A Look Ahead at the 2001
Touchstone Energy Tucson Open

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

	Omni Tucson National

Tucson, AZ - Boasting its strongest field in three years and an additional top-notch course, the 2001 Touchstone Energy Tucson Open should be one of the best in its history. The fun kicks off on Monday with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox Special Olympics Tournament, continues with the Celebrity Shootout and Pro-Am on Tuesday and Wednesday, and culminates with four action-packed rounds of PGA Tour golf. Here's a look ahead at Tucson's ultimate week of golf.

The Date: Due to the Tucson Open's schedule change, it's no longer opposite the Andersen Consulting World Championship, which took the top 64 players in the World Rankings and left Tucson with a field of up-and-comers, grinders, and players looking to regain their past form. Now, it's the first full-field event of the year.

Scheduled the same week as the Mercedes Tournament of Champions, only last year's Tour winners won't be in the field. While this takes away David Duval and Phil Mickleson, both Tucson favorites and past winners, it leaves available a very attractive potential field.

The Field: Tucsonans received a late Christmas present last Wednesday when fan favorite Fred Couples committed to play. This will be his first appearance since 1992. Tucson Open executive director Judy McDermott remarked, "We're excited about it. He's still a marquee player despite cutting back on his schedule."

	The Gallery

This is by far the strongest field since the PGA Tour began scheduling another tournament opposite the Open in 1999.

Because only 2000 Tour winners can play at the Mercedes, plenty of other star players are eligible and have expressed interest in competing in Tucson. Notable Europeans include Jose-Maria Olazabal, Bernhard Langer, Sergio Garcia, and Nick Faldo. Tour star Davis Love III and Australian teen phenom Aaron Baddelay have also contacted the Tucson Open about playing.

• Past Tucson Open Coverage • Course Review: The Gallery Golf Club • Omni Tucson National is Quiet Beacon of PGA Golf

The Courses: The Gary Panks-designed Omni Tucson National Golf Resort continues its role as host, but this year another venue has been added--The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain, which is in Marana, northwest of Tucson. With the tournament moving to January, another course was needed in order to host a full field.

The Gallery Golf Club, a Tom Lehman-John Fought design built in 1997, was invited to be the additional course where each golfer will play one opening round. Director of Golf Wade Dunagin quickly accepted the invitation and is eager to show off his new gem to the Tour, the hometown fans, and television viewers across the world.

One special aspect of The Gallery is that it will boast the second longest hole on this year's Tour schedule, the downhill, 725-yard par 5 #9. Bunkers line the fairway and a sparkling lake rests in front of the green. Only John Daly will have even a chance at reaching this mammoth par 5 in two.

However, don't assume that the rest of the field will just fire wedges at the hole and make birdies. It has a 25-yard-wide, two-tiered green with a steep front, guaranteeing that short approaches will roll down and into the lake. Without a doubt it will be fun to see the pros try their hand here.

	Omni Tucson National

On the back, the 420-yard, par 4 #13 is one of the prettiest holes for watching. In 1998, David Duval took a comfortable three-shot lead to the tee only to leave the green in a three way tie after his out-of-bounds drive resulted in a triple bogey. But if you want to watch the action from the grandstands, #9, #12, #17, and #18 all have bleachers behind the green.

The Gallery, on the other hand, has over 300 feet of elevation changes and is a pure desert course, making a quick skip to another hole impossible. Unless you want to follow your favorite group around, you'll be practically forced into sitting on the bleachers behind some of the holes. #9 will probably be the most intriguing hole to watch, but the beautiful 465-yard, par 4 #18 will be an excellent choice as well.

The Schedule:
Monday: Special Olympics Putting Clinic, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox Special Olympics Tournament, PGA Tour Pro-Am, and practice rounds
Tuesday: Celebrity Shootout, and practice rounds
Wednesday: Celebrity Pro-Am hosted by Vince Gill and Amy Grant with a field of celebrities, including NBA great Charles Barkley
Thursday: Bank of America Day. Show your BofA card and receive free admission
Friday: Senior Day. 55 and over receive free admission
Saturday: ABCO day. Show your ABCO card for free admission
Sunday: Tobacco-Free Ways Youth Day. All kids 17 and under accompanied by a paying adult receive free admission.

Daily tickets are only $15

With the strongest field in years, an additional superb venue, and a week-long schedule of fun events, the 2001 Tucson Open can't be missed.

Scott Behmer is the Southern Arizona Bureau Chief for GolfArizona.com. He can be reached at scott@travelgolf.com