This Week at TravelGolf.com: Nov. 16, 2004

New York State had it right when it instituted a handheld cell phone ban while driving. If only we could get a similar law passed for public golf courses. Like many golfers, staff writer Brandon Tucker would be quite happy if he never heard another annoying cell phone during his round.

In a perfect world - one where rounds end in four hours - fellow TravelGolf.com blogger Dave Berner would agree with Tucker's argument. But with most rounds lasting five-plus hours, the cell phone can be a necessary evil. "Would I like it to be different?" writes Berner. "You bet. But when you have kids, a wife, or a commuter job, cell phones are just part of the landscape and five hours on the golf course without one can mean bad things."

To his credit, Berner keeps his cell phone off when he's on the course (he checks for messages every 90 minutes). If everyone followed his example, we wouldn't be having this discussion. I'm certainly not advocating a fine for golfers caught with their cell phone; we just need a little common courtesy. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic, including cell phones on the course or Tim McDonald's column on the state of golf magazines. Have a great week.

North Dakota:
Golf the Lewis and Clark Trail

For those of you who have never been to North Dakota, there are many pleasant surprises waiting to be discovered. And snaking through the scenic maze are mighty rivers: the Red, the Missouri, the Knife, and the Little Missouri. It's along these waters where many of North Dakota's best golf courses have been routed.

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Ball State captain closer
to round at Pebble Beach

Possessor of five top 10 collegiate finishes, Ball State University junior Patrick Wilkes-Krier offers his two cents with us on his dreams of playing Pebble Beach and going professional, as well as why golf and his rock star brother, Andrew W.K., have more in common than you think.

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DeLaCruz Fairway
Cruzer deserve awards

De La Cruz has achieved impressive results by mixing classic design with top-notch materials, and the company's Fairway Cruzer fairway woods exceed all expectations. "If you're looking to upgrade your set of fairway woods, or to replace some troublesome long-irons, the DeLaCruz Fairway Cruzer deserves a long look," writes Kiel Christianson.

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