NM Golf July Trip to Sante Fe, Taos, & Red River? Any Suggestions?

[CROCN]

I have heard that Black Mesa is the place to play in that area, but are there any other courses in the area which my son and I can go to enjoy a few rounds of golf. We will be on vacation for 10 days so we want to play a variety of courses. Any suggestions will be much appreciated!!

[puttnforthe8]

There is far more than Black Mesa.

In Taos: Taos CC is outstanding. Plus it is a nice drive up to Pendaries in Angel Fire, which may be the best in NM.

Cochiti,, Marty Sanchez Links, you could try getting on Las Campanas(worst they can say is no).

Los Alamos golf is ok...just neat being up there.

Of Course Paako is a can't miss if you are willing to go around the mountain - actually not bad and a very cool drive going the back way from Santa Fe(you can stop in Madrid!).

Towa in Pojoaque has 3 9's and I personally like it, some people don't. It is Hale Irwin design. Not sure on condition these days...hopefully someone comments.

[Mikolar]

Great place to go and play.... Black Mesa is quite good. Pako Ridge may be better though....short drive south. And if you have a moment and like spicy food, try Sadie's in Albuquerque. Their use of green and red chilie's is unbelievable. Your stomach won't forgive you for days.

[burkbomber]

Love Black Mesa. Haven't played Towa in a year but nice layout, poor condition. If you are in that area you have to eat at Gabriel's. Taos CC is beautiful!

[ronstelten]

I have a golf school at Taos Country Club so of course I think its the best. Play it first and you may not go anywhere else.

Black Mesa is worth playing but the condition of the course was poor last fall. The Indian Tribe had a change in leadership and they don't seem as interested in golf now.

Pako is a treat to play.

Las Campanas is a very nice Nicklaus design but the club is private and you would need to know a member to play.

Twin Warriors is very nice. Green fees are expensive by NM standards.

I was a NM Lobo in collage and the University course is still a favorite. The little known University North course still has maybe 12 holes. Arnold Palmer won the NCAA Championship there in the "50s. Still great fun to play.

[CROCN]

Thanks for your comments, sounds like I have a more than a few choices!

[PinonMagnolia]

PaaKo is the best around. Best greens, least play, great high desert climate. You can stop by Costco and get a 100 dollar gift card for 80.

Black Mesa is definitely worth playing. I played it late summer last year and it was in good shape. Of course, if you hit it off the fairway, it is just barren land. Maybe people expect that to be more nicely maintained? The greens at Black Mesa tend to play slow, that is my only complaint with the course.

Taos CC is OK, nothing special. Kind of reminds me of a top tier muni. It is incredibly short and you're playing at 7,500 feet, so the ball will fly.

Cochiti is probably your next best bet. It can be hit or miss. A lot of people rave about it, but I've always thought it was just average.

Twin Warriors is great, always in nice shape, but as someone else said, pricier than most options.

I wouldn't waste your time with UNM, Towa and others.

[ronstelten]

[quote name='PinonMagnolia' timestamp='1398530177' post='9175647']
PaaKo is the best around. Best greens, least play, great high desert climate. You can stop by Costco and get a 100 dollar gift card for 80.

Black Mesa is definitely worth playing. I played it late summer last year and it was in good shape. Of course, if you hit it off the fairway, it is just barren land. Maybe people expect that to be more nicely maintained? The greens at Black Mesa tend to play slow, that is my only complaint with the course.

Taos CC is OK, nothing special. Kind of reminds me of a top tier muni. It is incredibly short and you're playing at 7,500 feet, so the ball will fly.

Cochiti is probably your next best bet. It can be hit or miss. A lot of people rave about it, but I've always thought it was just average.

Twin Warriors is great, always in nice shape, but as someone else said, pricier than most options.

I wouldn't waste your time with UNM, Towa and others.
[/quote]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion so I will grant you that but to say Taos CC is nothing special warrants further review especially when you are also of the opinion that Cochiti is second best and UNM is a waste of time.

You say Taos CC is short and yet good players use all 14 clubs. The rough has been the thickest and longest in New Mexico year after year demanding driving accuracy.

UNM is long, difficult, good condition most of the time, and historic.

Changing the subject,PinonMagnolia, do you play in the Pro-scratch at Inn of the Mountain Gods? I would like to play but have not put a team together. Talking and debating golf course design would be a bonus!

[PinonMagnolia]

[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1398540479' post='9176341']
[quote name='PinonMagnolia' timestamp='1398530177' post='9175647']
PaaKo is the best around. Best greens, least play, great high desert climate. You can stop by Costco and get a 100 dollar gift card for 80.

Black Mesa is definitely worth playing. I played it late summer last year and it was in good shape. Of course, if you hit it off the fairway, it is just barren land. Maybe people expect that to be more nicely maintained? The greens at Black Mesa tend to play slow, that is my only complaint with the course.

