Ventana Canyon’s Mountain Course – A Breath of Fresh Air
By Tim Cotroneo
Winter golf in Tucson, AZ, is an experience that feels as fresh as the air you breathe. There is something exhilarating about stepping up to the first tee box at The Mountain Course while absorbing your first wall-to-wall look at nature joining forces with the Wild West and the Catalina Mountains.
For golfers who normally reside in a chilly winter climate, taking a golf break in a setting like Tucson is a look-up-to-the-sky and say “thanks” reprieve. This is especially true when the thermostat reads a blue sky 70 degrees as you prepare for your eight o’clock tee time.
How popular is the Tom Fazio-designed Mountain Course in the month of March? Ventana Canyon Director of Golf Bill Peters relocated from Beaver Dam, WI, to take in these Sonoran Desert surroundings year-round. Peters described The Mountain Course’s winter appeal this way: “The Mountain Course and Canyon Course both see about 33,000 rounds per year. In February, March, and April we are booked solid. There is something about our mountain setting that is intimate and dramatic,” Peters said.
Feels Like the First Time
After preliminary instructions from the pro shop, a golfer from Minneapolis hopped into a cart and headed to the Mountain Course practice range. About 30 seconds into his commute a coyote skipped across the cart path and bounded into the brush. This vacationing golfer noted “You don’t see this every day.” Once at the practice range, a sense of gratitude accompanied the stunning sunrise arching above the mountain range to the east. Is there a better wakeup call than starting your day like this?
Wildlife, flora, and fauna are abundant in the Tucson area, and especially at The Mountain course. Bobcats, rabbits, and road runners make guest appearances. There’s also more Saguaro Cactus than you’ll see in any Clint Eastwood western triple feature.
Of course, the main event is the 6,898-yard, Par 72 course that Tom Fazio unveiled to the golfing public in 1984. Rocking 600 acres and framed by the Catalina Mountains, the aptly named Mountain Course is an unyielding, but fair, test for golfers of all skill levels. On most days the starter will ask a newcomer what his or her handicap is, and then strongly encourage play from the tees that match this number.
No Holding Back
It’s not until after your round that a Mountain Course first timer will stop to appreciate that Fazio’s fairways are quite generous. This kinder aspect of Fazio lasts until your second shot to the green.
On most holes there is a good side and a bad side. Most of the Mountain Course greens deliver way more break and speed than you’ll read with the naked eye. The golfer from Minneapolis was infinitely grateful to have a golfer from Cincinnati as his cart mate. The Ohio golfer had wintered in Tucson since 2011. He noted that on several holes it was wise to either run your shot early to the pin, or play to the extreme left or right. In almost every case, this course management strategy proved oh so true with several approach shots going long on The Mountain’s lightning-fast greens.
Early morning golfers tend to be respectful when it comes to pace of play, and it wasn’t long before the foursome arrived at The Mountain’s most famous Par 3. The third hole is just 107-yards from tee-to-green. This petite assassin is all carry over a deep ravine. You’ll find rock formations to the left, right, and behind the green. The Cincinnati Kid offered perfect advice: “Don’t hold back. Commit to your shot.”
The Mountain Effect
During the course of your round, the Mountain Effect is reinforced again and again. Early in the round Mr. Cincinnati stated that the speed of the greens intensifies on your putts running away from the mountain. On putts facing the mountains the opposite is true. Even the most seasoned golfer needs to bear down when maneuvering the flat stick on The Mountain’s challenging greens.
Like your strictest elementary school teacher, Fazio won’t hesitate to punish golfers who don’t take a moment and realize they have options from the tee. The 13th is a 292-yard Par 4. Most golfers can get home with two five irons. Then again, there are sand traps in the distance for those who choose to grab a driver. The choice is yours.
The Par 4, 435-yard, 15th hole feels like you are driving straight uphill right into the face of the Catalina Mountains. This is another Mountain golf hole where you should look back up to the sky and acknowledge how awesome Mother Nature can be.
Back to Nature
On a backdrop where the Catalina Mountains take center stage, The Mountain Course’s fairways and greens are immaculate. For a course that is around-the-clock busy, the pristine conditions are as good as it gets.
Director of Golf Peters was quick to acknowledge The Mountain Course’s long-time Director of Agronomy, Wally Dowe. “Our fairways and greens are essential to The Mountain Course’s continued success and popularity. Wally and Superintendent, Teddy Rider stay one step ahead and make us look good for our members and guests.”
To top off a great day, the golfer from Minneapolis made dinner reservations at the Flying V restaurant that overlooks the neighboring Canyon Course’s 18th hole green. The menu’s Chilean seabass was a perfect choice as the sun set on the horizon. Next winter, if you’re looking for a can’t miss golf getaway, book your tee time at The Mountain Course in Ventana Canyon. Tucson is a great venue for stunning mountain scenery and the freshest of fresh air. And remember, commit to your shot.
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