Tucson Arizona Golf Travel
The amazing Southwest is home to some of the finest golf facilities in the country. If you love wide open spaces and spectacular vistas, then Southwest desert golf is a must in your golf travel plans. The resorts, golf facilities, year-round sunny skies, great food and wonderful hospitality will keep you coming back for more and more. Often overlooked in favor of the Phoenix/Scottsdale area about 90 minutes north, Tucson holds its own and then some as a golf destination. With a little more elevation than the Valley of the Sun, Tucson is slightly cooler in the late spring, summer and fall making it a great year-round golf destination.
Some of the top desert golf courses in the country and a host of top golf resorts, casinos and luxury brands like Omni, Lowes, Westin, Doubletree, Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, Ritz Carlton make Tucson a strong player in the golf travel market. The city of Tucson is a vibrant collaborative of native culture, historic architecture, comprised of six distinct districts, all connected by the Sun Link Streetcar. Tucson’s bustling “Centro” is the nexus of great restaurants, lively nightlife and a strong connection with the arts and education as home to The University of Arizona.
For over 6 decades, every “big name” in golf history has competed in the Tucson Open organized by The Conquistadores Charity Group. Byron Nelson played in the first Tucson Open placing second. Ben Hogan played in the late 1940s; he didn’t win. Neither did the legendary Sam Snead. But in 1967, Arnold Palmer played and rewarded thousands of “Arnie’s Army” fans with a victory. The PGA and LPGA have all hosted events in the Tucson region. The Champion’s Tour Cologuard Classic will visit Omni Tucson National in February 2022 on the Catalina Course. There is no shortage of great golf in Tucson.
Omni Tucson National Resort
Back in the early 60s, a successful Chicago businessman named Sam Nanini decided the time was right to build a world-class championship golf course. The completion of the club in 1961 coincided with Mr. Naninis’ chance meeting with a promising amateur golfer who was about to turn pro. Nanini saw much promise in the young golfer and made him an offer. That young man was Jack Nicklaus. Tucson National began hosting the PGA Tours’ Tucson Open in 1965, and continued that tradition until 2006. The legends of golf have all played at Tucson National – Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, Watson, Kite, Miller and more. Omni Tucson is spectacular at every level and both courses are must-play.
Some Great Plays while you’re here!
El Conquistador
All three golf courses are superb. Located in the heart of the Ora Valley in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Conquistador and Canada are championship 18-hole designs by Jeff Hardin, Greg Nash there is also a 9-hole short course.
Ventana Canyon
The golf club and lodge at Ventana Canyon are widely known for their 4-Diamond award-winning facilities. Numerous accolades from Travel & Leisure, Golf Digest, Conde Naste, Golf Magazine and more. One of Arizona’s top golf courses hands down.
Arizona National
Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1996, Arizona National is located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains abutting the Coronado National Forest. Voted the “Best Public Golf Course in Tucson,” it’s a must-play.
With more than 40 courses throughout the region players of all skill levels will find endless options in Tucson. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned golfer, Oro Valley has a course for you. Sewailo at Casino Del Sol Resort, The Gallery Golf Club, Crooked Tree, The Preserve, Star Pass, and a host of great public courses in the region. Go to https://www.visittucson.org for more info.
