What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State (New Mexico)?

Cochiti Golf Club

New Mexico is known for spectacular golf.

From the high desert around Albuquerque and Santa Fe to the mountain scenery surrounding Ruidoso, the Land of Enchantment has plenty of courses that combine dramatic scenery with memorable golf.

But not every course is getting rave reviews.

We looked at golfer ratings and reviews on sites including GolfPass and TripAdvisor to find the New Mexico courses that are generating the most criticism. Rather than simply picking courses with the lowest possible rating, we gave more weight to courses with a meaningful number of reviews.

One important caveat: Golf-course conditions can change dramatically from season to season, and several of these courses have golfers reporting recent improvements. So consider this a snapshot of online golfer sentiment—not a permanent verdict.

Here are three of the lowest-rated New Mexico golf courses we found.

1. Cochiti Golf Club — Cochiti Lake

GolfPass rating: 1.7/5 from 29 reviews

Cochiti Golf Club may be the biggest surprise on this list.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course has the pedigree and scenery to be one of New Mexico's premier golf experiences. But its GolfPass rating of just 1.7 is dramatically lower than you might expect from a course with that kind of reputation.

GolfPass lists Cochiti at just 1.7, compared with considerably higher ratings for many of the state's other public courses.

TripAdvisor tells a more complicated story. The course currently has a 4.0 rating from 57 reviews, but recent reviews include some harsh criticism of course conditions.

One June 2025 reviewer described the course as being in "catastrophic decline," particularly criticizing the greens, fairways and rough. Another reviewer in 2024 called the layout perhaps the best in New Mexico but complained about poor maintenance.

And there is evidence that conditions have improved. A TripAdvisor reviewer who played in April 2026 said the course was in great condition, with good staff and reasonable fees.

The takeaway: Cochiti's online reputation is complicated. The course has a spectacular layout and setting, but its GolfPass rating reflects a long history of complaints about conditioning.

2. Sonoma Ranch Golf Course — Las Cruces

Sonoma Ranch Golf Course

GolfPass rating: 3.3/5 from 253 reviews

Sonoma Ranch doesn't have the rock-bottom rating of Cochiti, but its GolfPass numbers are noteworthy because they come from a much larger sample.

The Las Cruces course has a 3.3 GolfPass rating from 253 reviews, with only 58.3% of reviewers recommending it. Its weakest category is conditions, which GolfPass rates at just 2.8.

That makes the course particularly interesting because golfers generally like its layout, friendliness and pace of play. The problem appears to be getting the golf course itself into consistently good condition.

Recent GolfPass reviews have included complaints about dead grass, muddy areas and deteriorating conditions, although some golfers have also reported noticeable improvement.

TripAdvisor is considerably more forgiving. Sonoma Ranch currently carries a 4.0 rating from 37 reviews.

Still, recent TripAdvisor reviews have echoed some of the GolfPass complaints. One July 2025 golfer criticized the condition of the tee boxes and the restrictions on where carts could travel. Another 2024 reviewer described the course as dry and in need of a serious reclamation effort.

The takeaway: Sonoma Ranch isn't universally disliked. In fact, golfers frequently praise the layout, scenery and staff. But course conditioning has dragged down its GolfPass score.

3. Towa Golf Resort — Santa Fe

Towa Golf Resort

GolfPass rating: 3.7/5 from 91 reviews

Towa Golf Resort is another course where the difference between the layout and the current playing conditions appears to be significant.

GolfPass lists the resort's three remaining nines—Boulder, Pinon and Valley—with a rating of approximately 3.7 from 91 reviews.

TripAdvisor currently gives Towa a much stronger overall rating than the worst courses in the state, but its recent reviews are strikingly negative.

A July 2025 reviewer called Towa the "Worst golf course in New Mexico," citing fairways and greens that were largely dirt and mud. Another 2025 reviewer described the course as "scorched earth golf," while a third called it possibly the worst-kept course he had ever played.

Perhaps most tellingly, one 2025 reviewer said the staff issued a full refund after the golfer saw the condition of the course.

But, again, there's another side to the story.

