Golf & Travel with Shane Sharp

Do you know of the availability of golf fairway illuminators for night golf?

Kind regards
BArry Robertson
Christchruch New Zealand

Glad that's not a niche question or anything. I say play it in the dark. Use the force or something.

where is the longest drive competition currently being held

Mick,

It is typically in Mesquite, NEV

Hi Shane,
Is it true you travel all over the place to golf? If so, where do you recommend a girl go for great golf and a good spa treatment?
Love, Tammy

TLS -- I golf all over the U.S. but don't spend much time overseas. You have one of the all time great golf and spa facilities right in your back yard, Doral. But if you'd like to trade in the wet heat for dry heat, head to Scottsdale, Ariz. The Dale has to be the golf/spa capital of the world. The Boulders, Troon North Four Seasons, the Princess Resort -- the list goes on and on.

Thanks Shane,
You're such a great help. One more thing...in your opinion, what's the best course in Florida?
Love, Tammy Lynn

IMHO it's Seminole. Since none of us can play there, I'll give you another -- TPC Sawgrass Stadium, home of the Players Championship and one of the most famous holes in the world, the par-3 17th with its island green. After that, let's try Ocean Hammock, Camp Creek and Doral's Blue Monster.

Hey Shane,
What do you think of golf in Myrtle Beach? Do you think it's the best golf destinationin the US, or do you think Arizona is becoming a bigger golf destination than the Carolinas?

It's not the best. It's the biggest. But Myrtle gets a bad rap as the K_mart of the golfing world, when it's not even close. You can make a good argument that four of the top ten courses in the state are in the Grand Strand. Does that help?

What's the most you'd pay for a round of golf?
Do you think some courses are charging too much these days?

the most i've paid? about $30. I'm in the media -- remember. Golf is way too expensive. If I wasn't in the biz I wouldn't pay more than $50 to play on an average weekend.

Who could surprise at the Masters? Does Phil have a real shot?

Phil has a great shot. If I was a betting man, which I am, I'd say Phil is among the 3-4 favorites. He really hasn't played a bad round of golf this season. But look for a long hitter to win. Last year was an aberration.

Thing about the Masters is it produces few bona fide surprise winners. There's the occasional Larry Mize, but look at that list of winners -- I doubt we'll ever see a Ben Curtis dawning the GJ.

what's the best course in the US you've played?

From a sheer reverential standpoint, I'd say Pinehurst No. 2. From a conditioning and WOW factor perspective, probably PGA West Dye, or Mirabel in Scottsdale

Do you know anything about golf in Mexico? What would be a good golf destination?

Brett -- Los Cabos is one of THE hottest golf destinations in the world. It is also one of the most expensive. If money's no object, go to Cabo and go NOW. The Yucatan Penn. is hot right now as well.

Shameless plug, but check out http://www.travelgolfmexico.com/

Do you know any places in the Southwest I can take my family where I can golf and there are activities for the kids as well?

Larry -- plenty to do in Phoenix, Scottsdale. ML Baseball and a few small amusement parks. Depends on how old. Prescott's a fun family place. A number of good courses a lot of people don't know about and plenty of ecotouring to do.

What about Disneyworld? I heard there are some good courses around there. Do you think they're worth playing since I'll be down there with the kids anyway.

I am a little concerned about checking my clubs at the airport when i travel. I've heard some horror stories. Have you ever had any problems?

In Las Vegas. They took my bag apart. Otherwise it has been smooth sailing. Just make sure you have a hard cover.

what's the best island in the Caribbean for golf? i notice some cruise companies offer golf packages. would you recommend these?

We've had a couple writers on Caribbean golf cruises and they've totally enjoyed them. Puerto Rico is probably the most golf rich of the islands, but with the courses come the crowds.

Thanks. I've heard good things about Puerto Rico too. What about the Dominican? Do you know if there are any good golf courses there? It's a lot cheaper than Puerto Rico.

The DM is awesome. Dye For -- a new P.B. Dye course is getting rave reviews. And P.B.'s dad Pete designed THE seminal Caribbean course on the DM -- Teeth of the Dog.

Meant to say P.B.'s uncle -- Pete.

Thanks everyone. Look forward to doing it again soon.