This Week at WorldGolf.com: Feb. 9, 2005

So you say you love to golf in exotic locales, but you're starting to tire of the same old trips to Scotland, Ireland, even the Caribbean? Here's an intriguing place relatively undiscovered, at least by most American golfers: South Africa.

Discover a real "golf safari," in a country that boasts an impressive array of top-notch golf courses combined with a stunning variety of wildlife, including the "big five:" lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.

National Golf Editor Tim McDonald takes you to places where you may even meet some of these animals -- on the golf course! South Africa's geography is as varied as its wildlife: you can play from coastal courses at sea level on up to 6,000 feet, where your drives will soar in the thin, sunny air. Read McDonald's stories on South Africa now and in the coming weeks and months.

As always, your comments are welcome on any topic, including your favorite underrated golf destination. Have a great week.

South Africa is full of surprises

With the current exchange rate, South Africa is still a good deal for Americans and Europeans to visit. As Tim McDonald discovered, South Africa makes for an intriguing place for traveling golfers to visit, thanks largely to its sunny days, cool nights and a wealth of choices for excellent golf courses, some of them world-class. "Combine a golf safari with a wild game safari and you can have a truly amazing experience," he writes.
Full story | More from South Africa

Enough is enough with the yardages!

Who's sick and tired of hearing TV golf announcers tell us someone is hitting a pitching wedge from 170 yards? An 8-iron from 190? Thing is, you should not only be sick of it, you should know its usually a little white lie. Yes, the big boys on Tour are hitting them farther, but let's get real, please. According to blogger Dave Berner, the real truth is everyone is playing a head game with everyone else.
Full story | Visit Blog Central

Drive for show,
putt for dough with Mangum

National golf editor Tim McDonald got a chance to talk with renowned putting expert Geoff Mangum on everything from belly putters to the yips. "My objective is to be the best putting instructor in the history of the game, so I am committed to mastery of the art and science of putting as a student, teacher, and golfer," Mangum says.
Full story | Equipment reviews