Tucson golfers are rejoicing now that 100-degree days are behind us.
But the downside of cooler temperatures for the golf set: higher prices and scarce tee-times.
The state’s mild, sunny weather this time of year draws golfers from colder regions, specifically the Midwest including Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Isaac Strauss, a caddie at Tucson Country Club, (https://www.tucsoncountryclub.com/amenities/golf) recognized the potential challenges ahead with the approach of the winter months.
“There will just be more people looking for tee times,” Strauss said. “I expect many vacationers to come to town, so my days carrying bags could be longer.”
From now through May, Tucson Country Club, 2950 N. Camino Principal, charges $125 to play 18 holes, $50 more than its summer rates, from June through September.
Steve Grove, Tucson Country Club’s director of golf, recommends golfers schedule tee times as early in the morning as possible.
“Winter is definitely our busiest season,” said Grove. “I always recommend starting in the morning when fewer golfers are on the course. Late mornings can get hectic, leading to longer wait times than usual.”
Winter golfers at Tucson Country Club represent a diverse mix of local members, winter visitors and travelers escaping colder climates for Arizona’s mild winter. While many golfers are retirees, there’s an increasing number of younger players and families hitting the greens.
During peak season, tee times can fill up days or even weeks in advance, especially on weekends.
“Our courses are nearly booked solid during prime slots,” Grove said. “Planning is essential.”
Tucson has five public courses including the city’s twin 18-hole Randolph Dell Urich north and south at 602 W. Alvernon Way (https://www.tucsoncitygolf.com/randolph-dell-urich-golf-course), where winter rates start at $50 with discounts for resident cardholders.
The Notah Begay III-designed Sewailo Golf Club (https://www.casinodelsol.com/) at Casino del Sol Resort and Casino, 5655 W. Valencia Road offers golf and stay deals and private lessons.
Cesar Balgañon, a teaching professional at the course, said his schedule is packed during Tucson’s cooler months.
“Appointments fill up really quickly in the winter,” Balgañon said. “My availability tends to get booked … usually two to three weeks in advance.”
A private one-hour individual lesson is $75.
Other popular Tucson golf courses include the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course at the La Paloma Country Club, 3660 E. Sunrise Drive (https://www.lapalomacc.com/); and the trio of nine-hole courses at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tussp-jw-marriott-tucson-starr-pass-resort-and-spa/golf/).
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
