Opinions on Albuquerque Public Courses

[madsquopper]

In Albuquerque early November and will have time for an 18 hole round of golf, but will need to rent clubs (also a pushcart). There appear to be 4 public courses near where I'll be - Los Altos, Arroyo del Oso, Puerto del Sol, and Ladera. High handicapper (21) and am looking for something suited to my playing level. Yeah, rental clubs may be a challenge but I'll still enjoy being outdoors for the day no matter what I shoot. Recommendations on which course might be best. Thanks.

[FlyingAce]

What day of the week do you plan to play? I have never played Puerto or Ladera. I like Arroyo over Los Altos. Los Altos is flat, right by the freeway. Arroyo is in better condition and a little more challenging, in a good way.

Are you sure you want to walk? Most of my visitors get high altitude sickness the first few days.

Edited October 2, 2019 by FlyingAce

[HJJ003]

I hear the course at UNM is pretty good. Paa-ko-ridge is ranked high, but I hear its overrated and quite difficult for high cappers. 

[FlyingAce]

I love playing Paako and it is challenging, but I am not paying $200/rd (no twilight). Twin Warrior is my 2nd pick, followed by Sandia. 

[madsquopper]

Probably play on a Friday. Last time we were in Albuquerque we did some hiking and I didn't notice any altitude problems, so I figure golf should be fine. 

[FlyingAce]

The last time I played Los Altos, I had to show up the day of to get a tee time. Arroyo  will give you a tee time over the phone a few days in advance.

If you can play on a Wednesday, I can bring a guest to Tanoan - complimentary green fees. You’d just pay for rental and cart, or I have a pushcart you can use. 

[madsquopper]

FlyingAce, really appreciate the offer but we're only there Thurs-Mon for the Albuquerque Tango Festival. Spouse does tango seriously, me not very much so I'm free all daytime when she's taking classes.

[FlyingAce]

I can still bring guests to Tanoan any other days (my pass only works on Wednesdays). I am not sure what the green fees are but I can find out if you are interested, just let me know!

[NM Golf]

On 10/2/2019 at 1:11 PM, madsquopper said:

In Albuquerque early November and will have time for an 18 hole round of golf, but will need to rent clubs (also a pushcart). There appear to be 4 public courses near where I'll be - Los Altos, Arroyo del Oso, Puerto del Sol, and Ladera. High handicapper (21) and am looking for something suited to my playing level. Yeah, rental clubs may be a challenge but I'll still enjoy being outdoors for the day no matter what I shoot. Recommendations on which course might be best. Thanks.

The best of the municipal courses (by far) is Arroyo Del Oso, its very walkable. They don't take tee times during the week, its first come first serve, but they will be able to get you on as a single. There are other public courses that are nice as well, If you want to walk I would suggest Santa Ana https://www.mynewmexicogolf.com/santaana/. They are a 27 hole facility thats not overly expensive, in nice shape, and very walkable. Its a bit farther away but not that bad. Someone suggested Sandia and Twin Warriors, but both are nearly impossible to walk or don't allow it. 

On 10/2/2019 at 3:03 PM, madsquopper said:

FlyingAce, really appreciate the offer but we're only there Thurs-Mon for the Albuquerque Tango Festival. Spouse does tango seriously, me not very much so I'm free all daytime when she's taking classes.

I work at Arroyo Del Oso on Sundays if you get by say hello. Ask for Danny

[Patch]

I use to drive through that area on my way to Texas several times a year. Never stopped, or golfed in Albuquerque. 

I usually stayed the night in Grants, and played a couple of rounds there. I only mention the Grants area as it would be a good, short, golf road trip west of Albuquerque, just off I-40, on the north side.  

Nice course in Grants, with decent green fees, but depending on the time of year, rattlesnakes could be a problem. Lost balls in the brush........stayed lost. Warning signage on every hole.