Albuquerque, New Mexico

[cary lichtenstein]

We're going back there this summer for 4 days with another couple, and we are just playing Black Mesa and Pa Ko Ridge, the quality of those 2 courses is so far above the others as we don't want to replay them

[Pat Brockwell]

Here is the spring golf forcast for Northern New Mexico- Wet winter bodes well for spring greenup! Conditions should be great this spring(unlike last year at this time).  March and the first week of April will offer the possibility of Ski and Tee days at Taos CC, Black Mesa, Cochiti and Paa Ko. Skiing is great at Taos and Santa Fe and even Sandia Peak should supply a chance for a great morning on the slopes with an afternoon round possible. The kicker is that both skiing and golf should be superb. If you believe that he who PLAYS with the most toys wins, get on out here.  Only one rule- Must be present to win.

[Andy Troeger]

Pat,
Good philosophy. If any GCA'ers would like to get together while out here send me an IM either for golf or food.

Not sure what would happen if I tried to ski though, I might have to learn first

Fast and firm has been in effect at pretty much every course I've played out here. One amazing thing I've noticed is that the wind either blows or it doesn't at all...there's not much of a gentle breeze  I think it was 20-30 mph yesterday and 25-40 today.

[Jim Colton]

Thanks to all for the insights in this thread.  Based mostly due to info here, my buddies and I have the following itinerary for our New Mexico trip this August:

Day One: Fly to ABQ, play Sandia
Day Two: 54+ at Twin Warriors (unlimited play)
Day Three: 36 at Black Mesa
Day Four: 36 at Paa-Ko
Day Five: UNM, fly to Chicago

Am I missing anything?

[Andy Troeger]

Jim,
You've got a good itinerary in there I think. Paa-Ko and Black Mesa are the best IMO, and then Twin is a good deal doing the unlimited play option (maybe not for just one round). Sandia and UNM should be doable with flying in and out. UNM is probably my 3rd favorite after Paa-Ko and BM.

One you're missing that I like is Cochiti, but its out a bit from town north of ABQ and west of Santa Fe. I'm not sure I'd worry about it though.

[Matt_Ward]

Jim C:

Only one word of advice -- don't tucker yourself out w 54+ at Twin Warriors and have little in the gas tank for 36+ at Black Mesa. Twin is a fine layout but be sure to be armed, ready and rested for a treat when you play Black Mesa -- a course like no other in the greater immediate area.

Enjoy indeed !!!

P.S. Be interested in your comments on when you play Paa-Ko and how you view the original 18 and the recently added new nine.

[Adam Clayman]

I'm in agreement that your itineray is solid. The last round at UNM south might seem like a bit of let down unless you are truly an architecture geek. Seeing Red Lawrence's second best will hoepfully leave you wanting to see his best, Desert Forest.

[Jim Colton]

Jim C:

Only one word of advice -- don't tucker yourself out w 54+ at Twin Warriors and have little in the gas tank for 36+ at Black Mesa. Twin is a fine layout but be sure to be armed, ready and rested for a treat when you play Black Mesa -- a course like no other in the greater immediate area.

Enjoy indeed !!!

P.S. Be interested in your comments on when you play Paa-Ko and how you view the original 18 and the recently added new nine.

That is a good point...I seriously doubt that we'll play more than 54 holes, but when the golf is unlimited it's hard for me to stop.  I walked 36-54-36 at Bandon last year and actually held up a lot better than I thought I would, so 54 in a cart shouldn't be too bad.

[Andy Troeger]

Adam,
Maybe that means I've finally arrived to the land of architecture geeks haha, I think UNM is a lot of fun...not always the best conditioned course in the area, but good layout.

Thinking about it I would second Matt's comment about playing too much at Twin. Sandia is the easiest of the courses you'll be playing I think, but the rest are pretty tough, and BM and Paa-Ko will be the highlights.