Tuscon’s Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain offers plenty of reasons to stay
“What am I doing in Tucson?” With Phoenix/Scottsdale and more than 3,600 golf holes just 90 minutes down the turnpike, it’s a legit question. Isn’t this sleepy college town better known for bacon-wrapped “Sonoran hot dogs” than it is for world-class golf and upscale resorts? What gives?
Hold steady there, compadre. Before you get on the iPhone and start googling for a hitman to eliminate your travel agent, take a deep breath, widen your eyes to take in the blue skies and send flowers instead. You have just arrived at the Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain, and all is well with the world. Unpack, flip on the flatscreen and open those sliding glass doors onto a saguaro-studded desert tableau. Now chill.
The Ritz opened its doors in December of 2009, but development in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains has been burning steady for the past 25 years or so. Things geared up when Tucson developer David Mehl bought 1,300 acres from the legendary homesteader “Cush” Cayton, who’d been ranching here since 1926. Housing developments sprung up like wildflowers, followed by 36 holes dubbed the Gallery Golf Club, designed by John Fought with help from Tom Lehman on the North Course.
Fought’s links-style South Course played host to the Accenture Match Play Championships in 2007 and 2008, but the action moved up the hill in 2009 to 18 of Jack Nicklaus’s 27 holes at the Ritz-Carlton. (Holes 28 through 36 are in the offing as well.) Thereby hangs a controversial tale.
After numerous players complained about the unreceptive, hard greens, the PGA Tour mandated some changes, and the stripping and softening began in earnest. After all, at 7,800-plus yards, the long approach shots needed a few receptive pin positions on the Saguaro and Tortolita courses, where the tournament is routed. Jack didn’t accede without mild protest, but the changes were duly made, and the Bear confessed it amounted to an improvement.
On media day this year, with the course set up to bare its tournament teeth, I’d have been hard-pressed to guess that it had been made any easier in the past year. Green complexes were still hard to hold but for the highest, most feathery approach shots, and even then the trouble was just beginning. Facing snaking downhillers that read 12-plus on the old Stimp was like putting on a green-tinted Colorado River. Putts don’t just break here, they eddy and foam and spin drunkenly like a sailor on a weekend furlough.
That said, the pain of perpetual three-jacks is thoroughly effaced by the jigsaw joys of this demanding desert layout. While your first trip around might confound your eye off the tee on various holes not knowing exactly where Jack wants you to drive the next time out is difficult but not dizzying. Nicklaus knew what he was doing, fashioning a design that would make aggressive amateurs flash back to what they’d seen the pros do on TV in February.
“You have the opportunity to relate to those players,” Nicklaus has said, “and say, ‘Hey, I saw Tiger here, he didn’t get it up-and-down, and I did.’ Those are the kind of things that I think make the game fun.”
Landing areas are generous once you get used to the liberal bunkering, but there are daunting forced carries over desert wash areas on more than a few tee shots and approaches. Saguaros line the fairways and discourage players from seeking out ancient, lost Kro-Flites to pad the shag-bag. For comic relief, once-noble, 18-foot succulents are now studded with numerous errant tee shots.
If it’s unspoiled, hazard-free beauty that you hanker after, the 850 acres surrounding the Ritz-Carlton should fit the bill nicely. Twenty-five miles of improved trails ring the hotel, which you can mount on foot or mountain bike, then wind your way through the Tortolita Mountains and Wild Burro Canyon. The stillness is broken only by breezes, or the skittering of, er, scorpions and lizards and snakes; the air is clear and dry. Views go on and on and then some.
I don’t know about you, but all that talk of hiking gets me hungry. Happily, just inside the resort’s four-story main building made of adobe, clay tile, stucco and stone sits a culinary destination that alone is well worth a trip to the Sonoran Desert. The CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar is a stunningly sleek, glass-encased marvel, ably guided by the antic spirit of Chef Joel Harrington, whose Mohawk-hairdo and punk-rock aesthetic stand in stark contrast to the refined elegance of the room.
