I realize that might be one of the most obvious thoughts I've ever fired off, but as someone who would practically have to be bribed to play 18 holes, I just can't fathom why someone would travel across the continent to pay to play a game.

this piece from the Calgary Sun is an interesting look at Tucson and its courses from a far-northern perspective.

“With the desert, it’s almost like looking at a picture or a movie for the first time. Playing in the desert and looking out into the desert, it’s almost like it’s not real,” said Bob O’Brian, director of golf at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon.

“You don’t go out into the desert too deep because the vegetation all has thorns, so you’re playing in a very refined area but your surroundings are so rugged. There’s so much vegetation and wildlife and things like that. It really is a different experience.

“Our golf courses are maintained perfectly, but you look around at the desert and it’s just a wild, natural state.”

You could say the same about the entire city of Tucson, which is surrounded by five separate mountain ranges. The result is a stunning backdrop for golf courses and memorable sunsets, made even better by the local slogan, ‘When the mountains turn pink, it’s time to drink.’

Good stuff, though I've got to admit that I've never heard that saying before. And from the looks of our bar scene, it seems that it doesn't matter what color the mountains are; any time is good enough to drink.

Either way: Canadian Golf!