A May 2026 TripAdvisor review said Towa was getting better, noting new sod and ongoing efforts to improve the course. The reviewer still described some rough areas but said the layout and topography could make it a top-five course in New Mexico.

The takeaway: Towa may be a classic case of a golf course in transition. The scenery and architecture receive plenty of praise, while maintenance problems have produced some brutal reviews.

What About the Other Low-Rated Courses?

There are a few important honorable mentions.

Cree Meadows Golf Course in Ruidoso currently has just a 2.0 rating on TripAdvisor from six reviews, including one golfer who called it the worst course he had ever played and complained that most of the greens were virtually unplayable.

Isleta Eagle Golf Course is even lower, with a 1.0 TripAdvisor rating—but from just one review. That reviewer complained about dirt, worn tee boxes, wildlife waste and maintenance-related delays.

Those numbers are certainly worth noting, but the extremely small sample sizes make them less useful for ranking an entire state's golf courses.

That's why Cochiti, Sonoma Ranch and Towa make a more defensible three-course list when GolfPass and TripAdvisor are considered together.

The Bottom Line

New Mexico remains a terrific golf destination, and a low online rating doesn't necessarily mean you should permanently cross a course off your list.

In fact, the reviews suggest that course conditions are changing at several of these facilities. Cochiti has received positive recent reports after years of criticism, while Towa golfers have noticed improvement efforts. Sonoma Ranch also has golfers reporting that conditions are improving.

Still, if you're planning a New Mexico golf trip and want to maximize your chances of getting your money's worth, these are three courses where it's worth checking very recent reviews and current conditions before booking a tee time.

After all, there's a big difference between playing a course at its worst and catching it during its comeback.

The Piper at Legends Golf Resort Set to Open to the Public on Oct. 2

(MYRTLE BEACH, SC) – Legends Golf Resort today announced that The Piper, its highly-anticipated new par 3 course designed by Ken Baker, will officially open for play on October 2, 2026. The announcement comes during a milestone week of golf in Myrtle Beach as more than 3,000 players from around the world compete in the Myrtle Beach World Amateur, the world’s largest golf tournament.

The Piper, which was first announced in June, takes its name from the wandering musicians of Scottish folklore. With holes ranging from 54 to 120 yards, The Piper meanders across an intimate 12-acre footprint that emphasizes fun, connection and camaraderie. Play will flow in three-hole loops, past food and drink stops with lights and a music-driven social atmosphere unlike anything else currently offered along the Grand Strand.

“We’ve watched this course come to life hole by hole over the last year and it’s exactly the experience that we set out to create for our guests and for the local community,” said Larry Woodberry, director of operations for Legends Golf Resort. “As so many players explore golf in Myrtle Beach this week, we’re excited to invite this community to be among the first to play The Piper this fall.”

Construction on The Piper is nearing completion within the resort’s 30-acre practice facility, positioned near the resort’s lighted grass range, a 50,000-square-foot putting green and short game area. From Oct. 2 through the end of 2026, Legends Golf Resort will host limited play on the new course with rounds open to resort guests and public play. More details about booking tee times, opening day availability and evening programming for The Piper will be available in the coming weeks. Additional amenities and experiences for The Piper will be unveiled in advance of the 2027 golf season.

The opening of The Piper is the first step in a multi-phase strategy to expand the golf and entertainment experience at Legends Golf Resort.

For more information about Legends Golf Resort and The Piper, visit LegendsGolf.com. 

Revo Expands Performance Collection with Three New Styles Designed for Clarity, Comfort and Versatility

(NEW YORK, NY) — Revo, the performance eyewear brand known for its advanced polarized lens technology, is expanding its collection with three new styles: Crawler Pro, Prime, and Preston. Designed to deliver exceptional clarity, secure fit and all-day comfort, the new additions bring Revo’s performance-driven approach to a range of active and everyday pursuits.

Crawler Pro marks the performance evolution of Revo’s best-selling sport frame. The style features a refined rounded-rectangular silhouette, lightweight TR90 construction and an enhanced fit for comfortable wear during active pursuits. Thicker temples help reduce backlight and glare, supporting sharp, focused vision when conditions demand it.

