Pros:
Brent Baca Memorial is a course set in a remote area that is desert landscape. Mostly flat and sandy, with brushy flora and few large trees. There is an arroyo dividing the course that is fairly deep and comes into play on a couple of holes. Some long drives, and creative manmade obstacles and OB add to the difficulty. 18 holes, with decent baskets and large, circular concrete tee pads. The layout is pretty logical and easy enough to follow. I printed a map just in case, and it is an accurate representation of the course. The baskets are often visible from the tee, and sometimes marked with white PVC pipe extensions to help visibility when tucked in behind brushy bushes. The terrain is largely open, but some spots have heavy rough lining the fairway, so keep a close eye on the drives. Holes 4, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 16 all have pins located along side or next to the edge of the arroyo, and can create tricky approaches and putts. On hole 4 I was fortunate to hang on to the side beneath the large tree, but still missed my putt and took a bogey. Hole 11 is one of the most unique holes I have ever played. 280' on level ground, but the tee shot and green are blocked by numerous industrial metal frames. The square in front of the tee denies a straight shot, and the landing zone is is covered with random uprights and cross bars. I tried a turnover that carried far to the right and into thick brush. After looking for ten minutes I located my disc and threw a poor recovery shot that left me still blocked out but the metal, leading to another two putt bogey. 14 is a long fairway that has OB marked by fenceposts on the right, before turning toward the arroyo with a basket underneath another large tree. The large tank staring you down on hole 17 fairway is another unusual obstacle. 18 has a hard left turn that can be tricky if you are off with your drive.
Cons:
The sun would be brutal in hot weather, with very little shade. Luckily it was overcast with light wind when I played there, perfect conditions.
Other Thoughts:
I enjoyed my round at Brent Baca Memorial. Very open but making the best of what is out there. Isolated in comparison to Roosevelt, I only saw two other players out there. Some noise from the recycling center, dirt bikes and ATV's, and folks shooting guns, but overall very pleasant. I was several shots over par, scoring a 63, and would probably like to play it again if I spend any time in Albuquerque.