The chef may be the walking definition of an enfant terrible, but the menu is a perfectly mannerly model of local-ingredients-first, regionally-influenced cuisine. A beyond-tender buffalo tenderloin is done with garlic fries and a celery root pure, and there’s a lovely sweet potato bisque with a hint of chipotle that is as smooth as Steve Stricker’s putting stroke. They also serve a damn fine order of fish tacos at the poolside Turquesa Latin Grill.
For dessert, I’d skip the carb-fest and make your way down to the tranquil luxury of the Ritz’s spa. While it may usually be true that a spa is a spa, the outdoor area here, where various treatments are offered under the azure canopy above, is a little slice of desert heaven. Not only that, I had a world-class deep tissue massage that straddled the line between pleasure and pain without sacrificing therapeutic benefits. Plus, the steamroom is big enough for a touch football game and emits copious clouds of healing vapors. Ahhhhhhhhhhh …
You may want to venture some 20 miles to downtown Tucson for a funky enchilada dinner and some rock and roll. Me, I was happy on Dove Mountain with the flagsticks and the saguaros and the multi-hued sunrises and sunsets. P.S., there’s only 350 days of sunshine in this valley, so pick your vacation date carefully if you like rain.
Categories: golf putting Tags: Accenture Match Play, Approach Shots, Cush, Dove Mountain, Golf Holes, Hot Dogs, Iphone, Jack Nicklaus, Legit Question, Mild Protest, Pga Tour, Phoenix Scottsdale, Pin Positions, Ritz Carlton, Sleepy College Town, Sliding Glass Doors, Tom Lehman, Tortolita Mountains, Upscale Resorts, World Class Golf
Callaway Golf Gems Complete Golf Set 2009
The GEMS Set is based directly on input received by women golfers, instructors and expert designers for women new to the game or the occasional high-handicapper. As a result Callaway Golf engineers have built a technologically advanced set of clubs women said they want and need. Comprised of eight clubs that utilize the latest Callaway Golf game-improvement technologies, the set provides the optimal configuration for a womans game and has been designed for maximum playability. Each club features weighting that promotes a draw ball flight and higher trajectories to help keep the ball in the air for increased distance. Driver and Fairway Wood – Draw-biased all-titanium driver and stainless steel fairway wood help reduce fades and slices for more fairways hit. Hybrid and i-brids – Increased offset helps square the clubface at impact and super wide sole design improves turf interaction so the clubs slide smoothly over varying surfaces. Chipper and Putter – Short-game tools that will help get the ball to the hole. The chipper minimizes spin and promotes smooth roll on approach shots from just off the green. The alignment putter makes lining up putts easier and more accurate. Lightweight Stand Bag – The soft colors will appeal to women of varying tastes and the lightweight design makes it easier to carry around the course.
Categories: putt putt golf games Tags: Approach Shots, Ball Flight, Club Features, Complete Golf, Expert Designers, Fairway Wood, Fairways, Game Improvement, Game Tools, Golf Game, Handicapper, Improvement Technologies, Lightweight Design, Maximum Playability, Optimal Configuration, Short Game, Soft Colors, Sole Design, Titanium Driver, Women Golfers
I have a hard time controlling my golf ball around bermuda greens?
I play Bridgestone e5+ and Nike Black golf balls. I can control my ball better on Bent grass but on bermuda it seems to run away. Anything suggestion would greatly be appreciate.
Bermuda grass is much more difficult to play than a bent grass green or course. Bermuda grass is gnarly, has a heavy grass blade and root system which requires an almost perfect strike with irons and approach shots to the green and a definite grain on the putting surface. One has to play these greens in order to properly read the grain with side hill putts being a definite problem.
