Painted Dunes GC
El Paso, TX
1991, Ken Dye
Black 6925, 72.7, 134, 72
Blue 6497, 70.9, 129, 72
White 6162, 69.4, 124, 72
Fees: ~$23 plus cart
Recommended per PGA Champion and everyguy Rich Beem, "They used to hold local qualifying for Q-School at Painted Dunes, so you know the place is legit. It's definitely one of the best public courses in TX, tough but fair. There are lots of nice views of town, too."
Best Bar Nearby: You mean besides the grill room at Beemer's former stompin' grounds at El Paso C.C.(sorry, it's private)? When he's not there, Rich heads for Aceitunas (915-581-3371). "There's no sawdust on the floor, but it's still kind of a dive. Just a low-key, perfect place to hang out. All Spring and Summer, Tuesday night is mariachi night in the beer garden. Say hi to Alex the bartender for me." OR, Beemer also hangs at Cafe Central (915-545-2233). "The bar there is real cozy and small, and everything on the menu is terrific."
Where To Grub: Beemer loves State Line Bar-B-Q (3800 Emory Rd, 915-581-3371). "The best barbeque in town. The State Line is the kind of place that gives you a whole loaf of bread, not just a couple slices. You get quick service and large portions--it's basically all you can eat for $20." OR, Rich says try Jaxon's (915-544-1188), "Home of ridiculously good enchiladas."
The other Texas food group is beef, so hit the ultimate in Texas steakhouses, The Cattlemen's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch (www.cattlemenssteakhouse.com). What better place to sample some authentic, Texas-bred steak than on a real cattle ranch. Finding it may be the hard part. From El Paso, take Interstate 10 for 35 minutes to exit 49, then go 5 miles north into the desert (yes, those are the directions on their website). Apparently it's the only thing out there. This place is so authentic, several movies have been filmed out here, so don't be surprised to see the remnants of Iraqi tanks and other movies sets. Travel Channel loved these steaks so much, Cattlemen's made their list of the country's top Steak Paradise spots. Each steak is marinated with Cattleman's signature blend of herbs and spices, then served up BIG. Here, an order for a 4-lb. steak is not uncommon. So bring your appetite -- you'll need it. There's also plenty of ranch hand activities and other fun stuff for the kids.
Other Tracks To Play, El Paso: A little more off the beaten path, Rich likes Campestre Juarez CC (011-52-656-617-3439). "It's just over the line in Juarez--an old school place: walking only, caddies required. The course is always in wonderful shape, with Bermuda grass and big, old trees. You'll do well to shoot your handicap at Campestre." Also, when in Juarez, check out the central market place. "Unbelievable," per Beemer. "You can buy anything at a bargain price", and it's only a 20 minute trolley ride from El Paso.
What To Read Before You Go: Follow Rich Beem's early golf career and rocky road to PGA stardom in Bud, Sweat & Tees by Alan Shipnuck.
Golfcourse.com Review: This championship, desert-style course has many hourglass fairways and most of the greens are multi-tiered. Golf Digest rated this as the 9th "Best in State" course for 1997-98. It was also ranked the "#1 Municipal Course in Texas" by the Dallas Morning News for 1998 and 1999.
Avg. Golfcourse.com Player Rating: 4.3/5.0. Mixed comments, some raves, more recent reviews bitched about greens in out-of-control shape and mud bunkers. "A fine warmup for The Links and Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso."