Co-designing Valle de los Encinos

Pizá Golf and Nicklaus Design have announced a co-design collaboration for Valle de los Encinos, a wine-producing mountain community in Chihuahua, north-central Mexico. Centered on an 18-hole championship golf course, 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, 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.” Valle de los Encinos owner Eugenio Baeza said. “Bringing together Nicklaus Design and Pizá Golf reflects our commitment to creating not just a championship course, this collab ensures that Valle de los Encinos will feel both globally relevant and deeply rooted in its place in Mexico.”

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.

“This is a project where collaboration truly elevates the result,” Pizá Golf founder Agustín Pizá said. “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.”

“I am excited to work alongside Agustín on this spectacular piece of property,” said Nicklaus Design senior designer Chad Goetz said. “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.”

“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,” Nicklaus Design president Paul Stringer said. “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.”

In addition to leading the architectural vision, Pizá Golf is providing comprehensive project management services for Valle de los Encinos. This 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.