Click here to listen. Think golf is crazy in the U.S.? Course architect Ron Garl tells podcast host Dave Berner about the extraordinary lengths that are being taken on a course Garl is designing in China. And by extraordinary, we mean extraordinary. “We are building the new Great Wall of China in the Pacific Ocean,” Garl says, detailing a 30-foot-high wall actually in the ocean that will have some holes built behind it. But that’s hardly the only uniquely striking thing about this golf course with two and a half miles of oceanfront property some 45 minutes from Shanghai. The course developers ... full post »

Click here to listen! The Disney World empire has overshadowed everything in the Orlando, Florida area for years. But golf is emerging as an important partner to the vacation capital of the U.S. There are an estimated 150 golf courses in the Orlando area. If this were the case anywhere outside the shadow of Mickey Mouse, a golf destination like this would be considered world class. Orlando may not be quite there yet but golf is gaining on Disney World. Since the late 1990s some 20 new golf courses have been built here, more than almost any metropolitan area in the world. This ... full post »

Click here to listen. Legendary Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. hosts the 2006 U.S. Open beginning Thursday, June 15. Just how tough is this golf course? TravelGolf.com’s Chris Baldwin got a chance to play the famed track recently and talks with host Dave Berner about what challenges lie ahead for the world’s best golfers. “A lot of people talk about the rough at Winged Foot, which is severe and striking,” Baldwin said. “But I thought the greens were even tougher. That’s really where the course can kill you.” With the Open being held so close to New York City, golf fans ... full post »

Click here to listen! With the LPGA breaking in new stars, old stars resurfacing and Annika Sorenstam in a slump, this year’s McDonald’s LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola should be the most interesting in years, says host Dave Berner. Guest William K. Wolfrum says look for Lorena Ochoa over the big names like Karrie Webb and Annika. Wolfrum also expects to see Michelle Wie in the hunt, hot off her men’s U.S. Open qualifying round at Canoe Brook Country Club. Meanwhile, Shanks recently played the host course, Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace, Md., and has a review for listeners. After all, ... full post »