Golf in Tucson

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Golf

For a detailed listing of the state's courses, contact the Arizona Golf Association (7226 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 85020. 602/944-3035 or 800/458-8484. www.azgolf.org) The Golf Stop Inc. (1830 S. Alvernon Way, South. 520/790-0941), a shop owned and run by two LPGA pros, can fit you with custom clubs, repair your old irons, or give you lessons. If you're planning to stay a week or more, Tucson's Resort Golf Card (520/886-8800), offering discounts at 13 of the area's best courses, is a good deal. Tee off after 1 PM at many of these courses, and you can shave off nearly half the green fees. Some courses also have slightly lower fees Monday through Thursday.

Municipal Courses

One of Tucson's best-kept secrets is that the city's five low-price, municipal courses are maintained to standards usually found only at the best country clubs. To reserve a tee time at one of the city's courses, call the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department (520/791-4653 general golf information; 520/791-4336 automated tee-time reservations. www.tucsoncitygolf.com) at least a week in advance.

Dell Urich Golf Course (600 S. Alvernon Way, Central. 520/791-4161), adjacent to Randolph and formerly known as Randolph South, is a par-70, 18-hole course with tall trees and dramatic elevation changes ($39 to walk, $49 with a cart).

El Rio Golf Course (1400 W. Speedway Blvd., Westside. 520/791-4229) has 18 holes of tight fairways, small greens, and two lakes on fairly flat terrain ($34 to walk, $44 with a cart).

Fred Enke Golf Course (8251 E. Irvington, Eastside. 520/791-2539) is a hilly, semi-arid (less grass and more native vegetation) 18-hole course ($34 to walk, $44 with a cart). It's southeast of town.

Randolph Park Golf Course-North Course (600 S. Alvernon Way, Central. 520/791-4161), a long, scenic 18-hole course that has hosted the LPGA Tour for many years, is the flagship of Tucson's municipal courses ($39 to walk, $49 with a cart).

Silverbell Golf Course (3600 N. Silverbell Rd., Northwest. 520/791-5235), with spacious fairways and ample greens, has an 18-hole layout along the Santa Cruz River ($30 to walk, $40 with a cart).

Public Courses

Arizona National Golf Club (9777 E. Sabino Greens Dr., Eastside. 520/749-3636. www.arizonanationalgolfclub.com) is a gorgeous 18-hole, par-71 course ($165).

Dorado Golf Course (6601 E. Speedway Blvd., Eastside. 520/885-6751) has an 18-hole executive course good for those who want to play just a few short rounds ($20 to walk, $29 with a cart).

Esplendor Resort & Country Club (1069 Camino Carampi, Rio Rico. 800/288-4746. www.esplendor-resort.com), south of Tucson, near Nogales, was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. This 18-hole course is one of Arizona's lesser-known gems ($65).

San Ignacio Golf Club (4201 S. Camino del Sol, Green Valley. 520/648-3468. www.irigolfgroup.com) was designed by Arthur Hills and is a challenging 18-hole desert course ($65).

Tubac Golf Resort (1 Otero Rd., Tubac. 520/398-2021. www.tubacgolfresort.com), an 18-hole course 45 minutes south of Tucson, will look familiar to you if you've seen the movie Tin Cup ($89).

Resort Courses

Avid golfers check into one of Tucson's many tony resorts and head straight for the links. The resort courses listed below are open to the public but resort guests pay slightly lower greens fees. Those who don't mind getting up early to beat the heat will find some excellent golf packages at these places in the summer.

Hilton Tucson El Conquistador (10000 N. Oracle Rd., Northwest. 520/544-5000. www.hiltonelconquistador.com) has 45 holes of golf in the Santa Catalina foothills with panoramic views of the city ($120).

Lodge at Ventana Canyon (6200 N. Clubhouse La., Northeast. 520/577-1400 or 800/828-5701) has two 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed courses ($209). Their signature hole, No. 3 on the mountain course, is a favorite of golf photographers. Guests staying up the road at Loews Ventana Resort also have privileges here.

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort (2727 W. Club Dr., Northwest. 520/575-7540. www.tucsonnational.com), cohost of an annual PGA winter open, offers 27 holes and beautiful, long par 4s. The resort's orange and gold courses were designed by Robert Van Hagge and Bruce Devlin ($180).

Starr Pass Golf Resort (3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Westside. 520/670-0400. www.starrpasstucson.com), with 18 magnificent holes in the Tucson Mountains, was developed as a Tournament Player's Course. Managed by Arnold Palmer, Starr Pass has become a favorite of visiting pros; playing its No. 15 signature hole has been likened to threading a moving needle ($185). Guests at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort also have privileges here.

Westin La Paloma (3800 E. Sunrise Dr., Foothills, . 520/742-6000. www.westinlapalomaresort.com), in the Tucson foothills, is rated among the top resort courses by Golf Digest. The 27-hole layout was designed by Jack Nicklaus ($185).