Overview
The Stone Canyon Club, which climbs the slopes of the Tortolita Mountains north of Tucson, is considered the consummate desert design of the late golf architect Jay Morrish. Restricted by Arizona law to 90 acres of grass, Morrish’s routing demands forced carries over barrancas off several tees, but not into any green. Artful contouring mimics the ebb and flow of the rugged terrain, bunkers seem spun by nature and the glorious scenery, which includes the Catalina Mountains at the east end of the Sonoran desert, is spiked with Saguaro cactus. Ancient granite boulders and outcroppings don’t just frame holes, but play an integral part in many design strategies. Stone Canyon is a fitting punctuation to Morrish’s sterling career.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked 68th, 2009-'10.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked from 2013-'22.
2023-'24 ranking: No. 182.
Previous ranking: No. 184.
Highest ranking: 132nd, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2011-'12, 2017-'18. Ranked fourth, 2013-'16, 2019-'22. Ranked inside the top 5, 2003-'10. Ranked sixth, 2023-'24.
2023-'24 ranking: 6th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“A stunning desert course with dramatic views from many elevated tee boxes. I'm not sure you can play a more exhilarating desert course."
Read More2025
Review
“Wonderful course that flows through the property well. So many ways to play the course. Several holes have different options. Hero shots are abundant. Green shapes and sizes and contours all vary. Conditioning is top notch."
Read More2025
Review
“Wonderful course that flows through the property well. So many ways to play the course. Several holes have different options. Hero shots are abundant. Green shapes and sizes and contours all vary. Conditioning is top notch."
Read More2025
Review
“Strong layout that used land and surroundings well and provided a lot of variety. Tee box options gave players lots of variety in terms the look, and strategy for a hole."
Read More2025
Review
“Very Nice!! Greens were near perfection.... running 11+, smooth as a billiard table, yet receptive."
Read More2024
Review
“If you like cacti, sand, rocks, and views of mountains with a golf course, this is the place for you."
Read More2023
Review
“Firm and fast is how this course is meant to be played and it is that. Love the design variety. Very distinctive. Great set of par 3s and the 18th hole is great with the clubhouse sitting in the back behind the green."
Read More2021
Review
“Stone Canyon is likely to be considered Jay Morrish's finest solo effort. It flows nicely through rocky mountain terrain and works through some very dramatic stretches of property. The stretch of holes 5 through 7 as well as the finishing three holes are the best that Stone Canyon has to offer. They are all excellent, sound, fundamental, and strategic holes using dramatic property."
Read More2021
Review
“Desert course blasted through rock formations. The elevated tee boxes provide some wonderful views of the surrounding areas."
Read More2021
Review
“The entrance, landscaping, and general decor is high-end gorgeous, with every detail perfect. The clubhouse is tastefully designed and decorated. The practice area fabulous, with all the amenities one could ask for, including a 19th hole called "Double or Nothing.""
Read More2020
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