Fred Enke Golf Course

About Fred Enke Golf Course

Fred Enke is the odd one out among Tucson's city courses, the only desert-target layout of the bunch, out on East Irvington Road on the far east side. Grass covers the tees, the landing areas and the greens, and the rest is native desert. The scorecard treats all of it as a red penalty area, so a ball hit sideways usually costs you a stroke. The greens are big and the landing areas are generous, so if you keep it in play there are birdies out there. The map survey shows no water holes and about 39 bunkers. Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data.

It's par 72, 6,756 yards from the blues (71.4 rating, 130 slope) and 4,996 from the reds, with combo tees in between. The city recommends a cart because the ground is hilly. The course is irrigated with reclaimed water, and the scorecard warns about snakes.

Dick Phelps and Brad Benz designed it, and it opened in 1983. Ken Kavanaugh later renovated it. It carries the name of Fred Enke, the University of Arizona coach whose sports included golf.

It's one of 27 courses Yoink watches in the Tucson area, and the closest alternative is Rolling Hills Golf Course, about 3 miles away — handy when your first choice is booked solid.

What it's like to play Fred Enke Golf Course

11 of the 18 holes bend, most of them to the right, which favors a fade, so position off the tee matters more than length.

Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data (ODbL).

Booking a tee time at Fred Enke Golf Course

Book online through the Troon booking site that Tucson City Golf links to (Public, City Card or Troon Access rates) or call (520) 791-4653. If you have a Tucson City Card, show it at check-in to get your rate. Mega Pass holders book through the city's own booking engine.

How to get a tee time at Fred Enke Golf Course