Tubac (Ariz.) Golf Resort & Spa is in the midst of a comprehensive greens renovation project on the Anza nine, enhancing playability and aesthetics for golfers.
The Anza nine is expected to reopen for public and resort-guest play in January 2027 with the Rancho and Otero nines (18 holes) remaining open for play throughout the fall and winter.
The renovation project involves replacing the existing greens with different types of bentgrass, known for its superior quality and resilience. This upgrade aims to provide golfers with more consistent and mature putting surfaces. As part of the renovation, holes 6 and 8 are being reconstructed, incorporating improved internal drainage systems. In addition, the installation of new part-circle and backup irrigation heads on all Anza greens will ensure efficient water distribution, contributing to the overall health of the course.
In 2024, Tubac completed a similar greens renovation on its Rancho nine, planting new bentgrass greens. With Tubac’s Otero nine undergoing a greens renovation in 2023, the 27-hole property will soon feature all new bentgrass greens.
“Dominator Bentgrass offers superior quality and resilience, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience for our golfers,” says Tubac Golf Resort & Spa General Manager Hank Swiggett. “We’re excited to reopen Anza for play this January.”
In addition to the Anza greens-renovation project, significant maintenance work has been completed on the Rancho and Otero nines in recent months to improve turf health, playability, drainage, and long-term course conditions, including:
- Greens, collars, approaches, and tees were aerified and top-dressed with sand.
- Fairways underwent extensive aerification using multiple methods, including solid tining, coring, and plug aerification.
- Fairways received calcium and fertilizer applications.
- Rough areas were aerified and treated for weeds, with additional fertility planned for thin turf areas.
- Tree trimming focused on mesquite trees throughout the courses to improve sunlight, irrigation coverage, mowing access, and overall turf quality.
- Teeing areas on holes 2, 4, and 5 were opened up to improve playability.
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is located on the historic Otero Ranch, which dates to the 1700s. This 27-hole championship facility, designed by Red Lawrence, stretches across the rolling terrain of Arizona’s Santa Cruz River Valley. Featured in the iconic film Tin Cup starring Kevin Costner, Tubac is known for its lush fairways framed by centuries-old cottonwoods, scenic water features, and stunning views of the Santa Rita Mountains.
