This Week at WorldGolf.com: Feb. 22, 2006

Malaysian Open golf shootout got
this American fan's blood pumping

When my editor asked me to keep an eye on the European Tour, my initial reaction was, "Yeah, who cares about it?" That was my typically American response to a tour where the winnings are small potatoes compared to the PGA Tour's. To me, it was like covering golf's chitlin' circuit.

But now that I've been watching for a while, I've become a big fan. Between the European players and the Asians, the competition and quality of play have really been eye opening.

This weekend's thrilling finale to the $1.25 million Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur was a prime example. Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, playing for his third consecutive Malaysian Open win, narrowly lost to Charlie Wi of Korea on a day with multiple lead changes and three players in contention until the finish.

Throughout the day, Thongchai, Wi and Raphael Jacquelin of France jockeyed for first place, and at one point down the stretch, shared the lead. Jacquelin reached the clubhouse first after carding a 62, then watched as the two Asians matched each other, birdie for birdie.

After his final-round 63, Wi, who started the day three strokes behind the leader, paid tribute to Thongchai, remarking at how solid and formidable a player he had become. He also acknowledged that luck had played a crucial role in his victory. On the 17th hole, Wie hooked a shot into a creek but his ball ricocheted off a rock and into the rough. Instead of drawing a penalty, Wi made par and won when Thongchai was unable to sink birdie putts of 15 and 20 feet on the 17th and 18th greens.

In the end, tournament officials decided to shorten the event to 54 holes because of recurring thunderstorms. Play was halted early during each of the first three days, but the result was anything but anticlimactic.

Although he didn't win, Thongchai may have improved his chances for an invitation to this year's Masters. At 36, he's been a huge success on the European Tour almost from the time he left the Thai army and turned pro. A small but muscular man who fashioned his first golf club out of bamboo when he was a teenager, the ex-paratrooper averages nearly 300 yards per drive in the humidity of Southeast Asia. What TV viewers saw this week was a golfing warrior of supreme discipline and confidence who deserves a chance to play on the world stage.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Salvador da Bahia, Brazil:
Where Carnival is a state of mind

Standing in the middle of Salvador da Bahia's Aeroclube Plaza Show, an entertainment mall with several dance clubs - a veteran travel agent crows: "This is great, it's paradise." Salvador, Brazil just seems to have that effect on people. Especially during February, when Carnival takes over. This year's event is scheduled for Feb. 25-28, though activities for Carnival will likely be spread throughout February. And in Salvador, Carnival is more a year-round state of mind.

Also: Catussaba Resort down in Brazil is an ocean paradise

When The Donald calls to let you
know he doesn't love your opinion

Now billionaire businessmen just don't seek out golf reporters, so after the voice on the phone said "Please hold for Mr. Trump," I waited for the punchline. Turns out that The Donald wanted to know why his Trump National L.A. wasn't on our list of SoCal's 10 best "Everyone's pretty much loved it," Trump told me. "Everyone except for you, really."

Also: Southern California's 10 best golf courses

Baseball, golf are in the air in Arizona

Twenty years ago, with just five baseball teams training in Arizona, fan interest was limited mostly to Cubs fans hoping to get a glimpse of Harry Caray. These days 12 clubs train here and the demand for tickets has skyrocketed. Bigger crowds mean more people enjoying not just baseball but also great golf. So be smart: Plan your tee times before you go. Be sure to include rounds at top tracks like Troon North, We-Ko-Pa and Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia.

Also: Florida, baseball and golf are a tough combo to beat