Getting To Know: Tubac Golf Resort

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Ben Moennig who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property T
ubac Golf Resort & Spa is the most luxurious and tranquil vacation destination in the Southwest. Set on the historic 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley, the Spanish Colonial architecture and lush grounds are enhanced by magnificent views of the Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountain peaks.

"Red" Lawrence was the architect who designed the original 18 holes. In September of 2006 local Golf Course Architect Ken Kavanaugh added nine more holes, enhancing the original Lawrence design. With 27 holes (Anza, Otero & Rancho) the golfer will find not only a pleasant challenge, but an experience not found anywhere else in Southern Arizona.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
The Tubac Golf Resort is set in a lush river valley, creating an ambiance different from any in southwestern Arizona. Towering Cottonwood trees, thick groves of Mesquite and a flowing Santa Cruz River will lead you to believe that you may not be in the desert. Beyond the setting, the splendid Bent Grass Greens, character rich golf holes, and exceptional customer service provide golfers an experience to remember.


Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
The Tubac Golf Resort and Spa was made famous by Kevin Costner's 1996 movie "Tin Cup," where many of the scenes were filmed.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Anza # 9 - This Par 3 should remind you of the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, except for the cows of course. Finding the island green is tough enough with all that water, but throw in the spectators at the Stables Patio Bar heckling anyone whose ball finds a watery grave, and it gets even tougher. The intimidation factor is high here. Par is always a good score.

Rancho # 4 - This long par 5, Tubac's Tin Cup hole, requires three well struck shots to reach the green. Keep tee and second shots on the fairway's right side, away from the trees and thick rough on the left. The pond fronting the green prevents all but the longest hitters from getting "home" in two. This hole was the setting for the scene in the movie "Tin Cup" where Kevin Costner was caddying for Don Johnson and Johnson wanted to lay up with a seven iron. Costner said he could do it and that is when Gary McCord, Peter Kostis, Craig Stadler and a young Phil Mickelson began to wager on whether or not he could pull it off.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
Rancho # 6 - This beautiful par 4 is set along the eastern bank of the Santa Cruz River. Measuring 464 yards from the back tees with a perfectly placed bunker on the left edge of the fairway, it is one of the most challenging holes at the resort. It's beauty is breathtaking. To me, challenge and beauty are what make a great golf hole. Mission accomplished on hole # 6 Rancho.


Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6870
Slope: 71.6
Rating: 130

More Information
Tubac Golf Resort
One Otero Rd.
Tubac, Arizona, 85646
520-398-2021
Tubacgolfresort.com