Updated February 2024 to update booking information.
Just 100 miles south on Interstate 10 from the golf Shangri La that is Phoenix, lies Tucson, Arizona. Some might call it the black sheep of the family when compared to Phoenix, but I beg to differ. Tucson is a wonderful city and there’s no shortage of great golf to be found.
Trust me on this one. My buddies and I escape the hustle and bustle that is Phoenix for a few days of golf here every year and we have a wonderful time. Seeing as none of us are members at private clubs with reciprocal agreements, our golf choices consist of daily fee, public courses and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Have I piqued your interest yet? Ok, good. Keep reading and you just might find yourself calling Shipstix and packing your bags for Tucson.
Here are our favorite public tracks.
Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course
Centrally located in the heart of Tucson, Arizona, Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course offers a prestigious and challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels. This public golf course, formerly a stop on the LPGA Tour, boasts a parkland-style design spanning 6,600 yards from the back tees.
The course’s strategic layout, designed by renowned architects Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Arthur Hills, emphasizes accuracy and shot-making, providing a rewarding and enjoyable game for golfers. The quality of the greens at Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course is consistently spectacular, further enhancing the overall playing event.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this course is sure to test and improve your skills. The Club House adds to the allure, offering a place to relax and unwind after your round. It’s no wonder Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course is considered one of the best in Tucson.
If you’re looking for a demanding and meticulously maintained course, Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course is a must-visit.
Arizona National Golf Club
Nestled against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona National Golf Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its bold course and stunning panoramic views. Ranked as the best public golf course in Tucson, this 6,600-yard course offers breathtaking vistas of the mountains and the city of Tucson.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1966, it emphasizes accuracy and shot-making with its parkland-style design. Home to the University of Arizona’s golf teams, it presents challenging shots and tough decisions, making it a favorite among PGA professionals and casual golfers alike.
The course’s unique desert setting and vast elevation changes provide a truly unforgettable golfing experience. Golfers can expect consistently spectacular greens, with each hole presenting its own set of challenges. Arizona National Golf Club is renowned for its difficult yet rewarding play, making it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable round in Tucson.
The stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the city below create an awe-inspiring backdrop for every swing. If you’re looking for a demanding and beautiful golf adventure in the south, Arizona National Golf Club is a top choice.
Sewailo Golf Course
Perched on a Native American reservation at Casino del Sol, Sewailo Golf Course offers a captivating golfing event, utilizing the natural desert terrain to provide a bold and pleasant setting for players of all skill levels. Designed by Notah Begay III, this remarkable course in Tucson, Arizona, incorporates arroyos and Saguaros, creating a unique and stunning scenery for golf. The course features significant elevation changes and natural hazards, while still offering generous fairways and approachable greens.
Sewailo Golf Course is renowned for its beautiful surroundings and challenging play, providing exceptional golfing events for both PGA and LPGA players, as well as amateurs.
Located at the Casino del Sol Resort, this golf course offers more than just a game. It’s a part of a full-service resort, providing golfers with an all-encompassing experience. One of the unique offerings at Sewailo is the option to rent golf boards, adding an extra element of excitement and fun to your round.
Whether you’re a skillful golfer or just starting, Sewailo Golf Course promises an unforgettable desert golf adventure on the Native American reservation, where the natural beauty of the surroundings enhances the game.
Sonoran Course at Omni Tucson National
Tee off at the Sonoran Course at Omni Tucson National and adventure a thrilling blend of demanding play and breathtaking natural beauty. This course, one of the two at the resort, was designed by Tom Lehman and offers a captivating golf event.
The Sonoran Course is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes, testing your strategic club selection and approach shots. The layout’s desert terrain is beautifully interspersed with prominent lakes and strategically placed bunkers, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game. As you navigate through the course, you’ll be treated to stunning mountain views that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The course, which opened in 2005, showcases Lehman’s expertise in creating a layout that seamlessly integrates with the view. Whether you’re a qualified golfer seeking a new challenge or a recreational player looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Tucson, the Sonoran Course at Omni Tucson National promises an unforgettable golfing occurrence.
Rattler, Coyote, and Rattler Courses at Starr Pass
If you’ve just experienced the captivating beauty and bold play of the Sonoran Course at Omni Tucson National, the Rattler, Coyote, and Rattler Courses at Starr Pass offer an equally thrilling and diverse golfing adventure at a JW Marriott Resort. Designed by John Fought, these courses are some of the best in Arizona.
The Roadrunner Course provides stunning views of Tucson, while the Coyote Course features elevation changes and tricky winds that will test your skills. The Rattler Course, with its green complexes surrounded by bunkers, offers a unique challenge for golfers of all levels.
The combination of challenging holes and natural beauty makes the 27-hole facility at Starr Pass suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Starr Pass has something to offer. This public golf course is a popular choice among golfers visiting Tucson and has been a part of the PGA Tour.
Golfers at Starr Pass can expect a unique and memorable golfing experience amidst the beautiful desert surroundings.
Conclusion
There’s more than immediately meets the eye in Tucson. Especially when it comes to affordable public golf. The array of courses available range from city-owned munis, to high end resorts. Here, there’s truly something for everyone.
That’s precisely why I look forward to our golf trips to this great place so much. If you find yourself in Tucson and play some of the courses on our list, I bet you’ll be saying the same thing too.
