The Links at Continental Ranch:
A Bit of Scotland in the Old Pueblo

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

Tucson, AZ - Opened in December 1997, The Links at Continental Ranch, is Southern Arizona's only links-style golf course. With the requisite wide, rolling fairways, natural high grass, strategically placed pot bunkers, and undulating greens, you'd think you're in Scotland, except perhaps, for the weather. The Links is one of the Old Pueblo's most creative layouts, offering a variety of unique shot-making challenges while providing a fun test of golf. Here's a look.

Last Friday I made the short trip from downtown Tucson to The Links, located just off of I-10, at Cortaro Farms Road. It's ideally positioned to afford quick access for golfers from both south and north of Tucson. I drove into the parking lot passing the driving range on the right. Within moments of walking up to the course's entrance, a friendly assistant took my bag and placed it on a cart. I was off to a great start.

Upon entering the Pro Shop, I was immediately greeted with a warm hello from Director of Golf, Dennis Palmer. He welcomed me to The Links and made sure everything was in order for my round. Dennis is a former Wildcat golfer, who played in the late 70's with players such as Dan Pohl, former PGA Tour member and current NBC golf commentator. You won't find a friendlier golf person in Tucson than Dennis.

In the pro shop, The Links offers a wide variety of name brand and custom apparel in addition to golf equipment. Furthermore, if you're looking for small momentos of your visit, those are available as well.

After perusing the merchandise, I made a quick stop at the nearby practice green. The putting surface is representative of the greens on the course. They roll true and are around 8 on the stimpmeter. I was ready to hit the links.

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Its opening hole is a slight dogleg left, 360-yard par 4. Three bunkers dot the edges of the fairway while natural grass spans much of the far rough on both sides. This will be typical of your round. Finding the fairway is important because from the bunker its a difficult approach, and if the ball's in the long grass, it may not be found.

A short iron approach remains to a receptive green. A bunker lies left of the green, otherwise there are no obstacles. A yard of fringe surrounds the green, but even the rough is not very penalizing. With an accurate approach, birdie is a good possibility.

One of the most interesting holes on course is #6, a dogleg left, 409-yard par 4. It's a blind tee shot to a downhill landing area, which requires a tee ball that bites off as much of the dogleg as possible without landing in the left side bunkers. Long hitters though, can drive it over the bunkers and have only a sand wedge remaining. Beware, a long drive that doesn't cut off enough will run through the fairway and into the rough.

A small, semi-sunken green with no bunkers guarding it, is the next target. Landing the approach short on the green and allowing it to run up is a smart play. Shots flown at the pin may bounce off into the fringe. For a hole which is relatively easy, bogies are more common than one would expect.

The Links' signature hole is the straightaway, 422-yard par 4 #13. A sparkling blue lake lines the fairway's left side and guards the green's front left. From the tee, you must choose how much of the lake you want to carry. Bailing out right leaves a much longer and potentially costly approach with the lake looming in front.

A mid to long iron remains into a wide green. Safe shots can be played up the right side and the green's contour will funnel it toward the middle. Again, approach shots here often bound through the green, so having a short yardage to the hole can be beneficial.

The Links closing hole is a dogleg left, 427-yard par 4. This may be the most difficult drive of the day. The farther you hit it, the less fairway there is. Furthermore, a pot bunker lies on the left eager to catch a wayward drive and eliminate any shot at the green in two.

A mid to long iron uphill shot will remain to a green protected by a front right bunker. Birdie here is very difficult; so closing with a par is definitely something to be proud of.

After your round take in some sun on the outside patio and enjoy offerings from the snack bar or delicious entrees from The Grille. You can't beat the aroma of its barbecue smoke rising as your burger is being grilled to perfection.

The Links is a fine addition to the Tucson golf community, offering a unique course that is challenging and fun to play. Its friendly staff, quality customer service, fine food, and engaging design make for a very enjoyable experience.

The Links at Continental Ranch
8480 North Continental Links Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85743
Phone: (520) 744-7443
www.linksatcr.com