Current Tucson vicinity course conditions

[CJ Hanson]

Post up where you played, how much $, and the conditions.

Thought I would start a thread for us Tucson people....

Played Tucson National - Catalina course for $43+tax

Course was in pretty good shape. Fairways had some brown spots but for the most part, were in good shape. Greens were a little sandy, but that shouldn't be much of a problem in a few days.


Stay away from Silverbell. Looks like they've lost/or are about to lose a few of their greens. Fairways are in bad shape. I know Randolph has already been shut down, I would suspect Silverbell may follow shortly.

[ceyoung]

I played Starrpass Roadrunner/Coyote last Weds. Course overall was in good condition. The greens were really slow though, they're keeping the bent grass really long so it doesn't die. Also the greens were very soft with approach shots taking large chunks out of the greens.

I paid $30+tax in the afternoon. There was no one out there and I finished in 2.5 hours. It was fun and worth it, but the Roadrunner has some gimmicky holes. I thought that the Coyote side was much better.

[Geohans]

Tucson got hit by a double freeze in Feb, which weakened/killed the summer bermuda. then the dry spring helped the winter rye choke out the bermuda altogether.

Some courses made unfortunate choices or failed to anticipate the problem, but mostly there was no way to avoid serious issues.

The Preserve in Saddlebrook was in excellent condition 3 weeks ago. Oro Valley CC has maintained their greens at an excellent level (because they're not bermuda, they're bent), and are having success with repairing fairway damage.

Mid July AZ National was a disaster. Vistoso is so so fairways, good greens.

Overall one of the worst summers in Tucson in many years. But it's coming in strong now with the monsoons!

[havoc01]

DEL LAGO


dont waste your money the greens are $HIT you would do better putting on a gravel road

i played there Sat and the starter said the greens were in good shape

but looking at the pratice green (should have been the indicator) looked like someone ripped out sections of the green with a pitch fork

then through sand on it to fill the holes (not normal airation)

ALL THE GREENS ARE DIEING looks like the greens kepper sprayed grass killer on them instead of fertilizer

[BigLeftyinAZ]

For a city type course Crooked tree is by far the best shape.

I've heard el conquistador is in bad shape.

[grip6]

From recent experience, Crooked Tree is probably the best shape overall. Bunkers are always bad.
Saddlebrook Ranch is in good shape with the greens a little slow, but playable.
El Conquistador is very spotty, both greens and fairways.
The Views is in overall good shape, with some fairways a little thin.

[CJ Hanson]

Played Arizona National yesterday.

Greens were in great shape - rolled a little slow, but very few bad spots throughout the course.
Fairways were in decent shape - spotty throughout the course.
Bunkers were in bad shape (not surprising for this time of year).

Paid $39 on Golf Hub.

[CJ Hanson]

Played Quarry Pines for $29 + tax this morning.


Course was in pretty decent shape. A couple of the greens were just okay (#8 in particular). As is the case with most greens this time of year, they rolled pretty slow.

Fairways were in pretty decent shape.


Not my favorite course in Tucson as it's the definition of target golf, but for $29, I'm not complaining.

[jastac]

Headed to Tucson, the end of Jan on business. I'm planning on a few rounds while in town. In the past Ive played starr pass, Az nat, and both ventena courses. Any recommendation for some one from the East. Keeping in mind price is NOT a factor seeing I only get to the dessert every few years.

Also, looking for some good Mexican food while in town as well, what are some local favorites?

thanks to all in advance.

[teejaywhy]

If price is not a factor, definitely check out the Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain.

[grip6]

[quote name='jastac' timestamp='1323491302' post='3919399']
Headed to Tucson, the end of Jan on business. I'm planning on a few rounds while in town. In the past Ive played starr pass, Az nat, and both ventena courses. Any recommendation for some one from the East. Keeping in mind price is NOT a factor seeing I only get to the dessert every few years.

Also, looking for some good Mexican food while in town as well, what are some local favorites?

thanks to all in advance.
[/quote]

Hard to beat the Ventana courses. The Ritz should be played at least once, then you can make up your own mind whether you like that type of golf. The dates may conflict with the Pro Tournament, tho.

[jastac]

[quote name='grip6' timestamp='1323539869' post='3920805']
[quote name='jastac' timestamp='1323491302' post='3919399']
Headed to Tucson, the end of Jan on business. I'm planning on a few rounds while in town. In the past Ive played starr pass, Az nat, and both ventena courses. Any recommendation for some one from the East. Keeping in mind price is NOT a factor seeing I only get to the dessert every few years.

Also, looking for some good Mexican food while in town as well, what are some local favorites?

thanks to all in advance.
[/quote]

Hard to beat the Ventana courses. The Ritz should be played at least once, then you can make up your own mind whether you like that type of golf. The dates may conflict with the Pro Tournament, tho.
[/quote]
Thanks for the responses.....
ive played in tucson before, i just was wondering if there was something better out there than what ive played. I was looking dove mountian but it looks like that might be a pretty long drive north, since the hotel were staying at near the airport on east broadway.

[JayAreOhh924]

+1 for Dove Mountain if it doesn't conflict with the prep for the Accenture Match. To be honest, the drive looks longer on a map. Give or take, will be about 25 min drivetime from say Broadway/i10 depending on traffic. Well worth the drive! Best view you will find on a So.Az course.

Edit: as far as Mexican food, check out Mi Nidito on south 4th ave, great authentic Mexican food there! Also check it out on the Tucson episode of Man Vs. Food.

Hope I helped!

[sporto98]

My folks live at Dove Mountain and are members at The Gallery. The Ritz should be played so you can have an idea when the Match Play is going but in my opinion it doesn't shake a stick at The Gallery whcih is next to it and has been there since '98, but The Gallery is private...

[anchukaj]

I'm not a resident but a frequent visitor to Tucson, so take it with a grain of salt...but in my opinion Mi Nidito it a bit of hype. Try Poca Cosa (more upscale) or El Charro for great Mexican. Just my $0.02.

[Geohans]

Anchukaj, you are right, Cafe Poca Cosa downtown is truly extraordinary-- no street food (no burritos or tacos). It's Mexico City Haute Cuisine. Upscale is a slight understatement.

I take all my guests to Poca Cosa.

Buon Appetito.

[Zooko23]

I played out at the gallery recently and the greens were slicker than the snot of a 2 year old. Its 125 a round but its totally worth it if your gonna drop 100 at ventana. Just call them and they do let a few public round out. Beautiful course HUGE greens, and wide fairways. And depending on the course a 700 yard par 5. The ritz is in great shape and Az national is looking good too.

[Mile High Fin]

Is Stone Canyon worth it if I can play for $200?


I've played Ritz Dove Mtn, and The Gallery.

But never Stone Canyon.

[Zooko23]

[quote name='Mile High Fin' timestamp='1327707611' post='4164191']
Is Stone Canyon worth it if I can play for $200?


I've played Ritz Dove Mtn, and The Gallery.

But never Stone Canyon.
[/quote]


I like stone canyon and its worth it. Beautiful course. I prefer the gallery. Its a tad more forgiving.