El Rio Golf Course

May not be too important, but the condition of the carts and the cart path are the worst I have ever experienced in Tucson.

All else is very good for a municipal course.

Need to fill path holes and ruts, was pretty rough bouncing around course on the paths. FILL IN OR GRADE PATHS.OTHWISE NICE LITTLE COURSE!

Waiting on the first tee there were 12 players teeing off on the first tee I have never encountered A12 some on a tee box ? Have you ?

El Rio was Tucson's first course. Back then, they didn't use grass but poured out some oil and compressed the ground, making the natural Caliche soil even harder. The greens are still hard. No need to keep from walking in someone else's line. It has sadly generally been poorly cared for. This was turned around later this summer, getting in even better condition than Silverbell. But, with over seeding just around the corner, they seem to have let it go just a bit. I still managed to shoot my best score even on the course. Conservative play is very important.

The course was in good shape. The clubhouse is currently being renovated. But should be nice once it is completed. Looking forward to it.

Renovations to clubhouse still in progress (pyramid’s built faster). Good restaurant and bar before improvements so should be worth visiting if clubhouse work is ever completed. Carts in sorry shape. Balls flying all over place due to compact course layout. Only on course water from fountains which provide tepid, and foul tasting water (seemed to be laced with kerosene, yuck!) Drink cart available and attentive, or bring your own water.

But, there is progress. Fairways only OK (bare spots), bunkers good with sand though wet the day I played. Greens a bit slow but not bumpy and held OK. Layout not inspirational but presents challenges and has a few tough holes (long, small greens) which will test you. Sub 4 hour rounds standard if pace moves as expected. Staff friendly and attentive. Reasonable priced golf.

Not quite a complete with grass everywhere but makes this course live up to it's heritage. The layout is challenging and with grass it's getting closer to it's history. The traps still suck overall. They need sand and rakes on every trap. But for the summer price it's a great course to work on your game. It's also fun and makes you think.

Pace of play for the two of us was excellent. Greens were in good shape and played fast.

So the course scheduled school practice and a shotgun 9 hole at the same time as booking regular golfers. The students were skipping holes, playing extremely slow, and walking. Made for a rough day to get into other rhythm. Greens were good but super firm and difficult to hold any shot. Fairways are rough and thin.

The history when this was a country club the pga played here. With it greened up it shows the course off. It does require some golf shots. It's not exactly hard by today's long hitter standards but it always makes me think about my shots. So I enjoy it and it makes me practice (except the traps still lack uniform sand.). Summer rates are also great if you watch for certain tee times. Staff is always welcoming and helpful.

The city fought for this course to stay open because of it’s history in the community but they’ve done absolutely nothing to honor that history. Fairways are mostly dirt. Club house has been closed and under construction for the better part of two years. Fortunately the staff tending bar outside at a folding table is great! First tee facility is the best in Tucson. Hopefully those kids get to play a different course when they are ready. Just an embarrassment of a course run by the city.