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Golf Destination

Golf in The Old Pueblo ~ Tucson, Arizona

Wes Bolyard

The story of how Tucson acquired “The Old Pueblo” moniker may be of doubtful
authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. Reports say that because
Mayor R.N. “Bob” Leatherwood was so proud of the railroad’s first arrival in
March 1880, he sent telegrams to the mayors of Los Angeles and San Francisco,
the president of the United States, and even the pope. In his telegram to the pope,
Leatherwood said: “The mayor of Tucson begs the honor of reminding Your
Holiness that this ancient and honorable pueblo was founded by the Spaniards
under the sanction of the church more than three centuries ago and to inform Your
Holiness that a railroad from San Francisco, California, now connects us with the
Christian World.” Forty years later, the Tucson press started using the nickname
in ads to highlight its ancient and honorable Spanish and Indian history to attract
tourists and potential residents. This will be a quick review of several great choices
from the more than twenty public access golf courses ranging from parkland style
to desert layouts to mountainside venues.

Golf, an ancient and honorable
sport, also promotes the history and
peacefulness of the area. We found
several resorts and golf courses that
support Spanish and Indian traditions
to respect nature and natural habitats
while offering a spiritual calmness.
Nestled against the Santa Catalina
Mountains offering a quiet tranquility,
sits The Lodge at Ventana Canyon,
Ventana Canyon

a prestigious AAA Four Diamond
property for 18 consecutive years and home to a prestigious private county club
– Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club. It includes two award-winning Tom
Fazio designed golf courses, Mountain and Canyon, interwoven with the Sonoran
Desert. The highest point on the golf courses, about 3,200 feet, lies at the tee on hole
number 3 on the Mountain course, which is thought to be the most photographed
west of the Mississippi. These two courses could easily be played on a daily basis
and never be boring.

What a magnificent setting the JW Starr Pass
Marriott Starr Pass Tucson Resort
& Spa has with saguaro-covered
foothills of the Tucson Mountain Park
in the background. As you drive up the
hill to your destination, you become
mesmerized by the scenery and the
beauty of the amphitheater-style setting
designed to give the best possible
views of the mountains and the city of
Tucson. The resort celebrated its ten-year

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