Best Golf Course In New Mexico (2024 Tournaments List)
New Mexico is a golf enthusiast’s paradise, with over 100 public golf courses to choose from, each offering something unique. The courses are known for their desert-style layouts, stunning views, and tranquil surroundings.
The state’s excellent weather, with more than 300 sunny days a year, makes it a perfect destination for golf lovers. From desert courses with natural sandstone formations and deep arroyos to links courses with tree-lined fairways, there is a course for every skill level.
Nestled between majestic mountains, embraced by stunning turquoise waters and suspended on floating islands—our latest discovery unveils the 10 best golf courses in New Mexico, that offer good value for money and memorable golfing experience.
I. Top 10 golf courses in New Mexico
If you are in search of the best public golf course in New Mexico, here are our top 10 picks that provide public access:
1. Paako Ridge Golf Club
Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course, 20 miles northeast of Albuquerque in the beautiful Sandia Mountains, is America’s one of the best public golf courses.
This 27-hole championship course, created by award-winning architect Ken Dye, offers a unique golfing experience in one of the country’s most gorgeous surroundings.
The 242-meter par-3 8th is Paa-Ko Ridge’s signature hole. This challenging course is complemented by amenities such as a driving range, practice facility, and on-site dining.
This golf course offers lots of opportunities to make memories. The tree-lined fairways provide a rolling, tough course that will keep you on your toes.
- Website link: Paako Ridge Golf Club
- Location: Sandia Park, New Mexico
- Holes: 27-holes
- Ideal for: low or mid handicappers
- Tee options: 4
2. Sandia Golf Club
Sandia Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course located in Albuquerque, adjacent to the Sandia Resort. Designed by Scott Miller, the course offers stunning views of the Sandia Mountains and a challenging yet exciting round of golf for players of all skill levels.
One of the standout features of Sandia Golf Club is its signature hole – the 458-meter par 4 18th. This finishing hole plays downhill off the tee, with the left side of the fairway offering plenty of roll.
At over 7000 meters from the tips, Sandia Golf Club is the longest course in New Mexico. However, playing from the correct tees for your game can make it fun and enjoyable for all levels of players.
It’s the perfect destination for a day of golf in a beautiful setting, followed by a relaxing meal and drinks with friends or family.
- Website link: Sandia Golf Club
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Holes: 18 holes
- Ideal for: mid or high handicappers
- Tee options: 3
3. Twin Warriors Golf Club
Twin Warriors Golf Club is a championship golf course designed by Gary Panks, located in Santa Ana Pueblo, just north of Albuquerque.
It is known for its challenging shots and well-kept fairways and greens. It also has beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains. This 18-hole course has five signature par-3 holes that require skillful shots over water, dry washes, and wind.
The course is set up around antique cultural locations and is a prominent way to test your golf skills. With elevated tees and greens, large fairway bunkers, mounds, and trees, and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, a round of golf at this course is one to remember.
- Website link: Twin Warriors Golf Club
- Location: Bernalillo, New Mexico.
- Holes: 18 holes
- Ideal for: low or mid handicappers
- Tee options: 4
4. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort
The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort in Mescalero, New Mexico is a golfing paradise located in the scenic Sacramento Mountains. Designed by Ted Robinson, the 18-hole championship golf course offers stunning mountain views and a challenging layout that will put your golfing skills to the test.
One of the signature holes is the 324-meter par 4 10th, which features an island fairway and offers a risk-and-reward opportunity for the bold player.
The course is set among tall pine trees with the majestic Sierra Blanca Peak overlooking it, and it has double doglegs, tricky greens, and opportunities for strategizing. Regardless of skill level, golfers will enjoy the natural beauty and challenges of this course.
- Website link: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort
- Location: Mescalero, New Mexico
- Holes:18-holes
- Ideal for: low, mid, and high handicappers
- Tee options: 3
5. Piñon Hills
Pion Hills Golf Course is a championship course with 18 holes. It is in Farmington, New Mexico, and was designed by Ken Dye. The course is known as one of the best public golf courses in the country. It has a unique desert-style layout that works with the sandstone canyons, deep arroyos, and desert landscape of the area.
On the more than 7,000-yard course, players can hit their drives from five different tees, ranging from red to gold. The course has a fun and friendly vibe, and you can walk from green to green or take a cart. It is an affordable and enjoyable place to play a round of golf.
- Website link: Piñon Hills Golf Course
- Location: Farmington, New Mexico
- Holes:18-holes
- Ideal for: low, mid, and high handicappers
- Tee options: 5
6. Cochiti Golf Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The course features wide fairways, rolling hills, and well-placed bunkers that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
The signature hole is the picturesque 165-meter par 3 4th hole, where club selection is vital to hit the difficult green and take a 2-putt par. The course is located in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains and offers a great opportunity to “get away from the noise.”
