This Week at TravelGolf.com: Nov. 9, 2004

Should we really be surprised that bankrupt United Airlines is spiraling into even greater trouble? At one United terminal last week, my United Express flight was parked next to a regular United plane, plus a United Shuttle aircraft, and then something called Ted. No wonder the airline is a mess; it's clearly got an identity problem.

I've never studied the economics of the airline industry - not do I intend to - but it seems like the low-cost carriers are doing something right. While United tries to be all things to all people, Southwest keeps it nice and simple. There aren't even seat assignments on a Southwest flight, although that may change in the next two years. Flying back last week on United Express (operated by SkyWest, of course, since that adds to the confusion), I wondered if United would be in better shape today if it had borrowed a page from Southwest's playbook 10 years ago.

Lest you think this week's rant has little relevance to golf, consider how easy your next weekend getaway would be if every airline followed the Southwest model. Instead of constant surprises, you'd be able to expect low fares and great customer service. Here at TravelGolf.com, of course, we're always looking for ways to help make your travels as enjoyable as possible. In the coming weeks, look for holiday travel specials and much more. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic, including your feelings on the United debacle. Have a great week.

Forget all you know;
just grip it and rip it

National golf editor Tim McDonald is here with a simple golf instruction for everyone: "Wipe out all those magazine articles and tips from pros, cousins, friends and all those people who just seem to be full of advice, and just swing away," he writes. "Let her rip. Don't worry about your grip, balance, alignment, rotation, swivel or swing plane."

Full story | Matt Paulson on equipment

Jersey Shore still
searching for its golf identity

A group of developers is working to change the Jersey Shore's sense of golf inadequacy. According to Tim McDonald, the last 10-15 years has seen a golf building boom with high-priced, high-profile courses cropping up from Colt's Neck to Cape May Point. The new approach has transformed the sometimes sleepy Jersey Shore golf scene, but there's still work to be done.

Full story | New Jersey Golf Course Guide

She said: Playing with men

This is the first of a two-part 'She Said/He Said' series examining the way men and women co-exist - or fail to - on the links, from a women's point of view. After reading Katharine Dyson's report, discover another perspective from the other side of the fairway as Kiel Christianson checks in with his view of playing with women.

Full story | Product reviews