Tucson, Arizona
Arizona National offers a bold, target-style desert golf adventure with rocky outcrops, saguaros, and big elevation changes against the Santa Catalina Mountains. Demanding forced carries and spectacular terrain shape every swing, making it a regional favorite for thrill-seeking golfers. Conditioning can fluctuate, but the elevated drama and scenery leave a lasting impression.
After your round, step onto the back patio for a post-sunset view of the Catalinas—locals say the twilight glow here is unforgettable.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. carved Arizona National through the foothills and washes east of Tucson, embracing the region's wild terrain to create a true desert golf test. The course emphasizes bold shotmaking across dramatic elevation shifts, with fairways snaking between native gullies and deep arroyos, often flanked by iconic saguaro stands. Greens are well-defended, approaches demand conviction, and sidehill lies and severe runoffs keep each shot honest. The routing amplifies the natural land, giving each hole distinct strategic personality while challenging players' nerve, especially on forced carries.
Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s design philosophy focused on celebrating the rugged Sonoran desert, blending target-golf demands with memorable, scenic stretches.
The 223-yard ninth plays sharply over a gaping arroyo to an exposed green, testing long-iron control and shot discipline. Crosswinds and a deep carry combine for one of the front nine’s most demanding moments. Club up and aim for the heart of the green—there is little margin for error.
Aiming at the center is almost always wise, as any mis-hit tends to find desert below or a tricky recovery.
Missing short, right, or left is likely to leave a sand or desert lie with a delicate recovery over the arroyo.
Expect variable conditioning—lush but sometimes overwatered turf, with firm desert surrounds and penal roughs.
Typical public pace; expect 4.5-hour rounds at peak times.
Laid-back Southwestern with collegiate energy; blend of locals, visitors, and Wildcats alumni.
Collared shirts and golf attire recommended; confirm details with pro shop.
The desert arroyos are hungry—expect to lose a few if your aim is off.
Desert rounds here are sun-bathed and can dry you out quickly, especially in late spring and summer.
Steep elevation changes and long transitions mean walking can be punishing unless you’re training for a marathon.
Peak spring tee times go quickly thanks to snowbird demand and University of Arizona events.
Opened as Arizona National Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Consistently rated a top public course in Tucson
Ranked T16 on Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play in Arizona
Nearly every tee shot requires a forced carry over a wash or native desert area, demanding precision and careful club selection from the very first hole. This relentless test defines the target-golf identity and keeps tension high throughout the round.
Serving as the home course for University of Arizona's Wildcats, Arizona National regularly welcomes NCAA Division I collegiate talent and spirited practice rounds—adding a youthful energy to the fairways, especially during the college season.
Several elevated tees, especially on the back nine, frame sweeping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and distant city lights—a perfect Southwestern panoramic that makes bad swings sting a bit less.
For several years, golfers knew the course as the Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs; the club later reverted to its Arizona National name, a nod to its strong local identity and collegiate partnership.
Course is flanked by the Coronado National Forest, creating a wild, untamed desert edge.
Permanent home for University of Arizona Wildcats’ men’s and women’s golf teams.
Golf Digest once named it among America's ten best new courses.
Signature saguaro cacti tower 20+ feet above many fairways.
No two consecutive holes play the same direction, maximizing wind and elevation variation.
Host of PGA Tour, acclaimed championship course, and the area’s biggest profile.
Broad-shouldered modern resort course with risk-reward lakes and memorable finish.
Unique layout carved out of a sand-and-gravel mining pit—dramatically different from standard desert golf.
Centrally located, fun, affordable local golf and frequent big-state tournament host.
Scenic south-of-Tucson option with sweeping high-desert views.
East Tucson or Catalina Foothills for convenient access to Arizona National and all top Tucson courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Arizona National Golf Club is your kind of course, Jay Peak Resort Golf Course is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Sandpiper Golf Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Arizona National Golf Club.
Why it matches: Snake River Sporting Club is a natural next stop after Arizona National Golf Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
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