[September 6, 2021]
In our research of courses to play near Ruidoso, the Golf Club at Rainmakers came recommended and Mark was intrigued as it was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. We were set with a tee time for Monday morning on our way back north to Albuquerque. Unfortunately, the GPS locater was off by a satellite or two, taking us on a nice driving tour of a nearby neighborhood.
We arrived at the course right on time, which is not normal for us as we like to arrive early to get our bearings and warm up. We did have time to purchase some extra balls at the clubhouse, just in case. It was a glorious morning as we rushed to the first tee, with clear blue skies, green fairways, and a lush second-cut with tall grasses and wildflowers.
Hole 1 is a straight par 5 that sweeps to the right along the mesa top escarpment. Mark hit a lovely drive right where he was aiming. I was pleased that the forward tees were indeed placed forward, which facilitated a comfortable bogey for me on that hole and a par for Mark. The initial par 5 was followed immediately by another par 5, and this would result in the first lost ball …
Hole 3 is a par 3 that launches you down off the mesa with panoramic views, including Sierra Blanca Peak and the aforementioned neighborhood. I think ball two was lost on this hole. The next several holes jump back and forth across a series of ditches that run off the mesa. I later would refer to this geographical feature as ball-consuming crevasses.
In addition to these natural hazards on the course, Mark also noted that RTJ-designed courses typically place obstacles within your viewshed to intimidate and distract your tee shots. The struggle was real on this course.
By hole 9, my ball supply was dwindling, as was Mark’s. It was a par 3, with you guessed it … a tee shot requiring you to cross a ditch. We thought the threesome ahead of us had pulled away. Mark teed up his drive, and FORE! Some time, you’ll want to ask Mark about the outcome of that hole. It’s really a great story.
Thankfully, the back 9 was back on top of the mesa and the ditch witches were behind us. I also found a few gift balls in the mountain meadows, so that I could finish the round.
This course was really a beautiful track with amazing views (as was reflected by the price of greens fees). The difficulty of the course eclipsed how stunning the course is and how much fun it could be. If we return, we’ll be sure to bring an extra supply of balls and a few friends to share in this storymaker.
| PLAYERS | Mark and Karli |
| Scores | 87 / 99ish |
| Course Conditions | Excellent |
| Greens | Excellent |
| Ambient Temperature | Warm and low 80s |
| Winds | n/a |
| Cart path condition | Well-maintained, continuous asphalt path |
| Club House | Attractive club house with grand entrance for guests and lovely views of the course |
| Snack Bar/19th Hole | Disappointing after we finished our round at 1:55pm and being turned away since the kitchen was set to close at 2pm. |
| On course artwork | Beautiful, welcoming bronze statue at the entrance |
| Wildlife spotted | Rabbits and signs of elk |
| Yucca count (New Mexico’s state flower) | One |
my hankerings 