New Courses Invigorate the Old Pueblo
Scott Behmer Course Reviewer
Cactus Golf Daily
December 2, 1998
TUCSON, Az - In the past three years Tucson has undergone
a renaissance in golf course creation. Five championship courses
have been built by top designers such as Robert Trent Jones,
Jr. and Tom Weiskopf garnering prestigious awards including
"Best new public course in the U.S." and raising
the standards of Tucson golf. Currently, all five are open
to the public and available during this gorgeous golfing weather.
In 1996, The Raven at Sabino Springs opened. Built for the
University of Arizona's championship golf teams, the Robert
Trent Jones, Jr. design is a fair challenge to everyone. Carved
into the Catalina Mountains, the terrain dictates the holes'
setup. Elevation changes provide stunning views of downtown
Tucson. Wide, firm fairways permit driver off the tee, helping
to shorten the 7000-yard layout. If you do hit a wayward drive,
the par 5's offer a risk/reward opportunity to help erase
any scorecard blemishes. The large, bent-grass greens may
leave an eighty-foot putt, so your touch with the putter is
very important.
The Golf Club at Vistoso is one of Tucson's most difficult
courses. Designed in 1996 by Tom Weiskopf, it was named one
of Arizona's three best public courses by the Arizona Republic.
The holes are outlined by rugged desert. At 6925 yards, to
have any chance at birdie your tee shots must be long and
accurate. Bailouts are provided, but birdies from that far
are only a dream. Desert surrounds many of the large, multi-tiered
greens, making them play like island greens. Located northwest
of Tucson, if you want a true test of your abilities, tee
it up at Vistoso.
The third course in the class of 1996 was the complete redesign
of the old Randolph South Golf Course. After being closed
for almost a year it reopened to rave reviews as Dell Urich
Golf Course. Certainly one of the best municipal courses in
Arizona, its creativity sets it above the rest. There's no
rough. Instead, errant shots are penalized with tiered fairways,
bunkering, trees, berms, and water. It's only 6600 yards,
but there are three par 4's each over 440 yards. On the other
hand, one par 4 is driveable and the par 5's are reachable
in two. At the municipal rate you can play this course three
times for the price of lesser resort courses.
In 1997, northwest of Tucson became the site of another highly
acclaimed new course, Heritage Highlands Golf Course. Rated
"The best new public course in 1997" by Golf Digest,
it has quickly become a local favorite. Four holes were voted
part of greater Tucson's dream eighteen. The defining aspect
of Heritage Highlands is the greens. Soft spikes required
helps to keep the lightning-fast greens in pristine condition.
Dramatic elevation changes and exquisite use of water help
make this a beautiful course. Renowned designer Arthur Hills
can take due credit for this 6900-yard masterpiece.
Tucson's other new 1997 course, The Links at Continental Ranch,
is also northwest of Tucson. It's the only Scottish style,
links course in southern Arizona. Long at 6950 yards, the
course's openness and location, adjacent to I-10, result in
winds typically in the 20+ MPH range. Wide fairways are bordered
by tall stands of grasses meant to resemble the heather of
the British Isles. Hit your drive in here and you'll never
find it. Very large, undulating greens surrounded by pot bunkers
also add to the European flavor. For a truly unique golfing
experience try out the Links.
In the last three years Greater Tucson has received five new
first-rate courses. Each is unique in style and design. However,
they all offer great golf. One can only anticipate that Tom
Lehman's new course north of Tucson, set to open in December,
will follow in these huge footsteps. |
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The Phoenician Resort - Oasis/Desert