GolfTrip Destination: Dove Mountain, Marana, AZ (Near Tucson)

Set in a natural "bowl" in a land of giant, centuries old Saguaro cacti and jumping Chollas about 30 miles northwest of Tucson in Marana, The Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain is everything you'd expect it to be: understated, classy and expensive from the rooms to the restaurant and green fees.

The resort has three Nicklaus Signature nines, three pools, several fire pits, tennis and a posh spa offering a huge array of services from hot rocks massages to couples treatments.

Designed to fit naturally into the Sonoran high desert landscape and the hilly Tortolita Mountain Range, the ranch-style hotel which opened in 2009, combines contemporary flair with Southwestern ambiance using native stone, clay tiles, distressed timbers and gas lamps. Whether you are inside or out, you sense the buildings are an extension of the natural environment.

Forests of giant saguaro pepper the rocky terrain like stark totems. Two of the oldest cacti estimated to be close to 200 years old, resulted in the building site being shifted 25 feet in order not to disturb them. Adding to the history and spirituality of the place, there are several petroglyphs left by the Hohokam Native American more than 2,000 years ago just outside the spa behind the pool.

The resort occupies more than 850 acres while another 3,000 undisturbed acres are all around affording a variety of outdoor activities.

Top Tracks

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, a 27-hole facility, has received its share of accolades since opening including Golfweek's Best Resort Golf Courses (2010)and GOLF's "Best New Courses" (2009). The three nines, Saguaro, Tortolita and Wild Burro, are solid tracks.

Host to the Accenture Match Play Championship, each is a delight to play for all levels and was built with keen sensitivity to the environment. It is only the second golf course in the Tucson region to be designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Although the fairways are set at high desert elevations of 2,300 to 3,000 feet, for the most part the drama is more about the rocks, the cacti, the desert flora and arroyos which create a rolling landscape of stark beauty amidst the Saguaro forest. Many drives, especially from the back tees and approach shots to the greens, require carries over ravines and desert washes.

Still landing areas from tee to fairway are fairly generous and there is some wiggle room like to the right of the green on the first hole of Saguaro, should you stray off course. Bentgrass greens are large, rolling, while bunkers vary from pot-style to long swaths of sand stretching along the Bermuda fairways.

Playing Dove Mountain successfully requires good course management. Many holes beg the question: go for it or lay up. For example on Tortolita's par 5, 4th hole, there is a pot bunker right in the middle, 80 yards short of the green. Do you go for the green or lay up?

And on the par 4, 6th hole of Tortolita, you typically need to drive over a wash in front of the tee, then carry again over another wash 120 yards from the green, while missing a strategically placed pot bunker just short of the green.

Hole #8 on Tortolita, a par 4 slight dog right, asks for a carry over a wash or you can opt for a shortcut over pure desert scrub, to reach the green which then ups the challenge with a ridge running through the center with drop-offs of 3-4 ft.

Wild Burro's green on the par 4, 3rd hole is pretty much surrounded by a sandy wash while the 6th hole, a par 5, with water along the left off the tee challenges big hitters on the 2nd shot to go for the smallish green over a wide wash.

You may get to use all your clubs when you tee off on Saguaro, a gentle downhill towards a wash. On your second shot, you are hitting uphill over the wash to the green. If you miss, it's much better to miss to the right.

The 45,000 sq. ft. clubhouse where rough stone, weathered metal, glass and nonstop views work together to create low-key luxury all the way from the locker rooms to Cayton's restaurant, is designed to appeal to the upscale Ritz-Carlton guest and private members. Especially striking is the covered, open-air Kiva Room, a circular structure with a 30-ft. fireplace and massive wrought-iron lanterns.

Currently accepting public play, the plan is to eventually make it private to members and guests of The Ritz-Carlton. A 4th nine is on the drawing board.

The tournament nines, Saguaro and Tortolita, add up to a whopping 7,833 yards. Many find Saguaro a bit more testy than Tortolita which is visually more accessible and memorable.

Tortolita
5 Tees
3,955 - 2,638 yards

Saguaro
5 Tees
3,894 - 2,645 yards

5 Tees
Wild Burro
3,897 - 2,596 yards

Saguaro/Tortolita: 77.1/147 - 71.6/132
Tortolita/Wild Burro: 77.2/145 - 70.2/126
Wild Burro/Saguaro: 76.7/147 - 71.0/125

Green fees (18 holes): Resort guests $105; outside guests $125

Golf Schools

There are two distinct ways to improve your game here: the CORPRAgolf Academy and the Dave Pelz Short Game School. Whether you sign up for one lesson, a clinic or a three-day golf school, at the CORPRAgolf Academy you'll benefit from a low student-teacher ratio along with video analysis and ongoing email instruction and review carrying you on beyond your visit.

