Red Hawk

Ken Dye’s Paa-Ko Ridge often receives votes for the best golf course in New Mexico, but it’s hardly his only foray into the “Land of Enchantment.” Much farther south, near Las Cruces, Dye laid out another high-end public-access facility at Red Hawk Golf Club.

The White Sands Missile Range is located on the outskirts of Las Cruces, and players may need to bring their own rocket-propelled equipment if they’re hoping to play from the tips. Measuring more than 7,500 yards, players better hope that the desert sun has baked out the fairways a bit. Although the 600-yard par five at No. 5 is no joke, the most intimidating hole from that distance may be No. 3: This par three measures more than 240 yards from the tips, and features water all along its right-hand side.

Those who choose to play the correct tees, and play Red Hawk for what it is, will be treated to photographic views at all angles, with the rising peaks of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park rising in the background. Although Las Cruces is a somewhat urban environment, Red Hawk sits just far enough out on the fringes to give a more natural golf experience.