READER MARSHAL REVIEW

Arizona National is penal to the hack

By Ron Reece, Internet Golf Guy

I anticipated coming to Tucson to get my first taste of desert golf. With the rainy season coming up in my area, the dry desert air would do more for me than give me a couple extra yards.

The rumors I heard about Arizona National being a stiff test were true. As a 10 handicap, I didn't break 90, playing from the tips, which is a misleading 6,700-plus yards. I almost thought they added up the holes wrong because it plays much longer than that.

I'd never suggest to any of my friends who can't break 100 to play here. I'd suggest they try some of the resort or traditional layouts in the area (I hear the Tucson Omni National is forgiving). Arizona National would be an expensive hack for them. It's extremely penal, with several carries over desert off the tee. The 11th (625-yard par 5) was mind-boggling for a first time play, and I've never been a fan of a blind tee shot.

The 18th, another epic par 5, gives you mixed feelings. Is the 200-foot drop from the tee to fairway intimidating or breathtaking? After finding the fairway, and receiving an extra 20 yards or so from the elevation, I'd say it was the perfect tee shot to finish a golf course.

I came to Tucson instead of Phoenix/Scottsdale for the obvious reasons: less congested, more bang for the buck in a booming golf scene. But still, value in Arizona, as well as the southwest, is extremely relative. To play Arizona National it was going to be about $165 (weekend), which I wasn't exactly crazy about paying, but the twilight rate of $85 was fair. Heck, getting a chance to see the late afternoon desert sun set while on the course makes me think they should charge more for twilight. One thing I did notice: has there always been so much housing on the course? Never heard anything about that.

As for conditioning, I was mildly impressed. It was the high season when I was there, meaning rounds played on the course were up, but some of the greens and fairways had burnt out edges-something you'd expect in the spring and summer months-not when the course is supposed to shine.

Arizona National is always known for top-notch service. I'd have to concur here. The staff was very courteous, my bag was taken care of at all times and a good shine was put on my clubs. Not too shabby.

All in all, the hype about Arizona National is true. Its atmosphere is certainly something to smile about when the late afternoon thundershowers pour down in the coming months.

Ron Reece is an amateur hack who golfs all over the world. He is a regular golf blogger on many web sites including Netcaddie.com.