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Frank Pasquale

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Tucson Courses
« on: April 18, 2003, 08:35:06 PM »
I have an upcoming trip to the Tuscon area.  Any advice of some of the best courses/values would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Frank
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Forrest Richardson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2003, 01:50:39 AM »
The Mountain Course (Fazio at his best) at Ventana Canyon is among my favorites. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon usually has some great rates -- mostly in Summer ($99 room and all golf). The Canyon Course there is good, too. A bit disjointed, but worth it.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/TUSTL/main.wnt

Starr Pass (original course) by Bob Cupp is fun. Stone Canyon (Morrish) is an absolute treat for the eyes, and a great design. Stone Canyon is very private, but after members in a big way...so play your cards correct and you should get an invite. I have not played it, but hear great things about The Gallery. The Links at Continental Ranch (north of town) appears fun -- I've only seen it from the road and it looks very decent.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
— Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect/ASGCA
    www.golfgroupltd.com
    www.golframes.com

Matt_Ward

Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2003, 08:33:52 AM »
Frank P:

If you want to keep a few extra $$ in your pocket and STILL play a course of quality I recommend del Lago which is about 10-15 minutes south of town. The course has ample enough length and doesn't overdose on the "fairway or else" motif you see with many other courses in the area.

I played the course about two years ago and was quite pleasantly surprised. The other choices in the north side of town worth looking at include:

*LaPaloma (some say it can be too difficult but I don't buy that)

*Vistoso -- good public design by Tom Weiskopf
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Forrest Richardson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2003, 09:05:08 AM »
Matt's del Lago comment I've heard before, but don't really know anything about it. La Paloma is a wayyyyyyy over-rated Nicklaus design back in his "let's build peaked mounds along all the fairways" period. Some were so steep they could not be mowed safely. I like La Paloma in some areas, but Matt's comment about it being tough is right-on. Also, my wife paid $3 for a banana there at the snack bar wayyyyyyy back in 1980-something, so I have always held the place in poor regard.

Vistoso is "OK" -- ruined mostly by endless red-tile roofs that have sprung up in recent years. My cousin is a member, though, and it does have some good holes.

If it's budget you're seeking, try my under-known layout 45 minutes north of town in Eloy: Grande Valley. This is a low-cost course (built for $1.2 million) but was purchased a few years ago by a fellow who likes trees...has planted them everywhere. Nonetheless, it's a solid test. Oh, one more thing, he got rid of all bunkers! Can't explain that, but there were only 10 or so anyway. Still an interesting, low-cost, test.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
— Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect/ASGCA
    www.golfgroupltd.com
    www.golframes.com

Tiger_Bernhardt

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2003, 09:23:17 AM »
Thanks Forrest, I will be there the first week in September to watch my Tigers have wildcats for dinner. I did get a great rate at Ventana.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Allan Long

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2003, 01:25:41 PM »
If you can get on a private course, try Tucson C.C. In addition to Ventana Canyon (Mountain) I would suggest Tucson National (Gold/Orange) or Arizona National.

Tiger,

Be careful, your Tigers may leave with their tails between thier legs.  ;)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
I don't know how I would ever have been able to look into the past with any degree of pleasure or enjoy the present with any degree of contentment if it had not been for the extraordinary influence the game of golf has had upon my welfare.
--C.B. Macdonald

John_D._Bernhardt

Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2003, 02:12:47 PM »
Allan, tis true. We got it handed to us by a bunch of Hokies last year in the opener. On the other hand if we can beat you in hoops, I feel real good about football. I would love to chat with you about tickets if you have good U or A sources.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Allan Long

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2003, 02:17:58 PM »
John,

I thought I could sneak by without a mention of the hoops game in Baton Rouge last year, but you got me. As bad as we are in football, it may be over before the coin toss.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »
I don't know how I would ever have been able to look into the past with any degree of pleasure or enjoy the present with any degree of contentment if it had not been for the extraordinary influence the game of golf has had upon my welfare.
--C.B. Macdonald

Don_Mahaffey

Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2003, 06:26:26 PM »
John,
I had season tickets to U of A the last few years and I can assure you'll have no problem finding tickets. Averaged about 15,000 empty seats the last few years. Head down to Green Valley and try the new Curley design, Canoa Ranch, which is a very sporty par 70. Another good side trip is to RTJ Sr. designed, Rio Rico, about an hour south of town. Good shopping in Nogales, Sonora and you can stop in the sports book and put a few $$$ on your tigers. The spread is always in favor of U of A's opponent because of the local money bet on the cats.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Matthew Schulte

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2003, 06:29:19 AM »
Frank:

THE courses to play in Tucson are as follows, and in this order:

#1.  The Gallery.  PRIVATE but they do allow some public play.
#2.  Ventana Canyon - Mountain.  Not worth the $$$ IMHO.
#3.  Raven at Sabino Springs
#4.  Vistoso.  

Frank, if I were you I would play the Gallery, and take a drive up to Apache Stronghold.  A well written review of Apache Stronghold is on this site under "Courses by Country."
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Joel_Stewart

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2003, 09:46:25 AM »
Hs anyone played Tucson CC since Karl Olson became the super.  I think it will be interesting to see how he makes changes over the next few years.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Norbert P

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2003, 10:44:39 AM »
 Pusch Ridge should not be missed! ... If you've got a bulldozer.  

  (niner at Sheraton Conquistador)  Cheap though, and roofs of nearby houses help keep the ball in play...sometimes.  Many good tests for the short game though.

Drive to Apache Stronghold.  They got great deals and deserve support ($$$).  Nice drive through the mountains too.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:04 PM by -1 »
"Golf is only meant to be a small part of one’s life, centering around health, relaxation and having fun with friends/family." R"C"M

Don_Mahaffey

Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2003, 06:51:29 PM »
I haven't played Tucson CC lately, but the word on the street is they will be undergoing yet another renovation this summer. In the late 90's they did an extensive greens and irrigation renovation under the direction of Keith Foster. Last summer, (maybe two summers ago???) they lost their bent greens and renovated to tifeagle bermuda. Now, I understand they will return to bent. I'm sure Mr. Olsen will do a great job, but I would be surprised if the members aren't growing a little weary of not being able to play their course every other summer.  
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »

Matt_Cohn

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Tucson Courses
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2003, 10:42:54 AM »
The Gallery is really fun.
Vistoso is quite good.
I found the Raven not quite as good as Vistoso - I quit 2 holes early to make a time at The Gallery.  :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by 1056376800 »