This Week at WorldGolf.com: Dec. 6, 2006

Female golfers shedding clothes at record pace to ring in 2007 with new calendars

As 2007 approaches, golf fans can look ahead to another year of great action by the pros and debate the possibilities. Will Tiger Woods continue his manic march to Jack Nicklaus' record for majors? Will Michelle Wie get that first professional victory? Will the FedEx Cup be hit or miss? Will John Daly and Britney Spears tie the knot?

One question has already been answered, however. If there's one thing you can be sure of, 2007 will bring you more female golfers in various states of undress for calendars. And they are taking it further than ever this year.

Think LPGA star Natalie Gulbis is pushing the envelope with her latest bikini calendar? You ain't seen nothing yet, my friends. Lets head abroad to see some female golfers willing to put their bodies on the line.

Some of Australia's top female players are representing months in Top Shots: Women of Professional Golf 2007. While not nude, golfers such as Kristie Newton, Sarah Kemp and Tamara Beckett show enough skin to keep Hugh Hefner proud.

"Most women's sports at some point have needed to get out there and do something off the wall. They actually didn't go the whole way - let us remember that," Royal Sydney Tournament Director Paul McNamee said.

If it's going all the way you're after, look no further than European sensation Sophie Sandolo, who for the third year running has produced a calendar that will delight fans of golf, and of the female form. Sandolo has never shied away from nudity, and her 2007 calendar actually features her topless on the cover.

More calendars seem to appear each year, as female golfers are more willing to put their bodies on the line to help promote themselves and the sport they love. Thus far, they aren't receiving much flack from their peers, so expect more next year. "In an ideal world, we wouldn't have to do it," said Australian golfer Shani Waugh. "But I think it's great. I think the girls that are in, they are obviously a lot younger than me. It's raised the profile already in two weeks, it's been good."

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

These great holiday golf gifts
won't disappoint dedicated duffers

The holidays are a time for family and friends. They're also a time for golfers to get some of the great gifts they've spent the year dreaming about. From video games for the golfing geek, to golf accessories, to some great reading options, here's a list of golf gifts that will have the dedicated duffer you love feeling the holiday spirit all year long.

Also: Reader reviews at WorldGolf.com

Toughest Hilton Head golf holes
will have duffers battling for birdie

Who wants to get that coveted birdie on a pushover course? Where's the excitement in that? The real thrill is going 1-under on a ball-buster of a hole. And though it only has about 20 courses, Hilton Head Island has plenty of those. So if you're looking to push your skills, and your patience, to the max, check out these tough-to-birdie holes in Hilton Head ...

Also: Your complete guide to golf course realty

Tiger and Elin go off
course, and so can you

Not all husbands and wives are meant to share the game of golf. Tiger Woods and his wife Elin, for example, enjoy other activities together as she is an expert downhill skier. As Tiger stated, "Being married to a Swede, you have to ski, no choice." Here's a look at how couples can keep it civil on, and off the golf course.

Reader letter: Golfer gets first ace - then two more!