The Santa Fe Bypass
If all visitors are golfers, bypass downtown Santa Fe. Take the 14-mile Veterans Highway southwest past the airport and the two public golf courses. From Espanola, golfers can quickly drive 60 miles to play Cochiti Golf Course. After play, drive back to West Santa Fe.
WALKING DISTANCE TO HISTORIC SITES
El Sendero Inn Downtown
If visiting Santa Fe is a must, the golfer needs the car. Stay here two nights. It is conveniently located near Canyon Road and the Plaza. Recently renovated, it is the least expensive in very high-priced downtown hotels. A Choice Hotel. Parking is $10 extra but is needed downtown. 505-982-1851
THE REASON TO COME TO PLAY
Cochiti Golf Course
The isolated course is on tribal land 40 minutes south of Santa Fe. The Pueblo de Cochiti Golf Course was built by resort architect Robert Trent Jones II for the Department of Interior. It is operated by the tribe with no houses or lodging. Just wide open fairways and silence. 505-934-6367
Canyon Road Galleries
For couples going to Santa Fe, the non-golfer will want to visit the historic Plaza and the 100-plus art galleries on Canyon Road. But, the golfer will need the car to drive to the courses west of town and down to isolated Cochiti Golf Course.
Santa Fe Visit
After playing at Cochiti, the return to Denver is now 438 miles on I-25. That is a long drive at night. Stay at the El Sendero to visit the historic attractions. Next morning maybe play a round on the way back to Denver.
OTHER SANTA FE COURSES
Marty Sanchez Municipal Course
Santa Fe's large public course is west of town, very busy and has a limited restaurant. It requires detailed online reservations even for walk-on non-resident visitors. 505-955-4402 www.linksdesantafe.com
SEMI-PRIVATE CLUB
Santa Fe Country Club
West of downtown, the older course near the airport is available for public play especially on weekdays. It has more mature trees and water hazards than the desert courses.
505-471-2626 www.santafecountryclub.com
STOP IN PUEBLO TO PLAY
Play on your Return
From Santa Fe it is now 278 miles on high-speed I-25 just to Pueblo. Then 100 miles more to Denver. Consider stopping for a quick affordable afternoon round on the way home at the popular Walking Stick Golf Course. Call on the way there for a possible tee time. 719-553-1180.