A couple of weeks ago, when I first learned about the Golf Digest Index magazine, I joked that I didn’t qualify to get a copy. Golf Digest Index, which focuses on “golf lifestyles” is being sent to Golf Digest’s 300,000 wealthiest subscribers. Public school teachers and high school golf coaches don’t fit in that category.

So imagine my surprise when I came home today to find a copy of Golf Digest Index in my mailbox. I’m still certain that I don’t fit in the wealthy category, but perhaps they sent it to me because of my position as a powerful and influential member of the golf media

Whatever the case, I’m glad they sent it, for it offers a glimpse into a world that—unless I hit the lottery—I don’t have a chance of experiencing.

The initial issue features articles on America’s 50 Greatest Courses, the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, wine collections at country clubs, the joys of private plane ownership, the spas of St. George, Utah, and man-made caves that serve as golf rooms. That last one is really interesting—it turns out that it may be cheaper to have someone dig you a vast underground playcave than to build a comparable structure above ground. For the most part, though, the articles are not really compelling journalism (but then, I don’t think they were meant to be).

The two exceptions to this were a piece on a con man who fleeced an Ohio Country Club’s membership, and a profile of Herb Kohler. Were either just a little longer, or a little more in depth, they would have been good candidates for Vanity Fair, a magazine whose writing and editing I have very much admired.

The photo spread of Matt Lauer and Bryant Gumbel modeling the latest golf fashions, I could have done without.

Noted author Mark Frost (The Greatest Game) offered his list of required golf reading. I’m going to go out and get some of the ones he suggested.

And the clubmaker in me really enjoyed the piece on Japanese forged clubs.

There also are a lot of nice advertisements to look at—stuff that is not your usual golf tips magazine faire: high end fashions, jewelry and accessories and ritzy resorts. There were bits from Bombaier Flexjet, Bulgari, Cap Cana, The Cliffs, John Allan, Lan River, NASDAQ, Peter Millar, PGA Tour Wines, Porshe, Sentient Jets Wynn and the Waldorf Astoria. (I suppose I’m weird, but I have always enjoyed looking at ads)

All in all, I spent an enjoyable evening thumbing through Golf Digest Index. I hope that they don’t find out how thoroughly middle class I am and stop sending it to me.

Glenlivet has a “links style” miniature golf course that they’re carting around to four different cities this winter. It’s going to make stops in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.

The Glenlivet is thrilled to bring the two most cherished exports of Scottish heritage – Scotch whisky and golf – to the heart of five U.S. cities this year. The Glenlivet City Links is a 9-hole, urban-scaled golf course that will be touring the country from September 2005 to February 2006. A remarkably accurate rendering of how courses in golf’s birthplace of Scotland look,  City Links promises to be a relaxing golf oasis in the country’s busiest urban centers.

Besides hosting a once-in-a- lifetime golfing experience, each city will have its own series of special events and cocktail parties for VIPs, press, and Society members. Don’t miss The Glenlivet City Links in your part of the country

I REALLY want to see this, but it’s not making a stop in Detroit.

But it IS in Chicago ... and that’s only five hours away ...

Mrs. Golfblogger will never go for it.

For the ladies out there, here’s a sweepstakes from Liz Golf. What do you win?: Your choice of a dream set of clubs or other merchandise from Golfio.com $1000 value; A LizGolf Wardrobe $1000 value; $1000 in Green Bucks - good for lessons, green, or whatever your heart desires. Total Value $3000

Do we need a new golf magazine? The publishers of Golf Connoisseur think so. And they may be right. The new magazine had a December circulation of 260,000.

And speaking of magazines, I got some spam for this magazine the other day. I don't know how long its been around, but I've never seen it before. It looks like another high end publication.