Tucson Attractions

"Sweeping vistas and a forest of giant saguaros" distinguish this "desert favorite" that's nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and offers a "difficult", "well-designed" layout from RTJ Jr. featuring "lots of variety, elevation changes" and "challenging greens"; it "gets a lot of play" and the "facilities need updating", but it's generally "well maintained" as the home field of the University of Arizona ("check out the clubhouse display of former players").

Considered "a must-play in the Tucson area", this "amazing" desert design from Tom Fazio is defined by its "tough bunkers", "lightning-fast greens" and "fabulous scenery everywhere you look", all of which comes together at the "three fun canyon holes"; some suggest "it's a little expensive", but since it's located adjacent to a "first-rate resort", expect a course that's "well cared for" along with "fabulous service" and "good practice facilities" – "what's not to like?"

A "tough" "target-golf" track crafted by Jack Nicklaus in 1984, this 27-holer nestled "in the Santa Catalina foothills" above Tucson offers a "variety of holes" on each of the "different nines" (the Canyon is particularly "scenic and fun"); "the desert always makes each shot a challenge", but the course is "fair from any set of tees", and supporters cite the "all-around great service" and "beautiful resort" grounds as reasons they "would return in a second."

"They don't make them like this anymore in Arizona" note those nostalgic for "long", "traditional" "Eastern-style" tracks like this "classic" course that's distinguished by its use of "grass everywhere, i.e. no island fairways with waste areas"; the longtime home of the PGA Tour's Chrysler Classic of Tucson, it has "a pedigree of golf history", so for "passionate golfers, this one's a must"; N.B. the clubhouse and facilities were recently upgraded.

Crafted three decades ago by Jeff Hardin and Greg Nash in the raw desert north of Downtown Tucson, this "hilly" layout is a "great course for guests of the Hilton" hotel, offering "gorgeous" Santa Catalina Mountain vistas to complement the resort's "laid-back feel"; while naysayers suggest it "needs some improvements", it's a "nice" option overall, especially when you factor in the "fun" nine-hole executive track "for less serious golfers."

"A good test of golf for the better-than-average" player (Phil Mickelson captured three PGA Tour titles here), this "challenging" 27-hole design from Bob Cupp and Arnold Palmer "requires accurate shot-making to keep away from the cacti" on three "fantastic" nines featuring "lots of forced carries and blind shots"; connected to the JW Marriott Starr Pass, it boasts the type of "outstanding desert vistas" that make it both "tough and beautiful."

"A good test of golf for the better-than-average" player (Phil Mickelson captured three PGA Tour titles here), this "challenging" 27-hole design from Bob Cupp and Arnold Palmer "requires accurate shot-making to keep away from the cacti" on three "fantastic" nines featuring "lots of forced carries and blind shots"; connected to the JW Marriott Starr Pass, it boasts the type of "outstanding desert vistas" that make it both "tough and beautiful."

A "tough" "target-golf" track crafted by Jack Nicklaus in 1984, this 27-holer nestled "in the Santa Catalina foothills" above Tucson offers a "variety of holes" on each of the "different nines" (the Canyon is particularly "scenic and fun"); "the desert always makes each shot a challenge", but the course is "fair from any set of tees", and supporters cite the "all-around great service" and "beautiful resort" grounds as reasons they "would return in a second."

Perhaps "the best course in Tucson" is this "beautiful" Tom Fazio design, a "Santa Catalina Mountain track" that features "fast" "new greens", "gorgeous vistas" and "one of the most photographed holes in golf", a "wonderful par-3 third" that goes "mesa to mesa" "over a deep canyon surrounded by boulders"; it's "well maintained" despite "heavy play", and has "excellent staff and accommodations" too, but while it's "heaven for the good golfer", others should "bring lots of balls" and "beware the cacti" – "rattlesnakes hide there!"

"A good test of golf for the better-than-average" player (Phil Mickelson captured three PGA Tour titles here), this "challenging" 27-hole design from Bob Cupp and Arnold Palmer "requires accurate shot-making to keep away from the cacti" on three "fantastic" nines featuring "lots of forced carries and blind shots"; connected to the JW Marriott Starr Pass, it boasts the type of "outstanding desert vistas" that make it both "tough and beautiful."

A "tough" "target-golf" track crafted by Jack Nicklaus in 1984, this 27-holer nestled "in the Santa Catalina foothills" above Tucson offers a "variety of holes" on each of the "different nines" (the Canyon is particularly "scenic and fun"); "the desert always makes each shot a challenge", but the course is "fair from any set of tees", and supporters cite the "all-around great service" and "beautiful resort" grounds as reasons they "would return in a second."

"The newer sibling to the Catalina", this "shorter but challenging desert golf course" was crafted by former Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman to include natural washes and strategy-laced tee shots; it's nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains with views in every direction, and while many warm to the impressive collection of par 3s (notably the 3rd and 10th holes), others suggest that the "good tee time values" are an even stronger enticement.

"What a find!" gush golfers about this "surprise of all surprises", a "beautifully kept" Tom Weiskopf design that offers scenic "views up into the mountain foothills" north of Tucson; although "challenging enough" that you'd "better be accurate", it's a "more forgiving version of desert golf", so when you factor in a staff that's one of the "friendliest anywhere" and "cheap" prices, most say they'd "gladly pay the greens fees to play" this "local favorite."