The new Amanali Country Club in Mexico has opened the front nine holes of its golf course, and its practice facilities.

Amanali, which is located in Tepeji del Rio, around an hour north of Mexico City, has been designed by US firm Schmidt-Curley. Mexican firm Grupo Invertierra is the developer.

The course is routed through a high-desert landscape of cactus and mesquite and features large elevation changes, shots over canyons and views of Lake Tepeji. Hybrid bermuda grass has been used on the tees, fairways and roughs, while putting surfaces are bentgrass.

Schmidt-Curley partner Brian Curley and associate Grant Haserot were the architects. Curley says the drivable par four ninth, 352 yards long, is a standout hole. With the lake as a backdrop, the gambling golfer can risk a downhill, 285-yard carry over a gorge to reach the green. A more prudent approach, however, may be to drive down the fairway on the right.

“Amanali is a strong example of our firm's global reach and emphasis on creativity and shot values,” said Curley. “We have several exciting ongoing projects in Mexico, a country poised for future growth and easily accessible from our Scottsdale headquarters.”

Other current Schmidt-Curley projects in Mexico include Ventanas de San Miguel in San Miguel de Allende, the Kanai Golf Resort in Playa del Carmen and Maravia Golf Club in La Paz.