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The Elfego Baca Shootout

The Elfego Baca Shoot was begun as a special attraction along with the then Conrad Hilton Open in 1960 by First State Bank and the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce. This novelty tournament was begun to generate more interest in the Socorro Community. Competitors are leaded into four-wheel drive vehicles to ascend Socorro Peak, 7,243 feet above sea level. Here they will battle in a one-hole shoot. The hole, a fifty foot patch of dirt, is located on the New Mexico Tech campus, about 3 miles away and 2550 feet down hill. The shoot is based on a rugged course, Socorro's "M" Mountain, and has been aptly named as "one of the world's most unusual golf events."

Since the terrain of the "M" mountain is so rocky, golfers are allowed to tee the ball for every shot. It is recommended that a particpant bring a piece of rug or a broom with a short handle in whick he can mount his tee. Also, because of the landscape, the ball can be moved laterally from its position or away from a hole to produce a better shot. This come in handy for those unlucky golfers whose ball falls into an old mine shaft or a cactus bush. This unique set of rules can only be found at the Elfego Baca Shootout.

The scores at the Elfego Baca Shootout are also distinctive for a one hole game. The scores have range from the seventies (the score card goes to 75) to a record 9, set by past champion, Mike Stanley. Officially, each competator is allowed ten balls and they must be able to finish with at least one of them. A lost ball ( a ball not found within twenty minutes) counts as one stroke. Each competitor is equipped with a team of spotters,an offical score keeper, and a medical team for any emergencies.

The Elfego Baca Shootout has been featured in the Albuquerque Journal, El Paso Times, New Mexico Magazine, Golf Illustrated, ESPN2, and Sports Illustrated. Golfers are invited to test their skill and cleverness in this unique event. Golfers are encouraged to keep in mind that there are only two other events like this in the world. One take place in Alaska and the other in South Africa, but the Elfego Baca Shootout is the oldest.

Elfego Baca