No matter when you got your start in the game of golf, you’ve probably found favorite circles, clubs, and courses to practice your swing and even compete. This popular “stick and ball” game, invented in Scotland in the 1400s, has won the hearts of spectators and players worldwide.
Or perhaps you’ve never taken a swing in your life beyond mini golf. Maybe the recent Master’s Tournament during the first half of this month sparked your interest in this game of legacy. There are a good number of courses in Tucson and surrounding areas that are favored by players from all over and locals alike. Tucson’s courses are often overlooked in favor of those in Phoenix, but Tucson actually makes a better golfing destination since it's a few degrees cooler year-round as a rule.
Ready to head for the holes? If this social game of aim, concentration calls to you, explore these golf courses in Tucson:
Sewailo Golf Club
This 7283 yard, 25 million dollar course designed by Notah Begay III boasts greens and fairways in superior condition. Players call this 72 par course “challenging”, with sand traps, ample bunkers, and water on many of the holes. Rated #1 on Golf Advisor, avid golfers declare that you must visit Sewailo.
Ventana Canyon – Mountain Course
Built by architect Tom Fazio in 1987, this course is still maintained beautifully as part of the year-round Ventana Canyon Resort. An excellent place to meet like-minded golfers, have drinks, and enjoy spectacular views!
Starr Pass Golf Club
The Starr Pass Golf Club is composed of three courses: Coyote/Roadrunner, Rattler/Coyote, and Roadrunner/Rattler. Each award-winning course is a mountain course with challenging greens in excellent condition. Golfers enjoy this one for its convenience to the city, good views, and challenging blind holes.
The Preserve at Saddlebrooke
Gorgeous greens and well-maintained grounds, plus the elite neighborhood draw golfers to choose this as a favorite course. Some players advise purchasing the yardage book for only $2 to help your game. Mountain views and great value for the money are the sugar on top.
Quail Creek Country Club
Choose from 3 courses at this club, located in Green Valley and just about a half-hour drive down S I-19 from Tucson. If you are a Tucson local, it’s like a mini-escape! The country club offers 3 courses, all well-maintained with views of wildlife, a scenic 19th hole view, and great service.
Omni Resort Tucson
And now the grand finale...The Omni Resort Tucson offers two courses for golfers to satisfy the itch to go swinging. The Sonoran Course is a sparser, but still beautiful desert course containing 69 bunkers and two lakes. The Catalina Course carries a degree of prestige, having hosted over 30 PGA Tour events. Built in 1963, it’s one of the older courses covered in carefully laid and maintained Bermuda grass. The Catalina Course is favored with 80 strategically placed bunkers and 8 lakes. Tree-lined fairways, great for drinks and socializing, and excellent overall experiences have left many avid golfers with little to say other than, “We’re coming back!”
