Arizona National Golf Club presents a desert-style 18-hole challenge just outside Tucson. This public layout pairs thoughtfully designed holes with speed-sensitive greens and striking desert ambiance, appealing to players seeking strategic golf amid awe-inspiring views.
Arizona National Golf Club offers an 18-hole public course that challenges golfers while celebrating the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Located at the edge of Tucson, this layout presents a distinctive desert-style golfing experience framed by towering saguaros and rugged foothills. The rolling terrain, combined with desert flora and natural washes, commands strategic shot-making, especially as wind can enter the play late in the day, testing a player’s control and tempo.
The course stretches to just under 7,000 yards from the back tees, with a par 72 setup that balances demanding long holes alongside tighter, more technical segments. Fairways range from gently undulating to sharply contoured, requiring thoughtful club selection and precise placement. Greens here are known for their speed and subtle breaks, rewarding focus and touch on approach and putting. Several holes provide stunning vantage points overlooking Tucson’s skyline and surrounding mountain ranges, enriching the round with compelling views that shift from morning light through sunset.
Players of different skill levels find Arizona National both welcoming and challenging. Less experienced golfers appreciate the well-maintained, clearly defined tee boxes designed to encourage confidence, while low handicappers can test their abilities navigating challenging desert hazards and quick, firm greens. The course’s maintenance level remains high year-round, with especially crisp conditions in spring and fall, making these ideal seasons to visit.
Amenities complement the course’s natural setting. The clubhouse features a pro shop stocked with essential gear and a casual restaurant offering a relaxing spot before or after rounds. The staff is known for attentive support, including helpful marshals guiding pace of play and tips on managing the course’s unique desert elements. Players are advised to bring ample water and sun protection given the Arizona heat and occasional long stretches between services on the layout.
Golfers should consider walking only if prepared for desert conditions and uneven footing, though golf carts are readily available and often recommended, especially in warmer months. Despite its remote location, Arizona National rewards commitment with a memorable desert golf experience highlighted by crisp conditioning, diverse challenges, and captivating scenery.
Arizona National stands out for its rugged desert design, tight target greens, fast and undulating putting surfaces, and panoramic views that capture Tucson’s skyline and surrounding mountains. The course layout integrates natural washes and saguaro-studded hills, requiring strategic thinking and shot execution. Signed by distinctive holes with sweeping desert vistas and elevation changes, it balances playability with moments of demanding precision.
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9777 E Sabino Greens Dr, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA
Main clubhouse features a pro shop and casual dining with desert views.
Walking is allowed but can be challenging due to dry desert terrain and limited shade; golf carts strongly recommended for heat management.
Open to the public with tee times available online and by phone; early reservations recommended during peak seasons.