2022 Tucson Course Conditions Thread...Better late than never.

[Bonneville85308]

I'm surprised there is no Tucson course conditions thread this year...certainly there must be some Tucson folks in here, or Phoenix folks who occasionally venture down there? I was in Tucson for a couple of days this past week and decided to try out some new-to-me courses.

 

Randolph North: This was a letdown. I'm normally a big fan of scruffy walkable muni courses, but the fairways are in awful condition here. They are about half dirt and half very sparse grass over hardpan, leaning towards mainly dirt in the last 50 yards before the greens. On the back nine I started aiming my drives into the rough. Tees in equally crappy condition, half dirt/half sparse grass, but at least you're teeing it up. Greens looked in nice condition but were slow and soft. Maybe a few semi-interesting holes out there, but otherwise just a bunch of blah.  Course was CPO due to the overnight rain, but I walked ($28 I think), and the CPO didn't slow things down much as the paths are close to the fairways and it seemed like a bunch of people cancelled at the last minute or no-showed. We finished as a foursome in 3.5 hours with me walking and 3 riding. This is the last Tucson muni I hadn't yet played and probably my least favorite, even conditions aside. (First pic) 

 

El Conquistador - Canada Course:  Made up for the letdown at Randolph. Course was in great condition all around, only maybe one fairway had some small bare spots. Greens rolled smooth, receptive to shots and were an appropriate speed. Bunker sand, tees, rough, all good. $42 to ride this course on a Sunday morning, range balls included, is a steal. Played with 2 other random singles who were great company.  The layout has a lot of very long cart rides from green to tee, some of the longest of any course I've played except maybe CC of the Poconos in PA, and is not realistically walkable. It does have some goofy holes that remind me of some you might find at Lookout Mountain in Phoenix.  We had a very high handicapper in the group who ran out of balls on 16 (I donated a few well-used ones from my bag to him) and remarked he had never lost so many balls on a course. Early morning pace was 4 hours with some waiting on the group ahead, though we were only a threesome. Overall I enjoyed the layout and conditions, made a few birdies, and would definitely go back. The other course at this facility is closed this summer for irrigation repairs. (Second and third pics)

 

Dorado - I had some time to kill after my round at Randolph, so I headed over to this "executive" par 62, ~3,700 yard layout that runs through an older housing development. $23 to walk. Conditions were a pleasant surprise, I had set my expectations low but they seem to keep this place up pretty well for what it is. Firm greens, fairly quick, excellent grass coverage on tees/fairway/rough. Even the bunker sand was decent although some had standing water from the rain the night before. Pace was slow for a par 62 course at 3:30, course wasn't busy so this was due to one clueless foursome of bros I caught around #9 who had no interest in letting me through despite many open holes ahead. Worth noting there is zero drinking water on the course and no cart girl, though #10 tee does bring you back to the clubhouse. Nice Sun Mountain rental pushcart for $3. Another course I'd play again for sure, I had some fun on this one. (Fourth and fifth pics)

 

Final random note...summer golf pricing in Tucson seems extremely reasonable compared to Phoenix/Scottsdale...even more so now that a lot of the higher end Phoenix/Scottsdale courses in particular started gouging golfers in the summer when covid hit, and they have continued to do so in summer 2022. Only $80+ Tucson-area weekend rate I saw was Dove Mountain at $100-$125 with a wide-open tee sheet, with most other courses under $60.

[AzSuperHack76]

Played Tubac over the weekend. 
 

Anza and Rancho 9’s. 

 

Typical Tubac conditions. Rough around the edges, a few patchy thin fairways. Greens were in solid shape, a little on the slow side but always a joy to putt on bent grass greens. 
 

Otero is closed right, not sure why, guessing regular maintenance. 
 

Haven’t played Tubac in 8-9 years if I had to guess. Forgot how tough some of the tee shots are from the gold tee’s. A fun experience though. 

