Tucson’s Golf Legacy Shines at The Cologuard Classic

Tucson has played host to golf royalty since way back in 1945 when the very first Tucson Open hit the links in what was then a sleepy desert town.

Tucson has come a long way since then, on and off the course, now counting itself as one of the most sought-after golf destinations in the Southwest. But one thing is certain, Tucson is still home to sunshine, gorgeous views, and a winter tournament loaded with legends of the game.

The evolution and the history of Tucson’s golf scene is embodied by the Cologuard Classic, an official PGA TOUR Champions event played annually at the beautiful and golf-centric Omni Tucson National Resort. This year, the excitement takes place February 21^st – 27^th with a 78-player field competing for a whopping $1.7 million purse with $255,000 and 255 Charles Schwab Cup points going to the winner. But if you ask previous winners, they’ll tell you the real treat putting on the conquistador-style Champions’ Helmet, a true Tucson tradition.

The Cologuard Classic also gives avid golf fans a more than just a look at the pros at the Maestro Dobel Tequila Pro-Am taking place ahead of the tournament. Fans have a chance to go from spectator to playing alongside a different golf legend each day.

Just look at the 2021 tournament lineup and you’ll see why this tournament brings in the crowds. Langer, Stricker, Toms, Els, O’Meara, Furyk, Singh, the list goes on. Even Phil Mickelson joined last year’s Cologuard Classic field just a few months before his legendary PGA Championship win. Plenty of star power can be found at the pro-am too, with past amateur players including names like John Smoltz, Oscar De La Hoya, and Aaron Rodgers.

As host to the Cologuard Classic, the Omni Tucson National Resort provides a variety of courses for visitors to play, but if a challenge is the goal, do as the pros do and give the Catalina course a go, which is the official course for the event. With eight lakes and more than 80 strategic bunkers, the resort’s parkland style layout provides a beautiful dare with gentle contours and tree-lined fairways.

Whether you make your way out for the tournament festivities or for a relaxing golf trip with friends, Tucson has plenty of courses to offer and a host of off-course activities to keep things swinging. In a place where the sun shines 300 days a year, it’s easy to see why travelers, pro golfers and PGA TOUR events have been coming to Tucson since 1945. And if you can’t make it, remember to tune into the golf channel this February for the Cologuard Classic, live from Tucson.

Learn more about the Cologuard Classic and Tucson golf at VisitTucson.org/Golf. 

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