About

Our Story

From the cotton fields grew legendary golf and a scenic resort.

Back in the early 60’s, a successful Chicago businessman named Sam Nanini decided the time was right to cash in on a speculative real estate investment he had made outside Tucson, Arizona. Nanini had purchased a Tucson cotton field with a dream of someday building a world-class championship golf course.

The completion of the club in 1961 coincided with Mr. Naninis’ chance meeting with a promising amateur golfer from Ohio State, who was about to turn pro. Nanini saw much promise in the young golfer and made him an offer. That young man was Jack Nicklaus. The original endorsement deal that brought Nicklaus and Tucson National together at the start of their brilliant golf success stories served as the cornerstone for Tucson National’s international acclaim and reputation. Tucson National proudly enjoyed being represented by Jack Nicklaus in those early days. Legendary is the word we now use for both Tucson National and Jack Nicklaus.

Tucson National began hosting the PGA Tours’ Tucson Open in 1965 and continued that tradition until 2006. The legends of golf have all played at Tucson National - Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, Watson, Kite, Miller and more. The early tournaments were celebrity-hosted by Dean Martin and others.

In the 70’s, 12 guestrooms were added for the members’ usage. At that time, these rooms were not open to the public. Tucson National, the resort, was born in the early 80’s with the addition of 155 rooms and suites, and an additional 9-hole course. The resort opened its doors to the public in 1986.

Bob Rowling, CEO of the Shoreline Operating Company, purchased Tucson National in 1990. In 1996, Shoreline expanded with the acquisition of the Omni Hotels Group. That is when Tucson National became Omni Tucson National Resort. Under Mr. Rowling’s direction, Omni Hotels grew to over 60 luxury class properties across North America. Since purchasing the hotel, millions of dollars have been spent enhancing the guest experience, the rooms, the spa and the beauty of the property.

Four Star, Four Diamond Awards, 128 guestrooms, 36 holes of championship golf, Forbes 4-star award winning world class spa, three restaurants including Bob’s Steak & Chop House, two outdoor swimming pools and four lighted tennis courts, makes Omni Tucson National Resort the ideal Club for socializing, relaxing and enjoying a good round of golf.