This Week at WorldGolf.com: August 10, 2006

Tiger and Michelle: A tale of two golf phenoms

Just when I thought it was safe to take a little vacation from Michelle Wie and the obsessive lunatics who follow her, she shows her caddie the door and once again her decision making is under a microscope.

Those decisions have received plenty of scrutiny lately. She's playing too slow, getting penalty strokes for simple rule breaches, her chase to beat the men hospitalized her, and now her caddie is the "fall guy" because she isn't playing up to her unrealistic level of performance.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods' legendary throne at the top of golf history keeps adding another layer of cement. He came into the public spotlight about a decade ago with equal expectations and has just won 50 tournaments and seems poised for at least 50 more.

Wie and her family could learn something from Woods. Patience is golf's highest virtue. Woods has it, Wie is trying to win the Masters before getting her driver's license and is firing her caddy after one bad finish.

As much as I'm for the freedom for anyone to chose their own path, history is studied and discussed in order to learn from it. If you have the gift and the drive - or if your child has the gift and the drive - then you should learn from past successes. As long as Michelle is being pushed towards goals beyond her present capabilities, she won't realize her full potential.

Let's pretend Wie is a lab rat (with designer sunglasses and a sparkly watch). Now she sees one very similar, yet peculiarly wise rat go through a door on the left, and then comes out with a big hunk of cheese. The door on the right might very well have that cheese too, but it might be more difficult. She might even be eaten alive by angry rat golf bloggers if she isn't careful. But if you have a similar goal and you know the wiser rat has a history good decisions, what's the point of taking the mystery door?

Wie needs a mentor, or at someone who can show her it's possible to trail blaze even when you know exactly where the cheese is.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Vegas, baby! In Sin City, golf
is only a small part of the action

When Vince Vaughn saw the lights of Las Vegas in the movie "Swingers," he echoed a feeling we all get when nearing this desert paradise - "Vegas, baby." This town is nicknamed Sin City for a reason, and it continues to be a top travel destination for those who golf, and those who don't. Here are some great Las Vegas options off the golf course of where to play poker and gamble, where to eat and where to rest your weary head.

Also: After 'sale' to EAGL, Walters Golf has ties to Stallion Mountain

Ben Hogan's "Secret," golf tips
from Butch Harmon and more

Stacy and Barry Solomon compare his complicated yet instructional knowledge to the simplicity of John Jacobs' more easily comprehensible lessons for beginners. Also, get some great golf tips from the legendary Butch Harmon, and find out what happens if you mix equal parts LPGA with Champions Tour.

Podcast: Lake Tahoe boasts better value than Vegas

Mexico the hot spot for
golf vacation home buyers

It's a seller's market in the United States as the prices of homes continue to soar throught the country. However, this is leaving many investors looking down south. These days, Mexico is one of the hottest real estate markets in the world, as Americans, Europeans and more look to Mexico for great vacation properties and more.

Reader: Even more reasons to invest in Mexico real estate

Win a luxury cruise for two to
the Ryder Cup Matches in Ireland

TravelGolf Media is auctioning off a luxury cruise for two to the Ryder Cup in Ireland. The winner gets a 10-night, 11-day cruise to the Matches aboard the Seabourn Pride luxury liner, a trip valued at nearly $22,000. The winner receives: Deluxe suite accommodations aboard the ship; all meals, drinks and entertainment aboard the ship; round-trip transportation to The K Club; a 2006 Ryder Cup International Pavilion Badge; an invitation to attend a 2006 Ryder Cup Special Evening, and more.

GolfRyderCup.com: Your source for ticket info