This Week at TravelGolf.com: June 13, 2006

It'll be impossible to root against Tiger
Woods in the U.S. Open this Father's Day

The stage this Sunday at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot will no doubt be a heavy one for Tiger Woods, whose always classy and champion-like attitude is largely a result of his late father Earl's devotion and guidance.

I've always been the guy who roots for the underdog, meaning I seldom find myself on Tiger's side on Sundays (heck, I even rooted for Sergio Garcia years back when he made his charge at Tiger in the '99 PGA Championship). But this Sunday I'll join Tiger's army, for sure.

When you figure Woods hasn't played since the Masters, hasn't won since January and will probably have a mind clear as mud, its difficult to expect an 11th major championship victory. But then again, we could see the most focused, most motivated Tiger we've ever seen. And this Father's Day, we'll all have a chance to see the product of a father who raised a rare breed: a champion whose excellence may only be exceeded by his humility. It's no surprise Tiger surpassed Michael Jordan as the world's most popular athlete according to a recent Harris Interactive online poll.

Whether he wins, finishes in the top 10 or misses the cut, I'll be on Tiger's side. (Of course by the PGA Championship I'll probably be back rooting for Justin Leonard or whoever's making a run for his first major.) But this weekend, let's relish the fact we're witnessing Tiger Woods in his prime and be thankful of Earl Woods, without whom golf would not have flourished like it has.

I'm also a little curious how many more cub-less Father's Days Tiger Woods will have. It seems like a bun in Elin's oven can't be too far off. I can't wait to see Tiger's little tykes running after their daddy on the green at Augusta National after a victory like we've seen Phil Mickelson's kids doing recently.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

There's something for every
golfing dad this Father's Day

If your father is a golfer, consider yourself lucky. You have a veritable universe of gifts to choose from this Father's Day. And pity guys whose fathers don't golf, because frankly we haven't got a clue what to get them. Kiel Christianson found some choice products he'd get for his old man (if he were a golfer). Making the list are apparel by Dunning Sports and Sun Mountain, a stand bag by Club Glove, TaylorMade balls, a slice-curing driver and more.

Also: The PowerBilt TPS 460cc driver's long but hard to control

U.S. Open host Winged Foot, NYC travel
tips, golf in Cabo, plus CaddyChicks.com

Legendary Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. hosts the U.S. Open this week. Forget the rough, the greens are where it will kill you, warns Chris Baldwin. With the Open so close to NYC, golf fans will naturally want to take in the sights. Hear some inside travel tips from a native, such as the tops in pizza, and where to watch World Cup soccer action. Mexico's Cabo San Lucas peninsula now boasts a slew of oceanfront golf courses worth the price tag. And, CaddyChicks.com: Is this where Hooters meets the golf course?

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Is that the tide or a country club? Luxury
golf communities reshaping Cabo coast

There's a lot of moving and shaking going on on the Mexican resort peninsula of Cabo San Lucas, writes West Coast Bureau Chief Chris Baldwin. And it's remaking an area that only a dozen years ago was miles of undeveloped coastline. In addition to superb golf courses by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman are a marina, luxury homes, high-end shopping and more.

Blog: Why block borders? I say import Mexican hospitality