Pinon Hills Golf Course

Pinon Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship municipal course located at 2101 Sunrise Parkway in Farmington, New Mexico 87401. Designed by Ken Dye and opened in 1989, Pinon Hills has been repeatedly named one of the best municipal golf courses in the United States by Golfweek and Golf Digest. Green fees typically range from $25 to $40 for 18 holes — a fraction of what courses of this caliber charge elsewhere. Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park is just 3 miles away, making it the most convenient full-hookup RV base camp for playing Pinon Hills.

Why Pinon Hills Belongs on Your Golf Road Trip

If you have played only resort courses in Phoenix or Albuquerque, Pinon Hills will change your perspective on public golf. This is a genuinely world-class layout hiding in a small New Mexico city, and it has the accolades to prove it. Golfweek has placed it on its "Best Courses You Can Play" list multiple times. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have both featured it among America's top municipal courses. And yet, on most mornings, you can walk up and get a tee time without booking weeks in advance.

The secret is the terrain. Farmington sits at 5,395 feet in the high desert of the San Juan Basin, where natural arroyos, juniper-covered hills, and sandstone formations create a landscape that most course architects could only dream of working with. Ken Dye took full advantage. The routing winds through and across these natural features rather than bulldozing them flat, producing a course that feels carved from the earth rather than imposed on it.

Course Layout and Signature Holes

Pinon Hills stretches over 7,200 yards from the championship tees, with four tee boxes on every hole to accommodate players of all skill levels. The forward tees play at roughly 5,200 yards — still a solid test but far more forgiving for recreational golfers and juniors.

The front nine opens with a relatively gentle warmup before the terrain asserts itself around holes 4 and 5, where arroyos cross the fairways and the desert drops away on either side. Accuracy off the tee matters more than distance here — the firm, fast fairways will reward a well-placed drive and punish a wayward one.

The back nine is where Pinon Hills earns its national reputation. Hole 12 is a dramatic downhill par-3 that plays across a deep arroyo to a green perched on the far side — one of the most photographed holes in New Mexico. The closing stretch from 15 through 18 offers a mix of risk-reward par-5s and a demanding finishing hole that has decided many club championships.

Throughout the round, you will notice the greens: large, undulating, and well-maintained. They run true and at moderate speed, rewarding good lag putting over aggressive lines. The course superintendent team keeps the bent-grass greens in excellent condition from early spring through late fall.

What to Expect: Practical Details

Green Fees: Pinon Hills is a municipally owned course, which keeps rates remarkably low. Expect $25 to $40 for 18 holes depending on day, time, and residency status. Twilight and senior rates are typically available. Cart rental is extra. Contact the pro shop at (505) 326-6066 for current pricing.

Pro Shop: The clubhouse includes a well-stocked pro shop with equipment, apparel, and rentals. Club rentals are available if you are traveling without your full bag.

Practice Facilities: Pinon Hills has a driving range, chipping area, and practice putting green. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your tee time to warm up properly — the first tee shot at altitude can surprise you.

Food and Drink: The clubhouse grill serves breakfast and lunch with a patio overlooking the course. It is a good spot for a post-round meal and cold drink.

Course Conditions: Pinon Hills is generally in excellent condition from March through November. The high-desert climate means the course drains quickly after the rare rainstorm. Winter play is available but hours may be shortened, and temporary greens may be used after a freeze.

Playing Tips from Local Knowledge

• Club up at altitude. At 5,395 feet, the ball flies 5 to 10 percent farther than at sea level. Your 150-yard club is now a 160-yard club. Adjust accordingly, especially on approach shots.
• Respect the arroyos. The natural drainage channels that cross several holes are not just visual hazards — they are penal. When in doubt, lay up short of an arroyo rather than trying to carry it.
• Play the wind. Afternoon breezes from the west are common, especially in spring. Morning tee times tend to offer calmer conditions.
• Bring sunscreen and water. The desert sun at elevation is strong even in spring and fall. Hydrate before, during, and after your round.
• Walk if you can. Pinon Hills is walkable for reasonably fit players, and walking lets you appreciate the terrain and routing in a way that cart-riding cannot.

Stay at Sundowner, Play Pinon Hills

Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr is the closest full-hookup RV park to Pinon Hills Golf Course — just 3 miles and 7 minutes by car via East Main Street. After a round in the desert sun, you will appreciate coming back to 30/50 AMP electric hookups, water, sewer, free WiFi, hot showers, and the 24-hour gym.

Sundowner offers weekly rates starting at $270 and monthly rates from $575 — no nightly stays, which means the park stays quiet and well-maintained. A full week at Sundowner costs less than two nights at most golf resort hotels, and you can play Pinon Hills multiple times to truly appreciate the layout.

Many golfers combine Pinon Hills with Farmington's other courses for a multi-day trip. Play the championship course one day, unwind at Civitan's par-3 layout the next, and try your hand at disc golf at Lions Wilderness on day three. Between rounds, explore Chaco Canyon, Aztec Ruins, or the Bisti Wilderness — all within day-trip distance.

For full site details, visit our RV spaces page. To reserve your spot, contact us online or call (505) 327-1671.