golfing - the santa fe new mexican

8/9/2019 Golfing - The Santa Fe New Mexican

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Golfing

2010 Northern New Mexico

The Santa Fe New Mexican www.santafenewmexican.com

Taos Country Club backon course for locals

Area programs reachingout to younger players


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2010 Golfing - 3


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4 - Golfing 2010

Call for tee times 505.955.4400 205 Caja del Rio off HWY 599 links desan tafe. com

Photoc

orriephoto.c

om

Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe

Santa Fes Golf Course of Choice

Offering 18 championship holes challenging all skill levels, an executive 9-hole executive

course for a quick game, friendly and knowledgeable staff, well-groomed fairways and

greens and a restaurant with snack bar. Open year-round, weather permitting.

A GRIPPING EXPERIENCE

Breathtaking. Challenging. Year-round Golf.


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JON LECHEL

The par 3 fourth hole at Towa Golf Resort, page 22.

JON LECHEL

The par 3 fourth hole at Twin Warriors, page 22.

FOR MORE ABOUT GOLFING IN NEW MEXICO, VISIT THE DOWNHILL LIE AT WWW.GOLFINGNM.COM

2010Northern NewMexico

6COVER STORY The Taos Country Club is once again underlocal control after the departure of the national golf-man-agement company, American Golf.

PAGE 8

Whats new around Northern New Mexico

PAGE 8

Looking out for deals around area courses

PAGE 11

Area programs reaching out to junior golfers

PAGE 24

Updated map to courses around New MexicoON THE WEB Get course reviews from

around New Mexico, interesting stories,updates on how your favorite course is

playing and hear what other golfers are

saying from The Downhill Lie at

WWW.GOLFINGNM.COM.

GolfingGolfing

COURTESY PHOTO

The par 5 13th hole at Black MesaGolf Club, page 14.

2010 Golfing - 5

ublished April 30, 2010

over design

on Lechel

ditor and publisher

obin Martin

Associate publisher

inny Sohn

Managing editor

ob Dean

DITORIAL

Magazine editor: Inez Russell

[email protected]

Magazine design: Jon Lechel

opy editing: Mike Cosgrove,

osemary Jackson, Kristie Jones

Writing and consulting:

an Vukelich

irector of photography:

lyde Mueller

ADVERTISING

dvertising director:

oe Vigil, 986-3007

Marketing and design department

Manager: David Del Mauroayout: Yolanda Valdez

esigners: Elspeth Hilbert, Scott

owler, Dale Deforest, Bill Jacobi,

nrique Figuerdo

ETAIL ADVERTISING SALES

Michael Brendel, 995-3825

ary Brouse, 995-3861

ristina Iverson, 995-3830

lex J. Martinez, 995-3837

an Montoya, 995-3838

enee Siers, 995-3841

rt Trujillo, 995-3824

ick Wiegers, 995-3840

avid Wilkinson, 995-3852

ONLINE ADVERTISING SALESm Keyes, 995-3819

YSTEMS

echnology director:

eff Norris

RODUCTION

perations director: Al Waldron

ssistant production director:

im Cramer

repress manager: Dan Gomez

ress manager: Larry Quintana

ackaging manager: Brian Schultz

WEB

Web editor: Henry M. Lopez

www.santafenewmexican.com

ADDRESS

ffice: 202 E. Marcy St.

ours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.,

Monday-Friday

dvertising information:

05-986-3082

elivery: 505-984-0363

r 1-800-873-3372

or copies of the magazine:

05-490-0316

Cover photo ofPueblo de CochitiGolf Course byThe New Mexican

The bar and


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BACK IN THE SADDLETaos Country Club gets back under local control

TAOS RATESMAY 1 TO OCT. 1

Monday-Thursday

Friday-Sunday: $72

Twilight: $38

Juniors: $16Carts: $15 per perso

AFTER OCT. 16

Monday-Thursday

Friday-Sunday: $4

Twilight: $28

Juniors: $16

Carts: $15 per perso

COURTESY PH

Handicap ranked as the second hardest, Hole 14 at the Taos Country Club plays 535 yards from the back tees.

By Dan Vukelich For The New Mexican

Taos Country Club is once again under localcontrol after the departure of the national golf-management company, American Golf.

Thats good news for Northern New Mexico

golfers, not only in terms of conditioning of theturf at Taos, but for the soul of the place itsfeng shui, if you will.

It is a Taos golf course for Taoseos onceagain.

If that sounds wacky, dont forget, Taos is well a different kind of place.

Taos is where secret meetings were held toplot the ouster of the Spanish from New Mexicoin 1680. Its where the New Buffalo Commune,granddaddy of hippie colonies, was organized in

the mid-1960s.And its where a local barista refused to serve

Donald Rumsfeld a cup of coffee a few years agoas a personal war protest.

We are a unique community up here, saidTad Bourg, general manager and head golf pro-

fessional at Taos Country Club.

What mightwork elsewhere for a corporate golf-manage-ment company might not work in Taos.

With his son, Carville, Bourg now runs the18-hole layout in Ranchos de Taos that he andseveral partners opened in 1992 as the center-piece of a real-estate development.

They resumed control when American Golfstenure ended in 2009.

Our whole mission statement is fun, fun, fun,Bourg said. And that means making it a personal

6 - Golfing 2010


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xperience and a personally enjoyablexperience.Part hippie, part surfer dude, partogamaster, Bourg is about as un-golfs a golf pro can get. Among his moretrait-lacedbrethren, hes known asTaos Tad.

