
Towa Golf Club
Towa Golf Club invites players to navigate a desert-parkland hybrid course where rugged terrain meets strategic design. With 18 holes carved into New Mexico’s high desert, it offers broad fairways and natural challenges framed by mountain vistas, suited to golfers who appreciate environmental nuance and variable play conditions.
Course Overview
Towa Golf Club, located at 40 Buffalo Thunder Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers an 18-hole challenge set within a high desert landscape that draws on the region’s unique terrain. Designed as a public resort course, it integrates elements of parkland and desert layout, providing a blend of natural beauty and strategic interest. Golfers encounter sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while the course itself runs through a setting marked by native grasses, volcanic rock formations, and subtle elevation changes that influence shot selection.
The routing emphasizes wide fairways that welcome a variety of skill levels, though uneven ground conditions and variable turf play a significant role in testing shot accuracy. The front nine generally plays in better condition, featuring fairways that transition into well-protected greens. The back nine introduces more contour and natural hazards, requiring more careful navigation. Pin placements vary daily, adding to the strategic depth without overwhelming those newer to the game.
Though the facility prides itself on friendly staff and an inviting clubhouse atmosphere, reports indicate the course has faced maintenance challenges at times, especially during the early spring. Visitors should consider seasonal factors when planning play, as recent accounts reveal ongoing course repairs and inconsistent turf conditions. Golf carts equipped with GPS technology enhance pace of play and help players better manage the topography.
Amenities include a fully stocked pro shop, offering equipment and apparel tailored for visitors, as well as dining facilities focused on local flavors to complete the visit. Walking is possible but course terrain and occasional soft footing might make golf carts a preferable choice for many.
Towa Golf Club presents an opportunity to experience golf shaped by New Mexico’s distinctive environment. It appeals to players seeking a course with natural character and moderate challenges, particularly when course conditions align. Preparation and timing will be key to maximizing enjoyment on this desert-inspired layout near Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Course Highlights
The course weaves through high desert landscape with volcanic rock outcroppings and native grasses, offering long views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wide fairways on the front nine contrast with more contoured back nine holes, which demand precision. GPS-enabled carts assist with navigation across subtle elevation changes. The layout provides an accessible yet thoughtful test suitable for a range of handicap levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Barbra Smith-Cockeran
Very well-kept facilities, staff are super friendly. Food was really good. All around great day.
Malcolm Miller
A fantastic golf resort that is sadly in terrible condition currently. Great staff and prices, but half of the entire course is ground under repair right now.
Jim Becker
Cool setting and interesting/fun design... unfortunately the condition of the course was not good. Now, in all fairness we played off season - Early April - but having been on many courses across the country it's very evident that they need to give the superintendent a much bigger budget. That said the staff was nice.
Charles Bushman
Normally this is 4 star to my standards but an issue I seen that wasn’t per se golf course related but they can do what they want. The front nine looked great the back nine needed a little more maintenance but they had weather issues that may cause them problems. The golf carts ran great plus they have the GPS to help you out. The pro shop had options for what you may want clubs balls outer wear. The staff was great and no issues with that. The issue I seen was with the chef of police which you may or may not run into in the parking lot he accused the driver of the cart I was in going to fast. (How fast does a cart really go). He was very confrontation to the driver of the cart and said “if you don’t like what I’m saying get off this land and never come back”. Placed on that I can’t really recommend this place due to the reservation police being rude and power hungry to be mean to non native people.
steve gerbson
Towa Golf Course is in absolutely horrible conditions. Dirt and mud on greens and fairways. Not playable. Manager says course is in fine shape. Completely dishonest!!! Play elsewhere!
Marc Roy
Word to the wise. Check before booking or playing. Atrocious conditions around the course that have apparently been going on for years. Fairways are unplayable unless you can find grass to place a ball on. Tee boxes are not much better. Greens were ok if you dont mind the bare parts around the collars of the holes. Course should completely shut down and rethink their groudkeeping options because what they are doing is not working. Its not just Alkaline water as told by some there its neglect. Not worth the $50 spent for greens fee. Also shame on Hilton/Buffalo Thunder for allowing it to be this way.
steve gerbson
Towa Golf Course is in absolutely horrible conditions. Dirt and mud on greens and fairways. Not playable. Manager says course is in fine shape. Completely dishonest!!! Play elsewhere!
Alvino Lopez
Kyle Martinez
Excellent course.
Joseph Martinez
Absolutely horrible I know they have water issues but really. Never again
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Course Details
Access & Location
40 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA
Buffalo Thunder Resort Clubhouse with pro shop and dining options
Walking permitted but varied terrain may favor use of carts, especially in softer conditions; sturdy footwear advised
Open to resort guests and public tee times; advance reservation recommended during peak seasons