According to GOLF's newly released rankings, Black Mesa, located in Espanola, New Mexico, has been named the top golf course in the state.

New Mexico stands out as a golfing destination, with three of its courses making it into the Top 100 rankings.

The second-ranked course is Las Campanas – Sunset in Santa Fe, followed closely by Paako Ridge in Sandia Park, both recognized as Top 100 courses you can play.

Black Mesa features classic golf design elements, including blind tee shots and central hazards, all set against a stunning desert landscape designed by architect Baxter Spann.

A highlight of Black Mesa is its notable par-5 16th hole, which runs through a narrow canyon, presenting a unique challenge for golfers.

The rankings were determined by over 100 expert panelists who evaluated courses based on a comprehensive scoring system.

This ranking process involved a ballot of 609 courses, categorized into 11 groups, with panelists rating courses based on their opinions and experiences.

The panelists, hailing from 15 nations, have extensive golfing experience, averaging over 1,000 courses played, which enhances the credibility of the rankings.

Points were assigned to each course based on their rankings, and the aggregate scores from the panelists determined the final standings, ensuring a consensus view.