2013 Sante Fe New Mexico

Report as inappropriate Your report has been received

Shared by: HC120704025550

Tags

Stats

views:: 22
posted:: 7/3/2012
language:: English
pages:: 8

Public Domain

Document Sample

It’s time again for the annual Getaway Gang Outing.
To date we have had golf outings in Nevada and California. I figured it was time to broaden our
horizons and travel to a new state. So how about venturing out to sunny New Mexico, known as
The Land of Enchantment? We will be traveling to the Santa Fe area. To be a little more precise,
we are going to celebrate our 8th annual golf outing just north of Sante Fe in the Pojoaque Pueblo
region. Just a short 12 minute drive north of the Santa Fe Airport is this exceptional golfing area.
Within a small radius of each other are five golfing establishments and an Indian Resort Casino as
well. It was tough choosing only two, but as in the past, I believe you will find the two selected
will be both scenic and challenging.

Golf Date: Monday – April 15, 2013 Tuesday – April 16, 2013
Place: Black Mesa Golf Club Towa Golf Club
First Tee Time: 10:00 AM 10:00 AM

Black Mesa and Towa are recently built golf clubs which have opened in a string of compelling New
Mexico public-access courses which have been bringing praise to this friendly, culturally-rich and
affordable golf destination. The beauty of the "Land of Enchantment" is just as awesome as desert
layouts in Arizona and with a much lower price tag. In fact, for those of you who joined us for the
Mesquite, NV trip a few years back, the Black Mesa Golf Course has been compared in golfing
articles to Wolf Creek, and absolutely awesome course we played during that outing.

A sign at Black Mesa Golf Club sums up this 7,307-yard course on the Santa Clara Pueblo, 20
miles north of Santa Fe: big course, big medicine -- it will kick your butt. Completed in April,
2003, Baxter Spann's design skirts desert brush and is framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
and the plateau called Black Mesa. Players must shape shots suited to the land's contours. At the
216-yard 15th, a small hill fronting the green kicks clever approaches to front hole locations
otherwise impossible to find. The 16th hole, 536 yards uphill, bears the taunting name "Stairway
to Seven." But the real struggle here is on the greens. By the time you find an old ranch windmill
creaking in the breeze behind the 18th green, you may suspect the course is having a laugh at
your expense. Some visitors complain about the blind shots at Black Mesa, but that's part of the
experience. Just ask anyone who has played Ireland's Royal County Down. If this track were in
Ireland, those same quirks would be considered charms.

Situated in beautiful Northern New Mexico and complimented by splendid southwestern terrain
and stunning desert sunsets, the Towa Golf Resort caters to those who are looking for an
outstanding golf experience. Designed by Hale Irwin and William Phillips, the course utilizes the
natural topography and unique natural rock and piñon trees indigenous to the area. Whether you
are an experienced golfer or a high handicapper looking to sharpen your skills, the Towa Golf
Resort offers golfing excitement for everyone. Located in the Pojoaque Valley, a short drive north
of Santa Fe, Towa Golf Resort is an 18-hole championship course. Open for play September 2001,
Towa is a mountain-desert style course, with rolling, open fairways surrounded by the dramatic
scenery of the Southwest. The large greens are subtly undulated, and roll quite fast. Hole #4 on
the "Boulder" nine has an 8,200 square foot island green – the only island green in New Mexico.
This course plays from 4,662 to 7,068-yards and offers 5 sets of tees to challenge all skill levels.
Here is the plan. There has been another shift in the golf days. When we first started on these
outings we used to play on Saturday & Sunday. The two most expensive days to play golf. So, to cut
down the costs, I shifted our golf outings to play golf on Sunday and Monday. I have now found it to
be significantly cheaper to play on Monday and Tuesday. In the case of this trip, each course is $40
less on Monday-Thursday. Lodging is $50 less (if you don’t stay on a Saturday night). So, we are
going to try the following: Sunday (4/14/13) most likely will be utilized as a travel day. The first day
of golf has been scheduled for the Black Mesa Golf Course, on Monday (4/15/13), with our second day
of golf taking place at the Towa Golf Club on Tuesday (4/16/13). Finally, Wednesday (4/17/13) will
probably be the return day for most of you.