Built with performance in mind, Prime features a secure click-in temple system, wraparound rubber temples and adjustable nose pads for a locked-in, customizable fit. Integrated brow bar ventilation helps promote airflow and comfort, making Prime well suited for extended wear on and off the course.

Preston offers a modern take on the wrap navigator, combining a performance-minded design with everyday versatility. Spring hinges provide flexibility and comfort, while lightweight Serilium lenses help deliver lasting wearability and exceptional optical clarity.

All three new styles feature Revo’s signature polarized lens technology, engineered to enhance contrast, reduce glare and deliver crisp vision across changing environments and lighting conditions.

The new Crawler Pro, Prime and Preston are now part of the Revo collection and can be found on Revo.com.

Why Give Them a Try

If you’re looking for eyewear that can keep up with an active lifestyle without sacrificing everyday style, Revo’s new Crawler Pro, Prime and Preston styles are worth a look. Each frame combines Revo’s proven polarized lens technology with thoughtful performance features designed to improve clarity, reduce glare and provide all-day comfort. Whether you’re spending hours on the golf course, heading outdoors or simply looking for a dependable pair of sunglasses for everyday wear, the three styles offer a compelling blend of performance, fit and versatility. The lightweight construction and secure, customizable fit are especially appealing for golfers who want sunglasses that stay comfortable and in place from the first tee through the final putt.

The Gate Golf Club Set to Open New 9-Hole Course in Naples in December 2026

The Gate Golf Club in Naples, Florida, is on track to open its new nine-hole golf course in December 2026, marking the next chapter for a property that once housed the 18-hole Golden Gate Country Club.

The redevelopment follows Collier County’s 2019 purchase of the approximately 165-acre property for $29.1 million. The goal was to prevent intensive private development and preserve public golf on the site.

Golden Gate Country Club originally opened in 1964 as an 18-hole public course designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee. It closed Aug. 1, 2019, and remained dormant for several years as the county explored redevelopment options.

Ultimately, portions of the property were designated for affordable workforce housing and a state veterans’ nursing home, while the remaining land was earmarked for a redesigned public golf facility.

“The opportunity emerged after the county purchased the property with the clear intention of protecting public golf,” said Kristina Schmieding, president of The Gate Golf Club. “When the original development partner withdrew in 2023, our family established a nonprofit and submitted an unsolicited proposal to redevelop and operate the course as an accessible public facility.”

Collier County approved a long-term lease and operating agreement with The Gate Golf Club in April 2024, allowing the redevelopment to move forward.

After approximately a year of funding and permitting work, construction began in February 2025.

A new nine-hole golf course

The centerpiece of the project is a new regulation-length nine-hole course designed by Jacobsen Hardy Golf Design. The development also includes The Bays, a 30-bay practice range featuring TrackMan technology; The Gater, a 48,500-square-foot, 18-hole putting course; new maintenance facilities; a clubhouse area; and a restaurant and bar.

The new nine-hole course begins and finishes near the clubhouse and has been routed around portions of the property designated for housing and the veterans’ nursing home.

While the layout is entirely new, Jacobsen Hardy incorporated several of the former course’s playing corridors into the design.

“Reusing those corridors allowed us to work with the site’s established ponds, drainage areas, prevailing wind patterns and mature trees,” Schmieding said.

Several of the adjacent holes occupy broad corridors that provide room for generous fairways and multiple playing angles. The former greens, however, were not retained.

Glase Golf reshaped the property and built new tees, bunkers and green complexes. Old cart paths were removed, crushed and reused as base material.

“The result is a newly constructed course that retains parts of the original property’s orientation and mature character without reproducing the former layout,” Schmieding said.

The course will range from 1,228 yards from the junior tees to 3,346 yards from the black tees. Celebration Bermuda will be used on the fairways and tees, while the greens will feature TifEagle.

Designed for golfers of all abilities

The Gate’s design philosophy emphasizes accessibility without eliminating strategic elements.

Wide landing areas will give golfers room for imperfect shots, while bunkers, ponds, swales and waste areas will force players to think about how they approach the greens.

