Tucson

Twenty-five years ago, our travel agency’s founder, Bernard Gendron, fell head over heels in love with Tucson, Arizona. Off on a journey to discover all of this region’s treasures, the attraction was instant! In awe of the brilliant green courses built into the natural contours of the desert landscape, replete with giant Saguaro cacti, Bernard Gendron made Tucson one of the very first golf destinations offered Gendron Travel. And, in no time, it was sheer madness… thanks to the agency, thousands of golfers where clamouring to visit this desert beauty.

Today, the frenzy continues, with just as many people continually eager to visit Arizona’s quality courses, stretching from corner to corner of the wonderful melting pot of Spanish, Mexican and Amerindian cultures.

Not-to-be-missed desert courses  

On our list of favourites, the two courses at the Ventana Canyon Golf Resort definitely rank at the top. First and foremost, this particular resort, located somewhat off the beaten path, provides accommodations on site in the form of 4-star condos that provide unforgettable views of the Arizona sunset. The perfect accompaniment to your after-golf drinks. As night falls, you’ll hear the distant howling of coyotes echoing in the silence of the desert. Where golfing itself is concerned, both of these splendid courses include countless elevated tees, where cameras are as essential as your clubs. Best of all, you can play again for free in the afternoon thanks to an exclusive offer that Gendrongolf is thrilled to offer its customers.

We also love the Arizona National Golf Club, nestled at the foot of Mount Lemmon. Sculpted from the hillsides dotted with immense Saguaro cacti, this course features countless plateaus and is riddled with sand traps. Precision is a definite asset here, from the first hole to the last.

The Golf Club at Dove Mountain is also pretty hard to resist. This Jack Nicklaus signature course extends over the plateaus of the Sonoran Desert, in the suburbs north of Tucson. Unveiled to golfers around the globe during the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship between 2009 and 2014, this luxurious resort lined with thousands of cacti includes three 9-hole courses (Saguaro, Tortilata and Wild Burro).

New: Sewailo Golf Club

Sewailo Golf Club continues to seduce. Located on the land of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, this course was designed by Notah Begay III, a former PGA golfer of Navajo and Pueblo origin who now works as an analyst for the Golf Channel. Sewailo means “the land where flowers grow” in the Pascua Yaqui language, and indeed this flower has blossomed quite nicely in the Sonoran Desert. Contrary to the majority of courses in the sector, Sewailo only has a few water obstacles scattered here and there—clearly not enough to shake the confidence of its golfers, who enjoy wide-open access to the greens.

Last, but not least, who could forget Quarry Pines Golf Club? This unique golf course is the only one in Arizona that weaves through a sand and gravel quarry—hence the name. Emerald green fairways and tees that provide stunning views help shape the surroundings.

There are just so many fabulous golf courses to choose from here, you will no doubt be tempted to extend your vacation or even make your way back here year after year. With 300 days of sun a year, a dry climate and tantalizing tex-mex cuisine, what’s not to love?