
Otero Course
Tubac Golf Resort

About this course
The Otero Course at Tubac Golf Resort lies in the historic town of Tubac, roughly 45 miles south of Tucson in the Santa Cruz River valley. The course was designed by Red Lawrence and Ken Kavanaugh and opened in 1973 as part of a resort development in one of Arizona's oldest European settlements. The routing occupies relatively flat terrain along the valley floor, bordered by mesquite, palo verde, and native desert vegetation, with views toward the Santa Rita Mountains to the east and the Tumacácori Mountains to the west. The layout plays through a mix of open desert corridors and more tree-lined sections where mature cottonwoods and other riparian growth frame the holes. Water comes into play on several holes, a notable feature in this arid region. The design reflects the target-style desert golf that became popular in southern Arizona during the 1970s, with defined landing areas and strategic bunkering rather than the more severe desert-carry architecture that emerged later. The course serves both resort guests and local members, maintaining a relaxed atmosphere consistent with Tubac's reputation as an arts community and winter retreat. Tubac Golf Resort has long been a destination for visitors exploring the mission churches and cultural sites of the upper Santa Cruz valley. The course provides a straightforward test of golf in a scenic setting, accessible to a range of skill levels while preserving the character of the Sonoran Desert landscape.
Quick facts
- Location
- Tubac, AZ, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2006
- Holes
- 9
- Designer(s)
- Red Lawrence, Ken Kavanaugh
- Par
- 36
- Length
- 5,066 yards
- Difficulty
- 34.7/115
- Course Vaults score
- 7.8
Getting there
The journey to Tubac Golf Resort begins at Tucson International Airport, roughly an hour's drive north through the high Sonoran Desert. The route south on Interstate 19 traces the old Camino Real, passing saguaro-studded hillsides and the distant silhouette of the Santa Rita Mountains before peeling off into the historic artist colony of Tubac itself. As the highway gives way to quiet village streets lined with adobe galleries and mesquite, the resort emerges along the banks of the Santa Cruz River - a serene oasis where Spanish colonial charm meets the raw beauty of southern Arizona's borderlands.

FAQ
Common questions about Otero at Tubac Golf Resort
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Otero at Tubac Golf Resort has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 9 logged golfers.
Otero was designed by Red Lawrence and Ken Kavanaugh.
Yes. Otero at Tubac Golf Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Otero is 36.
Otero plays 5,066 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Otero is 115.





