ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (KTSM) – One of the most prestigious golf championships in the Southwest, the New Mexico Open, will now be held at the Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, for 2025 through 2027, the resort announced in a news release.
The Sun Country PGA Section named the resort as the “exclusive title partner” and host of the golf championship, according to the news release.
“This landmark three-year partnership strengthens the Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort New Mexico Open’s status as the premier professional golf championship in the region, further enhancing its national prominence and historical legacy,” the resort said.
The resort, formerly known as Sierra del Rio Golf Course, “has undergone extensive renovations and rebranding to reflect its evolution into New Mexico’s premier golf and lifestyle destination.”
Since its inception in 1954, the New Mexico Open has served as a proving ground for some of golf’s biggest names, including Lee Trevino, Notah Begay III, Wil Collins, and D.J. Brigman, the resort said.
“We are thrilled to partner with Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort for the next three years,” Cory Armstrong, executive director of Sun Country PGA, said. “This collaboration not only enhances the tournament experience for players but also contributes to the long-term growth of golf in New Mexico and West Texas.”
“Hosting the New Mexico Open is a significant milestone for Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort,” Dan Fletcher, chief marketing officer for Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort/PreReal
Investments, said. “This tournament has a long and storied history, and we are honored to be part of its next chapter. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase the course, welcome top-tier talent and contribute to the growth of competitive golf in New Mexico.”
Beyond hosting and serving as the title partner of the New Mexico Open, the resort will also support the New Mexico Open Pro-Am and several community initiatives, including golf clinics for youth, military personnel, and women, ensuring more people have access to the game, according to the news release.
“Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort is becoming a thriving community and a premier retreat for golf enthusiasts and active lifestyle seekers,” James Prendamano, founder and CEO of PreReal Investments and co-founder of PreReal Investments NM, the developer of Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort, said. “In 2025, we’re making major investments in the golf course, building many more quality-focused homes and expanding amenities. In 2026, we’re building a new hotel on the property. Our vision is to create a place where visitors don’t just come for a weekend—they decide to stay.”
“The Sun Country PGA Section and Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort are working together to build a strong future for the New Mexico Open while elevating golf in the Southwest,” Prendamano added. “With Turtleback’s title partnership and PreReal Investments’ multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the resort and the surrounding community, the tournament and the entire area are poised for tremendous growth.”
The Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort New Mexico Open will take place Sept. 15-17, marking a new era for this historic championship, according to the news release.
The Pro-Am will be held Sunday, Sept. 14. Both events are open to the public, the resort said.