This year as in the past, group dinners are planned. I have selected two options, The first dinner
social will be at the

If you have any questions, feel free to inquire,
Lad Meairs
Email: meairs2@comcast.net (home) or laddin.d.meairs@lmco.com (work)
Phones: (925) 978-0170 (home) – (925) 829-8615 ext 330 (work) –
(925) 813-2465 (cell)
If you are playing both courses, the total will be $265.00
Mail checks to: Lad Meairs
1254 Mokelumne Court
Antioch, CA 94531

Towa Golf Course
47 Towa Golf Road
Santa Fe, NM 87506
Phone: (505) 455-9000

Black Mesa Golf Club
115 State Road 399
La Mesilla, NM 87532-3169
Phone: (505) 747-8946
Website:
http://www.blackmesagolfclub.com/

Place: Santa Clara Canyons Date: Monday – April 15, 2013
Course: Black Mesa Golf Club Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)
Location: La Mesilla, NM Price $90.00
At every turn on the Black Mesa golf course, a 7,307-yard course just north of Santa Fe, mental
strategy is paramount. After several months of play in the first year, the course record was still 71,
just 1-under par. That's a testament to the fact that there are no opportunities to let your mind
wander - just being in the fairway isn't enough. While Black Mesa Golf Club is walk able, GPS carts
will help with the strategic moves you will need on your first round. But more than likely you will
be eye-balling the scenery. Black Mesa, held sacred by the tribe, is framed perfectly down the 10th
fairway. Sandstone spires rise from the green fairways, deep bunkers tantalize you, native arroyos
funnel your ball to their depths, and the nature of the land is the layout's best feature. It's a vast
landscape with views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance. The elevation is
5,400 feet with changes of 125 feet and 12 of the holes play slightly downhill. "I have been
designing courses for more than 20 years," said Baxter Spann. "More than any other project, I
eagerly anticipated every trip I made to this course, always knowing I would find something new to
experience." Spann says one recurring theme is the increase in difficulty of the angle of approach
to the fairway as you progress from the forward to the back tees. "The second hole, a 404-yard
par-4, illustrates this concept," Spann said. "The tee shot from the back tees points to a landing
area on a diagonal line, while the forward tees approach it more straight on. No. 16 is an uphill par-
5 of 536 yards with an ominous tag - Stairway to Seven. The back tee is positioned on a high point
with a substantial carry over an arroyo to the uphill fairway. From here hang on, keep it in the
narrow neck of the fairway and deal with the deep bunker on the left. "The green itself is probably
the most severely contoured of any on the course,” Spann said. Find yourself in the wrong spot and
it's an easy three-putt. "Our design concept was to create as wide a variety of holes as possible,
with each having its own memorable features," Spann said. One thing is certain when you play
Black Mesa. You won't be bored. Your senses will perk up admiring the beauty and the Wild West
ruggedness. But if you want to avoid a butt-kicking you must pay attention to golf first and scenery
second
Website:
http://www.buffalothunderresort.com/santa-fe-golf/index.cfm

