He returned to Arizona inspired by elements of Donald Ross’ masterpiece — elements that the 48 players in this week’s LIV Golf Tucson field will encounter.

Of particular note are the turtleback greens unique to No. 2. While larger in size than the Pinehurst greens, the South course’s greens do have a similar shape that will repel poorly struck approach shots.

“Many of the greens have very defined cupping areas that are relatively flat but protect the hole locations with surrounding slopes that roll off away from the putting surfaces,” Gallery course superintendent Mark Soto said. “The greens are all very interesting with multiple hole locations that test the best players, especially when the speed of the greens is at least 12 on the stimpmeter.”

The goal was to create a Ross-style course in the Sonoran desert. In addition to the turtleback-type greens, the holes were routed so that greens and tees are close together. Meanwhile, the course flows through the desert’s flora and fauna.

FACT CHECK

The Gallery, Tuscon. The Gallery Golf Club

• Previous occupants of the land include Native Americans from over 1,000 years ago. Artifacts and petroglyphs have been found throughout the Tortolita Mountains.
• There are several bridges throughout the course, including a 60-foot bridge at the 18th hole. The implementation of the bridges allows Soto and his team to leave the system of arroyos intact.
• Prior to construction, more than 650 native trees, 250 saguaros and many other cacti were salvaged to be re-planted post-construction. An additional 60,000 native shrubs were planted to create a tie-in to the surrounding fauna.
• The South course hosted elite-level match play events in 2007 (won by current LIV Golf member Henrik Stenson) and 2008 (won by Tiger Woods).

HOLES TO WATCH

No. 8: The 171-yard eighth is the shortest hole on the course, and the architect’s personal favorite par-3 hole. Plenty of risk and reward depending on the pin location.
No. 10: The 512-yard 10th plays as a par 5 for members, but will be a par 4 this week. It offers players a variety of options with a split fairway.
No. 4: The 496-yard par-4 fourth is one of just two holes on the course with a water feature, although it likely will not come into play for the pros. Even so, it’s arguably the South course’s best par 4 on the front side.

TURF TYPES

Greens: Bentgrass
All other surfaces: 328 Hybrid Bermudagrass

The post The lowdown on the South Course at The Gallery ahead of LIV Golf Tucson appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

• When: March 17-19, 2023
• Where: The Gallery Golf Club, Marana, Arizona
• Competition: 54 holes of stroke play
• Field: 48 players/12 teams
• Purse: $25 million ($20 million individual, $5 million team)
• Winner’s share: $4 million (individual), $3 million (team)

THE COURSE

The Gallery (South Course)
Par: 71
Yardage: 7,469

The South Course at The Gallery is no stranger to hosting the globe’s best golfers. For two years, the desert layout on Dove Mountain was the venue for the Match Play Championship. A solo design by John Fought — who also co-designed the North Course at The Gallery — the South Course has a style in many ways reminiscent of Donald Ross’ Pinehurst No. 2 with mounded green complexes and expansive fairways. Like its older brother, the South makes excellent use of the natural terrain to give the course a comfortable fit with the surroundings.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Phil Mickelson. LIV Golf

PHIL MICKELSON (HyFlyers captain)
The World Golf Hall of Famer won his first professional tournament in Tucson as a 20-year-old amateur during his college days at Arizona State and has six other pro wins in the state.

HENRIK STENSON (Majesticks co-captain)
The Swedish star has prior success at The Gallery South Course, having won the Match Play Championship in 2007. “Going to be fun to go back there,” Stenson said. “A little bit of a trip down memory lane. It’s been a few years.”

CHARLES HOWELL III (Crushers)
Winner of the season-opening LIV Golf Mayakoba, the 43-year-old Howell finished with an 8-under 63, the lowest final-round score by any LIV Golf individual winner.

PETER UIHLEIN (4 Aces)
The former top-ranked amateur golfer made his 4 Aces debut with a solo second at Mayakoba — his third runner-up finish in his last four regular-season LIV Golf starts.

MORE TO KNOW

• Five of this year’s 48 regulars in the LIV Golf League played collegiately in the state of Arizona. Phil Mickelson, Pat Perez, Paul Casey, Matt Jones and David Puig each attended Arizona State in Tempe.
• Two of Smash Captain Brooks Koepka’s 16 professional wins have come in Scottsdale, Arizona, just up the road from Marana.
• 4 Aces Captain Dustin Johnson hopes to rebound from his highest round as a LIV Golf member, having shot a 7-over 78 in the final round at Mayakoba to finish 37th individually. Johnson’s team, meanwhile, hope to continue their mastery in the States after winning all five LIV Golf Invitational Series tournaments played in the US last season. The 4 Aces finished second in Mayakoba.
• Cleeks Captain Martin Kaymer did not play in Mayakoba due to lingering wrist problems, and he is not expected back for Tucson. Replacement player Laurie Canter will once again fill his spot in the line-up.
• 24 players in Mayakoba contributed counting scores in all three rounds for their respective teams. Reminder that the three best scores on each team count each day toward the team competition leaderboard.
• Carlos Ortiz is in winning form, having lifted the trophy in a professional event in his native Mexico last week. That brings his career win total to six.

HOW TO WATCH

United States
The CW Network airs the LIV Golf League in 100 per cent of US markets.
Friday: Live on The CW app and LIV Golf Plus
Saturday and Sunday: Live on The CW Network, The CW app and LIV Golf Plus

Global
Broadcast in over 160 international territories live and on-demand, free of charge, via LIV Golf Plus. Available for download on iOS, Android, FireTV, and on LIVGolfPlus.com. Also airing on 12 international broadcast partners.

The post The Gallery gears up for LIV Golf Tucson — All you need to know appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.