(SANDIA PARK, New Mexico.) – Paako Ridge Golf Club – Duininck Golf completes second phase tee renovations in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
It is not every day a Top 50 public resort facility in the country, and #1 ranked in the state, opts to undergo a major renovation, but there’s no “leaving well enough alone” when the stated goal at Paako Ridge Golf Club is to always be improving. Ownership’s commitment to excellence and Duininck Golf’s construction expertise created the perfect bridge of opportunity for the two entities to team up.
“There’s been an increase in golf renovation projects the past couple years,” Division Manager, Judd Duininck acknowledges. “We’re thrilled to be heavily involved nationwide and are excited to be working on such a prestigious property in New Mexico.”
Paako Ridge sits just a few miles east of Albuquerque, NM in the shadows of the Sandia Mountains. With over 300 days of sunshine and only 14 days of rain, the setting could not be more ideal for the most avid of golfers. With a detailed focus on modifying and modernizing the tee complexes, plus enhancements to the irrigation system and surrounding native areas, General Manager Bill Delayo says, “This is merely the first step in our overall master plan to further elevate Paako Ridge Golf Club as one of North America’s best properties.”
Director of Marketing & Communications at Paako Ridge, Tyler Kirsch, says, “With the course sitting at an elevation of 6,500 feet, on mountain terrain, the logistical challenges of an operation like this are plentiful, but we’ve been very pleased with the entire (Duininck) team’s operation, professionalism and ability to deliver on promises.”
20 years after Ken Dye’s impressive design opened, Paako Ridge brought Jon Schmenk of Norby Golf Design and the nationally certified builder Duininck Golf in to begin the renovations. Jon Schmenk explains. “Though consistently recognized as the best golf course in New Mexico, the infrastructure had begun to deteriorate. We’re renovating each nine in its own phase with specific focus on the tee boxes; including adding a new forward set of tees, reducing regularly irrigated turf, and increasing overall playability, while always protecting the native environment.”
Former PGA Tour Player and Paako Ridge’s “Minister of Fun,” Kelly Gibson is excited this project is so broad in scope but so focused on playability enhancement. “These renovations give additional play opportunities to players of all ages and skill levels. I’ve worked with Duininck Golf on several projects, and they get the job done. It’s that simple.” Work is in full swing, but everyone is already eager to experience the final results.