[Bonneville85308]

I took a trip down to Tucson this week. Geez this trip reminded me how ridiculously overpriced and underconditioned Phoenix golf is.

 

First up was El Rio on Monday morning. This is basically "Encanto South". An old easy to walk parkland-type muni. It rained all weekend in Tucson so I knew I was in for some wet conditions. It was CPO, but I walked, as did much of the other folks I saw out there behind me. The fairways had a great plush overseed. Dormant rough was sparse with a lot of hardpan and extremely wet/muddy from the rain. Greens were firm even with the rain. Most bunkers had standing water.  I was first off the tee in the morning and was joined by a friendly older gent for the back nine. Something like $44 to walk as a non-resident with a rental pushcart. Solid basic golf but nothing memorable or interesting at all. 

 

 

Monday afternoon I tried Pusch Ridge at the El Conquistador resort. This is a 9 holer located at the actual resort a few miles away from the 36-hole El Conquistador courses. Really wild/goofy layout with a lot of elevation changes, small greens, and sidehill lies, a good workout for the walkers. Decent conditions for what it is, I don't think it gets much play/wear. Dormant rough was cut high and wasn't matted down by carts, fairways seemed like a mix of overseed and dormant bermuda that played nicely. Bunkers had decent sand. High handicappers need to bring extra balls for this course. $25 to walk 9 holes with rental pushcart. Wasn't crowded despite the weather turning out beautiful that afternoon. Waited on a twosome a bit and was done in 90 min. This one was a lot of fun. Reminded me of a sleepy, hilly 9-holer in the northeast I used to play years ago.

 

 

Tuesday was the Conquistador course at El Conquistador. I had previously played the Canada course at this facility earlier this year, at which time Conquistador was closed for renovations. Whatever they did, the conditions turned out phenomenal. Perfect overseed job, greens absolutely smooth and flawless. A couple of bunkers that needed a rake job but that's about all I can fault it for. $59 with tax for an early AM tee time with these conditions is unbelievable, this would be $259 in Scottsdale. Unfortunately there was a mixup with my tee time, the starter was MIA and the group I was supposed to be with took off early without me. The starter showed up, drove out to them approaching the first green, and told them to wait for me. So I had to rush through the first hole all flustered, never really got my game going until well into the back nine. Still enjoyed the nice scenery and conditions. Now having played both courses at this facility, I think I prefer the Canada course more, just seemed to set up for my game better, but I'd be OK playing this again.

 

 

Today was Arizona National. Wow, what a course. Given the high slope rating and everything I've read about it, I decided to play a tee about 300 yards shorter than what I usually do. Good decision. Front nine is shorter than the back but I don't think it was much easier than the back. Course had a couple holes where a conservative layup to a hazard meant I had to get up and down from there to save par. Numerous blind tee shots where you have to wait for your cart GPS to indicate the group ahead is clear, plus the memorable par 5 18th with the mega-dropshot off the tee.  Excellent conditions all around, although I'd rate the greens a slight bit below El Conquistador. Great overseed job, and most of the rough was overseeded as well.  $72 for a morning tee time, another bargain. Absolutely enjoyed every minute of this course and will be back for sure. First class service from the cart attendants and the starter. Course wasn't busy, the starter got the sense that the two people I was supposed to be paired with were...let's say...not too friendly, so he kindly let me just follow them as a single. Finished in 4 hours.

 

 

Even the hotel room was cheap...~$80+ tax per night for an acceptable Best Western in the north part of town. I need to get down here more often.

 

 

[puttnforthe8]

I'm heading down to play Dorado and the Gallery in the coming days. 

 

[Arizonalefty59]

Nice write ups Bonneville! Courses are looking great

[LBattaglia93]

I'm heading down to Tucson in January for our annual work-remote-play-golf trip. Anyone have intel on Sewailo, Dove Mountian, Ventana, or Star Pass? My buddy has a house at Star Pass so we usually sneak in our mid-week rounds there. Sewailo is a staple and we'll typically try to get on Dove or Ventana if they have a hot deal. 

