AZ Golf Guides

SOUTHERN AZ

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa

TUCSON

The Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa has enjoyed a winning relationship with some of golf’s great names over the past four decades. As the host course for the Chrysler Classic of Tucson starting in 1965, Tucson National has witnessed championship performances from many of the game’s stars, including Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, and Phil Mickelson.

Now Tucson National has added another big name to its resumé, but in a different role. Tom Lehman, captain of the 2006 United States Ryder Cup team and the 1996 PGA Tour Player of the Year, has designed a new desert-style course to complement the resort’s traditional parkland Catalina championship course. The Sonoran Course made its debut in December 2005.

For more than a decade Tucson National has offered 27 holes. The old Green Nine has been joined by an additional nine holes on an undeveloped parcel along the eastern edge of the property.

Lehman, who has more than 15 course designs or redesigns under his belt, has accomplished his objectives with the new layout. He is utilizing and protecting natural washes and native vegetation, while creating a seamless appearance between the two parcels by fashioning a layout that will require golfers to hit a variety of shots. The challenge comes from strategic fairway bunkering and greens that present a variety of approach shots.

Lehman turned the old 500-yard, downhill par-5 Number 3 hole on the Green Nine into two holes, a 175-yard par 3 and a “risk-reward” short par 4. “It made two good golf holes out of one bad hole,” Lehman says. He also tweaked the championship course, moving and straightening out the par-5 Number 8 hole and relocating and lengthening the par-3 Number 7 hole. “The new Number 7 is 230 yards,” Lehman says. “The course needed one lengthy par 3.”

“With Tom Lehman’s signature, the new desert course will become a much-indemand destination for golfers,” says David Morgan, general manager of the resort.

The 650-acre Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa is a Four-star, Four diamond award-winning resort that also offers a 13,000-square-foot world-class spa, two pools, lighted tennis courts, 13 meeting rooms, and 167 rooms and suites.

Tucson National also boasted one of the toughest finishing holes on the PGA Tour. The 18th hole on the Catalina Course, a lengthy par 4 between two lakes, has decided many Tucson Opens. Years ago Palmer and Chuck Courtney came to Number 18 tied for the tournament lead in the final round. Both found water off the tee. Palmer made a double bogey and still won by a stroke.

From the patio at Legends Bar & Grille, an almost mandatory after-golf destination for refreshments, one can watch others do battle with the famed 18th hole.

JACK RIKARD