The Gallery (North)

A “gallery” elicits thoughts of viewing something beautiful and indeed The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson has many impressive desert landscapes and mountain narrows to consider. That said, if you find your way into one of the bunkers on the North course, you may not be able to see much at all. Architect John Fought, working with PGA pro Tom Lehman, use a style of bunker throughout where it’s very easy to enter from the back, while the bunker faces are steep and significant.

Two of the best holes come at the conclusion of the front nine: No. 8 is a short par four, featuring a carry across a sandy wash to the fairway. The angled fairway invites daring players to carry more sand for a better approach angle from the left, while conservatives can play it safe to the right instead.

No. 9 is less strategic, with more emphasis on pure muscle. From the back tees, this monster plays more than 725 yards; a true three-shotter for some, and a true four-shotter for many.

The No. 15 par three features multiple greens, depending on your day of play. Although the deep sand hazards are nifty, one of the coolest features will be the rope bridge to the putting surface.