Picacho Hills Country Club is now a semi-private facility, offering limited public access alongside its membership experience. Located in Southern New Mexico on the western edge of Las Cruces, the club features an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course designed by Joe Finger within the Picacho Hills residential community of roughly 950 upscale homes.
In addition to golf, Picacho Hills Country Club includes a clubhouse, full-service restaurant and bar, and tennis courts. Membership options do not require an initiation fee and are available with monthly dues, with offerings for both golf and social access.
Golf and social memberships are non-transferable, a structure that allows the club to offer access to both residents and non-residents rather than limiting membership to property ownership.
As of January 1, 2026, the club began welcoming the public with limited tee times available after 10 a.m., bookable up to seven days in advance. The upstairs bar and restaurant are also open to all guests, expanding access while maintaining the overall club experience.
What Makes Picacho Hills Golf Course Unique?
Championship Course Design by Joe Finger
The Picacho Hills golf course is a Joe Finger design, created by one of the most prolific golf course architects of the 20th century. Finger’s career spanned more than 45 years and included some of America’s most respected championship layouts. His design philosophy emphasized fairness, visibility, and strategic shot-making.
The par-72 course measures 6,936 yards from the championship tees and offers six tee boxes to accommodate a wide range of skill levels. Men’s white tees play at approximately 6,181 yards, while ladies’ green tees measure about 4,598 yards. Lush fairways, quick greens, and rolling terrain define the playing experience, with views stretching across the Mesilla Valley and toward the Organ Mountains.
Course Layout and Playing Characteristics
The layout at Picacho Hills rewards accuracy rather than raw power. There are no blind shots or hidden hazards, allowing golfers to clearly assess each hole from the tee. Elevated tee boxes appear throughout the course, adding visual interest and strategic decisions.
Greens are known for their speed and subtle breaks, placing an emphasis on approach shots and putting. Desert terrain and residential boundaries line many fairways, making errant shots costly. As Head Golf Professional Nick Finkel notes, “Hit it straight to keep it in the fairway, and you can score well.”
What Are the Signature Holes at Picacho Golf Course?
Hole #2: Men’s Most Challenging
Hole #2 is widely regarded as the most challenging hole for men at Picacho Hills. This par-4 plays approximately 410 yards from the men’s white tees and demands precision from the opening shot. The hole’s difficulty stems from its length and the need for controlled placement rather than distance.
Approach shots must be carefully judged to avoid trouble near the green. Missing the fairway usually leads to difficult recovery shots, which makes par a respectable score on this hole.
Hole #3: Ladies’ Most Difficult
Hole #3 is rated the most challenging hole for women, playing as a par-4 at roughly 260 yards from the forward tee box. Although shorter, the hole requires thoughtful club selection and accurate placement.
There are no blind shots, but the hole is designed so accuracy matters more than distance. Careful shot placement is rewarded, while risky swings often lead to difficult follow-up shots.
Hole #9: Dramatic Par 5 Finisher
Hole #9 closes out the front nine from one of the highest points on the course. This par-5 hole measures approximately 498 yards and features a dogleg layout with elevated tee shots.
A water hazard guards the left side of the green, while a large sand trap sits behind it. Many players face approach shots in the 190- to 220-yard range, making accuracy critical. It is a visually striking and strategically complex hole that tests decision-making late in the round.
What Golf Amenities Does Picacho Hills Country Club Offer?
Professional Instruction and Practice Facilities
Picacho Hills Country Club maintains a full instructional staff, including three golf professionals led by Head Pro Nick Finkel. Private lessons typically range from $50 to $60 per hour and are available to members.
The club also features a spacious driving range for warm-ups and practice. Club-fitting services are available for golfers purchasing new equipment, and TaylorMade club rentals are available for play or practice.
Pro Shop Services
The on-site pro shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The shop carries essential golf apparel, balls, gloves, tees, and accessories.
Staffed by knowledgeable professionals, the pro shop also assists with club purchases, fittings, and general equipment guidance.
Course Access and Scheduling
The golf course and club facilities are open Tuesday through Sunday. Before 10 a.m., tee times are booked through the club’s reservation system and are limited to members and their guests. Limited tee times are available for non-members after 10 a.m., with reservations opening seven days in advance.
Pace of play is managed through controlled scheduling, resulting in a more consistent, relaxed round than on public courses.
What Are the Membership Options at Picacho Hills Country Club?
