Against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, stately ancient saguaros lift their arms to the sky, a myriad of fascinating wildlife scurries about the Sonoran desert landscape and all is right with the world. Nestled in this pristine setting is the Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club.

Ventana Canyon, which opened in 1987, features two 18-hole championship designs by Tom Fazio. The Mountain course winds along the Catalina Mountain foothills and features fairways cut through dense, lush desert. The golf course is highlighted by one of the most well known desert golf holes in the world, the par-3 third hole that plays from an elevated tee to a green tucked beside boulders. The semi-private club features some of the Tucson area’s finest conditions and practice facilities. Limited tee times are available to the general public, plus there are two resorts on site.