Golf
Santa Cruz County is home to four fabulous golf courses. What a treat. Each one in its own way is a challenging test of your golfing skills. The courses were laid out in a manner meant to test not only your golf stroke but also your ability to focus on the job at hand. Each is nestled beautifully in some of the most unspoiled desert in Arizona.
Rio Rico Golf Club:
The Rio Rico Golf and Country Club is a beautiful, challenging Robert Trent Jones Senior golf layout that has been used for qualifying rounds for the US Open and the Senior Open. The year-round rye grass fairways, bent grass greens, the blue waters, and the beautiful trees are just a treat for the eye. Just don't be too distracted by the immeasurable beauty of the course and the fascinating vistas that surround you no matter what direction you are looking.
The Rio Rico course is rated in the top 25 courses in Arizona, and the front 9 is among the most treacherous in the state. According to one golfer: "Some say that the first four holes are not so tough. I guess your opinion of them will depend on whether you think a par 3, 204 yard hole with a green surrounded by a very large sand trap is a challenge or not. Oh, I almost forgot hole number 2, a 490 yard par 5 from the women's tees.
At the final stop in the clubhouse you can get an exceptional lunch and enjoy your choice of beverages. When you think back on your day you'll know you have played something pretty special and you can hardly wait until the next opportunity to test your skills against a truly great course.
The Yardages and Ratings:
Championship 7119 yards Slope 128 rated 72.9
Middle 6686 yards Slope 124 rated 71.0
Forward 5649 yards Slope 126 rated 70.4
Other 6125 yards Slope 120 rated 67.9
1069 Camino Caralampi
Rio Rico, Arizona 85648
Santa Cruz County
(520) 281-8567
Tubac Golf Resort
The Tubac Golf Resort in Tubac, Arizona, is built along the banks of the Santa Cruz river in a region where Europeans first settled Arizona. The area, including the golf course, is steeped in history. Bing Crosby along with several businessmen from Tucson purchased the property in 1959 and built this beautiful golf course. The movie Tin Cup is loaded with scenes filmed at the resort, and the lake on the back nine was added as a prop for the film. It continues to make every golfer's life more difficult. The course is open to all, but guests staying at the resort get preferred tee times.
The traditionally designed course, a par 71 with beautifully kept bent grass greens that are fast and tricky, is currently undergoing extensive changes.
As you find yourself walking to the next tee (and muttering something under your breath) you may meet some folks who are out birding. The grounds of the Tubac Golf Resort teem with some of the most colorful birds you will see in any part of Arizona. If you are lucky you will see one, since the opportunity to score one on this difficult course are few and far between for anyone but a long hitting, seasoned golfer!
The Yardages and Ratings:
Championship 6776 yards Slope 128 rated 72.4
Middle 6306 yards Slope 119 rated 69.9
Forward 5384 yards Slope 120 rated 70.5
Other 5770 yards Slope 113 rated 66.9
1 Otero Rd
Tubac, Arizona 85646
Santa Cruz County
(520) 398-2021
Palo Duro:
Palo Duro is located in Nogales Arizona. It is a par 72 course rated 72.7 from the blue tees. Water comes into play on many holes. There are doglegs to the left and doglegs to the right. There are canyons and streams to negotiate; in fact there is a lot of trouble to be gotten into if the tee shot is off line. The par 5, 573 yard 8th hole has a 90 degree turn in the middle of the fairway. Most long hitters use an iron off the tee. The approach shot to the green is made difficult by the two fingers of water that seem to narrow the logical landing areas to almost nothing. The green slopes towards the pond and missing the hole in that direction always invites Disaster.
The 207 yard par 3 13th hole is the longest par 3 on the course and requires the golfer to land the ball softly or the shot will continue off the green. In fact the entire back nine is fine test of golf and shot making ability. Water comes into play on five of the holes rewarding the accurate player and punishing the errant shooter.
The Medici Hacienda Restaurant, adjacent to the pro shop, is where you will find fine dining for lunch after your round of golf or a special dinner with friends. The Mexican entrees are outstanding and the American fare is superb. The service is terrific, the staff is friendly, and the drinks will help you to forget those wayward tee shots.
The Yardages and Ratings:
Blue Tees 6,923 yards slope 133 rated 72.7
White Tees 6,474 yards slope 128 rated 70.6
Red Tees 5,701 yards slope 127 rated 69.7
2690 N Country Club Dr
Nogales, Arizona 85621
Santa Cruz County
(520) 761-4394
Kino Springs:
Kino Springs is located on the eastern side of Nogales just off Highway 82. The golf course is about three miles north of the international border with Mexico. The average golfer is more likely to see one of the many exotic bird species that make this golf club their home then to get an opportunity at a birdie on many of the holes of this challenging course.
You better warm up your swing before you start, because this par 72 course is tough right from the start. The first hole is an uphill 522-yard par 5 tester from the blue tees, and from the women's tees it is a brutal 480 yards. The second hole is no slouch either. It is a 204 yard par 3 from the back tees, the women don't get much of a break here either as it is 160 yards from tee to green. Along the way if you are not careful your ball will find the grassy knolls much to your distress, maybe even one of the occasional sand traps or a bit of water.
The beautiful birds that make Kino Springs their home are always an added benefit to playing golf here. You may have the opportunity to see an American Coot, a Red-winged Blackbird, a Gray Hawk, a Rock Wren, a Cassin's Kingbird, a Vermilion Flycatcher, a Brown-headed Cowbird, and a Tropical Kingbird. So bring along your birding book.
The Yardages and Ratings:
Championship 6445 yards Slope 126 rated 70.1
Middle 5974 yards Slope 119 rated 67.7
Forward 5368 yards Slope 119 rated 69.6
187 Kino Springs Dr
Nogales, Arizona 85621
Santa Cruz County
(520) 287-8701
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