Winter 2011

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It's a lifestyle.

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Subscribe and Receive: • 10 issues of AVID delivered to your door • Free rounds at more than 30 local courses (cart fees apply) • 12 Srixon TRISPEED Golf Balls (a $30 value) • A merchandise coupon to ProAm Golf Visit avidmagazine.com to learn how.

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avid contents

72

THE COOLEST GAME ON EARTH

Snow is one element that keeps most golfers off the course. Unless, of course, you happen to be in the Swiss Alps. Take a look back at the 2010 Engadin Snow Golf Cup for a take on golf that’s been a hit in Switzerland for more than 25 years.

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DESIGNED TO KEEP YOUR LONG SHOTS FROM BECOMING LONGSHOTS. Improving your odds from long range relies a lo ot on how well your club gets through the turf.

Th hatt’s why we designed the new Baffler Rail Hybrids and F Fairway Woods around a four-way rail sole that slices through grass like a machete through a thicket. It’s a proven way to help you make solid contact for long, soft-landing approach shots. But we didn’t stop there. The Bafflers allso feature 9 Point Face Teechnology that keeps shots on target, e even if you catch them off-center. And with that kind of technology, you’ve got to like your chancees. Find a demo location near ne you at cobragolf.com m.

Real Technology. Unreal Performance.

®2010 Cobra Golf Incorporated.

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avid contents 37

FEATURES

58 JET: Beware: Copperhead The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Tampa, Fla.—a course among the top 10 in the country, according to PGA pros such as Jim Furyk—has a complex, tree-lined course and stunning landscape. With a full spa and entertainment in nearby Tarpon Springs, it’s the trip you’ve been waiting for.

65 Course Opinion: Tapawingo National Golf Club The three Gary Player–designed nine-hole courses at Tapawingo National are among the finest in the Gateway Area. Ride along with Ryan Scott as he navigates the courses, including one of the most recognizable (and fun) holes in St. Louis.

69 SHORT FEATURE: Call Me Bob Longtime instructor and Tower Tee legend Bob Gaus tells AVID about his 25-year career path, what about golf motivates him and how he plans to ready himself for the next chapter of his golf career: the Champions Tour.

79 COVER STORY: Winter Survival Guide With the holiday hoopla behind us and the countdown to March officially under way, you’ll need the right gear to keep you going. No matter what your personality type, AVID’s got just the thing to help you survive the winter in St. Louis.

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33

Departments

13 Letter from the editor 14 Access 19 Bag Check Take a peek inside Jay Williamson’s golf bag to find out what items he can’t live without on the course.

23 The Lab The newest craze in driver design from TaylorMade and Cobra, a breakdown of the newest generation of high-tech tablets and the myths behind magnetized bracelets.

29 Vice Put away the vodka. It’s time to dive into the dark stuff. Also, read how Brennan’s in the CWE is working around the smoking ban.

33 Fuel Monarch in Maplewood transforms into a beautiful, Cajun-inspired eatery that has food reviewer Kyle Harsha going back for seconds.

37 Stitch The basics are just as essential in your closet as they are on the course. But don’t take our word for it. Saks Fifth Avenue men’s fashion director Eric Jennings and Golf Digest’s Mr. Style, Marty Hackel, weigh in on the fundamentals of a solid wardrobe.

47 The Cut An interview with Pete Yorn on the new sound he’s bringing to The Pageant in February, a new book by local golf historian Jim Healey and three action flicks you’ll see us at this winter.

50 Burn Keep healthy by improving your posture, fix your swing by mastering your swing plane, and avoid heartache on the course (à la Ian Poulter) by learning the rules.

56 Executive Profile Ryan DeGrand of ProAm Golf, shares what it’s like to lead a second-generation family business and how he manages to stay afloat, even in the face of lifethreatening illness.

