Southern New Mexico’s only full-service, private country club rewards discerning golfers with an exceptional 18-hole golf course that serves as the crown jewel of Picacho Hills Country Club (PHCC) on the hilly, western fringes of Las Cruces. The club’s social life in the 45-year-old Picacho Hills community of some 950 upscale residences revolves around the golf course, clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, and other amenities.
NEW OWNERS TAKE THE REINS of picacho hills country club
In 2017, the owners of the country club decided it was time to move on and put the property on the market. Several years later, Spirit Golf Management Southwest purchased the property, birthing a renaissance that is breathing new life into club facilities and surrounding Picacho Hills Country Club neighborhoods.
Today, hundreds of community residents and non-residents alike hold golf and club memberships, paying seasonal or monthly dues for a non-transferable membership. No initiation fee is required. Golf memberships also require a quarterly food and beverage fee.
A COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE FOR EVERYONE
The par 72 golf course stretches to 6,936 yards from the championship tees. Six different tee-off spots accommodate scratch golfers, high handicappers, and everyone in between. From the men’s white tees, the undulating, well-manicured course measures 6,181 yards. Ladies using the green tee boxes will find the course plays 4,598 yards.
The course features lush greens and fairways and amazing views of nearby Picacho Peak, the crop-rich Mesilla Valley below, and the scenic Organ Mountains framing the eastern horizon. The stunning layout showcases the skills of the late Joe Finger, who designed a number of America’s greatest golf courses during his 45-year career.
A CHALLENGING BUT FAIR TRACK
Head golf pro Nick Finkel says the course, which features no hidden hazards or blind shots, demands accuracy. There are some elevated tee boxes and holes that have a few hills. “Hit it straight to keep it in the fairway and you can score well,” Finkel says. “The greens are pretty quick and the breaks present some difficulty. The desert and residences line the fairways and errant shots can sail out of bounds.”
Finkel cites the second, third, and ninth holes as the course’s signature holes. The par 4,410-yard (from the men’s white tees) second hole is rated as the toughest for men. Number 3, another par 4, ranks as the ladies’ most difficult hole, playing at 260 yards from the front tee box.
The daunting par 5,498-yard dogleg closes out the front nine. It is the highest spot on the course, featuring elevated tees, a water hazard just to the left in front of the green, and a yawning sand trap behind the green for golfers who hit it a bit long. A 190- to 220-yard approach shot is common, so accuracy is at a premium.
ENJOY picacho hills COUNTRY CLUB BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR ROUND
Three golf pros, including Finkel, offer lessons ranging from $50 to $60 an hour. Golfers can practice their new skills at the spacious driving range before playing a round. You can be fitted for new clubs, borrow a set of TaylorMade clubs if necessary, and buy golf apparel, balls, tees and golf gloves in Picacho Hills Country Club‘s Pro Shop that’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Note: The golf course and all club facilities are closed on Mondays. Golfers can quench their thirst and grab a tasty meal at the club’s full bar and restaurant that open at 11 a.m. six days a week. Grab a salad, sandwich, soup or an appetizer like coconut shrimp, washed down by a beer, wine or cocktail, while enjoying the spectacular views from the second-story balcony and dining room.
Story by Rob McCorkle
Story sponsored by PICACHO HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
Posted by LasCruces.com