The bunkers are designed to avoid being excessively deep or penal. Instead, they will encourage golfers to use a variety of short-game shots, including chips and putts from areas around the greens.

The layout will also mix challenging holes with scoring opportunities. The short par-4 eighth hole, for example, is intended to provide golfers with a realistic birdie opportunity.

“The designers intend the course to be welcoming and playable without removing strategy,” Schmieding said. “Overall, the course is intended to challenge skilled golfers without overwhelming beginners, juniors or recreational players.”

The walkable layout and multiple teeing areas will allow golfers to choose distances and levels of difficulty appropriate for their abilities.

Working with the existing landscape

The limited amount of developable land played a significant role in the routing.

Because portions of the former 18-hole property were allocated to other uses, the golf course had to be designed around those parcels while still beginning and ending near the clubhouse.

The design team also worked around the property's existing ponds, drainage and water-conveyance areas, natural contours, prevailing winds and mature trees.

“Rather than extensively reshaping the land, the designers routed the holes around those features, retained the old-growth trees and removed much of the accumulated underbrush,” Schmieding said.

That approach is expected to give the course an open appearance while allowing it to look relatively mature when it opens.

The designers also prioritized playability by taking advantage of the width available between adjacent holes. In some areas, the combined corridors are wide enough to accommodate three fairways, although only two were ultimately constructed.

That additional space creates wider landing areas and gives golfers more room to recover from errant shots.

As a public, nonprofit facility and future home of First Tee – Naples/Collier, The Gate is being designed to serve a broad audience, including juniors, families, beginners and experienced golfers.

More than just a golf course

Golfers will have several ways to practice, learn and play at The Gate.

The facility's golf operation will provide instructional programming, while First Tee – Naples/Collier will offer youth golf and life-skills programming from a new headquarters on the property.

The project is a collaborative effort involving Collier County, The Gate Golf Club and First Tee – Naples/Collier as founding partners. Collier County is contributing $6 million to the project.

A number of additional organizations have provided financial, professional or in-kind support.

MHK Architecture donated architectural design services, while Freestyle Interiors provided interior design services. Arthrex donated project management services, and Arthrex StudioX contributed video and photography.

Other project partners include Smith Media & Design, MG-IP Law, LJA Engineering, Jenkins Maag Associates, Doug Hellman of Hellman & Partners, DeAngelis Diamond, TrackMan, Range Servant and Vice Golf.

When it opens in December 2026, The Gate Golf Club will give Naples a new public golf facility built on the footprint of a property that has served local golfers for more than six decades—while adding practice, instruction, youth programming, dining and other amenities to the site.

Kawonu Golf Club Completes Grassing of Championship Course

Milestone brings major course construction to a close as private, golf-only club prepares for spring 2027 opening

(Greenville, SC) – Kawonu Golf Club has completed grassing across all 18 holes of its championship course, bringing major course construction to a close as the private, golf-only club moves toward its spring 2027 opening.

The milestone comes approximately 16 months after Kawonu broke ground in April 2025. With sodding, seeding and sprigging finished, Director of Agronomy David Barrett and his team will guide the course through the remaining grow-in period, establishing and maturing the turf ahead of opening.

“This is a major milestone for Kawonu and represents more than a year of work across the entire course,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club. “To reach the point where all 18 holes are fully grassed is a tremendous accomplishment and a credit to Andrew, David and everyone who has had a hand in bringing the course to this stage. We’re incredibly pleased with where it stands today and look forward to watching the course continue to mature.”

Course architect Andrew Green designed Kawonu to follow the natural contours of the land, routing holes through rolling terrain, open meadows and mature hardwood forest. That approach has guided each phase of construction, with an emphasis on preserving the character of the landscape while shaping a course that feels cohesive and enduring.

“At this stage, the character of the course is coming through in a new way,” said Green. “You can see how the routing, shaping and natural features of the property work together from one hole to the next. The land has guided the design from the beginning, and seeing the course reach this point reinforces what made this property such a compelling place for golf.”

