By Jeff
Howdy! This trip out west is my own Lewis & Clark golfing expedition …. a mission of discovery. I need to find out what makes some of the most technically sound, ruthless competitors tick on the pro tour. Oh no, not the PGA tour, the LPGA tour. Yes sir, the ladies.
I’m referring to the winning machines from the University of Arizona, Annika Sorenstam, and Lorena Ochoa. Annika joined the LPGA tour in 1994 and has 71 wins. That’s averaging over 5 wins per season. (Can someone please tell her that there are pseudo starving golfers out there that want to eat, too?) Lorena Ochoa joined the tour in 2003 and already has 22 wins. She’s averaging 4 wins per season and she just got here! Lorena made 7 starts this year and already has 5 wins. She’s either ranked 1st or 2nd in every major statistical category except putting. Clearly something serious is going on in southern Arizona that needs to be investigated. And I am just the man to do it.
I’ve played the 2 hour drive south, from Phoenix to Tucson, in my mind, for months. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. We began by enjoying a nice sunny drive until we met the 2 lane demon. What the heck was going on? Everyone was slowing down because you couldn’t see 2 cars in front of you. Were we trapped in a motorized purgatory? Nope. We were having a first-hand view of one of nature’s furies, a full blown dust storm. Oh, we were on a real adventure now and we hadn’t even paid the price of admission for the show. This dust storm then began alternating with heavy fog. But, no way was I turning back. I had come too far. At least that’s what I was silently rationalizing in my mind.
We made calls to the course to see if it was still playable and were told “it’s cold and overcast but expected to clear by the afternoon. People are on the course now!” So, we continued. Twenty miles from the Tucson border, the dust gave way to just heavy fog. But, we continued. Eventually we reached the end and thought …. We made it! But, the joke was on us. Construction on I-10 blocked every entrance except the first, which we never saw because of our muddy windshield. But I am no quitter.
At least we were now in rainy, foggy Tucson. Yet, just as I muttered a few choice words under my breath the skies cleared. It was so unexpected that I almost crashed the car. Why? I was now looking at the snow capped Santa Catalina Mountains. In Arizona! Well, I did tell you this was an expedition of discovery.
We had finally arrived at the Arizona National Golf Course, home to the University of Arizona (U of A) Wildcats golf team. I couldn’t get past the mountain views. That was until I looked down and saw the U of A’s red, white & blue “A” symbol on the side of the 18th fairway ….spectacular!
The course itself sits in a lush community, but off the beaten path of the main streets of Tucson. First appearances would cry “stuffy.” Not so. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. It felt like I was a member of an exclusive country club for a day. The pro shop is constructed of dark, mahogany wood. It frames the apparel and accessories sections like they are best in show. After we checked in, we were led to the expansive practice area. You feel good when the range has pyramid-like stacks of balls.
Let’s get to the course. Robert Trent Jones Jr. (RTJ Jr.) designed this course in 1995. His course design is a combination of experience and talent. He knows how to set you up for the “kill.” You have a nice easy par 4 straight away hole to get you going before the 575 yard par 52nd hole. This hole looks easy on paper, but plays longer than “Soul Train” has been on television. We survived until we got to the 5th hole, which I’ll say is the “signature” piece. From the back tees (where we play like some kamikazes) RTJ Jr. is on a mission. He has placed a huge cactus in your line of sight and has squeezed your tee shot with desert on both sides all the way down to the fairway. Now we’re thinking, this is just the 5th hole …. time out. Five holes in the books, major elevation changes, and the U of A golf team walks this course, daily?
This course is as beguiling as a Venus Fly Trap. Alluring and dangerous to your game if you’re not ready. Forgive me Vivian Green but this course is an “Emotional Roller Coaster.” Arizona National has more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco (the world’s most crooked street). You’d need a Sherpa and a week off to walk this course. Oh. I forgot to tell you. Since it rained earlier, it was cart path only and yes we felt the burn.
I acquired a golf workout and an education that day. Point - I’m taking my hat off to the ladies. Annika, Lorena, Wildcats, I see now why you’re built Ford tough. You have to be playing this course from the tips! What else can I say about this course but, I’ll be back, soon. So, if you love playing golf and want a test of nerves and game, while taking in Nature’s beauty, come to Arizona National in Tucson. Remember, even with a giant cactus in your face, you can still …play it as it lies.
Recommendation: 5 Stars
Current Price: Week $75 Weekend $95
Par 71 Slope 72.4 Rating 146 Yardage 6785
Address: 9777 East Sabino Drive Tucson, AZ 85749
Website: http://www.arizonanationalgolfclub.com/
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