Where should I play in Tucson?

fore_life · September 5, 2009

My GF and I and another couple are headed down to the Westin La Paloma for sunday/monday and my buddy and I are kinda clueless about what track to play. We'd like to play the nicest possible for under $50 and something close to La Paloma as well. Any ideas?

teejaywhy · September 5, 2009

Well... there is always... LA PALOMA! (cool) Jack Nicklaus signature, 27 holes, resort guests and members only, frequently mentioned in the top tier of Tucson courses. Oh yeah - your favorite: DESERT GOLF!! Never played it myself, heard it is pretty tough, but given the chance I would check it out.

Except for a visit to the new Ritz-Carlton layout this summer, I hadn't played down in Tucson for a while. One of the courses I've enjoyed several times is the Tucson National. The Catalina course is the older course (don't know anything about the new course (Sonora), but the old course is very traditional style, grass and tree lined. They held the PGA event there for many years and it has hosted the state Amateur. The thing I remember most was the bunkering and the excellent greens. Not far from La Paloma. Tee times on GolfNow.

As well, not far away is the city owned Randolph park complex. 36 holes of traditional, all grass, tree lined and a core routing (no interior housing). The North course is a Billy Bell design that dates back to the 30's and tips out at about 7000 yards. The south course was remodeled a few years back and now goes by the name Del Urich, it is the sportier and shorter layout (6400? yards). Certainly, the price is right. While the courses are in very good shape, don't expect upscale conditions or amenities.

Pretty much next door to La Paloma is Ventana Canyon. Also a frequently mentioned top course. Tom Fazio design. Also pretty challenging. Never played it.

Enjoy!

dlygrisse · September 5, 2009

I have played La Paloma and it is a great course
Tuscon National is a good track as well, great views good conditon when I played it, both challenging tests. FWIW I played to my handicap at Tuscon Nat. but serveral shots over my handi at La Paloma, lot's of good golf in Tuscon, but stay hydrated!!!

fore_life · September 8, 2009

We ended up not even playing

La Paloma was trying to gouge us for $89 to play monday and the course didnt even look that good, you could see plenty of brown spotty areas while driving past it, and the layout seemed kinda Mickey Mouse on some holes.

teejaywhy · September 9, 2009

[quote name='fore_life' post='1940060' date='Sep 8 2009, 05:33 PM']We ended up not even playing

La Paloma was trying to gouge us for $89 to play monday and the course didnt even look that good, you could see plenty of brown spotty areas while driving past it, and the layout seemed kinda Mickey Mouse on some holes.[/quote]

BITCHES! :angry:

I played with a guy Sunday that said he was just down there and had a deal that included room and unlimited golf. He said the course kicked his a** though... unforgiving track as I understand it.

fore_life · September 10, 2009

hahah Tom my thoughts exactly! We were gonna try to play elsewhere but drank a wee bit too much the night before and didnt feel like driving.

Tom, shoot me a PM with your schedule, I can play any day next week except for Tuesday.