Flamingos Golf - hole 13
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Flamingos Golf - hole 13
Six bunkers ring the beautiful par-3 13th green at Flamingos Golf. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 1
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Flamingos Golf - hole 1
The first hole introduces the hilly terrain and narrow fairways of Flamingos Golf. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 2
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Flamingos Golf - hole 2
Cart tire tracks in the morning dew lead toward the second green, the finish of a dogleg par 4 at Flamingos Golf. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 3
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Flamingos Golf - hole 3
The par-5 third hole at Flamingos Golf plays 611 yards to a tricky green, making it the no. 1 handicap. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 6
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Flamingos Golf - hole 6
A ravine protects the 202-yard sixth hole at Flamingos Golf in Mexico. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 7
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Flamingos Golf - hole 7
The seventh hole at Flamingos Golf plays as a risk-reward par 5 over a croc-filled pond. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 11
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Flamingos Golf - hole 11
The 11th hole at Flamingos Golf sweeps left to an elevated green. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 12
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Flamingos Golf - hole 12
The par-4 12th hole of Flamingos Golf doglegs left, where a pond can rinse your tee shot or approach to an elevated green. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 16
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Flamingos Golf - hole 16
Ignore the two large bunkers and pond to focus on the 16th green of Flamingos Golf in Riviera Nayarit. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
Flamingos Golf - hole 10
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Flamingos Golf - hole 10
A hidden pond right of the fairway snatches tee shots on the 10th hole of Flamingos Golf. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfAdvisor
10 Images

An oldie but goodie: Flamingos Golf was the first course designed in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

NUEVO VALLARTA, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico -- Built in 1978 as the first course near Puerto Vallarta, Flamingos Golf remains one of the best values in Mexico, peso for peso. And yet, it's still sophisticated enough to offer caddies and a great experience for everybody.

Flamingos Golf sells a different vibe than the flashier modern designs constructed in recent decades within the region. This is classic, old-school jungle golf laid out by Percy Clifford. It's not overly bunkered like many newer golf courses (there are only 43 traps). The land glides gracefully over hilly terrain with little visible shaping. Tropical flowers and plants beautify the narrow fairways and croc-filled ponds.

Seattledave rated Flamingos Golf four stars on GolfAdvisor.com, writing: "The course is in good shape and has subtle challenges from [the] tee, fairway and green. Designers used the terrain well and the challenges are subtle. The greens are consistent, undulating and pin placements tough. Staff is friendly and easy-going. What more can you say ... a pleasant day of golf.

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,100 courses and written about golf destinations in 25 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
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An oldie but goodie: Flamingos Golf was the first course designed in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico