Tucson, Arizona, is a beautiful oasis in the desert that offers different golf experiences for the avid or novice golfer. The public courses maintained by the City of Tucson feature reclaimed watering systems, lighted driving ranges, full-service clubhouses, banquet facilities, pro shops, practice putting greens, rental equipment and lessons. These courses are available year-round with reasonable green fees.
Silverbell Golf Course
Silverbell Golf Course was built along the flat, west bank of the Santa Cruz River and opened in 1979. It features spacious greens and nine lakes to challenge serious golfers. This 18-hole par-70 course plays to 6,300 yards from the championship tees.
Silverbell Golf Course
3600 N. Silverbell Road
Tucson, AZ 85745
(520) 791-5235
tucsoncitygolf.com/silverbell.html
Randolph North Golf Course
Randolph Golf Course is the longest public golf course in Tucson, measuring 7,000 yards from the championship tees and 6,500 from the regular tees. The par-72 course has been the site for PGA and LPGA tournaments and is in a park-like setting, with scenic mountain views, tall trees and lush fairways. It has long fairways, many water hazards and challenging holes that test the limits of even professionals.
Randolph North Golf Course
600 S. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 791-4161
tucsoncitygolf.com/randolph.html
Fred Enke Golf Course
Fred Enke Golf Course is a challenging and unusual par-72 course that typically appeals to more experienced golfers. The course features huge tee areas (four per hole), large greens, many bunkers and many sand traps. It is a semi-arid course, meaning turf is limited. Native plants make up the majority of the landscape. The course is hilly, and most golfers choose carts rather than walk.
Fred Enke Golf Course
8251 E. Irvington Road
Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 791-2539
tucsoncitygolf.com/enke.html
El Rio Golf Course
El Rio Golf Course is one of the area's older courses; it opened in the 1930s and previously existed as a country club. In 1968, the City of Tucson acquired it for public use. It measures 6,000 yards from the regular tees and 6,400 from the back and has a par of 70. The course boasts flat terrain, two lakes, many trees and small greens. It is an ideal 18-hole course for novice golfers or those who prefer a short walk because the holes are close together and allow for a quick game.
El Rio Golf Course
1400 W. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85745
(520) 791-4229
tucsoncitygolf.com/elrio.html
Dell Urich Golf Course
Dell Urich is a new par-70 course that opened in 1996. It measures 5,270 and 6,633 yards from the front and back tees. The course is known for its dramatic tee shots and changes in elevation. The slope rating is 124 for the regular tees, so it can be challenging for many golfers. This course is part of the Randolph complex, so golfers looking for a longer game can play 36 holes at the same site.
Dell Urich Golf Course
600 S. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 791-4161
tucsoncitygolf.com/urich.html
About The Author
Kendall Olsen has been writing for over 20 years, is a UM-St. Louis Gateway Writing Project Fellow and has published instructional materials with McDonald Publishing Company. She holds an Ed.S in educational technology, an M.Ed in secondary English curriculum and instruction, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Bachelor of Art in art history from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
