The 2025 New Mexico Open at Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort is making national headlines with its record-breaking purse exceeding $100,000, putting it among the Top 10 PGA Section tournaments in the U.S.[1][2][3] This year’s event, hosted in partnership with the Sun Country PGA Section, has attracted a star-studded field including PGA TOUR winner Matt Every, Korn Ferry Tour pro AJ Crouch, NCAA champion Todd Demsey, and over 150 PGA professionals—showcasing New Mexico as a rising golf destination.
For the first time, the tournament is held at the newly renovated Turtleback Mountain course, renowned for its sweeping desert views and top-tier conditions. With over 20 sponsors and unprecedented community support, the event is setting new standards for PGA Section golf.
Learn why New Mexico’s golf scene is gaining national recognition, how the high-dollar purse is drawing top talent, and what makes Turtleback Mountain a must-play course. Hear from local pros, tournament organizers, and even New Mexico native and PGA Champion Notah Begay III about the hospitality and quality that set this event apart.
Whether you’re a golf fan, aspiring pro, or planning a golf trip, discover why the New Mexico Open is the talk of the golf world—and why this won’t be the last time major players tee off in the Land of Enchantment.
Here’s a bold statement. New Mexico is quietly becoming a golf powerhouse, and the rest of the country is starting to take notice. But here’s where it gets controversial. Could this overlook state soon rival traditional golf giants like Texas and California? Let’s key off into the details. New Mexico, a state boasting over 100 golf courses, is stepping into the spotlight with the New Mexico Open, an event that’s making waves far beyond its borders. This year’s tournament, hosted at the stunning Turtleback Mountain Golf Course in partnership with the Sun Country PGA section, is turning heads for one big reason. It’s six figure prize purse. Yes, you read that right. Over $100,000 is up for grabs. a sum that’s not only attracting top talent, but also placing the event among the top 10 PGA section tournaments nationwide. And this is the part most people miss. It’s outpacing tournaments in states traditionally considered golf meccas. Having a $100,000 purse is a gamecher, said John Gibby Gibson, director of the New Mexico Open. It’s not just about the money, it’s about the attention it brings. Partnering with the Sunount PGA has been instrumental in elevating this event to new heights. Todd Kirsting, a PGA pro at Porto dels Soul Golf Course in Albuquerque, echoed this sentiment. The dedication from the staff and investors is remarkable. They’re putting their money where their mouth is, showcasing what truth or consequences and elephant but have to offer. It’s not just about golf. It’s about the experience. And that experience is paying dividends. The tournament’s high prize money combined with New Mexico’s breathtaking landscapes has lured big names like Not Beay III, a four-time PGA Tour champion, NBC Sports Golf Channel analyst, and proud New Mexico native. When people come here, they’ll leave with a sense of our incredible hospitality. Beay said, “We’re not just hosting a tournament. We’re showcasing the quality of our venues and the pride we take in these events. But here’s the real kicker. This isn’t just a one-off event. According to Kirsting, the impact could be longlasting. The pros who come here will see the quality of our courses and want to return for other events. We’re like a best-kept secret, but the word is getting out. Whether it’s to play or to live here, New Mexico is rising to the top. The tournament continues on Tuesday, September 16th, with the finalists battling it out in the championship round on Wednesday. For golf enthusiasts eager to catch the action, live coverage is available on Turtleback Mountain Golf Courses Facebook page. https www.fas.com/turtlebackmolf and resort. Now, here’s a thoughtprovoking question for you. Can New Mexico truly become a golf destination on par with states like Florida or Arizona? Or is this just a fleeting moment in the sun? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear your take on this rising golf hub.
