Previously the regular stop for this second-tier major had been the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, but too many rain soaked days at that venue at this time of the year resulted in the organisers moving the event to the picturesque, highly-rated desert location at Dave Mountain in 2007 with great success.

The new venue, which also boasts an award-winning North Course, has received high praise from the players, organisers, sponsors and TV networks alike and should once again provide a stern test for the World's top golfers, all of whom, with the sole exception of injured Brett Wetterich, will be teeing it up there in this five-day event on Wednesday.

In addition to it's 36 holes of spectacular golf, The Gallery Golf Club includes an award-winning 28,000 square-foot clubhouse which includes a restaurant with both indoor and terrace dining, and a stand-alone, 12,000 square-foot sports and fitness club.

It is a privately owned, non-equity golf club currently offering memberships at $65,000.

THE SOUTH COURSE
Nominated as one of Golf Digest's 100 Best Courses, John Fought's Gallery South Course differs from The North Course in both terrain and in it's architectural scheme.

A par 72 and playing 7,351 yards off the championship tees, the South Course is renowned for its raised, Donald Ross-like turtle backed greens and surrounds, wide fairways, two great risk and reward par fours that are drivable and its stunning long-range mountain views.

It has a USGA Course Rating of 74.0 and USGA Slope Rating of 142 from the back tees and it's inland links style is reminiscent of Donald Ross' Pinehurst No 2.

It is located in a pristine Sonoran desert setting in the heart of the golf resort community of Dove Mountain, just north of Tucson and has been listed as one of Golf Digest's 100 Best Courses.

It has also been ranked 17th on Golfweek's 'America's Best New Courses list' and came in at no 52 on the magazine's 'Top 100 Best Residential Courses' list.

The older North Course, which, in its own right, can boast of being an award winning championship course, is also a John Fought creation, but in this case he was assisted by major winner and former US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman when he designed the course

SOUTH COURSE DETAILS:
- Year Built: 2003
- Architect: John Fought
- Course rules: Soft spikes and Proper Golf Attire Required.

TOUR THE COURSE
You can tour the course by going to it's official website at http://www.gallerygolf.com/ clicking on 'Golf Courses' and then on the link 'Take a virtual tour of the South Course'.

COURSE AMANETIES:
- Modern practice facilities with tuition available
- Luxury Lockers and showers -
Fashionable pro-shop with a wide range of equipment

THE GALLERY SPORTS CLUB
This ultra-modern 12,000 square foot multi-purpose stand-alone facility offers a complete line of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment as well as various programs including golf specific training, yoga, pilates, tai chi, and group exercise classes. Certified personal trainers and personal care services - massage, facials and more - are also available.
The sports club also includes:
- A Patio Café where light snacks and drinks are available>- An Olympic size lap and recreational pool
- Four Tennis Courts with professional teachers on its Staff
- Basketball and sand volleyball courts
- facilities for bocce ball and croquet
- Executive Locker rooms

RATES:
The rates are the fees charged per round (on all days of the week if you are not booking accommodation with the club) and include green fees, shared cart fees and all taxes.
- Jan 8 to April 15, 2007 (6.30am - 6.29pm) - $198
- April 16 to May 13 (6.30am - 6.29pm) $133
- May 14 to 31 (6.30am - 6.29pm) $78
- Aug 1 to Sept 30 (6.30am - 6.29pm) R78

CONTACT:
You can contact the Gallery Golf Club at info@gallerygolf.com