88 AVIDDIVA Get to know the most charming cart girls the Gateway Area has to offer.

94 Caddy Shack AVID talks with longtime caddy Martin Courtois about his most memorable moments on the course.

96 cease & desist Matt Mathison gives his notso-subtle opinion on all things golf-related, including a look back at last year’s PGA season.

sAKs FiFtH AVENuE MEN’s CollECtioN KNoW WHAt You’RE WEARiNG Our Italian-made pinstripe suit is crafted in luxurious super 120s wool

ST. LOUIS AT PLAZA FRONTENAC 314.567.9200 © SAKS FIFTH AVENUE 2010 ONLINE: SAKS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/SAKS TWITTER.COM/SAKS

because tO get ahead, a man can’t hang On hIs charm alOne...

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 9 st. louis

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co-publisher Matt Mathison co-publisher Richard Riney

avid

editor-in-chief Dan Michel contributing editors Margaret Bauer Michael Wilmering

design NITEWERK Chicago, Ill. hello@nitewerk.com design interns RYAN SULLIVAN ALEXANDER L. VALENTINE III photo assistant COURTNEY WEBER illustrator DanIEL Elchert production assistant Richard Kearns

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AVID Magazine is published by Flagstick Media Co. and has no affiliation with any other media outlet or publication or any variation thereof.

This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without expressed written consent of the publisher. For permission, please contact matt@avidmagazine.com.

For questions, comments or feedback, please contact feedback@avidmagazine.com.

contributing photographers Mark Christian John Fedele Linda Mueller Peter Newcomb Lesia Tatarsky

Back issues, reprints and PDFs are available for an additional charge. For more information, please contact info@avidmagazine.com.

contributing writers George Abernathy Bryan FaQuin Damon Goddard Chris Hannis Kyle Harsha Maria Palozola Ryan Scott Michael Wilmering Fred W. Wright Jr.

Photo Credits (cover and pages 78 through 87): John Fedele; Courtesy of Black & Decker, Bloomingdales, Chefswear.com, COBRA-PUMA GOLF, Coleman, Columbia, Dalvey Ltd., Diesel, Directed Electronics, DODOcase, eLighters Inc., Evolution Robotics, FRED, FootJoy, Fossil, Geneva Sound Systems, Gladiator GarageWorks, Graphic Ice Inc., Hammacher Schlemmer, Hell’s Foundry, iHome Audio, J. Crew, Jack Spade, Journey’s, Kaleidiscape, Karl Hein, Kiehl’s, Maxfield & Oberton Holdings LLC, MoMA Design Store, NE1 Golf Products, Neiman Marcus, Nike, Noon Copenhagen, Nordstrom, Olive, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, The Putting Game, Red Envelope, REI, Restoration Hardware, Smartwool, Square, Uncommon Goods, Urban Ears, Urban Outfitters, Vuzix, Williams-Sonoma, Xbox

account executives Brett Borgard David Drovetti

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 11

advertising visual communications photography

The fine art of communication.

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cfx-inc.com

letter from the editor

Winter Solace Let’s face it: Winter sucks for golfers. Sure, there are warm spells, but more often than not, it’s too cold out to even hit a driving range, let alone play an entire round.

And while the clubs collect dust in the garage, we’re stuck inside watching the beginning of the PGA Tour on TV. Seeing these guys play in places like San Diego and Palm Springs only adds insult to our collective injury. But this winter, instead of sitting around sulking in my slippers, I thought I’d do something about it.

Now, I happen to think that New Year’s resolutions are cheesy and broken all too easily, but I’m going to make one anyway, and I think you should, too. I vow not to waste this winter. I won’t sit in the office working away or stay cooped up at home while the daylight hours fly by and my handicap becomes any worse than it already is.

I don’t know what it is, but I feel like this winter’s already been a bit harder than others in recent memory. Maybe it’s seasonal affective disorder. Maybe my tolerance for the cold is dwindling as I get older. Whatever is behind it, I feel like braving this winter has been less about thriving and more about just surviving.

