The Buzz: Rank has its privileges, and at this Tucson Air Force base, it includes access to the Gen. William Blanchard Golf Course, which was designed by civil engineers and opened in 1969. Retired and active military personnel, civilians who work within the base and their guests are allowed to tee it up on this delightful little course that features a traditional layout with plenty of grass, tree-lined fairways and some nice mountain backdrops provided by the Tucson and Santa Catalina ranges.
Blanchard has three sets of tees at 6,611, 6,155 and 5,792 yards with a rating of 70.6 and slope of 128 from the back tees. The course is relatively flat and devoid of homes, making it easily walkable. There are two lakes that bring water into play on the fourth, 13th and 14th holes, with the same hazard encroaching on the latter two.The fourth is a dogleg par 4 at 380 yards. No. 13 is the longest hole on the course, a par 5 at 528 yards and the 14th is another par 4 at 390.
One of the most memorable holes is the par-4 16th, a 342-yard hole that offers up a birdie opportunity if you avoid the large bunker shaped like a vintage aircraft in the left-center of the fairway. In fact, there are several birdie chances on this layout as long as you don’t try to overpower it. Only two of the par-4 holes are longer than 400 yards, with the seventh being the longest at 438, which means it’s not a course where you need to reach for the driver on every tee.
Blanchard has complete practice facilities with a driving range, chipping and putting greens and practice bunker, and its green fees are among the lowest in the Tucson area. After the round, golfers relax in the Eagles Nest, which serves up lunch and breakfast and offers low-cost daily specials. Located in the heart of Tucson, there are plenty of dining and lodging options nearby.
If you’re lucky, you might get an air show during your round, and if you are a fan of historic military aircraft, the Pima Air and Space Museum, just south of Davis-Monthan, is well worth the visit.