From Rochester to Albuquerque: Golf, Gourmet, and Good Times (with a Side of Tarantula)

We kicked things off by flying out of Málaga with a long layover and eventually crash-landing (figuratively) in Rochester late Friday night — tired but ready for tee times and trouble.

Golf, Games & Gourmet in Rochester

A few glorious days of golf unfolded at CCR with the dream team: Kathy and Thom, Jacquie and Rob, Lynn and Wally Morse, Whiz and Rob Merrell. Post-round, we headed to Kathy’s place for a proper evening: dice games, world-class wines, decadent food, and fantastic company — including Donna and Kelly’s friends, who proved wildly entertaining.

We also scored a round at Oak Hill East, courtesy of a reciprocal through Old Head. The day? Absolute perfection. The course? Sublime. The only hiccup: poor Donna took a tumble from a trailer and fractured her ulna. Still, like a champ, she smiled, cracked jokes, and kept spirits high.

Dinner highlights: Next Door and Black & Blue, both delicious. We also had a classic lazy lake day complete with a chilly boat ride, wine and beer tasting, and a bit of Buffalo Bills mania. Billy ducked out for a couple of days for business in NYC, but the party rolled on.

Off to Albuquerque: Desert Vibes & Fairway Strides

We caught an ungodly early flight from Rochester to Albuquerque via Chicago. Rented a beast of a QX80, grabbed our Instacart pickup from Albertson’s like seasoned pros, and arrived at our Airbnb — Casablanca at 500 Navara Dr SE.

This place was next-level: pool, hot tub, pool table, enough bedrooms for a golf team, and even a play kitchen under the stairs. It felt like a Wes Anderson film set… if Wes loved golf and tequila.

First Swings at Paako Ridge

We teed off for our first seven holes with Donna putting only (doctor’s orders), and joined forces with Dave and Marty Pendarvis, whom we met at Old Head. A fabulous five-some was born. The weather? Ridiculously perfect. The vibe? Even better.

Chef Ryan Takes the Stage

Dinner that night was a private chef’s dream. Seated in the pro shop (because why not?), Chef Ryan rolled out a knockout meal:

Charcuterie
Gazpacho
Salad
Elk filet AND Lobster Thermidor
Chocolate & fruit dessert
Oh, and Redbreast courtesy of Joe Marsh.

Our bellies were full. Our eyes were heavy. Our beds were calling.

Solheim Saturday & Emergency Golf

Saturday started with more sunshine and a 9:30 tee time. Another perfect five-some, another beautiful round — front nine, then holes 19–27. Lunch + Solheim Cup viewing = inspiration for an emergency couples scramble. (Because golf emergencies are real.)

Quick swim. Quick nap. Then off to Campo at Los Poblanos for an 8:30pm dinner (yes, it’s late, and yes, we were starving). Finding the entrance is still a mystery, but the food was top-tier.

Sunday: Sandia Sunsets & Jamison Stories

A luxurious sleep-in. 10:30 tee time. Donna and Sarah vs. Dave and Marty. We played a full 18, swam, snacked, and got ready for a dreamy night at Ten3 on Sandia Peak.

We arrived via tram, clouds looming ominously… only to be met at the summit by a light drizzle and a rainbow over the mountains. Irish luck, confirmed. 🏔️☘️

The dinner? Lovely. The view? Sunset gold. The descent? Magical — the city lights sparkled like fairy dust. The night ended as all good nights should: Jameson, Bailey’s, Doritos, M&Ms, and stories on the patio.

Monday: Tarantulas & Tacos

Dave and Marty flew out, and the rest of us made the rainy drive to Las Campanas. After breakfast at the clubhouse (charming, quiet, classic), we tackled the Sunrise Course — rain on the front nine, sunshine and tarantulas on the back.

We lunched, then played another sunny nine because… why not?

Dinner was a spontaneous pick: Cocina Azul, a local diner-style spot. Shoutout to our waiter Alex, who rocked a full beard and immaculately manicured black and silver gel nails. (The boys did a delayed double take.)

Sarah’s spicy margarita came with a side of fire. The food? Fine. The atmosphere? Electric. The drive home featured a lightning show, and we capped it with more patio Jameson and cookies. Obviously.

Tuesday: Tourists & Takeout

A day off from golf = a day on the town. The girls (Kelly, Donna, Sarah) explored Sawmill Market, wandered Old Town, bought jewelry and ice cream, and dodged a bit of rain. Margaritas at Hotel Chaco were a welcome reward.

Dinner was fridge-foraging meets Papa John’s. Mission: eat everything left. We almost succeeded.

Wednesday: Final Fairways & Farewell Feast

Our last hurrah: a full day of matches at Paako. Teeing off at 9:30, playing until we couldn’t swing anymore. Games came down to the final hole. Emotions ran high. Kelly earned the title of Señor Cozy (it’s a long story).

Dinner, one last masterpiece by Chef Ryan: