The Buzz: Located about 20 minutes south of Tucson, San Ignacio is nestled between the Santa Rita and Tumacocris mountain ranges at 3,000 feet of elevation, providing for some wonderful views and distant backdrops. This land is part of a parcel sold to the United States in 1854 by Mexico and was known as San Ignacio de la Canoa, from where the course takes its name.
It was designed by highly regarded architect Arthur Hills, who sculpted it among the canyons, ridges and arroyos of the Santa Cruz River Valley, using existing topography to create some dramatic elevation changes throughout the layout. Fairways are defined by natural landscaping and hundreds of mesquite trees, leading to multi-tiered greens and smooth putting surfaces.
This is one of those courses where pin placement can make a dramatic difference on a daily basis, which is characteristic of Hill designs, and rugged transition areas will take a toll. Its wilderness setting often provides golfers with a glimpse of native wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, javelin, quail, doves and the occasional bobcat or mountain lion. There are four sets of tees here at 6,704, 6,288, 5,865 and 5,200 yards, and the par-72 layout is rated at 72 with a slope of 135 from the tips.
The course, which opened in 1989, has a memorable finishing stretch and several holes that might qualify as “signature,” but the one that gets that designation is the par-5 13th. It plays at 522 yards from the elevated back tee and has a long, narrow lake running along the full left side. The fairway is bisected and leads to a green that sets 90 degrees left from the end of the fairway with water running up to its front edge. It is a risk-reward hole that keeps you guessing and keeps you returning to face it again.
No. 15 is an excellent downhill par 3 that measures 189 yards, but plays one or two clubs shorter, depending on wind and pin placement. The finishing hole is a good par 4 at 418 yards with out of bounds on the right. The approach shot must carry over a lake, two bunkers guard the back-left and back-right corners and the only bailout is a narrow strip of fairway on the front-right.
Amenities include extensive practice facilities, a John Jacobs’ Golf School, and a clubhouse restaurant and bar where golfers relax after their round to take in the area’s delightful views. It is part of the IRI Golf Group and the Wildcat Trail, which offer discounts and reciprocal playing agreements with other quality courses in the Tucson area.