An 18-hole championship course anchors new resort-style community, with the collaborative design focused on establishing a benchmark for inland golf in Mexico.
San Diego, CA — February 25, 2026
Pizá Golf and Nicklaus Design have announced a landmark co-design collaboration for Valle de los Encinos, a luxury, wine-producing mountain community in Chihuahua, north-central Mexico. Centered on an 18-hole championship golf course alongside a broad suite of lifestyle amenities, the development is currently under construction, with the golf course serving as a primary anchor.
Conceived as a semi-private club with public access through an on-site hotel, it blends the refinement of a country club course with the playability and appeal of a destination resort course. Delivery is anticipated in 2027.
“Valle de los Encinos was always envisioned as something enduring — a place where land, architecture, and community converge at the highest level. Bringing together Nicklaus Design and Pizá Golf reflects our commitment to creating not just a championship course — this collaboration ensures that Valle de los Encinos will feel both globally relevant and deeply rooted in its place in Mexico.”
— Eugenio Baeza, Owner of Valle de los Encinos
The 18-hole layout is being co-designed by Agustín Pizá and Chad Goetz of Nicklaus Design and blends classic strategic principles with a modern design approach, with both teams collaborating closely on routing, strategy, and architectural expression. The result is a championship course crafted for tournament-caliber play, repeated enjoyment by all, and long-term relevance.
“This is a project where collaboration truly elevates the result. Working alongside Nicklaus Design and Chad Goetz allows us to bring together deep, award-winning international experience and progressive design thinking. From routing and strategy to land planning and execution, every decision is intentional — designed to challenge elite players, reward thoughtful shot making, and remain deeply enjoyable for everyday golfers.”
— Agustín Pizá, Founder of Pizá Golf
The collaboration was sparked through professional alignment and creative momentum developed during recent work connected to TGL, the technology-driven league blending simulator golf with live competition, where Pizá and Goetz discovered an immediate design synergy. That shared design language — centered on bold lines, purposeful options, and experiential storytelling — now carries through Valle de los Encinos and informs everything from tee-shot decisions to green complexes and transitional spaces.
“I am excited to work alongside Agustín on this spectacular piece of property. Our friendship has been formed over many years, and I’m excited that this collaboration gives us the opportunity to bring our two design voices together to create a singular and truly distinctive vision. While Nicklaus Design has worked on many iconic projects across Mexico, this marks our first in central Mexico, making the opportunity especially exciting.”
— Chad Goetz, Senior Designer at Nicklaus Design
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Agustín Pizá on a course that will serve as the focal point of this exceptional master-planned community. This marks our 26th championship course in Mexico, spanning from Cabo San Lucas to the Yucatán Peninsula, and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating golf experiences that are shaped by the land and inspired by the cultural heritage of each region.”
— Paul Stringer, President of Nicklaus Design
In addition to leading the architectural vision, Pizá Golf is providing comprehensive project management services for Valle de los Encinos. This integrated role ensures continuity between design intent and execution, with oversight spanning construction coordination, consultant alignment, and on-site decision-making. Construction of the course is already underway, with major infrastructure and course shaping in progress.
About Pizá Golf
At Pizá Golf®, the team elevates the craft of golf course design, demanding more of themselves on behalf of their clients. Each new site is brought to life with velvet greens, coarse sands, towering pines, and strategic twists. Since 2006, the firm has sculpted award-winning golf courses across mountains, desert, valleys, and jungle landscapes.
Under the leadership of Agustín Pizá, Pizá Golf® has been involved in more than eighty unique projects across three continents — from elite private clubs to five-star resorts and destination golf communities. Studios in San Diego, California, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
About Nicklaus Companies
Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, with more than 440 courses open for play worldwide, across 47 countries and 40 U.S. states. The company creates courses that are both enjoyable and challenging for all players, regardless of playing level.
Nicklaus Design has designed 25 courses in Mexico and is proud of its contribution to the legacy of the game.
About Valle de los Encinos
Valle de los Encinos is an exclusive real estate development designed by Artigas Arquitectos in Chihuahua, north-central Mexico. This 8,000-hectare paradise captivates with its spectacular views, first-class event infrastructure, excellent cuisine, winemaking, and spaces dedicated to ecotourism.
The championship course serves as the architectural and experiential anchor of the development. Residential lots are carefully configured to enhance views of the golf course and surrounding landscape.
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