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GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Ronald Montesano on July 06, 2015, 05:10:49 PM

Title: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Ronald Montesano on July 06, 2015, 05:10:49 PM

I'm contemplating a stop at either of these places during an X-Country trip this fall. Does any of you denizens have experience with either Isleta or Sandia resorts in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Thank you in advance for your input.

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: astavrides on July 06, 2015, 09:52:31 PM

The Sandia course and resort are far superior, even though I'm not that crazy about the course. In the area, UNM and Paa-Ko and Twin Warriors are better, and Santa Ana is about equal to Sandia. PM me if you want to meet up or maybe tee it up.

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Steve_ Shaffer on July 06, 2015, 10:25:56 PM

The Sandia course wasn't open the last time I was in NM but I liked the Twin Warriors course at the nearby  Hyatt Regency Tamaya. I've also played Paa-Ko(the original 18) and UNM and both are also recommended.

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Jason Way on July 06, 2015, 11:50:03 PM

Agreed about PaaKo.  The course is on the better side of okay, but the piece of property it's on is gorgeous and worth the drive in and of itself. 


Also quite a bit of fun trying to pick the right club at altitude with the elevation changes.  Sheesh...

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Jason Topp on July 07, 2015, 12:27:50 AM

Sandia is worth playing.  I did not love the layout but thought it was solid.  The setting is fantastic.


I have not played the other course.

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Cort Sylvester on July 07, 2015, 09:54:50 PM

Was there last week for a few days.  I can't comment on either Isleta or Sandia, other than to say that a local I played the back nine at Twin Warriors with said nice things about Sandia. 


I liked Twin Warriors reasonably well.  It looked like the resort there was also fairly nice.  Also played Paa-Ko, and I was not thrilled.  It seemed very punitive--a fair amount of water, and lost ball territory just off the fairways. 

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Adam Clayman on July 07, 2015, 10:27:33 PM

The Snakehead's Ridge, behind the 16th green at Twin Warriors, is easily one of the top tier uniquely spiritual spots I've ever seen on an inland golf course.

I'll never forget Whitten's ridiculous criticism suggesting it be the closer.

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Pete_Pittock on July 08, 2015, 01:56:56 AM

I played Sandia in March and it seemed like both "roughs" steered the ball back to the fairway. Haven't played the other course.

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: Mark McKeever on July 08, 2015, 08:33:00 AM

The golf course at Sandia is pretty cool, with a lot of fun features and a great setting.  The hotel is very nice as well if you need lodging.


MM

Title: Re: Isleta or Sandia in Albuquerque?
Post by: JJShanley on July 08, 2015, 01:45:22 PM

I played UNM July 13 last year, while in the ABQ for a wedding.  It hosted a U.S. Amateur qualifier that day, but I thought it played fun rather than penal.  I'd go back.