 

Any other Tucson recommendations we should try? Haven't been lucky enough to get on Gallery but I've heard its top notch. 

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, LBattaglia93 said:

I'm heading down to Tucson in January for our annual work-remote-play-golf trip. Anyone have intel on Sewailo, Dove Mountian, Ventana, or Star Pass? My buddy has a house at Star Pass so we usually sneak in our mid-week rounds there. Sewailo is a staple and we'll typically try to get on Dove or Ventana if they have a hot deal. 

 

Any other Tucson recommendations we should try? Haven't been lucky enough to get on Gallery but I've heard its top notch. 

All perfect!!  

 

AZ National is a good add.  

[Arizonalefty59]

3 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

All perfect!!  

 

AZ National is a good add.  

Agree with Puttn, all great options. 

 

Tucson National where they play the Colorgard is also a great option if you want a break from desert golf. Conditions out there are always perfect. 

[Phreddy]

19 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

I'm heading down to play Dorado and the Gallery in the coming days. 

 

The courses at the Gallery are starting to firm up after buckets of watering (over watering) for the over seed.  The South course was closed for an extended period to redo the bunkers and between over watering and heavy play the greens on the North took a beating.  The South course is now open and they are working over time to get it ready for LIV in March.  There are some new championship tees and the constant hum of wood chippers as they clear sight lines and beat back some of the desert growth.

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, Phreddy said:

The courses at the Gallery are starting to firm up after buckets of watering (over watering) for the over seed.  The South course was closed for an extended period to redo the bunkers and between over watering and heavy play the greens on the North took a beating.  The South course is now open and they are working over time to get it ready for LIV in March.  There are some new championship tees and the constant hum of wood chippers as they clear sight lines and beat back some of the desert growth.

Seriously @Phreddy?  Is it really bad to play?  

[MattM97]

Not sure I want to start another thread but @puttnforthe8 suggested I look into Tucson courses for a short winter trip in mid January. So I'm just looking to see which courses are the ones to have on my list for a mid January Tucson trip?

[jlbos83]

On 12/7/2022 at 8:49 PM, Bonneville85308 said:

First up was El Rio on Monday morning. This is basically "Encanto South". An old easy to walk parkland-type muni. It rained all weekend in Tucson so I knew I was in for some wet conditions. It was CPO, but I walked, as did much of the other folks I saw out there behind me. The fairways had a great plush overseed. Dormant rough was sparse with a lot of hardpan and extremely wet/muddy from the rain. Greens were firm even with the rain. Most bunkers had standing water.  I was first off the tee in the morning and was joined by a friendly older gent for the back nine. Something like $44 to walk as a non-resident with a rental pushcart. Solid basic golf but nothing memorable or interesting at all. 

Solid and basic is certainly true.  I would add that it is one of the most cost effective options, especially in the winter.  If you have not played it in a few years you might not recognize it.  It's condition has improved year after year.  It may not be resort quality, but you are not paying for that!  It even has at least some sand in the bunkers, compared to what used to be there.  It must be difficult to maintain that, as it seems to be a bit different all the time.

17 hours ago, MattM97 said:

Not sure I want to start another thread but @puttnforthe8 suggested I look into Tucson courses for a short winter trip in mid January. So I'm just looking to see which courses are the ones to have on my list for a mid January Tucson trip?

I think that San Ignacio down in Green Valley is a great option, myself.  It is usually in pretty good shape, and it is a really attractive course.  Of course it's not Sewailo or Dove Mountain, but it isn't priced that way.  And of course there is Tubac.

[wrigley]

Planning a trip for mid-late January. Here is the course lists, any opinions will be appreciated

 

Arizona Grand - flight arrives at 11:30, hoping to get in a round before heading to Tucson. 

