This Week at WorldGolf.com: Feb. 15, 2005

In the most unique golf news of the week, transsexuals will now be allowed to play in the women's British Open. LPGA commissioner Ty Votaw also says that his tour is considering a rule change that would admit transsexual competitors, following the Olympics' lead.

That sound you hear is the stampede of male hackers at munis everywhere, heading for their doctors' offices, suddenly convinced they could make a run at a pro golf living if they only...well, hacked something off. OK, maybe not.

Which is the point. Is this the most non-important fuss of the golf year, or what?

While the most evangelical, bible-thumping red staters are sure to decry this as the latest sign of a civilization gone mad and the most Michael Moore-devoted liberal blue staters are certain to declare it a win for tolerance, who's it really affecting?

Do you think anyone's having a sex change for their golf game? Right now, this whole controversy involves one person: Mianne Bagger, a male-born golfer who's been playing on the Ladies European Tour for 11 months now.

It does bring up some interesting issues for the LPGA, however, considering this is a tour that just a few years ago advised its players on the merits of makeup and short shorts.

We don't offer anything gender-bending at WorldGolf this week. But we do have Tim McDonald's continuing series on the unique world of South Africa golf adventures and a look at how April is the best time to head to Scotland and see the changes made to the St. Andrews' Old Course for the upcoming men's British Open.

As for the short shorts, our ill-mannered friends at BadGolfer.com are always happy to comply.

Your comments are always welcome on any topic, from transsexual golfers to short shorts.

Kirkman's Kamp in
South Africa offers a wild ride

For what's surely one of the biggest incongruities on earth, you can have intimate encounters with wild African beasts at Kirkman in the mornings and evenings, while enjoying a round of golf during the day. Mpumalanga, where Kirkman and Kruger are located, doesn't have the high concentration of golf courses other provinces of South Africa do, but it does boast the country's top-rated course as well as some other good courses.
Full story | More from South Africa

Nothing taboo when carving
out this great Canadian course

In 1994, two brothers had a vision of creating a world-class golfing resort in the Muskoka region, just north of Toronto. They scoured the area looking for a site with the potential for laying out a course which would live up to their expectations. Less-experienced designers might've been intimidated, but Ron Garl was thrilled by the possibility.
Full story | Embrace advancing technology

Pebble is the Holy Grail

As blogger Dave Berner has discovered, Pebble Beach is the glue that brings together golfers and their dreams; creates a oneness among those who play the game. At the PGA Tour's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Bill Murray and others join with the professionals to relish in the game and the venue. They all savor the experience only this course allows. Capturing the spirituality of Pebble Beach will be Berner's next task.
Full story | Visit Blog Central