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Albuquerque: Isleta Eagle Offers 27 HolesBy Diana Rowe Martinez, TravelGolf.com Senior Writer If you’re looking for wide open spaces, framed by rugged mountains with mile-high elevation and varied landscape, mixed with a golfer’s sun and endless blue sky, then have I got the golf destination for you. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are one of our country’s most unique golf locations, and Albuquerque is easy to get to as it is host to the only commercial airport in the state of New Mexico, Albuquerque International Sunport.Albuquerque is now a booming “big small town” of 600,000 and is making a name for itself in the golf industry, and it’s easy to see why. With its natural terrain, the creative imaginations of some of the world’s most renowned course designers come alive. The potential for carving out a masterpiece in golf courses is there and evident in the nearly 25 courses--public, private and military--located in the metro area. Whether you chose tranquil play at the city’s westside Paradise Hills Golf Course or the Tierra del Sol Golf Course thirty miles south of the city in Belen, or pick the rolling hills and undulating greens of the Championship Course at the University of New Mexico, you’ll find a challenging course to meet your needs near Albuquerque. One such place is The Isleta Eagle Golf Course, a 27-hole public golf course with three distinct nine-hole tracts. Isleta Eagle is perched on top of the Pueblo of Isleta’s vast high desert reservation just five minutes south of Albuquerque and the holes are centered about a pueblo-style clubhouse. Aptly named “eagle,” this course affords the golfer with panoramic views of the sweeping Rio Grande and surrounding rugged mountain ranges. The three Nines - Mesa, Lakes, and Arroyo - are designed around and named after their primary topographic feature offering a classic links/native desert style design. Designed on native grass, the Mesa Nine claims backdrop views of Mount Taylor and the Rio Grande. Most of Mesa holes are designed around and across native washes adding to the challenge of your round at Isleta. Hole 1 is a downhill tee shot that teases your senses with the view, but don’t be fooled. Your drive can be sucked into the bunkers in this downhill shot. The next eight holes deliver the same challenging play and continues to keep the golfer on her toes. The Lakes Nine plays down off the mesa slopes to two large lake complexes. Lakes Hole 1 begins with a par 5. Your best approach here is from right center of the fairway. The slope in front of the green makes your approach shot a necessary carry to the green. The Santa Fe rolling down the tracks could whistle its approach at Lakes No. 4 where water completely fronts the green in an intimidating 193 yard, par 3. Lakes No. 7 is downhill with plenty of room on this par 4, 432-yard hole, but getting to the green is only half the fun! Seven of the Lakes Nine holes are designed around the large contoured edge-shaped lakes, consistent with the philosophy of the course designers to build around the southwestern geography.
All nine-hole tracts are par 36, combined with any two give you at least 7,100 yards of play, and an 18-hole round is only $34/weekdays and $40/weekends and holidays. As usual, No. 19 awaits you to sample a well-deserved beverage or entrée at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant. The vistas from every hole at Isleta Eagle fill your eyes and your soul with Mother Nature’s beauty, found only in New Mexico. From the Rio Grande Bosque, to the peaks of the Sandia Mountains, you are surrounded by breathtaking nature as only New Mexico golf can offer at a price well worth the trip. After walking off the 18th green, or sampling the 19th hole’s amenities, Albuquerque has more to offer. Cultural events, unique shopping at the Plaza in Old Town, exquisite dining options, outdoor sightseeing and recreational opportunities are endless. The rich history and culture of this area is chronicled with old-time gunfights in historic Old Town, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and at the well-known Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and this only touches the surface of what this great area offers.
Make your first stop the historic Plaza. Many of the finest artisans congregate in Santa Fe at the well-known Plaza and your eyes will feast the wonders of New Mexico in the language of art as displayed in the numerous museums, shops and galleries here. Old Santa Fe Trail runs south of the Plaza, beginning at the notable La Fonda Hotel. Politicians, movie stars and royalty have gathered here since the hotel was rebuilt in 1922, although it traces its roots back to a small inn in 1607. Order a margarita at their La Fiesta Lounge, and sit back and enjoy live entertainment and dancing nightly. La Fonda is located on the southeast corner of the Plaza. Hotel Loretto presents another captivating view of New Mexico’s warmth and distinctive style and is also within walking distance of the Plaza. Ask about the “miraculous” staircase in the renowned Loretta Chapel and be prepared to be astounded. Vibrant textures, hand carved wood furnishings and authentic Native American art speak volumes of the rich history that surrounds Santa Fe and found at Hotel Loretto. Begin your evening out in Hotel Loretto’s cozy lounge, kicking back and listening to the soothing southwestern-style compositions as created and played by Ramon Bermudez, Jr. (www.ramonbermudez.com), as only Ramon can do. Nellie’s offers southwestern cuisine to die for in an elegant atmosphere guaranteed to chase all the working blues out of your system. For those like me that enjoy the pampering of a bed and breakfast, Dos Casas Viejas is the only place to stay. Unsurpassed New Mexico hospitality awaits you in these ten private casitas located behind adobe walls on an exquisite half-acre hideaway in the heart of Santa Fe. Innkeepers Susan and Michael Strijek welcome you to their southwestern haven and their casitas include private patios, kiva fireplaces, private baths, gourmet continental breakfast and free on-premises parking with all the amenities of a hotel. The best reason to stay at this B&B is that Michael is a golfer and will gladly share his area course favorites. Santa Fe offers a variety of play, starting with just a few miles south of historic Santa Fe at Quail Run, a challenging 9-hole course for those with limited time. For a challenging18-hole rounds, Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe offers spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia and Ortiz mountain ranges from its 7,415 yards of long, concave fairways with lightly undulating mid-sized greens. And you don’t want to leave Santa Fe without playing the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course north of town, Las Campanas.
Places to Play in AlbuquerqueIsleta Eagle Golf Course Paradise Hills Golf Course Tierra del Sol Golf Course Championship Course Places to Play in Santa FeLas Campanas Santa Fe Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe Quail Run Places to Stay in Santa FeDos Casas Viejas Historic La Fonda Hotel Hotel Loretto |
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