Golf Lovers, Rejoice! Black Mesa is New Mexico’s Must-Play Course

Hey there, golf fans! If you’re looking to make someone’s holiday season a bit brighter, you might want to consider a tee time at Black Mesa in Espanola, New Mexico. Recently crowned as the top-ranked golf course in the state, this stunning course shouldn’t just be added to your gift list; it should be a life experience.

What Makes Black Mesa Stand Out?

Located just a short thirty-minute drive north of Santa Fe, Black Mesa is famous for its challenging yet thrilling design. Picture this: you’re surrounded by the breathtaking desert landscape where the course gracefully weaves through the Santa Clara Pueblo. With features like blind tee shots and central hazards, each hole is designed to keep players on their toes.

The course’s killer par-5 16th hole, which snakes through a narrow canyon, is one of those love-it-or-hate-it challenges that can either make or break your round, depending on your game. It’s a memorable experience, to say the least!

Top Competition: Black Mesa vs. Other Fab Courses

Of course, Black Mesa isn’t the only golf gem in New Mexico. Other prestigious courses that made the list include:

1. Las Campanas – Sunset (Santa Fe)
2. Paako Ridge (Sandia Park)
3. Las Campanas – Sunrise (Santa Fe)
4. Pinon Hills (Farmington)

All five of these courses are contenders for the top spot, but Black Mesa’s stunning design and adventurous holes have captured golfers’ hearts and minds across the state.

How Does a Course Become Top-Ranked?

You might be wondering how Black Mesa and others got this high honor. Well, it’s not a random selection. A panel of over 100 experts from around the globe carefully analyzed more than 600 courses. Each panelist ranked their favorites, helping to create meaningful consensus based on their experiences playing various tracks worldwide.

The process is quite straightforward. If a panelist believed a course deserved the top three spots, they checked the corresponding box. If they thought it was between four and ten, they did the same, and so forth. This scoring method makes for a fair evaluation where the best courses naturally rise to the top.

Planning Your Future Golf Getaway

If you’re itching to play at Black Mesa or one of the other top courses, think about utilizing GOLF’s new Course Finder tool. With it, you can create your perfect golf itinerary based on price, location, and what type of course you’re in the mood for.

And let’s not forget: holiday gift ideas don’t just stop at improving someone’s golf skills. You can also keep your friends well-equipped on the course by getting them a custom Green Book to help them navigate those tricky greens like a pro.

Wrap-Up & Tee Time

So, as you wrap up your holiday shopping, consider giving the gift of golf at Black Mesa – the unrivaled star of New Mexico’s golf scene. It’s more than just a gift; it’s an experience and a memory waiting to happen.

After all, the best gifts are the ones that last a lifetime, and there isn’t much that can compare to a fantastic day spent on the course. Don’t miss out!

Shanqin Bay Golf Club: Asia’s Hidden Gem in Wanning

If you haven’t heard about Shanqin Bay Golf Club yet, then you’re in for a treat. Nestled in the lively city of Wanning, on the picturesque Hainan Island, this golf club is turning heads and winning hearts as one of the most spectacular courses in the world. With its breathtaking views of the East China Sea and lush surroundings, it’s no wonder Shanqin Bay has become a crown jewel in Asia’s golfing landscape.

A Visionary Dream

Let’s take a step back to where it all began! The mastermind behind this incredible course was none other than Jun Wang, former chairman of CITIC. Picture this: he first spotted the property from a helicopter and was blown away by its beauty. Can you imagine? He immediately landed, surveyed the stunning topography, lush jungle, and even an old military site, and he knew he had to make it his own. Unfortunately, Wang passed away in 2019, but the legacy he built lives on under the thoughtful leadership of chairman Yu Jiang.

The Arrival

As visitors approach Shanqin Bay, they’re greeted by two guarded gates and a two-mile snaking road that sets the stage for something extraordinary. You can almost feel the excitement in the air! The lush greenery and the first glimpses of the golf course make you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To warm up a bit, golfers can stop at a private driving range that feels like an oasis. Imagine being pampered with refreshments, personalized welcome signs, and pristine practice surfaces. Who wouldn’t want to prepare for their round in such luxury?

A Warm Welcome

Stepping into the clubhouse, guests are met with a symphony of smiles and cheers from both staff and caddies. The open-air design of the clubhouse leads to an outdoor patio offering jaw-dropping views of the ocean below. Enjoying a cup of ginger tea while taking in that view? Talk about paradise!

The Golf Experience

Now, let’s talk about the **real deal** – the course itself. Shanqin Bay starts with a challenging par four that requires you to put your abilities to the test right off the bat. But if you’re worried, hole two is a shorter, friendlier par five that offers stunning panoramas in both directions. And don’t miss the third hole, a spectacular oceanfront par three framed by a rock formation known as “The Black Stone Beast.” You’ll be captivated, to say the least!