Picacho Hills Country Club offers golf and social memberships, with full details available on the membership page. Even though the club is now semi-private, membership still offers added convenience and consistency.
Members often have earlier access to tee times, preferred rates, and opportunities to participate in club events and activities. While details can vary, membership is generally designed to provide a more flexible and connected experience than what’s available to the public.
Golf Membership Details
Golf memberships at Picacho Hills Country Club are non-transferable and do not require an initiation fee. Members may choose between seasonal or monthly dues, providing flexibility for both full-time residents and part-time users. Membership includes residents of Picacho Hills as well as golfers from across the Las Cruces area.
In addition to paying membership dues, members must spend a minimum amount on food and beverages at the club each quarter. This requirement encourages regular use of the restaurant and bar and supports the club’s dining operations.
Club Membership (Non-Golf)
Club memberships are available to individuals and families seeking access to social and recreational amenities without golf privileges. These memberships include access to the restaurant, bar, tennis courts, and social events.
Like golf memberships, club memberships do not require an initiation fee and are available through monthly or seasonal dues structures.
What Changed Under Spirit Golf Management?
Spirit Golf Management Southwest has managed Picacho Hills Country Club since 2019 and finalized its purchase of the property in 2020. Since the acquisition, Spirit Golf Management has focused on revitalizing facilities and enhancing member amenities. Improvements have helped reposition the club as a central gathering place for the Picacho Hills community and a premier semi-private club option in Southern New Mexico.
What Dining, Social, and Other Amenities Are Available?
Restaurant and Bar
The club’s restaurant and bar open at 11 a.m. six days per week and both are closed on Mondays. Dining options include salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, soups, and appetizers.
The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails. Seating is available indoors and on a second-story balcony, which offers expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The restaurant is open to the public, making it a popular destination for non-members.
Tennis Facilities
Picacho Hills Country Club offers tennis courts as part of its club amenities. Access is included with applicable memberships.
These courts are a popular feature for residents and members seeking recreational options beyond golf.
Clubhouse and Social Events
The clubhouse serves as the social center of the Picacho Hills community. The club hosts tournaments, member gatherings, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Private events, such as celebrations and group functions, may be accommodated at the clubhouse. The club’s role extends beyond golf, supporting a connected and active neighborhood atmosphere.
Where Is Picacho Hills Country Club Located?
Picacho Hills Country Club is located on the far west side of Las Cruces within the Picacho Hills residential community. The area sits on gently rolling, elevated terrain near Picacho Peak, offering expansive views of the Mesilla Valley.
Downtown Las Cruces and New Mexico State University are approximately a 10-minute drive away. The club’s location outside major traffic corridors contributes to its quieter setting while remaining accessible to city amenities.
How Does Picacho Golf Course Compare to Other Las Cruces Golf Courses?
Picacho Hills Country Club is one of a few full-service semi-private country club in Southern New Mexico. Public options such as the NMSU Golf Course and Sonoma Ranch Golf Course offer daily-fee access but differ in pace of play and member services.
Private club benefits include controlled tee times, consistent course conditioning, and access to social amenities. Joe Finger’s design pedigree also sets Picacho Hills apart from other regional courses by lesser-known architects.
For golfers seeking exclusivity, maintained conditions, and a community-centered experience, Picacho Hills offers a distinct value proposition compared to public courses.
What Is the History of Picacho Hills Country Club?
The Picacho Hills community was established in the early 1990s as a planned residential development anchored by a private country club. Joe Finger designed the golf course during a period when master-planned golf communities were expanding across the Southwest.
After decades under original ownership, the club was sold in 2017 and later acquired by Spirit Golf Management Southwest. The transition marked the beginning of a new phase focused on modernization and long-term sustainability.
Picacho Hills Country Club at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Course type | Semi-private country club |
| Course designer | Joe Finger |
| Par / yardage | Par 72; 6,936 yards (championship tees) |
| Number of holes | 18 |
| Tee boxes | Six |
| Initiation fee | None |
| Membership types | Golf membership; club (social) membership |
| Facilities | Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro shop, driving range, tennis courts |
| Days Open | Tuesday through Sunday |
| Pro shop hours | 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Restaurant hours | Tuesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 to 7 p.m. |
| Golf lesson pricing | $50 to $60 per hour |
| Management | Spirit Golf Management Southwest |
FAQs About Picacho Hills Country Club
How much does a Picacho Hills Country Club membership cost?
