Tubac
Summary: Value Rating = B+
Unlike other courses in the southern Arizona desert with a dry and arid landscape setting, you will be surprised by naturally green Tubac located along the banks of the Santa Cruz River. An oasis like area and a fresh change in comparison to other desert golf courses in the Arizona south. There are many large cottonwood trees (the largest grove of cottonwood trees in the US they say) which really add to the beauty and character of the place. Due to the higher elevation and proximity to water, the course is more lush than we expected – something you would see in more northerly locations. Tubac had the look and feel of courses I’ve played near my home area.
The course is moderately difficult, mostly flat with medium size greens but does offer some challenges. Errant shots can end up as lost balls. There are some unique features – they call it the Tubac Triangle – a 3 hole stretch with a long par 4, par 3 and par 5 combination. The par 5 8th hole tops out at a long 651 yards from the tips.
We played the course in October 2010 and the course was in great shape. It is located about 45 minute south of Tucson. As a side trip, take in the unique shops in the town – lots of galleries, artist studios and gift shops. An interesting side trip before or after a round at Tubac.
The price was reasonable – around $69 including cart for our round in October 2010. The staff was very friendly, making the place very inviting. Check out their website at www.tubacgolfresort.com.
New feature – a short video clip of the course – to give you a better feel for Tubac. View my course preview video on YouTube.
Play and Value Evaluation Rating Table
| Scenery | B+ nice views of the surrounding area but not as spectacular as some other courses, but the large cotton wood trees a great to see |
| Mix of Holes | A the length of some of the holes gives the course a good mix but the flat terrain does make many of the holes look the same |
| Consistency and Condition | A+ course was in great shape and well maintained |
| Character | A- the length of some of the holes and a nice valley setting in a very green spot in the desert |
| Golf Challenge | B- moderately difficult – if you are hitting the ball well you will score well |
| Tee Shots | B some target spots to aim for but mostly good sightlines from the tee |
| Fairway Shots | B almost always a flat lie on the fairways |
| Pin Placements | B mostly medium size greens with good pin placements |
| Putting | B mostly flat greens with some subtle bends around the hole |
| A Chance to Recover | B errant shots can end up in thick scrub and brush areas river which you can’t play out of |
| Intangibles | B+ the course has a nice feel and offered a pleasant change from the desert courses we have played in the area in the past. We loved the large cotton wood trees along the river area. |
Refer to my evaluation criteria.
Some Details:
We played the Anza / Rancho combination. There are 27 holes (Anza, Rancho and Otero 9 hole courses) so you can have an interesting combination of holes if you have the opportunity to play a few rounds at Tubac.
I had a pretty good round there managing to shoot an 80. My score was a reflection of the fact the 18 holes were moderately difficult and the fact I was playing quite well. There is trouble if you stray off the course, either out of bounds or into the brush or river area.
Some interesting history – this property was the first land grant in New Spain from the King of Spain in 1787 to the Otero family who used it for farming and ranching. Bing Crosby was one of the original owners of the property in the 1950’s who participated in turning the property into a golf course in 1959. For the movie Tin Cup, water was added to one of the par 5 holes near the green for the scene where Kevin Costner holes out for a 12.
A very enjoyable round – all members of my foursome enjoyed the course. Great hospitality all around the course. We were very warmly greeted in the Pro Shop when we arrived which set the tone for a great golf day.
My Evaluation Details:
Scenery – nice views of the surrounding area.
Mix of holes – there are some good combinations around the course, especially the Tubac Triangle – a combination of 3 long holes requiring some good shots to attain a par…for an average golfer like me, a bogey was OK as well.
Consistency and condition – The course was very well maintained and in great shape.
Character – some interesting features, like the Tubac Triangle and the Cottonwood trees, that provide character. As well, the more oasis like setting makes this a pleasant change when combined with the other desert courses in this part of Arizona.
Golf Challenge – the course does offer some challenges…..
- tee shots – good views of where you have to play with a few target golf shots required
- fairway shots – mostly flat lies everywhere, even in the rough.
- pin placements – lots of pin placement choices.
- putting – the greens were quick the day we played with some subtle curves around the holes.
- greens – the condition of the greens was great.
- a chance to recover – you can end up in trouble in the brush and scrub areas and along the river – best to avoid errant shots on these holes.
Other Observations
I can’t say enough about how pleasant it was to deal with the staff at Tubac. Everyone we dealt with was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the food at the La Cantina Snack Bar. There are some nice spots to rest after your round and enjoy your favourite beverage on the grounds of the Tubac resort.
The practice green gives you a very good feel for what you’ll find on the course.