About Us
Tucson & Scottsdale Golf Vacations is a service-oriented corporation specializing in custom golf vacations, golf packages, golf schools, advanced tee times, tournament organization and corporate events for individuals and groups coming to Arizona from all over the world.
We believe service levels are slipping all over the country and we strive to provide the best customer service we can with an extensive knowledge of the area. Why call someone in the Midwest when you are looking to book a Tucson or Scottsdale golf vacation?
Our corporation is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona which allows us to offer the highest service levels. We understand that every vacation is different; for this reason, our vacations are custom priced for each group or individual guest. Not only do we want your business this year, we want your business every year!
We are a great choice for meeting planners. Corporate groups and large groups can be booked up to 3 years in advance. We guarantee all tee times 60-90 days in advance. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and checks.
Tucson & Scottsdale Golf Vacations is owned by two former, local golf professionals, Christopher Smith and Jay Warren, who have tremendous experience with tournament operations, teaching and playing.
We are a proud member of the Better Business Bureau and the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Owner, Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith was born July 24, 1971 in Danville, IL. Although not a native he has lived in Tucson (with the exception of 6 years) since 1972.
Chris served his country in the US Navy from 1990-1994. During his enlistment he earned numerous medals that included the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 bronze stars), and Kuwait Liberation Medal. He served on the USS Midway during operation Desert Storm in 1991 and operation Fiery Vigil in the evacuation of Clark Air Force Base after the explosion of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines.
- 1989 Graduated from Marana High School
- 1989 Pima Community College Golf Team
- 1990 Enlisted in the US Navy
- 1994 Honorably Discharged
- 1994 Pima Community College Golf Team
- 1997 Received a BS in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University
- 1998 Assistant Golf Club Professional
- 2000 Founded Tucson & Scottsdale Golf Vacations
- 2005 Founded Mountain Vista Real Estate & Vacation Rentals
Owner, Jay Warren
Jay was born May 19, 1973 in Coldwater, MI and comes from a family of five. Tucson natives are rare and Jay is also a transplant from Winchester, VA. Jay has lived in Tucson since August of 1995. They say 10 years makes you a "native."
- 1991 Graduated from John Handley H.S. in Winchester, VA
- 1991-92 Hampden-Sydney College Soccer Team
- 1991-95 Hampden-Sydney College Golf Team
- 1991-95 Sigma Nu Fraternity
- 1995 Graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in History and Spanish
- 1996 Assistant Golf Professional at The Golf Club at Vistoso
- 1998-00 Became Non-Member Head Professional/Director of Golf at The Golf Club at Vistoso
- 2000 Founded Tucson Golf Vacations, LLC
- 2005 Founded Mountain Vista Real Estate and Vacation Rentals
- 2009 Member of Tucson Conquistadores
Being lucky enough to be working around the game of golf and doing what I like daily... something my parents always told me to do.
Seeing a difference in Tucson, AZ as the destination grows and becomes more and more popular. The Accenture World Match Play Championships will play a major role in boosting Tucson as a destination and will introduce more people to the beauty of the Tucson desert and mountains.
Director of Golf Instruction, Dave Simm
Dave was born December 30, 1960 in Selma, Alabama. Because Dave's father was an Officer in the United States Air Force, the family moved around a lot, with stops in England and Germany, as well as Texas, Nevada, Oregon, and Virginia. After graduating from high school, Dave spent 2 years at the University of Hawaii as a member of the golf team. In 1981, he transferred to the University of Arizona, in Tucson, where he received a degree in Management Information Systems. After several years designing and implementing computer systems for business applications, Dave realized that the game of golf was still his strongest passion. In 1988, he joined the staff at Ventana Canyon Golf Club in Tucson as a PGA Apprentice, and has been helping golfers increase their enjoyment of the game ever since.
- 1979 Graduated from Kecoughtan High School, Hampton, Virginia
- 1979-81 University of Hawaii Golf Team
- 1981-84 University of Arizona, BS in Management Information Systems
- 1988 Joined the PGA of America as an Apprentice Professional
- 1988-2001 Assistant Professional, Head Professional, Director of Golf, General Manager at several Clubs in the Tucson area (Ventana Canyon, Raven GC, El Conquistador GC, Continental Ranch, Forty Niner CC, San Ignacio GC)
- 2001- Present Director of Golf Instruction at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort
- 2007 Director of Instruction for Arizona Golf Academy and Tucson Golf Vacations.
