The World Golf Championships: Bridgestone Invitational in Akron Ohio will be kicking off July 28th this year and it sounds to be a promising event. As the competition heats up this year promises to bring entertainment and with Tiger out of the mix, it’s anyone’s game.

Tiger Woods, who won the 2007 Bridgestone Invitational is out for the rest of the season with a knee brace and recovering from surgery. A great move for perhaps the greatest player on the green. But that leads to the next question, Who is going to win the 2008 Fedex Cup?

If you haven’t yet been to Akron, Ohio or you just love golf, don’t miss the Bridgestone Invitational this year. It promises to be a great show. Book your airfare now if you haven’t already and there are a number of hotels available in the area including the brand-new Cambria Suites in Akron which is an all-suite hotel with tons of room and great amenities for all travelers.

Be ready for the World Golf Championships, it’s shaping up to be one for the ages.

Tiger Woods will undergo season-ending knee surgery and as the former leader for the coveted Fedex Cup, the title is up for grabs.  Who will take the crown, Vijay? Phil? It’s anyone’s game and it proves to be an exciting one to follow as the PGA season rolls along.

The featured golf community on the Arizona Luxury Golf Home website is the Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale. The Desert Highlands Golf Course has won many accolades under the design of Jack Nicklaus. A dramatic elevated tee box on the first hole sets the tone on this 18-hole, par 72 golf course that plays 7,072 yards from the tips. You can view each hole on the Jack Nicklaus Course here.

Tiger Woods is making his return to the PGA tour at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Tiger has been recovering from surgery and says he hasn’t fully recovered, but he’s ready to hit the links. He had surgery on his left knee right after placing second at the Masters. Although he says he isn’t at 100 percent, Woods says he is looking forward to the competition.  And you can bet that the media is looking forward to Tiger.

The Grayhawk Golf Community in Scottsdale is the featured hot golf club from the list of Favorite Golf Communities in Arizona. Grayhawk Golf Club has become one of Arizona’s most celebrated daily-fee golf clubs, mostly because of Grayhawk’s two exceptional 18-hole golf courses – Talon and Raptor. Both have earned numerous awards and accolades over the years. The Golf Club is a paradise not only for those with a passion for the game, but also for those who enjoy breathtaking scenery. Grayhawk cultivates an elegant and hip lifestyle through its accompanying amenities and facilities. This golf community is the perfect place for special events such as weddings, golf tournaments, group golf events and corporate meetings.

The Crown Plaza Invitational was won by ASU Alum Phil Mickelson. Phil Mickelson’s Victory in Fort Worth, Texas included a birdie on the 72nd hole after driving into the woods. Lefty finished the tournament with a 266 with Tim Clark and Rod Pampling nipping at his heels at 267. Stephen Ames finished fourth with a 269. The victory was Phil’s 34th on the PGA tour and he’s looking for number 35 at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

Check out the list of the toughest courses on the PGA tour. The list is based on the first 19 weeks of the 2008 season but you can bet that the courses on the list are no easy walk for tour pros.

The TPC of Scottsdale clocks in at number 21 on the list. The average score on the course was a 70.3. This course is a must for any golfer who loves the game. Take a walk in paradise and enjoy the green. We know the PGA tour did.

Today’s featured Arizona golf course community on the Luxury Golf Home website is Gainey Ranch. Gainey Ranch is located in the Northeast Valley in Scottsdale Arizona. With breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains, the allure of the Sonoran Desert and breathtaking blue skies, Gainey Ranch is more than just a golf club; it’s a home in paradise.

Gainey Ranch also provides a romantic get-away on it’s nightly gondola ride, an adventure everyone will enjoy, I know from personal experience.

Golf Great Annika Sornstam has announced yesterday that she will retire from the LPGA tour at the end of this season. Sorenstam has definitely made her mark as the former number one ranked golfer in the world and a few nice records to go along with it.  She leads the all-time earnings figures for the LPGA and has set a record low 59 strokes in a win on tour. She will be missed, but starting a family is going to be her next goal at the end of this year. Good luck Annika!

The Paradis Team was recently featured on MyFoxPhoenix.com as neighborhood experts in assisting people buy and sell luxury golf homes in Arizona specializing in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley. The Paradis Team is the premier real estate expert in the northeast valley so if you’re looking to buy or sell, you can rest assured knowing that you will be taken care of.