Golfing in the Desert: The Highlands at Dove Mountain Golf Review
Arizona is famous for dramatic desert landscapes and outstanding golf courses. In Marana, northwest of Tucson, The Highlands at Dove Mountain combines both. The course winds through the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains and offers wide views across the surrounding desert.
The 18-hole championship course was designed by renowned golf architect Arthur Hills. Its layout uses contrasting terrain to create a varied round. The front nine features flatter ground and subtle movement, while the back nine introduces more elevation changes, hills, lakes, and strategic hazards. dovemountain.com
The course also remains accessible to the public. Golfers can play through daily-fee options or explore membership opportunities. That combination makes the property interesting for both local players and visitors looking for a desert golf experience. dovemountain.com
A Desert Golf Course Surrounded by Mountains
The setting is one of the biggest attractions at The Highlands at Dove Mountain.
The course sits within the larger Dove Mountain community in Marana. Mountain ranges surround the area, while the fairways provide views toward Tucson and the Marana Valley. This creates a strong visual contrast between lush playing surfaces and the Sonoran Desert beyond them. Discover Marana
The community itself has an active-adult character and sits within a gated neighborhood. The surrounding Dove Mountain development also emphasizes open space and access to outdoor recreation. 55places.com
For golfers, the desert environment adds another dimension to the round. Natural vegetation, mountain backdrops, elevation changes, and water features all contribute to the experience.
Designed by Arthur Hills
Arthur Hills is responsible for the original design of the 18-hole course.
His layout takes advantage of the natural terrain rather than relying on one consistent playing environment. The first nine holes move through relatively flat land. Subtle undulation adds interest without making the opening stretch overly demanding.
The second nine changes character. Hills and rolling terrain become more prominent. Several holes wrap around the foothills and interact with lakes and strategically placed bunkers. The result is a back nine that feels distinctly different from the front. dovemountain.com
That variety gives the course strong recreational appeal. Newer golfers can select forward tees, while experienced players can choose longer and more demanding options.
Course Layout and Playing Challenge
The Highlands at Dove Mountain measures 6,904 yards from the back tees and plays as a par-72 course. Six sets of tees help golfers select a suitable level of challenge. Zomma Golf
The choice of tees is particularly important on a desert course. Some holes require players to carry desert areas, while other sections reward accurate positioning and thoughtful club selection.
According to Discover Marana, the forward tees make the course friendly for higher-handicap golfers. Only a small number of holes require significant desert carries from those tees. Discover Marana
Higher handicaps can therefore enjoy the scenery without facing the full difficulty of the championship layout. More experienced golfers, meanwhile, can use the longer tees to create a stronger test.
Renovation Improved the Golfing Experience
One of the most important developments since the original article was published came in 2019.
Ken Kavanaugh Golf Course Design led a renovation that addressed several important areas of the property. The work included the greens, bunkers, tees, practice facilities, and surrounding desert landscape. All 18 putting greens were resurfaced, while the practice putting green was completely rebuilt. The bunkers also received significant redesign and improvements. Discover Marana
These improvements helped refresh the course while retaining its original character.
The renovation also matters when comparing current conditions with older reviews. A course can change substantially after improvements to greens, bunkers, drainage, landscaping, and practice areas. That makes early descriptions of The Highlands at Dove Mountain less useful for today’s golfers.
Current Recognition in 2026
The course continues to receive attention from golf travelers.
Discover Marana reports that The Highlands at Dove Mountain ranked No. 3 in Arizona and No. 32 in the United States in GolfPass Golfers’ Choice 2026. That recognition reflects its current popularity among golfers and gives the course added relevance for anyone comparing Arizona golf destinations. Discover Marana
The recognition also supports a broader point about the course. The Highlands is not simply a residential golf amenity. It has developed into a destination that attracts players because of its layout, setting, accessibility, and playing experience.
Practice Facilities and Golf Amenities
Golfers can prepare for their round using several practice facilities.
The property includes a driving range, putting green, and short-game practice area. These facilities can help players warm up before a tee time or work on specific aspects of their game. Discover Marana
Golfers can also access a pro shop and related course services. Current golf information lists cart and club rental options, making the course more convenient for travelers who do not want to transport their equipment.
