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.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 6836 yards | 72.1 | 137 |
| Green | 72 | 6537 yards | 71.1 | 135 |
| Gold | 72 | 6299 yards | 70.2 | 132 |
| Blue | 72 | 5962 yards | 68.6 | 128 |
| Silver | 72 | 5822 yards | 68.0 | 125 |
| Silver (W) | 72 | 5822 yards | 73.8 | 139 |
| Turquoise (W) | 72 | 5442 yards | 71.8 | 136 |
| Copper (W) | 72 | 4939 yards | 69.3 | 124 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 71.7/137 W: 79.2/155 | 408 | 483 | 401 | 338 | 148 | 433 | 552 | 183 | 416 | 3362 | 336 | 463 | 574 | 158 | 303 | 474 | 221 | 442 | 503 | 3474 | 6836 |
| Green M: 70.7/135 W: 78.1/154 | 408 | 483 | 401 | 338 | 148 | 386 | 526 | 183 | 378 | 3251 | 336 | 423 | 535 | 158 | 303 | 452 | 173 | 403 | 503 | 3286 | 6537 |
| Gold M: 69.9/131 W: 76.5/149 | 398 | 472 | 376 | 290 | 124 | 386 | 526 | 156 | 378 | 3106 | 314 | 423 | 535 | 140 | 276 | 452 | 173 | 403 | 477 | 3193 | 6299 |
| Blue M: 68.3/128 W: 74.7/146 | 366 | 472 | 376 | 290 | 124 | 349 | 470 | 156 | 350 | 2953 | 314 | 392 | 515 | 140 | 276 | 374 | 148 | 373 | 477 | 3009 | 5962 |
| Silver M: 67.8/126 W: 73.9/141 | 366 | 453 | 363 | 272 | 116 | 349 | 470 | 142 | 350 | 2881 | 286 | 392 | 515 | 140 | 252 | 374 | 148 | 373 | 461 | 2941 | 5822 |
| Turquoise M: 66.0/122 W: 72.1/137 | 366 | 388 | 363 | 228 | 116 | 349 | 402 | 123 | 350 | 2685 | 286 | 392 | 428 | 135 | 252 | 374 | 111 | 373 | 406 | 2757 | 5442 |
| Coral W: 71.4/127 | 316 | 388 | 363 | 228 | 116 | 349 | 402 | 123 | 292 | 2577 | 286 | 392 | 428 | 135 | 252 | 374 | 111 | 321 | 406 | 2705 | 5282 |
| Copper M: 63.8/115 W: 69.6/125 | 316 | 388 | 324 | 183 | 94 | 313 | 402 | 123 | 292 | 2435 | 244 | 335 | 428 | 127 | 202 | 330 | 111 | 321 | 406 | 2504 | 4939 |
| Handicap | 9 | 11 | 5 | 17 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 13 | 3 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 6 | 14 | 4 | 10 | |||
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 3 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 17 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 1 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 6 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
RestaurantAvailable Facilities
ClubhouseReviews
Reviewer Photos
-
The signature #3 on the Mountain Course Photo submitted by TucsonTom18 on 05/23/2026
-
Photo submitted by J2KFVoWtB3fVqvpfWMaW on 04/14/2026
-
Photo submitted by J2KFVoWtB3fVqvpfWMaW on 04/14/2026
-
Photo submitted by clubmanager74 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u000004321456 on 10/12/2022
-
Photo submitted by u314161470775 on 06/30/2022
-
Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 05/27/2022
-
Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 05/27/2022
-
Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 05/27/2022
-
Photo submitted by bensonliao on 03/28/2022
-
Photo submitted by u3831269 on 09/14/2021
-
Photo submitted by u444820267 on 04/23/2021
-
Photo submitted by u314161182673 on 03/09/2021
-
18th box is a little intimidating Photo submitted by u000004619845 on 03/01/2021
-
18th green. Photo submitted by u00000929108 on 02/06/2021
-
Photo submitted by u572685527 on 12/26/2020
-
Photo submitted by Gabby12jack on 12/08/2020
-
Photo submitted by u314160856053 on 09/29/2020
-
Photo submitted by weathercommand on 03/01/2020
-
Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
-
Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
-
Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
-
Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
-
Photo submitted by bert1953pien on 01/24/2020
-
Photo submitted by u766204156 on 01/20/2020
-
Photo submitted by u766204156 on 01/20/2020
-
Bob the cat Photo submitted by Brian7710472 on 09/10/2019
-
Photo submitted by kmforney on 08/29/2019
-
