Finding the perfect spot for your next winter golf getaway with your friends can be challenging. After all, there are a lot of variables involved. Everything from post-golf activities to the weather can be make or break factors. The trick? Easy going. Find the destination that ticks most of the boxes, like this one.
From stunning saguaro hills to sun-drenched pool decks, there are plenty of “tick marks” to count when you’re considering it. Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa. You can start with these: 36 holes of PGA Tour quality championship golfexcursions in the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains, five restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine, a full-service spa, two pools and cabana rentals, a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center, lighted tennis courts, pickleball and sand volleyball. And that’s not forgetting the elegant 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. The average daily high in the winter is about 70 degrees.
As for golf, which just might be the most important factor in your decision, the two championship courses – Catalina and Sonoran – at Omni Tucson National provide exceptional desert golf experiences.
Designed by Robert Van Hagge and Bruce Devlin, the traditional, tree-lined Catalina Course has hosted more than 30 PGA Tour events in its illustrious history. (Past winners include such names as Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, David Duval and Bernard Langer.) Tipping out at 7,262 yards, Catalina, which also has eight lakes and 80 bunkers, is a rock-solid test that is suitable for both the recreational golfer and the tour player.
Courtesy Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa
While the Sonoran Course is significantly shorter – 6,529 yards, par 70 – it also makes for a complete and fully engaging challenge with significant elevation changes, bunkers and strategically placed lakes. The course, which was designed by 2006 Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman, also offers stunning views of the beautiful desert surroundings.
As with every Omni Hotel & Resort (there are 13 to choose from), golf group travel is a key focus—and strength—for Omni Tucson National. Thanks to Omni’s experienced and professional sales team, fully customizing trips with your friends is a seamless process. Everything from full dinner reservations to private airport shuttles can be easily arranged for your group.
And, of course, family golf getaways are another focus throughout the Omni portfolio. Omni Tucson National is, in fact, renowned for its junior golf initiatives. Family golf packages are readily available and include free unlimited golf access for children with a paying adult. Looking for a family golf lesson package from their acclaimed instructors? That can also be easily arranged in Omni Tucson National.
A qualifier for the Omni Generation Cup will also visit the resort at the end of January. Two-person teams compete in one of three divisions – grandparent/grandchild; parent/child, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew; o PGA Professional / generational family member – in a modified ball, shamble format. The best teams advance to the Omni Generation Cup National Championship. (You can learn more about it here.)
Another win for this southern Arizona resort is 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) phenomenal. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, Pima Air and Space Museum and shopping in downtown Tucson are just a few attractions that are popular in the area.
Planning the perfect golf getaway takes a thoughtful approach, but if you start with Tucson, you’ll find warm weather, majestic mountains, and beautiful salt deserts dotted with saguaros. And, of course, you’ll find friendly faces welcoming you to the historic 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.
