What Are The Hidden Gems of Tucson’s Golf Courses?

If you’re a golf enthusiast, Tucson is a dream come true. With over 40 golf courses, the city boasts some of the best golfing opportunities in the Southwest. While well-known courses like the Omni Tucson National Resort and Ventana Canyon Golf Club are excellent, many hidden gems may have slipped under your radar. 

In this blog post, we will compile some of the best-hidden gems of Tucson’s golf courses that you must check out.

Arizona National Golf Club

Located in the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona National Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers some of the best views in the area. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and features 18 holes of championship golf. 

The course has been ranked as one of the top 10 courses in Arizona by Golf Digest and was also rated as one of the best new public courses in America when it opened in 1996.

Crooked Tree Golf Course

If you’re looking for a challenging course that is still accessible to all skill levels, Crooked Tree Golf Course is the place to be. This 18-hole course was designed by Lee Trevino and featured stunning views of the Catalina Mountains. Golf Digest has recognized the course as one of the best public courses in Arizona and is a must-play for any golfer visiting Tucson.

Quarry Pines Golf Club

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Quarry Pines Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers a unique golfing experience. The Quarry Pines Golf Club was designed by architect David Graham in collaboration with PGA Tour player Gary Panks. 

The golf course is located in Tucson, Arizona, and was opened for play in 2000. The course features 18 holes of challenging golf. The course is known for its stunning views and unique layout, including a quarry, transformed into a beautiful lake.

Views Golf Club at Oro Valley

If you’re looking for a course that offers a challenging yet fun experience, The Views Golf Club at Oro Valley is the place to be. The Views Golf Club in Oro Valley, AZ, is a stunning championship golf course that features 18 holes with magnificent views of the natural desert surroundings and the Catalina Mountains. 

With a rolling 6,715-yard, par 72 courses, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy playing on this desert-inspired layout with multiple tee placements available. Whether interested in an annual membership or a daily green fee play, this picturesque course offers an unforgettable golfing experience in a truly beautiful setting. 

El Rio Golf Course

El Rio Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in Tucson and is a true hidden gem. William P designed the course. Bell with 18 holes of classic golf. The El Rio golf course is named for its location in the Mohave Valley, which is rich in Spanish history and situated near the Colorado River. 

Designed by Matt Dye, this 18-hole championship golf course is a magnificent centerpiece that adds a sparkling allure to the valley’s heart. The course has a traditional layout that is perfect for golfers of all skill levels, and its affordable rates make it a great option for those on a budget.

Arizona Golf Resort

If you want a unique golfing experience in Tucson, Arizona, you should check out the Silverbell Golf Course! It’s situated on the west bank of the Santa Cruz River and offers a championship layout that will challenge golfers of all abilities. 

The course features wide undulating fairways that wind through mature pine trees, with bunkers and two large lakes that make for some exciting play on five holes. You can test your power and finesse on this par 70 course, which includes five par 3’s and three par 5’s of varying lengths and strategies. 

And if you’re worried about the length of the course, don’t be! The back tees measure 6,900 yards, while the forward tees are over 5,800, making them suitable for players of different skill levels.

San Ignacio Golf Club

If you’re a golf lover in Green Valley, AZ, you should check out the San Ignacio Golf Club! This par 72 course was built in 1989 and offered a range of yardages from 5,200 to 6,718. It’s a desert target course at its best, with tight fairways, hilly terrain, smooth greens, and multiple tee positions to suit all skill levels. And let’s not forget about the amazing views of the mountains that surround the course!

One of the highlights of the course is the signature 13th hole, a dogleg 522-yard par 5 with elevated tees and a lake along the left side. It’s a challenging hole that will test your skills, but the stunning views make it worthwhile. 

But that’s not all – San Ignacio Golf Club also offers extensive practice facilities, including a driving range, putting and chipping greens, and practice bunkers. The view of the Santa Rita Mountains from the bar and dining room makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course

If you’re looking for a fantastic round of golf in Tucson, look no further than Randolph Dell Urich. This centrally located course underwent a complete redesign in 1996, taking over the site of the old Randolph South Golf Course. 

With four sets of tees and breathtaking views, you will surely have an unforgettable experience on this course. Plus, with its dramatic elevation changes, Dell Urich offers a unique challenge that will test your skills no matter your level of play.

The Highlands at Dove Mountain

The Highlands at Dove Mountain is a top-of-the-line active adult community situated snugly in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains. With breathtaking views of Tucson’s city lights and an elevation of 3,000 feet, you can enjoy cooler summers and outdoor activities all year round. The community is gated and has a cozy feel that residents love. 

You’ll have access to resort-style amenities such as championship golf, tennis, pickleball, a pool and spa, a fitness center, and an amazing restaurant. Whether you want to relax or stay active, The Highlands at Dove Mountain has something for everyone.

Canoa Ranch Golf Course

If you’re looking for a great place to play golf in Green Valley, Canoa Ranch Golf Course is worth checking out! Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley designed it, and it offers some of the most stunning views of Elephant Head and the surrounding beauty of Green Valley. 

The course is suitable for golfers of all levels, ranging from 4,500 to 7,013 yards in length. The greens are bent grass, while the fairways and tees are Bermuda, perfect for warm-up before your round.

Preserve Golf Club at SaddleBrooke

Step onto the Preserve Golf Club tee, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world! This 18-hole Championship Course winds through the stunning canyons and foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. 

The layout offers rolling fairways and undulating greens, providing an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. With excellent views and dramatic elevation changes, The Preserve is an ideal spot for your regular golf rounds or as a new destination to explore with friends when you’re in Tucson.

Conclusion

Tucson’s golf courses offer something for everyone, from traditional courses to championship layouts and affordable options to luxurious experiences. The above-mentioned hidden gems offer unique golfing experiences and stunning views of Tucson’s natural beauty. So, if you’re planning a golfing trip to Tucson, don’t forget to check out these hidden gems and add them to your must-play list. Happy golfing!