COUPLES GOLF AND THE MASTERS

GOLF COUPLES GOLF THE and MASTERS

HIGHLIGHTS OF SPRING

By Corey Roberson, Director of Golf

COUPLES GOLF

The Couples Putting Tournament was first introduced in February of 2020. The first year, we had a great turnout and laid the groundwork for a new Cordillera Ranch tradition. The 2021 iteration was originally scheduled for Saturday, February 13, but had to be rescheduled due to the wicked winter storm that swept across Texas. A new date of Saturday, March 13 was scheduled. We were afraid the date change might decrease participation since it fell the weekend after spring break, but we were delighted to maintain a full field!

This event fits nicely into the mixed play category of our golf programming for Cordillera Ranch members. Couples golf is a growing category at our Club and this event is a great way to start the spring season. Our goal is to create a fun and laid-back environment so couples can enjoy socializing with friends, being outside and play a non-intimidating form of golf. The day kicked off with Andrea and Alex serving cocktails out of the beverage carts in our staging area to set the tone, and we headed out for 18-holes of putting. Each green on the golf course was setup with tee markers and the 108-player field was paired in groups of six (three couples per group). The non-intimidating part comes from just putting — we had more than a handful of ladies out that don’t play golf but enjoyed just putting!

After the round, we gathered on the Cabana Patio for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. While the focus is having a good time, there’s a little competition mixed in there, too. Our reigning champions, Steve and Cathy Stroud, finished second this year as they were bested by James and Maria Sayers who shot an even par 36.

As I mentioned above, we have four categories of golfers to serve with our events — men, ladies, couples and juniors. Our men’s, ladies’ and junior events have been very successful, and we’re excited to grow our couples programming. In addition to the Couples Putting Tournament, the Club will be hosting Couples Days throughout the year. The formats will change each time — some will be a little more competition-focused and others will highlight the social side.

AZALEA INVITATIONAL

There are thousands of Magnolia Lanes in the United States, but for golfers, we only think of Magnolia Lane at Augusta National. This famed Magnolia Lane is basically just a 330-yard driveway lined with 61 magnolia trees on both sides, but to golfers it represents so much more. This mythical driveway leads to the Founders Circle which is in front of the Augusta National clubhouse. It’s hard to describe why it’s so different than any other driveway, you feel like you’re entering a different world. Cell phones are not allowed and golf is the only thing anyone can think about. It truly is a special place and ignites intense feelings in a golfer’s heart.

At Cordillera Ranch, we host our little taste of the Masters with the Azalea Invitational every year. Our ‘driveway’ is 6,512 yards that includes breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country as you meander down Cordillera Trace. This year we had 26 teams of four (104 players) in the field. Each team picked two players from the Masters field and their players’ Friday scores were added to the team’s two best net balls to create the team score.

The team of Dustin Noles (member), Brian Vest, Bryan Hjelm and Cory Ayers took the title with a total of 34-under par. Not only did Dustin and the boys carry their end of the load, their Masters players, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, didn’t disappoint. The team shot 25-under in the best two balls format, JT shot 5-under, and Spieth carded 4-under.

Corey Roberson is the Director of Golf at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at croberson@cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.4653.

MAY-JUNE GOLF EVENTS

EL COMPADRE MEMBER-MEMBER, May 7-8 RANCH ROUND-UP LADIES MEMBER-GUEST, May 11-13 COUPLES DAY, May 16 MGA EVENT, May 22 CWGA – LONE STAR CUP, May 26 COUPLES DAY, June 6 SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, June 12-13 JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, June 12-13

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Greetings From The Club’s New Agronomist

By Stuart Rowland

My name is Stuart Rowland (Stu) and I am excited to be back in Texas as your new Director of Agronomy. Back? Yes! Albeit I have spent the last 19 years in sunny California, I was born in Uvalde, Texas and moved to San Antonio when I was 5 years old. I am happy to be back home, close to family and here at Cordillera Ranch working alongside such great people.

