This Week at TravelGolf.com: August 10, 2004

This week's PGA Championship should start with complaints about the challenging layout at Whistling Straits and end with another charismatic charge from John Daly as he secures a well-deserved spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team. In between, we'll honor course designer Pete Dye and enjoy the drama at the year's final major.

Built along the shores of Lake Michigan, the links-styled course is the longest in major championship history at 7,514 yards. With three par 4s at least 500 yards and the shortest par 5 measuring 569 yards, players such as Daly should be able to make a strong run at the title. We're not as optimistic about Tiger Woods' chances, despite his promising showing at the Buick Open two weeks ago. With more than 1,000 bunkers at Whistling Straits, we're guessing Phil Mickelson avoids most of them and pulls away late to secure his second major of the year.

While we TiVo the early rounds of the PGA, we'll continue to bring you a full slate of reviews and travel features, including news from Myrtle Beach, where Tim McDonald reports on a record-setting summer. "Better weather, better access and a general economic upturn are some of the reasons cited," he writes. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic. Have a great week.

PGA is set to honor
busy designer Pete Dye

Sitting in his home outside Indianapolis, Ind., recently, Pete Dye couldn't stop talking about the weather in Virginia where his crews were stalled by poor weather. Although Dye, who is in his 80s, is showing no signs of slowing down with multiple golf course projects in the works, he took time to talk with Staff Writer John Clayton about his past and future plans. It was a rare moment of reflection for the world-famous golf course designer who is slated to receive the 2004 PGA Distinguished Service Award this week.

Full story | More feature stories

Golf isn't just a 'sport,'
it's the hardest of them

Nothing irritates National Golf Editor Tim McDonald more than to hear the statement: "Golf isn't a sport." To which McDonald says he would respond: Which sport is the most difficult? The answer: golf. As McDonald writes, the problem with the question is one of presumption. Those who question whether golf is a real sport presume that a sport requires only the physical abilities.

Full story | Commentary: USGA wrong to ban calendar

Reading the greens,
and more, in Mississippi

There are plenty of books that could give you the flavor of Natchez, Monmouth Plantation and other Mississippi staples, but what's the fun in that. John Gordon has put together a fun little guide for you that includes everything from history to golf to food, so get out and enjoy the Delta. Start your tour in the state capital of Jackson and enjoy the many surprises along the way.

Full story | Visit GulfCoastGolf.com