The Club at Starr Pass - Palmer/Rattler

Used to love this course a few years ago — except why did Starr Pass change their courses so much recently? Now, Coyote hole 3 literally has a road with cars driving through the middle of the hole (which was previously a wash). Not safe for the cars, and not a good idea or the golfers. Confusing with changing the names of the courses, too — used to be Coyote, Roadrunner and Rattler, and now Coyote/Pioneer(?) wasn’t even recognized by my Garmin watch despite newest update. Roadrunner doesn’t exist anymore (despite it being the new logo for Starr Pass golf everywhere you look on the tee boxes, score card, tees, carts, etc). Grass used to be pristine (on par with Dove Mountain and Ventana), and now not as great (still ok but not as good). Did Marriott put more money into surrounding new real estate instead of the course itself? Why?

The clubhouse was recently renovated, and the pro shop is much larger.

There was a summer golf class in progress when we went to practice putting, but we still had room to practice. Golf balls were provided at the driving range.

The course was well manicured. Mowers were still cutting the grass on fairways and around greens.

Most fairways are fairly wide, except the #6 on Coyote. There's a narrow gap to get to the green which lies on a downslope. Approaching it from 150 yards out was a blind shot. If you overshoot the green, your ball will run downhill into the desert.

There were lots of deer on the course and very scenic views of the Tucson Mountains and the city beyond.

Pace slowed down on the back 9. There were 4 groups backed up to play the 18th hole.

A beverage cart was on the course that passed us several times.

The course is both challenging and fun to play.

Played better second time around. Greens had been cut since the previous week. Rolled nicely! Still less than city courses. Highly recommend.

Played rattler/coyote. Course in great shape but greens greens a little slower than expected. Saw cart girl a couple times during round. Played in less than 4 hours. Green fees were cheaper than the city so booked another round to get my revenge! LOL!

Starr Pass never disappoints - a tremendous layout, super friendly staff, amazing practice facility, and always in great condition. Every time I come to Tucson, I look forward to playing this course. Following my round, stopped in the bar for a beverage and appetizer, which was absolutely spectacular. From top to bottom the best course in the city of Tucson and one of the best in the state of Arizona.

The course has some very challenging holes due to the elevation changes and in some cases the green designs/slopes. It is better to play if you have played there before and know the nuances. A few of the fairways were brown/bare and some of the tees were in terrible condition...basically mud and sand and very uneven. I assume the tees need to be rebuilt. Greens and bunkers were in good shape. I would say the $65 fee is a little high given the condition but fair.

Not worth the money at this point. Teeboxes were in very bad shape

Great desert golf that plays fair.

Have played Star Pass a number of times over the last thirty years dating back to when it was a TPC venue. The course is plenty challenging for every skill level. However improvements are needed, specifically a number of tees need grass (e.g. Rattler #7 and Coyote #7&9). Also the front of the bunkers have too much sand in them which does not permit the ball to find the bottom of the bunker given its heavy/beach like sand. Views from the course are some of the best in Tucson.

Most things at Starr pass are 10/10. Off course amenities? Impeccable… Staff? Delightful… Practice area? Perfect…Pace of play? 3 hour round… Now the downfall of this place.. the conditions of the course are horrid. Some tee boxes are straight sand, several areas around greens and bunkers are under major reconstruction. It’s not unplayable, but it’s a shame for a course this nice.

Course is a step up in difficulty - conditions are starting to worsen because of heat.Still good conditions.

Fairways, greens & bunkers were in very good shape. Tee boxes were in really rough shape. Talked to employee after round, & they have plans to soon fix this problem. Pro shop has been completely redone, & restaurant at the clubhouse will soon be open for dinner.Staff are super friendly at the course, & I would recommend this course for intermediate to advanced golfers. I know I’ll be back soon.

They are almost done with clubhouse renovations, which is the only reason I gave them 3 stars for the temporary pro shop. Course was in great shape. Staff were very courteous and attentive. The course is no slouch with many changes in elevation. It demands a good deal of accuracy as well. It was an enjoyable challenge! I would absolutely play it again when in the Tucson area.