New Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy in Nuevo Vallarta CVB of Riviera Nayarit
July 14, 2012

"When one thinks of golf in Mexico, one may think of other destinations that have been promoting this sport for a longer time, but we believe that Riviera Nayarit is the up-and-coming golf destination in the world," said Ted Simons, Executive Vice President of the Jack Nicklaus Academy at the press conference when he introduced the company's newest Academy, which opened its doors at the El Nayar golf course at Grupo Vidanta's complex (Mayan Palace) in Nuevo Vallarta.

According to this specialist, Riviera Nayarit offers exceptional conditions to practice this sport, which makes it attractive for golfers from around the world, as they can find a first-rate tourist infrastructure and also world-class courses. Because of this, Nicklaus is confident that the new Academy will be very successful here.

Simmons quoted his commercial partner: "Just like head coach Mike Malaska said, El Nayar isn't only a place to play golf; this isn't a simple course... this is an experience."

The Nicklaus Academy in Nuevo Vallarta is the Nicklaus group's third such facility in Mexico and fifteenth in the world. The Nicklaus Academy is one of the most complete golf instruction and training facilities in the world, combining the latest technology with the playing philosophy of the greatest player of all-time, Jack Nicklaus.

The facility's Director of Instruction is Bruce Summerhays Jr., a PGA professional that played on the PGA and Senior PGA tours. "The Academy is about learning to play fundamentally sound golf and also to provide a fun atmosphere to enjoy the great game of golf," he stated.

The Nicklaus Academy features climate-controlled teaching bays with an array of technologies including:

• The Jack Nicklaus Coaching Studio and the Nicklaus Academies Analysis Software, multiple high-speed video cameras, an integrated pressure/balance mat, automatic studio lighting, an integrated ball flight monitor and more. Also included is the latest in training and fitness technologies from FreeMotion Fitness with the Vertex Whole Body Vibration machine and the FreeMotion Dual Cable Cross.

• In a second bay is K-Vest Movement Analysis Technology. Sensors on the student along with the computer capture data from sensors positioned on the student's body. With this 'data' the computer creates an accurate animation of the student's body and swing that is now viewable from virtually any angle. The information provided through this very special technology will shorten the learning process by four to five times.

• Inside the teaching facility is also a computerized putting lab with technology used by Tour Professionals called TOMI. This technology allows the Nicklaus Academies instructors to analyze your putting stroke from face alignment to stroke path, impact tempo and speed. Since 30 percent of strokes come on the putting green during a normal round of golf, time spent in the Nicklaus Academy putting lab is well worth the time.

• Additional features include a comfortable lobby, mental evaluation and training tools, custom club and ball fitting sessions, a Nicklaus Academy putting green and chipping area, and its own practice bunker, short game practice area, and artificial turf hitting area.
 
The opening of the Nicklaus Academy caps a year of firsts for Grupo Vidanta on the golf front. May, 2011, saw the first-ever "Uniting Nations Cup" international golf tournament kick off successfully.

The Nayar golf course located in Grupo Vidanta's complex in Nuevo Vallarta is one of the three PGA-category golf courses designed by Nicklaus in this location. Jim Lippe, Greg Norman, and Robert Von Hagge designed another three courses in the region.

Nayar Golf Course is located on the spectacular beaches of Nuevo Vallarta, between the western Sierra Madre mountain range and Banderas Bay, just 15 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Built over the most dazzling vacation spots on Banderas Bay, it is part of a new project designed by the internationally recognized Nicklaus Design firm. Soon, it will become one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, fully equipped, and featuring optimal conditions that every golfer prefers.

Later in the year, Vidanta Golf will begin building its second course in Nuevo Vallarta, a Greg Norman Signature design. "With the exploding demand for golf evident through the solid bookings at Nayar's existing Nicklaus Design course, adding two new beautifully designed golf courses within the next couple of years will further solidify Riviera Nayarit as the premiere destination for golf and travel," concluded Torres.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Nayarit congratulates Grupo Vidanta for its constant leadership in developing products that attract new visitors.

The Nicklaus Academy at Nayar Vidanta Golf Club is open to members and guests of Grupo Vidanta resorts as well as residents and visitors to Puerto Vallarta. Customized lesson packages for individuals and groups are available for all ability levels. For additional information, stop by the Clubhouse or visit www.vidantagolf.com.