Ruidoso Golf

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DoubleE65
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10:03p, 6/19/23
AG
Hosting my little brother's bachelor party in Ruidoso in about a month and besides horse racing and casino we plan to play a round or two. Any suggestions on golf? We have access to Alto Lakes if we want it but curious as to how y'all would rank the courses in the area. 12 players max, may just be two foursomes.

Any other non-golf recommendations while we're at it?
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BreNayPop
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10:09p, 6/19/23
AG
Golf course rankings imo are:

Rainmakers
Outlaw
Alto
Inn of the mountain Gods
The links
Cree meadows

Price and difficulty goes from highest to lowest. Cree isn't worth paying for but it's a fun goat track.

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DoubleE65
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In reply to BreNayPop • 11:05p, 6/19/23
AG
Rainmakers was at the top of my list. Always hear Mountain Gods mentioned.
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DoubleE65
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11:22p, 6/19/23
AG
I should mention.. We are staying at Innsbrook on the par 3 course and looking forward to that but would like to play at least one round on a full 18.
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BreNayPop
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7:05a, 6/20/23
AG
Y'all looking more for fun or for challenge in golf?

If fun, I'd play outlaw or inn- for challenge and beauty I'd play painmakers.

Outlaw and painmakers are the most beautiful courses.

Painmakers (with the group we play with for Labor Day yearly) is usually played as a scramble within each cart so guys aren't pissed. That course is stupid hard.

Outlaw is fun and gorgeous.

Inn is also gorgeous with elevation changes and some very challenging holes with some easier holes mixed in.

If playing with a bunch of guys who are not great at golf, the links really isn't bad but is usually the busiest of the courses which kind of sucks. I haven't been up there recently (past 2 months) but the greens are also most at risk for being ruined by high temps.

I play all those course 2-3 times per year for fun, every year with a large group Ryder cup style with family/friends, and every year for the Doug Bass tourney. Best rotation for regular golfers is Rainmakers/Inn/outlaw. For groups we add the links for fun playability.
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oldag00
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7:13p, 6/20/23
AG
Scramble format is damn near the only way to enjoy Painmakers unless everyone is a stick.

I really enjoy The Links in town. If they've had rain, it's typically in good shape.
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BreNayPop
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7:53p, 6/20/23
AG
Painmakers isn't THAT bad- it's just that if you have a bunch of teen or worse handicappers, they will struggle to break 100 on their own the first time they see it… which makes it not fun for those guys unless they were looking for a challenge.

Gorgeous course and usually you don't see anyone else out there when you play.

Bring your own drinks and do it right. It's worth playing for sure. But make that your first and scramble it to warm up.

True alternate shot on that course in tournament conditions has made me disown my brother (sorry sueshade). But makes for the best stories for sure!
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Sueshade10
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In reply to BreNayPop • 8:52p, 6/20/23
AG
BreNayPop said:
Painmakers isn't THAT bad- it's just that if you have a bunch of teen or worse handicappers, they will struggle to break 100 on their own the first time they see it… which makes it not fun for those guys unless they were looking for a challenge.

Gorgeous course and usually you don't see anyone else out there when you play.

Bring your own drinks and do it right. It's worth playing for sure. But make that your first and scramble it to warm up.

True alternate shot on that course in tournament conditions has made me disown my brother (sorry sueshade). But makes for the best stories for sure!


My back still hurts from carrying you last year
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BreNayPop
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In reply to Sueshade10 • 8:56p, 6/20/23
AG
Mentiroso
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oldag00
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9:00p, 6/20/23
AG
Painmaker is definitely worth playing, and you might not see another group on the course. Just be prepared to pick up or "just drop here" to get it around. If you do that with a focus on a good time and not score, the views and many holes are great.

Omar Uresti holds the course record at like 62 or 63.
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BreNayPop
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In reply to Sueshade10 • 9:01p, 6/20/23
AG
Other than your inability to play golf with me as a partner, what would you add to what I've already said. When do you get to ruidoso this year?
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Sueshade10
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9:39p, 6/20/23
AG
Back to DoubleEs concerns... my bro covered most of it. Just be aware if you have a large group, some courses allow 2 weeks scheduling ahead of time and others only allow 1 week. Thats important if you want back to back tee times, especially at the Inn.

If you have a large group, I recommend going to the grocery store when you get there and load up on some food for breakfasts/dinners. We find it's easier to cook most of the time rather than trying to go out to eat.

Painmakers is a can't miss course, but set up teams and scramble. Bring your own drinks and it'll be a blast. The staff there are awesome.

If your group wants to gamble, plan an afternoon round at the Inn of the Mountain Gods and then walk over to the casino afterward.

