This Week at TravelGolf.com: May 11, 2004

When baseball commentator Joe Morgan talks, people listen. So it was especially good to see him focus on Charlie Sifford's upcoming induction to the World Golf Hall of Fame in a recent column. In addition to praising the selection, Morgan also reflected on Sifford's successful battle to become the first African-American player on the PGA Tour.

The column was an important reminder about how far the PGA Tour has come since Sifford broke the PGA's Caucasian-only clause in 1961. There is still much that can be done, but Sifford's long overdue induction to the World Golf Hall of Fame on Nov. 15 will be another step in the right direction. In his espn.com column, Morgan noted that Sifford should receive many of the same accolades accorded to baseball's Jackie Robinson, and he's exactly right.

While we mark our calendars for Sifford's induction ceremony, be sure to check out our usual full roster of reviews and travel features, plus a new batch of letters from readers talking about the decrease in golf participants over the past year. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic. Have a great week.

Maine gives golfers
a surprising four-corner bingo

The worst things about Maine golf are probably the black flies and
mosquitoes. The best things, though, far outweigh the bugs. There are more golf courses in Maine than there are golfers. This means it's cheap and accessible. Senior writer Kiel Christianson is your guide.

Full story | Maine Golf Courses

Titleist's new 704-CB irons

Why do forged clubs give a player more feedback and control than their poor cousins, the lowly cast irons? First, the soft metal used in a forged iron allows the ball to stay in contact with the club longer, giving better players the ability to work the ball. With the Titleist's 704's, you can feel where on the face you hit a shot -- and that can be a humbling experience!

Full story | More Product Reviews

59th U.S. Women's Open
hits sleepy South Hadley, Mass.

In preparation for the Open, seven new tee boxes have been constructed, the practice facility has been greatly expanded, and an entire new drainage system has been installed. And ticket sales so far have been brisk, giving this the potential to be the first sellout. It all adds up to good time for the women's game.

Full story | Women's Golf