Paako Ridge Golf Club
Sandia Park, NM, United States • Public
Evan Schiller/evanschillerphotography.com
Evan Schiller/evanschillerphotography.com
Evan Schiller/evanschillerphotography.com
Evan Schiller/evanschillerphotography.com
Evan Schiller/evanschillerphotography.com
Evan Schiller/evanschillerphotography.com
Patrick Koenig
Patrick Koenig
Jeff Marsh
Overview
Paako Ridge, Golf Digest's Best New Affordable Public Course of 2000, is quite long from the tips and regular tees. Yes, a golf ball carries farther at its 6,500-foot elevation, but Paako also plays long because both nines work up mountain foothills for several holes before playing downhill. The 496-yard par-4 seventh is the same shape and dimensions as the 10th at Augusta National and the back tees of the par-4 17th, atop a butte, affords perhaps the best vista in New Mexico. There are very wide and deep greens here, too, so a depth chart is a must.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since 2003.
Highest Ranking: 20th, 2005-2006.
Previous Ranking: 58th.
2023-'24 ranking: No. 55.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 in New Mexico since 2001.
2023-'24 ranking: 2nd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Extremely unique setting, contributing much to aesthetics. Fairways were soft but greens were firm and fast. Variety was limited, with all par 3s playing downhill. Several par 4s that played similarly with a large unplayable areas about 100 yards from the green. The downhill 7th is spectacular, unlike any hole I’ve seen, contributing to distinctiveness."
Read More2021
Review
“This is a true gem. Very scenic but Ken Dye did a wonderful job of maximizing the views while keeping the golf course always in front of you. Fair but tough. I cannot wait to experience this again very soon."
Read More2021
Review
“Set in the Sandia mountains, this high desert course is very challenging. The elevation changes are perhaps the most distinctive feature. It’s always challenging picking the right line off the tee. The turf was very bouncy and good. The closing stretch was very memorable especially the excellent 15th, 16th, and 17th."
Read More2021
Review
“Wonderful selection of hole designs. Separation of holes left the impression the player had the course to himself. New ownership has restored conditioning, working on updating the clubhouse as well. Holes 2, 3, 12 & 17 are quite memorable."
Read More2019
Review
“A Ken Dye nature hike through the Sandia Mountains. A very fine job blending a challenging diverse championship quality golf course with the natural landscape. Elevation changes and greens with slope and lifts that defy your reads."
Read More2019
Review
“Solid desert/mountain course with breathtaking backdrops and elevation changes. Challenging layout that requires precision the longer you hit it off the tee otherwise you end up in the desert. Challenging green complexes that require accuracy on the approach or delicate touch to get it up and down if you miss the green. In terms of playability, the forced carries off some of the tees and approaches with the desert pinching in at points makes it pretty tough for the higher handicappers."
Read More2019
Readers
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