Finally, don't forget to post course conditions for us! We will be there over labor day weekend.
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DoubleE65
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8:05a, 6/21/23
AG
Thanks for all the recs! I have an opportunity to get us on Alto.. should we take that or Rain or Inn? Our group hdcp's range from 1.8-12 plus my dad who's not a very long hitter.
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BreNayPop
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8:17a, 6/21/23
AG
Alto or outlaw are the two private courses- which makes their exclusivity cool. They put in a lot of money every year to those courses, and alto has the best 19th hole of any course. I have no idea what shape alto is in (haven't played it in a couple years)- but it gets heavy play by it's members and is a fun track. If you ever return to ruidoso, you will always be able to play rainmakers or the inn.

With those handicaps, you could and should play rainmakers, but the tee times aren't hard to get like alto lakes are. Inn is also great, and you could gamble afterwards if that's something the group wants to do. Bring your own drinks to rainmakers or the inn- not usually great service on the course but good Proshops.

Depending on which day you play, it might be hard to get on alto- they bought outlaw to relieve heavy play… and now are in the process of buying kokopelli and will redo that for more alleviation of tee time problems

Edit: rainmakers from the senior tees is still a challenge, but much less painful.
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DoubleE65
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10:05a, 6/21/23
AG
Any recs for the horse races? Where to sit etc? We'll have 12 max. Are there suites available?
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Sueshade10
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10:59a, 6/21/23
AG
I don't have much experience there, but looks like there are some awesome bands coming in July. I hope you get to see a good one! Also doesn't look like the prices differ too much between seats for the races.

https://tickets.raceruidoso.com
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BreNayPop
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11:13a, 6/21/23
AG
I haven't done the Ruidoso Downs horse races- looks fun for a group- if you go then let us know how it was.

I have always avoided that area because I've seen the traffic when it's leaving and it looks horrible. They do block off a lane of highway and use local cops for traffic guidance, but even still it was a very long line of cars- akin to leaving an A&M football game to get onto Wellborn. I've just never wanted to put up with that.

If yall go anywhere to eat (and there are some great places), make sure to hit up Anaheim Jacks for a burger and beer- check out their menu and order it to go when you are on 16th or 17th hole and it'll be ready.

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AgLA06
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In reply to DoubleE65 • 1:48p, 6/21/23
AG
There's boxes and the Jockey Club as well as reserved seats.

Honestly, I believe it's open most of the time for simulcast racing with free admission. Just go check it out ahead of time and see if you want to drop the coin for anything above general admission (free). Here's the seat options.

https://tickets.raceruidoso.com/

I'd also suggest doing a quick search for concerts in town. Inn and the horse track both do live music and the last time I was at the Inn, it looked pretty cool. They set up the stage out back overlooking the mountains and lake.

Don't forget fishing as well. The state stocks all 3 lakes (Grindstone, Alto, and Bonito up north) as well as the river with rainbows and other species. You can look up the stocking report each week. If any of them are stocked the week you are there, it would be worth taking some light tackle rods, small J-hooks, fake eggs and worms. We killed them last time and they have license options for less than a year duration.
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txag2008
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9:04p, 7/10/23
AG
Will be at Rainmakers on the morning of the 15th with a group of 6.
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BreNayPop
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In reply to txag2008 • 10:13p, 7/10/23
AG
Enjoy painmakers. Proshop is good, but bring your own beverages as they usually don't run the beverage cart. Gorgeous course. Let the group know how well you shoot compared to your handicap. 30 mins travel time from anywhere in town but it's an easy road. It's comparatively gorgeous weather up there right now- wear sunscreen unless you want a bad burn and hope the afternoon thunderstorms stay away
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DoubleE65
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9:55p, 7/27/23
AG
Trip recap…

Buddy and I left Midland Friday morning to head to Ruidoso. We decided to detour through Cloudcroft and play 9 there as neither of us had been before. We teed off at 12:30 and it was 72 degrees and clear skies, amazing compared to temps we had just left. Awesome course, first hole is pretty sweet.

We then headed up to Ruidoso and we set up camp at Anaheim Jacks and waited for the rest of the group. Great food and drinks and a nice time on the patio. Finally checked in to our place at Innsbrook and made a few laps around the par 3 course. Holes ranged from ~70-110yds. Fun little track in good shape and many elk constantly being chased around the course by security haha. Finished the night at Quarters and WPS for live music, solid first day.

Saturday we get up and make a few more laps around the par 3, enjoying the mid-60's temps. We then head to the horse races and enjoy an afternoon sitting on the finish line and betting the ponies (donkeys for my bets).
We then head to Inn of MGs and hit the casino and have dinner. Our group had an awesome time there and handpays were won!

Sunday we headed back to play at the Inn and got away with playing a 6some as we were stuck behind slow play. The Marshall was from Rockport and helped us out there, nice guy. Great and challenging course that was in solid shape. Hungover 43 on the front with 2 birdies but got my chemical balance right and shot 35 on the back. Lot of fun. Headed back to the casino for a bit then back to Innsbrook for dinner at the Texas Club. Great food and drinks and a short walk from our place, perfect.

