Sewailo Golf Club

Designed by former PGA Tour player and Native American Notah Begay III, along with architect Ty Butler, the 7,400-yard Sewailo Golf Club?is one of the Tucson area's best layouts. The course, which opened in 2013, is the result of moving thousands of cubic yards of dirt around 14 acres of lakes and miles of creeks. More than 30,000 native trees were also transplanted around the course, which features 75 bunkers and large, undulating greens. The end result is a championship test with lots of risk-reward opportunities, beautiful playing conditions and five sets of tees to accommodate all levels of players. The course, which is owned by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, as is the casino resort where it is located, has many memorable holes. Among them is the no. 1 handicap hole, the par-5 10th, which calls for three precise shots. The tee shot plays around water. The fairway gets more narrow and the water comes more into play the more right you hit it off the tee. But the farther left you hit it, where the fairway is generous, the more difficult the second shot, which must then clear a water hazard and work around or over some fairly large fairway bunkers. The par-3 third is also daunting. Just 150 yards, it has a semi-island green somewhat reminiscent of the famous 17th at TPC Sawgrass, and wind is almost always a factor. Sewailo, by the way, means "flower land" in the Yaquis language, and the course certainly reflects that with its natural beauty. In addition to the course, Sewailo also has excellent practice facilities that include a large grass driving range, short-game practice area and putting greens. Excellent golf instruction is also offered. There's an expansive golf shop in the clubhouse, where visitors can also enjoy the Wildcats Grill, which is open for breakfast and lunch and also offers cocktails and draft beer.?