I was introduced to golf when I was 11 years old and played my first 9 holes at Uvalde Municipal Golf Course. Back then, it was only 9 holes. I mostly enjoyed golf because I enjoyed being outside. At age 16, my grandfather helped me find my first job at Woodlake Country Club. I had a choice: work in the golf shop or work in golf maintenance. Working outdoors appealed to me and I quickly fell in love with golf maintenance as I was able to work all day and then go enjoy that which I worked so hard on. I also figured out that waking up early for work meant finishing work with plenty of time to play a few holes every day. I was sold!

After two years at Woodlake, I followed my boss to the Quarry Golf Club in 1993. I worked summers while I attended Stephen F. Austin (go Lumberjacks!) and upon graduation, my boss, Bruce Burger, told me to find a job to gain some bentgrass experience. Soon after, I accepted a job at River Crest Country Club in Ft. Worth. The second piece of advice was to be willing to move. I took that to heart and two years later moved to sunny La Quinta, California in the Coachella Valley. I spent 19 years in the desert with exceptional clubs: PGA West, The Vintage Club, Rancho La Quinta Country Club and finally The Madison Club. In the desert I was fortunate to experience the overseeding market and managing bentgrass in an extreme environment where temperatures climb to over 120 degrees in the summer. Yes, it is a dry heat, but it gives hot a whole new name!

California offered a tremendous experience with the golf industry but not as tremendous as the life-changing experience of meeting my bride. Married on a beach in 2012, Rachel and I have three children: Uriah (7), Simon (5) and Taya (4). We are an active family as we like the spirit of adventure, spending most of our time outside. Each of my kids loves to ride around ‘daddy’s course’ and they are excited at the prospect of seeing deer and armadillos. I grew up hunting and fishing in Bracketville and Pearsall and I look forward to getting our kids out on some Texas adventures and hunts. Rachel and I are also looking forward to great Texas BBQ!

We are excited to be here and join the Cordillera Ranch family. I am equally excited to bring to you and your guests a quality playing experience from amazing putting surfaces and enhancing the beauty of the Club. If you see me, flag me down and chat for a while. We can talk golf or turf and, who knows, you may even find out a few more interesting tid-bits about me, like having volleyball as my favorite sport or a story about riding a unicycle at a Spurs half-time show. All in all, I am honored to be here and to serve you and your family well.

See you on the course!

Stu

Stuart Rowland is the Director of Agronomy at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at srowland@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.3710.

CORDILLERA RANCH PICKLEBALL

IS THE REAL “DILL”

By Joe De Luna, Director of Tennis

Pickleball is one of — if not the — fastest growing sport in the United States with a 600% increase in participation over the last five years. More than 3.5 million people play the game nationally. This has been reflected in the growth and level of participation here at The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Cordillera Ranch, and in response, new courts are currently being constructed to accommodate our growing membership.

This popular game is a combination of badminton, tennis and ping pong. Pickleball is played with paddles, larger than ping pong paddles (usually made from wood, composite or graphite), and a wiffleball. The court dimensions are the same as a badminton court. Many times, you hit the ball while facing the net like in ping pong and the movements and strategies are very similar to tennis.

Site work and construction of the new courts are underway at the Tennis and Pickleball Club and when complete, Cordillera Ranch will have six dedicated pickleball courts with LED lighting. This is a great amenity for the Clubs and will be home to over 75 pickleball-playing members. This will also be a unique facility in the San Antonio area for private clubs.

The Cordillera Ranch Pickleball group of “core” players meets three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The group usually consists of 10-20 players a day. From this group of “core” players, other groups have formed on alternate days and times, usually with four to eight players. These are typically slightly less experienced players, couples, kids, families or seniors. So, based on these numbers, we are seeing an average of 45-75 players weekly at various times.

The new courts will be used in a variety of ways for pickleball social play, leagues, social events, clinics, lessons and tournaments. Hosting other private clubs at our new pickleball courts will be a great way to showcase the Ranch and meet new pickleball players from around the area in a fun and competitive atmosphere.

