This Week at WorldGolf.com: July 19, 2006

Are jocks who rip the media budding hypocrites? We could ask Nick Faldo

In an interesting Inside Media column, Tim McDonald takes a look at how the media has both helped and hindered Michelle Wie's career.

"The media and those they write and broadcast for have a complicated relationship that is both symbiotic and, at times, destructive," McDonald wrote.

This comes on the heels of known individualist Terrell Owens making his views clear that the media is really the cause of most of his problems. "Why me?" said Owens on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel."

It's common for athletes to blame their woes on the media. And while a good argument can be made that the ever-expanding media is going to greater and greater lengths to find stories, there is another simple truth: Most athletes have no problem becoming part of the media that they so despise.

As we approach the British Open, Nick Faldo is the latest example of an athlete who has seen age take away his ability, so now he has no problem using his mouth to make money. After firing some verbal volleys at Tiger Woods, Faldo defended himself by pointing out that he's the media now.

"I don't worry about what I say. That is what I am paid for - my opinions. It is as simple as that and I'll keep doing it whether I am right sometimes or wrong sometimes. As long as it is entertaining and as long as the cheques keep being paid into my bank account every month, it is fine by me," Faldo told reporters. "I don't want to get too personal but if something happens out there, they want me to say my opinion. I've been there. I can speak from 'I felt this' or 'I did that.'"

So remember this the next time you hear someone in the limelight rail against the media: They'd switch sides in a second if that's the best way they could make money. Whether it's Charles Barkley, Nick Faldo or the multitude of former athletes who, once their athletic star has ceased shining, turn to broadcasting, they get it. They understand the media.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

The ultimate Las Vegas golf trip
for high rollers spends big bucks

There's so much to do in Las Vegas, but usually so littloe time and not enough money. But what if money was no object? If that's the case, there's plenty to indulge in, from the lush fairways and personal caddies at Shadow Creek to the foie gras at Le Cirque, writes S. Adam Cardais. Here are some of the best places to check out in Las Vegas if you've got money to burn.

Also: Golf Chick hits Mesquite's Wolf Creek Golf Course

A battle of the sexes comes
to a head, and short game help

A battle of the sexes breaks out between the Barry and Stacy Solomon on the popular podcast, while Golf Digest teaching professional Randy Smith discloses the four words that should never be uttered on a golf course. Also, some golf tips on how to keep your short game up to par.

Listen: Click here to subscribe via RSS

Controlling the golf club can
lead players to golfing nirvana

A golfer has one major piece of equipment - the golf club. Here, world-class golf instructor Chuck Evans breaks down the three parts of the club and how you can have more control of them. As Evans writes "As players we need to understand that we must control the three parts of the golf club in order to strike quality golf shots."

Also: Golf tips from the pros at WorldGolf.com!