The Buzz: Playing Heritage Highlands, a semi-private course in the foothills north of Tucson, is like teeing it up on two different layouts because the front and back nines provide contrasting experiences, and both have plenty of appeal. Heritage Highlands, designed by regarded architect Arthur Hills, meanders through natural vegetation and up and down landscape at the base of the picturesque Tortolita Mountains in Marana – the same town that plays host annually to the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship, featuring the top 64 players in the world rankings, at the neighboring course Ritz-Carlton course.
While the front nine flows along flatter terrain, its arroyos and desert washes provide plenty of challenges and risk-reward opportunities. The back nine takes full advantage of elevation changes and confounding breaks on the green that leave golfers asking “how?” Mountain vistas, provided by five ranges, on the inward nine are stunning and the variety Hills designed into this layout makes you stop and think about which of many is your favorite hole. There are plenty of natural desert flora, wildlife and rock outcroppings, and yet this course has a more traditional feel, and generally excellent conditions.
As a semi-private course, Heritage Highlands offers residents preferred rates and tee times and several membership options, but there is plenty of public golf available here. The course has six sets of tees, which range from 4,716 to 6,904 yards, with a rating of 72.3 and slope of 139 from the back tees. What that suggests, accurately, is that there is plenty of challenge without being overwhelming.
There are several memorable holes, highlighted by these four: No. 7, a 184-yard par 3, where the green slopes severely on the right side and a bunker guards the left, with a tee shot straight at the Catalina Mountains that must carry a wash nudging the front of the green.
The 10th, a 546-yard par 5 and the No. 1 handicap hole, features a three-tiered green. It is called “Second Thoughts” because, on the approach shot, you must decide whether to lay up or try to clear the bunkers that bisect the fairway in order to reach the green.
The 13th, named for the architect, is called “Arthur’s Hill,” and the par 4 plays at 359 yards. The tee shot is stimulating and intimidating, requiring accuracy on a hole with a divided fairway, and leaving an approach shot to a partially hidden green with a deep bunker guarding the right side.
No. 17, a par 3 at 223 yards, is called “Picture Perfect,” and it is exactly that with its views of the surrounding mountains and Tucson skyline. The tee shot needs to carry two washes to a shallow green protected by desert on the left and severe bunkering on the right.
Heritage Highlands also features an expansive clubhouse with an excellent restaurant, a warm patio with spectacular views and members have access to a swimming pool, fitness facilities and recreation area. This is considered one of the premier active adult communities in the state and more intimate than most others because it has just 1,297 homes in a master-planned community of 6,200 acres. It sets at an elevation of about 3,000 feet, about one third of its nine square miles is designated to remain open space and much of its perimeter is protected as preserved land.