Water is prominently featured on the course, adding excitement and challenge to the layout. Cochiti Golf Course is a good choice for golfers of all skill levels who are looking for a fun and challenging round of golf in a beautiful setting.
- Website link: Cochiti Golf Course
- Location: Cochiti Lake, New Mexico
- Holes:18-hole
- Ideal for: low, mid, and high handicappers
- Tee options: 3
7. University of New Mexico (Championship)
The University of New Mexico Golf Course in Albuquerque features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Red Lawrence. The course is renowned for its challenging layout and breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains.
The course’s signature hole is the 256-meter off-the-tips par 3 8th hole, which plays uphill to the green complex and requires skill to navigate the subtle breaks on the green. Hazards such as water, sand traps, sagebrush, and loose desert sand provide challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
- Website link: University of New Mexico (Championship)
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Holes:18-hole
- Ideal for: low and mid handicappers
- Tee options: 5
8. Red Hawk Golf Club
Red Hawk Golf Club’s desert-style layout offers breathtaking vistas of the Organ Mountains and is one of the state’s most demanding courses. Eight holes play around five tiny lakes on the gently sloping course.
From the first tee, the links-style course warns golfers of the difficulty ahead in this high desert setting. The open course lets the wind play 4–5 clubs longer. The 221-meter par-3 3rd hole is the hallmark hole, with a little run-up to the green on the right and water for the pushed shot.
- Website link: Red Hawk Golf Club
- Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Holes:18-hole
- Ideal for: low handicappers
- Tee options: 3
9. Black Mesa Golf Club
Designed by Baxter Spann, this golf course offers a challenging layout and stunning views of the high desert landscape. The course features natural sandstone formations and deep arroyos that add to its unique character.
The course is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the challenge of playing at Black Mesa Golf Club.
- Website link: Black Mesa Golf Club
- Location: Española, New Mexico
- Holes:18-hole
- Ideal for: low, mid, and high handicappers
- Tee options: 5
10. The Links at Sierra Blanca
The Links at Sierra Blanca is an 18-hole championship golf course located in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The course is designed by Jim Colbert and Jeff Brauer and offers stunning mountain views and a challenging layout.
The course is built on land that previously served as an airport, and its mounding is a distinctive feature. The course features tree-lined fairways and a creek that cuts across the back. The signature hole is the short 110-meter par 3 8th hole that requires a perfect tee shot over water to hit the green.
The course demands accuracy off the tee due to its doglegs and tall trees surrounding some green complexes. The green fairways are well-manicured, making the course a delight to play.
- Website link: The Links
- Location: Ruidoso, New Mexico
- Holes:18-hole
- Ideal for: mid to high handicappers
- Tee options: 3
II. Other best public and private golf courses in New Mexico
In addition to our top 10 picks, there are many other great courses located throughout the state. Here is a shortlist of some of the best public and private New Mexico golf courses:
1. Private courses:
- Rainmakers
- Las Campanas
- Four Hills
- Albuquerque CC
- Santa Fe Country Club (Semi-private)
2. Public courses:
- New Mexico State University Golf Club
- Sonoma Ranch
- Picacho Hills Country Club
- New Mexico Tech Golf Course
- Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club
- Rockwind Community Links
III. Upcoming Golf Tournaments In New Mexico
Golf enthusiasts in New Mexico have plenty of opportunities to test their skills at some of the best courses in the country.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner just starting out, plenty of upcoming New Mexico tournaments will provide a challenge and an enjoyable golf experience.
Here are some upcoming tournaments hosted at some of New Mexico’s top golf courses.
| Tournament name | Golf course | Tournament dates(2024) |
| Sun Country Spring Stroke Play Championship | Picacho Hills Country Club | April 6-7 |
| Sun Country Senior Four-Ball Championship (The Wimberly Cup) | Sierra del Rio | April 13-14 |
| NJCAA Men’s National Golf Championship | Rockwind community links | May 14-17 |
| Sun Country Four-Ball Championship | Santa Ana Golf Club | May 18-19 |
| New Mexico – West Texas Amateur Championship | Black Mesa Golf Club | June 10-12 |
| Sun Country Match Play Championship | New Mexico Tech Golf Course | Jul 12-14 |
| New Mexico – West Texas Women’s Amateur Championship | Santa Fe Country Club | Jul 19-21 |
| New Mexico Senior Open Championship | Black Mesa Golf Club | Aug 7-8 |
| New Mexico Open Championship | Rockwind Community Links | Sep 11-13 |
| New Mexico – West Texas Mid-Amateur Championship | Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club | Oct 11-12 |
Our take
Whether you are looking for a championship course or a more relaxed round of golf, New Mexico offers something for everyone. From the mountainous terrain to the desert landscape, you can find some unique golf courses in the state.
However, the green fee prices vary significantly from course to course, so contact the golf course before booking a tee time. So, on your next golf trip to New Mexico, be sure to check out one of these courses. You won’t be disappointed!