Membership costs vary depending on the type of membership selected, such as golf or social options, as well as how dues are structured. There is no initiation fee, which helps keep entry more accessible compared to many private clubs. Golf memberships may include additional requirements, such as a quarterly food-and-beverage minimum, while other membership types focus more on access to dining and club amenities. Pricing can also differ for residents and non-residents.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective members are encouraged to contact Picacho Hills Country Club directly, as rates and availability may change.
Can non-members play at Picacho Hills golf course?
Yes, limited tee times are available to the public after 10 a.m., with bookings opening seven days in advance. Non-members may also play as guests when accompanied by a member, subject to club policies and availability. Tee times can be more limited during peak periods or special events.
While other public courses in Las Cruces, such as the New Mexico State University Golf Course and Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, offer broader access, Picacho Hills is known for its quieter setting, elevated terrain, and views of the Organ Mountains. This makes it a more secluded and scenic option for golfers looking for a different pace and experience.
What skill level is required to play the Picacho golf course?
The course is designed to accommodate golfers of all skill levels, with six tee box options that allow players to choose a distance that fits their experience. Yardages range from under 4,600 yards to nearly 7,000 yards, giving both beginners and advanced players flexibility.
Newer golfers can play from the forward tees for a more approachable round, while experienced players can take on longer distances that emphasize strategy and shot placement. The layout places a premium on accuracy and course management, but the range of tee options helps make the course playable and enjoyable for a wide range of abilities.
Does Picacho Hills Country Club offer golf lessons?
Yes. The club has golf professionals on staff, including Head Pro Nick Finkel, who provide instruction for players at different experience levels. Private lessons are typically priced in the $50 to $60 per hour range, though rates and availability may vary. Instruction options can include one-on-one lessons, group clinics, and club fitting services designed to improve performance. Practice facilities, such as the driving range, give golfers a place to work on skills between lessons, with access and availability depending on membership type or current club policies.
What are the hours at Picacho Hills Country Club?
Picacho Hills Country Club is closed on Mondays. The pro shop operates Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., while the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. six days per week. Tee times generally follow pro shop hours, though availability may shift depending on demand, course conditions, or scheduled events.
Dining hours can also vary throughout the year, especially during holidays or private functions. Because schedules may change seasonally or for special events, members and guests are encouraged to confirm current hours directly with the club before planning their visit.
What dining options are available at the club?
Picacho Hills Country Club features a full-service restaurant and bar with a menu that includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, soups, and appetizers. Beverage options typically include beer, wine, and a selection of cocktails. Guests can dine indoors or choose balcony seating, which offers views of the surrounding landscape.
The restaurant is open to both members and the public during regular operating hours, making it accessible beyond the golf course. Menu items, specials, and hours may change periodically, so visitors may want to check ahead for the most current offerings.
Is Picacho Hills Country Club family-friendly?
Yes, Picacho Hills Country Club offers amenities and activities that appeal to a wide range of ages. In addition to golf, the club provides access to tennis facilities, giving families multiple ways to stay active. Social memberships allow households to participate in club events, dining, and recreational offerings without focusing solely on golf.
Throughout the year, the club hosts a variety of gatherings and programs designed to bring members together. These features contribute to a welcoming environment for families and individuals who want both recreation and opportunities to connect within the Picacho Hills community.
What makes the Joe Finger course design special?
The course at Picacho Hills was designed by Joe Finger, whose work is known for balancing playability with strategic challenge. One defining feature is the absence of blind shots, giving golfers clear visibility and decision-making opportunities on each hole. The layout emphasizes accuracy and thoughtful shot placement rather than relying solely on distance.
Multiple tee options allow players of different skill levels to navigate the course comfortably while still experiencing its intended design. The routing also takes advantage of the surrounding desert terrain and mountain views, adding to the overall playing experience.
How do I become a member at Picacho Hills Country Club?
Prospective members can contact Picacho Hills Country Club directly to learn about current membership options and availability. The club does not require an initiation fee, which can make joining more accessible. Applicants typically choose between different membership types based on their interests, such as golf or social access. The process generally involves reviewing dues structures, understanding included amenities, and completing enrollment with the club’s management team. Because offerings and policies may evolve, contacting the club ensures that prospective members receive the most accurate and up-to-date information before joining.
Story sponsored by PICACHO HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
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Posted by LasCruces.com