The pickleball courts can also be used to enhance our Junior Tennis Program as the smaller courts and nets are ideal for kids 4-10 years old. Additionally, they can be used to expand summer camps and other kids’ camp programming throughout the year.

Upgrading the pickleball facility will be a great way for members to meet and socialize, and it will create a path for new members to plug into Cordillera Ranch’s awesome culture. Pickleball is here to stay and The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch are ready for the future growth of this sport for men and women of all ages and levels. We should “relish” pickleball and be happy that we are no longer in a “pickle” when it comes to our courts. I look forward to seeing you at our new pickleball facility later this year.

So, Keep Calm and Pickle On.

Joe De Luna is the Director of Tennis at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jdeluna@cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.4660.

STAY COOL at the POOL

The Swim Club at Cordillera Ranch is the place to be for sunning, relaxing, dining, exercising, playing games and simply enjoying the pleasures of summer.

By Graham House & Kelsey Grudle

As the summer heats up and the pools open, the Swim Club provides the ideal setting to escape. Perfectly perched on one of the highest points of the Ranch overlooking the Guadalupe River Valley, the Swim Club offers awe-inspiring views and a casual atmosphere for entertaining. Sun worshippers and recreational swimmers alike will be refreshed by the turquoise waters of the pool, or escape to the adults-only negative-edge pool for pure relaxation. Kids will have a great time playing in the Kiddie Pool or taking a ride down the water slide. And while lounging by the pool, enjoy poolside service from our staff.

POOL REFURBISHMENT

Just in time for summer, the four pools at the Swim Club were refurbished in a process that took three months to complete. Existing plaster was removed and recoated with new material and color, making the surface smoother and cleaner, while helping to maintain a proper chemical balance for the water. The pool bottom pop-up jets were also removed to create a consistent smooth surface for your feet. After this winter’s terrible freeze, cracking and loose flagstone on the pool decking was repaired. For a final update, all pool chairs are receiving new fabric webbing. The Swim Club will be brighter than ever!

SNOW CONE TUESDAYS

Kids are treated to a free snow cone every Tuesday this summer!

FUN IN THE SUN

Game time at the Swim Club provides laughs and a little friendly competition! Pop out of the pool and test your skills at a variety of entertaining activities for kids. New games include Dart Soccer, Happy Hoppers, Duck Races and Giant Connect 4. On Thursdays, both kids and adults can participate in another new game — Free Throw for a Freebie!

TUESDAYS 1:00pm – Giant Jenga 3:00pm – Limbo Contest 5:00pm – Musical Chairs

WEDNESDAYS 1:00pm – Hula Hoop Contest 3:00pm – Dart Soccer 5:00pm – Giant Connect 4

THURSDAYS 1:00pm – Inflatable Bowling 3:00pm – Hula Hoop Contest 5:00pm – Basketball Free Throw

FRIDAYS 1:00pm – Musical Chairs 3:00pm – Dart Soccer 5:00pm – Happy Hoppers

SATURDAYS 1:00pm – Giant Jenga 3:00pm – Bingo 5:00pm – Giant Connect 4

SUNDAYS 1:00pm – Limbo Contest 3:00pm – Inflatable Bowling 5:00pm – Duck Races

Tuesday to Sundays | 12:00pm to 8:00pm

While relaxing poolside, feed your hungry kids and enjoy seasonal, summertime snacks for yourself. Casual and fun, the poolside menu offers new dishes created by The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Culinary Team for summer 2021. Here is a sampling of some menu items to try!

SMOKED PORK PIZZA

Roasted Citrus Orange Supremes,

Caramelized Onion, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Seasoned Arugula and Texas Honey Drizzle SLOW-SMOKED PULLED PORK SLIDERS

Golden Pineapple, Salsa Verde, Pickled Onion and Jalapeno

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL DRIZZLED FRUIT KABOBS Fresh Melon, Strawberries, Golden Pineapple and Tropical Fruits JUMBO LUMP CRAB AND AVOCADO STACK

Vine Ripe Tomato, True Harvest Greens, Smoked Remoulade, Fresh Lemon and Spanish Olive Oil

REFRESHING FITNESS

During the summer, Paddle Board Yoga and Aquafit group classes at the Cordillera Ranch Pool provide an invigorating exercise alternative guaranteed to refresh and re-energize. Taught by Instructor Kelly Vizzone, each 60-minute class is suitable for all fitness and skill levels. See the Group Exercise Calendar for dates and times.

