On our way to the great White Stallion Ranch, where my wife and I went on a week-long combined horseback riding and golf vacation, I had the chance to play my first ever desert course at the private La Paloma Country Club at Catalina Foothills (Tucson), Arizona. I had never played golf in more than 38°C before and loved the extra mobility to swing that the intense heat brings. Unfortunately, my game wasn't any better because of that. Well, let's not blame the Jack Nicklaus design or the views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. (Photo © Tucson Golf Estates)