The Land of Enchantment more than lives up to its billing when it comes to golf.
A number of new, pristine layouts hold their own against some of the best Arizona and Nevada have to offer but with much cheaper greens fees. Even most of New Mexico's elite tracks offer resident fees in the $50 to $60 range.
But when it comes to true value, it's hard to beat the state's municipal courses. Less than $20 can land you 18 holes on most of New Mexico's top city courses.
"New Mexico might very well have the best municipal courses in the country," says Tom Kensler, a national golf writer from the Denver Post. "When you consider the quality of courses and the price, it's pretty hard to beat."
"The city courses are very underrated," says PGA Tour pro Notah Begay III. "This state has some great ones."
City courses are where Begay, a four-time PGA Tour winner, cut his teeth. The Albuquerque Academy graduate grew up on Albuquerque's West Side, pounding balls as a youth at Ladera Golf Course.
Ladera, one of the Duke City's three 18-hole municipals, receives the least acclaim. But with a recent renovation that included a new pro shop and banquet facility, the course is on its way back.
The state Legislature has aided the cause with an appropriation of around $150,000 for the course itself. The money is being used to re-seed the nine-hole executive course and to re-sod the 18-hole course.
"We're having a complete restoration on (holes) one, nine and 18," says Wright Zimmerly, Ladera head pro. "And we're doing spot restoration on the other holes."
An old favorite
While Ladera tries to rebuild, sister courses Arroyo del Oso and Los Altos continue to flourish -- the latter doing a major remodeling job of its own.
A first-rate new clubhouse/pro shop is scheduled to be completed by year's end at Los Altos, giving the decades-old track a rebirth.
"I don't have children, but I imagine it's like having a first child," Chris Moya, Los Altos director of golf, says of the project. "When they tear down the old building, I'm going to hand out bricks -- pieces of history that are 44 years old."
When the new digs go up, Moya might very well hand out cigars.
The new facility will complement an already popular, plush layout. A longtime favorite with senior golfers, Los Altos' tree-lined fairways can be a challenge to all level of players while always being immaculately manicured.
"Honestly, I'd compare our munies against any in the Southwest," says Moya, whose father, Eddie Moya, and uncle, Billy Moya, were Los Altos' head pros for decades. "The greens are always good and the city of Albuquerque always takes a lot of time and preparation. We host a lot of big events on our courses."
Particularly Arroyo, which has been ranked among the top 100 public courses in the country in previous years. Albuquerque's most popular course is well-manicured year-round, offering an exquisite layout that has captivated golfers since its opening in 1965.
The West's best
Stirring municipals, however, aren't exclusive to Albuquerque. In fact, one of the state's finest such courses belongs to Farmington.
Once chosen by readers of Golf Digest as the best golf value in America, Pinon Hills has remained one of New Mexico's top venues since opening in 1989.
Pinon is a perennial pick by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the top 100 public courses in the country.
The semi-desert terrain, pinon pines and incredible rock formations make it an unforgettable adventure.
Distances range from 5,522 yards to 7,249 on this Ken Dye design.
"It was built on remarkable canyon land," says head pro Ty Hamer. "There are a lot of different holes off the canyon that force a variety of shots. It really makes you think.
"The greens are one of the course's strongest points. They're very tough, with three different tiers on nearly every green. Sometimes it's a two- or three-iron difference, depending on the pin."
Pinon also offers a vast array of tee boxes -- "a crazy amount," says Hamer -- allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the round.
Enjoyment gets a further boost via the greens fees. For those living within 100 miles, the cost is $15 on weekdays and $18 on weekends with $10 carts. For those out of the 100-mile radius, it is $23 on weekdays and $28 on weekends.
Another great golf bargain lies in the western half of the state. In the shadow of 11,300-foot Mount Taylor is Grants' Coyote del Malpais.
With the championship tees at more than 7,000 feet, the course can be an irresistible challenge for the low handicap player. While the forward tees are nearly 2,000 feet closer, 16 lakes make it a shot-maker's delight.
North and south
The Capital City has its own municipal jewel in Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe. The true links-style course is built into the beautiful contours of the land.
Juniper and pinon trees and native grass separate the fairways, and the sides of the fairways are bowled to allow errant shots to work their way back into prime position. Unobstructed views of four mountain ranges surrounding one of America's most debonair cities make for a dazzling day.
In the southwest corner of the state, Silver City has a tantalizing course at 6,000 feet in the foothills of the Gila National Forest while the southeast has the very underrated Spring River in Roswell.
Spring River has made numerous improvements to its greens and tee boxes and "really is a first-class course," according to John Speary, executive director of the Sun Country PGA.
A little farther southeast, Hobbs' Ocotillo Park is another quality municipal in a city that has produced some of the state's finest high school players over the years.
Source: Albuquerque Journal (New Mexico)