University of New Mexico Golf Courses

About University of New Mexico Golf Courses

The Championship Course is UNM's big course, laid out by Robert (Red) Lawrence and opened in 1967 on about 200 acres of desert just below the Albuquerque Sunport. At 7,555 yards and par 72 it's long even with the thin air helping. The fairways are wide, but they roll up and down and side to side, and a miss ends up in rough, loose desert sand, water or sagebrush. Greens are bent and Poa annua. The map survey counts 69 bunkers and three holes with water in play. Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data.

The tournament résumé is the reason to play it. It has held the men's NCAA Division I Championship in 1976, 1992 and 1998 and the women's in 1987 and 2008, PGA Tour Qualifying School stages in 1978 and every year from 2021 through 2024, and the 2019 Pacific Coast Amateur. The Lobos host the William H. Tucker Invitational there (the 61st edition was in 2015), and the Dick McGuire Intercollegiate for women has been played there since 1979. Golf Digest put it among America's 25 best public courses in 1988, and Golfweek ranked it No. 5 on its Best Courses You Can Play list for New Mexico in 2021.

UNM's golf history goes back further, on the other side of campus. The North Course, built in 1942 with 27 holes, was the first course in America to break 7,000 yards and hosted the 1950 NCAAs. It's nine holes now. Back on the big course there's a 55-station range, a three-hole practice course, the Lobo Grill, and a teaching staff that includes Dorothy Delasin, a U.S. Women's Amateur champion and the LPGA's 2000 Rookie of the Year.

It's one of 2 courses in Albuquerque on Yoink, and the closest alternative is Paradise Hills Golf Course, about 12 miles away — handy when your first choice is booked solid.

What it's like to play University of New Mexico Golf Courses

There's real elevation change: some holes rise or fall about 77 feet from tee to green. A creek or river runs through the property and comes into play on 3 holes. 10 of the 18 holes bend, so position off the tee matters more than length.

Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data (ODbL).

Booking a tee time at University of New Mexico Golf Courses

The general public can book 5 days ahead; bring a valid ID if you're claiming a UNM or other discount. Out-of-state groups of 8 or more can call the shop at (505) 277-4546 about booking further out.

How to get a tee time at University of New Mexico Golf Courses