This Week at TravelGolf.com: Dec. 5, 2006

Europe has free health care for all but complimentary water coolers for none?

During my recent visit to Scotland, I wrote a holier-than-thou column essentially labeling all American golfers fat, lazy snobs for using golf carts. Adding insult, I even said in a recent Sweet Spots podcast that Scots are better golfers than the average Joe Americans I'm often paired with.

But you Scots and Euros aren't off the hook. Namely: Where are your water coolers on the golf course? I don't remember filling up once in any of my travels across the pond whether it was in Portugal, Scotland or Central Europe.

Now I know as a continent you love gouging tourists, especially with drinks. It doesn't matter if you're in Venice or St. Andrews. The word "refill" is taboo and you aren't getting any free tap water at dinner. It's all bottled and it ain't cheap.

In America, we fat weenies in our Club Cars have an abundance of free aqua even when we're burning about as many calories in a round as we shoot over par. Yet when we work up a sweat hoofing it overseas, there's no relief? We keep hearing that your free health care systems are so much better, but then you remove any human decency by not allowing us free hydration on the golf course. Somebody explain this to me.

Americans are already hopelessly nailed by your exchange rates, then we get shafted a few extra bucks for bottled water before the round and at the turn. Even the worst $20 dog track in the U.S. has a few jugs of suitable and complimentary hydro whether it's in Michigan or Arizona.

There's an easy fix, superintendents. Simply stick a hose in a few jugs and leave 'em on a few tee boxes. Problem solved. You probably hate the idea of the waste all those little paper cones make (even though the packaging of your precious bottled water does tremendous harm to the environment), so I'd even be willing to bring my own empty bottle if I knew I'll be able to use it consistently.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Christmas gifts ideas for
male golfers, new and old

Christmas is just around the corner and shopping for the golfing men in your life can be a difficult job. With countless golf products to choose from, how to decide? TravelGolf.com is here to help. We've put together a list of great gift ideas, from clubs and accessories, to apparel, books and calendars. We help you finish your shopping early so you can get back out on the golf course.

Also: All we girls want for Christmas is - golf stuff

Orlando: Orange County National
Short course gets a big honor

One of greater Orlando's largest golf clubs is receiving high praise for its tiniest course. Orange County National's Tooth Short Course was recently rated one of the "Top 10 Short Courses in America for 2006" by Golf Range Magazine. It is the little brother to OCN's two other courses, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, which both weigh in at a whopping 7,300 yards from the championship tees and have received their own fair share of recognition in recent years.

Podcast: Disney still rules - but don't forget golf

Holiday gift ideas, CaddyChicks to
expand, Jim Hardy on his 'Plane
Truth for Golfers,' commentary

Kiel Christianson joins host Dave Berner to discuss his list great holiday gift options for golfers. Jim Hardy, a golf instructor and best-selling author, talks about lessons from his book "The Plane Truth for Golfers," and the accompanying DVD, now available. Mike Trahan on the latest news from CaddyChicks.com. And Bill Wolfrum kicks off the new "TravelGolf.com On Course" commentary segment with his memories learning the game at Los Angeles Royal Vista Golf Course.

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