Finding the ideal location for your next winter golf getaway with your buddies can be challenging. After all, there are a lot of variables involved. Everything from post-golf activities to the climate can be make-or-break factors. The trick? Easy. Find the destination that ticks most of the boxes, like this one.
From the striking saguaro-studded hills to the sun-soaked pool decks, there’s a lot of “checkmarks” to tally when you’re considering Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa. You can start with these: 36 holes of PGA Tour-quality championship golf, hiking in the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains, five dining outlets serving locally inspired cuisine, a full-service spa, two pools and cabana rentals, 24-hour fully-equipped fitness center, lighted tennis, pickleball and sand-volleyball courts. And that’s not to mention the stylish southwest-themed casita suites and guest rooms with private patios and balconies.
Plus, the warm winter weather in Tucson — often considered one of the best winter climates in North America — might just seal the deal. Average daily highs in winter hover around 70 degrees.
In terms of the golf, which rightfully could be the most important factor in your decision, the two championship courses — Catalina and Sonoran — at Omni Tucson National yield outstanding desert golf experiences.
Designed by Robert Van Hagge and Bruce Devlin, the traditional, tree-lined Catalina Course has hosted over 30 PGA Tour events in its illustrious history. (Past winners include names such as Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, David Duval and Bernard Langer.) Tipping out at 7,262 yards, Catalina, which also features eight lakes and 80 bunkers, is a rock-solid, well-rounded test that’s suitable for both the recreational golfer and the tour player alike.
Courtesy Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa
While the Sonoran Course is significantly shorter — 6,529 yards, par 70 — it also yields a complete and thoroughly engaging challenge with significant elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers and lakes. The course, which was designed by 2006 Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman, also serves up splendid vistas of the beautiful desert surroundings.
As with every Omni Hotel & Resort (there are 13 to choose from), group golf travel is a key focus — and a strength — for Omni Tucson National. Thanks to Omni’s knowledgeable and professional sales team, fully-customizing trips with your buddies is a seamless process. Everything from dinner reservations throughout to private shuttles to and from the airport can easily be arranged for your group.
And, certainly, family golf getaways are another focus throughout the Omni portfolio. Omni Tucson National is, in fact, renowned for their junior golf initiatives. Family golf packages are readily available and they include unlimited free golf access for kids with a paying adult. Looking for a family golf-lesson package from their acclaimed instructors? That can also easily be arranged at Omni Tucson National.
A qualifier for the Omni Generation Cup will also visit the resort at the end of January. The two-person teams compete in one of three divisions — grandparent/grandchild; parent/child, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew; or PGA Professional/generational family member — in a modified best ball, shamble format. The top teams advance to the Omni Generation Cup National Championship. (You can learn more about it here.)
Another win for this southern Arizona resort are the many nearby attractions, parks and activities. For example, hiking in the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains (there are actually four distinct mountain ranges that surround Tucson) is phenomenal. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, Pima Air and Space Museum and shopping in downtown Tucson are just a few additional attractions that are popular in the area.
Planning the perfect golf getaway requires a thoughtful approach, but if you start with Tucson, you’ll find warm weather, majestic mountains and beautiful deserts salted with saguaros. And, of course, you’ll find friendly faces welcoming you into the storied grounds of Omni Tucson National.
Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.
