Best Golf Courses in Tucson, Arizona

Did you know Tucson, Arizona gets 350 sunny days a year? It’s a desert paradise for golf lovers, with perfect weather for playing golf from October to April. The daytime temperatures are just right, ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tucson’s golf scene is as varied as its landscapes. You can find everything from top-notch resorts to public courses. Each course is designed to fit the desert terrain, offering unique challenges and amazing holes.

Looking to play at a PGA Tour course or enjoy a round with stunning views? Tucson has it all. Courses offer flexible booking and competitive prices, making your golf trip unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

• Tucson enjoys 350 sunny days annually, perfect for year-round golfing
• The city offers a mix of public and private courses designed by renowned architects
• Courses range from desert layouts to parkland-style designs, catering to all preferences
• Green fee details vary, with options available for different budgets
• Many courses feature stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes
• Tucson’s golf scene includes both championship courses and beginner-friendly options

Tucson: A Hidden Gem for Golf Enthusiasts

Tucson has over 40 golf courses, making it a paradise for golf lovers. It offers everything from high-end resorts to affordable municipal options. The Gallery Golf Club is a standout with its stunning scenery and challenging layout.

La Paloma captivates players with its beautiful views and unique design. Ventana Canyon’s pricing may be steep, but its quality is exceptional. Omni Tucson National impresses with its fantastic clubhouse, spa facilities, and dining options.

Tucson’s golf scene caters to all skill levels. The Views Golf Club at Oro Valley offers a par 72, 6,715-yard course for beginners and pros. Quarry Pines Golf Club is an 18-hole challenging course set in a former quarry.

Planning your golf trip is easy with convenient tee time bookings available at most courses. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of options, from desert target courses to lush, green fairways.

Tucson offers year-round sunny weather and breathtaking scenic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find the perfect course. Enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran Desert while challenging your skills.

Top 10 Golf Courses in Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is home to some of Arizona’s best golf courses. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, opened in 1988, is a prime example. Designed by Tom Fazio, it has been a top choice since it opened.

Ventana Canyon’s Mountain course is the best public golf course in Tucson. It’s known for its desert views and tough layout. Golfers from all over love it for its natural beauty and smart design.

While Tucson is great for public golf, nearby cities have amazing courses too. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Maricopa is seventh in Arizona. For those who prefer private clubs, Scottsdale has some of the best. Estancia, Whisper Rock (Lower), and Troon CC are among the top private courses in Arizona.

These top courses offer different prices and membership plans. Tucson’s golf scene is perfect for everyone, from beginners to pros. The city’s sunny weather and stunning desert views make it a golfer’s dream spot.

Casino Del Sol’s Sewailo Golf Course

Tucson’s newest golf gem, Sewailo Golf Club, sits on the Casino del Sol reservation. This $25 million masterpiece offers a unique desert golfing experience. It will challenge and delight players of all skill levels.

Notah Begay III’s Design

Notah Begay III, in collaboration with Ty Butler, crafted this stunning course. Their vision blends native desert elements with strategic golf challenges. This creates a layout that’s both beautiful and demanding.

Desert Landscape Features

Sewailo’s landscape incorporates natural desert flora, rolling fairways, and strategically placed water features. These elements not only enhance the course’s beauty but also present unique challenges. Golfers navigating the terrain will find it both beautiful and demanding.

Booking and Tee Times

Securing your round at Sewailo is easy. You can book tee times online or by phone. Green fees vary based on season and time of day, offering options for different budgets.

Remember to book in advance during peak seasons to secure your preferred tee time. Sewailo Golf Club offers a memorable golfing experience. It showcases the best of Tucson’s desert landscape.

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa: Hollywood’s Choice

Tucked away 50 miles south of Tucson, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa has a rich history and fame from Hollywood. Its golf course, designed in 1959 by Robert ‘Red’ Lawrence, became famous as the filming location for Kevin Costner’s “Tin Cup” in 1996.

Golf lovers visit Tubac for its 27-hole championship course. In 2006, Ken Kavanaugh added nine holes to the original layout. The course has standout holes that test players of all levels. You’ll be surrounded by Arizona’s stunning landscape as you play.

Booking at Tubac Golf Resort is easy. The resort offers various packages for different tastes. The Fall 6 Play package is $529 for 6 rounds of golf. The Stay & Play option includes a room and 18 holes per night.

Greens fees at Tubac are great. The Red Bird Special, available Mondays to Thursdays in September, is $89+. This deal compares well with other top Arizona courses.

Beyond golf, Tubac offers a full resort experience. It’s a AAA Four Diamond-rated property with a spa, pool, and the Stables Ranch Grille for fine dining. Room rates are from $129 to $209, depending on the season. With its golf, luxury, and Hollywood fame, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is a top spot for golf fans.

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Tucson’s JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is a top spot for golf lovers. It’s a 330-acre luxury property with a 27-hole golf course. This course is on the Golf Advisor Golfers’ Choice list for Arizona.

