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 of 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.
Formerly home to a stop on the LPGA Tour, Randolph Dell Urich is centrally located in the heart of Tucson.
Even though this track only measures 6,600 yards from the back tees, its parkland-style design places a premium on accuracy and shot making.
Every time we play here, the greens are spectacular and pace of play isn’t an issue even though this course can do upward of 300 rounds a day during the peak season.
The facilities are more than adequate, but not the slightest bit ostentatious or gaudy.
In fact, the 1925 Bar and Grill has some of the best golf course food imaginable. All items on the menu are under $10. And the beer is ice cold.
The cast of characters and condition of this muni are always a gentle and enjoyable reminder that golf is meant to be inclusive, not exclusive.
Condition – 8
Service – 8
Value – 10
Holes: 18
Par: 70
Length: 6,629
Phone: 520-791-4653
Address: 600 S. Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ 85711
Website: https://www.tucsoncitygolf.com/randolph-dell-urich/
Home to the University of Arizona’s Men’s and Women’s golf teams, it no secret why Arizona National ranks as the best public golf course in Tucson year after year.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1966, this classic desert layout sits at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and offers breathtaking vistas. The abutting Coronado National Forest is home to some of the tallest Saguaro cacti in the world (I learned the hard way, don’t get too close or you’ll pay the price).
Even though the course is only 6,785 yards, it presents more than enough difficult shots and tough decisions to keep you on your toes.
My favorite hole is the par five 18th. The tee shot plays dramatically downhill. On your second shot, you’re left with a decision of whether to go for the green in two over a substantial lake or, lay up, thus risking some crude comments from your buddies. In our group, there’s been more than a few bucks won and lost on this hole.
Condition – 9
Service – 8
Value – 8
Holes: 8
Par: 71
Length: 6,785
Phone: 520-749-4089
Address: 9777 E. Sabino Greens Dr. Tucson, AZ 85749
Website: https://www.arizonanationalgolfclub.com/
Designed by beloved native Navajo son, Notah Begay III, Sewailo makes wonderful use of the natural desert terrain as it meanders through arroyos dotted with Saguaros and Ironwood trees.
Significant elevation changes and natural hazards present trouble for wayward shots, but the fairways and approaches into the greens are generous.
If you want to add an extra element of fun to your round, try renting one of the course’s golf boards instead of a cart.
Aside from the golf, the Casino del Sol Resort features a luxury hotel, plenty of quality dining options, a large casino, spa, and RV park.
Condition – 9
Service – 9
Value – 8
Holes – 18
Par: 72
Length: 7,283
Phone: 520-324-9021
Address: 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson, AZ 85757
Website: https://www.casinodelsol.com/sewailo-golf-club
There are two courses at Omni Tucson National – the Catalina and the Sonoran. While both are quite good, the Sonoran takes the cake in my opinion.
Designed by Tom Lehman and opened in 2005, this course is flat out fun to play.
Dramatic elevation changes, both uphill and downhill, present golfers with challenging approach shots that require precise club selection.
Two prominent lakes and 69 well-placed bunkers mean you’ll have to carefully plot your strategy on each and every hole.
For an experience like nothing else found in the Tucson area, give the Sonoran Course at Omni Tucson National a shot.
Condition – 9
Service – 8
Value – 8
Holes: 18
Par: 70
Length: 6,552
Phone: 520-297-2271
Address: 2727 W. Club Dr. Tucson, AZ 85742
Website: https://www.tucsonnational.com/sonoran-course
All three golf courses at Starr Pass are just what you expect at a JW Marriot Resort – first class.
The Roadrunner Course is a nine-hole layout, par 35. From the very first tee, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by a stunning view of Tucson and the valley below.
You’ll probably want to take a cart when you play the nine-hole Coyote Course as elevation is the name of the game. If you play in the afternoon when the wind kicks up, club selection can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to commit to every shot.