AQUAFIT

Aquafit is a challenging water workout designed for everyone, and is especially beneficial for those with joint ailments or recovering injuries. This 60-minute, upbeat class begins with a gentle warm-up and then eases in to exercises using your own body weight and the natural resistance of the water.

PADDLE BOARD YOGA

Paddle Board Yoga is a great way to connect yourself with the Swim Club’s beautiful surroundings while experiencing all the benefits of a great workout. This 60-minute class incorporates elements of yoga and allows you to focus on your individual needs of balance, strength and core. Let the paddle board become your mat and experience yoga in a different way.

PADDLE BOARD BOOT CAMP

This NEW seasonal class is a boot camp-style class with a twist. Focus will be on toning your muscles, strengthening your core and increasing your endurance, all on the paddle board. Take your land training to the next level with this class. Challenge your balance, endurance and muscles with this full body workout.

POOL HOURS OF OPERATION POOL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

May 26: All pool amenities will be available including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.

May 27 & May 28: All pool amenities will be available including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

May 31: Memorial Day, The Club will be open.

All pool amenities will be available including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

June 1: Pool and Main Clubhouse will be closed.

June 2 - August 8: All pool amenities will be available including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

August 10 - 13: The pool will be operational with a swim at your own risk from 12:00pm to 8:00pm with towel service and poolside food and beverage service.

August 14 & 15, August 21 & 22, August 28 & 29,

September 4, 5 & 6: The pools will be fully operational from 12:00pm to 8:00pm including lifeguards, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service.

September 6: Labor Day, The Club will be open.

This is the final day for lifeguard, towel service, and poolside food and beverage service from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

Monday’s ALL POOLS CLOSED: (with exception of May 31 and September 6)

As you might imagine, usage at the pool fluctuates significantly due to camp schedules, holidays and family vacations. We have established hours based on usage trends and will continue to evaluate as the Club and community grow. For your convenience, our staff has been directed to keep the food, beverage and lifeguard service open if we still have members at the pool at 8:00pm. If that is the case, the last call for food and beverage will be at 9:00pm and the pool will close promptly at 9:30pm. If no members are present at 8:00pm, the facility will close at 8:00pm as posted. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL POOL PARTY Wednesday, May 26 | 3:00pm to 6:00pm | $10++ per child (includes pizza buffet & 1 snow cone)

Kick off your summer with the Last Day of School Pool Party! Enjoy swimming, hula hooping, ping pong, music and other fun activities.

NAME THAT TUNE NIGHT Thursday, May 27 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm Friday, June 4 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm Friday, June 18 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm Friday, July 2 | 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Sit back, enjoy refreshing beverages and show off your trivia skills by trying to Name That Tune! There will be prizes for the three best teams and different themes at each Name That Tune Night.

MEMORIAL DAY POOL PARTY Saturday, May 29 | 11:00am to 3:00pm

Join us at the pool for our annual Memorial Day Pool Party! Our DJ will be playing your favorite summer tunes while you enjoy complimentary snow cones, a delicious buffet and MORE. The pool will be open until 8:00pm.

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE POOL Saturday, June 26 | 8:30pm to 10:30pm Saturday, July 31 | 8:30pm to 10:30pm Saturday, August 28 | 8:30pm to 10:30pm

Bring the whole family for Movie Night at the Pool! Sit back and relax with drink specials, popcorn and kid movie packs while we watch our featured movie.

4TH OF JULY POOL PARTY Saturday, July 3 | 11:00am to 3:00pm

Join us at the pool for our annual 4th of July Pool Party! Our DJ will be playing your favorite summer tunes while you enjoy complimentary snow cones, a delicious buffet, pool games and MORE. The pool will be open until 8:00pm.