This Week at WorldGolf.com: May 17, 2006

When good gators go bad:
It's time to panic, Floridians!

If you are reading this while sitting at a computer in the state of Florida, panic. There's an alligator under your desk.

Get your golf clubs, gather a few belongings, maybe a loved one or two if you don't think they'll slow you down, and run north as fast as you can.

You might consider using a car for your getaway but only if you'll not have the presence of mind to obey speed limits, stop for red lights or to pay the man after you fill up your tank. Drive north as fast as you can.

I'm telling you, git! I've been reading about these Florida gator attacks on the Internet and it's clear we'll soon be fencing off the entire Sunshine State and leaving the stragglers to their own devices.

I'm sorry for the victims thus far. But my concern now has to be for those people left in Florida who may not be doing enough. I mean, haven't you people been reading the Internet!?

"Florida rocked by alligator attacks," reads an ITV.com headline. "Floridians fearful after spate of alligator attacks," says the Taipei Times. CBN News reports: "Deadly Gator Attacks Have Florida Residents in a Panic." And perhaps sensing readers have grown bored of "gator attacks a person" stories, the Sun-Sentinel headlined a recent story: "Gator snatches puppy after it scampers out door of business near West Palm."

I haven't even lived in Florida for three years now and I'm still crippled with fear. I'm reminded of the summer of 2001 when sharks ate anyone who went swimming. (Okay, so maybe there were actually fewer shark attacks that year than in 2000 but it's easy to be a skeptic if you weren't attacked, man!)

Right now, I've got bigger things to think about than facts. Like hiring a new national golf editor, for one thing. It's been more than a day since I've heard from Tim McDonald, who is based in North Florida. He filed a great story about hot new golf courses in Jacksonville and then vanished. Tim, if you are alive, check in, buddy. For the love of God, let me know you're okay. And if you are okay, run for your life!

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Get out of town! In Jacksonville, head
north and south for best, new courses

Jacksonville, Fla. is the largest city in the U.S. (of course we're talking about area, not population). For golfers, that means a lot of driving. But even that large land mass can't contain all the golf courses. The city holds quite a few excellent tracks, such as the Donald Ross-designed Hyde Park. Still, it's on the geographical extremes of the city that a number of new and exciting courses have opened. To find them, head north and/or south.

Also: Alligator-free golf in northeast Florida

Golf for Beginners podcast: Sports
psychology made easy for us golfers

Perhaps the most important facet of the golf game that separates the amateur from tour professionals is the pros' ability to perform under all kinds of stress. Learning how to deal with the mental aspect of the game will not only save strokes on the course but can enhance all aspects of your life. This week we bring you tips from one of the most qualified experts in his field, Dr. Rick Jensen, founder of the Performance Center at PGA National Resort and Spa.

Also: Think you have what it takes to review golf courses?

Tear yourself away from the Irish links,
drink in the scenery at Woodenbridge

Woodenbridge Golf Club in Arklow, Ireland has everything you could dream of in an Irish golf course. Located in County Wicklow and one of the most popular tourist destinations for Dubliners, Woodenbridge is set in an amphitheater of valleys and ringed with green-tinted hills. While Woodenbridge may not be on the itinerary of most traveling golfers, it should be as it's the type of course players return to for a real Irish links golf experience.

Also: Finding hidden Irish, Scottish golf gems