This Week at TravelGolf.com: July 13, 2004

Imagine if flashy Jennifer Rosales - and not 41-year-old Meg Mallon - had won the U.S. Women's Open earlier this month. According to national golf writer Tim McDonald, the LPGA would have been delighted. Of course, you won't find any LPGA official supporting his position, but it does have some merit.

In McDonald's column on Mallon's win, he suggests the LPGA would benefit greatly if someone of Maria Sharapova's ilk won a major championship. While Sharapova is attracting plenty of new interest in women's tennis (presumably from the men in the audience) after winning Wimbledon, Mallon's victory is unlikely to provide much of a spark. None of this is Mallon's fault, but it does make for interesting sports talk in mid-July.

Speaking of McDonald, his name dominated our in-box again this week as readers sounded off on his recent columns about the USGA and men-only golf clubs and the Caribbean golf scene. This week, join us as we turn our attention to the British Open at Royal Troon with a special look at the host course. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic. Have a great week.

Bayonet, Black
Horse sprint to new heights

This complex is a must-play when you come to Monterey. Bring plenty of golf balls, your camera and enjoy. If you can't afford the golf where the rich folks play -- Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay -- this is your chance to experience more affordable, but equally as scenic golf and smell the fragrance that is the Pacific Ocean just within sight.

Full story | California Golf Courses

Vermont: The ins and
outs of Green Mountain golf

When it comes to golf, Vermont is not Myrtle Beach. But when you do manage to stumble onto one of the state's 70-plus layouts, you're likely to be rewarded with more charm and character than you'd find at any newly minted "golf destination." In fact, if you want to golf the Green Mountains, start by picking up a good road map and reading our golf overview. As Patrick White reports, everything in Vermont is up-close and personal.

Full story | Vermont Golf Courses

KZG Cobalt Driver:
Big drives from a 'smaller' club

After just over a half-dozen years in existence, KZG has built a reputation for both consistency and innovation. Despite the "smaller" than average 300cc head, the Cobalt delivers both feel and, crucially, length. "You get a solid metallic thwack each time the ball hits the sweetspot," writes equipment editor Kiel Christianson. Tastes may change, but off the tee it's a sure bet that gentlemen prefer bombs.

Full story | More Product Reviews