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.