Physically, he bears more resemblanceoanalumnus of the New Buffalo than toblazer-wearingmember of theProfes-ional GolfersAssociationof America.AlthoughPGArules require a member

o attend PGAmeetings wearing a sportsoat, nothing in the rules, inBourgs

mind, requires shoes. I wear sandalsverywhere,with slacks and with shorts,nd if I could get awayalways wearinghorts, too, I would, he said.He recalls a pro-am tournament

nSocorro a few yearsago. It was 110degrees ashe stepped up to the registra-

ion tablewearing slacks.Proor ama-

eur? the ladyasked me. I said, Pro.Who elsewould bewearing slacks inhis kindofweather? DanKoesters, director of golf atNew

Mexico State University, whometBourg2 years ago, saysBourg followshis ownmusic. Hes a 1960s hippie trapped in010,Koesters said.Every days a goodday for Tad, and

hemakes the best of it,Koesters said.

Hemay be a carefree spirit, but hesmeticulous inmakingTaosCountryClub one of the better golf coursesin the state. I bet heplayedeveryholeon that golf course 100 times, ondirt,long before a single blade of grass wasplanted.

Another fellow pro, RossNettles, headprofessional atMartySanchez Links deSantaFesaid, I wish I couldmeeteveryday head-on and asmellowasTadBourgdoes.Nowthat hes back running things at

Taos CountryClub, part of Bourgs jobinvolves reachingout to local playerswho cut their affiliationwith thecourseduring theAmericanGolf years.

This is nothing against AmericanGolf, but under their tenure, the golfcourse lost a little of that communityspirit, andnowwere seeing peoplecome

backwho had drifted away,Bourg said.Some are returning because of

improved course conditioningunderits superintendent,Mike Furgeson,whohad once worked atTaos CountryClubunder Bourg and has beenbrought backto upgradecourse conditions.Furgeson hadperviousexperience irri-

gating Taos CountryClubwith treatedeffluentwater, which is a tricky task.Whileeffluent irrigation reducespres-

sureon the aquifer, improperuse can killa golf course quickly through thebuild-upof salinity in the soil.

Weweregreen before itwas cool tobegreen, Bourg said. Weneed tobeaware of the planet andwhatweredoingto it.

Bourg is an iconoclast in other ways.Instead ofmowing greens with ridingmowers, he insists theybemowedbyhand to bring the course back to cham-pionshipcaliber,he said. Bourg is alsoordering all sand bunkers atTaosCoun-tryClub rebuilt.Uponhis return to operational control,

one of the first thingsBourg did wasannounce the rebirthof theTaosAma-teur Championship.Held each fall, the event that once

drew top players from across the South-west became dormant underAmerican

Golf.Heading into summer, Bourg ismar-

keting Taos CountryClub as an indoor-outdoorweddingvenue to take advan-tage of terrific viewsofMountWheelerat sunset.The bar and grill and patio now offer

extended hours, whichBourg hopeswillherald their return as a gathering placefor folks living south of town.

And, yes, sandals are welcome.

Our whole mis-sion statementis fun, fun, fun,says Tad Bourg,general managerand head golfprofessional.And that means

making it a per-sonal experienceand a personallyenjoyableexperience.

RICK ROMANCITO

2010 Golfing - 7


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COURTESY PHOTO

Taos Country Club, no longer run by American Golf, is under new management.

WHATS NEW?Taos isnt the only Northern New Mexico

golf spot with a few new wrinkles. Heres whatelse is happening in norteo golf.

Angel FireA new clubhouse opens May 21. The two-

story stone and stucco building encloses

27,000 square feet, including a restaurant, golfshop, lounge and indoor swimming pool. Theinterior features hand-hewn beams, vaultedceilings and a rock fireplace. Book one room atAngel Fire Resort and get a second room free.Guests in the promotion enjoy twilight rates atthe Angel Fire course during morning play.

Black MesaThe Santa Clara Hotel Casino, once known as

the Big Rock Casino, opened in January aboutfive minutes north of the golf course on U.S.84/285. The hotel has 106 rooms and 18 suitesand offers golf packages. Black Mesa continues

to reap accolades from the national golf media.The April issue ofGOLFmagazine declaredBlack Mesa the best golf course in the state.

Gene Torres NMHU Golf CourseThe clubhouse used to be a single cavernous

log cabin room. The space was subdivided tocreate a separate dining area, La Piedra Grill,and a new 900-square-foot golf shop. In mem-ory of the former director of golf, Steve Wat-son, who died unexpectedly last October, course

officials have built an 18-hole disc golf coursein the native areas of the real golf course.Holes vary from 40 to 163 yards in length. Cost:$4 for adults, $2 for juniors and students.

Marty Sanchez Links de Santa FeTrimming of low-hanging pion and juniper

branches in the non-turfed desert area contin-ues. Translation: Shots that miss the groomedareas wont necessarily lead to a lost-ball pen-alty. There is a fleet of new riding carts andnew maintenance equipment. A record93-day closure because of snow cover prom-ises great conditions at Marty in 2010, saidDirector of Golf Ross Nettles, but be fore-warned: We have a new superintendent whoplans on speeding up our greens, Nettles said.

Towa Golf ClubFor two days only, June 5-6, all three of

Towas nines will be open for play. The PionNine closes for extensive maintenance June 7,leaving the Valley Nine and the recently reno-

vated Boulder Nine available for play throughthe summer. Towa offers the Towa Card for$149, which offers three rounds free and grantsthe holder unlimited play for $49 a round.Every ninth round is free.

This is our year for reputation repair, wherewe can tell players at Towa they will see aquality product, said Linda Howell, Towasdirector of golf, the first woman to hold thatposition. Lots of snow helped Towa. You cantargue with a lot of winter moisture, she said.

LOOK OUT

FORDEALSThe funny thing

about the golf industryis no one likes to use

the word discountingbut if you read betweethe lines, there is plenof discounting goingon.

