Tubac’s Rancho 9 re-opens after greens renovation

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa in Tubac, Arizona, recently completed a greens renovation on its Rancho Nine, planting new Dominator bentgrass greens. With Tubac’s Otero Nine undergoing a similar greens renovation in 2023, the 27-hole property now has 18 holes with Dominator bentgrass greens, currently rolling at a smooth 9.5 on the Stimpmeter.

Tubac’s agronomy team worked on the Rancho Nine green enhancement project over six months, also restoring the original slopes on the greens and refreshing and extending the Bermudagrass collars around each green in the process.

In July, crews removed the former bentgrass greens on all nine holes, fully excavating the sand on holes 4 and 8 down to the original gravel. Greens were rebuilt over the subsequent months using new sand, then sodded with the Dominator bentgrass in late September. The Rancho Nine reopened for public and resort guest play in November.

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since we reopened Rancho, with players praising the course’s exceptional conditions,” resort GM Hank Swiggett said. “Bentgrass greens are known for delivering smooth and consistent putting surfaces as the short blades and dense growth allow the ball to roll true. We’re planning to resurface the greens on our Anza Course in 2026, giving us 27 holes with bentgrass greens.”

Dominator bentgrass is a certified greens-quality blend of two top performing creeping bentgrass varieties, 007 and Tyee, selected for its superior green quality. Dominator bentgrass is known for being resistant to stress and disease and growing well in the cool season.

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is located on the historic Otero Ranch, which dates to the 1700s. Designed by Red Lawrence, the 27-hole championship facility stretches across the rolling terrain of Arizona’s Santa Cruz River Valley. Featured in the iconic film Tin Cup starring Kevin Costner, Tubac is known for its lush fairways framed by centuries-old cottonwoods, scenic water features, and stunning views of the Santa Rita Mountains.