Categories: golf greens Tags: Approach Shots, Bent Grass, Bermuda Grass, Black Balls, Black Golf Balls, Bridgestone, Definite Problem, E5, Golf Ball, golf greens, Grass Blade, Green Grass, Hard Time, irons, nike, Nike Black Golf Balls, Nike Golf, Root System, Suggestion, Surface One
Callaway Golf- Lady GEMS Complete Set With Bag
Built for women new to the game or the occasional high-handicap player looking to play better golf, the GEMS Set is based on input received by women golfers, instructors and expert designers. Each of the eight clubs features weighting that promotes a draw ball flight and higher trajectories to help keep the ball in the air for increased distance. Features: Driver and Fairway Wood: Draw-biased all-titanium driver and offset stainless steel fairway wood help reduce fades and slices for more fairways hit. Hybrid and i-brids: Increased offset helps square the clubface at impact and super wide sole design improves turf interaction so the clubs slide smoothly over varying surfaces. Chipper and Putter: Short-game tools that will help get the ball closer to the hole. The chipper optimizes spin and roll on approach shots from just off the green. The putter has alignment aids that will make lining up putts easier and more accurate. Lightweight Stand Bag: The soft colors will appeal to women of varying tastes and the lightweight design makes it easier to carry around the course.
Categories: golf putt games Tags: Alignment, Approach Shots, Ball Flight, Expert Designers, Fades, Fairway Wood, Fairways, Game Tools, Gems, Handicap Player, Lightweight Design, Play Better Golf, Short Game, Soft Colors, Sole Design, Stainless Steel, Tastes, Titanium Driver, Trajectories, Women Golfers
Callaway GEMS Ladies Complete Golf Club Set
The GEMS Set is based directly on input received by women golfers, instructors and expert designers for women new to the game or the occasional high-handicapper. As a result Callaway Golf engineers have built a technologically advanced set of clubs women said they want and need. Comprised of eight clubs that utilize the latest Callaway Golf game-improvement technologies, the set provides the optimal configuration for a womans game and has been designed for maximum playability. Each club features weighting that promotes a draw ball flight and higher trajectories to help keep the ball in the air for increased distance. Driver and Fairway Wood Draw-biased all-titanium driver and offset stainless steel fairway wood help reduce fades and slices for more fairways hit. Hybrid and i-brids Increased offset helps square the clubface at impact and super wide sole design improves turf interaction so the clubs slide smoothly over varying surfaces. Chipper and Putter Short-game tools that will help get the ball closer to the hole. The chipper optimizes spin and roll on approach shots from just off the green. The putter has alignment aids that will make lining up putts easier and more accurate. Lightweight Stand Bag The soft colors will appeal to women of varying tastes and the lightweight design makes it easier to carry around the course Dexterity: Ladies Right Handed Only
Categories: golf putt games Tags: Approach Shots, Ball Flight, Club Features, Complete Golf, Expert Designers, Fairway Wood, Fairways, Game Improvement, Game Tools, Golf Game, Handicapper, Improvement Technologies, Lightweight Design, Maximum Playability, Optimal Configuration, Short Game, Soft Colors, Sole Design, Titanium Driver, Women Golfers
I need some help with my golf game?
Off the tee:
I usually hit 3 wood because I can hit it as far and more accurate than my driver. When I hit with my driver why doesn’t it feel like I hit the ball well?
Fairway:
My fairway shots are usually good, the odd time I will slice the ball as a lefty.
Approach:
My approach shots are decent, but I can’t stick the ball, so it sometimes ends up rolling to far.
Putting:
I had a 4 PUTT today! It was the first hole, so I didn’t have a feel for the greens, but it’s horrible. I seem to miss too many 3-4 footers. I feel so much pressure when i’m putting them trying to avoid a 3 putt.
Is it bad to have a baseball grip on my golf clubs?
Thanks.
1. most people would be better served hitting a FW off the tee- the higher loft and shorter shaft help make for a straighter shot. There could be a couple of things wrong:
A. you’re trying to kill your driver, but not the 3 wood. Swing them both the same way. Let the loft do it’s job.
B. Your driver just isn’t right for you. You may need to get fit for either a new one, or have your current retro-fitted.
