The earth grew dark as the 500 hot air balloons rose to the heavens in a myriad of colors, shapes, and designs thus blocking the suns rays from finding their way to the ground. Or maybe you would enjoy the evening event as these balloons glow as they light up the night sky. This is the magic of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
However I need to return to the present as this event takes place in the cool, crisp days of October, and on this trip to the Land of Enchantment, we are here in the hot, dry days of July. This means it’s golfing weather, and today we are playing the Golf Center at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Shot Value: Not much thought is needed to play each hole. Grab a club and hit away. Wide open for 4 of the 6 holes. Yes, I said 6!
Design Variety: Holes range from 65 to 185 yards. The first four are perfect for the beginning golfer. The last two, require a little finesse, and wayward shots may find some water. That is correct – 4+2=6 holes.
Memorability: Nothing special about this course, but it is an excellent course for a beginning golfer. You can play unlimited holes for just $6. That’s correct – play 6, 7, 12, or 20 holes. Just keep moving. Don’t be like the twits who were using #5 green as their personal putting and chipping green.
Aesthetics: There are some nice views of the Sandia Mountains and maybe you will see a few ballon launches.
Conditioning: Greens were in excellent shape.
Ambience: Besides the 6-hole par 3 course (yes, 6-holes), there is a large driving range and a small pro shop.
Rating – Uncategorized: This is an excellent course for the beginner golfer, and provides good iron practice for all levels of players. Due to the busy nature of Fiesta Park, the course is not always open, and it is closed for about two months in the Fall due to the International Balloon Fiesta. While you are there (unless you are trying to play 100 holes in a day looking for that elusive ace), take time to visit the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
And if you have never experienced 500+ balloons filling the sky with color, plan to visit Albuquerque in October.
9401 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113; 505-768-6043 x3; www.cabq.gov
