GOLF IN ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico

ABQ: Golf’s Best-Kept Secret

Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have ranked several golf courses in Albuquerque, New Mexico among the best in the country. Our forested mountains, lush river valleys and high desert plains combine to make central New Mexico a dream come true for golf course designers.

From desert links and parkland to mountain courses and Topgolf, Albuquerque offers arguably the most diverse golf experience available in one area. The destination’s high desert setting provides mile-high elevation, varied landscape, sunny days, low humidity and an endless blue sky for a perfect Albuquerque golf vacation.

If you haven’t played golf in the Albuquerque area, you have been missing out on one of the sport’s best-kept secrets. At our New Mexico golf courses and golf resorts, you'll play with rocky mountain peaks, slumbering volcanoes and the meandering Rio Grande as stunning backdrops. The area’s unique scenery combines with affordability to provide unbeatable cost-to-quality value, whether you’re a semi-pro or brand new to the sport.

Albuquerque Golf Course Highlights

Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club

Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club is a highly-rated course by Golf Digest. Paa-Ko Ridge sits on the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 7,000 feet. The club takes its name from nearby ruins which date from the 14th century.

Twin Warriors Golf Club

Next to the Hyatt Tamaya Resort and Spa on Santa Ana Pueblo, Twin Warriors Golf Club is also highly rated by Golf Digest. Twin Warriors offers a unique high-desert golfing experience to players of all skill levels. This classic New Mexico state golf course is carefully routed in and around ancient cultural sites, and provides a stunning view of the Sandia Mountains.

Santa Ana Golf Club

Also located on Santa Ana Pueblo, the 27-hole Santa Ana Golf Club features native grasses, subtle mounding and eight crystal- clear lakes in a peaceful setting along the Rio Grande, with majestic views in every direction.

Media Mentions

Golf's Ground Floor Rising - Golf Today

Albuquerque Golf Guide - Golf Pass

The Best Golf Courses in New Mexico - Golf Digest

Testimonials

“Anyone who loves golf could not fail to be thrilled by Paa-Ko Ridge. It has everything a golfer could want.” - Brian McCallenSenior Editor, GOLF Magazine

"Santa Ana is the best daily fee course in Albuquerque.” - Notah Begay, PGA Tour Player

"First of all, the ball goes a lot farther in Albuquerque because the city sits at 5,000 feet, so I get to watch my drives go a lot farther. Second of all, it's the only place in the world where you can get green chile on your hot dog at the turn!" - Four-time LPGA Tour winner and Albuquerque resident Dorth Delasin

"Anytime I go out to play, I know I'll be sharing my day with some beautiful weather, guaranteed sunshine and amazing views." - D.J. Brigman, PGA Tour Pro and Albuquerque resident

Sandia Golf Club

Sandia Golf Club, which opened in June 2005, lies on the northern edge of Albuquerque across the road from pastures occupied by a herd of bison. Sandia is a world-class golf experience offering a visually stunning and strategic 18-hole golf course.

Isleta Eagle Golf Course

Just south of Albuquerque, the Isleta Eagle Golf Course is set between the cottonwood-lined Rio Grande and the foot of a dormant volcano. The three nine-hole tracts incorporate the distinct high-desert topography of the area. Nearby is the Championship Golf Course at the University of New Mexico, an 18-hole course that offers a contrasting view of the Rio Grande Valley and downtown Albuquerque.

Topgolf

Topgolf is considered a sports entertainment complex featuring a high-tech golf game for players of any level. Unlike any other golf experience, Topgolf includes a variety of food and beverage items, climate-controlled hitting bays and music.

Golf in Albuquerque

How long is the golf season in Albuquerque?

Golf can be played year-round in Albuquerque! New Mexico has a glorious year-round climate that lends itself perfectly to playing golf. Weather is a key variable for a golf vacation, and Albuquerque has some of the most reliable weather conditions in the country, with 310 days of sunshine and an average annual high temperature of 70 degrees. Our prime golf season is April to October, which is one of the longest playing seasons among major golf destinations.

Differences in course elevation can affect temperatures and weather conditions, sometimes significantly. Summer highs in Albuquerque, at 5,500 feet in elevation, average near 90 degrees, with very low humidity and cool mornings that start out near 62 degrees. Mountain courses, including Paa-Ko Ridge on the east side of the Sandia Mountains, have a slightly cooler average high temperature of 84 degrees in June, July and August; mornings start out around 50 degrees.

The shoulder months are often outstanding as well, but can be less predictable. Still, with an average winter high near 50 degrees and frequent sunny blue skies, golfers are out on the courses almost every day during the winter off-season. Plus, in Albuquerque you can golf and ski all in the same day. Head up to Sandia Peak Ski Area for a morning of skiing or snowboarding and then spend the afternoon golfing.

Do I need to book a tee time in advance?

It is recommended that you book a tee time in advance. Contact the indivdual course to schedule a tee time.

How much does it cost to play a round of golf?

Unique scenery combines with affordability to provide unbeatable cost-to-quality value. Not only is the golf affordable, but Albuquerque is an inexpensive vacation destination overall. City-run courses are the most affordable. Contact the individual courses for the exact cost.

Where can I start planning a golf getaway to Albuquerque?

If you are craving an all-golf vacation, a great option is a customized golf tour. Local organizations Golf New Mexico and New Mexico Golf Destinations arrange custom golf packages featuring world-class golf courses nestled along a 100-mile stretch of the Rio Grande Valley. Plus, many hotels offer stay and play packages. Many local companies offer online tee time booking as well as special arrangements for group outings. You can book Albuquerque golf lessons with local experts as well if your game needs some work.