Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club

Ken Dye opened 18 holes at Paa-Ko Ridge in 2000 and returned to add a third 9 in 2005, now a 27-hole facility under the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, with three loops and numerous playing configurations. One of the most-awarded public courses in the American Southwest. Golf Digest named it the #1 Best New Course in America for 2000. Golf Magazine included it among the Top 10 New Courses You Can Play, and Golfweek slotted it at #23 on the Top 100 Modern Courses in America. It's been ranked Top 5 in New Mexico since 2001, currently #2 in the 2025-26 ratings. The 496-yard par-4 7th shares the same shape and dimensions as the 10th at Augusta National. The par-4 17th back tees sit atop a butte with what many consider the best vista in New Mexico. The par-3 4th has one of the most memorable greens on the course, nearly 100 yards long, three tiers, pin placements changing distance by six clubs. A bucket-list Southwest public round. Pair with Black Mesa (north of Santa Fe) for a two-course New Mexico weekend.