Not much is known about Punta Brava Golf & Surf Club, but based on the site itself, it'll be as iconic as Tom Doak's Tara Iti.
Their website says Tiger did the original routing (conceived as early as 2008). Tiger's 6835 yard, par 70 course was settled on after 23 routings were made and after three visits. The 300-acre site originally had 120 homes planned. It was reported that Tom Fazio Rees Jones and Greg Norman had been consulted before Tiger was given the nod. Brian Tucker (former president of Charles Schwab) partnered with Billy Joe 'Red' McCombs (Texan Billionaire who sadly passed away in 2023) on 'the design and entitlement' in 2007. After that, nothing much happened due to the financial crisis in 2009.
Following the financial crisis, Brian Tucker explained the owner of the site, Mr Gonzalez, had determined never to sell his land. After he passed away, his children were ready to do what their father wasn't. The concept became more of a reality around 2016 with the acquisition. In the interim, things had got very complicated with regulators
The story itself is incredible. From riches to rags and back again, Brain Tucker has the belief he was destined to deliver the project - part of God's plan. He and his wife were feeding their family with food stamps, but his vision was still alive. He was relentless in the pursuit of it becoming a reality.
In 2022, Tom Doak emerged as the new lead. Brian Tucker explained that Tom took Tiger's routing and solved the problems that he couldn't find the solution to. Work is progressing with Tom sharing photos on his Instagram feed in April of 2024 with the comment that irrigation was being installed. Rennaissance interns are on site along with previous collaborators involved in Tom Doak's other projects at Tara Iti and Old Macdonald. Hathaway Golf, a course builder with a deep portfolio in Mexico, is helping with construction.
The 14th features rock outcroppings in the fairway. Tom describes it as a 'pinball wizard kind of hole.' The 17th tee is also accessed by a bridge - perhaps inspired by Dr MacKenzie's original 18th tee at Cypress Point Club? There will be five par 3's and only one, the 6th, doesn't play over the Pacific Ocean. It's not links-land - you'd need sand for that. A challenging site to be sure but where else would you find a site like this anywhere in the world?
Harris Kalinka produced an epic trailer for a golf course design in 2023.
[video url='https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/i7jxxch7hv?seo=true&videoFoam=true']
What is known is a desalination plant has been installed, and the club has released an 8-year-old and 21-year-old Limited Edition Blue Agave ultra-premium tequila for its Founding Members. There are six founding members on the member nomination committee with Brian Tucker and his partner giving the final approval. What's looked for in a Punta Brava Golf & Surf Club member? Character, reputation and personality. Presumably deep pockets will help as well!
Some of the household names purported to be on the member list are Steph Curry, PGA Tour Pro Justin Thomas, and surf legend and golf addict Kelly Slater. NFL quarterbacks, NHL Ice Hockey Players, and some 'entertainment' A-list families have also been admitted.
Hugo and Ricardo Salinas (Mexican businessmen) have also been brought in to get the project over the line.