Returning this yearare player loyaltycards offering freerounds, plus continu-ing discounts and tee-time booking prioritythrough the year.

A good exampleis the Marty Sanchez

Links de Santa Fe Players Card, which costs$125 for the year.

Cardholders geta free round, a free

bucket of range balls;10 percent off food and

beverages in MartysBack Nine Grill; andpro shop discounts of15 percent to 25 percen

Most importantly,presenting the card casave up to $8.75 on18-hole weekend

rounds, with no limiton the cards uses.

New for 2010 areonline specials beingoffered by courses thahave gotten Internetsavvy. Like airlinesseeking to fill last-minute seats, courses areposting last-minute spcials on their Web siteMost notable is SantaAna Golf Club, whichupdates its online rate

almost daily.Also new are e-maiblasts offering last-minute tee times or golfand lunch or golf anddinner specials. If youe-mail inbox can handthe load, sign up forweekly e-mail updatesand save some money

8 - Golfing 2010


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2010 Golfing - 9


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10 - Golfing 2010


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GETTING ON THE BALLArea courses reaching out to younger players

By Dennis Latta

and Dan VukelichFor The New Mexican

Black MesaGolf ClubDirector of GolfTomVelardeelieves that kids who pickup golf early in life later turnnto dedicated golfers, so hetarts themyoung asearlys 7 yearsold.Velarde is one of the forcesehind the First Teeof Santae,which reaches into theantaFe Public Schools

during the school year thenmoves toBlackMesaandantaFe CountryClub oncechool lets out for the sum-mer.

Id say that 80percentfwhat wedo is outreach,Velarde said.Most golf courses in

NorthernNewMexicoofferummer golf programs foruniors, but BlackMesahasaken the lead in offeringuchprograms year-round,specially amongNativeAmericanchildren.His introductoryprogram

usesoversizedplastic clubsndballs slightly smaller thantennis ball to help new play-rs get the hangof the golfwing. We can do it indoorsr outdoors,Velarde said.During the school year,olf is introduced duringhysical-education classes.Once school lets out, a moretructured twice-a-weekrogrambegins. In addition

o basicgolf instruction andaps, water bottles andshirts,articipants also get a heavydose of thenational First Teerograms ninecore values integrity, sportsman-hip, honesty, responsibility,espect, perseverance, cour-esy, confidence and judg-ment.DanaLehner, communi-

cations officer for theSunCountry Section PGA, theprofessional association forgolf pros inNewMexico, saidthat aside from theobvious

giving kids a structuredactivity during summergetting them into golf offersmore long-term benefits.

In a world where wehave

a lot of kidson the couch,in frontof the TVor thePlaystation, if your goal is foryour child to beactiveandsocial, golf is one of the best

COURTESY PHOTO

Alexia Heist of El Paso, who was one of the top competitors during the 2009 Sun Country JuniorTour, follows through on her drive.

2010 Golfing - 11


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vehicles to do that, Lehnersaid.

Over the course of fouror five hours in the fresh airwith friends or new friends,Lehner said, your child will

be active, exercising andworking on his or her socialskills.

The Sun Country Sectionadministers a summer-longseries of junior tournamentsfor children, grouped by age.Children can enter as few ormany as they like.

This year, events are sched-uled at Quail Run CountryClub, Marty Sanchez Linksde Santa Fe, Santa Fe CountryClub and Los Alamos GolfCourse, all in late June.

The Rocky Mountain JuniorTour, by contrast, is a series of

competitions for elite juniorplayers held throughout theRocky Mountain region dur-ing the summer.

The tour is a showcase fortop-ranked teenagers seekingto catch the attention of col-lege golf coaches. Five eventswill be held in New Mexicoin 2010, including one atAngel Fire in late June.

More typical is the begin-ner summer program offered

by Santa Fe Country Club,

which is open to children ofall skill levels.

The balls and clubs areincluded if they need them,said Kirk Mackie, an assis-tant professional at SantaFe Country Club. As theirskill levels progress, Mackiemoves his flock of would-

be Tigers from the practicerange to the golf course toplay actual golf holes, he said.

Steve Moreno, head pro-fessional at Towa Golf Club,

runs the Pojoaque Boysand Girls Club junior golfprogram, which is open toanyone. We cover all aspectsfrom putting to the driver,and if there are kids who are

moving along, I plan to takesome of them out on thecourse to play some holes,Moreno said.

We start from the groundup, and if kids havent beenexposed to golf, thats OK

because we let them progressat their own pace, Morenosaid.

Our ultimate goal,especially with the 12- and13-year-olds who can physi-

cally master the golf swing, isto turn them into golfers whowill stick with the game intohigh school and make it a life-long sport.

Assistant golf professional

Tom Watts runs the summerprogram at Marty SanchezLinks de Santa Fe. The 5-year-old program comprises twofive-week sessions for kids 7to 16 years old on Mondaysand Wednesdays or Tuesdaysand Fridays.

It is a beginner programand we provide clubs ifneeded, Watts said.

Dennis Latta is a veteran

sports journalist and formerdirector of theNewMexicoSportsAuthority.

Dan Vukelich is editorofSun Country Golf, astatewide golfmagazine.

JUNIOR

PROGRAMSBlackMesaGolf Club

Phone: 747-8946

Director:TomVelarde

Schedule: Six to eight

two-week sessions

Times: Starting at 1 p.m

Ages: 5 to 8 years old,

9-11, 12-14, 15 and up

Cost: $60 for two weeks

thefirstteeofsantafe.org;

blackmesagolfclub.com

MartySanchezLinks deSanta Fe

Phone: 955-4400

Director:TomWatts

Schedule:Two five-wee

sessionsTimes: 11 a.m.-noon an

12:15-1:15 p.m.

