This Week at TravelGolf.com: June 11, 2009

The Tiger/Rocco U.S. Open battle was epic - but don't forget about Bob May

As we look forward to next week's U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, we must pause and reminisce. It was just about a year ago when we witnessed the epic battle between Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods.

Mediate, the aging wonder who has had his own injury problems, went to toe-to-toe with the great one at Torrey Pines. In the end, it was one of the most memorable U.S. Opens ever as we found out Tiger not only played with a torn ligament in his left knee but had stress fractures as well.

That battle is chronicled in bestselling author John Feinstein's book, "Are You Kidding Me?" (click here to listen to Feinstein discuss the book with TravelGolf.com podcast host Dave Berner).

Mediate, ranked 158th in the world at the time, had to win a playoff in a qualifier just to get in the field, then went 91 holes before it was decided. Remarkable? Yes. But was Mediate's charge really the best battle anyone has ever waged against Woods in a major?

How soon we forget. Nine years ago, an unknown named Bob May gave a healthy Woods all he could handle in the 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.

That was the first year that the PGA of America implemented its three-hole playoff (it used to be sudden death), and May, who has had severe physical problems of his won, was more than game.

I was on the course following the pair during the playoff that year. Who can forget Woods pointing at his ball as it dropped for birdie on the first playoff hole on 16. Both men made great pars on 17, and then Woods got the break of all breaks on the 18th.

Hitting his tee shot dead left on the par 5, his ball disappeared, appearing to head into oblivion and possibly cost him his third major of the year. Somehow it reappeared seconds later. (There are still rumors that a kid kicked the ball back into play.) May, as it turned out, had troubles of his own on 18, but after Tiger hit a bunker shot to 2 feet, May still almost holed a 45-foot par putt, which would have extended the match.

After the round, Woods said, "This is probably one of the greatest duels I've ever had in my life. Hats off to Bob. He played his heart out."

True then and still true today.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

The Phoenician resort: Swanky epicenter of Phoenix/Scottsdale golf

The lavish atmosphere at The Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, replete with palm-lined walkways and graceful fountains, brings to mind Palm Springs. This is the height of luxury in desert golf. In fact, it's practically desert golf without really feeling like you're in the desert.

Also: Scottsdale golf package deals

Tom Doak's Renaissance Club in Scotland, Virginia's a great golf trip destination, and Hireko Golf clubs

Podcast host Dave Berner talks to Brandon Tucker about Scotland's new high-end, Tom Doak-designed golf course, the Renaissance Club. Mike Bailey says Virginia is a wonderful spot for a golf trip. And, gear guru Kiel Christianson says don't overlook Hireko Golf's clubs for quality and a reasonable price.

Review: Hireko Golf's Acer XK clubs

Oceanico Faldo Course at Amendoeira resort in Portugal's Algarve is a winner

The Oceanico Faldo Course is one of a pair of stunning designs that serve as the epicenter of the new luxury Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal's Algarve region. The terrain couldn't have been more enticing to an architect like Nick Faldo. With gently undulating hills covered in cacti, olive, carob, fig and orange trees, this tract of land was begging for a golf course.

Also: What's doing in Portugal? Loads!

What can be done about slow play in golf (Or: Why golfers shouldn't carry guns)

Everyone hates slow play, but they don't know how to get rid of it. It's a good thing golfers aren't armed, as it would prove too tempting to pick off the guy in the group in front as he retrieves his fifth ball out of the pond.

Also: Supremer Golfer Supremacy Rankings

Down on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, Villas Del Mar is a high-priced golf haven

Villas Del Mar is one of the most exclusive real estate developments on the Baja Peninsula, Katherine Dyson writes in her latest column at GolfCourseRealty.com. This Del Mar Development project offers homeowners five-star luxury and service, access to the One & Only Palmilla Hotel next door, 27 holes of Nicklaus golf, and more.

Also: Spotlight on Paraiso del Mar