This Week at TravelGolf.com: Oct. 17, 2007

As the mercury drops, consider a warm golf vacation off the beaten path

Today, I put on a sweatshirt for the first time and nearly yelped in happiness. It's finally the end of a long hot summer, which is good news and bad news.

Good news for us here in Florida, bad news for many of you in the Great White North. For those of you who may already be looking for a warm weather golfing spot to break the long, upcoming winter doldrums, I have something to make you feel better.

Here are some of the relatively out-of-the-way places I've traveled that stay warm most of the year and that I would recommend for a golf trip.

South Africa: Probably the best trip I've ever been on. South Africa has some great golf courses to go along with spectacular scenery. If you can, take a train ride through the Karoo Desert or a leisurely drive along the Garden Route. And you definitely should visit Kruger National Park; you can almost reach out and touch the wild animals.

Vietnam: Yes, it's different and yes, it's a third-world country. But, the people are friendly and there are enough good courses to warrant a week or even two-week trip there. Plus, being Vietnam, it's cheap.

The Caribbean: I'll give you some of the places I'd recommend away from the usual hustle of the big-name Caribbean spots, like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. I would recommend Nevis, St. Kitts, Cozumel (even though there is only one course), St. Lucia and the Cayman Islands, even though none are traditional, Caribbean golfing hot spots.

Malaysia: Malaysia has some very good golf courses. Warning: Bring an adventurous appetite, the food there can be trying. Squid for breakfast, anyone?

I hope you can make it to one or more of these places. Tell them I sent you.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Off course in San Diego: An 18-point golfer's guide

San Diego is renowned for its golf - especially gems like Torrey Pines and nearby La Costa Resort. But when you're not on the golf courses, this town will keep you busy with great dining and entertainment options. Chris Baldwin offers up some suggestions to round out your golf trip, including were to stay on a budget, were to score tasty, quick Mexican food, the best Sunday brunch in town, where to relive your college years, and more.

Podcast: Hear the latest version of "TravelGolf.com This Week"

Pinehurst or Kiawah Island for your next golf trip?

Trying to choose between the Pinehurst Resort and Kiawah Island Golf Resort for an upscale golf vacation is like trying to choose between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini. Let TravelGolf.com's Tim McDonald help you figure out which world-class golf destination is the best bang for your buck.

Also: Revisiting Kiawah Island Golf Resort

"Kid poker" Daniel Negreanu: Golf is more fun when you're betting millions

Professional poker player Daniel Negreanu has always wanted to be a real athlete. Now, with the launch of the High Stakes Golf Tour on ESPN, he and other top gamblers can show off their chops in high stakes competition on a Las Vegas golf course. Is the public ready to see "normal-looking" people who win absurd amounts of cash at the poker tables now win big bucks while hacking away in Las Vegas?

BadGolfer.com: Ochoa proves to be lean, mean and supreme