The Punta Mita Invitational isn’t trying to be just another pro-am. Now in its 11th year, the event has become one of golf’s most unique events – the intersection of high-level competition and luxury accommodations in one of the sport’s most beautiful locations.
The event, established in 2014, brings together enthusiastic novices, tour winners and industry leaders. The latest game wrapped up in January. Here’s what you need to know about it and, better yet, how you can get involved in the future.
A field of dynamite
Punta Mita is different from the traditional pro-am because of its accessibility to the professional field. The 2026 list featured major champions, tour winners and international standouts. They were not distant celebrities but co-workers, dinner companions and, sometimes, beachside storytellers.
Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open champion, served as host of the event, which included a field that included The Players champion Fred Funk and professionals such as Stuart Appleby, Chris DiMarco, Heath Slocum, John Rollins, Ricky Barnes, Notah Begay III and Esteban Toledo. The invitational rotates pros and novices every day, so all three rounds are played with a different star.
Teams of three novices (and their rotating experts) compete in three rounds for the title. But this is not high pressure and high pressure – think like a guest of a senior member. There are drinks and there are laughs – but there is also competition, such as the annual shootout, where professionals are divided into two teams in a four-hole game. Best of all, it’s played in front of guests, homeowners and resort members. It explodes again.
Image of Grace
A must visit place
The location itself is stellar. Once a quiet peninsula for surfers and fishermen, Punta Mita was transformed by developer DINE into a private luxury resort with world-class real estate, select amenities and two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses.
The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita opened in 1999, and today Punta Mita is home to four luxury hotels: Four Seasons, St. Regis Punta Mita, Montage Punta Mita and Pendry Punta Mita. There are also 20 residential (and private) communities. St. Regis Punta Mita plays host to the event, and here guests enjoy five nights of luxurious accommodations, beach access and a spa. There are also nightly events.
Yes, golf is good too. The most famous hole may be the Pacifico Course’s “Tail of the Whale” island green. It comes and goes with the tides – so it can only be played if it’s accessible – and it’s a bucket list experience. (As long as the tide is on your side.)
;)
Evan Schiller
Without strings
If the days are for golf, the nights are for Punta Mita.
The night continues into the sunset with happy hours, beach parties and outstanding dining moments – including a memorable night at Hector’s Kitchen, recently named one of Mexico’s top 100 restaurants for 2026 by renowned critic Marco Beteta.
This is where the invitation sets itself apart. As experts spread the word about the mezcal trade with novices, building real connections and business relationships softened into friendships. Clients become playing partners. And the line between competitor and friend is disappearing.