Place: Buffalo Thunder Resort Date: Tuesday – April 16, 2013
Course: Towa Golf Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)
Location: Santa Fe, NM Price $80.00
Located on the Pueblo of Pojoaque only 12 miles north of the Santa Fe plaza, Towa Golf Resort
offers quality golf at an affordable price. PGA Tour Champion Hale Irwin and architect Bill Phillips
of Tempe, AZ co-designed Towa. They utilized the natural topography and unique natural rock and
indigenous piñon trees to create a magnificent, high desert golf course surrounded by the majestic
Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. Towa offers twenty-seven spectacular holes of golf. The
Boulder nine, so named because of the amazing rock formations that frame it, also features the
only island green in New Mexico (hole #4, 186 yard par 3). The first hole of the Pinon nine is a
breathtaking, 631 yard, par 5. At 3,332 yards, the Butterfly nine is the shortest of the three nines,
but offers challenges for beginner and experienced players alike.
Towa offers professional instruction, rental golf clubs, a beautiful clubhouse and restaurant and
fully stocked golf shop. Located 12 scenic miles north of Santa Fe on Highway 84/285, Towa
already has become one of the top public golf courses in the Southwest. Play Towa and experience
golf’s newest legend! Designed by Hale Irwin and William Phillips, the course utilizes the natural
topography and unique natural rock and piñon trees indigenous to the area. Whether you are an
experienced golfer or a high handicapper looking to sharpen your skills, the Towa Golf Resort
offers golfing excitement for everyone. The best hole at Towa (but not by much!), and one of the
most spectacular holes in all of New Mexico, is the 631-yard first hole on the Piñon Nine. Your
journey starts from an elevated teeing ground that feels like the perch of an eagle’s nest. The hole
bends slightly to the right — miss the fairway by too much and you’ll provide your personal
donation to the Towa golf ball supply. The marriage of striking scenery and architectural details
are in full bloom here. Or maybe a players most memorable shot might come on the Boulder
nine's par 3 fourth hole. This 186-yard par 3 requires a tee shot to New Mexico's only island
green. The 7,143-yard par 72 course showcases championship golf with the serenity of the desert
and breathtaking views. Elevated tee boxes provide panoramic views of pinon and juniper dotted
landscape, boulder canyons, and the Sangre De Cristo mountain range.
Website:
http://www.buffalothunderresort.com/index.cfm
20 Buffalo Thunder Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
1-505-455-5555
Room Rates
Sunday Night (4/14/13) - $120
Monday Night (4/15/13) - $120
Tuesday Night (4/16/13 - $120

Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort and Spa at Buffalo Thunder
Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino’s unique Santa Fe accommodations were designed with your comfort and
luxury top-of-mind. Splendidly accented with Native art and features, this hotel offers more than just excellent
amenities—we offer an experience. The guest rooms and suites at Buffalo Thunder Resort pamper guests with
luxury, comfort and style. Vibrant hues, carved headboards and a myriad of innovative accents in Native American
Pueblo style are all inspired by the Pueblo of Pojoaque's Governor George Rivera, a renowned artist in his own
right. Each room features the lavish comforts of the Hilton Serenity Collection - pillow top mattresses, fluffy down
pillows, high thread count linens and thick, cozy duvets. A deluxe MP3 clock radio provides a gentle awakening
from a restful night's sleep. Other standard room amenities include signature resort bath and shower accessories,
plush, oversized bath towels, in-room safe, multiple phones, oversized work spaces, a 37" flat screen TV with on-
demand movies and games, a technology panel with high-speed Internet access, the Hilton Signature Cuisinart
coffee maker and Lavazza coffee. Best of all, each room features a magnificent view of the surrounding Santa Fe
Mountainside.
Enjoy all the perks of Santa Fe Casinos & Gaming at Buffalo Thunder! There is a constant sound of winning echoing
throughout 61,000 square feet of Vegas-style action, in all the majesty of the desert Southwest! Are you ready for
this Santa Fe casino? There are: 1,200 slot machines, 18 gaming tables, a plush and friendly poker room, and
weekly slot and table tournaments. From high-stakes poker to pressure-free slots, there’s a game for everyone!
Tantalize your senses with the flavors of the Southwest—whether you’re looking for an intimate, luxurious
experience or just want to grab a sandwich on the fly, it’s at Buffalo Thunder.
Red Sage Fine Dining Restaurant: Explosive, innovative Southwest flavors in an intimate, fine-dining atmosphere.
Acclaimed for its inspired Native, European and Latin cuisines, Red Sage is your destination for your next romantic
night out, business dinner and drinks or group event. Fare rotates seasonally, and our extensive wine selection will
wow the most distinguishing tastes
Turquoise Trail Bar & Grille: Classic America meets the storied Southwest in a flavor explosion you won’t soon
forget. An homage to iconic Route 66 restaurants
Blue Tower Lounge: The blue-hued Blue Tower Lounge offers a fabulous entertainment venue with a distinctive
architectural flourish. Enjoy the huge vaulted ceiling and vast selection of beer, wine and cocktails.
The Painted Parrot Buffett: Feast your eyes on bountiful buffet overflowing with international flair and fare! Asian,
Mexican, Italian, American and more—enjoy a world tour of flavors that’s leave you going back for more.
Pueblo Deli: For a quick meal or a tasty bite, it’s the Pueblo Deli! Enjoy deli-style sandwiches, salads, desserts and
more. Open late on weekends for your convenience
Pool Grille: Unwind in style at the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino’s sun-kissed Pool Grille, which is situated at the
resort’s sprawling outdoor pool. Enjoy light-bites and snacks, or just lie back with a refreshing cocktail. Pool Grille
offers a snack menu with sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and a full-bar, just steps from the elegant pool area.
Starbucks: Get your daily caffeine fix, complemented by pastries, snacks, and other grab ‘n go goodies at the
Buffalo Thunder Resort & casino’s on-site Starbucks, which is located on the hotel’s main level near the Conference
Center.
Inn at Eagle Mountain – Fountain Hills Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
20 Buffalo Thunder Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
1-505-455-5555

