
Rattler Course
Starr Pass Golf Club

About this course
Rattler, at Starr Pass, carves through the Sonoran Desert as a tribute to Robert Cupp and Craig Stadler’s vision, rewarding bold play while demanding respect for the unforgiving landscape. The course, a product of the late 1980s, embraces the natural contours of the Tucson Mountains, offering panoramic vistas that belie the strategic challenges awaiting golfers. The layout favors those who can shape the ball, with strategically placed bunkers and native vegetation guarding undulating fairways. Expect to navigate tight doglegs and elevated tee boxes, demanding calculated risk assessment rather than brute power. The emphasis is not necessarily on length, but on thoughtful shot selection and precise execution. Rattler's greens are known to be deceptive; those with a history of playing desert golf will appreciate them. While not a stage for major championships, Rattler holds a special place in the hearts of those who relish a challenging and scenic round. The spirit of the game thrives here, where the focus is on camaraderie forged against the backdrop of the Arizona sunset. Some say the margaritas at the club house following a round are as satisfying as a birdie putt on the 18th.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in AZ
Quick facts
- Location
- Tucson, AZ, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1986
- Holes
- 9
- Designer(s)
- Arnold Palmer, Bob Cupp, Ed Seay
- Par
- 36
- Length
- 3,490 yards
- Difficulty
- 35.8/142
- Course Vaults score
- 7.9
Getting there
Starr Pass Golf Club lies tucked into the western foothills of the Tucson Mountains, a short twenty-minute drive from Tucson International Airport along Interstate 10 and the scenic Starr Pass Boulevard. The approach climbs gently from the desert floor, trading the city grid for saguaro-studded ridgelines and the rugged silhouette of the Tucson range, before arriving at the resort's hillside entrance where the Sonoran landscape opens wide. For those seeking discretion, Ryan Airfield accommodates private arrivals just minutes to the east, offering a quiet gateway to one of southern Arizona's most dramatic desert settings.

FAQ
Common questions about Rattler at Starr Pass Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Rattler at Starr Pass Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.9 out of 10 based on 23 logged golfers.
Rattler was designed by Arnold Palmer, Bob Cupp, and Ed Seay.
Yes. Rattler at Starr Pass Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Rattler is 36.
Rattler plays 3,490 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Rattler is 142.




