This Week at TravelGolf.com: July 25, 2007

Sergio's Carnoustie choke can't hide joys of summer golf retreat trips up north

Anyone not named Al Gore who watched everyone bundled up in windbreakers, sweaters and rain pants at the British Open could not help but get a little wistful.

Summer in Scotland may not do wonders for a global warming presidential campaign to be, but it can sure make you yearn for the cool, great golf days of fall. Especially if you've been on the West Coast of the U.S. where it seems like the temperature's been permanently set at 115 degrees. Or in the large parts of Europe, the land that air conditioning forgot, where a crippling heat wave means morgues work overtime.

Then you turn on the TV and see the best golfers in the world gathered at at Carnoustie taking on the fashion sense of Eskimos.

Say this for the Scottish weather too: It saved us from some really ridiculous Sergio Garcia pants. He had zany red ones on Saturday, but had to cover them, and take on the look of a Wal Mart worker, because of the drizzle.

Too bad a little sideways July rain couldn't give Sergio something more below the belt. A teddy bear could scare Garcia half to death on a major Sunday.

While the gray skies and gray grass of Carnoustie may be locked into the nether reaches of Garcia's mind, along with his other nightmares like someone beating him out for the lead in Clueless II - it should be in the forefront for smart golfers everywhere.

That's because it reminds us all of the joys of that most overlooked golf trip: The cold weather summer escape. Leaving the freeze behind for a warm weather winter golf retreat is as expected as Lindsay Lohan in rehab. Myrtle Beach, Scottsdale and Florida - some of our very best golf destinations - exist on snowbirds.

But what about vacationing to get away from the oppressive heat, humidity or dry desert furnace blast of the summer? There are flee from the cauldron golf destinations that are every bit the equal of the winter swing havens.

San Diego, Whistler (heck, almost all of Canada is summer proof) and, of course, Scotland are great for chilling while everyone else sizzles.

Go ahead. Break out the windbreakers and red pants.

You're guaranteed to feel a whole lot cooler than Sergio Garcia right now.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Florida, Alabama offer the Gulf Coast's top island golf courses)

The Gulf Coast is known for Cajun cooking and casinos, but it's also got some great island golf courses. From the Florida Panhandle to southern Texas, golf courses pop up here like po'boy stands and barbecue joints. And while the Gulf Coast isn't blessed with as many "island golf courses" as Georgia or the Carolinas, it has its share. TravelGolf.com names its top picks, including Kiva Dunes and Craft Farms Coastal Golf Resort.

Also: Shalimar Pointe an oldie but goodie near Destin

Glitzy gambling and golf? Palm Springs bids to become a mini Las Vegas

Home to Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta, the Coachella Valley is being transformed into a golf-and-gambling destination, with a half-dozen casinos trying to lure luxury vacationers. That's right, it's no longer just about relaxation when golfing in Palm Springs: There's also action. And while it's no Las Vegas, the casino push can be seen in golf clubs like the new Eagle Falls Golf Course and the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

Travel tip: Avoid ripoffs, save big on Vegas golf trips

Donald Trump announces plans to buy New Mexico, turn it into golf resort

At a wild press conference in Albuquerque last week, entrepreneur Donald Trump announced plans to buy New Mexico and replace it with a sprawling golf resort he intends to call "Trump Southwest." Trump, who rode to the press conference on a stallion and wearing a hair net, told the gathering of reporters that his plans would not just lead to the creation of the universe's greatest golf resort but also save the nation from the scourge of illegal immigration.

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