Golf Course Reviews, as requested

[JEFF4i]

Paa-Ko:

Beautiful Course. Stunning really. But expensive. I am very disappointed that I have not golfed this course since I was 17 since the cost is around 80 dollars. However, if the money is of little object to you, I highly recommend this. It's set in the Sandia Mountains with elevation changes probably from 6,000-7,000 feet above sea level. It's a tough walk, especially due to the elevation, but it's also more fun to walk -to me anyway, but I used to walk it 4 to 5 times a week- riding a cart is fun too. The carts carry 2 waters in them and GPS, I think you can also order food from your cart, things like that. The food is great, some great mexican cuisine and some general foods. Even granola bars, gatorades, all that, for those of us who do that healthy thing. It's about a 1/2 hour to hour drive from Albuquerque.

The surrounding area is nice, you'll pass lots of places on the way to Paako. Great ribs place, some good mexican food places, all set in the mountain. Also, if it's anywhere from April to October, you should easily make it to the top of the crest, which is about a 1/2 hour drive, but sitting at 10,600 feet you can see all of Albuquerque, dine there, hike around a bit, and even see to the east, things like the Santa Fe mountains, and other small towns. If you have the time, visiting the crest if highly recommended.

Paako is open from April 1st to October 31st. www.paakoridge.com

Black Mesa:

I've yet to play this course, but I will before April 27th, as I have a free pass. I hear it's stunning, and very different if you've never been to New Mexico. Lots of tee selections, like Paako. Instead of big mountainous areas it offers a little more subtle difficulty and views. I've been to the course before, and everything is really nice. This course is pretty new, no older than 5 years I believe. Anyway, I will update a review on this course later on.

As far as travel to it, sort of out of the way. I'd say an hour and a half to get to it from Albuqueruqe, but if you are hear, it's worth the trip. On the way back you can stop in Santa Fe and check everything out. Some great tourist stuff in Santa Fe, as that is really it's target crowd now a days it seems. Also Santa Fe was ranked one of the top tourist travel spots in the United States. So I'm sure there is something.

http://site.blackmesagolfclub.com/

Piñon Hills:

Honestly, you can't beat this course. It's made by Ken Dye, the same as Paako, and is also stunning. Similar to Paako in it's play-style and setting, but different enough to be it's own course. So if you love the mountain setting and Dye's creations, this is one you can't miss. I love this course so much that after playing a tournament in Farmington, before heading back, I made a stop by here and played 18, just so I could. Also, the rates are unbelievable. For out of state it's like 36 dollars, but for me, it's only 19, which for the caliber of this course, is great.

The only draw back is it is a good drive from Albuquerque. Don't let this dissuade you though. About 3 hours drive, but there is a lot to be had. There are two courses in Farmington, the other one is fun as well. Also just a little further drive and you can get to Durango, an old town in Colorado. Durango is probably my favorite spot to visit, and this area is where my fiance and I are going to have our honeymoon. It's quiet, fun, and simple. Nothing like Vegas, with bright lights and that whole bit, it's just a pleasant and beautiful town. So if you have a couple days to spare, I'd say hit up Farmington and Durango. Also, if you're there for a general vacation, both offer great fishing and great hiking.

Open all year http://www.fmtn.org/city_government/...lf_course.html

[zaphod]

Thanks you for the reviews. Am thinking about flying in to Albaquerque renting car and staying somewhere by Black Mesa. Pinion hills and Black Mesa will be on menu maybe PaaKo if warm. Tried to do this trip two years ago with my son but got cold and snowed. Again I'll have to watch weather as I am not an avid skier. Wisconsin is cold and snowy but ski areas marginal.

I had Black Mesa as my screen saver for two years. The course looks stunning

Thanks again