Tee shot view on #18 from the Blacks. Photo submitted by nickesquire on 09/02/2018
-
Photo submitted by virgocurtis on 06/10/2018
-
Par 4 # 10 Whale hole Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
-
Par 3 # 13 Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
-
Par 5 18th Green Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
-
Par 4 # 3 Photo submitted by retired123 on 01/19/2017
-
Number 4 monster Photo submitted by David4702427 on 04/12/2016
-
Yes, it's a long way down! Photo submitted by David4702427 on 04/12/2016
-
#3 - Plays 99 yards rain or shine, and I believe it rolls right. Photo submitted by David4702427 on 04/12/2016
-
#3 short Par 3 Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
-
1st tee Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
-
Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
-
Photo submitted by David9262534 on 05/27/2014
-
Photo submitted by 966bonita on 05/20/2014
-
Photo submitted by 966bonita on 05/20/2014
-
Photo submitted by 966bonita on 05/20/2014
-
18th from behind green Photo submitted by Cinda1964 on 03/18/2014
-
Photo submitted by Ayman0128 on 02/04/2014
-
#3a real beauty. Photo submitted by Rob5910994 on 11/14/2013
-
Photo submitted by Andrew3750072 on 10/12/2013
-
Photo submitted by doncagle on 09/03/2013
-
Mountain Course, Hole 3, Par 3 Photo submitted by eaglebeagle4 on 11/25/2012
-
Photo submitted by u000005857062 on 11/03/2012
-
love this hole Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
-
long par 5 finishing hole Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
-
not as easy as it looks Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
-
signature par 3 Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
-
par 5 with water Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
-
challenging hole Photo submitted by spectre1972 on 10/04/2012
Canyon
Rode the Greens (6537/70.7/135) twilight in 3.5H. 95, clear and fairly calm. Very difficult course but also fair and very fun to play. Tight but not overly tight... but anything much offline is going to bring penalties into play on most shots. Varied layout with some risk reward par 4's and many elevated tee shots. Constantly up/down rolling hills, much more down than up.
Tees lush and very nice to play from.
Fairways lush and deceptively undulating, few flat lies.
Bermuda rough out of dormancy and generally good to play from.
Sand traps plentiful and very well maintained with good quality, light sand.
Large Bermuda greens medium fast and smooth. Firm, you have to play for run out and immaculately maintained.
Customer service was excellent from all encountered. Bottled water provided and nice restaurant onsite. Very nice grass driving range is included in your fee. Recommended.
Course is Okay - People are the problem
Just played there Friday (4/15) and Saturday (4/16). Played the Canyon course on Friday and the Mountain course on Saturday. This place is a private club with non-member access. Friday was fine, we played with non members. Saturday was not fine - there was a wedding that directed all traffic onto one course and the members were mad about it. Play was slow as you expect. As things bogged down late into the round, these members started making rude comments to my wife as if she was the reason things were slow. Personally, the club needs to re-examine it’s membership requirements for letting these gentlemen into a private club. My club at home would toss these “gentlemen” within a month if they acted like that. Maybe a few more lessons would make these guys enjoy their golf more, but they certainly tried to ruin our day. I won’t be going back. There’s a really nice Ritz-Carlton there in Tucson, Dove Mountain, great place. The Westin is another excellent option for resort golf. Let these 30 handicappers complain among themselves on their overpriced golf course.
