RedRaiderTTU2000

There are a few things that need to be addressed, but none of them significantly detract from the overall quality of this great course. We played it for the first time on a Saturday and found the pace of play to be perfect. The challenge of the course was offset by the beautiful desert setting, manicured fairways, and large, nearly perfect greens. This quickly became our favorite course and easily the best we’ve ever played.
As for the detractors, the cart paths need some attention. I think the crushed black lava gravel is a perfect accent and makes a decent path. There just needs to be a lot more of it. Also, better cart paths would encourage golfers not to drive their carts through hazards and unnecessarily through the fairways. If I were king of Black Mesa, I would initiate a 90* rule, and strictly enforce it. Some of the hazards need to readdressed. I know they took out some of the sand traps, but even as a high-handicap golfer, I consider this a mistake. Now there is spotty grass growing in what used to be a sand trap and makes it unnecessarily difficult. It also detracts from the overall beauty and playability of the course. One last detail that would make this a tier 1 course is access to the tee boxes. Cutting steps into the sandstone, or otherwise creating an aesthetic and specific walk up to the otherwise gorgeous tee boxes would be the crowning touch. I only spoke of the detractors to encourage the staff to address these minor issues. Doing so, in my opinion, would make this fantastic course, PERFECT.
To end on the positive, I can’t say enough about the gorgeous fairways. The cut was consistent, with no mower marks or tracks. The grass was consistent and there were no weeds or wild grass detracting from the quality of the turf. When I actually played from the fairways, the ball sat up nicely, and played like I believe a pro course should. The roughs are left about 2 inches taller and do precisely what they are intended to do - encourage you to hit the fairway! The greens were undulating seas of putting perfection. The ball rolls true, not TOO fast, but downhill putts can easily leave you with a 6 footer coming back to the hole. If you don’t like “3-putts”, you better hit your approach close to the pin.
Our experience at Black Mesa was nothing short of fantastic, Easily the best experience of our golfing adventures. It’s certainly not a beginner’s course, but even a 20 handicapper like me loved every hole and enjoyed the experience.