AZ Golf Guides

THE GOLF CLUB AT VISTOSO

520-797-7900 or 877-548-1110
955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr.
Oro Valley, AZ 85737
www.vistosogolf.com

Desert golf course design has evolved so significantly that it is now a style unto itself. Architects create courses that no longer make the golfer feel like an ancient conquistador on horseback, trying to figure out how to cross from crag to gully without tumbling into an arroyo. Steep slopes, long, forced carries, and narrow fairways have gone the way of the metal spike, replaced by ingenious use of the land that makes desert golf more enjoyable. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, The Golf Club at Vistoso (Spanish for “beautiful view”) has won awards and accolades for offering players of all levels a variety of challenges in a seductive setting of natural beauty.

Before teeing off, guests can begin their warm-ups with some putts and gentle chip shots on the long, sinewy putting green, which is maintained at the same speed and consistency as those on the course, a feature appreciated by both recreational golfers and low-scoring purists. A few steps to the west and the wide-open driving range opens up with its all-grass and “big sky” feeling. Target greens are placed incrementally from closein to distant. Beautifully manicured, as is the entire course, the practice range induces a certain restful effect, tempting you to hit “just a few more” before the starter greets you on the way to the first tee.

In keeping with the long-held belief that the opening hole should not be overly taxing, Weiskopf gives the player a very generous landing area and a green to match. As always, it’s a good policy to choose the set of tees that fits your game. The course has been designed so that whether playing from the tips or the forward tees, golfers face the same set of challenges, including doglegs, fairway bunkers, and bunkered greens, along with prevailing winds from the west and northwest.

The fun really kicks in at the par-5 Number 2, which has a sharp dogleg right off the tee and a second, more gentle bend to the left with a blind second shot. On this hole you can both see and feel the rolling terrain begin the slight ascent that characterizes the front nine. For the first-time player, the tee shot on Number 2 will let you know immediately if you’ve chosen the tee boxes that fit your game.

Numbers 2 through 6 offer stunning views of the Tortolita Mountains to the north as well as dramatic rock outcroppings. The tee of the par-3 Number 3 is a good place to take in the distant, craggy backdrop of the prominent Santa Catalina Mountains to the east. The 5th hole is named Desert Island (each hole has an appropriate name) because of the state-protected Native American pottery in the “island” in the middle of the fairway. To the left, near the cart path about 250 yards from the tee, sit 1,100-year-old petroglyphs, or rock carvings, made by ancient Pueblo people. The images include a rattlesnake, Indians with bows and arrows, and a scorpion.

Returning to the fairway (Vistoso’s carts come equipped with GPS yardage technology, accurate to within one foot) on the recommended 90-degree cart rule, you may be well on your way to counting the many roadrunners, rabbits, and quail, and the wandering family of javelina who prefer foraging at favorite locations rather than flagging down the snack wagon as it too makes its rounds.

As for flora, there’s always time to follow the legendary Walter Hagen’s advice and “smell the flowers along the way.” Note the planting of desert flowers and other plants around the tee boxes and cart paths and elsewhere. Courtesy and attention to detail are bywords at Vistoso. Workers pause and wait quietly while a foursome comes through.

Returning to the course itself, Vistoso stands as a good example of modern design precepts, which are based on restraint and minimalism. The course lies on an ideal piece of land—flowing terrain where golf holes already seem to be in place, where moving tons of earth in order to create “special effects” was not called for. The 8th hole is an excellent example of how designer Weiskopf emphasizes smart club selection, beginning with a close look at what’s ahead.

First, the 8th fairway slopes left toward the lake (this is the hole you see when entering the property), with bunkers left, while all along the right the desert waits patiently. The wise golfer will try for a lay up short of the bunkers, ignoring the knee-jerk reaction of pulling the driver. A slight push or slice and you’re in the desert. An overcooked draw or a pull sends the ball running right-to-left, either into the bunkers or the lake.

On the 8th tee, Weiskopf tempts the golfer to hit the macho long ball, whereas the lay up shot gives you a straight line to the green and the opening in between the left and right bunkers. Virtually every hole has this “run-up” feature as an option into the green.

Also, the architect keeps you on your toes by varying each green’s bunkering. He’ll give you trouble front left and back right, or vice versa, and if a green runs at an angle, there’s always one bunker protecting the short side of the green.

The terrain of the back nine at Vistoso slopes gently down to the south, with mesquite trees as the dominant landscape feature. Number 11, Saguaro, has two of the giant cactus standing like goal posts in the distance, which must be contended with on the approach. As for panoramic views, take in the surrounding mountains on the 12th green. The 14th hole, named Risky, offers more decision-making, but we’ll leave that pleasure to the reader. Don’t relax, though, because the par-3 Number 17 is one of the more intimidating tee shots in desert golf.

Course management is the key to scoring well at Vistoso, and that means aiming for fairways and greens. The golf club proves challenging, fair, and beautiful. No wonder it’s won “Best Public Course in Tucson” from Golf Digest, along with the respect of good players.