This Week at TravelGolf.com: Sept. 26, 2006

With two years to sulk, U.S. golf fans need these seven reasons to carry on

A few thoughts about things American fans can be thankful for now that the Ryder Cup is resting safely in the UK for another two years:

• Darren Clarke got to be a hero. Man, how perfect was that script? Six weeks after the tragic death of his wife, Clarke returns to a hero's welcome from the home folks. And he gave them the proverbial tip of the cap, winning each of his three of matches.

• We won't have to read anymore about how the Euros keep winning because they're simply better at "team golf." Since they administered the Americans' worst-ever whuppin' in the 12 singles matches, the pundits will need another excuse.

• Somehow you just know the European team had a lot more fun at their victory party than the Americans would have had. Watching our guys propped up next to the free-swinging, happy-go-lucky European players, I suddenly realized why so many fans cheer for that buffoon John Daly. Watching this robotic bunch, I just couldn't imagine tossing back stouts with them in a pub somewhere.

• Speaking of being real, the U.S.'s abysmal Ryder Cup performances of late at least remind us that Woods is human. "What am I, 1-4 in Ryder Cups?" the guy with 12 majors and 53 PGA Tour wins told reporters.

• Two more years until we have to see group photos of the players' wives and read about them. They're hot, we know. Okay? We get it! The Elin/porno episode was interesting and I salute Tiger Woods for standing up for her honor. But come on, enough.

• We now can savor that post-victory "There is nothing sweeter than beating the Americans" quote by Sergio Garcia every time he gets his arse handed to him in a major. In Seņor Saturday's defense, thus far in his career there really hasn't been anything sweeter than beating the Americans.

• After botching the U.S. Open this summer and then going 0-4-1 in these Ryder Cup Matches, Phil Mickelson has finally given golf bloggers something besides Michelle Wie to talk about.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Tempe, Arizona after golf:
A rowdy little brother to Scottsdale

The nightlife in Tempe, Ariz. is decidedly less sophisticated and snobby than in Scottsdale's trendy hotspots. Tempe is like Scottsdale's rowdy little brother. You may not might to invite him to Sunday dinner but he's a hell of a lot of fun to hang out with on Saturday night. It's hard to find a place here where jeans and a T-shirt wouldn't be acceptable and there are several spots where you could actually take your wife or girlfriend.

Podcast: Scottsdale ought to embrace its high falutin' rep!

The Irish experience; kinder, gentler golf
instruction; Tom Wishon on club fitting

This week podcast host Dave Berner talks to TravelGolf.com's Kiel Christianson about The K Club, host of the 36th Ryder Cup Matches, and the pleasures of golfing in Ireland. Dave also discusses some of the finer points of golf instruction with Marc Solomon, founder of the Golf Made Simple program. And, respected author and clubmaking/clubfitting guru Tom Wishon explains the best strategy for finding the perfect golf club.

Also: Subscribe to the podcast via RSS

Pinehurst No. 4: Measure your golf
game against the masters of design

Pinehurst Resort is like a living museum, and they don't let just anyone fool around with the exhibits. The No. 4 golf course was designed by the original master, Donald Ross, back in 1919; redesigns were carried out by Robert Trent Jones in 1973 and Rees Jones in 1982. For its most recent update, Pinehurst turned to a contemporary all-star, Tom Fazio. Fazio succeeded in turning the course into a modern golf experience in a historical setting by brushing it with Scottish influence and crowning the greens.

Also: Knocking on heaven's door at Glen Dornoch in Myrtle Beach