Rockwind Community Links golf course - No. 5
0 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - No. 5
The new Rockwind Community Links is godsend to the golfers of Hobbs, N.M. and golfers who are just passing through the area. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course - No. 1
1 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - No. 1
Designed by Andy Staples, the new Rockwind Community Links starts off with a dogleg left par 4. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course
2 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course
Native areas, especially after rains, add to the beauty of Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, New Mexico. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 5th
3 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 5th
The fifth is the second of back-to-back par 5s at Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, New Mexico. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 9th
4 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 9th
A group of trees protects the green on the par-4 ninth at Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, N.M. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 10th
5 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 10th
The back nine at Rockwind Community Links begins with a short par 3 over water. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 15th
6 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 15th
The par-3 15th, which can play as long as 245 yards, is the no. 1 handicap hole at Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, New Mexico. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 18th
7 of 11
Rockwind Community Links golf course - 18th
Rockwind Community Links ends with three par 5s in the last five holes, including the 591-yard 18th. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links - golf shop
8 of 11
Rockwind Community Links - golf shop
Rockwind Community Links has a top-notch golf shop in its new expansive clubhouse. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links - Par-3 Course
9 of 11
Rockwind Community Links - Par-3 Course
The par-3 course at Rockwind Community Links is a perfect warm-up for the Championship Course and a great place to hone your skills. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Rockwind Community Links - practice green
10 of 11
Rockwind Community Links - practice green
Families and junior golfers are encouraged to take advantage of the facilities at Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, New Mexico. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
11 Images

New municipal Rockwind Community Links golf course does Hobbs, New Mexico proud

HOBBS, N.M. -- With its official grand opening in May 2015, Rockwind Community Links, located in the High Plains near the New Mexico-Texas border, opened as one of the finest municipal golf courses in the country, certainly among cities of less than 50,000 people.

The 18-hole championship course is a completely new design by Scottsdale, Ariz. architect Andy Staples. There's also a new nine-hole, par-3 course, extensive practice facilities that include a double-sided driving range and short-game area, and a new clubhouse, all of which now stand where the city's old Ocotillo Park Golf Course used to be.

Rockwind Community Links' championship course stretches to 7,103 yards from the longest of five sets of tees. It features five par 5s and five par 3s, including the par-3 17th, which at 245 yards ranks as the course's no. 1 handicap hole. There are very few forced carries on the course, and from the forward tees, which also includes an "Express" set of tees at 4,102 yards, forced carries never come into play. Extensive bunkering, sloping greens and some tricky doglegs, however, provide plenty of challenge for expert players tackling the course from the tips or one tee up.

Most impressive, however, might be the price for this pristine setup. Locals can walk the 18-hole course for $15, while out-of-towners pay just $30. The short course is an even better bargain at $6 and $12, plus juniors can play for free with a paying adult. The Rockwind Community Links also comes with an impressive golf shop and restaurant that draws golfers and non-golfers alike.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
Now Reading
New municipal Rockwind Community Links golf course does Hobbs, New Mexico proud