Marana Golf Trip Planning Guide
Marana, just northwest of Tucson, is home to the Golf Club at Dove Mountain — the Jack Nicklaus 27-hole layout that hosted the WGC Match Play. Tucked in the Tortolita foothills with the Ritz-Carlton on site, it's a resort-grade golf base that's quieter and cheaper than Scottsdale.
Quick Facts
Spring, Fall
TUS (45 min drive)
$50–$250
$300/night
0 of 4
~$333/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Marana. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
The Gallery Golf Club (South) — desert, $100–$195 · 4.6★
John Fought–designed South course in the Tortolita foothills — a past Match Play host in its own right
CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar — upscale, $$$$ · 4.5★
The Ritz-Carlton's flagship — Southwest fine dining with desert views
Cayton's Burger Bistro (Ritz) — patio
Resort patio bar overlooking the Nicklaus course for post-round beers
Day 2
The Golf Club at Dove Mountain (Saguaro/Tortolita) — desert, $120–$250 · 4.5★
Jack Nicklaus 27-hole design in the Tortolitas that hosted the WGC Match Play — a true championship test
Tortolita Mountains UTV Tour — half day, $120–$220/pp
Off-road through saguaro forest in the Tortolitas behind Dove Mountain
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro — farm to-table, $$$ · 4.5★
Botanical-garden dining nearby for a scenic Southwest meal
Tucson Hop Shop / Oro Valley taprooms — brewpub
Craft taproom scene in nearby Oro Valley for a low-key beer run
Day 3
The Highlands at Dove Mountain — desert, $50–$95 · 4.4★
Shorter Fred Couples–signature desert layout — the fun value round in Dove Mountain
Saguaro National Park Hike — 2-3 hours, $0–$25/pp
Iconic saguaro-forest trails minutes away — easy morning before golf
El Charro Café (Oro Valley) — mexican, $$ · 4.4★
America's oldest family-run Mexican restaurant — carne seca and big group tables
Casino Del Sol Bars (Pascua Yaqui) — casino bar · Open late
Tribal-casino bars and lounges 30 minutes south for a Vegas-lite night
Course-by-Course Guide
Marana has 4 courses worth playing, including 1 bucket-list tier layout.
Where to Stay
Marana has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $300/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$300–$700 /night
The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain — block of rooms or villas on the course
$350–$900 /night
Dove Mountain or Oro Valley rental homes near the courses
Group Dining Guide
4 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar
$$$$The Ritz-Carlton's flagship — Southwest fine dining with desert views
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro
$$$Botanical-garden dining nearby for a scenic Southwest meal
El Charro Café (Oro Valley)
$$America's oldest family-run Mexican restaurant — carne seca and big group tables
Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ (Marana area)
$$Smoked meats, bourbon, and a deep tap list — easy crew dinner
Nightlife
3 bars curated for groups. 1 stay open past midnight.
Cayton's Burger Bistro (Ritz)
Resort patio bar overlooking the Nicklaus course for post-round beers
Tucson Hop Shop / Oro Valley taprooms
Craft taproom scene in nearby Oro Valley for a low-key beer run
Casino Del Sol Bars (Pascua Yaqui)
Late nightTribal-casino bars and lounges 30 minutes south for a Vegas-lite night
Activities Beyond Golf
3 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Tortolita Mountains UTV Tour
Off-road through saguaro forest in the Tortolitas behind Dove Mountain
Saguaro National Park Hike
Iconic saguaro-forest trails minutes away — easy morning before golf
Casino Del Sol Gaming
Full tribal casino with tables, slots, and a sportsbook south of town
Getting There
Fly into Tucson International Airport (TUS) — it's a 45-minute drive to Marana. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include Tucson Party Bus and Arizona Stagecoach). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.