Green Valley Bargains: Cooler Temperatures, Stunning Views and Perfect Greens
TUCSON - Looking for cooler temperatures combined with some of southern Arizona's finest courses? Then check out these four courses in Green Valley, only a half-hour south of Tucson.
The close proximity to Tucson is ideal for a quick day trip, or you can spend a relaxing day and night at one of the adjoining golf resorts. Either way you'll experience a unique non-Tucson setting, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and play some top-notch courses, all for a bargain rate.
Tubac Golf Resort has long been one of Green Valley's most popular relaxation points. Right now for only $35 per night including round of golf a second person gets a free room and round. Tubac's claim to fame is the Kevin Costner golf movie "Tin Cup."
The course is lined with mature Cottonwoods, hence the name Cottonwood Country Club in the film. Further, you'll remember the par 5 #16, with water short of the green, used in the Pro-Am scene early in the movie. The lake was created just for the movie and is now part of the course. If you try to carry the lake like Costner did, I suggest playing the hole from the whites at 515 yards instead of the tips where it measures 600 yards.
Tubac's driving range became one of Costner's favorite places to hang out because pros like Craig Stadler would come by and provide much-needed instruction. (520) 398-2021
Another beautiful layout is San Ignacio Golf Club, which offers unlimited golf on Monday or Tuesday for $16, Wednesday through Friday for $19. Designed by Arthur Hills, the Santa Rita, Rincon and Catalina mountains provide beautiful backdrops on the tee shots and approaches. It's only 6200 yards; don't try to overpower the holes, just club down and consistently find the fairways and greens.
Distance control is very important. The multi-tiered greens can cause very difficult putts if your approach lands on a different level. San Ignacio has fine practice facilities as well as a top-notch pro shop and clubhouse.
Within minutes is another of Green Valley's best courses, Canoa Hills Golf Course. After noon it's only $10 with cart, but if you need to play earlier it's still an affordable $19. Canoa Hills has some of the smoothest greens in southern Arizona so you don't have to worry about you birdie putts being knocked off line.
It's flatter than San Ignacio, yet still offers magnificent views of the mountains. Canoa Hills has an excellent practice green where you can perfect your stroke before heading out. Also, the pro shop has all the golfing amenities one could want, and the clubhouse provides a relaxing atmosphere after your round.
An excellent course for seniors, women, and juniors is Green Valley's Haven Golf Course. Only $18 with cart, this course is designed so that everyone has a fun time. It's 6800 yards and more open than the other courses, allowing you to work on your swing without the fear of adding strokes to your score.
It's also one of Green Valley's least played courses so you can get a tee time or even walk on almost any time. They have moderate-size practice facilities to warm-up on before the round, then relax afterwards in the homey clubhouse.
Golfing in Green Valley is a unique experience to Tucson so give it a try. You'll love the cooler temperatures, stunning views, and perfect greens. And you can't beat the price!
June 8, 2000