Tucson's best challenges
for the scratch golfer
By Brandon Tucker,
Senior Writer
TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 12, 2003) -- Got your "A" game? Tucson's got you
covered. If you think resort golf out in the desert is all about elevated
tee shots, wide fairways and pretty views, these courses are taunting you to
try and shoot in the red.
Of course, no one facility is designed solely for the club
professional -- it'd be out of business before it opened. But these four
courses are among the toughest in the west, and coming to the course with a
glitch in the backswing may result in a long day in the toasty desert sun.
Arizona National -- At just over 6,700 yards, you wouldn't think
Arizona National is one of the meanest courses in Tucson. But as Eric
Hoffman, Head Professional and General Manager explains, it isn't the length
that's the hard part.
"I would say there's a premium on shot selection on short holes," said
Hoffman. "There's a lot of good risk/reward holes that are pretty penal if
you miss."
Arizona National, like all of the elite courses in the desert, has some
of the most stunning views you'll find anywhere in the southwest to go with
the penal design. A legend even floats around Arizona National that Tiger
Woods, during a tournament hosted by the University of Arizona, was so
mesmerized by the scenery on the 18th tee he sprayed his drive left into the
water.
No matter how difficult the course, it's sure to have its birdie
opportunity. For Hoffman, it comes early in the round at the fifth.
"It's a downhill par-5, 518 yards. Water is around the green, but if you hit
a good drive, it's only a mid-iron in."
Book here
Call 1-800-767-3574
Starr Pass -- The closest thing to a TPC course in Tucson is Starr
Pass, which originally opened as a TPC course until the TPC bowed out in
1998. The layout remains challenging, even following a redesign this summer
by the Arnold Palmer design group. Still, Director of Golf at Starr Pass
Joan Fails says the course is among the hardest in Tucson.
"Starr Pass was designed with tour players in mind," notes Fails. "But
it was recently made more player friendly with the redesign this summer.
 Like Arizona National, it isn't the brutal length of the course that troubles golfers, but the trickiness of each shot.
"It's not long," says Fails. "It requires accuracy with every club. The greens
are small and undulating. Many have several tiers."
Book here
Call 1-800-767-3574
Canoa Hills -- Just 25 minutes south of Tucson in Green Valley lurks
another monster, Canoa
Hills. Many low rounds have been spoiled by Canoa's 535 yard 15th.
The fairway is merely 25 yards across with trouble on both sides. First-time
players at Canoa and regulars alike usually opt for the iron on the tee.
Accuracy is the magic word in general here, as the layout is just 6,630
yards. Landing areas in the fairway tend to be narrow, but the greens
are large and slippery. Canoa Hills is another one of Tucson's "classic"
desert designs by Dave Bennet, opened in 1983.
Book here
Call 1-800-767-3574
Ventana Canyon -- It's impossible to go wrong with the two Tom Fazio
designs at Ventana Canyon, the Canyon and Mountain courses. Both are of
comparable length and both are visually stunning from any point on the
course. The general consensus on difficulty however goes to the Mountain
course, which also has a higher slope rating of 147 compared to the Canyon's
140. Assistant Pro at Ventana Canyon Jason Smith agrees.
"I'd say the Mountain is a bit harder to break par on," says Smith. "The
greens are trickier. But I do think the Canyon has the easiest (front) and
hardest (back) nine at Ventana."
Along with the slippery greens, long carries over desert between 130 and 170
yards are an occurring theme on both courses. And of course, there's the
third hole on the Mountain course which has quickly made a name for itself
as one of the most dramatic, most photographed holes at just 125 yards.
Book here
Call 1-800-767-3574
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
|
FEATURE
STORY
