This Week at TravelGolf.com: October 19, 2004

The hottest trend in Web publishing is blogging. Unlike many Internet fads, however, blogging figures to stick around for some time. Basically a Web journal, blogs offer writers the freedom they might not have in a traditional story. Needless to say, our writers were thrilled when they learned about the TravelGolf.com Daily Blog, which launched this week.

In his initial blog ("Sounding off on the talking heads"), associate editor Kiel Christianson submits a biting commentary on the current roster of golf broadcasters. Before mentioning a few of his favorites - David Feherty, Gary McCord, and Judy Rankin - Christianson rails against so-called experts such as Johnny Miller and Ken Venturi. "Every Sunday I thank the golf gods that Ken Venturi retired," he writes. Agree or disagree, we hope you enjoy our newest feature, and we invite you to visit TravelGolf.com's Blog Central on a regular basis.

Speaking of media, we're receiving plenty of mail in response to national golf editor Tim McDonald's recent "Inside Media" column on the poor state of travel writing. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic, including our usual lineup of course reviews and feature stories. Have a great week.

So you want to design
your own golf course?

How would you like to step into the role of a Pete Dye, a Tom Doak, a Donald Ross? All golfers have imagined themselves designing their very own hole just like the big names in golf architecture. But associate editor Dave Berner got to take things one step further - he got to design his very own golf hole, thanks to Lohmann Golf Designs' Todd Quitno. Read about what Berner experienced and how he did it.

Full story | Also: Rethinking Strategy

O'Donnell's latest role easy
for this golf nut to handle

Anything golf is a natural role for 34-year-old Chris O'Donnell, who first broke into Hollywood at age 17 playing Jessica Lange's son in a movie. Long before he was named one of the most beautiful people in the world (1996), O'Donnell was playing golf with his family, playing golf with his buddies, playing golf whenever he could. This is a guy who once told his agent that the main prerequisite for his dream house was that it bordered a great golf course.

Full story | Profile: Charles Calhoun from 'The Big Break'

A little love for the Lovett Wedge

Perhaps you've seen the infomercial for the new Lovett Wedge and quickly turned the channel after seeing the odd shape of the clubhead. You may want to give it a second look. As Kiel Christianson reports, the Lovett Wedge clearly delivers for higher handicappers who fear bunkers and rough. The key is getting used to the big, heavy, rather ugly clubhead, and trusting it
to do its thing.

Full story | More product reviews