Red Hawk Golf Club

I have been looking forward to playing this course ever since I happened upon a pamphlet in a hotel lobby during a weekend golf trip to New Mexico a while back. As with any course that I have never played, I had high hopes, but one can never be 100% sure since most course websites doll themselves up to give a good impression. I am pleased to say that Red Hawk exceeded my expectations. The course is located in the foothills north of town a bit off the beaten path. However, I have a hunch that eventually homes will be built in the vicinity of the course. It is links-style, chock full of rolling fairways, an abundance of bunkers, and large, undulating greens. It is also at the mercy of the wind, and on this particular day, the winds were severe, almost to the point of making the course unplayable at times. The layout is such that regardless of the wind direction, you will be hitting into the teeth of it at some point. Therefore, it is imperative that you choose the correct tee box not only based on your ability, but how gusty the winds are. Some of the par 4s can be extremely long into the wind. The holes I found to be most challenging, however, were the par 3s. Not only are a couple of them pretty long, but three of the four have greens surrounded by water, which provide a very intimidating look. There is no shame in using the bailouts, especially if the wind is as severe as it was on this particular day. Also, stay out of the green side bunkers on the water holes because as is the case with most courses in this region, bunkers are a bit hard (e.g. skulling). Sand gets picked up and carried away by the wind and then the traps get baked by the intense sunlight. Although Lee Trevino made a nice living playing out of bunkers after growing up in this neck of the woods, the best advice is to stay away from them even if you think you are proficient. That is easier said than done, though. I found the sand on half of the holes, unfortunately. Most of the fairways are wide enough to accept even slightly offline tee shots, but of course, that hinges on the wind direction and severity. If you do happen to unleash a wild shot, don't automatically give up on your ball. In some cases, you might have a play out of the desert, but don't spend too long looking-- five minutes max, and take your drop. The greens are pretty fast, but reasonably receptive for a links-style course. If you are cognizant of where the mountains are and the wind direction, you ought to be able to minimize three-putts. Don't overread them. There is often less break than it looks. When in doubt, play it straighter on lag putts. Although I would have preferred a little less wind, I liked Red Hawk very much. I understand that it has hosted U.S. Open local qualifiers in the past, including two weeks after I played. I can understand why. There are some excellent golf choices in this area, but Red Hawk has moved right to the top of my list of the best in Las Cruces. If you are planning a little weekend golf getaway from Tucson, Phoenix, Albuquerque or elsewhere, Red Hawk would be well worth your time. Based on the high quality of this course, you won't believe what they charge, especially in the afternoon. I very much look forward to my next visit.

Great Links layout played under a wind advisory. Awesome!

This course will test you, from the windy conditions to the bunker lined fairways, you better be a fairway hitter. Having said that, the bunkers were in rough shape but playable. The fairway grass was something I’ve never played, every shot just felt smooth. If you’re from the area or just visiting, play it, it’s a great price for a challenging course.

Really enjoyed the course. The staff was very friendly and welcoming especially the guy at bag drop and the starter. Wish I could reach their names

I’ll be back next time in Cruces for sure. Usually play the NMSU when I’m there but definitely coming back to Red Hawk.

last 2 rounds here i was confronted with rude and inflexible marshall’s…i don’t need those irritations and will switch to a new ‘home’ course!

What a gorgeous track! Staff super friendly. Range
is grass!! Lots of tee boxes so anyone can enjoy it. Greens were perfect.

Played this course twice while in town. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Pace of play both weekday mornings we played was excellent.
They seem to be continually working to improve the course. The bunkers could definitely use some sand,.
We will definitely play here again when we are back in Las Cruces..

Worst golfing experience in 5 years. Course is in poor condition, pace of play is slow and no staff to monitor. Course is priced too high for these conditions.

Due to course condition this course is not worth the money or time to play. Driving range is good.

Beautiful layout; but very poorly maintained. Don’t pay full retail! Decent driving range, very good snack bar.

Great layout, poorly maintained. Don’t pay full retail!

Excellent course and while some course changes are being made currently with some ground under repaired, the rough and the fairways and the greens are some of the best in the entire region. The only complaint is the pace of play is nearly a 5 1/2 hour round, and this should be really addressed by the clubhouse and the starter.

For winter, course was in very good condition, greens rolled nice and quick.
Staff were cordial and accommodating, I have zero complaints.