Tubac Golf Resort (Otero/Anza)

Overview: Otero/Anza is an 18-hole combination at Tubac Golf Resort, south of Tucson beside the Santa Cruz River. The original Otero nine was designed by Robert "Red" Lawrence, while the Anza nine was added in 2006 as part of the resort’s expansion to 27 holes. The current scorecard lists this routing at par 71 and 6,435 yards from the gold tees. Otero has a parkland character, with cottonwoods, ponds, historic buildings and water along several holes; Anza adds mountain views and finishes beside the resort’s famous island-green par 3.

History: Tubac Golf Resort opened in 1959 on the site of a historic Spanish-colonial ranch, with Bing Crosby among the original investors. Lawrence’s first course helped establish the property as a southern Arizona golf destination, and the later Anza and Rancho nines broadened the possible 18-hole combinations. The resort became internationally recognisable after scenes from the 1996 film Tin Cup were shot around the property, while the Santa Cruz River and old ranch landscape continue to define the playing experience.

Did You Know? The Anza nine is named for Juan Bautista de Anza, the Tubac Presidio commander whose expedition eventually helped establish San Francisco. Its closing island green is one of the property’s most recognisable holes.