Lastly, the Rattler Course is built on slightly gentler terrain that features green complexes surrounded by deep bunkers and closely mown collection areas. If you’re on your game from tee to green, this course is gettable. However, if you start missing greens, getting the ball up and down can be a challenge.
Whether you find yourself at Starr Pass just for a round of golf or an extended stay, one thing is certain: the golf, service, and amenities won’t leave you disappointed.
Condition – 8
Service – 9
Value – 8.5
Holes: 27
Par: Rattler Course – 36, Roadrunner Course – 35, Coyote Course – 36
Length: Rattler Course – 3,490, Roadrunner Course – 3,217, Coyote Course – 3,512
Phone: 520-791-6270
Address: 3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85745
Website: https://modules.marriott.com/
Another of Tucson’s city-owned courses is Fred Enke. My buddies and I just call it the “Fred.”
The design of this track lies in sustainability. Minimal water, minimal turf. This is desert target golf in every sense of the word.
The course features expansive tee boxes and large greens so getting your ball in the right area is paramount if you’re going to score well.
I wouldn’t recommend walking this course as it’s quite hilly. With that being said, the shot values are worth every penny you pay in green fees.
The course gets a lot of play but, it’s always in good condition and a treat for a round.
Condition – 8
Service – 8
Value – 9
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6,756
Phone: 520-791-4653
Address: 600 S. Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ 85711
Website: https://www.tucsoncitygolf.com/
Crooked Tree has proven to be a great warmup round every year on our trip.
Generous fairways, large greens, and forgiving surrounds make this course user-friendly.
I’m always impressed with how well kept Crooked Tree is.
Located only a quick 10-minute drive from downtown, getting here is easy.
There’s nothing all that special about Crooked Tree but for the price, the experience is more than worth it.
Condition – 9
Service – 8
Value – 8
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 7,065
Phone: 520-744-3366
Address: 9101 N. Thornydale Rd. Tucson, AZ 85742
Website: https://www.crookedtreegc.com/
If breathtaking mountain views and exciting shots sound like a good time, you have to play a round at Quarry Pines.
Situated on the site of an old quarry, this course is memorable to say the least.
While the course plays like a traditional desert layout, thousands of trees create an exciting element that works to frame holes and penalize wayward shots.
The practice facilities are hard to beat and the golf shop is fully stocked with all the latest and greatest golf equipment.
We played here for the first time last year and were far from disappointed.
Condition – 8.5
Service – 9
Value – 8
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6,482
Phone: 520-744-7443
Address: 8480 N. Continental Links Dr. Tucson, AZ 85743
Website: https://www.playthepines.com/golf
In the heart of the Santa Catalina Mountains is the Preserve Golf Club.
The locals call this course “golf on top of the world” and it’s not hard to see why.
Dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and sloping greens give you everything you could ever want in a round of golf.
From what I’ve heard, the teaching staff at the Preserve is some of the best around so if you’re struggling with an aspect of your game, you might want to take a lesson here.
The rest of the facilities are nicely appointed and you can bet we will be back.
Condition – 8.5
Service – 9
Value – 8
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 7,006
Phone: 520-825-9022
Address: 66567 E. Catalina Hills Dr. Tucson, AZ 85739
Website: https://preservegolf.club/
Located a short drive south of Tucson in Green Valley, lies Torres Blancas Golf Club. Built in the heart of the Santa Cruz River Valley, this course is always lush and affords tremendous views of the Santa Rita Mountains.
Designed by Lee Trevino, Torres Blancas is playable and challenging all at once.
Even though the course is surrounded by homes, it’s far enough removed that you don’t feel crowded.
Each time I’ve played this course, it’s always been in great shape and I can’t wait to go back.
Condition – 9
Service – 8
Value – 8
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 7,111
Phone: 520-625-5200
Address: 3233 S. Abrego Dr. Green Valley, AZ 85614
Website: http://www.torresblancasgolf.com/
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.
