Etc.

It gives 'drive' a new meaning

When you live in an area that's flat and remote to begin with – and has just experienced the worst drought in memory – what can you possibly do to attract tourists? Ah, you could always try building a golf course. In fact, that's exactly what is happening along a stretch of the Eyre Highway in Australia, with about $290,000 in seed money from the government. It's expected to be completed sometime next year. And promoter Alf Caputo, for one, can't wait. He envisions golf-addicted Japanese "flocking in hordes to [come] here and play," while taking time out to visit (and spend money in) area communities. First, though, it might be good if they knew what they were getting into. For starters, the as-yet-unnamed course on the Nullarbor Plain will span more than 750 miles from end to end. Yes, you read that correctly. Its 18 holes are being laid out one to a town across two states and two time zones. In concept, once a golfer finishes a hole, he or she will stop for a snack, then climb into a car for the ride to the next tee, which may be hours away. Minimum time for a full round: two days, assuming a shot doesn't ricochet off an emu or come to rest beside a poisonous snake. Oh, one other thing. Nullarbor is a Latin term meaning ... no trees. And golfers will find this appealing because? Well, says Caputo, "You won't be able to do this anywhere else, will you?"