Arizona National

Ventana Canyon Mountain

Tuscon National

Sewailo

Starr Pass

AK Chin Southern Dunes - Staying at the Casino hotel for two nights before outbound flight.

 

Debating whether to get a golf package for the Tucson area or go ala carte.  Looked into the Golf Suites at Starr Pass, reasonable rate, but seem the location is too far from restaurants.  I also noticed a lot for courses have "Dynamic" pricing and the public can only book 7 days in advance.  

 

[Bonneville85308]

7 minutes ago, wrigley said:

Planning a trip for mid-late January. Here is the course lists, any opinions will be appreciated

 

Arizona Grand - flight arrives at 11:30, hoping to get in a round before heading to Tucson. 

Arizona National

Ventana Canyon Mountain

Tuscon National

Sewailo

Starr Pass

AK Chin Southern Dunes - Staying at the Casino hotel for two nights before outbound flight.

 

Debating whether to get a golf package for the Tucson area or go ala carte.  Looked into the Golf Suites at Starr Pass, reasonable rate, but seem the location is too far from restaurants.  I also noticed a lot for courses have "Dynamic" pricing and the public can only book 7 days in advance.  

 

 

Arizona Grand is a really junky golf course in my opinion, one of the worst layouts in Phoenix metro, not worth it at even half of what they are charging. If you want to play something near the Phoenix airport on the day of arrival, maybe try Raven or Legacy.

 

Tee times in Tucson don't seem to get booked up anywhere near as fast as Phoenix/Scottsdale even in peak season, so I would not be afraid of waiting until a week or two out. I would just book ala carte. Southern Dunes' tee sheet for late January is already open for booking, that is the one course I wouldn't wait until the last minute to book. Your list looks great to me if you swap out AZ Grand.

Edited December 12, 2022 by Bonneville85308

[puttnforthe8]

27 minutes ago, wrigley said:

Planning a trip for mid-late January. Here is the course lists, any opinions will be appreciated

 

Arizona Grand - flight arrives at 11:30, hoping to get in a round before heading to Tucson. 

Arizona National

Ventana Canyon Mountain

Tuscon National

Sewailo

Starr Pass

AK Chin Southern Dunes - Staying at the Casino hotel for two nights before outbound flight.

 

Debating whether to get a golf package for the Tucson area or go ala carte.  Looked into the Golf Suites at Starr Pass, reasonable rate, but seem the location is too far from restaurants.  I also noticed a lot for courses have "Dynamic" pricing and the public can only book 7 days in advance.  

 

 

20 minutes ago, Bonneville85308 said:

 

Arizona Grand is a really junky golf course in my opinion, one of the worst layouts in Phoenix metro, not worth it at even half of what they are charging. If you want to play something near the Phoenix airport on the day of arrival, maybe try Raven or Legacy.

 

Tee times in Tucson don't seem to get booked up anywhere near as fast as Phoenix/Scottsdale even in peak season, so I would not be afraid of waiting until a week or two out. I would just book ala carte. Southern Dunes' tee sheet for late January is already open for booking, that is the one course I wouldn't wait until the last minute to book. Your list looks great to me if you swap out AZ Grand.

 

 

Yup...AZ Grand is perhaps one of the single worst courses in America!!!  

 

Raven and Legacy - as stated

Longbow

Southern Dunes on the way out of town in Maricopa is a great choice.

Whirlwind if you find a decent deal

Papago

 

[LBattaglia93]

1 hour ago, wrigley said:

Planning a trip for mid-late January. Here is the course lists, any opinions will be appreciated

 

Arizona Grand - flight arrives at 11:30, hoping to get in a round before heading to Tucson. 

Arizona National

Ventana Canyon Mountain

Tuscon National

Sewailo

Starr Pass

AK Chin Southern Dunes - Staying at the Casino hotel for two nights before outbound flight.

 

Debating whether to get a golf package for the Tucson area or go ala carte.  Looked into the Golf Suites at Starr Pass, reasonable rate, but seem the location is too far from restaurants.  I also noticed a lot for courses have "Dynamic" pricing and the public can only book 7 days in advance.  

