This Week at TravelGolf.com: Jan. 18, 2005

It’s that time of year when the ultimate set of traveling golfers, the guys – and gals – on the PGA Tour, get back to competition, giving glimpses of tropical warmth to those of you still stuck in the throes of winter. This year has several intriguing questions, as the tour finishes the Hawaii leg of its western swing before landing in California yesterday for the start of the Buick Invitational.

Will Tiger Woods regain his No. 1 world ranking, after having it snatched away last year by Vijay Singh? It won’t happen any time soon, since Woods skipped the Sony Open. Judging by the silly season and the season-opening Mercedes Championship, Woods seems to have his ball-striking back to near-form, but his putter is another story.

How long will it be before Singh, with his relentless practice habits and grueling schedule, burns out? Will it be this year? Will Ernie Els finally break through in the majors? Last year saw him with four chances in the majors – with three putts on the 18th that could have changed things – but no wins. And who exactly is in that fourth spot, right below the big three of Singh, Els and Woods – is it Phil Michelson or quiet Retief Goosen?

While we’re waiting for the pros to sort it out, TravelGolf.com has some great stories this week for your reading pleasure.

Vegas' golf for show hides
great women and senior options

This a town built for show; the bolder, the better. If you are a woman, a senior or even just a slightly-nervous, weak-swinging man, Las Vegas golf can take on an intimidating, inaccessible aura. Fortunately, there are more places to turn than you think. Sin City actually has a nice selection of courses for those not looking to prove anything except that golf is supposed to be fun.

Full story | Visit TravelGolf Vegas

Gunslinger QB Tolliver
struggles to tame his wild side

Billy Joe Tolliver's been playing golf since 1987, when he picked up the game as a fearless quarterback at Texas Tech. Since he finally ran out of football chances, he's been playing it virtually full time. Tolliver is a regular on the Celebrity Players Tour, and he even tried his hand at Canadian Tour qualifying school a few years ago.

Full story | Swing harder with BogeyPro

Small companies offer BIG drivers

Senior writer Kiel Christianson checks in with the dirty little secret the big equipment manufacturers don't want you to know about: Some small companies are making some of the best drivers on the market. In this special report, Christianson reviews four new big sticks from three small but up-and-coming equipment manufacturers.

Full story | Inside the art of club building