Cree Meadows Public Golf Course
Cree Meadows Public Golf Course delivers a rugged, high desert golf experience with varied elevation and narrow fairways that reward precision. Offering affordable play amid scenic Southwest surroundings, it challenges players to adapt to natural conditions and occasional wildlife interruptions.
Course Overview
Cree Meadows Public Golf Course offers an 18-hole layout that challenges players in the high desert terrain of Ruidoso, New Mexico. This course’s mountain and prairie influences are clear in its design, with elevation shifts and natural vegetation shaping the experience. Fairways wind through open spaces where wild horses occasionally roam, creating an authentic Southwestern backdrop that can both inspire and distract. While the course’s layout demands accuracy off the tee, narrower fairways and uneven turf conditions require creativity and patience. Golfers must navigate these elements tactfully, placing a premium on shot placement rather than sheer power.
The setting presents crisp, dry air that enhances visibility but can make greens firm and fast, testing putting touch. Cree Meadows caters mostly to casual golfers and locals who appreciate a stern but affordable challenge amid scenic surroundings. Although maintenance remains a work in progress, there is potential for those who enjoy a course with character rather than polish. Walkers will find the terrain moderate, but uneven cart paths can be a test of stamina, so sturdy shoes are advised.
Amenities reflect the community-driven nature of the course. The pro shop is well stocked with golf necessities, supported by friendly staff who can offer guidance on the routing and course conditions. While there is no driving range and practice facilities are limited, the layout's natural setting compensates by offering varied shots shaped by elevation and wind.
Those planning a visit should prepare for fluctuating course conditions, as the high desert environment and wildlife create challenges not seen on manicured suburban courses. If you value a round of golf with rustic charm and a hint of unpredictability, Cree Meadows presents a distinctive option in Southeast New Mexico. Its blend of straightforward playability and rugged beauty offers a genuine and honest golfing experience.
For golfers prioritizing condition and amenities, this course may require patience and a willingness to embrace its current state. For those seeking an affordable, scenic round with a sense of place, Cree Meadows holds promise as an authentic desert-style course that demands respect for nature’s influence on the game.
Course Highlights
Cree Meadows is defined by its natural high desert environment, including elevation changes and the occasional presence of wild horses on the course. The narrow fairways framed by native grasses and scrub provide a test of accuracy and course management. The mountain-influenced layout, complemented by firm and fast greens, demands careful putting. Friendly staff and a stocked pro shop contribute to a welcoming atmosphere despite limited practice areas. Though currently affected by maintenance challenges, the course offers a distinct desert-style experience uncommon in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
John Sachs
The course is still recovering from flood and wildlife damage. The course has a great layout, requiring accuracy off the tee. Some fairways are narrow, requiring an accurate shot from the tee box. Course offers a challenging design for most players. Given some time to heal, the course condition would improve to earn a 5 star rating for sure. Art in the pro shop is very friendly and offers assistance to those of us who are unfamiliar with the layout. Pro shop is well stocked with golf merchandise for both male and female players.
sam clark
Played here lots in the late 90s and early 2000s. Had fond memories, went last weekend and course was in rough shape. Cartpath is primitive at best, lack of rain,wild horses and other animals (picture of horses eating 14th green) have taken a toll. This place need some maintenance for sure. Hopefully it can be restored to previous beauty. Staff is very friendly and will come back if I get a chance.
Ivan Molina
Milton Hope
Second time to play here in last 3 years. Came up from San Antonio to play a few courses. Do not expect this to be in tip top shape. It is a challenging course and would be much better if maintenance was better. Fairways specifically. Had to move ball around a lot just to find something to hit off of. Great staff, all friendly but the course is just very basic. Chipping green, putting green, no driving range. Upstairs snack bar is dated. Good availability of merchandise in the process shop. It's now more if a social gathering place than a competitive golf course. I hope that changes in the future.
Kathryn Anne
Caution- This course is for non serious golfers. Putt-putt fans who chop at the ball, while packing their dog and a blaring boom box in their golf cart, without considering others who are trying to play a real game of golf. By the way, watch out for the whiplash you’re likely to endure from the hundreds of potholes on the dilapidated cart paths. Really?! Cree Meadows- if you want to increase revenue, how about setting the bar higher? Invest in landscaping, golf dress codes (no flip flops, etc), no pets on the golf course (obviously), and enforce the rules of golf with a marshal. This is what draws serious high-paying golfers. Expensive investment? Yes but once the course is of competitive quality, serious golfers will come and the funds will roll in. But if left stagnant, it will slowly become an overgrown goat ranch. So sad.
C
Virtually no greens left. The course has been reduced to being basically a big practice range. Too bad. It has potential.
Terry Posada
Love this place. One of the best places to listen to live music while you dine.
Jeffrey Stewart
The course was in very poor shape. Really patchy greens.. hard to play.. so definitely don’t go to be competitive. The back 9 was waaaay better kept than the front 9. If I could’ve just played the back 9 twice, I would’ve. Almost wanted to ask for our money back… but the pretty views and refreshing air kept me from going that route. The cost of $55+tax for the round was the cheapest in town, and we definitely got what we paid for.. would highly recommend to spend the extra money and go to the Inn.
Freddie Mayo
I have played over 200 golf courses in my life and have played Cree Meadows a number of times but this course condition is ridiculous, course shouldn't be opened for business. I played this course every year for years. This course used to be a big part of the beauty of the village, now it's a disgrace. This has nothing to do with wildfires, the flood or the wild horses, this is piss poor management.
Allison Greene-Wall
They have some great food and fun music. Just check out there menu because it changes daily!
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Course Details
Access & Location
301 Country Club Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
On-site clubhouse with pro shop and snack bar
Walking allowed and common, though uneven paths suggest supportive footwear for comfort.
Open to the public; no reservations required but recommended during peak season.
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