Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024
Story by Bill Cuebas
Photos by Beverly and Greg Wise
One time per year… 500 balloonists descend on Albuquerque, New Mexico… and for 9-days… the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta hosts an event, found no where else in the world. Thinking about its history and experiencing the fiesta myself for a number of years… it is only getting bigger and better each year… there is no time like the present.
While we are all about golf… special events interest even more… knowing that there is great golf around the area that we can participate in at the same time.
Well… there is Good News and Bad News!
The bad news is that Momma is always right… if she wants to go… GO!
The good news is the schedule that the International Balloon Fiesta works under for the sake of safety of the pilots and spectators, there Is plenty of time for GOLF!
You wake up in the morning and check for Green Flag conditions. The green flag means that the winds are down and favorable for balloon flying. If the winds are up, you will hear about Red Flag conditions. BUT not enough to affect your golf game. So, if it is red flag conditions at Balloon Fiesta Park, you might get out on the golf course early!
At 6 AM the Dawn Patrol heads off into the dark sky to test the winds and reports back conditions and what the ballooners can expect in order to plan their flights. First launch is roughly 7:00 AM, and with 500 balloons on the field… it takes until about 10 AM to get them all in the air.
So, thinking about that… you could have a 11:30 tee time and be done by 5:00 PM when it is time to return to the field to watch a Night Glow, THAT IS TOTALY AMAZING! Okay… they may not like me saying this… but that is cooler than watching balloons launch in the morning.
International Balloon Fiesta Music Video
At Ignite Golf Network… we clearly promote GOLF… but there are so many other things to do in a region that we almost take advantage of golf being in the area… only to experience the extra pieces of a trip that you can only find there. A special restaurant, a museum, or the International Balloon Fiesta.
Look… you can only play golf so long during the day. What else do you plan to do for a full experience.
GOLF around Albuquerque
The Championship Course Since it was officially opened in 1967, The Championship Golf Course has been one of the finest facilities of its kind nationwide. It has been nationally recognized by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the top-25 public courses in the country.
The North Course The North Course built in 1942, originally 27 holes, was the first course in America to break the 7000 yard barrier. It measured 7300 yards from the Championship tees and played host to the first professional tournament in Albuquerque in 1947 won by Lloyd Mangrum
At 7,755 yards, the 18-hole, Scott Miller-designed golf course at Sandia Golf Club provides a unique and challenging New Mexico golf experience regardless of your handicap. The dramatic desert panorama, set amongst the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, earned Golf Inc.’s “Best New Development of 2005” and was recognized as “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. You can also find the latest golf gear and premium club rentals in our Golf Pro Shop. Natural Landscapes & Waterfall Features Par 72, Championship 18-Hole Golf Course 7,755 Yards – 5,300-Ft. Elevation Designed by Scott Miller
Isleta Resort – Casino and Golf
Mesa and Lakes Mesa course is very welcoming of the tee areas that will meet any need for forgiveness. The five different tee areas will allow all golfers to enjoy a refreshing day on the course and challenge those that are looking to test their golfing skills from the Black Championship tees.
Designed by Baxter Spann, this 18-hole course is ranked among the Top 100 Public Courses by Golf Digest, and America’s top 50 by Golf Magazine. Enjoy a majestic desert golf experience on rolling fairways extending through mountainous valleys and dramatic sandstone ridges.
Eat the Historic Downtown Albuquerque – “The Frontier”
Welcome to the Frontier Restaurant, an Albuquerque tradition located across from the University of New Mexico, serving great breakfasts, burritos, burgers, roasted green chile, homemade flour tortillas, fresh squeezed orange juice, and the famous Frontier Sweet Roll. All served from 5am until 12am, seven days a week.
The Amazing WHEELS Museum – If you are in to things that spin!
We are a volunteer run, non-profit organization established to preserve history, educate the public in the history of transportation, and provide our visitors with an opportunity to experience travel as it used to be. The Wheels Museum primary mission is to provide current and future generations with an understanding of the impact of transportation on New Mexico and the West. We have antique vehicles, model trains, an airplane, a fire truck, library, photos and gift shop.
The Wheels Museum is located on the site of the historic Santa Fe Railroad Shops in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Built in 1914, the Albuquerque shops serviced steam locomotives operating on the Santa Fe Railroad.
Bill Cuebas is the Co-founder/Publisher of Ignite Golf Network and co-host of the weekly golf talk radio show, Biggs Golf Talk. After spending more than a decade working in PR and Communications within the golf industry, Bill knows what drives the professionals and customers and actively seeks to provide the communication and input needed to help industry leaders be successful in presenting these things to the consumers. Bill knows that having a passion for something increases the desire and ability to do the best you can do. This passion has allowed Bill to combine his love of golf and country in a unique way with his charitable work with different organizations. Bill’s years in law enforcement gives him strong communication skills and a keen understanding of how to read people which are invaluable tools when seeking to promote and grow a business.