The Buzz: When the owners of Tucson National decided to add a second championship course, they wanted something different from their acclaimed Catalina Course, but one that would maintain its reputation as a quality golf experience. They decided on former British Open champion and Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman to handle the project, which turned out to be the perfect choice. Lehman’s desert-style design is a stark and wonderful contrast to the traditional Catalina layout, and one that has become highly popular with members and resort guests alike. At Tucson National, play is alternated daily with guests assigned to one course and members to the other.
The Sonoran Course is an excellent high-desert design featuring significant elevation changes, meticulously landscaped desert scenery and wonderful views of the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains, all of which provide the diversity of golf experience that the resort had in mind. And in the spring, when desert flora is in full bloom, the beauty of the natural landscape really comes alive.
Lehman’s team created the new course, which opened in 2005, by adding nine holes to the existing nine-hole Green course. In designing the layout, Lehman’s objectives were to utilize and protect the natural washes and native vegetation, create a seamless appearance between the two parcels and to fashion a layout that requires golfers to hit a variety of shots.
“I’ve enjoyed creating a golf course that the members and guests will enjoy, find interesting, feel challenged by and look forward to playing again and again and again,” Lehman said at the grand opening in 2005. “Hopefully everyone’s expectations will not only be met but exceeded.”
Sonoran plays about 700 yards shorter than Catalina, with tees at 6,529, 6,065, 5,240 and 4,579 yards. The par-70 layout, which has five par-3 holes and three par 5s, is rated at 71.0 with a slope of 131. The challenges come from the rolling terrain and 68 bunkers, most of which guard the green complexes. Water comes into play on just three holes and there are two drivable par 4s, both of which present risk-reward scenarios with their heavy bunkering.
One of Lehman’s favorites is the par-3 17th, which plays at 179 yards from the back tee, is perched alongside a mountain, and has a slightly elevated green with bunkers surrounding all sides and a bailout area short-right for those who choose to play it safe. The signature hole might be the deceptive 15th, a par 5 at just 515 yards, but don’t let the scorecard fool you. The slight dogleg left with water on the left has a divided fairway, plays uphill and has a putting surface that is invisible on most approach shots.
The practice facilities here are excellent and include a natural turf driving range, putting green and short-game area conducive to bunker practice, chipping from a variety of slopes and pitching from up to 60 yards away. Resort amenities include the poolside Cabana Bar, Legends Bar & Grill overlooking the 18th green, and Bob’s Steak & Chop House. This intimate resort features 167 well-appointed guest rooms, casitas and haciendas, fitness center, a luxurious spa, swimming pools, hot tubs and tennis courts. It has been named one of Golf Digest’s “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” and a Conde’ Nast Silver award winner, all with good reason.
Something to consider: With the daily rotation of the 2 golf courses, even a one-night stay lets you tee it up on two terrific courses and enjoy some wonderful amenities at a resort that already was among Arizona’s best, even before it underwent a $90 million renovation in 2008.