This Week at TravelGolf.com: Nov. 7, 2006

Who will protect us from Tiger's designs?

You've heard of "Tiger-proofing" golf courses. So who's going to do that if Tiger is designing them?

Tiger Woods announced yesterday that he's formed Tiger Woods Design and intends to get into the golf course design business.

"My goal is to provide a unique collection of amazing courses all over the world that represent what I love about golf," Woods told the Associated Press.

The announcement doesn't really come as a surprise. Woods has been talking about it for years, and he certainly would not be the first big-name player to cash in on the design aspect of the industry. Big-name golfers turned designers are highly-sought and well-paid. Their marquee value alone drives up prices for developers and course owners.

The only question is what kind of architect will Woods be? Jack Nicklaus studied under Pete Dye before branching out on his own, then was criticized early in his career for churning out courses in his own image.

Arnold Palmer got into the business and for a long time his courses had a reputation for being "Arnold Palmer" courses in name only. Arnie would show up for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and little else.

Woods said he is actively looking for sites. An announcement is expected before the end of the year on a site expected to be outside the U.S.

"I'd like to share my experience and the lessons I've learned and hopefully create some amazing, fun courses," Woods said.

Of course, to Woods, 600-yard par-5s that he can reach in two are fun. Still, he promises to design courses that are fun for "every skill level."

Already, he's got the golf course architect cliches down pat.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Warm-weather golf spots
offer Thanksgiving in the sun

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American time for families to get together, stuff themselves with turkey and commemorate the country's beginnings. It is also the focal point of a certain kind of holiday golf vacation. Whether you want to combine your turkey with your tee times or hop on a plane with a bellyful of bird to work it off somewhere warm, here are what top golf destinations such as Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Miami are serving up this season.

Also: In Naples, it's all about golf, water, the finer things

Poipu Bay's pro on the PGA
Grand Slam, Laughlin, Nev.
becoming a hot golf spot,
RonMon on the P3ProSwing

Poipu Bay Director of Golf Craig Sasada talks about what Tiger Woods, Mike Weir, Geoff Ogilvy and Jim Furyk face in the 2006 PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Laughlin, Nevada may not be known as a thriving golf town, but things are looking up, reports William K. Wolfrum. And golf blogger RonMon on the P3ProSwing simulator/analyzer.

Also: Subscribe to the podcast via RSS

Dan Quayle: Forget "potatoe,"
golf hurt my political career

Pity the fool who talks to Dan Quayle after four double bogeys. When Chris Baldwin caught up to him after a difficult round at in Lake Tahoe, the former vice president gave the shortest interview in the history of celebrity golfer Q&As. But before jetting off to the practice range, the former college golf star did find time to mutter a few words on the relationship between golf and politics, and the 2008 presidential race.

Also: Is David Duval really the Mike Tyson of golf?