To complement this beautiful mountain area, we have several public and private golf courses. The climate and topography of the area afford the opportunity for year round golf, yet, approximately 3,000 feet higher up the mountain from Ruidoso, you have the base of the second largest downhill ski area in New Mexico that offers skiing from Thanksgiving to Easter. There are many days that you can golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon.

The following narrative will give you a coach's view of what makes each golf course unique:

The Links at Sierra Blanca was designed by Senior Tour player Jim Colbert and is in the Scottish links style. This course is the premier public course in southern New Mexico and was nominated to the Golf Digest list of best new public courses in 1991. It was rated 7th best course in New Mexico and was awarded 3 1/2 stars by Golf Digest in 1995. Its rolling fairways flanked by thick mounds rewards accurate tee shots and allows you to hit your approach shots to large undulating greens. A diverse layout of holes makes for an interesting round as the risk-reward features can tempt the gambling nature in all of us. A well managed round can have you walk the course with lighter feet. This public course is one our most popular so make sure you call ahead. Most of the Sun Country Amateur Tournaments make The Links their home for this area. Women will have a distinct advantage off the tee boxes. Contact the pro shop for details for any league play.

PUBLIC, 18 holes, 6757 yards, slope 105, rating 63.0 off forward tees. (505) 258-5330.

Cree Meadows Golf Course is the areas oldest course with an unparalleled view of the Sacramento Mountains to the west. Affordable, playable, and immaculately groomed, Cree Meadows hosts some of the best mountain views in the country. It's tight fairways and small greens call for accurate shot making and a strong putter. A semi-private course, outside play is welcome. Reasonable green fees and preferred tee times are available at Cree Meadows year around. Several tournaments throughout the year attract a majority of visitors. Cree Meadows begins the tournament season in May with The Colts and Fillies mixed partnership, that's followed with the Cree Uprising Ladies partnership in June. In August Cree plays host to the Leroy Gooch Match Play, an individual match play tournament. "The Gooch" is the first of three men's tournaments hosted in the fall. The Johnny Williams Partnership is a two man event played in September, probably the best month to be in Ruidoso. Finally the big show, The Doug Bass Partnership is a two man event played at three of the areas golf courses, over one-hundred teams test their golf skills at Cree Meadows, The Links at Sierra Blanca, and The Inn of the Mountain Gods. Come experience breathtaking views of Sierra Blanca from our full service restaurant and lounge which will make your golf experience complete. Contact the golf shop for information at 505-257-5815.

PUBLIC, 18 holes, 5766 yards, rating 66.4, slope 104. (505) 257-5815.

Inn of the Mountain Gods is a breathtaking mountain course in one of the most spectacular settings you will ever find. Designed by Ted Robinson, this championship course boasts an island fairway. Backed by majestic Sierra Blanca it has been ranked number one in the state on many occacions and has been listed in the top 25 golf courses in the United States. Don't be surprised if you have to wait for the deer or elk to cross the fairways before you hit your next shot. This unique design will continually challenge your imagination. The fast bent greens will get you talking to yourself as you attempt to read the lie. Keep in mind that the primary slope is away from that majestic mountain. With unlimited water, this course is always in excellent condition. The cross cut fairways leading off into the ponderosa pine covered hills is truly breathtaking. Certainly a must play when you visit our area. This facility is the most challenging of the mountain courses with fast breaking greens. It plays long and hard from the forward tees and challenges all aspects of your game.

PUBLIC RESORT, 18 holes, 6834 yards, rating 70.2, slope 128 (505) 257-5141.

Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club is a private club only using a Ken Dye design resulting in another mountain course that will take your breath away. What a wonderful change of venue between nines. The front is layed out on the mesa among a gorgeous planned residential area with the No. 6 perhaps the best hole on the course. Then as you stand on No.10 facing Sierra Blanca, looking over the valley, you might conjure up the notion that you are ready to challenge the toughest nine in the state. Don't be surprised if there is a 6 to 10 shot differential between this course's front and back nines. Thank goodness No. 18 is the easiest birdy hole on the course so that you can leave Alto with a warm smile. If you are thinking about moving to these scenic mountains, this golf course is paradise. It has a strong womens organization with a high percentage of low handicappers, yet they are very supportive of new players. The pro's encourage skill development with yearly clinics for all levels of ability.

PRIVATE CLUB, 18 holes, 6593 yards, rating 68.6, slope 128 (505) 336-4231

Kokopelli Golf Course is an 18 hole executive golf course located opposite Alto Lakes Country Club.

PRIVATE CLUB, 18 holes (505) 336-7843

The Lodge at Cloudcroft. Not far away in Cloudcroft is New Mexico's highest golf course, second highest in the world! At 9200 feet, this 9-hole course is laid out among the pines and aspens. Bring lots of balls and cash to buy more!! Marti, the pro-shop manager has lots of surprises for guests and locals to get to know one another in her famous Wednesday scrambles.

RESORT, 9 holes, 4774 yards. (505) 682-2098.

Carrizozo Municipal Golf Course. Just down the mountain from Ruidoso, an all-season desert course is located in Carrizozo. This challenging desert course is kept in outstanding condition and is a golfing bargain. Probably one of the few courses with a 603 yard par 6 hole. Great for the beginner that doesn't want to feel intimidated by other groups and wants time to hit a second ball.

PUBLIC, 9 holes, 6530 yards. (505) 648-2451.

Desert Lakes Golf Course is an 18 hole municipal course with very affordable ($15) green fees and open year 'round. Excellent lessons available on their own driving range facility. The front nine is nestled into the foothills of the mountain range with the back nine located amid spectacular homes and on elevated greens to keep your guessing. Just 55 miles from Ruidoso in Alamogordo.

PUBLIC, 18 holes, (505)-437-0290

New Mexico Military Institute is a walkers delight. Located near Spring River in Roswell, the course is fairly flat and short to boost your ego when you turn that scorecard in. Inexpensive green fees coupled with a walkers welcome attitude will keep you going back again and again.

PUBLIC, 18 holes, (505)-622-6033

Ponderosa Pines Golf Course is just nine miles southeast of Cloudcroft on Highway 130 and a great course to practice your short game. Reasonable green fees make it affordable for groups and families to enjoy the sport. A cool and beautiful mountain course with PGA member Bill Gayso and his wife Mary as hosts and owners. The course will be changing its layout over the next few months, so if you have played it before - you definitely need to play it again and if you have not played it before, wow, are you ever in for a wonderful treat! ponderosapines@zianet.com

PUBLIC, 9 holes, (505)-682-2995

Spring River Golf Course can be found in Roswell. It is a pleasant municipal course with the best greens in the area. Gets lots of play so call ahead. Has a very skilled golf instructor to help 'fix' your game. 70 miles east of Ruidoso via Highway 70.

PUBLIC, 18 holes, (505)-622-9506