It felt like day 3 of the NFL Draft – you never know what is coming or what bargains you may find. NFL teams have a plethora of players from which to choose, but small towns in SE New Mexico have very few 9-hole courses to visit. After finalizing the agenda for our two day trip from Santa Fe, we were thrown a curveball. One course was not open on Monday and another closed because a fire destroyed all their golf carts. Never fear, we are able to scramble and continue with the SE New Mexico UFO Extraterrestrial Golfing Experience. In our case that stands for Ugly Flighted Orbs!
Not on the original agenda, we were able to slot the Li’L Rock Par 3 course at Rockwind Community Links into our day 1 schedule.
Shot Value: Even though it is a straightforward par 3 track, there are a few holes that will test the accuracy of your iron game.
Design Variety: The holes range from 65 yards to 187 yards, so you’ll be able to use many of the clubs in your bag. There are a few bunkers which are filled with more weeds than sand. There are a few trees that will test your accuracy off the tee, along with native grass areas if your tee shot strays from the putting surface. The greens are different in size and shape.
Memorability: The teeing areas had no markers, so it was difficult finding the exact (like we need exact) yardages. Yardages that are provided are from the rock hole signs to the middle of the green. There are a few elevation changes, but it is very walkable. No power carts are available.
Aesthetics: The trees, native grass areas, and rolling terrain gives the small course a nice feel for kids and beginning golfers.
Conditioning: The fairways were in good shape and the greens were “so-so”, but very playable.
Ambience: The Li’l Rock 9 is a First Tee Teaching Facility. There were many kids around and they had taken part of the 9th green for putting lessons. So you may have to be precise with your approach shots to that green.
Rating – Uncategorized: Rockwind Community Links is a 27-hole facility owned and operated by the City of Hobbs. Besides the 9-hole Li’l Rock par 3 course, you will find the 18-hole Championship Course, a large practice area, a surrounding trail system for those who would rather walk than golf, and various picnic seating areas around the facility. A great spot for families to enjoy a day outdoors. The Rockwind Grill is a nice stop to grab a quick bite at the bar, or you can enjoy the New Mexican-fare while sitting on the patio. It was a nice last-minute find and a great value at $7!
5001 Jack Gomez Blvd., Hobbs, NM 88240; 575-397-9297; www.rockwindgolfcourse.com
