Wind a Major Factor at Gallery Classic at Mission Hills Country Club

The third annual Gallery Classic is in full swing this weekend at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, and wind is proving to be a game-changer—especially on the final stretch of holes.

NBC Palm Springs’ Caitlyn Kelley caught up with sports writer Judd Spicer, who noted that the course’s final four holes—especially the par-5 18th on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course—play directly into the prevailing wind. “It totally takes Eagle out of play,” said Spicer. “It turns it into a three-shot hole, which is exactly what we saw from co-leader Bernhard Langer today.”

The tournament features seven World Golf Hall of Famers, including Langer, who will have to navigate the challenging wind conditions if they hope to stay atop the leaderboard. “If they’re kind of coasting throughout the round—hang on,” said Spicer. “There are going to be some bogeys coming in.”

Pin placement is also a factor. Friday’s pin was set at the front of the 18th green—an island green—while Saturday’s round may shift the pin to the back. According to Spicer, that could actually make the hole slightly easier due to the green’s severe slope from back to front.

With more action to come, NBC Palm Springs’ Tim O’Brien will be on-site Saturday with a full recap at 5 and 6 p.m., alongside continued coverage from Judd Spicer.

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