5 STAR GOLF + CULINARY
Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico
Fours Seasons Punta Mita play host to Golf Kitchen
I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend at Four Seasons Punta Mita, a 1,500acre private peninsula resort situated in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. I was invited to experience my first Golf Kitchen event which brings together some of the top chefs from golf clubs across the Americas, invites them play a little golf, and then asks them to create incredible dishes using fresh ingredients found in this region. Chefs hailed from as far away as New Jersey and Uruguay. Over the 3-day Golf Kitchen event, we were treated to some of the most enjoyable dishes I’ve tasted - especially on a golf course! Breakfast, lunch and dinner - each meal was a feast for all the senses.
My host for this visit was famed golf instructor Tom F. Stickney II. Tom is the Director of Instruction and Business Development at Punta Mita. He is also a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, and has been honored as a Golf Digest Best Teacher and a Golf Tips Top25 Instructor.
Shortly after my arrival, Tom and I met up in the stunning open-air lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. We jumped in a golf cart (as everyone seems to do here) and headed off for a quick tour of the golf facilities. Punta Mita features two immaculately kept Jack Nicklaus Signature 18hole courses, Bahia & Pacifico. The Pacifico championship course is a favorite for residents and guests alike and home to the famed “Tail of the Whale” – the world’s only natural island green.
“I’m proud to call Punta Mita my home.”
– Tom F. Stickney II.
This mostly level course offers views across the Sierra Madre Mountains, Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific Ocean. The Bahia course, in stark contrast to Pacifico, presents more undulating fairways and greens, making putting technique an important part of the playing experience. Bring your “A” game to Bahia and if you happen to have a local in your group, heed their advice on the greens. It just might save you from a 4 or 5 putt.
In addition to the beautiful courses is the Punta Mita Golf Academy. This state-of-the-art teaching facility is serious learning center with all best instructional technologies. Programs are available for players of any level or age. Swing analysis, on course lesson, short game school and testing with Trackman, the cutting edge golf club and golf ball tracking system that gives you instant feedback on your golf shot.
The work that Tom and the Punta Mita team have put into developing this facility has caught the eye of legendary short game teachers Dave Pelz, who is bringing his Dave Pelz 3-day Short Game School to Punta Mita. These 3-day schools are the best way to sharpen your short game skills - definitely worth a trip for the golf enthusiast. Three sets of dates are available starting in November with the last school in January 2020. Check the Punta Mita Facebook page for event details.