As a self proclaimed local golf enthusiast, I have declared it my responsibility to seek out and uncover the world’s finest golfing locations in all of the golfing hot spots. Over the course of my travels, I have determined that New Mexico simply does not get enough golf attention. So when I had the opportunity to photograph the state’s highest ranked golf course, I boarded a plane immediately. Let’s take a deep dive into the wonders of Paako Ridge Golf Club.
Airport facts: Paako Ridge is located just 20 minutes from the Alburquerque Sunport.
This was especially fortunate for me because as soon as the wheels hit the ground the lighting was starting to get really good. I jumped in my rental car and sped out to PaaKo Ridge to get my first glimpse. My Jeep Wrangler and my DJI drone made it out to the course just in time to catch the last couple licks of New Mexico sunshine.
As soon as the golfer steps foot onto the property at Paako ridge, they are immediately greeted with a strong dose of New Mexico vibes. The native desert landscape gives the course a wild and remote feeling and you would have to look hard to find one of the few homes scattered around the property. Nestling right up to the edge of the Sandia Mountains and settling in at 7,000 feet above sea level, the scenery at Paako Ridge will dazzle even the most seasoned golfer.
The golf course itself was designed by Ken Dye and opened for play in 2000. Originally the course was designed to be 27 holes, but Ken only designed and built the first 18. In 2005, Paako Superintendent, Rob Murray, would add the additional 9 holes based on Ken’s original plans. The original 18 golf holes have won some serious awards over the years and are currently rated as the #1 golf course in New Mexico by both Golf Digest and Golfweek magazine. Holes 19-27 do have a slightly different vibe. They are not necessarily worse, just different.
The 19th hole at Paako Ridge is not a bar, but an actual golf hole.
The 13th hole provides a birdie opportunity for the precise player.
The 20th hole at Paako Ridge
Perhaps the most exciting part about Paako Ridge is not what exists today, but it is what is going to exist in the future. The wheels are in motion to create on site lodging and transform the golf course into a resort destination instead of just an amazing place to play golf.
When you couple these changes with a potential for course expansion, Paako Ridge has the power to join the ranks as one of America's greatest golf destinations.
As it stands today, the course is certainly “worth a visit” but a potential upgrade to “must visit” status is on the horizon.
Since I was able to explore the property for 4 days, I uncovered just about every single blade of grass at Paako Ridge. In order to save you some leg work, here are the top 4 spots on the property.
Spot #4: The 4th Green.
With an awe inspiring 112 yards of putting surface, the 4th green is roughly the size of an entire football field. There was a front pin on my first visit to the golf hole and I hit a wedge that was pin high. The next day, the pin was towards the back of the green and I hit a 4 iron just short of the hole. If there is a lengthier green in the United States, I have yet to find it.
Straight above #4
From behind the green on #4
4 iron one day, wedge the next
Spot #3: The Second Bunker in From The Left.
After going for the green in two on the reachable 5th hole, I found myself wide left of the green with an extremely difficult 60 yard bunker shot. Instead of going with my usual 120 yard bladed bunker shot into the woods, I decide to get nasty with this one. The strike was crisp and pure. The golf ball sailed especially high and it fell from the sky right down onto its intended target. The ball took one bounce, spun sideways and disappeared into the cup. It was an eagle 3. I would classify this moment as one of the top 10 golf shots of my golf career.
I was tucked up into the high part of the second bunker from the left when the shot happened.
The early morning view of the approach on #5
Spot #2: The Tee Box on 17
If it’s not the highest spot on the property, it certainly feels like it is. The 17th tee box is a magical spot that has the capacity to transcend the ordinary golfer into an almighty lord overlooking their mystical realm. A view backward reveals the water surrounded 15th and 16th greens and a look forward shows off the dramatically downhill 17th.
The 16th green with the 17th tee box on the top left
Looking down on the par 4 17th
The view back onto 15 from 17 tee box
Spot #1: The Triple Pin Tee
The tee box on the 22nd hole is without a doubt my favorite spot at Paako Ridge. There are 3 holes that are visible from 22nd tee box and each one of them is a sight to behold. When you combine them all into one view, you will need to hold onto your shorts. It is total sensory overload. After witnessing much of the American golf landscape, I can assure you that this viewpoint is truly exceptional, especially at sunset.
THE SPOT for sunsets at Paako Ridge is the tee on #22.
The downhill 22nd hole
The view from above the 24th hole
The par 5 23rd and the downhill par 3 24th hole
If you are interested in exploring these magical spots in person, your journey starts here. Perhaps you could even find some undiscovered hot spots.
This blog post concludes with a gratuitous and magical flyover. Please enjoy!