This Week at TravelGolf.com: May 4, 2004

Truth be told, I've never been a bigger fan of Jack Nicklaus than I was last week, when the Golden Bear announced he may stop playing competitive golf soon. Finally, a great athlete who knows how to make a timely exit.

Understand, I'm in no hurry to see Nicklaus leave. But everything he said last week made perfect sense. Physically, the 64-year-old Nicklaus has played only three Champions Tour events this year (thanks largely to arthritis and a variety of other injuries). Nicklaus says his high standards won't allow him to simply show up and take a spot away from a qualified player, and you have to admire his perspective. As long as he doesn't become a total stranger, he's got our support if he indeed calls it quits after the Memorial Tournament in June.

While we speculate on Nicklaus' thought process, be sure to check out our usual full roster of reviews and travel features this week, plus a look inside the world of golf retail, courtesy of equipment editor Kiel Christianson. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic. Have a great week.

Gulf Shores goes from
'emerging' to 'emerged'

With quality tracks at a reasonable price, it was only a matter of time before the Gulf Shores of Alabama became a destination hotspot. More than 460,000 golfers made their way to the area's nifty cadre of courses in 2003, and more than that are expected to descend upon the region's sugar sand beaches and lush green fairways in 2004. So what are you waiting for?

Full story | Gulf Coast Golf Courses

Road Hole remains
unchanged at Royal Links

The brainchild of Bill Walters - who owns and operates six golf courses in and around the valley - Royal Links Golf Club is always a hot conversation piece. As Shane Sharp reports, the Las Vegas British Open replica course will retain its original bunker. While the original road hole evolves in an effort to create a more player friendly hole, the new one in Las Vegas remains unchanged.

Full story | Las Veags Golf Courses

Book reviews: Threesome of
Masters-related books published

Bookmack's rating system will be easier than a tap-in putt. Some books will be birdies (can't get enough of them), others will be pars (solid if unspectacular), and there just may be some bogeys (undeserving of a place in your library). But keep in mind that like all good caddies, we only make recommendations here at Bookmack -- you are responsible for the final buying decision.

Full story | Masters journal