Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 15th
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Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 15th
Nancy Lopez grew up playing Spring River Golf Course in Roswell, N.M., before water features and nine new holes were added. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - ball markers
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Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - ball markers
They don't ignore the alien theme at Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River, but it isn't overplayed either. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 1st
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Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 1st
Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River in Roswell, N.M. starts with a par 5 that ends with a green backed by a grove of trees. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez GC at Spring River - 8th
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Nancy Lopez GC at Spring River - 8th
The eighth at Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River is a 374-yard dogleg left. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 10th
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Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 10th
One of the tougher holes at Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River is the 435-yard, par-4 10th. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez G.C. at Spring River - 12th
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Nancy Lopez G.C. at Spring River - 12th
The 12th at Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River is short, but water comes into play on the approach. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez GC at Spring River - 14th
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Nancy Lopez GC at Spring River - 14th
The par-5 14th begins a strong finishing stretch at the Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River in Roswell, New Mexico. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 15th
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Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - 15th
The tee shot on the par-5 15th at the Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River in Roswell, New Mexico. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - alien hats
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Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River - alien hats
You'll find those Roswell aliens on Titleist hats in the golf shop, too, at Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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While encountering aliens in Roswell, New Mexico, check out Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River

ROSWELL, N.M. -- The town of Roswell isn't exactly famous for golf, but if you happen to be passing through or visiting the International UFO Museum and Research Center (the city is known for the mysterious crash of 1947 and alleged coverup by the U.S. military), you should check out Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River. With smooth, fast greens and challenging holes, it's both a bargain and fun to play.

The course lies on 144 acres on land that used to be a scenic river, carving out some unusual topography for the holes. Lopez, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, grew up playing the original nine holes with her father, Domingo, who presented her with her first set of clubs at age 8. Lopez later took the LPGA Tour by storm her rookie year in 1978, winning nine times in her first full season on the tour. More than that, she brought a new presence to women's golf during an LPGA Tour career that spanned three decades and included 48 victories.

A few years ago, another nine was added to the original 1930 layout, as well as several water features in what amounted to a complete overall. At 6,663 yards, the back nine is substantially harder than the front with a series of holes that works its way around water starting with the 12th and ending with the signature par-5 15th.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
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While encountering aliens in Roswell, New Mexico, check out Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River