Arizona Golf Authority Golf Course Buzz: The legendary Red Lawrence – the “Desert Fox’’ — built the first 18 holes at rustic Tubac Golf Resort back in the 1960s and architect Ken Kavanaugh added nine more not long ago.
Then they mixed them all together to form the Anza, Otero and Rancho nines. Together those 27 holes make for one of the most kick-back golf experiences this side of the US/Mexico border.
The elegant par 3s defined by massive eucalyptus trees and water, together with the infamous par 4s and 5s used for shooting the popular golf flick ‘’Tin Cup’’ provide a great test of golf skill in this laid-back southern outpost just a few miles north of Nogales.
As the locals will tell you, the original 18 hole configuration at Tubac was pretty hard to beat with the classic doglegs, elevated greens and ancient mesquite groves. The new nine that is mixed throughout is a little more wide open even if it does bob and weave along the Santa Cruz River running through it.
Along the way, you’ll recognize the holes where Kevin Costner’s infamous character “Roy McIvoy’’ broke his clubs all the way down to the 7-iron, and where McIvoy was fired as Don Johnson’s caddie.
Overall, the place is steeped in history and closely tied to Arizona’s early days with Mexico. Time seems to slow down a bit around these parts, providing a refreshing respite and the chance to enjoy the peace and quiet of the majestic landscape in this part of southern Arizona.
The Arizona Golf Authority AZGA “Local Hang” for Tubac Golf Resort is no drive at all. The onsite Stables bar is the place to to enjoy an authentic margarita after your round, where the bar stools come complete with leather saddles!
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Our Arizona Golf Courses Reviews and Guide List Directory has an AZGA Player’s course review for every golf course in Arizona, click www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.