Mark Mulder’s Home Away From Home

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

	Mark Mulder

TUCSON, AZ – Oakland Athletics rookie phenom Mark Mulder is one third of the American League’s golfing pitchers triumvirate, which also features Oakland All-Stars Gil Heredia and Tim Hudson. This threesome plays across Arizona during spring training, each trying to out-duel the other two.

For the moment, while Mulder hasn’t achieved the success of his two counterparts on the field, on the links he takes their money routinely. These three hope to one day match baseball’s ultimate trio of pitching golfers: Atlanta’s Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. They hope to match them, of course, on both the links and on the diamond.

	Heritage Highlands

Mark, a southpaw on the diamond, plays golf right-handed. His long, smooth swing, accentuated by his six-feet six-inch frame, powers the ball out nearly 300 yards off the tee. His wedge game and putting stroke are deadly. It’s easy to see why he cleans up on his two pitching buddies.

During the Tucson Open Celebrity Shootout, I asked Mark where he likes to play. “When I’m in Tucson I always try to stop at Heritage Highlands,” he responded. This renowned Arthur Hills design is one of Tucson’s top layouts, featuring stunning views, natural desert beauty, and a bevy of challenging holes.

	Heritage Highlands

Once on the course, you’ll notice that it’s in pristine condition. Slick, smooth greens are Heritage Highlands trademark and are raved about throughout Southern Arizona. The flatter front nine is a good warm-up for what truly makes the course special, the back nine.

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Next is "Arthur's Hill," a 359-yard par 4 which is both interesting and fun to play. The fairway is up a hill and leaves a wedge down to a green more than fifty-feet below. Desert separates the two tiers, so accuracy off the tee is crucial. From the tee, the view of the Tortolita Mountain is astounding and kicks off the final stretch of holes, all based around "Arthur's Hill" and the beautiful, natural surroundings.

	Heritage Highlands

Heritage Highlands culminates with a 400-yard, dogleg left par 4. Bunkers line both sides of the fairway, eager to capture drives that are too short to carry the dogleg or that run through the fairway. On the approach, you’re left with an uphill shot to a large, receptive green with a bunker on the front right. Take plenty of club to get it to the hole. Once on the green, take advantage of the fine putting surface and make a good stroke on the right line for birdie.

	Heritage Highlands

Heritage Highlands Golf Club
4949 West Heritage Club Boulevard
Marana, Arizona 85653
1-866-444-0992 (602-910-6821)
Round: $125
www.heritagehighlands.com

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