Golf in the State of New Mexico
New Mexico sits in the Southwest of the United States and together with Arizona, Colorado and Utah it makes up the Four Corners region. Oklahoma also shares a border to the northeast and Texas to the southeast.
Of its 83 courses, most are in or near Albuquerque, the state’s largest city. The Sandia Golf Club, Albuquerque is a championship course designed by Scott Miller for players of all skill levels and is the longest course in New Mexico. Puerto del Sol Golf Course, Albuquerque is popular with beginner golfers and seniors and has a lighted driving range open 7 days a week. The University of New Mexico Championship Golf Course, Albuquerque has been recognized by Golf Week magazine as the top New Mexico Course. Cochiti Golf Course in Cochiti Lake has unique character being located within site of Mount Taylor. The Spring River Golf Course, Roswell provides lots of space on its walker-friendly course. Red Hawk Golf Club, Las Cruses is a championship course designed by Ken Dye and has been highly rated by Lee Trevino.
New Mexico golfers that have made their mark include Native-American professional golfer Notah Ryan Begay III who was born in Albuquerque. He is one of the only Native Americans to have played on the PGA tour and has the distinction of being the first player to use a putter with playing faces on both the front and back of the head. He regularly appears on the Golf Channel and NBC Sports as an analyst. Marty Jertson was born in Gallup, New Mexico and became a professional golfer in 2002. Presently the Director of Product Development for Ping, he has designed many of the company's clubs and now resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Steven Glen Jones, born in Artesia, New Mexico and now residing in Tempe, Arizona, is best known for his 1996 US Open win. Nancy Marie Lopez, born in Torrance, California won the New Mexico Women's Amateur at age 12 as well as 48 LPGA Tour events and is now retired in The Villages, Florida. Gerina Michelle Mendoza Piller, born in Roswell, New Mexico appeared on The Big Break, a reality television competition and is presently playing on the LPGA tour. She resides in Flower Mound, Texas. Kathrynne Ann Whitworth has won 88 LPGA Tour tournaments, more than anyone else has won on either the LPGA Tour or the PGA Tour and is in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Born in Monahans, Texas, she grew up in Jal, New Mexico and won the New Mexico State Amateur title two years in a row. She is now retired near Dallas, Texas.