For regular players, practice facilities can make a major difference. Desert golf often demands reliable distance control and careful approach play. Spending time on the range and short-game areas can help golfers adjust before heading onto the course.
Membership Options at The Highlands
The Highlands at Dove Mountain offers more than casual daily play.
Current Dove Mountain information directs golfers to the course for tee times and membership options. The local Dove Mountain Civic Group describes the course as an HOA-owned championship club that is open to the public as well as residents. dovemountain.com
Membership can provide additional benefits. These may include priority tee times, access to practice facilities, golf-cart privileges, and participation in men’s, women’s, and couples’ leagues, according to community information. Dove Mountain Civic Group
Because membership structures and fees can change, golfers should confirm current terms directly with the club before making a commitment.
Is The Highlands at Dove Mountain Open to Visitors?
Yes. The course is currently presented as a public golf course with membership options. That makes it different from some private clubs in the broader Dove Mountain area. dovemountain.com
Visitors should still arrange tee times in advance. The club provides direct contact information for reservations and membership enquiries.
The current listed address is:
4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658
Dove Mountain and Discover Marana both direct golfers to the course for tee times and additional information. Discover Marana
What Makes This Course Different?
Several features make The Highlands at Dove Mountain stand out among Arizona golf courses.
Mountain Views
Almost every section of the property benefits from the surrounding mountain scenery. The Tortolita Mountains create a dramatic backdrop throughout the round. Discover Marana
Two Distinct Nines
The front and back nines provide noticeably different experiences. Flat terrain dominates the opening holes, while the back nine introduces more elevation and water. dovemountain.com
Multiple Tee Options
Six tee sets allow golfers to adjust the difficulty of the course. That makes the layout suitable for a broad range of playing abilities. Discover Marana
Desert Character
The course creates a classic Arizona contrast. Emerald-green fairways sit against dry desert vegetation, rocky terrain, and mountain landscapes.
Public Accessibility
Golfers do not need to be full-time residents to experience the course. Public play and membership opportunities make the facility more flexible than a strictly private club. dovemountain.com
How Does It Compare With Other Dove Mountain Golf Courses?
Dove Mountain is home to several notable golf facilities, so visitors have multiple choices.
The Highlands at Dove Mountain offers an 18-hole Arthur Hills layout with public access and a relatively approachable design.
The Gallery Golf Club provides two private courses and a different level of desert-golf experience.
Meanwhile, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain features 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers another highly regarded desert golf experience. Dove Mountain Civic Group
This variety makes Dove Mountain particularly appealing to golf travelers. Players can experience different architectural styles without leaving the same broader destination.
Best Time to Play Golf in Marana
Marana’s desert climate makes seasonal planning important.
The cooler months are generally attractive for golfers who want comfortable outdoor conditions. Winter and early spring can be especially appealing to visitors escaping colder climates.
Summer presents a different challenge. Arizona temperatures can become intense, so early tee times can make the experience more comfortable.
The course supports year-round play, and current golf listings describe it as playable throughout the year.
Before booking, golfers should check the current weather forecast, tee-time availability, and course conditions.
Final Verdict: Is The Highlands at Dove Mountain Worth Playing?
The Highlands at Dove Mountain remains an appealing choice for golfers visiting the Tucson and Marana area.
Its biggest strengths are the scenic desert setting, Arthur Hills design, multiple tee choices, varied terrain, and mountain views. Recent course improvements have also helped maintain its playing quality. Discover Marana
The course works particularly well for golfers who want a challenging round without committing to an ultra-exclusive private club. Higher handicaps can use the forward tees, while stronger players can test themselves from the longer options.
The 2026 GolfPass recognition further highlights the course’s current standing among Arizona and U.S. golf destinations. Discover Marana
For anyone planning a golf vacation in Arizona, The Highlands at Dove Mountain deserves a place on the itinerary. It combines classic desert scenery, thoughtful course architecture, and accessible golf in a memorable Marana setting.
Why Golfers Should Consider The Highlands at Dove Mountain
The combination of natural scenery and playable design is the course’s strongest advantage. A round here feels distinctly different from golf in a traditional parkland setting.
Players get mountain views, desert vegetation, rolling terrain, lakes, bunkers, and carefully maintained green spaces throughout the course.
That balance makes The Highlands at Dove Mountain a worthwhile stop for both local golfers and visitors exploring golf around Tucson.
