Golf

I never hear much about golf in Ajijic. Is it not a popular sport, are people not playing? What's the scoop?

Lot's of people here play golf.  Where are you listening?  Many locals play Chula Vista, a short but challenging public 9 hole course in Chula Vista.  Others play Chapala Country Club, a full-length public 9 hole course east of Chapala.   Many others are members of Atlas Country Club, a 7200 yd. 18 hole course in El Salto, just past the airport.  You've got more choices if you're OK with a drive; Las Cañadas, Santa Sophia, El Cielo, and El Rio are all withing an hour's drive.  There are several other private clubs in the Guadalajara area as well.

The wife and I were lakeside last October and I played Chula Vista, which is a challenging short course. I don't remember the par, but it was probably about 32. A great course to walk for exercise as well. Didn't play Chapala, but it looked nice and they have two sets of tees to make it 18 holes. I had done quite a bit of research on local golf as I will probably play 2-3 times per week. I was lucky to meet an expat member from Atlas, which appeared to have the best deal for membership in Guadalajara, who took me there for a round. It's a great track and I really enjoyed the members I played with. It has several membership options.

Feel free to PM me for an introduction to Atlas, the options, and the membership director.

I was invited to play by Rick Feeney when we stayed with he and his wife Eleanor at Quinta del Sol last October. He introduced me to the membership lady and she was very helpful. Are you a member at Atlas?

Yes, for 6 years now.  I think you meant Rick Standing, no?  We have a new lady in charge of membership.  No worries.

his wife goes by Eleanor Feeney. Do you know if membership rates have stayed about the same?

Yes she does and he's Rick Standing.  The cost to join hasn't changed.  The monthly dues are up ~5%.

I hope we can tee it up sometime down the road.

Sure, why not.  When will you be here again?

So a few days to get settled in and we'll give it a go. Have you been a member long? I lost my membership packet, but I believe they have a senior rate. The wife doesn't play so just me and I'll probably just sign up for weekday play. Probably play now and again lakeside as well.

I've been there over 6 years.  There is a Senior rate, the weekday rate is $3255/mo..  There's often a promo where you get some discount for the first few months.

about $250 US per month plus cart fees. I believe they told me members don't need caddies during the week. Is walking allowed weekdays?

Tuesday and Thursday caddies aren't required.   You can walk anytime.  Best to employ a caddy for a while to learn the greens.

I was hoping on the kindness of my playing partners to help me with the greens. But, maybe they will want my money more than wanting to help me. Understandable. LOL

While there is no comparison between Atlas & Vista Del Lago ( Atlas is impressive )
Vista Del Lago is also a residential community 10 min east of Chapala...
As you are currently looking for new residence and an avid golfer ( 3 times a week )
I would suggest you seriously consider Vista Del Lago.

Isn't it nine holes with two sets of tees?

I'm not a golf snob, but I really enjoyed the Atlas course when I played there last October. The rates are reasonable for seniors and strictly weekday play imo. My plan is to play there Tues. and Thurs. and maybe once a week at Chula Vista from time to time at and Lago if they accept daily players. I know Chula Vista does as I played there last year as well. It's a good test for your fairway woods and irons for sure. I'm also looking forward to trying some of the other courses around Guadalajara from time to time as there appear to be some really nice ones.

Can't find fault with your reasoning... several others opted for Atlas membership as well... beautiful course.