You’re driving through the high desert of New Mexico, past the alien-themed diners and the endless stretches of Pecos Valley scrubland, and suddenly, there’s this massive burst of green. That’s Spring River Golf Course. It’s kind of a local legend in Roswell, mostly because it defies what you’d expect from a municipal course in a town famous for UFOs.
It's green. Really green.
People always ask if it’s worth the stop when they’re trekking across the state. Honestly? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a pristine, country-club vibe where someone wipes your clubs down every three holes, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a walkable, honest-to-goodness parkland layout that won’t drain your bank account, Spring River is a gem. It’s the kind of place where you see retired regulars who have played the same 18 holes every morning for thirty years, and they still haven't figured out the break on the 4th green.
Why the layout at Spring River Golf Course actually works
Most desert courses are "target golf." You hit from one patch of grass to another, and if you miss, your ball is gone—lost to the cactus and the rattlesnakes. Spring River isn't like that. It’s an old-school parkland design. Basically, it’s a big, lush park with holes cut into it. The fairways are wide. You can actually find your ball if you slice it.
There's something incredibly relaxing about that.
The course plays about 6,672 yards from the back tees. That sounds like a lot, but because Roswell sits at an elevation of about 3,600 feet, the ball flies a bit further than it does at sea level. You feel like a hero for a second until you realize the wind is starting to kick up. And man, the wind in Roswell is no joke. It comes sweeping across the plains and suddenly that "easy" par 4 is playing like a monster.
The front nine and back nine feel different. The front is a bit more open, letting you get your rhythm. But the back nine? That’s where the character shows up. You’ve got more mature trees—we’re talking big elms and cottonwoods that have been there since the course opened back in the late 1920s. It’s historic. This isn't some modern "designed-by-a-committee" course; it has roots.
The Spring River itself
You’d think a course named after a river would have water everywhere. Not exactly. The Spring River is more of a seasonal creek that winds through the property. In dry years, it’s just a ditch you try to avoid. In wet years, it adds a legitimate layer of stress to your approach shots. It’s unpredictable. That’s New Mexico golf for you.
What it’s really like to play here
Let’s talk about the greens. They are generally small and circular. Compared to the massive, undulating greens you see on modern PGA-style courses, these look simple. They aren't. They are notoriously tricky to read. Local knowledge says everything breaks toward the Hondo Valley, but good luck trusting that when you're standing over a four-footer.
The turf quality is surprisingly high for a "muni." The city of Roswell takes a lot of pride in this place. They use effluent water for irrigation, which is why it stays so vibrant even when the rest of the county looks like a dust bowl.
It’s cheap. Like, "I can’t believe this is the price" cheap.
For the cost of a mediocre lunch in a big city, you get 18 holes and a cart. If you’re a walker, it’s even better. The terrain is mostly flat, making it one of the most walkable courses in the Southwest. You’ll see plenty of people out there with push carts, getting their steps in while the sun sets over the horizon.
The vibe in the clubhouse
Don't expect a five-star dining experience. It’s a snack bar. It smells like hot dogs and coffee, exactly how a golf course should smell. The staff are usually locals who know everyone’s name. It’s low-pretension. You can wear a tucked-in polo or a clean t-shirt and nobody is going to give you a side-eye. It’s accessible golf.
Dealing with the Roswell "X-Factors"
If you're planning a trip to Spring River Golf Course, you have to account for the weather. It’s the desert.
- The Heat: In July, it’s a furnace. If you aren't off the course by 11:00 AM, you're going to bake.
- The Wind: Spring is the "windy season." We’re talking 30mph gusts that will move your ball mid-air. It turns a fun round into a survival test.
- The Pace: On weekends, it gets busy. Everyone in town is there. If you want a quick two-hour round, go on a Tuesday morning.
One thing people often overlook is the wildlife. Because it’s such a green oasis, you’ll see everything from roadrunners darting across the fairways to migratory birds hanging out near the water hazards. It’s a bit of a nature walk with clubs.
Is it better than the other options?
Roswell has a couple of other spots, like the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) golf course. NMMI is a bit shorter and more technical. Some people prefer it because it’s a bit more "refined," but Spring River has the history. It feels more "established." If you only have time for one round in Roswell, Spring River is the one that gives you the full experience of what golf in this part of the world is supposed to be.
It’s not Augusta. It’s not Pebble Beach. It’s a community hub where people teach their kids to play and where old friends settle bets over $5 skins games.
Practical tips for your round
If you’re actually going to go play, do yourself a favor and call ahead for a tee time. Even though it’s a municipal course, they host a lot of local tournaments and high school matches. Showing up unannounced on a Saturday morning is a recipe for disappointment.
Also, bring sunscreen. The New Mexico sun is thinner at this altitude. You’ll get burned in twenty minutes and won't even feel it because the air is so dry.
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Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the local wind forecast before booking; anything over 20mph makes the back nine incredibly frustrating for high handicappers.
- Focus on your short game; the fairways are forgiving, but the small greens require precision on your chips to save par.
- Visit the pro shop for local "Roswell-themed" golf gear—it's one of the few places you can find decent alien-head covers that aren't tacky souvenirs.
- Plan your round for early morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM) to catch the best turf conditions before the midday heat dries out the greens.