Cochiti’s
DREAM COURSE By Carolyn Patten
O
ne of just two New Mexico golf courses designed by famed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Cochiti Golf Club is known for its sweeping desert views, tranquil setting in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and uniquely playable layout. In 2000, Robert Trent Jones Jr. came back to oversee an extensive renovation
that focused on every aspect of the 18hole championship course. The desert mountain course is characterized by a layout that takes advantage of the natural lay of the land, with many elevated tee shots, fast greens and approaches that will test your accuracy. Kenny Blake, CEO and PGA Professional, came on board more than three years ago and took the improvements to a new level. Today, he says, “It’s almost like a
brand-new course with a new outlook on quality and competitiveness, from the greens to the food and beverage, to the pro shop and cart fleet.” According to Blake, “Leon Trujillo, Cochiti member and superintendent, has made huge investments in new equipment to groom the course better. With verticutting, rolling and grooming, Trujillo uses a four-step process throughout the week. The quality of the greens has greatly
improved and they are now some of the best in the state.” To go along with the revitalized greens, which are now much faster than in the past, the golf club added a new cart fleet in 2012. Cochiti Golf Club’s Stone Kiva Bar & Grill, under the direction of veteran food and beverage expert and PGA member Mark Swanson, has a newly revamped and improved menu, new recipes and a strong focus on customer service. “That aspect is very important,” Blake explains. ”Relaxing over a good meal after playing with your friends is the perfect ending to a great game of golf.” With a friendly, experienced staff, a fully stocked bar and views of the beautiful natural surroundings, Stone Kiva has become a favorite meeting place to unwind, compare notes and settle bets after a day on the course. To round out the recent major improvements, Blake noted the pro shop has partnered with TaylorMade-Adidas and Ashworth in a semi-exclusive arrangement to bring the latest models to the pro shop. “Every year we have the brand new models in our rental and fitting equipment,” says Blake. “That allows us to custom fit people with clubs more accurately and give better quality all around.” The pro shop also stocks a great variety of logoed apparel and can easily special order golf equipment. Gift certificates,
which are also available over the website, can be used for green fees, golf cart or merchandise. Since it opened, Blake relates, “Cochiti Golf Club has consistently been ranked in the top five or 10 courses in New Mexico. It is currently riding at No. 8 in Golf Digest and won No. 7 by Golf Week last year.” The Sun Country Amateur Golf Association also named Cochiti Golf Club 2014 Golf Club of the Year. And the improvements are ongoing. After working hard to bring in new equipment to groom the course, a new cart fleet, a new vendor partnership and good people and menus, they are now focusing on custom fitting and golf instruction with the use of launch monitors and other technology. The private practice facility includes a scenic driving range and chipping and putting areas perfect for improving both drives and short games. Additionally, the staff can arrange details and catering for weddings, special events and banquets. Continuing its focus on great customer service, Cochiti offers instruction from three accomplished PGA professionals on staff who are intimately familiar with the course and the latest methods of improving individual games. Kenny Blake, Mark Swanson and Travis Pecos take pride in working with each golfer to bring out their natural abilities and strengths. “Cochiti has always been a favorite of everyone who plays here,” says Blake. “You cannot get a better piece of property because of the unique layout and the stunning views. With the design by a top national architect and one of the most tranquil settings in the entire state, the course is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Cochiti now has a comfortable place alongside the nation’s top-tier golf facilities.”
Cochiti Golf Club 5200 Cochiti Hwy Cochiti Lake 505.465.2230 www.CochitiGolfClub.com