Ages: 7-16

Cost: $82 for five weeks

www.linksdesantafe.com

PojoaqueBoys &Girls

ClubJunior Program

Phone: 819-2087

Director: Steve Moreno

Schedule: 10 weeks

Times: 10-11 a.m.

Cost: $10 per session

buffalothunderresort.co

SantaFeCountry Club

Phone: 471-0601

Director: Kirk Mackie

Schedule:Tuesdays and

Thursdays

Times: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m

Ages: 6-16

Cost: $30 per week

thefirstteeofsantafe.org;

santafecountryclub.com

SunCountryJuniorTo

Phone: 897-0864

Director:Theresa Sloan

Schedule:Weekly

Locations:Throughout

New Mexico and El Paso

Ages: 7-18

Cost: $35 for the

enrollment in the summ

series, $25 per event

suncountry.pga.com

COURTESY PHOTO

For children who dont have or cant afford golf clubs, mostjunior golf programs supply clubs for use in their summerprograms with many relying on donations.

The balls and clubs are included if they need them.KIRK MACKIE, ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL AT SANTA FE COUNTRY CLUB

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2010 Golfing - 13


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2010 GOLF COURSE LISTINGSPicturesque layouts highlight Northern New Mexicos courseANGELFIRE COUNTRYCLUB

ActingPGA headprofessional: Jon JaressLayout: 18 holes, mountainClassification:Resort, publicCity: Angel FirePhone: 575-377-6401 or1-800-633-7463Address: 100 Country ClubDrive, Angel Fire, N.M.Website:angelfireresort.comE-mail: [email protected] hours:Vary by season

and available daylight.Advance teetimes:Seven daysWalkingallowed:YesCredit cards accepted: Allmajor cardsCourse designer:Paul OrtizGrass:Greens, bentgrass;fairways, bluegrassDateopened: 1961Other services: Separateputting and pitching greens,practice sand bunker, drivingrange, instructionClubrental: 18 holes, $38;

nine holes, $22Foodavailability:Snackbar and on-course food andbeverage cartSignaturehole:No. 6. This par3 offers a dramatic 200-footdrop from tee to greenCourse opens: May 21-Oct. 1718-hole rates (includingrangeballs, golf cart) vary byseason(see below)Shoulder season:May 21-June 17, Sept. 7- Oct. 17

Shoulder, anyweekday:$65, $59 resort, includes cartIn-season, any day of theweek: June 18-Sept. 6Summerseason: $85, $77resortTwilight: $45 shoulderand $53Yardage, rating and slope:Blue: 6,660 yards 71.1 137White: 6,319 yards 69.6 133

Red: 5,390 yards 70.3 135

Gold: 5,208 yards, 65.1 124

Course tips:This challenging

course has water on 16 holes.

The course rewards accuracy

off the tee and accurate

approach shots to small greens.Mountainous: 8,100 feet above

sea level, tough to walk.

BLACKMESAGOLF CLUB

Director:TomVelarde

Assistant professional:

Heath Wade

Layout: 18 holes, desert links

Classification:Public, resort

City: Espaola

Phone: 505-747-8946

Address: 115 N.M. 399 (U.S.

84/285 toward Taos from Santa

Fe, then take N.M. 399 west.)

Website:

www.blackmesagolfclub.comE-mail: info@

blackmesagolfclub.com

Open: Daily, dawn to dusk,

weather permitting

Advancetee times: 14 days

Walkingallowed:Yes

Credit cards accepted:

All major credit cards

Course designer:Baxter Spann

Grass:Greens, bentgrass;

fairways, Kentucky bluegra

Year opened: 2003

Other services:Teeing are

target greens, instruction a

practice facility. Practice ra

all-grass driving range, free

practice chipping and putt

area

Clubrental:TaylorMade, $

set, includes golf tees

Foodavailability:Short-o

food, full bar

Signaturehole:No. 16

18-hole rates (cart includ

COURTESY P

The Angel Fire Country Club, which opened in 1961, boasts 16 holes surrounded by water.

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Weekends andholidays: $87Weekdays: $82

lack Mesa Golf Association members savebout $25 per round in return for $100nnual membershipYardage, rating andslope:Black: 7,300 yards 73.9 141Blue: 6,700 yards 70.5 136White: 6,300 yards 68.6130Green: 5,800 yards 71.2 125Gold: 5,200 yards 66.9 125Course tips:Bring your short game for this

olf course, rated as the Best New Courseo Open in the United States in 2003, andtill among Golf Digests top 100 publicourses in the United States. Be preparedor some wild putting.

GENETORRESNEWMEXICOHIGHLANDS

UNIVERSITYGOLFCOURSE

Generalmanager/directorof golf:David Kurtz

Clubhousemanager:Wayne UeckertLayout: Modified parkland/desert linksClassification:PublicCity: Las Vegas, N.M.Phone: 505-425-7711Address: Country Club Drive, Las Vegas,NM 87701: Mailing address: P.O. Box 9000,Las Vegas, N.M. 87701Web site:www.nmhu.eduOpen:March 1-Nov. 30, weatherpermitting

Advance tee times: 14 days, walk-inswelcomeWalkingallowed:YesCredit cards accepted: All majorcredit cardsCoursedesigner: Jeffrey BrauerGrass: greens, Bentgrass; fairways,Kentucky bluegrass; rough, fine fescueYear opened: 2008 (after redesign)Otherservices: Putting and pitchinggreens, driving range, club rental, pro shop,

instructionClubrental:TaylorMade, $30Foodavailability: La Piedra GrillSignature hole:No. 8; par 5, requiresan angled approach between two largemounds to the green.9-hole rates (cart not included)

Sevendaysaweek:$15Seniors (60andolder): $12Juniors (17andunder): $718-hole rate (cart not included)Sevendaysaweek:$25Seniors (60andolder): $20Juniors (17andunder): $12Twilight all days at applicable nine-holerateCart fees: 18 holes, $14 per person;nine holes/twilight: $8Yardage, rating and slope:

Men: Par 72 (play nine-hole course twice)Black: 7,080 yards 71.4 125Gold: 6,772 yards 70.2 122

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN ADAMS

hown here is Hole 8s green on the Gene Torres New Mexico Highlands University Golf Course, which is surrounded by tall,

ative grasses that line the fairways.

