Nestled in the sun-soaked Rio Grande Valley, in the small town of Elephant Butte, a new chapter of golf history is being written. Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort, once a hidden gem, has stepped onto the national stage with a combination of star power, record purses, groundbreaking digital broadcasting, and a sweeping vision for the future of golf in the Southwest.
This year, the 2025 Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort New Mexico Open golf tournament is making a bold statement. Backed by a $100,000-plus purse that propels it into the Top 10 PGA Section tournaments in the U.S., a record roster of 33 sponsors, and the first-ever global Facebook Live broadcast of the event, Turtleback is proving itself a destination where sport, culture, and community converge.
A Course of Distinction
The accolades started rolling in months before the first tee shot. Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort was awarded the Distinguished Golf Destination ELITE Designation by BoardRoom Magazine together with Forbes Travel Guide, a recognition reserved for only the finest golf experiences worldwide.
“Every part of our operation, from the fairways and greens to the way guests are greeted, was evaluated against the highest standards in the game,” said Jon “JC” Wright, the resort’s General Manager. “This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose dedication and hard work make Turtleback a destination where golfers know they will receive a truly exceptional experience.”
James Prendamano, CEO and Co-Founder of PreReal Investments, which owns the resort with business partner David Berman, sees the honor as part of a bigger vision: “This award confirms our vision for Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort as a destination built on excellence, hospitality, and a commitment to creating something remarkable for both our guests and the broader Sierra County community.”
Star Power Returns to New Mexico
The 2025 field reflects the tournament’s surging prestige. Notah Begay III, Albuquerque’s own four-time PGA Tour winner and one of the most celebrated Native American golfers in history, will headline alongside Matt Every, a two-time PGA Tour champion and co-founder of Live Forever Golf. They’re joined by Korn Ferry Tour professional AJ Crouch, NCAA champion and former PGA Tour pro Todd Demsey, and rising PGA Tour Americas talent Brandon Mancheno.
For Begay, the New Mexico Open is personal. “It’s always special to come home and compete in New Mexico, where my journey in golf truly began,” he said. “I’m honored to be part of the New Mexico Open again, and I look forward to sharing this stage with such a talented field of players.”
The Purse, the Party, and the Prestige
The numbers tell the story: a record-setting $100,000+ purse, a sold-out Pro-Am, and 33 sponsors—the most in tournament history.
The Pro-Am on September 14 will be more than golf. Think live music, culinary stations, and pop-up bars on the course, capped by a VIP afterparty featuring gourmet fare and signature cocktails. The event will also raise funds for the Sun Country Golf Foundation, supporting youth, military families, and inclusion programs across the region.
“This is what golf should feel like,” said Dan Fletcher, Chief Marketing Officer of PreReal Investments. “It’s competition, connection, and culture, all in one spectacular setting.”
A Broadcast Like No Other
The 2025 New Mexico Open will make streaming history as the first to be broadcast live worldwide via Facebook Live. Anchored by KTSM-TV news personality Ian Roth and ESPN’s Albuquerque affiliate, 101.7FM “The Team”, the coverage will include commentary and interviews with Begay, Every, and a lineup of PGA professionals, golf analysts, elected officials and business leaders. Drone footage, mic’d-up players, and behind-the-scenes segments will give fans unprecedented access.
“This broadcast celebrates the game of golf while also opening a window into the beauty and opportunity of Sierra County, New Mexico,” said Prendamano.
The reach will be massive. Sponsors, partners, and government agencies plan to simulcast the live stream across their own digital channels, amplifying viewership to an estimated 1.5 to 2 million fans.
Fashion Meets Fairways
Adding swagger to the tournament is Live Forever Golf, named the official apparel partner. Founded by Matt Every and his business partners, the lifestyle brand will outfit players, staff, and volunteers while hosting limited-edition apparel activations for fans on site.
“Live Forever Golf believes in challenger brands with vision, grit, and culture,” said Scott Riley, CEO. “The New Mexico Open is fast becoming a marquee stop on the PGA Section calendar, and Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort is one of the most beautiful settings in the Southwest”
Sponsors Step Up
From national brands to local businesses, sponsorships have poured in. Presenting sponsors include Bin Store Brands and Zapps Wholesale. Specialty sponsors range from Casa Autoplex, presenting a $50,000 Hole-in-One contest, to KTSM-TV (NBC), the official broadcast partner. Others include Marina Vista, Executive Golfer Magazine, Homes by Joe Boyden, Kingstree Ventures, and Player One Productions.
“This level of support speaks to the New Mexico Open’s role as both a premier golf showcase and a platform for community and business participation,” said Prendamano.
A Community’s Crown Jewel
The rise of Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort has captured statewide attention. On March 25, 2025, the Governor of New Mexico, the Sierra County Commission Chairman, and the Mayor of Elephant Butte jointly proclaimed it Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort Day—an acknowledgment of its economic, cultural, and recreational significance
New Mexico Senator Crystal Diamond Brantley summed it up best: “This tournament brings world-class talent right to our backyard and shines a spotlight on the beauty, hospitality, and people that make Sierra County so special.”
Redefining the Future of Golf in the Southwest
For Prendamano and his business partner David Berman, the Open is only the beginning. The resort’s master plan includes 1,300 new homesites, a shaded driving range, pickleball and tennis courts, a spa, fitness center, and tranquility garden. Their ambition is clear: to make Turtleback Mountain a nationally recognized tournament venue and a lifestyle destination.
As John Fornaro, Publisher of BoardRoom Magazine, put it: “They have created the ideal balance between an outstanding golf experience, strong governance, and first-class facilities. Their commitment to quality sets a benchmark in the industry and provides golfers with an environment that is both inspiring and memorable.”
At the End of the Day
The 2025 Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort New Mexico Open at is more than a PGA sectional championship, it’s a turning point. With record purses, star players, cutting-edge broadcasting, and the unwavering support of 33 sponsors, Turtleback has positioned itself as one of the most exciting new destinations in American golf.
It’s a story of ambition meeting authenticity, and of a resort redefining what it means to live, play, and compete in the heart of Southern New Mexico.