My distain for the winter months, I must confess, was part of the impetus for our winter survival guide (page 78), a collection of gear, clothes, training aids and more, tailored to every kind of AVID man. That, and we wanted to give our readers an excuse to ask for gift receipts for any less-than-stellar items they received over the holidays.

My resolution was also inspired by the brave (but kind of crazy) souls who play

in the Engadin Snow Golf Cup (page 72) in Switzerland each year. These guys take golf to the next level. They brave the subzero climate of the Swiss Alps to swing away in front of what might be one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world.

On the other end of the climate spectrum, we have another stunningly beautiful backdrop lined up for you: photos from the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook resort in Tampa, Fla. (page 58).

I’ve never been to the Tampa area, but these photos are awfully tempting. They’re certainly a nice break from the chilly view out my office window.

If you can empathize with my stance on winter, I hope this issue helps make each gust of freezing wind a little more bearable.

Because if you’re like me, you’d try just about anything to alleviate the conditions of this particularly goosebump-inducing, pins-and-needles-on-your-face, get-meoutta-here winter.

Or maybe I’m just being a big baby about all of this.

—Dan Michel

(From the top) On the cover: John Fedele’s phenomenal photo illustration; Editor-In-Chief Dan Michel readies model Alex Sapot for a photo shoot. (See the pictures on page 37.)

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 13

ACCESS

AVID Magazine’s monthly round-up of facts, figures and useless information from the world of golf.

The last time a golfer of AfricanAmerican descent qualified for the PGA Tour by advancing through the final round of Q School before 22-year-old Joseph Bramlett did in December.

$417,000 The fortune that Ian Poulter lost after accidentally dropping his ball on his marker—a lucky coin with his children’s names inscribed in it—and moving it on the green at the Dubai World Championship. Oh, sweet irony.

See more on the relevant rule on page 54.

CONGRATULATIONS to Jim Furyk for being named the PGA Tour’s 2010 Player of the Year.

414 YARDS Distance that Joe Miller hit in the finals of the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship. Not too shabby, considering his quarterfinal drive was 407 yards, and his semifinal was 396 yards.

BUBBA vs DUSTIN 20 Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson were the country’s top two distance drivers in 2010. Watson is the longer hitter by a mere 1.3 yards. He led the tour with a 309.8-yard average off the tee. We’ll admit it: We’re impressed.

= 10 pages

25,339 ft

2

Number of career PGA titles won by Hale Irwin, who was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in November.

A A

Size of the new Golfsmith golf and tennis store opening at 11955 Manchester Road in Des Peres this March.

1,562

3 OUT OF TOP 10

Number of participants who took part in a golf tournament in June at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China, to set a Guinness World Record for the largest one-day golf outing.

players in the world rankings do not play on the PGA tour: Lee Westwood (No. 1), Martin Kaymer (No. 3) and Rory McIlroy (No. 9).

THIRTY TWO $20 mil Number of years that the Engadine Snow Golf Cup has been held on frozen Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland. Turn to page 72 to see photos from the 2010 event.

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The fortune Michael Jordan shelled out for his new digs in Jack Nicklaus’ Bear’s Club development in Jupiter, Fla.

A

PGA Tour record for the most birdies made in a 72-hole PGA event, held

by Mark Calcavecchia at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open. Surprisingly enough, he finished the tournament in a tie for eighth. At the same tournament, Calcavecchia also set the record for the most consecutive birdies: nine.

1985

Number of pages in a new book by local author and golf historian Jim Healey chronicling the history of Sunset Country Club. Turn to page 48 for the full story.

A

32

296

PAIR OF ACES Sisters Erica and Lindsey Bensch, both golfers at the University of Central Oklahoma, made holes in one on the same day in November at KickingBird Golf Club in Edmond, Okla.

R.I.P. Maurice Hayden, a golf-course maintenance man, who died 24 hours after a tee shot struck him in the temple at Mayfair Country Club in Sanford, Fla. Tweet of the Month: @IanJamesPoulter: Ok here is a Chunky tiger, this app is cracking me up. #TwitPict

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ACCESS

AVID Magazine’s monthly round-up of facts, figures and useless information from the world of golf.

