Mountain Man Invitational — July 20–24, 2026, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Trip Updates
Quick update
We're seeing the usual pre-trip shuffle: a few schedule conflicts, some injuries, and other last-minute curveballs. All par for the course while we lock in this year's Mountain Man Invitational.
Roster & logistics
We're aiming for 16 players. There's still a little room—Llynal is tracking who's in and how the field fills out.
- Dale is handling the closing dinner in Alto (same idea as last year).
- Llynal is lining up tee times, with Dale helping get them set.
Partners & guests
It's a great week all around. If your wife, husband, or partner is joining you, please say so. We'll plan a few things on their side too: shopping, lunch, and casino time while we're on the course.
Players
Llynal CareyScott Davies
Johnny Eason
Dave Emerton
Harley Finnel
Doyle Hicks
Tim Hughes
Larry Hull
Corey Klessig
Mike Miloser
Donny Reed
Gary Smith
Dennis Stewert
Dale Valentine-
Jeff Watts
Commissioner
Player 16
Schedule & events
We plan to rotate rounds across Alto Country Club, The Outlaw at Alto, and Rainmakers. Tee sheets and pairings will post here once Llynal and Dale lock times. Evening plans fill in as we go—check back or ping the group chat.
Golf — courses
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Alto Country Club (Alto Lakes)
The original 18 at Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club—think mountain air, pine-lined fairways, and plenty of wildlife. The front nine plays more open and scorable; the back nine adds slope, smaller targets, and trickier greens. It is the “country club” half of the Alto duo: straight golf in a cool summer setting.
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The Outlaw at Alto
The younger championship layout on the same club roster (opened 2011). Big elevation changes, native scrub, and faster greens make distance control the story—fewer trees, more sky, and a little more bruising if you get on the wrong side of a ridge. Official info lives with Alto Lakes under The Outlaw at Alto Lakes.
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Rainmakers
Rainmakers Resort & Club in Alto—a private club feel with knockout Sierra Blanca views and strong conditioning. Guests play by arrangement; book early and confirm cart and hospitality details with the pro shop when your tee is firm.
Evenings & campfire
Lodging
Trip lodging plan
Host homes and spare bedrooms. Lodging will work like last year. If you stayed with Dale or Llynal before, you are welcome to stay with them again. There is also limited space with Dennis (if he makes the trip), plus one additional spare bedroom—first come, first served on those spots.
Everyone else. Plan on an Airbnb, another hotel, or a resort room. Inn of the Mountain Gods has a fresh look and is redoing its golf greens; we may play there this year if conditions are right. If not, our rounds will focus on Alto Country Club, The Outlaw at Alto, and Rainmakers (tee sheets will be posted in Schedule when firm).
Partners and spouses. Wives, husbands, and significant others are absolutely welcome. For couples, Inn of the Mountain Gods is an especially easy choice: full-service hotel, dining, nightlife, and a large casino—great for guests while we are on the course.
About Inn of the Mountain Gods
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino sits in the Sierra Blanca foothills near Ruidoso on the Mescalero Apache Reservation—a full-service resort with rooms and suites, casino, multiple restaurants and bars, and entertainment. Ruidoso shopping and dining are a short drive away.
Casino: Large gaming floor with slots and table games—plenty of room to unwind after golf.
Dining: Several on-property venues from casual to sit-down; handy for group dinners or a quick meal between golf and evening plans.
Booking: Reserve through the resort site or your preferred booking channel. July weekends fill up—book early for our dates (July 20–24, 2026).
Camp chat
Live on this page — questions, answers, and tasteful smack talk. Messages stick around for the next visit.
Pick a nickname so the group knows who’s talking. It’s saved on this device (browser storage, not a login). You can change it anytime.