A picture-perfect par three

At the highest point on the golf course sits Ventana Canyon’s signature third hole. One of the most photographed golf holes west of the Mississippi, this short par three is tucked into the rugged rocks of the Santa Catalina mountains and across a canyon of cacti. The tee offers a breathtaking panorama that stretches across the Sonoran Desert into Mexico. Be sure to snap some photos – you’ll want this memory forever.

A sneak peek at all 18 holes

Anchor for hole pair #1

One

Par 4

This opening par 4 is a slight dogleg right and requires a tee shot short or right of the bunkers at the end of the fairway. The approach shot into the green is guarded by a front left bunker, desert landscape short right, and trouble if you go long.
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 1 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 1 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:23) 422 Yards

Two

Par 4

The tee offers a breathtaking panorama that stretches across the Sonoran Desert into Mexico. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this!

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 2 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 2 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:23) 347 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #2

Three

Par 3

At the highest point on the golf course sits Ventana Canyon’s signature third hole. One of the most photographed holes west of the Mississippi, this short par three is tucked into the rugged rocks of the Santa Catalina mountains and plays across a canyon of cacti. The tee offers a breathtaking panorama that stretches across the Sonoran Desert into Mexico. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this!

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 3 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 3 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:21) 107 Yards

Four

Par 5

From the back tee, this magnificent par 5 is surely one of the most challenging shots on the golf course. A three-shot hole for most golfers and a generous lay-up area allow for a good chance at birdie. Although, if you place a really good drive down the middle, there is an opportunity to get home in two. But be careful of the water on the right.
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 4 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 4 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:32) 598 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #3

Five

Par 4

This slightly intimidating tee shot will force you to focus on the fairway not the water. but don’t try to cut the corner too much as there is trouble in the left rough. However, you don’t want to push it too far right either. An approach shot into a narrow green guarded but knolls and bunkers, it is much better to be long than short.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 5 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 5 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:32) 392 Yards

Six

Par 3

The second par of three on the front side is yet another marvelous Tom Fazio design gem. Playing slightly downhill with trouble on the left, the obvious bailout is short and right of this generous but somewhat challenging green.
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 6 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 6 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:27) 230 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #4

Seven

Par 4

This lengthy par 4 is actually the number one handicapped hole. Preferred here is a well struck tee shot to the right of the fairway bunker. The approach shot into this beautifully unobstructed green is definitely inviting. But, while on the putting surface, you will once again experience the effect of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 7 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 7 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:34) 454 Yards

Eight

Par 5

This cozy but picturesque par 5 calls for yet another straight and trouble-free tee shot. The hole itself is reachable for the longer players in two. Yet options to lay-up before the waist area or just beyond set you up for a decent chance at birdie with a good short iron shot. But no matter what, this undulating green poses challenges for golfers of all levels.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 8 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 8 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:36) 517 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #5

Nine

Par 4

We close out the front nine with this delightfully splendid par 4. Keep away from the fairway bunkers on the right, though, as it makes it difficult to get home with your approach. When hitting into this oblong green, remember that it is best to be short.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 9 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 2 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:29) 414 Yards

Ten

Par 4

We open the back nine with a beautiful short dogleg right par 4. The tee shot over the pristine desert preserve does not always require the driver, but a smartly placed ball in the fairway is key to making par on this hole. The approach shot is slightly downhill to a green that runs away from the player. It is advisable to play up to this green and let the mountain effect take its course.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 10 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 10 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:36) 353 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #6

Eleven

Par 4

This lengthy par 4 gives you one option: take out your driver and hit everything you have. And if you place your tee shot straight down the middle of this generous fairway, you leave yourself with an opportunity to negotiate the just slightly left to right green. Once on the putting surface, make sure to pay attention to the peaks of Ventana Canyon to really show you the line.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 11 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 11 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:35) 445 Yards

Twelve

Par 5

This spectacular straightaway par 5 is truly a Tom Fazio work of art. But your focus should be on the green grass of this long fairway. With bunkers along the left and a desert wash to the right, it is imperative to keep the ball as straight as possible. And it should be noted that even the long hitters tend to bow to the fact that it is three to get home.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 12 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 12 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:25) 548 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #7

Thirteen

Par 4

This short par 4 is a pure risk/reward shot from the tee box. But don’t let the distance fool you. With strategically placed fairway bunkers, a hazardous green-side bunker, and a three-tiered green, par is still a great score.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 13 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 13 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:19) 292 Yards

Fourteen

Par 3

This uphill par 3 with desert right requires one thought only: keep your tee shot to the left of the pin. And if you happen to bank it off the hillside, you get a chance to watch the mountain take you home.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 14 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 14 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:18) 184 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #8

Fifteen

Par 4

The Santa Catalina Mountains in the background are indeed breathtaking on this scenic par 4, but a long, straight tee shot will set you up with an approach over the grassy knolls to an elevated green that slopes drastically from left to right. A par 4 is a good score.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 15 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 15 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:27) 435 Yards

Sixteen

Par 3

This delightful par 3 plays down into the valley. Though not a long hole, you must be sure to cover the desert, but don’t overshoot the green. If you find yourself in the back bunkers, then par becomes a difficult score.

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 16 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 16 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:24) 169 Yards

Anchor for hole pair #9

Seventeen

Par 4

The tee offers a breathtaking panorama that stretches across the Sonoran Desert into Mexico. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this!

Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 17 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 17 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:34) 403 Yards

Eighteen

Par 5

It’s camera time on this long, downhill par 5. With an elevated tee box, this is truly one of the most beautiful views on the golf course. An accurate tee shot is imperative here. When you make your approach, be careful of the long, green-side bunker on the right. Indeed, a spectacular finishing the hole to end your day in Ventana Canyon.
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 18 Overview Map - Mountain Course
Ventana Canyon Golf Hole 18 - Mountain Course

(Runtime 0:29) 589 Yards