“The state's spending $400 million on a highway (Widening and improving interstate 95), but didn't build me an exit, and I put up quite a fuss about that. They ended up building a $30 million exit (Florida Department of Transportation says the exit cost even more, $40 million) that goes to my $45 million course.”

Other gems:

Q: You love water features. The signature hole at your Westchester course is a par 3 with a 100-foot waterfall. What do you say to people who call it a big gimmick?

A: I say they're people who can't afford to build a $7 million waterfall.

Q: How's your relationship with Tom Fazio, who built your course in Bedminster?

A: He had already designed a wonderful course there before I bought it. My organization made it bigger, better, more beautiful. There's a new lake on the fourth hole and another one on the 11th--I wanted those there. They had 1,200 sprinklers before. Now we have more than 2,000. Tom Fazio is a great architect, and I'm a pretty good golfer who understands the game. We have a great relationship. He tells me, "You know, Donald, I have owners who'll send their G5 to pick me up and fly me to Texas or California to plant a small tree. But Donald, you don't call me--I just get here and there's more lakes than we planned on!

I didn’t know there ever was any buzz. Well don’t worry, Commissioner Finchem is on top of the situation. He says they need to go to better cities and courses. So guess where he can’t wait to return? Bellerive. That thrilling RTJ Sr. course that had legions tuning for the 2004 U.S. Senior Open. Goose bumps here just typing about it.

“I say, embrace it! If the new technology keeps people playing the game, as golf course architects, we should keep the challenge alive.”

Okay. And how do they do it? Some people want to protect the sanctity of marriage, some have other things in mind.

“My goal is to protect the sanctity of the second shot.”

Sirak writes that while the Tour driving distance average went up one yard in 2004, there was a noticeable fall off in the top 10 this season. Was it the driver testing ridding the Tour of illegal drivers? Or if the athleticism theory holds, did the top 10 just go to the gym a little less often?

On this topic, Sports Illustrated recently published faux emails between writers Chris Lewis and Jim Gorant, where they revealed attempts to get the actual number of drivers tested (and those ruled illegal), resulted in a response seemingly straight out of All The President’s Men, with the Tour official making contradictory claims and fudging numbers clearly after some form of internal discussion. Ultimately, SI could not get a straight answer on the subject.

Only if you’ve had several glasses of a strong merlot would I recommend reading this 3,500 word Golf World round table on Vijay Singh. The key exchange to remind us who the real story is all about?

• GW: Is Singh's problem specific to the media or is it a broader issue?
• Sheeley: Some of it is shyness, some of it pertains to the cultural differences Jaime spoke of, and some of it lingers from the [scorecard] episode--I think he feels it's in everybody's mind all the time.
• Hawkins: I'm not sure Singh, being from Fiji, understands the tenets of American journalism--the freedom of the press as defined by the U.S. Constitution.
• Diaz: I agree.
• Hawkins: We're talking about a guy who didn't grow up in a culture where democracy and objectivity were crucial to the balance of society.
• Other important issues addressed:
  GW: Does Vijay have close friends on tour?
• GW: Is there anything Vijay likes to do besides play golf? I know Tim asked him the question 11 years ago. Have you guys come up with an answer?
• GW: What kind of food does he serve at his party?
• GW: If you got on the same elevator as Singh and were both taking it to the 50th floor, what would you say to him on the ride up?

“Two of golf’s greatest golfers are teaming up to create a world-class layout at Waterberg, one of the fastest-growing areas in South Africa,” says a press release touting a new Ernie Els-Jack Nicklaus design in South Africa.

The duo was brought together by the “lure of big game and a love for championship golf .” Yes, the course will be playing through a big game preserve.

“Occupying over 6,900 acres of bushveld, Waterberg boasts an abundance of water in a malaria-free area. Residents will be able to view almost all of the major species of game on the property, including four of the Big 5.”

What does that mean? Well, at least it's good to know that the Waterberg is malaria-free.

"In addition to straighter drives, the NDMX technology is expected to improve roll characteristics of the ball on the green resulting in truer putts.” Is expected?

As “an extra benefit, the core of the NDMX golf ball is completely recyclable.” Oh great. I'm sure golfers across the land will peel off the cover and drop the core in their neighborhood recycling bins.

Now comes the news that the company has signed up former USGA Technical Director Frank Thomas to get him to proclaim this to be the greatest product ever.

"I look forward to working with NanoDynamics on the NDMX concept, which has the potential to revolutionize and revitalize the golf ball industry," Thomas said. "The NDMX technology will provide a more efficient projectile for a wide range of golfer skill levels and I believe it will enhance the game of golf."

This is quite an about face for one of the leading voices against over-commercialization of the sport. Why? How about the price for this revolutionary ball. Seated?

They’re taking pre-orders for sleeves starting at just $24.99. A dozen balls will set you back $89.99. But don’t forget, those cores are recyclable!

Yep, herein lies golf’s salvation.

Other site is news: NBC will air the USGA year in review this Sunday, December 12, at 1 p.m. Eastern (is there any other time zone?). If nothing else, it’s worth watching to see how NBC handles the Shinnecock Hills fiasco. And will David Fay find a way to get in a plug for his favorite rangefinders to get dad for Christmas. After all, they are golf's $300 slow play remedy.

Finally, the submittal deadline for the annual USGA Book Drive, err, Book Award, is January 15, 2005. Shockingly, The Future of Golf in America will not be nominated this year.

Ron Whitten writes that the best new affordable, Copper Mill, features a "satanic" routing. The best new private is Sutton Bay, the best new upscale public is The Quarry at Giants Ridge and best new Canadian is The Rock.

"I know where they are coming from," Adam Scott said of the Aussie TV executives. "Sometimes I'm bored watching golf on television, no question about it."