The ninth green at Cree Meadows affords a breathtaking view of Sierra Blanca, as do most of the courses in the area.
Golfing Abounds in Lincoln County Area
Golfing in Ruidoso has grown into quite a popular outdoor activity for experts and novices alike. Typical spring weather in New Mexico usually means sun, rain, wind, sometimes even snow. All on the same day! Don’t think that keeps golfers from hitting the links.
Ruidoso is no exception when it comes to the weather grab bag that hits the state this time of year, and the golfing courses may be more brown than green right now, but golfers and pros alike are gearing up for the summer season.
“Golfing is huge in this area,” said K.C. Boyd, director of golf operations at the Links at Sierra Blanca. “When I first moved here, the quote was you could ski in the mornings and play golf in the afternoons. When the horse racing is in town, we get a bunch of Texans, but in the three years I’ve been here, I’ve seen golf numbers increase each year.”
Boyd reported the Links did almost 20,000 rounds in the summer last year, and expects similar numbers this season.
Built on the former site of the Ruidoso regional airport, the Links at Sierra Blanca enters its 25th year featuring a Scottish links style on the front nine and forest golfing on the back. “It’s really the best of two worlds,” Boyd said. “It has a little bit of something for everyone. For the advanced golfer it’s challenging because our greens are very fast. For the beginning golfer, it’s a course that doesn’t beat you up too bad.”
Cree Meadows is all about being easy on the golfer. The oldest course in Lincoln County, Cree has terrific views of Sierra Blanca and cozy fairways that butt right up to houses on the property. “It is pretty tight, so sometimes beginners have trouble banking it off the right house,” said Melissa Misquez, girls golf coach at Ruidoso High School. “But it’s enjoyable to play. Just like everyone around here, we’re starting to come around with grass. Everything’s dormant right now.”
A drive off the mountain to Desert Lakes in Alamogordo gives golfers a challenging course with views like this. Don’t get fooled by the size and length of the fairways, though. You might end up in one of many obstacles.
In an area where water is at a premium, having a golf course is a decided luxury, and every course has to watch its consumption to keep the fairways and greens, well, green. Boyd said that hasn’t been too much of a problem in the past. “The monsoon rains certainly help. When the water comes from the sky, it’s better than anything we can pump up from the ground,” Boyd said. “But we’ve been able to stay under our water rights and will continue to do so. We did have some moisture this winter, which helps a lot.”
Misquez said the way the course looks right now isn’t a factor at all for many players. “People just want to get out there and play,” Misquez said. “They’re not looking to experience a tournament style course, they just want to swing a club, get out and practice.”
There are several events throughout the summer at courses in the area, including the First Tee program at the Links. Boyd said the program, to be held June 11 this year, was a resounding success when it started last summer.
“We expected 10-12 kids, we had 30-40 kids,” Boyd said. “Scholarships are also available for that. We have the money and clubs for them, they can come out and learn the game of golf.”
Another big event is the Doug Bass Partnership in the summer, a two-man event played at The Links, Cree and the Inn of the Mountain Gods courses.
Public courses in the immediate area include:
The Links at Sierra Blanca – 18 holes, 6,757 yards, slope 105, rating 63.0 off the forward tees. (575)-258-5330.
Cree Meadows Golf Course – 18 holes, 5,766 yards, rating 66.5, slope 104. Part of Cree Meadows Country Club, also features a full service restaurant and lounge for refreshment when your round is through. (575)-257-5815.
Inn of the Mountain Gods – 18 holes, 6,834 yards, rating 70.2, slope 128. A truly challenging course, the Inn has hosted both the Buy.Com tour and the New Mexico Open pro tournaments in the past. Listed in the 25 golf courses in the U.S., this course on the Mescalero Apache reservation features views of Sierra Blanca, a bend around Mescalero Lake and the occasional stoppage of play for elk to wander through. Once golf is done, there’s always the buffet ad casino for players to try their luck at things other than golf. (575)-464-7444 or (575)-464-7945.
The Lodge at Cloudcroft – Nine holes, 4,774 yards. You need to stay at the Lodge to play this course, but it’s a small price to pay for a charming golfing experiences in the mountains. This course has the distinction of being the highest course in the nation at 9,200 feet. Those balls should fly! (575)-682-2098.
Desert Lakes – 18 holes, 6,544 yards. Just down the road in Alamogordo, This course has affordable green fees and is open all year long. (575)-437-0290.
—Todd Fuqua
