PUNTA MITA CLOSES INAUGURAL WCM MEXICO SENIOR OPEN

WITH STEVEN ALKER WIN

Punta Mita, the luxurious 1,500-acre resort community on Mexico’s stunning Pacific coastline, successfully hosted the inaugural WCM Mexico Senior Open on the Legends Tour, marking a historic moment during its 25th anniversary celebrations. The world-renowned Pacifico Golf Course provided a breathtaking backdrop for the thrilling tournament, which culminated in a flawless, bogey-free 6-under-par 66 performance by Steven Alker. Alker’s -17 total score a 1 stoke victory over South African James Kingston captivated fans and underscored Punta Mita’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class golf.

The event served as both a testament to the resort’s legacy and a milestone in its history, bringing together iconic players and enthusiasts from around the globe. Sanctioned by the Legends Tour and the Mexican Federation of Golf, the WCM Mexico Senior Open featured a star-studded roster, including tournament ambassador and six-time major winner Lee Trevino, alongside golf legends Corey Pavin, Michael Campbell, Angel Cabrera, Craig Stadler, Jean Van de Velde. Rich Beem and others

“Hosting the inaugural WCM Mexico Senior Open during our 25th anniversary year has been an incredible honor,” said Carl Emberson, Director of Operations at Punta Mita. “This event showcased not only the world-class golf experience we offer but also the rich community and culture that make Punta Mita a truly unique destination. We are thrilled to continue hosting prestigious events that reinforce our standing as one of the world’s most coveted luxury golf destinations.”

The event featured a blend of competition and community spirit, with 64 amateur golfers partnering with Legends Tour professionals in a modified alliance format. Players vied for Stableford points and the coveted title of Mexico Senior Open Alliance Champions, adding an engaging dynamic to the tournament’s USD $450,000 prize purse.  The winners of the Amateur part of the event were Paul Nolta and Dane Thorogood who won by 4 strokes. Punta Mita residents made up the remaining 5 spots in the 32 man field with this scribe and his dear friend from Brazil John Pacey  coming in in 6th place behind the comprades Mauricio Morales and Hugo Martinez by one stroke with Mike Trigg and Blake Irving a further stroke ahead in 4th spot. Punta Mita’s championship-caliber courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus, set the stage for unforgettable moments throughout the event. The Pacifico Course, home to the iconic “Tale of the Whale” natural island green, and the challenging Bahia Course, known for its dramatic contours and ocean vistas, are hallmarks of the destination’s allure for golfers worldwide.

As Punta Mita celebrates 25 years of excellence, it continues to shine as a beacon for luxury, leisure, and sport. With unparalleled amenities, pristine beaches, and a vibrant golf community, Punta Mita remains a bucket-list destination for travelers and golf enthusiasts alike.

A huge thank you to all the Punta Mita Team who made this possible : Veronica, Steph, John McIntrye and the golf team , Shane and the agronomy team as well as Juan Guizzo and the Food & Beverage team who made this possible working as a team to support the event organized VdV Golf Manejo in pulling off this world class event which was historic as it was world class. Proud to have been a part of it and see it  come to life with such success. Lots of lessons learnt as always with one principal message of understanding how important it is that your strategic partners in executing events must be on the same page and share the same philosophy on working together as a team. Golf is an individual sport while pulling off events of this magnitude and level is a team sport –  we work through teams. A Champion Team will always beat a Team of Champions something I learnt from my Rugby days !! Therein lies the main lesson learnt. Viva Punta Mita !!!