Resorts at Ventana Canyon: Loews and The Lodge

Beautiful, challenging course. Must play if you haven't

Awesome layout, very challenging, spectacular views. The starter was friendly and apologized for the slow start as we waited on a twosome ahead of us receiving a playing lesson. Our group of 4 consisted of a 3, 5, 16, and 18 handicap players. The course Marshall was rude, condescending, and argumentative. He chastised us for slow play and said we should complete each 9 holes of play in 2 hours to 2 hours and 10 minutes. we had a slow start and waited on the twosome on several holes. The course layout is very difficult. There are multiple tee boxes that require a long vertical walk to and from the tee. The cart paths intertwine and crisscross each other in opposite directions adding time to the duration of play. Different groups find themselves crossing each other's paths to the tee boxes. The 3 and 5 handicap players in our group agreed they would have difficulty with the Marshall's pace of play expectations and that the 16 and 18 handicap players had no chance. We chose to play point of entry penalty drops on out of bounds tee shots rather than retee to speed our pace of play. I recommend Ventana Canyon as a must play if you are visiting Tucson. Plan to arrive earlier than you expect as the Pro Shop is a walk from the hotel parking area and poorly marked. The practice facility is a long cart ride from the pro shop. The first tee is another long cart ride from the practice facility. If you expect to warm-up, plan and additional 30 minutes over your normal routine arrival time. Hopefully the course management will address their pace of play expectations and train their Marshalls in customer service etiquette.

Awesome layout! Very challenging! Spectacular views! The starter apologized for a late start as we waited on a twosome who was receiving a playing lesson. Course Marshall for the day was rude, condescending, and argumentative. Our group consisted of a 3 handicap, 5 handicap, 16 handicap, and an 18 handicap. The layout difficulty, multiple tee box elevation climbs, narrow fairways, cart paths interwinding and direction changes contribute to longer than normal or expected pace of play and completion duration time. The Marshall verbally chastised us stating we should complete each 9 in 2 hours to 2 hours and 10 minutes. Our 3 and 5 handicap players stated they would have difficulty with that time frame and a 16 and 18 handicap player had no chance. To speed our play we chose to take penalty drops at point of entry on out-of-bounds tee shots rather than re-tee. Ventana Canyon is clearly a top visitor and tourist stop if you plan to play in Tucson. I recommend the course and plan to play both the Mountain and Canyon courses in the future. Hopefully the staff will review their pace of play expectations and also train their Marshalls in Customer Service etiquette.

Despite the course being in excellent condition, seeing a bobcat, perfect weather, and a birdie on the 3rd Hole, I have to give this course an overall rating of 2 stars, and that is generous. The first and most obvious problem is the poor signage. Evidently there is some issue with the resort and the golf course management that has led to there not being signs directing golfers to the pro shop - the golfers suffer - sinage_fail - c'mon man!

Once you find the proshop, you have to take a convoluted route down to the practice facility. From there you have to back track to the first tee, again without adequate signage ** plan extra time for this, get there 15 - 20 min earlier than you would **. Pace of play was fine for a resort course - 4.5 hours. Nice views and some wildlife.

The most upsetting and unprofessional part of the operation was at the end of the round. The staff were unfriendly and whisked my golf clubs off to be cleaned before I was ready for that. I told the guy to leave the clubs with me, but he did not listen - ventana_golf_staff_fail - basic customer service stuff - c'mon man.

Have played both the Mountain and Canyon courses and they are equally beautiful. Everything about Ventana is exceptional - course conditions, layout, staff and of course the landscape and vistas. Challenging but playable; little room for error on most par threes. On the pricey side but worth every penny.

We played on a very windy day and it was a very challenging day. Love the course but bring your A game or lots of extra balls. The course is in excellent condition.

Terrific course. Great mix of holes. #3 is cool. Greens were spectacular. Desert course but very generous fairways The staff was also great...from starter to bev staff. Great replay rate too! No reason to not play36. Bonus...Bobcat and other animals. Not the cheapest, but well worth it!

Immaculate conditions. From the rough, to fairways to the greens, all in pristine condition. Some target golf situations but fair with beautiful views. Very friendly staff. Their relationship with the Loewe's hotel makes arrival, bag drop, etc confusing and unpolished but the folks at the course itself fare top notch. And trust them, the putts all DO break away from the mountains!!

Beautiful course,enjoyed playing it,it was slow,but beautiful scenery!

Beautiful, first class course. Everywhere you look is perfection. This course is perfectly manicured and so much fun with just the right amount of challenge!

Great course, spectacular views and superb conditions. A must play when staying in Tucson

This is one of the top 3 courses in the Tucson area. However, guests and staff don't go out of their way to make you feel welcome. This is a good value if you can get it at a discount price, otherwise, make other choices. Always in good condition with great amenities. I hope to play it more if they keep it affordable for guests.