This Week at WorldGolf.com: Jan. 18, 2007

PGA Tour's Fed Ex Cup explained (sort of)

As the PGA Tour gets itself into full swing, many WorldGolf.com readers have sent in cards, letters and even a finger painting questioning how the FedEx Cup will really work. We understand that many fans are confused, and that there has been a lot of misinformation given in regards to this prestigious playoff dealie.

Because we know our readers are sticklers for information - and accurate information at that, we figured we'd take a stab at explaining the complicated, yet beautiful machinations that make up the FedEx Cup. It's a system that has been modified often, in order to please as many humans as possible.

First of all, the FedEx Cup is set up as a points system, ala NASCAR. PGA Tour players will receive points for any tournament where they make the cut. Points will be awarded for how high a player places. Majors like the British Open, will be worth 10 percent more points, meaning the British Open is 10 percent more important than, say, the Reno-Tahoe Open.

Players will lose points for a variety of infractions, including shipping things via UPS.

After all is said and done, the top 144 players will begin a quest, to be crowned the FedEx Cup champion, so that they can be paraded around and then look down on Jack Nicklaus and taunt "Never won a FedEx Cup, did ya, fatty!"

The quest will begin at the Barclay's Classic, with 144 players. Twenty-four very bummed players will get the boot the next week for the Deutsche Bank Championship. The top 70 will battle in the BMW Championship, and then the top 30 will play in The Tour Championship, where the winner will receive $400 million, or something like that.

After The Tour Championship, the top-15 players will be dropped off on an island for 30 days in the PGA WalMart Survivor Championship. Players will earn immunity via feats of golf strength, and island know how. The winner will be given Spain and a five-year exemption to the Tour.

As the FedEx Cup system is being continuously modified, we'll keep you up to date on future changes. Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy the show, as Tim Finchem and his boys desperately try and make everyone happy.

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Las Vegas has golf trips
that will have bachelors
enjoying Sin City's finest

Single guys are looking for three things in a bachelors' golf weekend: world-class courses, great restaurants and bars, and plenty of opportunities to see women in tight clothing. Luckily, Las Vegas has all these things and more. Whether you want to be with the buddies on the golf course, or enjoy some of Sin City's more tantalizing fare, this is the town for bachelors.

Also: Don't fear Las Vegas' tough tracks

Golf For Beginners podcast:
Michelle Wie gets a lesson
from a teenager at Sony

The Golf for Beginners' duo look at Michelle Wie's latest foray against the men on the PGA Tour. While they still feel that Wie will be successful, they look at Tadd Fujikawa as how a young person can have fun and compete well against big odds. Also, Phil Mickelson is coming back? What do Barry and Stacy Solomon have to say about Lefty's return?

Also: Golf for Beginners hits iTunes' Top-10!

Some budget-travel tips
for a great golfing trip

The Cheap Bastard is always looking for a great deal. Here, he gives you some tips on a variety of traveling adventures. From being prepared to take advantage of a flight that's overbooked to how to get the best deal on a hotel room, to where to get the best golf packages, the Cheap Bastard has some great ideas.

Column: Making promises to yourself