This Week at TravelGolf.com: Sept. 21, 2004

At last Sunday's Emmy Awards, the best comedy award went to a show called "Arrested Development." Ironically, that was also the theme for this year's U.S. Ryder Cup team. With this cast of characters, it's hard to believe the dysfunctional American squad was favored before the event.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty drained after that first paragraph. Inspired by Chris Riley, I decided to ask my editor for a short break. Unfortunately, he's not quite as accommodating as Hal Sutton, leaving me no choice but to move forward. Meanwhile, Riley has to live with his decision to back out of Saturday's late action, which turned out to be the turning point in the European team's nine-point win. And while Riley's decision is baffling, there's plenty of blame to go around.

Next time, perhaps the U.S. team should loosen up a bit. As my colleague Kiel Christianson said, "The Americans just didn't seem to be having any fun." Be assured that's never a problem here at TravelGolf.com, where this week's lineup includes an insightful look at the world golf rankings by National Golf Editor Tim McDonald. As always, your comments are welcome on any topic, including the greatness of "Arrested Development." Have a great week.

St. Louis golfers shouldn't
discount a round in the fall

Autumn is a great season for golf in the St. Louis area, but this year may be an especially good time to visit since the Cardinals are headed for postseason baseball. Even a die-hard Cubs fan would consider this trip a good one. Staff writer Ron Cobb takes a look at a handful of the area's best courses, focusing primarily on those on the Illinois side of the river.

Full story | Missouri Golf Course Guide

Travel writers often
turn a blind eye to reality

In his debut column on media, National Golf Editor Tim McDonald reports on the role of the travel writer. "In nearly a quarter century in journalism, I have never witnessed such a chummy, journalistic relationship as the one that exists between most travel writers and the big, hungry PR machine," he writes. In fact, it's a good life, with free trips to exotic places, and free food at great restaurants. But something just isn't right.

Full story | State of Golf: Who can you believe?

The Lakes offer
Georgia 'swamp golf'

One of the last places you might look to play 18 holes would be right next to the 400,000-acre, alligator-filled Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia. Yet, that's exactly where the state of Georgia decided to place The Lakes at Laura Walker State Park, one of eight courses the Georgia State Park system. It's a nifty little layout that isn't too long. Just be prepared for some undulating greens.

Full story | Georgia Golf Course Guide