Here is a sampling of the Hotels in the Sante Fe
area (during the dates of April 14, 2013 – April
16, 2013). This data was collected off the
Travelocity site. Rate is an average for the three
nights (Sunday – Tuesday)

Hotels Rating Rate (Avg per night)

Santa Fe Area
Hacienda & Spa at Hotel Santa Fe **** $190
Inn & Spa at Loretta **** $160
Eldorado Hotel & Spa **** $140
Las Palomas **** $120
Hotel Santa Fe & Spa **** $100
Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Fe *** $120
Old Santa Fe Inn *** $115
Hotel Plaza Real *** $110
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe *** $100
Villas de Santa Fe *** $ 90
Lodge at Santa Fe *** $ 90
Hyatt Place Santa Fe *** $ 80
Best Western Inn (Plus) of Santa Fe *** $ 80
The Santa Fe Suites *** $ 60
La Quinta Inn Santa Fe *** $ 55
Monday Evening – Dinner Social – April 14, 2013

El Paragua Restaurant
602 New Mexico Hwy 76
Espanola, NM
505-753-3211
El Paragua is just off Riverside Dr. the main north-south road, one block east on N.M. Highway 76 in
Espanola. The business was started as a taco stand by two brothers in 1958. In 1966 it was moved into
the tack rooms of the family home and then into an adjoining plumber's shop. More additions
followed. An updated version of the original taco stand, "El Parasol", is still located right next door.
When it comes to New Mexican style food, this is the Real Thing. The reviewer from the New York
Times wrote, "El Paragua is a place on which a food critic can stake his reputation". There are some
New Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe that can approach it, but none that can top it. Favorites include
any enchiladas, anything with Carne Adovada or Posole, and the Carne Asada Tampiquena. Excellent
margaritas -- they don't skimp on the tequila. This place is consistently busy at peak times, and it's
mostly locals . The restaurant is rustic & original, made of rough stone, hand-hewn viga beams, plus a
very large tree growing up through the roof of the bar. Park in the rear and you'll find the biggest
cottonwood tree you've ever seen. If you have time, take a look at the photos, which include guests
Robert F. Kennedy, Robert Redford, Anthony Quinn, and Dustin Hoffman.
http://www.elparagua.com/

Tuesday Evening – Dinner Social - April 15, 2013

Gabriel's Restaurant
Food of the Southwest and Old Mexico
Hwy 285/84
Full Bar and Wine List: Gabriel's Margaritas are made with Gold Tequila! Santa Fe, NM 87501
Patio Dining: Large picturesque patio with fountains and beautiful views Phone: (505) 455-7000
Gabriel's, serving food of the Southwest and Old Mexico, is considered one of the best Mexican and
Southwestern restaurants in New Mexico. The personal attention to service and food is what makes
Gabriel's special. Little touches add so much to your dining experience, such as fresh guacamole made
at your table, margaritas made with freshly squeezed limes and gold tequila, and handmade corn
tortillas. Our spacious patio with its fountains, colorful flowers and spectacular view is a diner's delight
on one of our many, warm and sunny Santa Fe days.
“Fabulous tableside guacamole. That's all it takes to lure most people to Gabriel's restaurant ... there is
something alluring about the prospect of meaty ripe avocados and fresh lime being fused with other
ingredients before your eyes that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more”
http://www.restauranteur.com/gabriels/menu.htm
Here are a few photos from the Temecula Valley 2012 outing