Rio Secco

There are few instances where a golf club’s training facility takes precedence over the golf course itself, but Rio Secco might just fit the bill. That’s less about the club’s infrastructure and more that Butch Harmon, one of the foremost instructors in the game, is based out of the club. Harmon has taught Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, among other golf Hall of Famers.

Still, one should take the time to consider the course at Rio Secco as well. It’s a Rees Jones design that demonstrates the architect’s evolving mindset over the years. It opened during 1997 as a championship test, reminiscent of that era, however a 2017 renovation led Jones to create more playability, including forward tees. Still, if one really demands utmost challenge from the route, it can be stretched to a maximum distance of more than 7,400 yards.

The title translates to “dry river,” and that takes on multiple meanings during a round. On one hand, several of the fairways on the front nine weave through a small canyon, whose steep walls provide boundaries. On other holes, players make jumps over desert washes and arroyos...dry creeks, if not dry rivers.