Arnold Palmer’s 27-Hole Masterpiece

The Starr Pass Golf Club was redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 2003. It has three desert courses. Golf legends like Phil Mickelson and Nancy Lopez have played here. The club has a practice facility and you don’t need to stay at the resort to play.

Resort Amenities and Golf Packages

The resort has over 500 guest rooms and suites. It’s great for families and adults. A daily resort fee of $49 includes driving range access for two.

The property has many pools, a lazy river, and desert trails. You can hike or bike on these trails.

Scenic Desert Vistas

The resort has stunning Tucson desert views. It has 36 family-friendly suites. Guests can enjoy the Mitakuye Oyasin ritual at sunrise on the Salud Terrace.

This ritual features traditional Native American practices. With its beautiful location and excellent facilities, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa offers a memorable golfing experience.

The Golf Club at Dove Mountain

The Golf Club at Dove Mountain is in Marana, 25 miles north of Tucson. It offers a top-notch golfing experience. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course has 27 championship holes, making it challenging for all players.

This course is famous for hosting the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship from 2007 to 2014. It has a 7,849-yard layout with Bermuda fairways and Bent Grass greens. Players face a real test of golf in beautiful desert scenery.

Some holes stand out for their unique features. The par-72 layout has a 77.1 rating and 135 slope. Golfers must make strategic decisions on every tee, dealing with desert terrain and elevation changes.

Golfers love The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, giving it a 94.9% recommendation rate. Tee times are popular, so book early. The friendly staff and great amenities, like a 45,000-square-foot clubhouse, make the experience even better.

Omni Tucson National Resort: A Tale of Two Courses

Tucson’s golf scene is bright at Omni Tucson National Resort. This 650-acre paradise has two 18-hole courses. Each course offers unique features for different playing styles. The Catalina Course is a parkland-style layout, while the Sonoran Course is desert-themed.

The Catalina Course was once a PGA Tour stop. It has lush fairways and water hazards for a fun challenge. The Sonoran Course, by Tom Lehman, brings the desert to your game.

Green fees change with the season and time. You can book online or at the golf shop. The resort has golf packages with rooms or haciendas.

Both courses offer views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Catalina Course has a 610-yard par-5 15th hole and a tough 428-yard par-4 16th. The Sonoran Course has elevation changes and bunkers.

Relax at the 13,000-square-foot spa or dine at one of three restaurants. Enjoy the negative-edge pool, private cabanas, and ice-bucket service. Omni Tucson National Resort offers a golf experience like no other.

Randolph Park: Tucson’s Municipal Golf Pride

Randolph Park is an important part of Tucson’s golf history. It has two 18-hole courses. This makes it a great place to play golf without spending a lot.

North Course: Former PGA and LPGA Tour Host

The North Course at Randolph Park has a big history. It was once the site of the Tucson Open PGA tournament. Now, it hosts the Welch’s/Circle K LPGA Tournament. It’s a favorite among both pros and amateur golfers.

Dell Ulrich Course: A Local Favorite

The Dell Ulrich Course is loved by Tucson locals. It has well-kept fairways and greens. This makes it fun for golfers of all levels.

Affordable Rates for Residents and Visitors

Randolph Park makes golf affordable for everyone. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you’ll find good prices.

You can book tee times up to 7 days in advance. Non-residents pay a little extra. For the best deals, try twilight or weekday play.

Ventana Canyon Golf Club: Tom Fazio’s Twin Gems

Tucson’s Ventana Canyon Golf Club has two amazing Tom Fazio-designed courses: the Mountain and Canyon. Each day, one course is open to the public. This lets golfers enjoy Fazio’s design and the stunning Sonoran Desert.

The Mountain Course opened in 1984 and is famous for its par-3 third hole. This 107-yard hole is often called the most photographed in Arizona. Golf Magazine ranked it No. 46 on their 2000 Top 100 You Can Play List.

The Canyon Course also offers unique challenges. It has memorable par-3 holes at 13 and 16. These holes show Fazio’s skill in creating beautiful and engaging golf experiences.

Ventana Canyon Golf Club has drawn many celebrities, like Clint Eastwood and Chevy Chase. The nearby Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers 398 rooms and 27 suites. Some rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis for a relaxing end to your golf day.

La Paloma Country Club at Westin La Paloma Resort

Tucson’s golf scene is highlighted by the La Paloma Country Club at Westin La Paloma Resort. This 27-hole masterpiece, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golf enthusiasts.

Jack Nicklaus’ 27-Hole Desert Masterpiece

The course features Mini-Verde Bermuda greens, lush fairways, and seven tee boxes per hole. White sand bunkers add to the visual appeal and difficulty. Golfers can choose from three 9-hole layouts: Canyon, Ridge, and Hill, each offering unique challenges and scenic views.

Resort Facilities and Golf Packages

Westin La Paloma Resort spans 175 acres and provides 300-500 accommodation units. The resort boasts multiple pools, including an adults-only option and a kid-friendly waterslide. Dining choices range from southwestern cuisine at AZuL Restaurant to casual fare at Montecito Patio.