Few of us had intentions to play Rainmakers on the way out of town Monday but never made it after getting out of our place and long drives ahead. Overall fantastic weekend and we'll be back for sure!
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Sueshade10
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In reply to DoubleE65 • 6:45a, 7/28/23
AG
Sounds like a great weekend! Can't wait to get up there in about a month. How were the greens at the Inn? I was hoping they are 100% restored by now. 2 years ago they had a fungus problem and some of the greens were really eaten up.
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DoubleE65
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In reply to Sueshade10 • 7:42a, 7/28/23
AG
I didn't notice any fungus issues
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Sueshade10
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In reply to DoubleE65 • 8:08a, 7/28/23
AG
Great to hear! Thanks!
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WLW12SPJ
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9:24a, 8/30/23
AG
I'm heading there to Ruidoso next week...getting there Sunday and leaving next Saturday. We are staying at Innsbrook also and will play the par 3 course several times I'm sure.
I already have Inn of the MGs booked for Monday and we are going to Cloudcroft Thursday to play the Lodge and eat at Mad Jacks BBQ (owner is from around central Texas and gets his wood from an old man out in Delhi).
Anyhow, we are debating one other course to play, which is the Links versus Rainmakers. Does anyone have a preference? Pricewise the Links is $75/player on Tuesday and Rainmakers is $125/player. A golfing buddy just came from there about a month ago and said he would choose the Links over Rainmakers. I think mainly because of difficulty. Said both were in the same condition.
Again, does anyone have a preference over the two and any other things to do, or places to go/eat?

TIA
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oldag00
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In reply to WLW12SPJ • 10:07a, 8/30/23
AG
I've played both on guys trips multiple times.

For a play your own ball, play for score, "serious" round of golf, I would choose Links 10 out of 10 times.

For a fun, beer drinking, score doesn't matter, pick up your ball and move along, stop and hit 5 shots into a green trying to hit the correct tier, or a scramble round, I would choose Rainmaker for the views, layout, conditioning, and lack of other groups.
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WLW12SPJ
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10:24a, 8/30/23
AG
Thanks oldag. That's basically what my buddy said, too. That many balls can be lost at rainmakers.
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BreNayPop
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10:10a, 9/6/23
AG
Just got back from our usual Labor Day weekend trip.

First, our warm-up "goof off" round at the goat track known as Cree Meadows was fun as usual- but they jacked their rates WAY up. Frankly, will avoid this course in the future at the price they asked for what the course was.

The Inn was in phenomenal shape this year. Really impressed and worth playing if you are headed up there. Difficult track (those first 4 holes are brutal) but beautiful mountain golf.

Rainmakers was in its usual beautiful glory. Stupid hard course but well-manicured and always in great shape. We played a 2 man scramble and that was probably smart. We even had a couple 'teen' handicappers discuss next time they'd like to play the scramble from the tips.

The Links was in the best shape I've ever seen it in. It won't ever be a top 3 course in Ruidoso, but it's a fun and easy track. Played from the tips and still had fun. From the blues, it's a course you can likely set a personal best score on.

Didn't play Outlaw/Alto Lakes- but those courses are always in peak shape and worth playing.
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Ezra Brooks
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7:44a, 5/20/24
AG
Just spent the weekend in Ruidoso.

We played on Friday at Inn of the Mountain Gods - I REALLY liked the layout and views, but the overall condition of the course was less than impressive - especially given the fee. Wouldn't go back unless the condition is much better.

Saturday we played Rainmaker - it was in fantastic shape. Our group played well and we had so much fun that we added a replay 18. Only issue here is that they've raised the price, so you're looking at $165.
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BreNayPop
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12:21p, 5/20/24
AG
Thanks for the heads up Ezra. Was it the greens or something else? They have had a lot of rain earlier so I figured the greens would be decent.
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Ezra Brooks
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In reply to BreNayPop • 12:24p, 5/20/24
AG
BreNayPop said:
Thanks for the heads up Ezra. Was it the greens or something else? They have had a lot of rain earlier so I figured the greens would be decent.
Tee boxes could stand to be leveled, but really it was the greens. For $140, I expected something quite a bit better.

Maybe they'll improve with improving weather.
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CyclingAg82
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In reply to Ezra Brooks • 12:32p, 5/20/24
AG
Ezra Brooks said:
Just spent the weekend in Ruidoso.

We played on Friday at Inn of the Mountain Gods - I REALLY liked the layout and views, but the overall condition of the course was less than impressive - especially given the fee. Wouldn't go back unless the condition is much better.

Saturday we played Rainmaker - it was in fantastic shape. Our group played well and we had so much fun that we added a replay 18. Only issue here is that they've raised the price, so you're looking at $165.
Love Rainmakers. Planning to get back out there soon.

Inn of the Mountain Gods - good layout, bummer to hear about course condition.
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