This Week at TravelGolf.com: April 2, 2009

Fear: The one four-letter word it's not okay to use on the golf course

From personal-finance guru Dave Ramsey to "insider" experts, there's widespread belief that, while there are systemic problems in the economy right now, one of the primary things holding back economic growth is fear.

Fear is even paralyzing a ridiculous percentage of people who haven't lost their job or nest egg.

If you talk to anyone I've ever played golf with, they'll tell you I know my share of four-letter words. And I'm not going to write here that I'm not at all nervous about the state of the economy. But I'm not going to let my life be ruled by this four-letter word, by the fear of what might happen.

Before the fall of the Berlin wall, there was no bomb shelter in my yard. I bought no ammo in advance of Y2K. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, I never stocked up on plastic sheeting or whatever it was we Americans were warned to buy. And during this economic downturn, while I've paid heed to sound fiscal principles (no debt, emergency fund in place, etc.), I refuse to give up hope. I'm not going to huddle by candle-light over a bowl of beans and rice because of the drama playing out over and over (and over and over) again on cable news.

Remember the refrain after 9/11 about how, if we didn't do this or that, the terrorists win? "If you don't go shopping, the terrorists win." Or, "if you cancel your vacation, the terrorists win." Or, "if you question our leaders, the terrorists win."

These days, irresponsible bankers, politicians and hedge-fund managers have become the villains du jour. Well, you know what? As long as you're on sound financial footing, if you give in to fear and stop living your life, guess who wins? Those bankers, politicians and hedge-fund renegades (and the shriekers in the media who feast on our fear). It's that simple.

Cower in fear if your want to, but I'm playing golf on Saturday. Who's with me?

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Picking the top PGA Tour-host golf courses for the traveling golfer

Here at TravelGolf.com, we're rating the PGA Tour's top public venues, including TPC Sawgrass' Stadium Course, Harbour Town Golf Links, Doral's Blue Monster and Pebble Beach Golf Links. But we don't care about prize money or how nicely the concierges treat the touring pros. Rather, we're looking at how pleasurable they are for traveling golfers like you.

Also: Play Scottsdale's best - and save

Shingle Creek in Orlando: A golf course that gives 'fair' new meaning

One of the newer courses in Orlando, Shingle Creek Golf Club opened for play in December 2003. While still retaining a bit of that "new course smell," Shingle Creek has already racked up its fair share of accolades. The course plays fair but is deceptively difficult, Dave Lair writes.

Also: Book Orlando tee times online

Tip: Practice on the range, think about course management on the golf course

The goal in golf is to shoot the lowest score possible while enjoying your day on the links. There are many ways to improve your scores: golf instruction, new equipment and exercise top the list. One certainty, though, is you should not be working on swing mechanics during a round.

Podcast: Mick Gyure on shooting lower scores

Hotel and spa at Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona on schedule for a fall opening

Next February, players in the WGC Accenture Match Play Championships at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain can sleep a little later. That's because they'll be able to stay next to the golf course at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, hotel and spa, which is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Blog: Jack puts on the Ritz at Dove Mountain