El Rio Golf Course

Great weather today and great value for el Rio in this condition. Barely any rough patches, bunkers were wet from rain but other than it was fantastic.

Although OB Sports has done an admirable job upgrading the conditions of all five Tucson municipal courses since it took over management, El Rio remains my least favorite of the five. The course is located in Barrio Hollywood, one of the oldest and most ethnically diverse sections of Tucson. It has a loyal following among the natives in the neighborhood, but if you looked up muni course in the dictionary, El Rio would be there. The course has no remarkable or memorable features. However, it is probably most notable for having some of the most difficult par 3s in the area. Holes #4, #8, and #15 are all near or greater than 200 yards even from the white tees. Since it is an older, traditional layout, the greens are rather small as is the norm on courses of that type. These par 3s are not only difficult to hit, they are difficult to hold. #8 is particularly tough since it is the longest of the three and usually into the teeth of the westerly wind. Many closest to the pins go unclaimed even in low handicap leagues on these holes. As for the conditions, even at its best, you will find less than ideal lies in many places. On this particular Sunday, the course was in about as good of shape as it is all year since it recently came out of overseeding. The fairways were really nice, and the greens rolled decent. However, if you venture outside the cut of the fairway, anything is possible. The rough can be patchy, extra thick, non-existent, gnarly, or wet. Plus, the many mature trees on the course have lots of rogue branches. Be prepared to punch out a lot (even from the first cut sometimes). The course does get quite a bit of play, especially on the weekends, but if you are from out of town and looking for a memorable golf experience, this is absolutely not the place. There is plenty of culture and history nearby, but there are also better courses nearby, too. I will say that El Rio is the best walk of the city's quintet. Since my club plays here often, I reluctantly play El Rio more than I would prefer. Despite my misgivings about the course, the staff is almost always very friendly. This is also the headquarters of the First Tee program. So, El Rio is a value to the community, but with all the other golf options in this area, it does not have my endorsement.

Course was in nice shape. A pleasant surprise.

Bunkers were terrible.

I was rained out. The course said they would give me a rain check if they received authorization from Golf Now.

Nice cool day. My husband and I were paired up with a 3rd player. The carts are nice, staff was very helpful and friendly. The course was in good condition with just the appropriate number of bunkers. The bunkers were hard and flooded, the greens were a little long, but the course overall was fun. There are a lot of large old trees. The facilities are a little tired, but this is an old course and they were what you would expect. Staff helped us get the clubs on our cart, and cleaned our clubs at the end of the round. Would golf here again.

This being my third time playing this course I am pleased to say the conditions are consistent. The fairways are in excellent shape and the course is challenging with sand traps tucked in close to greens. The tee boxes need a lot of work however, there are bare spots or crab grass on most. This day the greens had been recently plugged so ball was bouncing a lot, but two weeks ago there was nothing bad to say about them. Nice break from playing the target golf so many of the desert courses demand. It will be my go to course as it is close to my home.

The course was in really good shape. The greens were perfect. Many bunkers made it challenging but fun.

Tucson city courses are good value. They offer a fair price to play in 100+ degree temperatures.

The staff was friendly. The golf carts were cleaned. The only problem I had was not having a map of the course. On a couple of holes I had a difficult time locating the flag from the tee.

Short but challenging with small greens that are guarded by bunkers on nearly every hole. second shots had to be played from proper angle and distance to hold the green.
Just aerated so greens in pretty rough shape, but overall enjoyable round after work and decent pace of play.

Pleasantly surprised. Tee boxes and fairways are in much better shape than neighboring courses. Greens have just been aerated but can tell the difference Golf People are running the course now.

Excellent, enjoy the round of golf. Staff was great. Will go back .

About 1 year since last played course. Improvements are being made by the new management. Fairways have grass now in all areas. Greens are excellent. Sand traps need a lot of work as drainage is poor. I know that this is extensive and expensive but can be done with a good plan. This is a good city course with small greens that are guarded by traps in front. Keep up the good work OB Sports and show the city and the golfing community how a first class operation should be run.

I actually enjoyed discourse the greens were in great shape I have no complaints

Not too challenging for this Bogey Golfer, but definitely fun.

The new management is doing a good job rehabbing the course. Greatly improved over the city management. Staff very polite and professional. The fairways, tees and greens were all in good shape - some of the bunkers need more sand. If you played here in previous years and were disappointed give it another try. It is a work in progress but has great potential.

El Rio golf course has improved since last year. It is on the mend but requires major fairway work and sand trap update. The physical facilities are good but fatigued. Many of the trees need replacement as they are in their last stages.

New golf carts and employee attitudes were refreshing.

Played here many times but since they have new management the staff is friendlier, they gave us some free cookies before our round and a nice man even cleaned our clubs when we finished.

Second time this week both rounds were under four hours. Play after 1:00PM no waiting.

I had not played El Rio for 15 years. Golf Now had a special so I took it. I am so glad I did! This course has recently been re worked and is in the best shape I ever saw it!! I lived in Tucson 15 years ago for 20 years and have recently moved back. I will definitely play El Rio again. Congratulations to the Management and Staff of this course. What a treasure in the center of Tucson.