Wagons, ho! As you step back 200 years and explore the Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway in Northern New Mexico take time for a detour to play Raton Country Club and Golf Course.
Standing on the first tee, Karen (who spent many summers in New Mexico) noted the course didn’t look like New Mexico (it was green) but the fresh, breathable air smelled like it. Mountain views, numerous trees and “sneaky” difficult holes made for an enjoyable 9-hole round.
Don’t automatically pull driver at Hole #1 as the water that is out of view in the fairway may engulf your first shot of the day (remember the “sneaky” difficult holes?). Hole #2 is a 165 yard par 3 with a small green that slopes dramatically front to back.
As we approached the short (303 yards) par 4 third hole, the peacefulness of the course was very evident. Maybe I was lulled into the silent setting as I let my tee shot leak to the right. Not the correct place to land as two large trees now blocked my path to the green. Hole #4 – you just need to hit it straight to a small but relatively flat green. Hole #5 – which way to drive? The direction of this hole can be confusing (at least for me) when playing for the first time, so as long as you follow the correct path this dogleg right par 4 is a scoring hole.
You are met with a sign at Hole #6 that reads, Caution: Rattlesnake Area! Exit your cart quickly to the left with your driver weapon ready to do battle. After sweeping the teeing area for these venomous vipers, there is an excellent birdie or even eagle opportunity at this 265 yard par 4. Just don’t let the rattling in the background disturb your concentration.
Water comes back into play fronting the greens at both Holes #7 and #8. Hole #9 is a tree-lined dogleg right with a good opportunity to finish the round with a birdie.
Birdie: I was pleasantly surprised by Raton Country Club and the surrounding area. Usually just a gas and food stop for us between Denver and Santa Fe, northern New Mexico offers a number of attractions to explore.
The NRA Whittington Center is known as the most comprehensive shooting facility in the world. Drawing over 170,000 visitors a year it presents an opportunity to shoot, relax, socialize and be part of a real southwest tradition. The Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway allows you to step back in time and experience the stunning geography, fascinating history and unlimited recreational opportunities as you explore the Real West.
Looking for a hike? Visit the Capulin Volcano National Monument and learn how it erupted into existence 60,000 years ago. Looking for a hunt? Try Ted Turner’s Vermejo Park Ranch which offers turkey hunts, elk & deer hunting, fishing, and photography tours.
Yes, as we realized, Raton Country Club and northern New Mexico is much more than a gas and food stop!
510 Country Club Rd., Raton, NM 87740; 575-445-8113; www.ratongolf.com
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