 

 

Your itinerary looks pretty damn similar to the annual Tucson > Phoenix trip I do with some buddies in January. We'll be out there 1/11-1/21 so maybe we'll cross paths at one of the tracks.

 

To add some color to your course list:

 

Ventana Canyon Mountain - I played this once a few years back, one of the best options in Tucson. The design itself wasn't super memorable but I do recall having a bit more width off the tee than some of the tighter courses on your list

Tucson National - We played here last year before the Cologaurd classic. A lot of people will say this is a good changeup from typical desert golf course designs, but in my opinion its just a traditional parkland style course on pretty uninteresting terrain. Conditions will likely be good, but the course didn't exactly put lead in the pencil from a views or excitement standpoitn. 

Sewailo - Probably the best value course in Tucson. Last year this place was EXTREMELY firm and fast. Good mix of desert terrain while having a bit more width off the tee. 

Starr Pass - Extreme desert style course, tons of blind shots, tricky landing areas, and extremely penal if you're spraying it. My buddy's house is at Starr Pass and I've noticed this is a course you need to play 3 or 4 times before you start realizing the proper shots on each tee box. I hit a ton of iron off the tee here (and still manage to lose plenty of balls). 

Ak Chin Southern Dunes - No explanation needed here, just do it. This is a staple stop during our drive from Tucson to Phoenix. Incredible conditions and value.

 

One course that I didn't see on your list was Dove Mountain. Similar to Ventana, its a bit pricey at the club rate but you can usually find GolfNow hot deals. Conditions will be immaculate and I think its worth the price tag if you can snag the Hot Deal. 

 

 

 

[MattM97]

5 hours ago, jlbos83 said:

 

I think that San Ignacio down in Green Valley is a great option, myself.  It is usually in pretty good shape, and it is a really attractive course.  Of course it's not Sewailo or Dove Mountain, but it isn't priced that way.  And of course there is Tubac.

 

Added both to my list, think I have 10 courses at the moment so plenty of options for a 4 day trip. 

[Arizonalefty59]

On 12/12/2022 at 4:24 PM, MattM97 said:

 

Added both to my list, think I have 10 courses at the moment so plenty of options for a 4 day trip. 

If it's just 4 days I would suggest Sewailo, Dove Mountain, Starr Pass and Arizona National. Maybe substitute Ventana Canyon (Mountain) for Starr Pass. 

Edited December 14, 2022 by Arizonalefty59

[Phreddy]

According to the LIV website they will be at The Gallery March 17-19, 2023.  I don't know as they draw as many people as they would have hoped but it could impact visitors planning to play Dove or some other area courses

[MattM97]

9 hours ago, Arizonalefty59 said:

If it's just 4 days I would suggest Sewailo, Dove Mountain, Starr Pass and Arizona National. Maybe substitute Ventana Canyon (Mountain) for Starr Pass. 

 

Like a Wednesday to Sunday kinda thing maybe a day more if flight and hotel prices are nice. But I'll have my must plays and my backups, I also don't mind doing 36 on the early days in the trip, back end at this point would be rough. 

[doc52]

On 12/14/2022 at 8:13 AM, MattM97 said:

 

Like a Wednesday to Sunday kinda thing maybe a day more if flight and hotel prices are nice. But I'll have my must plays and my backups, I also don't mind doing 36 on the early days in the trip, back end at this point would be rough. 

+1 for Dove and Ventana

[wrigley]

Dove Mountain is in great shape, one or two greens had some very minor patches, fairways were perfect.

[Phreddy]

On 1/24/2023 at 10:41 PM, wrigley said:

Dove Mountain is in great shape, one or two greens had some very minor patches, fairways were perfect.

Dove is in excellent shape.  The best I've ever seen.  They will begin tearing out and redoing the greens 9 holes at a time beginning this summer.