The Golf Club at Vistoso: Review from Arizona Golf Guides

Desert golf is all about managing risk and reward, and the Golf Club at Vistoso demonstrates that perfectly. Those in Tucson who enjoy a cerebral round heavy on course management will find that this course provides a rewarding test.

520-797-7900 or 877-548-1110 955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr. Tucson, AZ 85737 www.vistosogolf.com public holes: 18 course par: 72 rating/slope: - championship 72.1/145 - regular 70.0/136 - forward 65.4/111 range of yardages: 5,165–6,935 director of golf/course pro: Mike Russell cart & green fees: (18 holes), summer $55, winter $169 course designer: Tom Weiskopf shoe policy: alternative cleats required

Tucson is the home of the Tom Weiskopfdesigned Golf Club at Vistoso. Golf Digest rates The Golf Club at Vistoso (Spanish for beautiful view) as the “Best Public Course in Tucson.”

On the opening hole, Weiskopf gives the player a very generous landing area and a green to match. 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.

But 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.

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.

The 8th hole 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 layup 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 drawm or a pull sends the ball running right-toleft, either into the bunkers or the lake.

On the 8th tee, Weiskopf tempts the golfer to hit the macho long ball, whereas the layup 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.

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 golfer. 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. No wonder it’s won “Best Public Course in Tucson,” along with the respect of good players.

NILS NELSON

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