The first thing you see when entering the clubhouse at Valle Escondido Golf Course is a t-shirt that states the following – I can’t believe I made it up #9! Not words two senior, fitness-challenged golfers want to see at a course that does not offer motorized carts. What is so difficult about #9? Were these two Always Time for 9 brothers able to complete this 9-hole journey without a 9-1-1 call? Before we answer those questions, let’s turn the clock back two hours and start at the beginning.
It was a sunny, cool day in July and halfway between Taos and Angel Fire, NM on US 64 East, you’ll find an oasis on the Enchanted Circle. There are are two tee boxes in which to choose – white and red. With an elevation of 8,552 feet the ball is going to fly, so of course we chose the back tees (which are only 2795 yards). Hole #1 is a par 4 with a dogleg to the right. Why is it that whenever it’s windy, every shot seems to be into the wind? The two-tiered green can make your approach shot a bit difficult.
I hit a low screamer that just missed the only tree in the vicinity of the second hole. As luck would have it, it rolled and rolled some more, and ended up two feet from the hole. We call this an “UBER” – Ugly But Excellent Result! Hole #3 is another short par 4 of 303 yards with a few large trees that block the bend in the fairway. A long hitter may be able to go for it, up and over the trees, but alas, I am not a long hitter of the golf ball.
Hole #4 is a sweet par 5 with a big dogleg to the left from an elevated tee box. The perfect tee shot is launched over a tree (which is actually a good aim point) and lands just short of a dirt road that bisects this hole. Yes, I hit the perfect tee shot! Any shot to the left will probably result in a lost golf ball. Or in the case of my playing partner, one lost ball, four found ones! Your second shot will need to carry the road and avoid the wires that span the fairway. A fun hole that concluded with a birdie putt. A rare occurrence that included four excellent shots on a par 5!
The only obstacle at the par 3 fifth hole is a wild shot might clip one of the telephone wires that surround this green. Hole #6 is a dogleg right that requires a solid, long tee shot that will carry past the grove of trees at the bend. Neither of us old men were able to accomplish that feat which left us with a risk/reward second shot – through the trees or continue down the fairway? Both of us cowards continued down the fairway!
At Hole #7, we were greeted with party music from behind the tee box and prairie dogs roaming the fairway. At 251 yards it is a birdie unless your ball disappears down one of the numerous prairie dog holes on this landing area. For those of you who have never ventured out west, these gopher-like varmints are pests and destructive. Speaking of destructive, this “turtle-back” green will need a precise approach shot as it drops off on all sides.
Hole #8 has a tight landing area as the fairway bends just slightly to the right. Any ball that lands in the native grasses on both sides of the fairway will probably end all hopes of a birdie at this 276 yard par 4. The long trek “back to the present” started as we exited the green at #8 and made our way back to the ninth hole. I’m already tired from this walk, and now the memory of that t-shirt is etched in my mind!
The number one handicap hole (of course) is a 478 yard, uphill par 5 with a dogleg and all kinds of danger to the left. The first order of business is clearing the scummy pond at the start of the fairway. If your first shot is successful (ours were), then all you see is an ascending fairway, large trees, rough to the left, and no green. Luckily halfway up this “terminal” hole (for a 74-year-old man, this could have numerous meanings), they have created a seating area constructed of two chair pads resting on large tree stumps. I can’t even imagine how much more difficult this hole would play with two large trees in the middle of the fairway!
I proceeded to play my third shot from the native grass; my fourth from the road (which is in play); and ended my agony with a double bogey.
Since I made it to the end of this review, “I ‘CAN’ believe I made it up #9!”
Rating – Birdie (46 out of 60): Just as a reminder, I don’t rate these 9-hole courses against the premier 18-hole courses. If you are looking for perfection, many of these tracks are not for you. That being said, I really enjoyed this one.
The positives: Most of the holes were fun to play; a good combination of left and right doglegs; there is negligible sand and water, but the rough/native areas created challenges; it was not crowded (we walked right on); staff was friendly and engaging; deli/bar for after round 19th (or 10th) hole libations; views in Taos Canyon were so close to heaven you’ll never want to leave; and best of all – I got to play with my brother.
The negatives: Course conditions are always tricky in drought conditions – the fairways were spotty, but the greens were in excellent shape; I thought the green fee was a little high ($40 w/cart); and it’s about 20 miles from Taos and a little out of the way, but…
If you are traveling US 64 East from Taos to Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, and Cimarron on your way to connect with I-25 North, stop by for a quick round along the Enchanted Circle.
28 Lodge Road, Taos, NM 87571; 575-758-3475; www.valleescondido.org
