AZGA Arizona Golf Buzz: In an area of Tucson, best known for its upscale resort courses, Quail Canyon offers a refreshing alternative as one the few true par-3 courses in Arizona. Designed by Gil Kammert, this course formally called Cliff Valley Golf Course, opened in 1965 on a 30-acre plot that offers some excellent views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and has some history on its side as the site of a former dude ranch.
In 1978, Ralph and Paul Hays bought the property, which is actually a southern extension of Pima Canyon, and transformed its rocky riding trails into a golf course. Much of the ranch ambience remains, such as the old chicken coop that is now a storage shed.
The course is relatively flat and features narrow fairways and small sloping greens with one lake that brings water into play on three holes. Mature trees frame the holes and it is common to see wildlife roaming the grounds.
There are two sets of tees at 2,311 and 2,236 yards, with a rating of 52.0 and slope of 99. Par, of course, is 54 on the course with 18 par-3 holes that range from 103 to 165 yards.
The 14th hole, at 121 yards, might be the most fun with a tee shot directly over the only water hazard. That lake also brings water into play on the fifth and 12th holes.
Golf isn’t the only attraction here as Quail Canyon also has a well-regarded tennis center, the Quail Canyon Saloon and the highly popular Pauli’s Café. This restaurant is known for its home-style cooking with fare such as its “mile-high cinnamon rolls” and strawberry-rhubarb pie.