Best golf courses near Tucson, AZ

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.

The short par-3 third hole, just a wedge even from the back tees, features a tiny target between rock outcroppings. But the remaining par 3s are stout, all aesthetically strong as well. The fairways are wide and fast, and the putting surfaces are pretty benign as far as Fazio greens go.

The Catalina course at Omni Tucson National was a longtime host of the PGA Tour’s Tucson Open and currently hosts a PGA Tour Champions event. It also hosted the 1966 U.S. Senior Amateur. It is a traditional parkland layout with strategically placed bunkers and lakes that tighten the landing areas. The par-4 18th is a uniquely difficult hole with two lakes guarding both sides of the fairway, requiring a precise tee shot. The University of Arizona men’s golf team annually hosts a collegiate event in the spring on the Catalina course, attracting some of the top programs in the country.

Sewailo differs from most Arizona courses in that it features more of an open, links golf feel, with ample forced carries and lots of water and sand to negotiate. Opened in 2013 and designed by former PGA Tour player Notah Begay III, Sewailo features multiple tee options for players of differing playing abilities.

The Tom Lehman-designed Sonoran course at Omni Tucson National is a traditional desert-style layout with beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Sonoran course offers wide landing areas and large greens, making it a player-friendly option. The course defends itself with well-placed fairway bunkers and undulating greens.