Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club
1 Clubhouse Drive
Sandia Park
New Mexico
87047

***

New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment.  The Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club is as enchanting as they come for New Mexico golf.

In the ancient Pueblo language, Paa-Ko is the term used for the roots of the cottonwood tree. True to its name…there are a lot of trees on this course, in contrast to the popular image of vast deserts in regards to New Mexico. The landscape consists of arryos, rocks, and woods to create a course that challenges the player at every turn.

 

Designed by the Finger Dye Spann firm of architects, Paa-Ko Ridge is a big one. Truthfully speaking, instead of one eighteen hole courses, the course consists of three nine-hole courses which can be played in a variety of configurations. Its not an unreasonable assumption to say that it may take more than one visit to enjoy Paa-Ko Ridge in its fullest.

The hardest hole on the course is the 4th hole, par 3, named the “Dye-abolical” (see what they did there?) The putting surface is huge and measures over a hundred yards in length. Did we mention it was triple tiered? That’s not counting the thirteen foot drop in between. All of this is after shooting the ball across a dry arroyo or creek bed.

The 12th hole, par 4, called the Lone Ponderosa, is a long one, having a two-part fairway separated by a tree line. The fairways are pretty straightforward but your shots must be straight as well. Bunkers dot the fairway all the way to the green.

Redan is the 22nd hole with a par of 3. Not a very long hole but it does present a good challenge. The fairway zig zags on a downward slope on very hilly terrain. In order to reach the green area, one must make a shot across a line of dense bush. The green area is pretty clear but there are three bunkers of various sizes surrounding the green.

Cash in the vacation days because you’ll need them to take on the giant that is Paa-ko Ridge.