Most golfers won’t confess it but would concede that one of their favorite holes on any golf course is the 19th hole – the watering hole and grill that awaits at the end of a demanding round of golf. The Player’s Grill on the second story of the New Mexico State University Golf Course’s clubhouse fulfills that role to the tee. Part sports bar and part restaurant, the Player’s Grill is the perfect place to unwind with a cold beverage and enjoy a meal while watching golf and other sports on seven big-screen TVs above the bar or scattered throughout the spacious restaurant.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Whether you dine inside or on the terrace, the views from Player’s Grill rates as one of its greatest assets. Patio tables overlook not only the emerald-green golf course but also afford commanding views of nature’s best. “It’s probably the only dining spot where you can see almost the entire county, including Picacho Peak, the Doña Ana Mountains, and Organ Mountains,” says Player’s Grill Manager Ariana Bautista. The 2018 graduate of NMSU’s Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management program heads up a staff of mostly university students who take pride in providing personable service to golfing regulars, as well as non-golfers from the community who frequent this hidden jewel.
MENU OPTIONS CATER TO ALL TASTES 
Golfers love the grab-and-go sandwiches, fruit cups, and salads in the cooler near the entry to the grill. Budget-minded customers find the daily specials too good to pass up. There’s Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Slider Thursday, and $5 hot dogs on Mondays, as well as a 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Happy Hour with drink specials that include an enticing selection of craft brews and cocktails mixed on the spot. Bautista says a new item will be added to the mix most likely on Fridays – a Steak and Spud special featuring a 10-ounce New York strip, baked potato, and 16-ounce drink. True to the Aggie spirit, the grill serves Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale and Little Toad Creek’s canned Aggie-Rita.
Regular menu options run the gamut, from breakfast burritos and “shareables” such as onion rings and mozzarella sticks, to grilled sandwiches, burgers, and tempting appetizers like Tin Can Nachos and green chile queso fries. The queso, made fresh daily, and green chile cheeseburgers prove to be two of the most popular dishes, according to Bautista.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Player’s Grill is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
On the course, Player’s Grill employees operate beverage carts that cruise the cart paths serving beer and other libations to thirsty golfers from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The Bunker Bar located right behind the 9th hole green serves hot dogs and other snacks, as well as cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sunday.
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Story by Rob McCorkle • Photos by Andrew Taylor
Story sponsored by NMSU PLAYER’S GRILL
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Posted by LasCruces.com