Great course, outstanding value on golf now
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was a tad clunky on getting clubs to and from the drop, but not a big deal. No bev cart was a minus
Canyon
Rode the Greens (6537/70.7/135) in slightly less than 4H super twilight. Played with a nice H/W. Low 90's, clear and breezy.
Tees nicely maintained with few divots.
Fairways lush, mowed tight and nice to play from.
Bermuda rough getting thicker/deeper with good coverage.
Sand traps excellently maintained with good quality medium grain sand.
Large Bermuda greens putt smooth. Firm and medium speed, you have to play for run out.
Excellent all grass practice area includes chipping green, sand practice green and 3 putting greens total between the two courses with unlimited range balls. Basic carts do not have GPS. Customer service excellent from everyone. Drink cart around several times. Bottled water provided. Excellent Fazio design in very good playing condition. Highly recommended.
Ventana Canyon was great!
The course was in great condition. The staff was friendly and professional.
Our only problem was the gate to get out of the parking lot didn’t work so there was a long line of grumpy people until finally a guy from the hotel figured out how to open it for us!
Amazing
The mountain course is the best course in Tucson for the layout, some hole are spectacular
The Course worths to play at your lifetime
I played canyon course. Course conditions and view are very good. I will rate Ventana is the best course in Arizona. I highly recommend.
Mountain
Rode the Greens (6537/71.4/139) in 3.5H twilight with a nice H/W. Mid 70's, clear and calm.
Tees level/lush with most divots repaired.
Fairways lush and nice to play from.
Bermuda rough greening up and becoming more lush by the week.
Sand traps nicely maintained with good quality sand.
Large Bermuda greens had been recently top dressed with a thin coat of sand. They actually rolled even better than usual and were downright quick.
Customer service excellent from all encountered. Bottled water provided. Usually no Drink cart on weekdays afternoons. Nice, all grass practice area which includes range balls. Driving range is close to a mile from the Pro Shop and the basic carts do not have GPS. Very nice Fazio design in excellent playing condition. Depending on your tee choice, many tee shots hitting over no man's land. Green tees feature several intimidating forced carries. Definitely recommended.
5 Hours of Mountain Views
Played the Mountain Course while staying at the resort. Course is in excellent shape, tees and fairways in immaculate condition, greens were firm but rolled true.
Of the two courses this is my favorite, #3 was a fun par-3 and the views from the Black tees on #s 4 and 18 were amazing.
Carts only as there is some distance between holes. Beverage cart was seen numerous times, and all the staff was super friendly.
My issue was the pace of play. 5 hours is way too long to be on the course, didn't see a Marshall at all during the round. Because not too many holes are next to each other, we really couldn't see where the hold up was.
This was a nice course to play, but I've also played nicer for much less money. But the high rates are expected being a resort course.
Canyon
Rode the Greens (6537/70.7/135) in 4.5H mid morning. Played with Tyler, Frank and Collier, fun group to play with. Mid 70's, clear and fairly calm.
Tees almost immaculate with most divots repaired.
Fairways lush and nice to play from.
Bermuda rough coming out of dormancy. Getting thicker and deeper.
Sand traps very nicely maintained, consistently some of the better traps I have ever played. Many of the fairway lips are just high enough that well hit shots are required to escape. You hit a few of the fairway traps and you cannot reach the green because the lip is too severe to hit longer clubs over.
Large Bermuda greens also coming out of dormancy. Smooth, firm and medium speed.
Customer service excellent all around. Drink cart around several times. Bottled water provided. All grass practice area includes unlimited practice balls and is excellent. Chipping green, sand practice green and 3 putting greens total between the two courses. Driving range is close to a mile from the Pro Shop and the basic carts do not have GPS. Excellent Fazio design in very good playing condition. Highly recommended.
Mountain
Rode the Greens (6537/71.4/139) in 3.5H twilight with William. Mid 70's, clear and calm.
