This Week at TravelGolf.com: July 27, 2004

It took about 150 emails, but I finally came around on Todd Hamilton this week. For this sudden change, I can thank the dozens of emailers who wrote eloquently about Hamilton's journey to become the British Open champion. (Others were far from eloquent, but I appreciate the effort.)

In addition to erroneously noting that Hamilton hadn't won a regular PGA Tour event (he won the Honda Classic earlier this year) in last week's newsletter, I inadvertently diminished the significance of Hamilton's win. Would I still pick Ernie Els or Phil Mickelson before Hamilton for my Ryder Cup team? Definitely. But after learning more about Hamilton's story, it's clear he's a deserving champion. No more needed to be said.

In his weekly column, national golf editor Tim McDonald takes the press to task for its reaction to Hamilton's win. While I'm guilty as charged, our talented staff of writers is back at work with a full roster of reviews and travel features, plus a sampling of letters we've received over the past month. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic. Have a great week.

Roaring Fork Club:
A pricey private getaway

It isn't always golf that gets the attention at one of the nation's top private golf facilities in Colorado. As senior writer David R. Holland found, the Roaring Fork Club has an award-winning golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and provides access to eight stocked ponds, a three-quarter mile long Spring Creek, and a 1½-mile stretch along the acclaimed Roaring Fork.

Full story | Colorado Golf Courses

European press should
lay off Open Champion Hamilton

In his weekly column, national golf editor Tim McDonald points out everyone loves underdogs but we also revere superstars. So what happens when 250-1 longshot Todd Hamilton beats up on the world's best players in golf's starchiest major? McDonald says some sports fans, and especially the European press, has begun nitpicking Hamilton a little bit and they need to stop it. Hamilton is a deserving champion.

Full story | Column: Calendar Girl

Eidolon: Funny name, fine wedges

TravelGolf.com equipment editor Kiel Christianson may have gotten a few chuckles from playing partners when they asked about his new wedge made by Eidolon. But not being able to pronounce it didn't matter, Christianson reports, the first time he put so much spin on the ball it looked like a trained bullfrog, hopping and stopping.

Full story | More Product Reviews