2010 Golfing - 15


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Blue: 6,380 yards 68.2 119

White: 6,036 yards 66.6 114

Women: Par 72

White: 6,036 yards 72.0 127

Red: 5,218 yards 67.2 121

Course tips:This links course

with tall, native grasses off thefairways places a premium onshot placement and drivingaccuracy and the ability toadapt to changing winds,especially in the spring.

LOS ALAMOS GOLFCOURSE

Headprofessional:Donnie Torres

Golf coursemanager:Steve Lickliss

Assistant professionals:

Michael Phillips, Kenny WalkerLayout: Mountain

Classification: Public

City: Los Alamos

Phone: 505-662-8139

Address: 4250 Diamond Drive

Website:www.losalamosgolfcourse.com

E-mail:[email protected]

Open: Daily, call for hoursof service

Advance tee times:One dayin advance for weekday times.

Tuesday, beginning at 7 p.m.before the weekend you wishto play

Walkingallowed:Yes

Creditcards accepted:Visa and MasterCard only

Coursedesigner:William Tucker

Grass: Greens, bentgrass;fairways, Kentucky bluegrass

Yearopened: 1947

Other services: Lessons foradults, junior groups andprivate. Tournaments andspecial events

Club rental: 18 holes, $26.25;nine holes, $19

Pull-cart rental: 18 holes, $6;9 holes, $3

Foodavailability: Full-servicesnack bar

Signature hole:No. 17

18-holeandnine-hole rates,(cart not included):

18 holes, weekdays (Monday-Thursday) $31.50 weekends:$33.50Nine holesweekdays $19;weekends: $20

Seniors rates: Mon.-Thurs.,10 a.m.-1 p.m. only18 holes:$34.50 (includescart), Nine holes: $20 (includescart)

18 holes:$24 (without cart),Nine holes: $14 (without cart)Children (under18):18 holesweekdays, $14.70, weekends,$15.75; Nine holes: $9.45 anydayCart fees:18 holes $14.75 perplayer; nine holes, $8.50 perplayerPracticerange: $7, $3.50, $1.75Yardage, rating and slope:

Mens gold:6,700 yards 71.2 124Blue: 6,500 yards 69.7 120

White: 5,500 yards 64.7 108Womens white: 5,500 yards69.0 123Red: 5,200 yards 67.1 120Course tips:This is not yourtypical mountain course.Theres lots of room. TheJemez Mountains and the ValleCaldera serve as backdrops.Small greens are hard to hit buteasy to one-putt. Like so muchabout Los Alamos, this golfcourse has remained a well-kept secret.

MARTYSANCHEZ

LINKSDESANTA FE

Headprofessional:Ross NettlesAssistant professionals:Tom WattsLayout: Championship 18,modified desert links; par-3nine-hole course, parkland.

Classification: PublicCity: Santa FePhone: 505-955-4400Address: 205 Caja del Rio (near N.M. 599 and Caja deRoad one mile north of Santa Fe Animal Shelter)Website:www.linksdesancomOpen: Daily, dawn to duskweather permittingAdvance tee times: seven

Walkingallowed:YesCreditcards accepted:Amajor cardsCoursedesigner:Baxter SpannGrass: Greens, bentgrass;fairways, bluegrass and fesYearopened: 1998Other services:Two puttiand pitching greens, practand sand bunker, driving

2010 GOLF COURSE LISTINGS

COURTESY P

Scenic Hole 13 at Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, a par 5 that seems to play longer than t550 yards from the back tees, is ranked as the sixth hardest on the course.

16 - Golfing 2010


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2010 Golfing - 17

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range, professional shop, instructionClubrental:Cobra, $20Foodavailability:Beer and wine bar, grilland on-course food cartSignaturehole:No. 18. When driving offthe tee, keep to the right of the fairway tohave a decent shot to water- and bunker-defended finishing hole18-hole rate (cartsnot included):Weekdays $32.75, weekends $35

PlayersClubcardholders:Weekdays

$24.25, weekends $26.25Nine-hole rate for theGreat 28par 3course:Weekdays $16, weekends $18.25Seniors (60andolder): $25.50 walking,$23 with cart weekdays (Mon.-Fri.);weekends $35.25 with cartJuniors: 18 holes, weekdays $12.75,weekends $14.75Cart fees: 18 holes $16; nine holes $9Yardage, rating and slope:

18-hole course:Gold: 7,415 yards 73.0 129Black: 6,735 yards 70.3 123Blue: 6,095 yards 67.5 117White: 5,540 yards 70.7 136Red: 5,045 yards 67.0 1269-hole course (not rated)Gold: 1,615 yardsBlack: 1,475 yardsBlue: 1,320 yards

White: 1,200 yardsRed: 1,030 yardsCourse tips:Santa Fes high elevationmakes for longer drives than at sealevel. Stick to the fairways. Greens aredeceptively subtle. No. 18 is one of thestates great finishing holes.

