The first nine holes of a new golf course in Mexico have opened for play.

Designed by Greg Norman’s firm, the new course forms part of the Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta resort near Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast.

The course features paspalum turf on both the greens and the fairways, and lies on the banks of the Ameca River with views of the nearby Sierra Madre mountain range from all holes. 

As well as the new course, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta will also be home to a Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf, a lighted practice range and a short game area. 

The layout will eventually be comprised of 18 holes, with the other nine holes set to open in October or November 2016.