The journey ended, the wind still blew and I dragged myself off the 18th green at Edgewood Tahoe. I used to think this was recreation, but after 54 holes in 2½ days, I felt joints and muscles that required a personal inventory.

Then again, it's Edgewood Tahoe, one of the most gorgeous inland courses in the world. We saved the best for last. It was worth the pain.

There are balconies, and then there is the balcony at Spring Creek Golf & Country Club's impressive new clubhouse. Spring Creek wished to feature the beauty of its 18-hole course on the banks of the Stanislaus River. Better still, it hoped to connect the building with its best asset.

Charles Barkley can make you laugh, and cry, with a single swing of the club.

Kids are asking Jamie Looper for his autograph this week while Looper asks himself, "Why?" Looper, 51, has not beaten Tiger Woods, at least not yet. The former three-sport star at Oakdale High always enjoyed his golf as an amateur. The attention targeting Looper is taking place at Lake Orion, Mich., where he will tee off Thursday in the United States Senior Open at Indianwood CC.

The First Tee of Modesto ushered in its sixth year Tuesday with 40 volunteers, 260 students and a fresh bushel of awards.

Eric Lippert has lived his golf dream, and so what if he didn't become the next Tiger Woods?

PEBBLE BEACH -- Matt Bettencourt could have steered toward safety Thursday.

PEBBLE BEACH -- The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am begins anew today with critics questioning its clout and skeptics wondering about its future.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not exactly endeared himself to California golfers.

Reading time, two minutes:

Matt Bettencourt labored for six long years in golf's farm leagues, all of it as a marathon test run for Thursday.

Before Matt Hansen strikes his first tee shot, he already knows 2009 will be unforgettable.

Michelle Wie has shifted in public perception from child prodigy to misguided teenager to spoiled brat to not-ready-for-prime-time.

For those who think golf is too cost-prohibitive for today's youth, we beg to differ.

Stage II of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament has replaced the Stage III finals for sheer pressure.