PAA-KORIDGEGOLF CLUB

Superintendent/generalmanager:Rob Murray

PGAprofessional:Bob BashamLayout: 27 holes, mountain, modifieddesert linksClassification:PublicCity: Sandia ParkPhone: 505-281-6000Address: 1 Clubhouse Drive, half a milwest of N.M. 14, nine miles north ofInterstate 40, 35 miles south of Santa FWeb site:www.paakoridge.com

E-mail:[email protected]:Daily, March 1-Nov. 30, dawn todusk, weather permittingAdvance tee times: One month inadvance (a month plus seven days for Ko lot owners). Further in advance, wit$10 pre-booking feeWalkingallowed:YesCredit cards accepted:Major credit cCoursedesigner:Ken DyeGrass:Greens, bentgrass; fairways,

COURTESY P

Hole 21 (the Wreckage) at Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club, is a par 4 that plays 448 yards from the black tees, the furthest back of the10 boxes to tee off.

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entucky bluegrass

Year opened: 2000

Other services: Puttingreens, driving range, chippingnd pitching green, practiceunker, instructions

Clubrental: Premium Cobra,40

oodavailability:Restaurantsnack bar, full bar) and on-ourse food cart.

ignature hole:No. 17. Drivebetween the two ponderosas

raming the fairway. Theresoom to the right for shorteritters to avoid the arroyo on

he left. The ideal line is towardhe right greenside bunker.he green slopes away whenpproached from the rightde. The left side offers theetter angle.

Greenfees (cartsandwarm-p rangeballs included)

8hole rate: Mon.-Thurs. $89;ri.-Sun., holidays, $114

Nine-hole rate:Mon.-Thurs.,40

eniors (60andolder):Mon.-Thurs., $59

wilight, after 2 p.m. everyay: $59

Children (17andunder):12; if with paying adult, onehild plays free an hour beforewilight with paying adult

Cart fees:18 holes $20, nineoles $10

ractice range perhalf-hour:8

Yardage, rating andslope:

Original 18 holes (built in 2000)

Black: 7,562 yards 75.2 137

Blue: 7,195 yards 73.1 134

Green: 6,707 yards 70.7 130

Brown: 6,210 yards 68.6 122

Gray: 5,702 yards 66.1 119

hird 9 holes (built in 2005)

Black: 3,842 yards

Blue: 3,708 yards

Green: 3,492 yards

Brown: 3,256 yards

Gray: 3,020 yards

Course tips:Driver is notlways the best option fromhe tee. The course doesntlay as long as the yardages

ndicate. Talk to the starterbout your tee choice. Playinghe right tees for your ability

will enhance your enjoymentof this scenic golf course, atrue New Mexico gem and oneof just 26 in the nation givena 5-star rating by Golf Digest.

The Zagat survey calls this golfcourse extraordinary.

PENDARIESGOLFCOURSE

Headprofessional:Larry WebbAssistant professional:Suzy VeylupekLayout: 18 holes, mountainClassification:Resort, publicCity: Rociada

Phone: 505-425-3561 or1-800-733-5267

Address: 1 Golf Drive, N.M.105, at the entrance toPendaries Village

Web site: www.pendaries.net

E-mail: [email protected]

Open: April 16-Oct. 15.

Advancetee times: Allseasons

Walkingallowed:YesCredit cards accepted:

All major credit cards

Coursedesigner:Don Burns

Grass: greens, bentgrass;fairways, Kentucky bluegrass

Year opened: 1972

Other services: Putting andpitching greens, driving range,club rental, professional shop,instruction

Clubrental: $15

Food availability:Restaurant,snack bar and full bar

Signature hole:No. 1;Requires a long approach shotto a tiny green.

18-hole rates (cart notincluded):Mon.-Thurs., $45;Fri.-Sun., $55

9-hole rates:Mon.-Thurs., $25;Fri.-Sun., $30; juniors, 17 andyounger, all day $10

Twilight rates (includingcart): Mon.-Thurs., $40,Fri.-Sun., $47

Cart fees:18 holes $15 perperson; 9 holes $8


Black: 6,550 yards 67.9 121

White: 5,810 yards 66.4 116

Red: 5,021 yards 67.1 121

Course tips:You must hitthe ball straight to have anychance for par. Dont get tooeager with your tee shots. Keep

the ball below the hole. Andenjoy the views.

PUEBLODE COCHITI

GOLFCOURSE

Director of golf: Jude Suina

Layout: 18 holes, modifieddesert, target-style

Classification:Public

City: Pueblo de Cochiti

Phone: 505-465-2239,465-2230

Address: 5200 CochitiHighway (From south, takeInterstate 25 north to Exit 259,go west on N.M. 22 and followsigns to course. From north,take I-25 south to Exit 264, gowest on N.M. 16, turn right onN.M. 22 and follow signs tocourse).

Web site: www.golfcochititoday.com

Open:Open year-round;

COURTESY PHOTO

Hole 6 is one of the scenic holes at Pendaries Golf Course.

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weather permitting, seven days a week

during summer.Advancetee times: 14 daysWalkingallowed:YesCredit cards accepted:Major cardsCourse designer:Robert Trent Jones Jr.Grass:Greens, Penncross bentgrass;fairways, Kentucky bluegrassYear opened: 1981Other services: Putting and pitchinggreen, practice and driving range,professional instructionClubrental:Nike, $35.Foodavailability:Restaurant, bar and grill,beverage cart.Signaturehole:No. 9, a panoramic uphilldogleg par 4.Green fees (cart included):NewMexico residents:Mon.-Thurs.,$52, Weekends, $67; Senior rates: $35(weekdays only)Out-of-state residents:Add $5 to greenfeesAnnualmemberships available: Call fordetails. Periodic specials: Call for details.

