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I
sensed a new golfing experience is about to begin standing
at the number one tee box looking down at what looks to be
a 200 plus feet of elevation drop and 251 yards (from red
flags, 185 women’s) to a green that seems terribly small
and the tree lined fairway precariously narrow. At 9,200 feet
above sea level, this is one of the world’s highest elevation
golf courses. To my left is the grand and stately Lodge at
Cloudcroft, New Mexico and I am playing The Lodge Golf Course.
My first drive I knew I was addicted! Having played golf from
Myrtle Beach to San Francisco, Aspen, Jamaica, and courses
all in-between (including Sawgrass and Q School –Good,
Bad, and Ugly), it takes a lot for me to “feel the magic”
and excitement of a new course. But the magic was here. Not
a long course, with only 4,858 yardage for men, a 68 par,
and slope rating of 96 … but there was something magical
about the mountain air at that elevation, the grand Lodge
within walking distance, and the comfortable pace at which
Cloudcroft visitors and residents (even slower) move. The
Aspen leaves shimmer along the fairways and the pines seem
to reach for the heavens.
I had been enjoying the luxuriant accommodations of the suite
in the Retreat rooms of The Lodge, their world-class dining,
and now the sweeping mountain view with beautiful lush fairways
and bent grass greens were inviting my ball to travel 18 holes
through a golfer’s haven. The Golf Traveler called it
"simply enjoy the most unique golfing experience slightly
this side of heaven." The Atlantic Monthly said, "A
leading attraction in New Mexico, beyond Santa Fe." It
was rated "Among The 100 Best USA Summer Vacation Locations"
by Lodging and Hospitality Magazine. August 11, 2002
Your
standard 18 hole golf course it is not! The course built at
the turn of the century, was designed with Scottish influence
and tradition of playing different tees and separate flags
for each hole (two holes per green except #1). When this was
first explained to me I felt some disappointment, but once
I played the course there was no disappointment at all, just
excitement about the next several days of golfing!
Yes, you can drive further at 9,200 feet. Catch a solid “sweet
spot” drive and you will think you must have had a drink
of “John Daily” juice in the hotel bar (which part
of once belonged to the famed gangster, Al Capone).
Each year, over 26,000 rounds of golf are played here and
I suspect that many of them are here just so they can say,
“I was on the green at 318 yards twice recently in one
game.” My wife was on at 218 yards on a regular basis!
Every
person who hits for the first time off #5 comes down the severe
drop that starts about 150 yards out, and has an elevation
change of approximately 250 plus feet the last 168 yards ….
take a look at their ball on the green with that, "hey,
look at what I just did look and mile long smile spreading
across their face." From the #6 tee box I could hear
them yell as the start the descent down the golf cart path,
“I’m on the green! Over 300 yards and I’m on
he green!” For holes #9 and #18 (one of the same), you
have about 240 yards uphill with something like a 200 foot
elevation increase, but after hole #5 they feel they can drive
any green! They can’t!
One
can check into your luxury room, and have a great dinning
experience in Rebecca’s dining room at The Lodge that
evening (with clubs out and ready for the next day’s
golfing experience). Fees for the cart and 18 holes are under
$40, and the club house will have your clubs ready and on
the golf cart at tee time the next morning. Phone (505) 682-2098,
http://www.thelodge-nm.com/golfcourse/golfcourse.htm
E-mail info-thelodge-nm.com.
Happy Traveling.
“To
The Ends Of The Earth And Then Some.”
E-mail jones@photoandtravel.com
You may e-mail travel questions to me free of charge.
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