This Week at WorldGolf.com: Oct. 11, 2006

Long-awaited return to the golf course a reminder why we really love this game

I spend a fair bit of each year in Brazil, where golf shares the same popularity as waterboarding and cat juggling. Sure, it's done, but for the most part, it's frowned upon. Therefore, as the saying goes, right now I golf like old people mate - it's not pretty to watch and you have serious doubts as to whether anyone is actually enjoying it.

When I come back to the U.S., however, it's a golf extravaganza. Over the next three weeks, I will play at least a dozen rounds at a dozen different courses from Southern California to Reno, Nev. to Bullhead City, Ariz. And while there's an obvious amount of excitement heading into this golf-a-palooza, there is some trepidation, as well. Will my game be as bad as I fear?

Having just come in from my first full 18 holes, I can safely say it may not be as bad as I feared. In fact, it was pretty great.

I played at Green Tree Golf Course, a fine municipal run in Victorville, Calif. After a nightmarish front nine that saw me sitting at 55, things quickly got better on the back nine, as on a 160-yard par-3, I landed a 7 iron exactly one foot to the right of the hole and had it pull back to within four feet. I made the birdie putt and slowly got a handle on my game, coming in with a more respectable 48.

No, not stellar, but livable for me, and with definite signs of promise.

More than the way I played, however, was the fun of getting to play with three other guys that I had never met before. Two of them were in their 60s and had been friends for nearly 50 years.

They casually told us stories of the past, including the time they played a round with the former L.A. Rams great Rosey Grier, all the while maintaining the happy attitudes of two pals who were now retired and could enjoy themselves at their leisure.

So while I realize I miss playing the game, it didn't take me long to realize what I missed more - the people you get to play the game with. Therein lies the real extravaganza.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Phoenix-Scottsdale's celebrity golf
course designs satisfy the star-struck

This is the age of course designer mania. Architects like Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus make millions designing golf courses around the world, many of which are hinging their futures on those big names. The Phoenix-Scottsdale area has plenty of "name-brand" courses, and some are absolutely worth the hype. Here's a look at some of the best of the big names.

Also: Arizona has great 9-hole options

How Fred Astaire will help your
golf swing, humor from Phyllis Diller

On this edition of their podcast, Barry and Stacy Solomon give you the secrets of Fred Astaire, who was not only a terrific dancer but also a low handicap golfer. Plus, the legendary Phyllis Diller had some funny things to say about golf that the Solomons just had to share, plus much more.

Also: Listen to latest Sweet Spots golf podcast

Tips for buying golf-course
real estate: The inside track

Owning golf-course real estate has its benefits - golf properties are three times as valuable as the average U.S. home, according to the Golf Research Group, which tracks the industry. But it also has pitfalls. There are several factors to consider before buying. Some are obvious, like location. Others, such as the prestige of the golf course designer, are not. Understanding what to look for, and what to avoid, will help you invest intelligently.

Also: Selling or buying? Post free golf course real estate listings