This Week at TravelGolf.com: October 12, 2004

When LPGA Tour player Natalie Gulbis' revealing photo spread appears in FHM magazine this week, it won't just be the usual male readers that take notice. With a single flash of the camera, Gulbis' goal to be taken seriously as a promising Tour player just became much more difficult.

So why am I applauding Gulbis' decision? Because winning isn't enough on the LPGA Tour, unless you're Annika Sorenstam. At 21, Gulbis barely belongs in the same sentence with Sorenstam. Her best finish this year is a tie for seventh. In short, she's part of a largely anonymous collection of young pros striving to make a name for themselves on Tour. I'm not entirely convinced appearing in men's magazines and eye-catching calendars is necessary, but it's Gulbis' call. If she believes this is the best way to promote the LPGA - and herself - I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt.

That said, Gulbis better start winning soon. If not, the comparisons to a marketing-first tennis player named Anna Kournikova will continue. Having once interviewed Gulbis, my guess is we'll be talking about her long after we've forgotten about Kournikova, who doesn't have the talent or personality that Gulbis brings to the LPGA Tour. And while we rarely have any revealing photos here at TravelGolf.com, we do have a full roster of reviews and travel features this week, starting with Michael Patrick Shiels' report on where NHL players are golfing during their unscheduled vacation. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic, including the Gulbis magazine photos. Have a great week.

Sun, ants or contrarians agree:
We-Ko-Pa is great desert course

There is little disagreement among those seeing the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club near Phoenix that it's one of the most scenic in this land of beautiful golf courses. Up in the hills of Fort McDowell, the course sits alone with nothing to disturb the view of three majestic mountain ranges and Four Peaks. We-Ko-Pa dips, rises and humps its way through natural desert, through canyons, arroyos and dry washes, surrounded by desert vegetation like mesquite.

Full story | Arizona Golf Courses

Woods' problems come
down to too much love and muscle

Everybody wants to know what's wrong with Tiger Woods. According to National Golf Editor Tim McDonald, the problem is two-fold: Swedish models and dumbbells. While Woods is renting entire resorts to ensure a quiet honeymoon, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els are playing in the Dunhill Links Championship. In this week's commentary, McDonald explains why the bulked-up Tiger may need to make some serious changes.

Full story | Comparing Woods to Singh

Timber Trails sold to developers

Say goodbye to Timber Trails. The popular, 75-year old golf course in Chicago's west suburbs has been sold and will likely be turned into home sites. An unusual mix of preservationists, environmentalists, Native Americans, and golfers have banded together to fight the good fight and try to keep the golf course open, even though the odds are very much again them. Associate Editor Dave Berner tells us about their battle to save Timber Trails Country Club.

Full story | PGA Fall Expo report