Ventana Canyon - Canyon Course
About
One of two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses at this Tucson resort, the Canyon Course at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is classic desert golf, set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert enhanced by its surroundings of saguaros, deer, roadrunners, quail and birds. The 6,836-yard, par-72 layout rolls through the Esperro Canyon, incorporating a massive formation known as Whaleback Rock in its design. The golf course has several memorable holes, including a couple of difficult par 3s - the 13th and 16th - as well as the reachable par-5 finishing hole, which features a man-made waterfall.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Golfer Photos
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The signature #3 on the Mountain Course Photo submitted by TucsonTom18 on 05/23/2026
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Photo submitted by J2KFVoWtB3fVqvpfWMaW on 04/14/2026
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Photo submitted by J2KFVoWtB3fVqvpfWMaW on 04/14/2026
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Photo submitted by clubmanager74 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
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Photo submitted by u314161470775 on 06/30/2022
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Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 05/27/2022
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Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 05/27/2022
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Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 05/27/2022
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Photo submitted by bensonliao on 03/28/2022
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Photo submitted by u3831269 on 09/14/2021
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Photo submitted by u444820267 on 04/23/2021
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Photo submitted by u314161182673 on 03/09/2021
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18th box is a little intimidating Photo submitted by u000004619845 on 03/01/2021
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18th green. Photo submitted by u00000929108 on 02/06/2021
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Photo submitted by u572685527 on 12/26/2020
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Photo submitted by Gabby12jack on 12/08/2020
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Photo submitted by u314160856053 on 09/29/2020
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Photo submitted by weathercommand on 03/01/2020
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Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
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Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
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Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
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Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
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Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
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Photo submitted by u766204156 on 01/20/2020
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Photo submitted by u766204156 on 01/20/2020
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Bob the cat Photo submitted by Brian7710472 on 09/10/2019
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Photo submitted by kmforney on 08/29/2019
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Tee shot view on #18 from the Blacks. Photo submitted by nickesquire on 09/02/2018
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Photo submitted by virgocurtis on 06/10/2018
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Par 4 # 10 Whale hole Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
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Par 3 # 13 Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
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Par 5 18th Green Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
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Par 4 # 3 Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
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Number 4 monster Photo submitted by David4702427 on 04/12/2016
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Yes, it's a long way down! Photo submitted by David4702427 on 04/12/2016
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#3 - Plays 99 yards rain or shine, and I believe it rolls right. Photo submitted by David4702427 on 04/12/2016
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#3 short Par 3 Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
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1st tee Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
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Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
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Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
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Photo submitted by 966bonita on 05/20/2014
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Photo submitted by 966bonita on 05/20/2014
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Photo submitted by 966bonita on 05/20/2014
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18th from behind green Photo submitted by Cinda1964 on 03/18/2014
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Photo submitted by Ayman0128 on 02/04/2014
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#3a real beauty. Photo submitted by Rob5910994 on 11/14/2013
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Photo submitted by Andrew3750072 on 10/12/2013
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Photo submitted by doncagle on 09/03/2013
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Mountain Course, Hole 3, Par 3 Photo submitted by eaglebeagle4 on 11/25/2012
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Photo submitted by u000005857062 on 11/03/2012
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love this hole Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
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long par 5 finishing hole Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
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not as easy as it looks Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
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signature par 3 Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
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par 5 with water Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
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challenging hole Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
Golfer Reviews
Great Course
The best course in Tucson. I played the Mountain course a month ago and played the Canyon course this time. Both courses are great courses to play. The course was in perfect condition, there wasn't anything negative about this course. I can't wait to play this course again.
Return to Ventana
Although I am local, I don't play here much due to the expense.
I love the condition and the course layout. Great practice facilities and although I didn't use restaurant or bar I am certain it's top notch.
Almost like playing a private club.
The one thing I did not like is the distance between holes. I was there for 4 hours and literally spent 30 minutes driving between holes. Some are far apart. Got lost twice, even though there is good signage.
Great course, but need a guide
I played the Canyon course for the first time. It is a fun layout with a nice variety of holes. The greens were wicked fast and difficult to read. One interesting aspect of the course is that the holes are grouped in bunches with long and twisty cart paths between them. Fortunately, I played with folks who were familiar with the course, otherwise I might still be lost out there.
A freaking amazing
Give it a go, so absolutely beautiful! They pick up in parking lot and take you down to facility. Very accommodating and the starter was a hoot, so kind and passionate about golf. Will definitely return and only paid 95 bucks.
Great Course, but Phone Communication Needs Improvement
This was my second time playing and I really enjoy the course. The views are awesome and the course was in good shape overall with only a few areas of ground under repair.
My only real issue was the phone communication. The first time I played, I tried calling multiple times to book a tee time but could never get through. When I stopped by the pro shop, I was told they don’t really answer the phones. I’ve never had to dealt with a pro shop that doesn’t answer their calls. Just want to make sure management is aware.
I also tried using the turn food ordering number on hole 9 and it would not go through. My girlfriend tried from her phone as well and had the same issue.
The course itself is great and the views are hard to beat. At $85 for a 105-degree afternoon tee time, it feels a little steep. I would also recommend checking out The Club at Starr Pass, which has similar views and course quality for a better price ($45). Their staff is professional and they actually answer the phone.
Ventana Canyon is beautiful and memorable
Played Ventana Canyon and throughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Played the back nine of the Canyon Course and the front nine of the Mountain Course. The Canyon course has a signature hole par 5 that has the green against a backdrop of waterfalls by the Lowes resort and the Mountain Course has a Signature hole par 3 that has an elevated tee box and elevated green separated by a ravine. Staff is very friendly and course in great condition.
Beautiful course
Love this course and it was in great condition even the bunkers. Pace of play was excellent also. Wish it wasn’t so expensive so I could play more often
This is Luxury
The course is a real challenge and will test your accuracy and course management. Very few spots that were not ideal on the fairway. Check in was smooth and easy, well catered to, Food and drink available before during and after the round. To cap it all off, the person working the beverage cart was very pleasant, fast and professional.
Slow Play
Ventana has more than doubled its green fee cost since the beginning of COVID. Charging $275 and allowing a pace of play at 4 hrs 45 min is not enjoyable. At that pace of play I won’t be back.
Conditions were very good though the greens were incredibly hard (rarely could find my ball mark). This is likely what led to the slow play.
Undisclosed Tournament
Booked on Golfnow - got there and was told we would be teeing off at 17 as part of a shot-gun tournament they also had going. Had three foursomes going off of 17 in a row. Couldn't warm up or use the range either.
Canyon
Course continues to be in fine shape, albeit a notch below what it was maybe a month ago. No recent rain and warmer temps have the course dried out again.
The back 9 will be closing for 3+ months soon to redo the sprinkler system. Not sure if that is a factor or just what I wrote above. However, putts I was running 3-5' by the hole a few weeks ago are now coming up 2-3' short. They look nice, but they went from medium fast bordering on too fast for recreational golfers to medium slow in about 2 weeks.
Fairways lush and nice to play from, lots of rolls. Good POP rough, you can almost always spot your ball from 50 yards away. Tees very well kept up, lush with few divots and the sand is among the best around here.
Course completely unwalkable because it is so spread out. Nice restaurant, excellent driving range with multiple practice areas. Almost always excellent customer service. Highly recommended.