Nearly sixty years ago El Paso Natural Gas Company constructed a modest nine-hole golf course in Kirtland for their employees and guests to play. The course, designed in a Parkland style on mostly flat terrain with tree lined fairways, soon became a catalyst for growing the game of golf in the Four Corners region.
In the 1990s El Paso Natural Gas Company donated the course to San Juan College. Shortly after taking over management, the College decided to add another nine holes. Noted architect Baxter Span wasted little time in designing and building a Links-style course to take advantage of the natural terrain and elevation changes as well as the beautiful vistas of Shiprock and the surrounding area.
In addition, a double-ended driving range with over 100 hitting stations was added along with an upgrade to the irrigation system on the original nine. Riverview Golf Course was complete and could now boast to be an 18-hole championship golf course with one of the best practice facilities in the southwest.
Through the efforts of San Juan County, who took over ownership of the course in early 2010, golfers of all ages are enjoying playing conditions that are vastly improved and in line with top-level public facilities. Players can test every aspect of their game on a course where one side requires ground game or bump and roll approach to the greens, while the other side challenges golfers with risk or reward through an aerial pursuit.
With all 18 holes over-seeded in bent grass, the putting surfaces rank among the best in the area. Riverview hosts over thirty tournaments annually and offers many bargain rates that run as low as $25 for 18 holes and a shared golf car. Since rates are based on both time of day and day of the week, players are encouraged to call for the current fee schedule at (505) 598-0140.