Are you a golf lover dreaming of your next vacation? Look no further than New Mexico – the Land of Enchantment. Home to some dazzling golf courses, this sun-kissed state offers beautiful landscapes and spectacular views for players who are looking to hone their game. We’ve searched far and wide across Mitten State to bring you the best of what it has to offer in regard to world-class golfing experiences. So join us now as we take a journey through some of New Mexico’s most stunning and impressive courses available for your enjoyment right now.
Paako Ridge Golf Club
Paako Ridge Golf Club, also known as Ken Dye in 2000, is situated on the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. It is a 27-hole public course designed to blend with the mountainous atmosphere in which it’s located. This picturesque course offers golf enthusiasts challenging and dynamic play. The club’s par 3’s are particularly elevated and extended, providing a unique experience for all golfers to enjoy.
Paako Ridge Golf Club boasts a stylish clubhouse and offers great bent grass greens, pristine fairways, and top-notch gourmet food. The course has won numerous awards, including the top-rated Golfweek’s Best public-access golf course in New Mexico. It is renowned for its magnificent view, showcasing vibrant vegetation cultivated on its high desert layout. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and award-winning golf courses in the United States, making it the ideal course for golfers looking for a challenging yet breathtaking experience.
Location: 1 Clubhouse Dr, Sandia Park, NM 87047
Pinon Hills Golf Course
Pinon Hills Golf Course is a must-see destination that boasts of a pristine 1000-acre course in the Four Corners region, equipped with five different tees to challenge all levels of golf players. Its moderate green fees belie the beauty of the landscape, which features cool sandstone rock, rolling terrain, and numerous ponds that provide an engaging challenge on various holes. The greens are undoubtedly the highlight of the golf course, known for providing a serious game for golfers of all levels.
Aside from the spectacular location and top-notch course, Pinon Hills Golf Course also offers first-class amenities designed to provide an unforgettable experience for all visitors. For warm-up and pre-game practice, there’s a driving range, pitching and chipping area, and putting green, all maintained to the highest standards. The staff is friendly and professional, always ready to assist and make your visit comfortable, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer. Make sure not to miss the renowned par-5 9th hole and the challenging dogleg right on the par-4 closer, considered the toughest among the various holes. Pinon Hills Golf Course combines affordable golf and high-quality services, making it a top pick for any golfer and the perfect destination for a memorable golfing experience.
Location: 2101 Sunrise Pkwy, Farmington, NM 87401
Las Campanas (Sunset)
Sunset Course at Las Campanas is a shorter and younger option in comparison to its counterpart, the famous and highly-rated Sunrise course. The course captivates golfers with a wide landing area, smooth bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens. With five tee settings, Sunset Course at Las Campanas offers a variety of distance and difficulty options for golfers of all skill levels.
The signature 432-yard 7th hole includes a fairway and water protection, making it the most memorable experience on the course. For practice, there is a driving range available along with expansive putting areas and bunkers. Additionally, the well-placed bunkers throughout the course create a strategic challenge for the players. Sunset Course at Las Campanas is the ultimate golfing destination, providing a range of tournaments, events, and clinics, as well as a junior golf program. It is no surprise that it was ranked first in the Golf Digest’s Ten Best Courses in New Mexico in 2015-2016.
Location: 132 Clubhouse Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506
Las Campanas (Sunrise)
The Sunrise Course at Las Campanas is a golf lover’s dream. Designed by Jack Nicklaus for his 100th career design, the course boasts 18 holes and over 7500 yards of pure green beauty. The course offers five tee boxes at each hole, ensuring that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy this remarkable course.
The location of the course is simply breathtaking, with elevated tees providing golfers with clear views of snow capped mountains, pinon pines, juniper trees, rolling hills, and colorful wildflowers. A few of the most memorable holes include the 446-yard 3rd hole with a dogleg left par four and the 11th hole, which is downhill and boasts a pond-protected green. The Sunrise Course at Las Campanas employs a helpful and professional staff who provide top-notch customer service, and the food served is nothing short of awesome.
