Litibu Golf Course: The best-kept secret along the Pacific Ocean in Riviera Nayarit

LITIBU, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico -- Litibu Golf Course sits hidden in plain sight virtually unknown to American golfers in one of Mexico's premier golf destinations.

What a shame.

The stunning Greg Norman course located 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta hosted a Canadian Tour event in 2010, a year after opening, but never could sustain any momentum. The two highly regarded Jack Nicklaus courses at Punta Mita just 10 minutes away steal all the publicity.

Litibu provides similar ocean views and conditioning as Punta Mita's Pacifico Course and Bahia Course at a more affordable price (there's no $600-a-night hotel stay at a Four Seasons or St. Regis required). The only knock would be its tiny pro shop and shabby rental clubs do need an upgrade.

The par-3 fourth hole is technically the only ocean hole at Litibu, although the panoramic vistas of the water from the third and 18th tees and greens are spectacular. The inland holes romp through virgin jungle and hilly terrain. The par 4s at no. 13 and no. 16 trudge uphill to difficult greens. No. 17, a tiny 130-yard par 3, sometimes requires an intimidating blind shot over dense jungle to a pin tucked back left.

It's delicious fun, something not always found on more penal Norman designs. The opening of the new adjacent Iberostar Playa Mita resort might someday help Litibu G.C. gain the fame it deserves.