What would you do if you won a quarter-mill playing golf in Las Vegas? How 'bout putting half of it on a single hand of blackjack at the Mirage? That's what I hear World Series of Golf champ Mark Ewing (pictured) and his caddy wanted to do Wednesday night. The funny thing is that Ewing, a day trader from Newport Beach, CA, who was once voted the city's most eligible bachelor, isn't even that great of a golfer – his 10 handicap doesn't suck, but it's not good enough to even make the junior tour these days – and that's good news for all of us who love to hit it long but tend to mix in a few 8s and 9s with our pars and the occasional birdie.

Don't get me wrong, I was skeptical when I heard about a new golf format that incorporates the wagering of No-Limit Texas Hold 'em – it sounded about as exciting as a Mariah Carey movie-a-thon, without the tube tops. But it turns out the made-for-NBC World Series of Golf, like all aspects of the highly enjoyable art of taking other people's money, is rather addictive, especially if you prefer your chips to be of the gambling variety, and your balls to be small, white and dimpled.

The format is simple: Amateur golfers play on each hole in a predetermined order. Everybody puts in an ante before the tee shot and betting ensues on every shot thereafter, with players checking, betting, calling, raising or folding out of the hole and heading to the next. Lowest strokes on the hole takes the pot.

If you want to learn more, check out the NBC broadcast June 23-24 or visit www.worldseriesofgolf.com. Even if you never play in the big event, it's a cool way to gamble (of course, this story is for informational purposes only) during a foursome with friends at your local hacktrack.

The concept was intriguing enough to entice some notable names – poker star Phil Ivey, who placed fourth, among them. And I hear former "Charlie's Angel" Tanya Roberts was bouncing around out there as well. It only takes 10 grand to enter the WSOG (same as the World Series of Poker buy-in), which includes golf, Mirage hotel room, hot parties, food and transpo – plus the chance to win some serious cash. So if you're a streaky player who hits a solid ball off the tee, it's time to start saving those pennies for '08.

As for Ewing's post-victory press of his luck? Might be the first time Vegas ever helped a gambler keep his money – turns out the Mirage wouldn't take that much action for a single hand, but I'm sure he found other suitable pursuits for his newfound fortune. I know I always do.