Location: 132 Clubhouse Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506
Black Mesa Golf Club
Black Mesa Golf Club offers a stunning 18-hole course with a public layout that measures 7307 yards and has a 72 par. The course boasts numerous classic design features, such as blind tee shots, false fronts, and greens that run from front to back, making it both challenging and enjoyable for seasoned golfers and novices alike. It is a spectacular track, beautifully laid out in the natural terrain, with several holes that require tough tee shots for the best play.
The location of the course is also fantastic, as it is situated in the high desert with winds that run along sandstone ridges and across native arroyos. The course provides a delightful setting with its many holes that head moderately downhill, including the par-5 16th through a narrow canyon. Black Mesa Golf Club also offers a range of facilities, including a driving range, two practice putting greens, a short-game practice area, and a pro shop. Additionally, GPS golf carts aid in navigating its 141 slope for an even better experience. In sum, Black Mesa Golf Club is one of the best courses to play in, offering both beauty and challenge in a professional setting.
Location: 115 NM-399, Española, NM 87532
Sandia Golf Course
Sandia Golf Course is a truly exceptional location, guaranteeing a flawless experience to its visitors and members. Thoughtful and well-maintained, this course challenges yet maintains fairness throughout. Each hole is tended with care, and maintenance trucks are always on hand to repair any damage. The staff is always friendly and helpful, ensuring that every step of your golfing journey is taken care of.
This golf course goes above and beyond by offering a driving range that is included in your green fee, allowing you to settle in before your tee-off time. Tee boxes, fairways, greens, and traps are always in great shape, and Sandia has mastered the art of creating perfect sand hazards, testifying to the quality of their work. A visit to Sandia Golf Course is a must, and to top it off, their restaurant offers sumptuous dishes paired with reasonable pricing.
Location: 30 Rainbow Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
Twin Warriors Golf Club
Twin Warriors Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the United States, with a rich history of hosting world-class PGA events. The 2022 Senior PGA Professional Championship was held at Twin Warriors, with the 2023 PGA Professional Championship scheduled for May of that year. This challenging and fun course has received numerous accolades, most notably a spot on Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses in America list, and it’s easy to see why. With wide fairways, generous greens, and pristine conditioning, Twin Warriors offers a truly exceptional golfing experience.
The terrain at Twin Warriors is breathtaking, with stunning views of the rocky, high desert landscape. The course is surrounded by desert, as well as pinon pine forests, and features wind across grassy knolls and along bluffs. Golfers will be tested by forced carries and deep bunkers, as well as uneven lies throughout the course. Despite the challenges, Twin Warriors promises a strong but fair test of golf skills. Golfers will appreciate the staff’s helpfulness and unparalleled dining options. A highlight of the course is the fourth hole, a 197-yard par 3 that truly showcases the beauty and challenge of Twin Warriors Golf Club.
Location: 1301 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004
Cochiti Golf Club
Cochiti Golf Club is located just a few miles south of Santa Fe and is a must-play destination for golfers. This preeminent golf course is designed by some of the top golf course architects and offers a challenging yet very playable course.
The golf course is situated amidst the desert terrain at the base of Jemez Mountains and features manicured fairways, contoured greens and playable roughs, which can satisfy golfers of all skills. The course measures around 5100-6817 yards and also features four tee boxes ensuring a great playing experience for golfers with different levels of ability. Meanwhile, there are 61 bunkers scattered throughout the course, which are notorious for their difficulty, making it a challenge to get out of them. If you love golfing and are seeking new challenges, be sure to check out Cochiti Golf Club, a place called “Heaven with a zip code.”
Location: 5200 Cochiti Hwy, Cochiti Lake, NM 87083
Red Hawk Golf Club
Red Hawk Golf Club is a picturesque course nestled at the base of the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces. The course offers 18 holes with a par 72, covering an expanse of 7523 yards with a slope of 133. Designed in a classic links style, the course was ranked as the #2 public-access course in New Mexico by GolfWeek in 2022, with its picturesque mountain surroundings, wide fairways, and strategically placed bunkers.
