Ruidoso golf courses are a big draw when visiting the mountains of Southern New Mexico. You can enjoy your favorite sport while taking in the clean, clear mountain air and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Fortunately, there are eight golf courses in Ruidoso and the surrounding area. Some on this list are private courses, but you may meet a member who invites you along to play, or you may be enticed to join . . . or even buy a house in a Ruidoso golf course community!
See home listings in beautiful Ruidoso here!
Golfers accustomed to playing the rather flat layouts prevalent in El Paso and much of Southern New Mexico will find the Ruidoso golf courses a refreshing break from the norm. While you line up your shots, you may be distracted by the awe-inspiring views of surrounding mountaintops, such as Sierra Blanca, verdant fairways, and native wildlife.
Because Ruidoso lies at an average altitude of 6,900 feet, winter may bring snow. But overall, you can enjoy Ruidoso golf courses all year round, through the four seasons. The average snowfall and the average low temperature both hover in the thirties. Due to the altitude, the summer temperatures are lower than the surrounding desert, making summer play more enjoyable.
If you enjoy playing golf, you might think of moving to Ruidoso. You can explore some home listings here.
EXPLORE RUIDOSO GOLF COURSES
Be sure to allow yourself to acclimate to the altitude and drink plenty of water while you hit the links! If you discover you’d enjoy living in Ruidoso full- or part-time, explore home listings here. You may find your dream country club home at one of the Ruidoso Golf Courses!
Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club
This exclusive club offers two 18-hole championship courses to its members: Alto Lakes and its sister course, The Outlaw at Alto Lakes, situated in the upscale Alto Golf Estates. These Ruidoso Golf courses were crafted by renowned architects Milton Coggins, Pete Dye, and Robert Trent Jones, with Alto opening its fairways in 1968 and The Outlaw following in 2008, designed by John LaFoy. If you befriend a member, you can savor a day of golf in the picturesque Alto setting.
Alto Lakes: One Country Club Drive, Alto; 575-336-4231
The Outlaw: 190 Lincoln Hills Dr. Alto; 800-841-0168
Cree Meadows Public Golf Course, Ruidoso
Cree Meadows stands as an eye-catching golf course in Ruidoso, featuring both public access at reasonable daily fees and various membership options for locals. While the course presents its own set of challenges, the landscape allows for a fairly comfortable walking experience.
A key attraction for golf enthusiasts is the iconic 17th hole—a 140-yard, par 3 that demands a tee shot across water to a modestly raised green. During your visit, make a point to stop by the clubhouse, which hosts a lounge, dining area, and a well-stocked pro shop offering gear, clothing, or even some helpful tips before you begin your round.
301 Country Club Dr., Ruidoso; 575-257-2733
Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course, Mescalero
Be sure to experience 18 holes at the championship course at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, this resort provides a plethora of activities for before and after your round, such as high-end accommodations and casino entertainment.
The course, crafted by Ted Robinson, boasts features like an island fairway and fast, tricky greens that will challenge even seasoned players. It recently earned a spot as the 23rd best course on Golf Digest’s list of Top 40 Casino Golf Courses, and it’s ranked 15th in New Mexico by Top100GolfCourses.com.
287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero; 575-464-7945
Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort, Ruidoso
This unique 9-hole golf course in Ruidoso is exclusively available for guests renting from Innsbrook Condos, and some rentals even offer views overlooking the course. Adding to the allure, there are no required tee times; simply grab your clubs and hit the links whenever it suits you.
146 Geneva Dr., Ruidoso; 877-733-6377
Kokopelli Golf Club, Alto
A majority of local golf venues are part of private organizations or resorts. However, if you’re acquainted with a member of Kokopelli Golf Club in nearby Alto and want a game that’s quicker to complete, you might consider hitting the 4,000-yard, par-63 executive track. Located atop a lofty plateau, it boasts views of canyons and mountains. PGA pro Kirk Taylor describes it as both “fun and challenging.”
1200 High Mesa Road, Alto; 575-336-1818
Rainmakers Resort and Golf Club, Alto
The privately-held course at Rainmakers Resort and Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is an 18-hole, conservation-focused layout framed by mountain vistas. It has earned the prestigious Audubon Signature Sanctuary designation. The challenging course stretches over 7,000 yards and offers six sets of tee boxes per hole. Of all the Ruidoso golf courses, it’s the top residential course in New Mexico and ranks as the state’s seventh best by Top100GolfCourses.com. At Rainmakers, the blend of aesthetic appeal and difficulty is seamless.
250 Rainmaker Dr., Alto; 575-336-7500
The Links at Sierra Blanca
This Scottish-inspired course, which repurposed an old regional airstrip, delivers a diverse experience across its par-72 layout. The front nine features numerous mounds, contributing to an authentic links ambiance, whereas the back nine meanders through pine forests frequented by elk. Coming in at #9 on Golf Advisor’s list of top New Mexico courses, The Links at Sierra Blanca includes a large practice area and a course that accommodates both seasoned players and weekend warriors alike.
105 Sierra Blanca Dr., Ruidoso; 575-258-5330
We hope this overview has piqued your interest in Ruidoso golf courses. While you’re in the area, there’s a lot more to explore. Check out additional activities and ideas here!
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Posted by LasCruces.com
