Isleta Eagle Golf Club - One of the Best Courses in the Southwest

- The 27-hole Isleta Eagle Golf Course is one of the Southwest’s premiere golf destinations. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Isleta Eagle also has the distinction of being a founding member of “Golf on the Santa Fe Trail,” a consortium of eight quality courses easily within driving distance of one another.

Each of Isleta’s three different nine-hole courses is designed around its main topographical feature and includes the Lakes Nine, Arroyo Nine, and Mesa Nine; all provide sweeping views of the broad Rio Grande Valley and rugged mountains. According to Dan Vukelich, an avid golfer and editor of a local golf publication, the most challenging hole on the Lakes Nine would be number eight. “This monster 638-yard par 5 has a huge valley guarding the green,” says Vukelich. “The green has only a few pin placements, along with plenty of contours and three distinct plateaus, which makes trying to two-putt hard for someone who gets on the wrong tier.”

According to Isleta’s director of golf Mike Ciolek, the signature hole on the Mesa Nine is number one, and Vukelich agrees. “The par 4, 500-yard hole faces westward and heads downhill toward the Rio Grande,” says Vukelich. On the Arroyo Nine, the 227-yard par 3 third hole is relatively short, but exceedingly hard to hit because of prevailing winds.

Since opening in 1996 Isleta Eagle has received numerous accolades and awards, including a 4 Star Rating from Golf Digest in 2004 and 2006, as well as Golf Magazine’s listing for the Best Value in New Mexico, 2005.

Because of its proximity to the fastest growing area of the Albuquerque metro region Isleta Eagle gets a lot of play. “This course offers the most value for the relatively low green fees,” says Vukelich. In addition, its proximity to the Albuquerque International Sunport (aka the airport), makes Isleta a logical choice for golfers. There’s also a full-service RV park and campground, along with a daily-fee stocked trout fishing lake nearby.

The golf course is part of Isleta Casino & Resort, which opened last summer. As such, there’s plenty to do once the golfing is finished for the day. The resort comprises more than 200 rooms, 1,700 slot machines and 30 table games. The spa features luxurious treatment rooms, an outdoor therapeutic hot tub, private cabanas and a juice bar. The TIWA Steakhouse offers fabulous fare, as does 505 Fusion, a fun and trendy hotspot serving an array of dining options.

In addition to golfing at Isleta Eagle, visitors to the Albuquerque area should also make time for a ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway, and a cruise through the historic portion of the famed Route 66. Rising to 10,400 feet, the tram makes the trip up the west face of the Sandia Mountains every 20-30 minutes. At the top you can hike the mountaintop trails or enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset. Have a meal or a drink at the octagonal High Finance Restaurant or Sandiago’s Mexican Grill. There’s also skiing in winter.

For retro enthusiasts, take a drive down Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, also known as Historic Route 66. You’ll still see neon signs, art-deco theaters and funky, family-run motels.

For more about Isleta Eagle Golf Course, visit www.isleta-casino.com.