At Red Hawk Golf Club, golfers get to experience five scenic water hazards and four sets of tees. The course is easily walkable, and players of all skill levels can enjoy its challenges. In addition to the scenic course, the club provides excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green. After an exciting day of play, golfers can head to the clubhouse, which features a pro shop and a bar and grille. Red Hawk Golf Club is the perfect destination for golfers looking to experience a beautiful course with excellent amenities.
Location: 7502 Red Hawk Golf Road, Las Cruces, NM 88012
Rainmakers Resort and Club
Settled in Alto, New Mexico, Rainmakers Resort and Club boasts a perfectly manicured 18-hole course with a par of 72 and a slope of 128. The course stretches across protected lands nestled in high mountain walls, featuring arroyos, canyons, and rock outcroppings. Additionally, it offers a remarkable variety of four to six tee boxes that cater to golfers of diverse skill levels.
Rainmakers Resort and Club is the first course in the state to receive the Audubon Signature Sanctuary status, a recognition of its exceptional sustainability practices aimed at preserving wildlife and natural habitats. The course is also equipped with top-notch GPS information and spans over 7,110 yards, making it playable for low handicappers as well. There’s even a chance visitors see some majestic elk, graceful deer, elusive bobcats, and even black bears! The staff is famously friendly and always ready to make every visitor’s experience unforgettable.
Location: 250 Rainmaker Dr, Alto, NM 88312
Links At Sierra Blanca
The Links at Sierra Blanca offers a picturesque golf experience situated among the breathtaking view of mountains and rolling hills in a Scottish style. The course boasts 18 public-type holes with a par of 72 and a length of 6757 yards. The contours of the greens provide an exciting challenge for golfers, making for a satisfying round of putts.
The front nine presents a unique challenge, with large mounds lining many fairways. There are also facilities to improve skills, with a first-class driving range and a chipping and putting green. The greens are soft and receptive for golfers, which makes a round of putts feel satisfying. In the winter months, the scenic beauty of snow-capped mountains adds to the allure of this picturesque course.
Location: 105 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Rockwind Community Links
This is a public 9-hole par-3 course that spans 6,757 yards with a course slope of 120. The course is designed in the popular links style, which is a traditional style of golf course architecture originating from Scotland. It has a par of 72 which comprises a range of challenging holes requiring precision, technique and skill.
Rockwind Community Links also features a practice range and several short game areas that can be used for practice and learning. The course is situated in a remarkable location with a five-acre lake that overlooks the golf course and a surrounding trail system with multiple trailheads, making it an ideal place for golfers to unwind and practice their game. The course has fantastic green keeping with great fairway grass and superbly maintained greens. Rockwind Community Links guarantees an exceptional golfing experience for all levels of golfers, from beginners to experienced players.
Location: 5001 Jack Gomez Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240
Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course
Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course boasts a total of 27 holes spread over a Northeast Albuquerque course that spans 6545 yards. The layout includes an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole course. Featuring large greens and rolling fairways, the course offers challenging water-hole obstacles in three locations, as well as numerous sand traps. In fact, Golf Digest Magazine rated Arroyo del Oso as one of the top 50 Municipal Golf Courses in the nation in 1981.
With a friendly staff to welcome golfers, the course is known for being a good walking course, providing the perfect environment for players to get in some quality exercise in the great outdoors. To keep things engaging, the last three holes are designed to be especially difficult, providing an exciting end to the round. Whether you’re looking to improve your golfing skills or just have some fun on the course, Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course offers obstacles and challenges that are sure to test your abilities, all in a beautiful and serene setting.
Location: 7001 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Conclusion
Golfers of all levels will find the 13 best golf courses in New Mexico a great way to explore scenic landscapes, improve their game, and collaborate with local communities. With everything from championship courses to picturesque public tracks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced player looking for a challenge, these courses provide an extraordinary setting in which to play. So turn off those playing apps and get out of the house – take advantage of our best golf courses in New Mexico list in 2023 to choose the most suitable course matching your needs.
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