Dining Delights

Golfing at Shanqin Bay is not just about playing; it’s about enjoying the overall experience. Nestled between holes four and five is a quaint little farmhouse that serves up delicious meals, a far cry from the usual “snack and go” halfway house. Treat yourself to freshly prepared local cuisine, including Hainan noodles and mouth-watering Chairman’s Eggs. And save some room for dessert! The chilled mango sago cream is to die for.

Nature’s Call

As you continue your round, you might want to keep your eyes peeled. The foliage around the course is home to some exotic local wildlife, including Chinese cobras. Don’t worry, though; they’re not keen on human interaction. More often than not, they’ll give you a wide berth while you enjoy the breathtaking views.

An Unmatched Experience

Play through the remaining holes, each offering unique challenges and stunning landscapes, all while accompanied by your non-stop caddie team. Yes, you heard me right! At Shanqin Bay, a typical foursome gets caddies plus a “shadow caddie” to ensure everything runs smoothly and everybody is taken care of. They’re even trained in golf and multiple languages!

A Sense of Family

But it’s not just about golf here; it’s about community. According to Joey Garon, the executive secretary, “Shanqin Bay is more like a family than a golf club.” The kind of atmosphere that keeps members coming back, year after year, because it feels more like home than just a clubhouse. Employees are treated well, receiving three meals a day, so you know they are happy to serve!

In Conclusion

With its stunning aesthetics and unmatched service, it’s easy to see why Shanqin Bay Golf Club has earned accolades as one of the best courses internationally. So pack your bags, grab your clubs, and be prepared for not just a round of golf, but an experience that will change how you think about golfing forever. Don’t miss the chance to discover this hidden gem in Asia.

Maryland Golf Lovers Rejoice: The Best Courses Revealed!

If you’re a golfer in Maryland, listen up! The esteemed panel from GOLF has just released its latest rankings of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and boy, do we have some exciting news. Golfers looking to strike it rich this holiday season with a perfect gift need to hear about a little gem called Congressional – Blue in Bethesda!

Welcome to Congressional – Blue

When you hear that name, think of history, prestige, and a golf experience that can’t be beaten. Situated just outside our nation’s capital, this 100-year-old course has undergone a remarkable transformation, guided by talented designer Andrew Green. What does that mean? Well, it’s like giving a classic sports car a complete makeover while keeping its original charm!

Congressional’s Blue course has a well-thought-out design that tests every part of your game. Want to feel the adrenaline? Check out the stretch from holes 7 to 9. Hole 7 is a tricky uphill par-3 where you have to aim over the course’s deepest greenside bunker. If you manage that, you’ll find the 8th, a sneaky short par-4 that throws a challenge with its angled green. And let’s not forget the showstopper: the 9th hole! It’s a 600-plus yard downhill rollercoaster ride that leads you right back to the majestic clubhouse. Talk about a grand finish!

Natural Beauty Awaits

The landscape isn’t just for show, either. Under the care of top greenkeeper Pete Wendt, the course now boasts a gorgeous layer of native grasses that adds texture and beauty to the rolling hills. Gone are the days of a soft course that many players found lacking. Instead, you’re met with a more challenging terrain, exactly what you want when aiming for top-tier golfing!

Other Top Contenders in Maryland

But wait, there’s more! Maryland golfers who might not be able to make it up to Bethesda should check out other notable courses that made the cut. Just a hop away, you’ve got:

1. Baltimore – Five Farms East
2. Burning Tree in Bethesda
3. Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase
4. Caves Valley in Owings Mills

Each of these courses has unique features that merit a visit, making them perfect options for your next golf outing. Five Farms, for example, features some of Tillinghast’s best par-5 holes, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to test your skills there.

How Rankings Are Decided

You might be wondering how these rankings were actually determined. Relax, it’s all fair game! GOLF used a panel of over 100 expert golf aficionados who combed through a whopping 609 courses. They voted based on a simple scoring system, allowing a wide range of opinions and experiences to shape the final list. These panelists aren’t just random players either—their experience spans across multiple countries and thousands of courses!

Your Perfect Golf Trip Awaits

So, if you’re thinking about crafting your dream golf trip, GOLF has your back with their Course Finder tool. Filter by price, type of course, or even just your mood, and you’re bound to find the perfect setup.

In summary, Maryland’s golf scene is heating up with these latest rankings and opportunities for thrilling golf experiences. Whether you’re teeing off at Congressional or exploring one of the other top-ranked courses, you’re sure to enjoy every swing!

So grab your clubs, pack those golf shoes, and get ready for a fantastic time on the greens. Happy golfing!