This Week at TravelGolf.com: Jan. 31, 2008

Great travel spots like Phoenix-Scottsdale shouldn't pimp themselves out to Super Bowl mania

SCOTTSDALE - The only thing more annoying than Mercury Morris - that old Dolphins running back who still doesn't realize no one ever thought his spotlight-courting 1972 team was the greatest anyways - is the Manning Mani.

That's what the spa at the golf resort where the New York Giants are staying is offering in its ode to Super Bowl madness. The Manning Mani is a manicure with blue and red nail polish.

Now this might be slightly funny if, once on the big stage, Eli Manning morphs back into the timid twit that many Giants fans still secretly assume he is. But is this really the way a sophisticated, top-notch locale like Phoenix-Scottsdale wants to conduct itself?

How did Scottsdale turn into Lawrence, Kansas overnight?

This is a town used to having celebrities running around with their skirts up. Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn spent most of their canoodling time here when they stood as the tabloids' No. 1. Nick Lachey (consider yourself lucky if the name doesn't register) tried to make Jessica Simpson jealous here with so many different babes (reportedly) post breakup that you didn't know whether he was dating or holding a casting call.

Now there are people paying $1,000 to attend a Super Bowl party hosted by Lachey and NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson at Scottsdale hotspot Axis/Radius. A year ago, heck a month ago, you could have probably gotten Lachey to party at your house for a $5 bill. Or maybe a free beer.

This is why great vacation spots should not pimp themselves out to the NFL's great corporate shindig.

The Super Bowl should be reserved for cities like Jacksonville and Detroit. You know, cities with no other real identity or chance to be the center of anything else.

Does Scottsdale really need ESPN showing those endless shots of cacti? I know it doesn't need the network's nickname-clutching personality Chris Berman barking out, "You're with me, leather" at Old Towne bars.

Phoenix-Scottsdale has so many things going for it - and almost none of them will come out Super Bowl week. Instead, first-time visitors will realize Phoenix airport has arguably the most annoying rental car system in America (you take a shuttle to a far-off center that's as large and warm as a warehouse).

This is Super publicity? Maybe if you're in the turquoise jewelry business. Otherwise, look away.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Secrets to getting tee-times in Phoenix and Scottsdale during Super Bowl week

Getting to the big game is tough, sure, but try getting tee times during Super Bowl week! While golf courses like Troon North or the Arizona Biltmore are the big tickets, your best bet is to extend the search out a little from trendy Scottsdale, Chris Baldwin writes.

Also: Get help planning your Arizona golf outing

More than Mickey: Disney World scores with PGA Tour-caliber golf courses too

The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., is known for its amusement parks and attractions. But its golf courses - the Magnolia, the Palm, Oak Trail, and the nine-hole Osprey - also have a strong reputation, boasting diverse layouts and a long PGA Tour history. So the next time you're in Orlando, give Disney World a breather for a few rounds of world-class golf penned by some of the best course architects in the business.

Also: Top Florida golf vacation packages

Hills course at Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head: Brains outweigh the driver

Arthur Hills likes to design courses that force you to make decisions before you take action, and his course at Palmetto Dunes, one of three at the resort, is no exception. Because while your driver will occasionally come in handy at the Hills Course, more often than not, it will be your thought process that is the most important weapon you have for attacking this Hilton Head run.

Review: Secession Golf Club near Hilton Head