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Vista Vallarta Club de Golf and leading course databases; the Weiskopf Course opened in 2001 to a Tom Weiskopf design with Phil Smith, a par 72 of about 6,993 yards. Green fees are published seasonally and usually include cart and range balls; rates are indicative for 2026 and vary by season, so always confirm current pricing and tee availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Weiskopf Course makes its name on movement and setting. From the higher ground the fairways spill down toward greens cut into clearings, the surrounding jungle pressing close and the barrancas swallowing anything loose. There is width to find, but the smart line hugs the side that opens the angle past the ravine.
Weiskopf favored options over force, so several holes reward the player who lays back to a comfortable number rather than chasing distance into trouble. Elevation changes ask for honest club selection, downhill on the drives, uphill into a handful of greens, with the warm coastal air adding carry.
The closing holes climb back toward the clubhouse and the wide Banderas Bay views, the greens firm and quick in the dry season. The Weiskopf rewards a thinking round and a steady nerve over the barrancas, and pairs naturally with its Nicklaus neighbour for a two course day above Puerto Vallarta.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort and public access; visitors and resort guests welcome with advance booking |
| Green fee | Published seasonally, typically including cart and range balls; rates vary by season (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book online or through your hotel or a Mexico golf specialist; pair it with the Nicklaus course for a 36 hole day |
| On the day | Carts are standard; caddies and forecaddies can usually be arranged; sun protection and water are essential |
| Getting there | In the hills above Puerto Vallarta, roughly 15 minutes from the airport and Marina Vallarta |
| Best months | November to April for the dry season, warm days and the firmest turf |
Access and pricing verified June 2026; resort green fees change by season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most golfers base themselves along Marina Vallarta or the resort strip north of the city, minutes from the course and close to the beaches, marinas and dining that make Puerto Vallarta such an easy holiday town. A bay side base keeps Vista Vallarta and the Nuevo Vallarta resorts within a short drive.
For a golf focused stay, the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita extend the itinerary north along Banderas Bay, where several more courses sit on or near the water. It is a natural region to build a multi course Mexico trip around, warm, walkable and well served by direct flights.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Vista Vallarta, the Weiskopf Course.
Build a Puerto Vallarta golf trip
We pair Vista Vallarta with the best of Banderas Bay, line up tee times and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Vista Vallarta, the Weiskopf Course questions
Who designed the Vista Vallarta Weiskopf Course and when did it open?
The Weiskopf Course at Vista Vallarta was designed by Tom Weiskopf with Phil Smith and opened in 2001, set in the jungled hills above Puerto Vallarta.
What is the par and length of the Vista Vallarta Weiskopf Course?
It is a par 72 of about 6,993 yards, routed through dense forest, deep barrancas and creeks on the lower western end of the property.
Can visitors play Vista Vallarta?
Yes. Vista Vallarta is a resort and public access club; visitors and hotel guests can book either the Weiskopf or the Nicklaus course in advance.
How far is Vista Vallarta from Puerto Vallarta airport?
Vista Vallarta sits in the hills above the city, roughly 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport and the Marina Vallarta hotels.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.