Stunning Santa Catalina Mountain Views

La Paloma’s golf courses offer breathtaking vistas of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The layout incorporates the natural desert landscape, creating a visually striking experience. Green fee details vary based on season and tee time, with special rates for resort guests. For the best scenic views, book an early morning or late afternoon tee time to capture the golden desert light.

Arizona National Golf Club: Desert Golf at Its Finest

Arizona National Golf Club in Tucson is a top spot for desert golf. It has an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Opened in 1996, it’s known for its excellence in golf.

Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s Championship Design

The course is a par-71 layout, covering 6,776 yards. It has a course rating of 72.4 and a slope of 146. The fairways are Bermuda Grass, and the greens are Bent Grass. This makes it fun and challenging for all players.

Dramatic Elevation Changes and City Views

Arizona National Golf Club has amazing views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The course uses the desert’s natural beauty, with a standout hole, #11, being a 625-yard par 5. It has two forced carries over tough terrain.

Membership Options and Guest Policies

Though semi-private, Arizona National is open to guests. The club has a strict dress code, requiring collared shirts and banning denim and metal spikes. Both members and visitors can book tee times.

Arizona National Golf Club is a must-visit for golfers in Tucson. Its challenging layout and desert views make for an unforgettable experience. It’s perfect for both seasoned pros and casual players.

El Conquistador Golf Club: 45 Holes of Golf Paradise

El Conquistador Golf Club is a golfer’s dream in Tucson. It has 45 holes across three unique courses. This makes it a top spot for both resort guests and locals.

The club has three courses: Conquistador, Cañada, and Pusch Ridge. Conquistador and Cañada are great for beginners and intermediate players. They have wide fairways and big greens.

Pusch Ridge is for the more experienced golfers. It has high tees and bumpy greens. This course is a real challenge.

El Conquistador’s facilities are excellent. You’ll find a well-stocked pro shop and practice areas. Tee times are flexible, so you can play in the morning or afternoon.

Here’s a quick guide to help plan your visit:

El Conquistador Golf Club is a must-visit in Tucson. Its varied courses and desert views make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re up for a challenge or just want to relax, this 45-hole paradise has it all.

El Rio Golf Course

El Rio Golf Course is a Tucson treasure since 1934. It offers a classic golfing experience. Designed by William P. Bell and Ken Kavanaugh, it covers 6,436 yards with a par of 70.

Its traditional layout is a nice change from Tucson’s desert courses. Golfers love El Rio for its great value and friendly staff. It has an average rating of 3.5 from 633 reviews, with 81.7% recommending it.

The staff’s friendliness is top-notch at 4.5. Course conditions and pace of play average 3.4. El Rio’s Bermuda greens are slow but well-kept, adding to the game’s charm.

The 5th hole is a short par-4 with a sharp left dogleg. It tests players’ strategy. For those watching their budget, twilight rates are just $8.50 after 4:00 p.m.

El Rio faces maintenance issues, especially around greens and tee boxes. Yet, it’s still a favorite among locals and visitors. Its history as a Tucson Open host adds to its charm. For tee time bookings and rates, visit El Rio’s website or call the pro shop.

Quarry Pines Golf Club: Golfing in a Former Quarry

Tucson’s Quarry Pines Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience. The 18-hole course is almost 6,500 yards from the gold tees. It challenges golfers of all skill levels.

The course’s design is special because of its location. It sits on the edge of a massive sand and gravel quarry. This location adds to the course’s charm.

The 90+ acre, 100-foot-deep quarry is the backdrop for many holes. It creates dramatic elevation changes and stunning views. This makes Quarry Pines stand out from other desert courses.

KemperSports manages Quarry Pines. They are known for their excellent golf course management. They oversee over 140 golf properties across the U.S., including top-ranked courses.

The course’s design challenges golfers in unique ways. You’ll need to adjust your strategy for the quarry’s steep walls and changing winds. This mix of natural obstacles and design makes for an unforgettable round of golf.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain is in Marana, just north of Tucson. It’s a top spot for golf, with a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course. The views of the Tortolita Mountains are stunning.

The course was home to the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship for six years. It’s known worldwide for its quality. Members get to play on 63 holes across two clubs, offering lots of variety.

The 45,000-square-foot clubhouse is the heart of the club. It has great dining, fitness, and tennis courts. These features are for golf lovers and social members alike, making it a complete experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain offers a luxurious desert golf experience. Its challenging course, excellent amenities, and beautiful views make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in Tucson.

How Tucson stacks up against Phoenix, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas

Tucson’s golf scene is a mix of affordability and beauty. With a population of 541,482, it offers lower rates than its Southwest rivals. The median income of $47,627 makes golf affordable for everyone.

Tucson’s higher elevation means cooler temperatures for golfing all year. Its courses feature stunning desert and mountain views, matching Palm Springs or Las Vegas. Unlike Phoenix, Tucson is calm, perfect for a relaxed golfing experience.

While Phoenix has more courses, Tucson has both luxury resorts and affordable options. Green fees range from $60 to $309, depending on the course and season. Tucson offers great value, beating pricier places like Las Vegas without sacrificing quality or unique features.