Barrett and his team will spend the coming months gradually adjusting mowing heights and maintenance practices as the turf develops. Barrett brings more than two decades of experience at top-ranked clubs, including Congaree Golf Club, and has worked closely with Green throughout construction on decisions ranging from grass selection and irrigation to the maintainability of individual slopes and playing surfaces.

“We can now begin to dial in the conditioning of the course,” said Barrett. “For us, that means developing firm, consistent playing surfaces and greens that are true, with the right balance of speed and firmness. Those conditions are built over time, and the coming months give us the opportunity to make incremental improvements every day as the turf matures.”

Kawonu remains on track for a spring 2027 opening. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, plans for the property include a golf house, main clubhouse, on-site lodging and Tuck’s Cabin, a fishing cabin overlooking the 10-acre lake at the center of the front nine.

Situated on more than 290 acres of rolling meadows, hardwood forests and Reedy River frontage, Kawonu is the first private, golf-only club developed in the Upstate in more than 30 years.

For more information about Kawonu Golf Club, visit www.kawonugolfclub.com.

Storied Development Announces Opening of Firefly’s Championship Golf Course, Nine-Hole Short Course

Middle Tennessee Community Celebrates Milestone Along with Impressive Homesite Sales and Strong Construction Momentum on Club Amenities

(Spring Hill, Tenn.) – Firefly, a new 700-acre luxury golf community located 30 minutes south of Nashville and developed by Storied Development in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, announces the openings of its 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole short course, both of which were designed by acclaimed architect Andrew Green and represent the first original designs of his award-winning career. The course openings come amid strong and sustained demand for Firefly’s real estate offerings, including nearly 150 homesites sold since 2025, and faster-than-expected construction of the first three club amenities, Fieldhouse, Golf Shop and Outpost, turning Firefly’s vision for a top multigenerational golf community into a reality.

“Opening Firefly’s golf courses over this Labor Day weekend is a defining moment for our members and the culmination of years of vision, collaboration and exacting work,” said Mark Enderle, Storied Development partner. “Andrew Green and his team have created something timeless and truly of this land. The conversion of more than 4,000 sales inquiries into 350-plus property tours shows how strongly families believe in the community taking shape around this extraordinary golf experience.”

Set across Middle Tennessee’s rolling countryside, Green’s walking-friendly core course layout follows the land’s natural movement and places a premium on strategic angles, thoughtful shot-making and contour-rich green complexes. Stretching from more than 7,300 yards to 4,860 yards, the championship course challenges accomplished players while remaining playable for golfers across all levels.

“Firefly represents the opportunity every architect hopes for, the freedom to study a remarkable piece of land and let its character guide the golf,” said Andrew Green, Firefly course designer. “Our goal was to create a course that feels discovered rather than imposed, with strategy and variety that reward thoughtful play while remaining welcoming to all golfers.”

The nine-hole short course – with holes ranging from 70 to 210 yards – extends that philosophy in a more flexible format, giving players the opportunity to experience a broad range of scoring shots, practice with different clubs, and enjoy the game in less time. The wider golf campus also includes an expansive practice field, three short-game greens, a large 18,000 sq. ft. putting green and a full-service teaching facility with Trackman technology, two indoor/outdoor hitting bays and a SAM putting lab.

Construction of Firefly’s first three amenities, Fieldhouse, Golf Shop and Outpost, is moving quickly. Designed by SWABACK, a well-known architecture, planning, and design firm, they remain on track for opening in spring 2027.

“Firefly is a great example of what can be achieved when patient capital, experienced development leadership and a singular vision come together,” said Jeff Laliberte, Partner, Wheelock Street Capital. “The opening of Andrew Green’s exceptional courses, strong homesite sales, and progress on the amenity buildings reinforce the long-term value of our investment as Firefly’s broader member experience takes shape. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of Firefly.”

Buyer momentum has continued through Firefly’s second phase of homesite sales, with fewer than 30 homesites remaining across Phases I and II. The current offering includes a limited selection of golf-frontage, creekside, and green-space homesites connected by planned trail networks.

