Tucson, Arizona
Starr Pass Rattler puts you in the heart of Tucson’s dramatic Sonoran landscape for a quintessential desert-target challenge. The course rewards precision over power, with a storied PGA Tour history and a resort setting that's as scenic as it is demanding.
Stop for panoramic photos from the high tee on No. 7—the views over Tucson and the desert floor are truly unforgettable.
Starr Pass Rattler delivers pure desert target golf, its holes weaving through rugged washes, dramatic natural arroyos, and Saguaro-studded ridges. The Cupp/Stadler routing, later refreshed by Arnold Palmer, leans into Tucson’s untamed beauty with strategic tee shots where risk is punished and reward lies in precise placement. Wide, playable greens have improved even further after the 2025 TifEagle restoration, but stray offline and the harsh desert punishes mistakes—this is a bold, regionally authentic test with unmistakable Sonoran atmosphere.
With Cupp and Stadler originally shaping the test for Tour-level competition and Palmer/Seay amplifying the visual drama, the course embodies classic desert target strategy with a sharp, modern finish.
A dramatic, short-but-menacing par 5, this hole was once ranked the toughest on Tour—in part due to a forced desert carry that stymies bold second shots. The fairway angles left, pinched by arroyo, punishing any hints of indecision.
Long hitters can flirt with the arroyo for a chance at eagle, but a smart layup leaves a precise wedge to a receptive green. The savvy play is all about picking the right landing spot off the tee.
Miss right and you're desert-bound; the arroyo swallows aggressive second shots and recovery is rarely kind.
Firm, clean desert turf, crisp new TifEagle greens, and beautifully restored bunkers.
Resort-paced rounds, usually four and a half hours or a bit less on shoulder season mornings.
Relaxed, panoramic, and distinctly Southwestern—this is play-for-fun championship golf.
Resort golf attire, collared shirts, and proper shorts or slacks required.
Mornings start cool but the desert sun rises fast—bring extra water and layers for variable conditions.
Plan to use hybrids and fairway woods off the tee more often than driver; precision beats distance here.
Book earlier tee times for faster pace and cooler temps, especially during peak tourist season.
Original course opens, designed by Bob Cupp & Craig Stadler
Hosts Tucson Open on the PGA Tour for first time
Phil Mickelson wins as an amateur during Tucson Open
Final year hosting the PGA Tour Tucson Open
Major redesign/expansion by Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay
Grand reopening after bunker and greens restoration
During the 1996 Tucson Open, hole No. 3 earned the dubious title of the toughest on the PGA Tour—a true test that devoured pro scorecards and demanded nerves of steel off the tee. This legacy of penal desert golf persists, with the course still demanding sharp focus and careful positioning even for today’s resort guests.
In 1991, a young Phil Mickelson made history here by winning a Tour event as an amateur—one of the last times this feat would happen in PGA Tour history. The echoes of his victory still animate the course, infusing the fairways with the spirit of audacious shot-making.
Starr Pass traces some of its fairways along the historic Richard Starr stagecoach trail, blending old-West lore with the soaring drama of modern desert golf. Golfers today walk in the wheel tracks of Arizona’s frontier past.
The club’s wildlife-themed course names are no accident—expect the possibility of spotting real rattlesnakes, javelinas, and desert birds as you navigate between arroyos. The setting delivers a true Sonoran nature experience with every round.
The Rattler is one of three nine-hole routings at Starr Pass, known for its wildlife-themed names.
Golf legend Craig Stadler played a direct role in the original course’s Tour-worthy design.
Starr Pass’s historic stagecoach trail runs beneath fairways still in play today.
Several holes have served as televised Tour-shot locations, including Phil Mickelson’s memorable 1991 win.
The high, panoramic tees are a favorite spot for both sunrise and sunset golf photos.
Modern, highly rated public play with standout conditions and strategy.
Dramatic desert setting, fast greens, and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Gorgeous desert architecture and a fun, forgiving route for all levels.
Nationally regarded with classic canyon and mountain golf drama.
Classic Tucson resort golf experience and diverse test.
Onsite at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort for easy access and full-service amenities.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Tidewater Golf Club is a natural next stop after Starr Pass Golf Club – Rattler Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: If Starr Pass Golf Club – Rattler Course is your kind of course, Diamond Creek is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Why it matches: If Starr Pass Golf Club – Rattler Course is your kind of course, Glenwild Golf Club & Spa is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience and puts the same premium on presentation.
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