The Academy was funded by Chuck Engel who has more than 30 years of instructional experience developing programs with pros like Jack Nicklaus, Jim Flick, Peter Kostis, and Davis Love Jr.

If you need heavy duty work on your short game, you can enroll in the Dave Pelz Short Game School at Dove Mountain, the school's newest location. .800-833-7370; pelzgolf.com

Off-course breaks

The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain has more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. An early-morning rise-n-stretch program is followed by a moderate hike in Wild Burro Canyon. Other trails wind through the Tortolita Mountains with distances ranging from 2.5 to 9 miles in length.

There are Jeep Tours through the Tortolita Preserve, and wild west adventures like trail rides, team cattle penning and rodeos in conjunction with White Stallion Ranch. Special programs for all ages are designed to introduce the mysteries of the desert including the flora and fauna - even a tarantula and the perky roadrunners.

The Spa Dove Mountain is a soothing sanctuary with 14 indoor/outdoor treatment rooms and other specialty rooms. Treatments encompass the Sonoran elements of earth, fire, water, and wood.

The large Spa pool and cabanas provide a perfect place to unwind after a day on the course. There is a co-ed relaxation lounge and two oversized suites for couples and groups of friends.

Nearby Tucson, is a repository of Southwestern history, an amalgam of Old West, Native American culture and the high Sonoran desert.

Lodging

The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain has 253 rooms and 44 casita suites, all reflecting the natural elements of the desert using dark Mesquite wood, rich-hued fabrics, stone, wrought-iron, and hand-crafted architectural details.

The low-rise hotel fans out around gardens, pool and spa. At the center is a large patio and fire pit, where the ritual sunset ceremony takes place at dusk. Each room and suite has a balcony and baths have large walk-in showers and big bathtubs.

Luxury amenities include feather beds, down duvets, Frette lines, 42" LCD tv, mini-bar and 24-hour dining.

At the end of a day of golf or other activity, you may just decide to hang in your room and order room service. The rooms are that spacious and comfortable.

Local flavors

At CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar where stone, sage and greens reflect desert colors, the Buffalo Tenderloin lives up to its reputation: so tender you can cut it with a fork. One guy had a bit left so he took it back to his room, kept it overnight in the mini-fridge and brought it down for breakfast the next morning to eat with his eggs. It is that good. Also outstanding is the Big eye tuna, prickly pear barbecued quail salad and the fois gras starter.

The breakfast bar has unusual items like an Agave lime yogurt and cool cheeses or you can order off the menu, perhaps Huevos Rancheros or Chilaquiles.

The Turquesa Latin Grill, a causal poolside eatery, serves traditional Latin fare along with knock-out drinks at Happy Hour.

The Ignite Lounge & Bar lies at the epicenter of the resort, a fire-themed lobby lounge serving lunch and dinner along with some great single malt scotches and whiskeys.
The Ignite Terrace's comfortable furniture is arranged around a fire pit and is a popular gathering place at dusk when the Mixologist presides over a Sunset Celebration.

For comfort food with a Southwestern flare, head to Cayton's located in the clubhouse. It's a casual, comfortable restaurant. Order a margarita or mojito and watch the sunset from the patio.

Getting there

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and drive south about1 hour, 40 minutes or fly into Tucson about a 50 minute drive from the resort.

Best time to go

Spring, Fall or Winter. Summers can be sizzling but thanks to the high elevation, not as bad as you might think. And remember early mornings and nights can can cool, even cold, so bring some warm layers.

Birdies

The pure low-key luxury of everything and the unspoiled desert environment. Also the staff rates high fives. Whether you're talking to the staff at reception, the wait servers or the pro shop attendants, all are incredibly friendly, helpful and competent. When I ordered milk in place of cream for my coffee, my server said enthusiastically, "All right!".

Snowmen

This is not an inexpensive place to go, but ask about Play & Stay packages where you'll get your best break.

FYI
Matt Williams, a friendly young man15 years of age with a 1 handicap, came here from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to participate in the Future Collegians World Tour. Playing two rounds on the Saguaro/Tortolita courses, he scored 75-72-147 to claim the Overall Boys 13-15 Title at the FCWT Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain Event. His goal: to play on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour. www.fcwtgolf.com Dove Mountain holds several such events.

Nitty Gritty

800-241-3333;