This Week at WorldGolf.com: Feb. 22, 2007

Except John Daly, PGA Tour golfers get throwback treatment from sportswriters

I have come to the conclusion that American golf writers are throwbacks to the halcyon days of sports in the U.S. Back when athletes lived an "anything goes" existence while journalists painted them as a parade of popes who spent their days petting babies and kissing puppies.

Players could be alcoholics, gluttons, racists, jerks, nazis, space aliens, etc., and it just didn't matter. It's why baseball in the 1920s through 1930s seems so romantic. It's because the sportswriters wrote it up as such. So sports fans of the day were blissfully unaware that Ty Cobb was, in fact, an alcoholic, glutton, racist, jerk, nazi, space alien.

These days, however, style overcomes substance both on and off the playing field in many instances, as sports writers no longer sit back agog at the talents of professional athletes. Now they lay in wait, ready to pounce on the latest police report or note in the gossip column. Whether it's reporting on the 4,209th Cincinnati Bengals' player arrested this year, or Tom Brady knocking up actresses, or Michael Jordan's mistress telling all, players no longer enjoy a buffer in the media.

Except for maybe golfers. I can be sold on the idea that golfers have a different mindset than, say, football players and are less likely to find off-field troubles. But c'mon, do any golfers do anything wrong? Outside of John Daly, of course?

These are guys who spend all year traveling, with plenty of walking-around money, and are generally between the ages of 25-40. Someone's bound to get into some type of trouble, but reports are rare, even though the rumors are out there. Even when Tiger Woods was blasted by some for his use of the word "spazz," the golf media rightfully laughed it off.

It could be that players have been overly guarded in regards to speaking with the media. But it could also be that golf writers, most golfers themselves, treat their subjects with more reverence than their cohorts in other sports.

It's not a bad thing, actually. In this world where Britney Spears shaving her head trumps the President's budget proposal, for the most part, I'm fine knowing little more about a PGA Tour player outside of his game. Think about it, do you really need to know more about Fred Funk?

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Palm Springs golf gets
naked as we look at
courses without real estate

Palm Springs has been called "the king of the golf-course condo," as it can be nearly impossible to find a course that doesn't resemble a residential neighborhood. But if you're a purist looking to pit yourself against nature sans the sounds of lawnmowers, you'll find Palm Springs has several uncorrupted tracks, and they're a pleasure to play.

Also: Palm Springs more than just luxury

Golf for Beginners:
Women's golf clubs now
challenging men's, and more

Barry and Stacy Solomon have a battle of the sexes debate originated from an article featured in Golf for Women Magazine. So is Stacy ready to start beating her husband, Barry? Also, PGA Tour golfer/instructor Bob Toski inspires the golf tip of the week in this edition of the podcast.

Also: Gulf Coast golf picking up steam

Brandon Tucker: Golf equipment
technology getting a bit ridiculous

Taking in the grandness of the PGA Merchandise Show for the first time, Brandon Tucker was shocked by the amount of "must-have" golf equipment and gear being offered. While a lot of the stuff is great, one still must wonder if we'll soon see Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley hawking golf gear on late-night TV.

Also: Golf technology rocks!