This article is the most bigoted and opinionated waste of space on the internet. Consider the fact there are millions of Hispanic and African American citizens, not to mention Arab-Americans, Italian-Americans, Asian-Americans, Scotland and Ireland do not seem countries where the locals look so 'American' anymore. Of course, expecting this minimal consideration from this ignorant author is presumably too much. Dubai and Turkey are extremely safe places for Americans, Dubai has a population that is 80% foreigners, of which a great portion is Westerners. Turks are a secular country and host 25 million mostly western tourists every year, including half a million Americans (http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=72799).
Fortunately, most Americans are not solely dimwit descendent's of Irish immigrants and can imagine other, more exotic destinations and will contribute to the growth of other golf destinations.

It's spelled "descendants," Hercules.

Even a drunk, Irish dimwit can spell that.

Tim, although Hiristos did let himself down at the end by insulting my wonderful Irish grandfather, his main points were accurate. Your comment re Ireland & Scotland, did sound bigoted. Also having lived in the Middle East for many years - Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Dubai, I think Americans would feel pretty much at home and very safe in the latter. Turkey probably too exotic and "un-Americanised", however, for the likes of Boo and friends.

A recent poll showed that a full 91 percent of Turks "disapprove" of America.

Of course, I'd like to add my name to that list, as it relates to the Bush administration.

Also, I wasn't saying Americans should NOT go to these places. I'm simply saying they won't, for various reasons, not the least of which is Turkey's extremely unfavorable view of America.

tim,

I don't know where you lefties come up with all these poll results, especially from a place like Turkey.

But if 91% of Turks don't like America or Americans, that only proves their profound ignorance.

They do have an excuse, though. They most probably get their impression of America from Al-Jazeera and other radical Muslim sources.

What's your excuse?

Alex USMC 1969-73

tim,

I don't know where you lefties come up with all these poll results, especially from a place like Turkey.

But if 91% of Turks don't like America or Americans, that only proves their profound ignorance.

They do have an excuse, though. They most probably get their impression of America from Al-Jazeera and other radical Muslim sources.

What's your excuse?

Alex USMC 1969-73

I get all the information I need from the current Bush administration. Thankfully, all the damage they've done for the last seven years is coming to an end.

tim,

Spoken like a true left-wing kook.

Tell me, young man, how do you get to travel so much?

To hear the lefties tell it, all their comstitutional rights have been abrogated, and they are on the no-fly list.

And your still free to to spout your liberal, anti-Bush tirades on these boards. How is this allowed to happen? I guess the Bush secret police haven't gotten wise to you yet.

Alex USMC 1969-73

Alex, you are WELL beyond the point of having reasoned discourse with, so I won't even try.

I'm not going to waste my precious time on people like you.

tim,

Yes, the "reasoned discourse" of the far left kooks is precious.

Like Rosie O'Donnell's insistence that the 9-11 attacks were an inside job orchestrated by the Bush administration. Like the kooks stating that Bush caused the levees to fail in New Orleans. Like the tin-foil hat lefties saying that jet plane vapor trails are chemicals being sprayed on the citizenry by Bush for the purpose of mind control.

That, mind friend, is just some of the reasoned discourse representative of the far left, of which you are a proud member.

You might find a high percentage of Brits, including Scots, who disapprove of Bush (and Blair) administrations, but it doesn't make them dislike Americans, Tim, or make them lefties, Alex. The same percentage of Turks probably disapprove of UK for the same reason, but I have never heard of any antipathy to British tourists. My point is that your comments may serve to reinforce prejudices (particularly the reference to Dubai) rather than dispel them. Hope you do get a chance to go to Dubai (and take it) 'though wouldn't recommend the course in Kuwait, - - at least I wouldn't risk retrieving any balls o/b!!

Wendy, well-said and a good point.

Actually, I may be taking a trip to Dubai soon.

wendy(uk),

I've been to Europe, both the continent and the UK, three times since October 2001.

With a single exception in Charles DeGaulle airport, I have never seen any of the virulent anti-Americanism that is supposedly sweeping over Europe.

And the folks in the former Warsaw Pact countries like Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, treat Americans as they would their best friends, which, of course, we are.

Alex USMC 1969-73

Tim, I hope you take your wife and have a wonderful time. Don't get me wrong - Dubai is my least favourite Gulf destination in some respects, but the golf (and safety) is excellent. Oman is the real jewel - both the country and the people.

Alex, although I think that the majority of Europeans (including UK and Spain) were/are anti the Iraq invasion, I am sure that doesn't equate to anti-Americanism per se. The only country I have lived in which I found faintly (not virulently) anti-American was indeed France. Some of the reasons I understand, whilst not agreeing with them, some have been ingrained and perpetuated even in their history books. However, my favourite French singer is a guy called Michel Sardou. One of his songs is a war tribute entitled "Les Ricains" - along the lines of "If the (Ame)Ricains had not been there", and it was always greeted with rapturous applause at his concerts, so some people can still think for themselves. Sarkozy might make a bit of difference. Anyway, the French/British relationship is not all sweetness and light either. I met my French husband whilst working for an American company in Paris and both of us are pro-American, whilst being on opposite sides of the fence regarding Iraq. I have also been to the States on both business and vacation and cannot speak highly enough of how welcoming everyone was - except for your infamous immigration authorities.

To get back to golf - my favourite player is also American (no, not TW or MW), and, I'm slightly ashamed to say, not 100% totally related to his golf prowess - but then reading the comments on these blogs re the female players, why should I be?!

Well, who is he?

I wouldn't be able to take the stick which would surely follow. Shanks & RonMon - if you read this, I will pay you good money for your discretion. You know my alternative option!

wendy(uk),

Your favorite must be John Daly.

Alex

Nope - JD and I have in common that we smoke too many cigarettes and drink too much alcohol, but I don't have his destructive relationships. I am not self-delusional enough to think that anyone can save him from himself although I wish him all the best. My favourite golfer would not approve of me. The only thing we have in common is that we both putt having ensured no markings visible on the ball to distract us.

Wendy, the Woman of Mystery.

Honestly, it's not that interesting at all - I was merely trying to establish my credentials as pro-American with my favourite player actually being American (although Luke Donald is a runner-up)plus a very little dig at the postings re the physical attributes of the LPGA.

Here's another good way to establish your street cred:

"favorite"

not "favourite"

just kidding

I'll humor you - on this one occasion.

You're a Georgia peach and a British rose.