This Week at TravelGolf.com: July 20, 2004

Todd Hamilton seems like a fine man. He's paid his dues and deserves all the praise in the world after winning the British Open last weekend. So why is it that his win rang a bit hollow here in the newsroom?

Probably because the Open Championship appears to be turning into the Tucson Open, where previously unknown winners are the norm. Ben Curtis was a nice story and we all were all pleased for the Ohio native, but this is getting ridiculous. Shouldn't Hamilton at least have to win the John Deere Classic before hoisting the Claret Jug? Take nothing away from Hamilton's impressive win, but it seems like someone like Ernie Els or Phil Mickelson would be a more fitting champion.

To learn more about Hamilton, check out associate editor Dave Berner's story on the Open champion's home course, Hend-Co Hills Golf Club in tiny Biggsville, Ill.. Also this week, be sure to check out our usual full roster of reviews and travel features, plus a sampling of letters we've received this month. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic. Have a great week.

Northern New Mexico
beckons for many golfers

Wanting to escape the heat this summer to a cooler climate and a cool round of golf? Then consider letting this golfing wanderlust pass over the border into the high deserts of New Mexico. As we discovered, New Mexico is an under-advertised stronghold for some of the country's best high desert golf. For a state with just over 100 courses, the quality of the product is something to be reckoned with.

Full story | New Mexico Golf Courses

USGA was wrong to ban
saucy calendar of LPGA's Gulbis

National Golf Editor Tim McDonald sees some inconsistencies with the way the LPGA and USGA look at women golfers. Earlier this month the USGA would not allow player Natalie Gulbis' new calendar to be sold at the U.S. Women's Open. On the other hand, as McDonald points out in this commentary, it's sold openly and brazenly at the Canadian Open and the LPGA openly endorses it on its Web site. What gives?, he asks.

Full story | Column: Mallon and Sharapova

Former TravelGolf.com
associate editor criticizes story to SATW

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has blasted TravelGolf.com for a Caribbean story that CTO spokesman Richard Kahn described as "inflammatory." The story and its aftermath resulted in the dismissal of Dale Leatherman, associate editor of CaribbeanGolf.com, one of the 40 sites under the umbrella of TravelGolf.com.

Full story | Safe golf in the Caribbean