Paako Ridge Golf Club
Paako Ridge Golf Club offers an 18-hole mountain course renowned for its dramatic landscape and challenging play. With panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains and well-crafted course features, it provides a rewarding experience for golfers seeking both natural beauty and strategic design.
Course Overview
Perched along the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains, Paako Ridge Golf Club offers an 18-hole experience carved sharply against New Mexico’s rugged landscape. This semi-private course commands attention with its panoramic mountain vistas, where every tee shot challenges golfers while bringing the desert scenery vividly into focus. The layout blends natural elevation changes with carefully placed water hazards and bunkers, requiring a thoughtful blend of power and precision. Players will feel the winds that sweep down from the peaks testing their tempo, especially on elevated greens that demand strategic club selection.
Paako Ridge is designed to be approachable to a broad range of skill levels while rewarding thoughtful course management. The undulating fairways can be as friendly or as demanding as a golfer’s confidence allows, and the impeccable conditioning of the greens allows the ball to roll true, offering a pure putting experience. The standout 8th hole—a par-3 framed by cliffs on one side and sweeping views of the Sandia crest—exemplifies the course’s balance between scenic drama and measured difficulty.
The clubhouse at Paako Ridge complements the golf with a warm, inviting atmosphere and excellent amenities. The dining options showcase local flavors alongside classic offerings, making it a favored spot for both casual brunch and celebratory meals after a round. Besides golf, the venue also hosts events emphasizing attentive service and an intimate setting, lending a membership feel to every visit.
Walking is encouraged here to fully absorb the environment, although carts are available on request for those who prefer. Golfers planning a visit should prepare for slightly brisk mountain air and variable winds that can affect shot judgment. With its mixture of breathtaking views, thoughtful architecture, and well-maintained grounds, Paako Ridge Golf Club delivers a memorable New Mexico golf outing that blends natural beauty with practical play challenges.
Course Highlights
The course demands strategic navigation of elevation and wind, highlighted by the signature 8th hole par-3 with dramatic mountain backdrops. Meticulous maintenance ensures fast greens and lush fairways amid native desert vegetation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Austin Dropinski
Course is great. No complaints. We paid two separate times. Once for the green fee, a second for the replay. Staff accused our group of not paying the replay. We’re not the wealthy type and their attitude reflected the situation. The management was suggesting the situation wasn’t a big deal, but it felt very intentional and rude. We were paid up, celebrating a special event, and the situation was not worth the $350. Sandia, Santa Ana, and even isleta are the same type of play and just as nice. Not worth the price or the drive.
Brandon Holt
Paako Golf is an absolutely amazing course—breathtaking views and top-notch conditions. The staff was incredible, especially Morgan. He went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and taken care of from the start. Great vibes all around. If you’re looking for a premier golf experience in New Mexico, this is it. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
Katarina Garcia-Weil
This is our second time at Paako. The first time we played golf and ate lunch and this second time we just came for lunch. We had the mussels, eggs Benedict, chicken friend chicken and eggs, steak and eggs, baked oysters, hamburger, and Cesar salad with a crab cake as a side to my hamburger. The mussels are phenomenal and I definitely recommend trying them. This time they were a little bit spicier but it was amazing! I am not disappointed eating here. Paako has great food and an amazing view. Nice for a date or Sunday brunch.
Katarina Garcia-Weil
This is our second time at Paako. The first time we played golf and ate lunch and this second time we just came for lunch. We had the mussels, eggs Benedict, chicken friend chicken and eggs, steak and eggs, baked oysters, hamburger, and Cesar salad with a crab cake as a side to my hamburger. The mussels are phenomenal and I definitely recommend trying them. This time they were a little bit spicier but it was amazing! I am not disappointed eating here. Paako has great food and an amazing view. Nice for a date or Sunday brunch.
Dustin Southway
I have had the pleasure to play out here a few times. This is a gem for New Mexico. The course is beautifully designed, with stunning views of the Sandia Mountains. The layout is challenging yet fair, offering a great mix of elevation changes and well-placed hazards. The course conditions were impeccable. The fairways are always lush and well-maintained, and the greens were fast and true. Remember it always breaks away from the mountain. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into keeping this course in top shape. The staff were friendly and accommodating, making sure we had everything we needed for a great day of golf. One of the highlights was the signature 8th hole, a par 3 with breathtaking scenery that really stands out. The clubhouse is also impressive, with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has always impressed us with great options that complement the entire experience.
Chris Garnache
My absolute favorite course. You can't beat the views, not to mention it's amazing to get away from the sounds of the city. Paako will test the skills of any golfer.
Brandon Holt
Paako Golf is an absolutely amazing course—breathtaking views and top-notch conditions. The staff was incredible, especially Morgan. He went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and taken care of from the start. Great vibes all around. If you’re looking for a premier golf experience in New Mexico, this is it. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
Todd Kontny
Joe the Manager, Tia the attentive waitress, and the talented culinary team created an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch at Paako Golf Club. From the impeccable service to the mouthwatering dishes and breathtaking mountain views, every detail exceeded expectations. Nestled on the scenic far side of the Sandia Mountains, this hidden gem offers one of the finest dining experiences near Albuquerque—at a surprisingly reasonable price. If you haven’t discovered it yet, you’re missing out on the best-kept secret in New Mexico dining.
Austin Dropinski
Course is great. No complaints. We paid two separate times. Once for the green fee, a second for the replay. Staff accused our group of not paying the replay. We’re not the wealthy type and their attitude reflected the situation. The management was suggesting the situation wasn’t a big deal, but it felt very intentional and rude. We were paid up, celebrating a special event, and the situation was not worth the $350. Sandia, Santa Ana, and even isleta are the same type of play and just as nice. Not worth the price or the drive.
Craig Branch
Don’t really care about the view, but this is the epitome of, “golf is a rich mans sport.” Not worth the money. I live in Edmond, OK and have 12 golf courses within 20 minutes of the house and can walk 18 holes any day for $19 or $35 with a cart. This is why nothing good or no one comes out of NM as a good golfer cause they can’t afford it. New Mexico= crap hole of the U.S. only the wealthy, everyone else is wonderfully oppressed by snobby rich people. Welcome.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1 Club House Dr, Sandia Park, NM 87047, USA
Paako Ridge Clubhouse features a spacious dining room and pro shop with mountain views.
Walking allowed and encouraged for full course engagement; sturdy shoes recommended due to terrain variations.
Reservations recommended, green fees apply to non-members; golf shop can assist with booking.
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