United States
Arizona National
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the multiple award-winning Arizona National Golf Club is that I mixed the course up with the Tucson National Golf Club when I booked my round online. When I arrived at Tucson National, I learned that I had to drive another 30 minutes to a different part of Tucson to play the course. Apart from this little confusion, I enjoyed my round at the Robert Trent Jones design from 1996, although the course was not in its best conditions.
© Arizona National Golf Club
Boulders, South
Part of Hilton's Curio Collection, Bolders Resort and Spa boasts two perfect golf courses. The North and South course, both appear in numerous rankings when it comes to non-private golf in Arizona. I played the South Course and was impressed throughout and even really excited about some holes. Unfortunately, I don't remember which holes they were. I also forgot the green fee. The latter in particular seems to make a lot of sense to me. No bargain.
​
Dove Mountain
The Jack Nicklaus design of the Golf Clubs at Dove Mountain was my second experience with a real desert course. When I played there, the temperature was 42°C in the shade. Only that there was no shade. My brain must have been pretty dried out because I can't really remember any of the holes. But I can remember a tee shot with a 5 Wood, which I had to hit in front of three locals. They let me play through and the ball flew an unbelievable 240 meters carry into a bunker. The gentlemen were very impressed, and to be honest I was too. I often hit bunkers, but usually not from 240 meters.
​
El Conquistador
Certainly the less interessting of all the courses I have played in Arizona so far. But at less than $50 also the cheapest. So I wouldn't say I was disappointed by this 27 hole Muni in Tucson's Oro Valley. It's just that when you have so many good courses to choose from, you will try to avoid a mediocre one. I still had fun. I was on vacations and had golf clubs in my hands.
​
© El Conquistador Golf Club
Grand Elk
The Grand Elk Course in Granby, Colorado really has nothing worth remembering. But it was only about 10 miles from the unbeatable C Lazy U Ranch, where we vacationed at the time. The course mostly leads through a more or less boring settlement. The better holes move away from this settlement. The most spectacular thing about this course is the altitude at which it is located. At 7,935 feet above sea level, the balls are flying. Far.
​
La Paloma CC
On our way to the great White Stallion Ranch, where my wife and I went on a week-long combined horseback riding and golf vacation, I had the chance to play my first ever desert course at the private La Paloma Country Club at Catalina Foothills (Tucson), Arizona. I had never played golf in more than 38°C before and loved the extra mobility to swing that the intense heat brings. Unfortunately, my game wasn't any better because of that. Well, let's not blame the Jack Nicklaus design or the views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
​
© Tucson Golf Estates
Pole Creek
The multiple award-winning Mountain Course in Tabernash, Colorado was my first experience of playing golf at really high altitudes. The air is so thin that the balls will fly forever. Yes, they also sail fantastically deep into the mighty forests that stretch to the left and right of the fairways. I was absolutely thrilled to play there. A word regarding the picture: 8812 feet converted are a stunning 2686 meters. Golf Cart required!
​
Starr Pass
The golf club attached to the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort totally won me over. The course, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, was from 1987 to 1996 the venue of the Tucson Open, a PGA Tour tournament. When I checked in, the friendly ladies in the Pro Shop warned me about the rattlesnakes, which were particularly dangerous during mating season. Unfortunately, they forgot to warn me about the difficulty of the course, with average scores among the highest on the PGA Tour. I didn't see any rattlesnakes, nor did I see many of my golf balls.
​
© Tucson Golf Estates
Troon North
If a golfer searches the Internet for places to play in Scottsdale, Arizona, the two award-winning courses at Troon North are always mentioned. I played the higher ranked Monument Course, and I remember one thing above all: the hundreds of houses that stretch to the left and right of the fairways. The design of this desert playground was the first ever by the late Tom Weiskopf, and don't get me wrong, it is very good. But it is also very expensive, and somehow I expected more. My mistake.
​
We-Ko-Pa, Saguaro
Review to follow
© Tucson Golf Estates
