A recent report by GOLF’s Course Raters and Ran Morrissett, Architecture Editor identified Black Mesa as the top-ranked golf course in New Mexico. This ranking was part of GOLF’s rigorous ratings process to determine the best golf courses in every state. The report also included rankings for the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and the Top 100 Courses You Can Play. Golf enthusiasts can use GOLF’s new Course Finder tool to plan their future golf trips by filtering courses based on different criteria such as price, course type, and location.
New Mexico offers golfers a diverse range of courses to choose from, with three courses making it into the Top 100 list. Black Mesa, situated on the Santa Clara Pueblo just 30 minutes north of Santa Fe, is a must-visit destination for every golfer. Designed by Baxter Spann, the course features classic design elements such as blind tee shots, false fronts, central hazards, and greens that run from front to back. The par-5 16th hole, which cuts through a narrow canyon, offers a challenging and unique experience.
Other notable golf courses in New Mexico include Las Campanas – Sunset and Las Campanas – Sunrise in Santa Fe, Paako Ridge in Sandia Park, and Pinon Hills in Farmington. These courses offer golfers a variety of landscapes and challenges to enjoy. GOLF’s rankings are determined by a panel of over 100 expert raters who vote on various criteria to rank the courses. The panelists have extensive experience playing golf courses all over the world and have a keen eye for course architecture and design.
The ranking process involves assigning points to each course based on the panelists’ votes, with the courses then being ranked accordingly. The goal of the ranking process is to incorporate the diverse opinions and experiences of the panelists into a meaningful consensus ranking. GOLF’s rankings have been widely lauded for their accuracy and reliability, thanks to the expertise of the panelists involved. The panelists come from 15 different nations and have played thousands of courses around the world, giving them a deep understanding of golf course design and architecture.
For golfers looking to improve their performance on the greens, GOLF’s affiliate GolfLogix offers custom Green Books to help players navigate the complexities of different courses. These Green Books provide detailed information about each hole, including green slopes, distances, and hazards, to assist players in making more informed decisions during their rounds. Overall, New Mexico offers a rich golfing experience with a variety of top-ranked courses to choose from, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