2. An occasional slice stinks, but it isn’t something that can’t be fixed. Knowing where your misses go is a great strategical tool.
3. You are not alone. Make sure you’re making ball-first contact and take a divot on the target side of the ball. Urethane covered balls spin best; coupling that with clean, sharp wedge grooves and an accelerating attack into the ball will increase the amount of backspin put on the ball.
4. Forget the 4 putt. That’s done and over with now… it’s akin to a CB getting beat for a TD- you need to forget about it and move on, because you know that you’re better than that, and it was a fluke. You seem to put too much emphasis on those putts. Why? Will it cost you a million bucks if you miss? Will it give you a rash? No, that’s just plain silly… it’s just another putt, whether it’s a 3 footer or a 30 footer, you’ve done this before.
5. No, while rare, there have been professionals that have used it. Some people will laugh, or make you change it, but if you’re beating them… they’ll stop laughing. Jack Nicklaus himself, in his "Golf My Way" movie said interlocking, overlapping or baseball didn’t matter. It’s what you’re comfortable with. As long as it works, go with it.
Categories: putt putt golf games Tags: Approach Shots, Backspin, Baseball Grip, Divot, Fairway Shots, First Contact, First Hole, Fluke, Footer, Golf Clubs, Golf Game, Greens, Lefty, Loft, Million Bucks, Misses, Odd Time, Putts, Target, Urethane
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2
Sony Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 – PSP General Information Manufacturer Sony Corporation Manufacturer Part Number 98693 Manufacturer Website Address www.sony.com Brand Name Sony Product Name Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 Marketing Information Step out of the clubhouse and onto the open tee with Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2. The classic, entertaining golf franchise returns to the PSP system with new quirky characters, beautiful courses and a huge variety of customizable options that enable you to take your golf game wherever you go. Product Type Software Product Information Software Main Type Game Software Sub Type Sports Game Software Name Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 Features 12 exotic courses – Play on tropical islands, the arid desert, beside snow-capped mountains and along the coast. In-depth character customization with more than 320 options. Experience the fun of Hot Shots Golf with the widely acclaimed classic game play. Tee off locally with up to 8 players and settle the score via Ad Hoc either head-to-head or in tournament play. Upgrade your clubs and golf balls to execute more accurate shots, longer drives, tighter approach shots and perfect putts. Distribution Media/Method UMD Platform Support PSP Miscellaneous Additional Information Playe
Categories: golf putt games Tags: Accurate Shots, Approach Shots, Arid Desert, Character Customization, Classic Game, Customizable Options, Game Software, Golf Balls, Golf Franchise, Hot Shots Golf, Hot Shots Golf Open Tee, Information Step, Quirky Characters, Snow Capped Mountains, Software Name, Sony Corporation, Sony Product, Sports Game, Type Game, Type Sports
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2
Step out of the clubhouse and onto the open tee with Hot Shots Golf Open Tee(R) 2. The classic, entertaining golf franchise returns to the PSP(R) system with new quirky characters, beautiful courses and a huge variety of customizable options that enable you to take your golf game wherever you go. Key Features New Internet play – Tee off in Hot Shots tournaments up to 16 players. 12 exotic courses – Play on tropical islands, the arid desert, beside snow-capped mountains and along the coast. In-depth character customization with more than 320 options. Experience the fun of Hot Shots Golf with the widely acclaimed classic game play. Tee off locally with up to 8 players and settle the score via Ad Hoc either head-to-head or in tournament play. Upgrade your clubs and golf balls to execute more accurate shots, longer drives, tighter approach shots and perfect putts.
Categories: golf putt games Tags: Accurate Shots, Approach Shots, Arid Desert, Character Customization, Classic Game, Clubhouse, Customizable Options, fun, Game Play, Golf Balls, Golf Franchise, Golf Game, Hot Shots Golf, Hot Shots Golf Open Tee, Psp, Putts, Quirky Characters, Score, Snow Capped Mountains, Tropical Islands