Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Two generations of Nicklaus in Tucson: La Paloma and Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain

Twenty-five years passed from the time Jack Nicklaus constructed La Paloma Country Club (1984) to the opening of Dove Mountain (2009), two of the top courses in the Tucson, Ariz. area. His maturation as a course designer is evident in the evolution of his designs and further evidence of how the Tucson golf scene has grown up as well, Scott Bordow writes.

Luxury, great golf reign at Tucson's Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa

One of Tucson's great golf escapes is the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. In addition to 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed and Troon Golf-managed golf, the resort features a wealth of dining, spa and recreation options. It makes for one of the Arizona desert's most luxurious escapes.

Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club in Tucson, Arizona: 36 holes of Fazio desert delights

The third hole on the Mountain course at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club in Tucson, Arizona may not get as much hype as No. 16 on the Stadium course at TPC Scottsdale, but is there a better par 3 in the desert? And that's just one of 36 desert delights on the two Tom Fazio-designed courses at Ventana Canyon, Brandon Tucker writes.

Tubac Golf Resort: A shady walk through southern Arizona

Tubac Golf Resort was founded by Bing Crosby and was a site for the filming of the movie "Tin Cup" starring Kevin Costner. But don't expect the Hollywood-type glitz at today's Tubac. This is where golfers escape Tucson or Phoenix to bask in the shade and the quiet of the 27-hole golf course and southern Arizona resort, Brandon Tucker writes.

Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain near Tucson, Arizona: The pro's match play course is fun for everyone

Jack Nicklaus designed the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain for match play, but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy it for a casual round of golf. With PGA Tour-like conditions, first-class service and top-of-the-line practice facilities, clubhouse and dining options, the 27-hole Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Marana, Ariz. is a treat for anyone looking for a premium golf experience. Plus, there are six sets of tees, so you don't have to play it at 7,800 yards; just pick a comfortable distance.

Tucson, Arizona serves up the best names in golf course design

When Tucson's golf scene exploded in the 1980s, nationally acclaimed golf course architects all flocked to the desert to add their names to the design stable. From Tom Fazio to Jack Nicklaus to Robert Trent Jones Sr., if you have a favorite golf course architect in mind, chances are, he has a golf course in Tucson.

Home free: Playing golf in Tucson, Arizona without hitting into backyards

The presence of houses on golf courses is usually a necessary evil. In many cases, it was the sale of lots and homes that paid for the golf course. But there are several golf courses in the Tucson area that either have no homes on them or they're barely noticeable, Mike Bailey writes.

Arizona National Golf Club: Your Tucson desert golf final exam

Many of the top golf courses in Tucson are affiliated with top resort brands. One of the most recognized daily fees in the area, however, is affiliated with the University of Arizona, one of the nation's most illustrious golf programs: Arizona National Golf Club. While the course conditions may be a notch below the region's most upscale resort plays, the price is as well, making Arizona National well worth the trip.

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa south of Tucson, Arizona: A desert escape

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa isn't so much the pro-style venue at which Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy and David Simms duked it out on the silver screen, as a relaxing walk through a mix of cottonwood trees, villas and ranch land. At this desert facility south of Tucson, Ariz. there's more than meets the eye in the movie. Steeped in Native American history, Tubac combines resort luxury and amenities with small-town charm and 27 holes of solid golf, Brandon Tucker writes.

Arizona golf: Smaller can be better at Omni Tucson National Resort

While many of the top golf resorts in the Tucson, Ariz. area are big properties with up to 400 or 500 rooms, Omni Tucson National Resort delivers all the amenities of the larger resorts on a much smaller scale. Set on 650 acres, the resort has a Mobil four-star spa, stylish pool area with private cabanas and a 36-hole golf club - and it's all right at your doorstep, Brandon Tucker writes.