Overseeded tees level/lush with most divots repaired.
Overseeded fairways lush and nice to play from.
Bermuda rough coming out of dormancy. Getting thicker and deeper.
Sand traps very nicely maintained. Fairway bunkers more firm. Around the greens plenty of soft white sand.
Large Bermuda greens also coming out of dormancy. Smooth, firm and medium speed.
Customer service excellent on all levels. Drink cart around once later in the round. Bottled water provided. All grass practice area includes range balls. Driving range is close to a mile from the Pro Shop and the basic carts do not have GPS. Excellent Fazio design in Very good playing condition. Depending on your tee choice, many tee shots hitting over no man's land. Green tees feature several intimidating forced carries. Highly recommended.
Slow on the Canyon
Played the Canyon course twice in a week. Course was in great shape, tees and fairways perfect condition. Dormant bermuda rough was starting to come back. Greens were very hard, balls didn't make a mark more just a little dent. Starter said they were fast, but I thought they were medium but rolled true.
Member only play alternates between each course. If you're looking to play a certain course, ask before booking. Carts only as there are long drives between holes, and pay attention to where your tee box is. Driving range is 3/4 mile drive from Loews ProShop, and 1/4 mile from Lodge. Going between 11 and 12 you actually cross a major road with a stop light.
Beverage cart was seen multiple times, and entire staff very friendly.
My issue was slow play, both rounds were 4:40, only saw a marshall on 17 of the 2d round. I don't understand why as tee times were 10 minutes apart and if you miss wide you're in the cactus and can't look for balls.
It was nice to play once, but I've played better courses for less money.
Canyon
Rode the Greens (6537/70.7/135) twilight with a nice H/W in less than 4H. 75, clear and calm.
Fun and varied layout constantly up/down rolling hills. Some risk reward par 4's and many elevated tee shots. Most holes have unplayable native areas just off the fairways down at least one side.
Tees lush and mostly well maintained for divots.
Fairways lush, mowed tight and great to play from.
Bermuda rough beginning to come out of dormancy and good overall. A few bare areas here and there farther away from fairways.
Sand traps have good quality, light sand and were very good. Just not immaculate like usual.
Bermuda greens medium speed and smooth. Firm, you have to play for run out and you leave more dents than ball marks.
Customer service was excellent from all encountered. No GPS on the otherwise nice carts. Bottled water provided and nice restaurant onsite. Very good grass practice area is included in your fee. Highly recommended.
Great course
Probably on of the best courses we have played. The condition of the course was superb. The greens were fast an immaculate. The paste was slow but that happens.
Great desert resort course
Fun and challenging layout. Great views of desert surroundings and mountains. Very scenic, well conditioned and friendly staff. Cart only (too far to walk between holes and nines). Cart condition good but not upscale as would have been expected - generic electric carts, no GPS or other amenities. If you want hole layout have to use your smartphone or other device. That’s my only criticism. Pace of play was good. Pricey even as a “hot deal” but worth playing once.
It Is An Amazing Maze To Navigate
Jumped on the opportunity to play the Canyon Course at VC on a Sunday. It was a challenge getting to the Guest Pro Shop and then the 3/4 mile drive to the range. Then over to the staging area and then a 1/2 drive to the first tee. Once on the course it is amazing. Creative design using the elevation changes and natural features to challenge your club selection and execution. The par 3 fifth hole will leave you awestruck. The greens were crazy fast and hard to figure out the first time around. After the 9th its back to the staging area and then a 1/2 mile back to the Guest Pro Shop. The 10th hole features a monstrous rock formation, that looks like a whale, and is in play if you go long or left of the green. The back nine features a few more elevation changes and cart path maneuvers, but it was more fun than the front I thought. In the end, you are back where you started at the 18th green, complete with a waterfall. It is an enjoyable track, but I feel like I would grasp every hole better the next time around. Give VC a go if you are in the Tucson Foothills.