This Week at WorldGolf.com: June 21, 2006

So where does Tiger Woods go from here?

The fact that Sunday at the U.S. Open was as exciting as it was, as filled with second-guessable moves, made it a lot easier for everyone who cares about Tiger Woods.

TV commentators, reporters, columnists, and golf bloggers were free to banter about Geoff Ogilvy's unlikely victory, Phil Mickelson's meltdown on the final two holes or Colin Montgomerie's errant approach shot on 18. Thankfully, no one had to think about Tiger's colossal failure. No one had to think about what the guy must have been going through playing his first competitive golf since his dad died.

It was easier that way. Kind of like how well wishers at a funeral will mill around afterwards discussing the new tires they need or which weed killer works best in their garden. Any topic at all but the one on everyone's mind.

Now, with the dust clear, maybe it's time to ask the questions, though. Where is Tiger's head these days? What will losing his father do to Tiger's epic mental focus and toughness.

No one expected the kind of bungling we saw on Thursday and Friday. He reportedly had some great practice rounds leading up to the Open but when they raised the curtain, he lost it.

How much of that was simple rust? How much was the result of Tiger's mind being elsewhere? I am wondering too if this tells us anything about how he handles stressful situations.

Think about it, most of life's complications lie ahead of Tiger, not behind. I mean, he got married and he lost one parent, that's it. With any luck it'll be many many years before his mother or in-laws have any health complications. And I pray any children he and Elin bear will be in perfect health and never cause any worry. And hopefully his marriage and business matters will remain problem free.

Life rarely works out perfectly, however, even for the most charmed individuals. There are ups and downs for all of us. How will Tiger handle the downs still to come?

Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major victories looks even more remarkable of late. And if Thursday and Friday at Winged Foot were any indication, it might be more safe than we once thought.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Thailand's Laguna Resort keeps
mining its golf and luxury options

Five deluxe resorts surrounding a stunning lagoon make up Phuket, Thailand's Laguna Resort, including the Banyan Tree Phuket, which has been honored by Conde Nast Traveler, among other publications. The golf isn't bad, either at this former mining area, as the Max Wexler-designed course will keep golfers challenged. And when a golfer gets off the course, the luxurious clubhouse, or maybe one of the resorts 43 pools will be awaiting to help continue the Thai experience.

Also: Bangkok, Thailand beckons travel golfers

Golf for Beginners: watching
U.S. Open gives dynamic duo
enthusiasm for new golf tips

The U.S. Open has Barry and Stacy Solomon excited about sharing golf tips with their listeners on this episode of their popular Golf for Beginners podcast. Barry gives some basic ideas on fading and drawing for intermediate golfers. Also, tips are given on how to hit the ball with higher or lower trajectory. All this and more as the U.S. Open has the Solomon's trying to figure out what are some of the best tricks pros have in their bags.

Also: Subscribe to our RSS feed to get each week's show

A wizard on the greens:
Nike's OZ Black T130 putter

Nike's OZ Black T130 is one weighty, shapely putter, with enough bells and whistles to suit any mallet devotee. Putts struck on the sweetspot jumped so lightly and so true that off-center contact felt almost jarring by comparison. Toe- and heel-hits still ended up close to the cup, but well short. Inconsistent putters might find the difference in feel between off-center and center-cut contact disconcerting, but you would be hard-pressed to find a flatstick with more feel.

Also: Will the TPS 460cc kick off a renaissance for PowerBilt?