Taos CC is OK, nothing special. Kind of reminds me of a top tier muni. It is incredibly short and you're playing at 7,500 feet, so the ball will fly.

Cochiti is probably your next best bet. It can be hit or miss. A lot of people rave about it, but I've always thought it was just average.

Twin Warriors is great, always in nice shape, but as someone else said, pricier than most options.

I wouldn't waste your time with UNM, Towa and others.
[/quote]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion so I will grant you that but to say Taos CC is nothing special warrants further review especially when you are also of the opinion that Cochiti is second best and UNM is a waste of time.

You say Taos CC is short and yet good players use all 14 clubs. The rough has been the thickest and longest in New Mexico year after year demanding driving accuracy.

UNM is long, difficult, good condition most of the time, and historic.

Changing the subject,PinonMagnolia, do you play in the Pro-scratch at Inn of the Mountain Gods? I would like to play but have not put a team together. Talking and debating golf course design would be a bonus!
[/quote]

Sorry, was typing on my phone and didn't proof things.

I'd rate the Northern NM courses like this in terms of difficulty:

PaaKo
Twin
UNM
Black Mesa
Cochiti
Taos CC

In terms of what I'd prefer to play:

PaaKo
Twin
Black Mesa
Cochiti
Taos CC
UNM


I was trying to mention things that were closer to the Santa Fe and Taos side, which is why I mentioned Cochiti so high.

UNM is a fantastic layout and challenging, but I wouldn't send a visitor there. It is just gets too much play and the range is just so bad. I'd be pretty disappointed to play it if I were a visitor looking for a nice, fun round that I know you can have at PaaKo, Black Mesa, etc. You're either waiting or getting pushed at UNM, not really any in between and the course just gets beat down due to all of the play.

Taos CC is fine for what it is, but if it were in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, it wouldn't be rated nearly as high. I think it benefits from being pretty much the only game in town. The holes are pretty much straight, not much elevation change and the greens are relatively tame. I just think it needs a lot more challenge added to it. To your point, maybe the rough helps with that, as it didn't have much when I last played it (last December).

Unsure on the Pro-Scratch, just got my latest handicap and I'm trending up to 0.3, so I might not be eligible! I've got a lot of time to get it going in the right direction, so if things are going well, I'll probably play. Looks like they moved it to Isleta this year, so that is convenient, but not as much fun as Twin, PaaKo or UNM. With it being pro-scratch, you'd think they'd put us on the hardest course to make it a real test. I do think the format looks like fun.

[CROCN]

We are playing in early July, will all the winter kill have grown in by this time?

[Seattle_Maslow]

A bit of an old post, but since your trip isn't till July...

My wife is from Taos and ABQ so I'm down there at least twice a year. Like the OP, I'm a visitor and don't have a stake or particular ties to any course. That said, I think Pinion Magnolia has the order right.

Paako is just spectacular. The drive around the mountain is no big deal--I can make it from Rio Rancho in 40 minutes. Be prepared for very different temperatures. I've teed off in 45 degrees and finished in 90 degrees. I have had several rounds there where I haven't seen any other golfers. Playing on the back side of the mountain solo is incredible. Last summer I played 36 in 5 hours, so pace of play has never been an issue for me.

Twin Warriors is great and closest to where we stay, but it is indeed pricey. Last time I played they let me play a replay for free, so the folks in the clubhouse are cool in my book. The layout is challenging, but very fair and it's one of those courses where you'll use every club.

Black Mesa is very fun. Kind of like a poor man's Wolf Creek. The vibe is very laid back. I've shown up early there and there was no one around (once it was a bit annoying, as it was just minutes till my tee time and after a long drive it's nice to hit some balls). The conditions are fine in my book. The greens are kind of odd in that they have a soft and receptive top layer but roll relatively quickly. The rough and desert areas are not going to look green and lush like you might see in Scottsdale, so I can see why some people find it scruffy.

Cochiti is another low-key place. I really like this layout and the serenity of the place. There are some great views as well. It took me many rounds to master the greens here, some very strange breaks.

Towa I played once a few years ago and really liked. The first two holes were atrocious in terms of conditions, but it got much better after that.

Now, Taos CC is also a nice course. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the sage. Unlike many desert courses, if you hit it crooked here, you are screwed as there is no playing from the sage. For some reason, it ends up being one of the most expensive rounds I play when I visit, but considering it's the only game in town, it's worth playing at least once.

Part of this depends on where you are staying and how far you want to drive.

[pdaero]

I've taken the trip twice and LOVE Albuquerque and northern NM. Going next week with my dad, as well! Playing Paa Ko for the third time (and Cochiti as well - will report on that), and I've had some magical times there - last time, I eagled 15 (long downhill dogleg par 5). Can't wait to relax and enjoy!