Practice range, driving range, short-game

practice area, putting green, tournamentservices


Gold: 6,817 yards 71.0 132

Blue: 6,413 yards 68.6 128

White: 5,841 yards 66.1 119

Red: 5,100 yards 68.3 113

Course tips:Players on this course willbenefit more from accuracy than length,and by being able to play on uneven lies.If you miss the turfed area youll probablyfind your ball among sand, cactus, pionand small boulders, but you likely wont

like the next shot.

SANTAANAGOLF CLUB

Headprofessional:Dave Brown

Director:Roger Martinez

Layout: 27 holes, modified desert links

Classification:Public

City: Santa Ana Pueblo

Phone: 505-867-9464

Address: 288 Prairie Star Road

Web site:www.santaanagolf.com

E-mail: [email protected]:Daily, sunrise to sunset, year-roclosed Thanksgiving and ChristmasAdvance tee times: Seven daysWalkingallowed:YesCredit cards accepted:Major credit cCoursedesigner:Ken KillianGrass:Greens, bentgrass; fairways,Kentucky bluegrassYear opened: 1991Otherservices:Two putting and pitchgreens, practice sand bunker, drivingrange, club rental, Professional shop,instructionsClubrental:TaylorMade, $35Foodavailability:Restaurant and snabar, grillSignature hole:Cheena, No. 6. Par 4, 3yards, dogleg over water against dramSandia Mountain backdropGreenfees (cart not included):18holes:Mon.-Thurs., $36; Fri.-Sun. anholidays, $46Nineholes:Mon.-Thurs. $21; Fri.-Sun.,

COURTESY P

The par 4 Hole 6, on the Cheena course at Santa Ana Golf Club, can be challenging at 375 yards, especially up around the green.

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olidays, $23

eniors:Mon.-Thurs., $29; Sat.-Sun., $39

Children,17 andunder: $20

Cart fees:18 holes $15

Yardage, rating andslope:Becauseanta Ana has 27 holes, offering threeine-hole combinations, the rating andope of the combinations varies. Yardages

ange from 4,936 yards to 7,298 yards.he rating and slope range from 67.3 and

18 to 74.1 and 135.Course tips:Accuracy is more importanthan length on this layout with lots ofative areas and some forced carries. Try totay below the hole on approach.

ANTA FECOUNTRYCLUB

Headprofessional/manager:David Nowell

Assistant professional:Kirk Mackie

Layout: 18 holes, mix of modified desertlinks and parkland

Classification:Semi-private

City: Santa Fe

Phone: 505-471-0601

Address: 4360 Country Club Road

Web site:www.santafecountryclub.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Open:Tuesday-Sunday, dawn to dusk,

weather permittingAdvance tee times: Seven days

Credit cards accepted:Major cards

Coursedesigner:Tom Bendalow

Grass:Greens, bentgrass; fairways,Kentucky bluegrass

Year opened: 1941

Otherservices:Driving range, short-gamepractice area, putting green

Foodavailability:Restaurant, snack bar

(summer), full bar for members, vendingmachines

Signature hole:No. 12. This par 3 calls fora mid- to long-iron uphill approach to awell-guarded, undulating green

Rates (cart not included)

18holes:Weekdays $33, twilight $20;weekends, $44, twilight $28

Nineholes:Weekdays, $17, weekends, $23

Seniors:Weekdays, $24, weekends, $34

Children: Junior rate $10Cart fees: 18 holes $16, nine holes $10

Practice range, driving range, short-gamepractice area, putting green

Yardage, rating and slope:

Gold : 7,113 yards 72.0 126

Blue: 6,832 yards 70.9 123

White: 6,321 yards 68.4 120

Black: 5,861 yards 66.4 114

Red: 5,498 yards 70.1 126

COURTESY PHOTO

Towa Golf Club has three nine-hole courses for your enjoyment; the Boulder 9, Pion 9 and Valley 9.

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Course tips:The courses openlayout and small greens makefor a challenging game. Keepto the fairways and avoid thetrees. Its a traditional-stylecourse with quick, smooth

greens.

TAOSCOUNTRYCLUB

Headprofessional:Tad Bourg

Generalmanager:Tad Bourg

Layout: 18 holes, modifieddesert links

Classification: Semi-private

City: Ranchos de Taos

Phone: 575-758-7300

Address: 54 Golf Course Drive,Ranchos de Taos

Website:www.

taoscountryclub.comOpen: Daily, dawn to dusk,weather permitting

Advancetee times: Up to twoweeks with credit card

Walkingallowed:Yes

Credit cards accepted:Visa, MasterCard, Discover,American Express

Course designer: Jep Willie

Grass:Greens, bentgrass;fairways, bluegrass and rye;rough, fescue

Course age:18 years

Other services: Puttingand pitching green, practicesand bunker, driving range,professional shop and PGAinstruction

Clubrental: $30

Foodavailability:Restaurant,snack shop, full bar, on-coursefood and beverage cart

Signaturehole:No. 8

Rates (cart not included):

18holesMay 1-Oct. 15:Weekedays (Mon.-Thurs.)$62; weekends (Fri.-Sun.) $72

18holes, fall season: $43,weekday; weekends (Fri.-Sun.)$48

Nineholes: vary by season,time of day

Cart fees:Weekdays andweekends $15 per person

Practice range, putting andpractice greens, practice sandbunker, driving range, PGA

instruction


Black: 7,302 yards 73.6 132Blue: 6,817 yards 71.4 131White: 6,123 yards 68.4 125Green: 5,343 yards 64.5 114Course tip:High elevation

adds nearly 10 percentdistance. Stay out of the knee-deep sage forest off the turfedareas and youll score.

