Tennis & Golfing in Ruidoso
Golf and tennis may be enjoyed year around in Ruidoso. Drive a golf
ball higher and further than you usually do in the thinner air at
these high elevations. Even in the winter, unless a fresh snow storm
has come through, most courses are open for play. The community is
one of the few in the country where you may ski at the higher
elevations in the morning and then play 18 holes of golf in the
afternoon of the same day. Use caution in the summer months when the
clouds begin to rumble as lightning is a serious danger. Contact the
courses individually for tee times and fees as the rates change with
the time of day and year.
Tennis courts offer well maintained all weather surfaces. Play by
day or even after dark as they remain lighted for evening play. The
public courts in Ruidoso are available on a first come, first serve
basis at two different locations, by the swimming pool off Sudderth
Drive and adjacent to Hawthorn Suites off Mechem Drive.
MINIATURE GOLF: Play miniature golf at a classic course
alongside the Ruidoso River at Panorama Golf on Eagle Dr. in midtown
Ruidoso, or try the contemporary course at Funtrackers on the 700
block of Sudderth Dr., where also you can ride go-carts on 3
different tracks or play with water bumper-boats in their own pond.
Drive that white ball far into the thinner air around Ruidoso. This
beautiful mountain area features three public and two private golf
courses. The climate and topography of the area afford the
opportunity for year round golf. Unless a winter storm temporarily
blankets the town plan on golfing here throughout the year.
Public Tennis Courts:
Hawthorn Suites, 107 Sierra Blanca Drive, next to the Convention
Center) Info: 800-527-1133 or 505-258-5500
Ruidoso Public Tennis Court on 500 block of Sudderth, next to
Schoolhouse Park.: 505-257-5030
Public Golf Courses around Ruidoso:
The Links at Sierra Blanca – offers 18 holes covering 6757
yards only 2 miles from midtown. When you view the rolling terrain,
it will be hard to believe that this land was previously the local
airport with a long flat runway. This Scottish links type course was
designed by senior tour pro, Jim Colbert, and was rated the 7th best
course in New Mexico by Golf Digest. The rolling fairways are
surrounded by mounds and hummocks, where accuracy will be rewarded
and risky gambles can cost extra strokes. Contact the pro shop for
more information and tee times: (505)258-5330 or (800) 854-6571
Cree Meadows Golf Course – is a semi-private 18 hole course
with 5,766 yards that is open to the public and located just a mile
from downtown. This is the area’s oldest course with affordable,
playable, and immaculately groomed fairways. Cree Meadows offers
some of the best mountain views in the country. The tight fairways
and small greens call for accurate shot making and a strong putter.
A semi-private course, outside play is welcome. Reasonable green
fees and preferred tee times are available at Cree Meadows year
around. The tournament season begins in May.
Over one-hundred teams test their golf skills at Cree
Meadows. Experience breathtaking views of Sierra Blanca from the
full service restaurant and lounge which will make your golf
experience complete. Contact the golf shop for information at
505-257-5815.
Inn of the Mountain Gods – is a spectacular public 18 hole
course covering 6,834 yards at the completely rebuilt Inn of the
Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. The views are incredible with Lake
Mescalero adjacent and 12,003 foot Sierra Blanca Peak hovering from
above. This Ted Robinson design features an island fairway on the
10th hole and plenty of challenge throughout. When you finish your
round, it is just a short walk to several different watering holes
throughout the Inn or even try your luck at the casino. (505)
464-7444 or (505) 464-7745.
Private Courses around Ruidoso:
Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club – private 18 hole course for
members and their guests only. Tall ponderosas flank the fairways
and mountain views abound. (505) 336-4231
Kokopelli Golf Course – New in 1999, Kokopelli is an 18 hole
executive golf course located just a mile further east on the same
mesa as Alto Lakes Country Club. In order to try this course call
and ask about a one time trial golf experience for potential club
membersFees run about $125. (505) 336-7843 x28
Public Courses Not Far Away:
The Lodge at Cloudcroft – Find in Cloudcroft New Mexico's
highest golf course which at 9,200 feet boasts to be the second
highest in the world. It is just a 45 minute drive from Ruidoso
through the beautiful countryside of the Mescalero Apache
reservation to get there. Bring some extra balls as this 9-hole,
4,774 yard course is laid out among the pines and aspens with a lot
of turns. (505) 682-2098.
Carrizozo Municipal Golf Course – Drive west through Nogal
about 30 minutes to the all-season 9 hole course on the east side of
Carizozo. The rates are low and traffic is light, so you can really
relax and enjoy your game. This course is well maintained and it
offers a rare par 6 hole covering 603 yards. (505) 648-2451.
Desert Lakes Golf Course – Just an hour’s drive away to the
southwest is a great municipal 18 hole course in Alamogordo. The
green fees are very inexpensive at this public course. At the lower
elevations of the Tularosa Basin it is a sure thing for play
throughout the year. This course is tucked into the foothills of the
Sacramento Mountains that rise high on the east side. Enjoy a
spectacular sunset after a late afternoon round. (505)-437-0290
New Mexico Military Institute – To
the east in Roswell just over an hour’s drive away on Hwy. 70 is
this 18 hole public course located near Spring River. The terrain is
mostly flat and walkers are welcome with no pressure to hurry
through your game. The low green fees will make you smile.
(505)-622-6033
Ponderosa Pines Golf Course – Also in the Cloudcroft area,
actually nine miles southeast of town on Hwy. 130, is this gorgeous
mountain 9 hole course. Your hosts are PGA member Bill Gayso and his
wife Mary. They have changed the layout recently and it will
challenge your short game. The green fees are very reasonable.
Elevations are high, so your ball will fly a little longer here.
(505)-682-2995
Spring River Golf Course – Find another great 18 hole
municipal course in Roswell. It is beautifully maintained with well
manicured greens. There is generally steady play here, so it is a
good idea to call ahead for tee times. Lessons are available to
improve your game. (505)-622-9506
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