[fore_life]

Can you take some pics of conchiti?

[sabram]

[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1397563877' post='9094795']

Black Mesa is worth playing but the condition of the course was poor last fall. The Indian Tribe had a change in leadership and they don't seem as interested in golf now.
[/quote]

I'm not sure that's a fair assessment. The course was in poor condition last year due to grub infestation and problems with the irrigation system. They worked on it diligently and I am not aware of anything to indicate that they are not interested in golf or caring for the course. I'll be there in two weeks and will report. I alos plan to visit Paa Ko and Taos CC.

Here's a video on the efforts that the super at Black Mesa was taking to address last year's issues: [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiicLCwzsOE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiicLCwzsOE[/url]

[ronstelten]

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1400887655' post='9356923']
[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1397563877' post='9094795']
Black Mesa is worth playing but the condition of the course was poor last fall. The Indian Tribe had a change in leadership and they don't seem as interested in golf now.
[/quote]

I'm not sure that's a fair assessment. The course was in poor condition last year due to grub infestation and problems with the irrigation system. They worked on it diligently and I am not aware of anything to indicate that they are not interested in golf or caring for the course. I'll be there in two weeks and will report. I alos plan to visit Paa Ko and Taos CC.

Here's a video on the efforts that the super at Black Mesa was taking to address last year's issues: [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiicLCwzsOE"]https://www.youtube....h?v=fiicLCwzsOE[/url]
[/quote]

Just arrived in Taos for the summer. Look me up when you're in Taos.

[farmer]

Pendaries is not by Angel Fire, it's over by Las Vegas. (NM) No golf at Red River, but if you want a pretty drive, you can go Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, back to Taos, in a big loop.

[sabram]

[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1401119066' post='9368641']
Just arrived in Taos for the summer. Look me up when you're in Taos.
[/quote]

Going to ABQ tomorrow, then Santa Fe. Will be in Taos the following Friday & Saturday (I think). I'm playing terribly and could use a lesson, but I'm too lazy so I just go out and play (poorly). Hope to stop by TCC.

[ronstelten]

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1401389046' post='9390687']
[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1401119066' post='9368641']
Just arrived in Taos for the summer. Look me up when you're in Taos.
[/quote]

Going to ABQ tomorrow, then Santa Fe. Will be in Taos the following Friday & Saturday (I think). I'm playing terribly and could use a lesson, but I'm too lazy so I just go out and play (poorly). Hope to stop by TCC.
[/quote]

I will be playing a tournament in Socorro, New Mexico next week.

The winter was not kind to Taos CC. More winter kill than I have ever seen. That said the weather forecast is good. Night time temps of about 50 degrees should make for happy grass that quickly fills in the bad spots.

[ronstelten]

[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1401389656' post='9390749']
[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1401389046' post='9390687']
[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1401119066' post='9368641']
Just arrived in Taos for the summer. Look me up when you're in Taos.
[/quote]

Going to ABQ tomorrow, then Santa Fe. Will be in Taos the following Friday & Saturday (I think). I'm playing terribly and could use a lesson, but I'm too lazy so I just go out and play (poorly). Hope to stop by TCC.
[/quote]

I will be playing a tournament in Socorro, New Mexico next week.

The winter was not kind to Taos CC. More winter kill than I have ever seen. That said the weather forecast is good. Night time temps of about 50 degrees should make for happy grass that quickly fills in the bad spots.
[/quote]

Change of plans. I will be in Taos next week. If your looking for a game, lets get together.

[CROCN]

School in TX is out so I am getting my swing in order to have a great trip to NM. Hope the winter kill grows in quickly, has the area received any measurable amount of rain? If some of you living in NM want to come over to TX to play, we have gotten some good rain here lately so the courses should be in great shape in the near future.

[Seattle_Maslow]

I'll be in ABQ/Taos from Aug 22-9/1 if anyone wants to play with a fellow WRXer. 8 hdcp.

[sabram]

Here's a link to photo tours of courses I played last week in NM.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/collections/72157644665989269/

 

 

Ron S - Sorry I missed you at Taos CC. We stopped by and the course looked great (not to mention the nearby homes.) Hope to meet up next year.

 

Black Mesa #16 from white tee- par 5 uphill r

 

Paa-Ko Ridge #12 from tee par 5 r

 

Towa - Pinion #6 view back from 7th tee r

 

Isleta - Lakes #1 from tee par 5 r

[CROCN]

Awesome pictures thanks!

[geochitown]

nice photos!

I visited the in-laws in santa fe in april and during a trip to the tent rockes i asked to stop by cochiti.
Just looked from the clubhouse, but it looked good to me

Looking forward to playing some golf in the area in the future!