Cree Meadows Public Golf Course
Cree Meadows Public Golf Course offers a mountain-style, 18-hole challenge marked by narrow fairways and rugged desert scenery. While conditions vary due to environmental factors, the layout rewards strategic play and provides a memorable golfing experience amid Ruidoso’s natural surroundings.
Course Overview
Cree Meadows Public Golf Course presents an intriguing test of golf set against the rugged, high-desert backdrop of Ruidoso, New Mexico. This 18-hole layout stretches just under 6,300 yards from the back tees with a par of 71, inviting players to navigate a course where precision and strategy often outweigh sheer distance. The terrain embraces a mountain-style topography featuring gentle elevations, natural arroyos, and stands of hardy pines, providing a scenic yet practical setting for golfers seeking a distinctive southwestern experience.
The course layout requires accuracy from the tee, as many fairways narrow between native grasses and natural landscape elements. Golfers will find that the green complexes are varied in shape and subtly contoured, demanding thoughtful approach shots and careful read of the putting surfaces. While the course offers challenges, its openness and moderate length make it approachable for golfers across a range of skill levels, appealing particularly to those who prefer shot-making to power hitting.
Cree Meadows operates as a public facility with an emphasis on accessibility to the local and visiting golf community, though current players should anticipate some wear in conditions. Recent seasons have brought maintenance challenges, impacted by the arid climate alongside damage from wildlife and weather events. These factors have resulted in some uneven fairways and less consistent greens, yet the course’s underlying design remains intact and capable of rewarding well-planned rounds.
The clubhouse serves as a modest hub with a pro shop that offers helpful staff and a solid selection of merchandise. While amenities such as a driving range or extensive practice facilities are limited, the relaxed atmosphere encourages social play and trial rounds under clear mountain skies. Walking the course can be enjoyable, but given some rough footing and uneven surfaces, sturdy footwear is advisable.
For visitors, Cree Meadows is a worthwhile stop for a blend of challenging golf and striking natural beauty. This course embodies a rugged charm that rewards patience and accuracy, making it a memorable round for those prepared to embrace its current conditions and unique environment.
Course Highlights
Cree Meadows features mountain-style topography with tight fairways framed by native desert vegetation and pines. The course demands precision off the tee, with green complexes that test short game skills. Its approachable length and strategic design reflect the rugged landscape of the Ruidoso area, providing a distinct southwestern golf experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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.
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.
Ivan Molina
Allison Greene-Wall
They have some great food and fun music. Just check out there menu because it changes daily!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Course Details
Access & Location
301 Country Club Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345, USA
Modest clubhouse with pro shop offering merchandise and friendly staff assistance.
Walking permitted; course terrain includes some uneven patches and natural debris. Proper footwear recommended for safety and comfort.
Open to the public; no advance tee time restrictions but early booking recommended during peak seasons.
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