Once complete, Firefly will offer an extensive collection of luxury amenities beyond golf, including a clubhouse, fitness center, family club, adult and family pools, bowling alley, golf simulators, interactive game room, multisport court, music hall and STEAM/STEM learning center. A racquet club will feature tennis, padel and indoor pickleball courts. Homesites are priced from $700,000 to more than $2 million, with home construction expected to begin in 2027. For more information, visit www.fireflyliving.com.

Ecco Golf Introduces BIOM® C5 Premium

(SALEM, NH) — Building on the success of the ECCO GOLF BIOM C5, launched earlier this year, ECCO GOLF has introduced the BIOM C5 PREMIUM, the latest high-performance model in the brand’s BIOM performance franchise.

Combining proven performance technologies that made BIOM C5 an instant standout with elevated materials, refined craftsmanship and the highest level of fit precision, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM has been created for golfers who demand the very best.

The BIOM C5 PREMIUM blends cutting-edge stability, premium ECCO Performance leather and the luxury aluminium BOA® Fit System dial to deliver exceptional comfort, control, and confidence in every condition. Built on ECCO's renowned BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® platform, the shoe brings golfers closer to the ground for enhanced stability and natural movement, while introducing a more sophisticated and premium interpretation of the BIOM C5 silhouette.

Crafted from premium ECCO Performance Leather, developed in ECCO's own tanneries, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM introduces a striking new expression of performance golf footwear. Its clean, uninterrupted upper, sculpted athletic profile, and premium detailing create a bold, contemporary silhouette that stands apart both on and off the course. The result is a shoe that delivers the technical performance serious golfers expect, wrapped in a distinctly elevated and sophisticated design.

The shoe features GORE-TEX SURROUND® waterproof technology, providing complete protection from the elements, alongside 360-degree breathability to keep feet dry and comfortable in all weather conditions. Below, the ECCO E-TTS outsole delivers top-class performance stability and multi-directional traction across every part of the course.Together, these technologies provide confidence, control, and comfort in wet, dry, sandy, and muddy conditions.

Engineered for golfers who demand the highest standards of performance, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM incorporates precision side stabilisers and the ultimate metal BOA® Fit System. Delivering micro-adjustable precision fit and effortless adaptability throughout the round, the BOA® system allows golfers to fine-tune comfort and performance whenever needed, while the premium metal dial further reinforces the shoe's elevated look and feel.

Powered by ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM provides a soft, flexible, and durable foundation that mirrors the natural shape of the foot. Its anatomical construction delivers exceptional cushioning, support, and stability, promoting natural movement while maintaining comfort from the first tee to the final green.

“The BIOM C5 was an important addition to our performance range and was immediately embraced by golfers looking for a modern combination of comfort, stability, and control,” said Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at ECCO GOLF. “With BIOM C5 PREMIUM, we’ve taken that platform even further. By combining our most advanced performance technologies with premium materials, refined craftsmanship, and a striking contemporary design, we’ve created a shoe that delivers on every level. It’s built for golfers who want uncompromising performance but who also appreciate premium aesthetics and exceptional attention to detail.”

Designed to perform at the highest level in every condition, ECCO GOLF BIOM C5 PREMIUM combines innovative comfort, advanced traction and premium Scandinavian craftsmanship in a package built for golfers who refuse to compromise.

ECCO GOLF shoes are worn around the world by Thorbjørn Olesen, Aaron Rai, Thomas Bjørn, Erik van Rooyen, Lydia Ko, Lin Xiyu, and Freddy Schott, among others. For further information about ECCO GOLF, visit golf.ecco.com.

Why You Should Give Them a Try

If you’re looking for a golf shoe that combines serious performance with a premium, everyday look, the ECCO GOLF BIOM C5 PREMIUM deserves a closer look. The combination of ECCO Performance Leather, GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof protection, the BIOM NATURAL MOTION platform and the precision BOA Fit System gives this shoe a compelling mix of comfort, stability and adjustability. I also like that it doesn’t look overly technical—it has a clean, athletic design that can easily transition from the golf course to the clubhouse. For golfers who value comfort over 18 holes but don’t want to sacrifice traction, support or style, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM looks like a shoe worth trying.