Black Mesa and Paa-Ko Ridge
Northern New Mexico
For golf enthusiasts, these two exquisite high-altitude courses are reason enough to catch a flight to Albuquerque and spend some quality time with your clubs in the arid mountains of northern New Mexico. Add the rich cultural attractions, marvelous cuisine and atmospheric accommodations available in Albuquerque and Santa Fe and you have all the makings of an unforgettable Southwestern golfing vacation.
Consistently ranked among the top courses in all of New Mexico, the surprisingly affordable Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club (www.paakoridge.com) was unveiled in 2000 at site rising over 6,500 feet above sea level in the Sandia Mountains just northeast of Albuquerque. The 18-hole Ken Dye design (with nine additional holes currently under construction) generally follows the existing rugged terrain, with rolling fairways, challenging slopes and tiered greens that force you stay focused on your ground game. Staying focused isn't always easy, however, with so much spectacular high desert scenery surrounding you at every turn. Tee times are normally scheduled five days in advance, or you can book farther ahead by paying a $10 pre-booking fee.
The newer Black Mesa Golf Club (www.blackmesagolfclub.com) sits on tribal lands of the Santa Clara Pueblo just north of Santa Fe at an elevation of 5,400 feet. The 18-hole circuit, named the "best new affordable golf course in America" by Golf Digest when it opened in 2003, winds through dramatic sandstone ridges and more than 125 feet of elevation change, with natural arroyos and 105 bunkers as hazards. Tee times may be booked up to two weeks in advance, either online or by calling 505-747-8946.
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