The entrance to Omni Tucson National Golf Resort was nearly vacant.
The driving range, framed by the Santa Catalina Mountains on a stunningly clear day, went relatively unused.
The merchandise and concession stands were still being set up.
The sprawling resort-style pool saw more action than No. 18.
Monday at the Tucson Conquistadores Classic was about charging up the batteries. This is going to be a hectic week.
But there wasn’t much going on during the opening day of the Conquistadores Classic.
Life was how it’s meant to be at the Tucson National resort: relaxed.
With the Pro-Am not set to start until Wednesday and the tournament not officially beginning until Friday, Monday was still mostly about preparation.
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By mid-afternoon, just three players had been on the course to get a first-hand look at the conditions.
Most of the players in the 81-man field were still arriving Monday in advance of the tournament. Several of their caddies walked the course with their yardage books to get an advance look at the course for their employers.
That was the most action the course saw all day.
Dozens of spectators popped up throughout the course to get some walking in and look for their favorite golfers. Former Arizona State Sun Devil and two-time Phoenix Open champion Bob Gilder was one of the few golfers in the field to roam Tucson National.
John Huston, a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour and a one-time winner on the Champions Tour, got some work in on a lonely driving range.
But starting Tuesday, things should pick up at Tucson National.
The monster Conquistador Club, set up near the 18th green, will open for the week and host a St. Patrick’s Day party for pro-am participants at night. The club will eventually turn into the main spot to monitor NCAA tournament action starting Thursday.
Most of the field is also expected to be on the course for some pre-tournament practice as well.
Crowd numbers should also pick up as professional golf continues its return to Tucson National. The gallery will surely increase as the week goes on and the 81 golfers compete for the winning share of the $1.7 million purse.
So rest up. It’s going to be a busy week at Tucson National — even if it takes a little bit to get going.
