 HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR Resort and Country Club (520-544-1800)
Arizona Golf Course Review
General information
The Hilton El Conquistador Resort complex includes 45 holes of championship golf, a beautiful complimentary grass driving range, spacious putting green
with sand bunker and short game chipping area. A beautiful full service clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant and lounge, plus spacious locker
rooms with showers, for both men and women.. The Canada and Conquistador Courses are 18 hole Greg Nash and Jeff Hardin designs located about 3
miles from the resort, and the Pusch Ridge is gorgeous 9 hole design playing into the mountains right on property. Together, they form the largest golf
complex in Tucson. Golf packages of various lengths are available through the Hilton, and are very reasonable considering that golf is included both on
the day of arrival and departure, with additional same day rounds complimentary based on availability. A great place to stay if you can't get enough golf!
The newly renovated Hilton El Conquistador Resort is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalinas Mountains, and is designed to meet the needs of
business and leisure travelers alike. On property are 428 guest rooms, five distinctive restaurants, a fitness center and spa, swimming pools and Jacuzzis,
a salon, an on-site equestrian center, and 31 lighted tennis courts. The Hilton Golf Academy features programs ranging from one day personalized clinics
to 5 and 6 day golf schools. Visit www.hiltongolfacademy.com for details. For more info on the gorgeous resort, visit our page for El Conquistador on the
resort section of our Arizona golf site by clicking here.
The two 18-hole and the beautiful 9-hole Pusch Ridge courses all feature effecient on-course marking systems, with 150 yard stakes in the middle of the
fairways, sprinklers heads measured to the front, middle and back of the greens, plus yardage blocks at 100 and 200 yards. Color coded flags indicate the
day's hole locations.
CONQUISTADOR COURSE
The Conquistador is considered the primary course, featuring country club like conditions. Natural mesquite and palo verde trees along with saguaro and
indigenous desert flora are abundant throughout the layout, with great views of the surrounding mountains. Consistent on El Conquistador are the
elevated green complexes, with deep front-side bunkering. The putting surfaces are of medium size and speed, and were in great shape when we played
in early January. This is a good resort layout, with 4 sets of tee boxes and slope ratings varying from 119 to 126. The fairways are not necessarily wide,
but ample landing areas are provided for off most tees. The Golds will be the choice of most average golfers. 6331 yards is a bit long (though many tee
shots are downhill), but the next choice (Silver) is very short at 5374.
It is recommended to cut the opening hole, as there is much room to hit a long fade (for right handers) just over the first set of trees on the right side. Stay
straight and it is possible to run through the fairway. A bending tee shot will leave you with a mid iron approach to an elevated green. The second is a
short par four that also plays downhill off the tee. It is possible to get off to a good start here, as the third is a relatively easy par three. The green is
elevated, with water front and left and a deep bunker forcing a high arcing shot to the undulating green. The middle holes on the front are quite
challenging, with many obstacles to encounter. The fourth is a tight driving hole, and is followed by the number 1 handicap. This mid length par five
features a narrow fairway through a residential community, and an approach to a two-tiered green with a formidable water hazard left. The sixth is a dogleg
right which narrows as you get close, and the next par three is extremely uphill - 1 1/2 to 2 clubs. Hit it the correct distance and you should score well as
there is little trouble here. Another tight driving hole with an approach to a putting surface guarded by rolling mounds follows. The closing hole is straight
away - a mid length par four which gives you a good opportunity to make the turn in high spirits.
You will need to avoid the fairway bunker on the left on number ten, or this hole will play exceptionally long. The green is very elevated. A dogleg right par
five follows. The fairway is narrow and three bunkers behind the green dissuade you from hitting long on the approach. There is room to the left on the par
4 twelfth, with mounds funneling the ball back to the fairway on that side. The approach narrows. Thirteen is a pretty par three that is heavily guarded by
sand traps in front and long. Aim towards the tree in the center of the fairway on 14. This dogleg right par four plays short. Position yourself correctly on
the fairway and this is the best birdie opportunity on the course. The number two handicapped fifteenth is a long dogleg left par four, with an incredibly
beautiful green complex. Two bunkers right and 1to the left frame a two-tiered, undulating green against a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Sixteen is also a
postcard hole, and one of the pretties in the Tucson area. You will encounter an extremely tight approach on this mid range par five. The par three 17th
plays downhill, shortening its length considerably. Stay away from the 3 bunkers on the left and a good score is possible. The finishing hole is an
interesting challenge. A fairly straight tee shot will put you in good shape for an approach that bends to the right. The putting surface is surrounded by
bunkers and small trees.
We found El Conquistador to be a good challenge and a fun place to play golf. It is understandable that the resort is busy with avid golfers. The service
was great and the conditions of the course and facilities were top notch. The clubhouse, grounds and practice facilities are all beautiful. This is a great
place to stay on a golf vacation, and a good deal for those looking for a reasonably priced round of golf. For more info on the Conquistador course, visit
their page on our web catalog of courses to play in Tucson - with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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