Golf course architect Jim Lipe has completed the first phase of renovation work on the Pacifico course at Punta Mita, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The former Nicklaus Design associate has focused on greens, surrounds, bunkers and tees for this phase, which saw the course reopening in late November.

John McIntyre, director of golf at Punta Mita, said: “At this time we are still in the recovery phase for some aspects of the phase one work – in particular the Trinity Zoysia surrounds have proven slow to establish. That said, the entire team is extremely happy with the new TifEagle Bermuda greens complexes, our newly built and contoured greenside bunkers, and the general improvement to the entire greens complexes over 19 holes.”

“Every golfer will feel the updates and changes we've made,” added McIntyre. “Core golfers will notice specifically the attention to details that this project focused on – roughly 30 per cent larger and more contoured greens, gorgeous bunker designs, and the added playability of the Zoysia grass around the greens. All these details combine to make the player experience more enjoyable and memorable.”

Watch: footage of the renovation work on the Pacifico course at Punta Mita

The second phase of the resort’s five-year renovation plan is due to start in April 2022, concentrating on greens, surrounds and tees on its Bahia course. “Punta Mita ownership and management need to review what we’ve learned during phase one and translate the acquired knowledge into our plans for phase two,” said McIntyre.

Phases three and four will include replacing grass on fairways with Trinity Zoysia.