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Steve_ Shaffer

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Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« on: November 15, 2021, 06:34:45 PM »
Once the darling of Golf Club Atlas, the PGA Pro & Head Pro Tom Velarde led the renaissance after a monsoon essentially ruined the course in 2014:



The New Mexico course opened to superlatives in 2003, but nearly succumbed to and suffered from the effects of a monsoon 11 years later. Today, the Baxter Spann design is enjoying its renaissance.


https://www.si.com/golf/news/how-black-mesa-wrote-its-comeback-story
« Last Edit: November 15, 2021, 07:22:51 PM by Steve_ Shaffer »
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Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2021, 06:54:00 PM »
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"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Michael Whitaker

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2021, 07:23:46 PM »
I'm so glad to hear that the course is on the way back. This was the site of my first GCA.com gathering... it's where I met Bill McBride. It was glorious. I hope I can get back there some day.


Also, glad to here that they are trying to get their grill reopened. I had my first ever breakfast burrito there... with green sauce... because I didn't know better. Loved every bite, until about 20 minutes later. Ouch!
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Michael Whitaker

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2021, 07:27:23 PM »
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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Michael Whitaker

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2021, 07:28:48 PM »
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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Steve Lang

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2021, 08:05:26 PM »
 8)  Mike,


Were there any pics from dinner at the Pink Adobe??


Regards,
S&S
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Michael Whitaker

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2021, 08:16:43 PM »
Steve,


I have these photos from The Shed:  https://goo.gl/photos/SzPdUziV3cDaEF4G9

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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Michael Whitaker

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2021, 08:18:23 PM »
Quote from: Michael Whitaker on November 15, 2021, 08:16:43 PM
Steve,


I have these photos from The Shed:  https://goo.gl/photos/SzPdUziV3cDaEF4G9
It's amazing how none of us have changed a bit in 18 years!
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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Jason Hines

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2021, 09:11:15 PM »
Michael -


Would you mind photo shopping that stupid go-tee off my face in the photo above please?  Fun trip - if memory serves we did Twin Warriors and PaaKo Ridge did we not?


I made it back to Black Mesa in 2015 - played first thing on a Friday morning and condition was not what it used to be, however the most disturbing memory I had was that I don’t think I saw more than 5 people all day.  Glad to hear things are looking up.   Pure fun and what a first tee ball aiming at a flag on top of a ridge.


Jason
« Last Edit: November 15, 2021, 09:18:49 PM by Jason Hines »
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Michael Whitaker

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2021, 09:39:12 PM »
Quote from: Jason Hines on November 15, 2021, 09:11:15 PM
Fun trip - if memory serves we did Twin Warriors and PaaKo Ridge did we not?
Yep… Twin Warriors, PaaKo Ridge and Pinion Hills.
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"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Jason Topp

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #10 on: November 16, 2021, 10:33:46 AM »

From the article in the original post:[/size]



"After the water issues were resolved, another significant change took place in 2016 when 130 of the original 157 bunkers were removed from the course."[/color]
[/size][/color]
[/size]I would be interested to see if the design suffers from that change.  It might be better.[/color]
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Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #11 on: November 16, 2021, 10:53:35 AM »
I played Black Mesa in early April, 2004 with  my group of golf nuts from Philly and Chicago. We had a great time playing golf...until the snow arrived somewhere on the back 9. There was no consensus about the course... some liked it and had fun and others did not. I'm glad the renovation has brought Black Mesa back into discussion. A golf trip to New Mexico should now include Black Mesa again along withTwin Warriors, PaaKo Ridge,Sandia and Univrsity of New Mexico Champions Course ( Red Lawrence)


The big complaint among the group was " too many bunkers." Now , it appears that the elimination of 130 bunkers has improved pace of play and present a much  better looking course as evidnced by the picture in the article.


In 2016, nearly 83 percent of the course' bunkers were removed in favor of grass hollows that have improved the pace of play.


« Last Edit: November 16, 2021, 11:38:59 AM by Steve_ Shaffer »
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"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Craig Van Egmond

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #12 on: November 16, 2021, 02:25:28 PM »



That was such a great trip.  Back when I wore a younger man's clothes.
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Steve Lang

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #13 on: November 16, 2021, 10:46:43 PM »
Quote from: Michael Whitaker on November 15, 2021, 08:18:23 PM
Quote from: Michael Whitaker on November 15, 2021, 08:16:43 PM
Steve,


I have these photos from The Shed:  https://goo.gl/photos/SzPdUziV3cDaEF4G9
It's amazing how none of us have changed a bit in 18 years!


Thanks Mike,
Land of Enchantment Indeed... we went back once and saw things after the flood, there were dandelions all over the place, but good bones are good bones!  We will definitely return.


Had been looking forward to a second 18 out back...


ps Also happy to report I've shrunk considerably since we last saw you at Streamsong Dixie Cup... so some change is good!
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Mike Nuzzo

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2021, 11:09:46 AM »
Quote from: Michael Whitaker on November 15, 2021, 09:39:12 PM
Quote from: Jason Hines on November 15, 2021, 09:11:15 PM
Fun trip - if memory serves we did Twin Warriors and PaaKo Ridge did we not?
Yep… Twin Warriors, PaaKo Ridge and Pinion Hills.


We also played in a 7some or so on Baxter's nine at Riverview - near Pinon.
Love the pictures.
I still do have the trophy prominently featured in my office!
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Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #15 on: November 21, 2021, 12:19:58 PM »
More on New Mexico golf including a mention about Andy Staples course in Hobbs-Rockwind Community Links

https://www.rockwindgolfcourse.com/






 https://www.linksmagazine.com/the-best-new-mexico-golf
« Last Edit: November 21, 2021, 12:40:25 PM by Steve_ Shaffer »
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"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

V_Halyard

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Re: Black Mesa GC ( 2003. Baxter Spann) in Espanola, NM
« Reply #16 on: November 22, 2021, 06:35:02 PM »
This looks tasty.
Seems like removing bunkers would barely be felt with all of the desert/Scrub/Waste.


Jim Franklin is this on Andy Rota?

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