ANGEL FIRE — Even for a soft opening, the unveiling of the brand new Angel Fire Resort Country Club on May 21 was monumental.

Golfers scurried about scheduling opening-day tee times amid the bustle of work crews putting the final touches on the massive building.

Though nearly all construction is complete, there were plenty of loose ends being tied up Friday. Floors need to be sealed. Streetlights are still going up. The pool remains unfinished.

But considering that the massive and elegant structure was little more than a rough foundation only a year ago, the country club opening is no small feat.

Since last May, the resort has made a concerted effort to get the $16 million building completed by the summer season, calling in extra crews that worked winter-long to get things done.

For Angel Fire Resort CEO Pat Brunstad, the completion of the building is a symbol of the resort's commitment to its members and to the community.

"The big thing this does is reinforce the fact that the resort is doing the things it says it's going to do when it says it's going to do it," Brunstad said.

With its impressive grand hall, a smart new bar with a priceless view and modern exercise and pro-shop facilities, Brunstad called the country club a "one-of-kind, first class" establishment.

"That's what we wanted — something we could be proud of and something our members could be proud of," Brunstad said. "There is nothing like this in the area."

Brunstad wasn't the only one impressed.

Curious locals wandered through the open dining room and stopped by for their first cocktail in the new Stonewood Bar. Some tried out the swank and comfortable furniture while others took in the view from the long, upstairs deck that overlooks the entire valley.

A few early-season golfers perused the menu at the Par and Grill Cafe on the ground level, just a short chip away from the first tee.

Upstairs, the waitstaff mingled around a table in the grand hall, sampling various plates prepared by chef Mathias Klemmt, who ran the Caliente Grill over the winter.

Though construction was ongoing and some staff members were still finding their bearings in the new building, Brunstad said the country club would essentially be finished in about three weeks — allowing plenty of time for unfettered recreation and relaxation over the summer.

Public-relations manager Christy Germscheid said the resort plans to keep the building open year-round. The giant space is already being marketed as the perfect place for weddings, meetings and conferences.