TOWAGOLFRESORT

Golf director:Linda HowellHeadprofessional:Steve MorenoLayout: 27 holes, modifieddesert linksClassification:Public/Resort

City: Santa Fe

Phone: 505-455-9000;877-465-3489

Address: 40 Buffalo ThunderTrail, Santa Fe, about 12 milesnorth of the Plaza off U.S.85/284

Website:www.towagolf.comE-mail: [email protected]: Daily, dawn to dusk,weather permitting

Advancetee times: Sevendays. Call for tee time

Walkingallowed:Yes

Credit cards accepted:Majorcards

Course designer:Hale Irwinand William Phillips

Grass:Greens, bentgrass;fairways, Kentucky bluegrass

Course age:8 years

Other services:Driving rangeand short-game practice areas

Clubrental:Nike, $45

Foodavailability:Restaurant,full bar and on-coursebeverage cart

Signaturehole:No. 4. Keepyour ball dry on the states onlytrue island green.

Course tips:Try to keep yourfocus on thegame, not scenery.

Green fees:$79 weekdays, $84weekends

Seniors rates available(60andover): Mon.-Thurs.

Practice range, driving range,short game practice area


Boulder 9

Gold: 3,558 yards 36.6 141

Black: 3,297 yards 35.2 136

Blue: 3,088 yards 34.2 132White: 2,678 yards 32.5 11Red: 2,442 yards 34.4 124Pion 9Gold: 3,585 yards 36.5 131Black: 3,364 yards 35.3 12Blue: 3,126 yards 34.1 123

White: 2,849 yards 32.7 11Red: 2,423 yards 32.6 113Valley 9Gold: 3,377 yards 35.0 123Black: 3,157 yards 33.8 12Blue: 2,908 yards 32.7 117White: 2,714 yards 30.5 10Red: 2,319 yards 32.3 112

TWINWARRIORS GOLF C

Headprofessional:

Derek C. Gutierrez

Tournamentdirector:Zach HoefelAssistant: Ron UlibarriTeaching professional:Sandy LemonDirector of golf:Roger MartinezLayout: 18 holesClassification:Resort, pubCity: Santa Ana PuebloPhone: 505-771-6155Address: 1301 Tuyuna Tra

NEW MEXICAN FILE

High elevation will help shorter hitters at the Taos Country Club.

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anta Ana PuebloWeb site: www.mynewmexicogolf.com

-mail: [email protected]

Open: Hours vary throughout the year dueo seasonal changes. Contact the golf shopor current hours of operation.

Advancetee times: seven days

Walkingallowed:Yes

Credit cards accepted: All major cards

Coursedesigner:Gary Panks

Grass:Greens, dominant bent SR 1019nd SR 1020; fairways and tees, hybridluegrass; roughs, bluegrass/fescue mix

Year opened: 2001

Other services: Putting greens, drivingange, professional shop and instruction

Clubrental:TaylorMade or Nike, $50

oodavailability:Restaurant andeverage cart

ignature hole:No. 4, a par 3 behind aarge lake flanked on the left by a seriesf ponds and waterfalls. A single bunkerff to the right will corral many balls. An

maginative short game will come in handy.

Rates, include cart andrangeballs:New Mexico residents, weekdays(Mon.-Thurs.) $69

New Mexico resident, weekends,(Fri.-Sun.) $79

Twilight after 2 p.m. $39Practicerange:Daily practice facilitypass $25Yardage, rating and slope:

Tour: 7,736 yards 75.0 130Champ: 7,284 yards 73.0 134Back: 6,914 yards 71.5 131Resort: 6,131 yards 68.2 123Back: 6,131 yards 74.6 134 (Women)

Forward: 5,100 yards 71.3 126 (Women)

VALLEESCONDIDO

Head Professional/manager:Baxter LaymanceLayout: Nine holes, mountainClassification:Semi-privateNearest city:TaosPhone: 575-758-3475Address: Between Angel Fire and Taos on

U.S. 64Open:Daily, dawn to dusk, May-October.Course opens May 15

Walkingallowed:Yes

Credit cards accepted:Yes

Coursedesigner:Paulson

Grasses:Greens, bentgrass and poa annua;fairways, native grasses

Year opened: 1964

Otherservices:Driving net, putting green

Clubrental: $5 a day

Foodavailability:Snack bar, full bar

Signature hole:No. 8; this 276-yard par4 is a downhill shot into prevailing winds

requires accuracy.All-day rate (cart not included): $25;$10 for children under 12

Pull cart:$5, no motorized carts


White: 2,795 yards 65.2 104

Red: 2,329 yards 65.0 112

Course tips:Nice family-oriented golfcourse 12 miles east of the Taos Plaza

Note:The clubhouse opens in mid-May.

COURTESY PHOTO

Twin Warriors 16th hole has an up-and-down fairway that plays at 648 yards from the back tees. The large undulating green can beifficult when the pin is placed in the front or back.

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505.455.9000 | 800.HILTONS | BuffaloThunderResort .com

g a m i n g | h o t e l | f i n e d i n i n g | s p a | g o l f | n i g h t c l u b

A golfers dream. . .

The most exciting resort in New Mexico offers an incredible Hilton golf experience you

wont soon forget. Set against the breathtaking Santa Fe high mountain desert, the

lush course beckons. Designed by PGA le gend Hale Irwin and master architect

Bill Phillips, the Towa Golf Club at Buffalo Thunder is the place to play.

This is Santa Fes Playground - come play with us!

L o c a t e d 1 5 m i n u t e s n o r t h o f t h e S a n t a F e P l a z a o n H i g h w a y 8 4 / 2 8 5

golfing - the santa fe new mexican

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