Know Your Pro: Jo D. Duncan Armstrong Course: Norwood Hills Country Club Pro Since: 2000 Handicap: Scratch

Tough Decision

This Month’s Mulligan

“I’m wild, I wasn’t raised properly, but if I can pull it off why not try the shot?”

—Spaniard Pablo Martin after sinking two eagles over three holes at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Malelane, South Africa.

(Reuters)

PGA champion Martin Kaymer pulled out of the Chevron World Challenge so he could caddy for his girlfriend, Allison Micheletti, in the Ladies European Tour Pre-Qualifying School instead.

We’ll refrain from making any “whipped” comments, because we honestly can’t decide which position we’d rather be in, either.

Course You Learned On: A public nine-hole course called Elk River Country Club in Noel, Mo., where I grew up.

What’s in Your Bag: A Ping i15 driver; Cobra Tour forged irons; Titleist Vokey Design 52-degree, 56-degree and 60-degree wedges; and a Mizuno Bettinardi putter.

Most Notable Golf Partner: My husband. We’ve only been married for a couple years, but I knew the first time we were on the course that we’d be together for the rest of our lives. He’s a PGA golf pro from the Tennessee section, and we met watching the Masters in a sports bar.

Favorite Golfer to Watch: I’m a big fan of Graeme McDowell. He’s a lot of fun. He’s aggressive on the golf course, and he’s having a good time doing it.

Greatest On-Course Accomplishment: I was a contestant on The Big Break V. My experience was fantastic, even though I was the first loser. It was a great learning experience. However, I’m most proud of teaching golf.

I also do a lot of charity golf. I’m a long-drive champion. I had seven top-10 finishes in the World Long Drive Championship. I use that to raise money for charities here in St. Louis.

Best Tip: One of the biggest things you have to do on any shot—a putt, a chip, a drive—is commit to it. You’re there. You want to hit the shot. Force yourself to believe you can hit the shot. I think the mental end is the hardest part of the game.

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Fore Thought A New York court recently struck down a personal injury lawsuit brought by Dr. Anoop Kapoor, a golfer who was blinded in one eye by his partner’s drive.

Kapoor argued that the golfer in question was at fault because he didn’t yell “fore” after shanking his ball.

The court found that the risk of being hit by a ball was a “commonly appreciated risk of golf” and that the defendant was not guilty of any reckless or intentional conduct. We couldn’t help but sympathize with Dr. Kapoor...until we read that he was hit from only 20 feet away.

Say It Ain’t So! AVID is sad to report that its first cover girl, Anna Rawson, is taking a year off from golf. The decision comes after the 29-year-old LPGA player earned just $18,010 in golf in 2010. We hope to see you out on the links soon, Anna. Best of luck.

Playing Throughout A 49-year-old Ohio woman made an especially noteworthy (albeit wildly dangerous) drive at Crab Apple Ridge Golf Course near Erie, Pa., when she drove her Cadillac DeVille down multiple holes, striking several golf carts as well as the owner’s son, who was not seriously injured. The only thing more shocking than the woman’s stunt was that police reported she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.

Photo: Courtesy of Anna Rawson

Golf Mentor: My grandmother, Mary. She was a golfer and very athletic, and it was a great opportunity to do something together.

One new idea can change everything.

855.321.IDEA 1newidea.com WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 17

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BAG CHECK

Photos: Getty Images; Courtesy of Apple, iStockphoto, Bushnell, PowerBar and TaylorMade

AVID peeks inside St. Louis native Jay Williamson’s golf bag to see what clubs he carries and what he can’t live without on the course.

+ Laminated pictures of his kids hanging from his bag; a Crown Royal bag containing coins he uses as ball markers; his iPhone 4; a Bushnell Yardage Pro laser rangefinder for accurate measurement; PowerBars for a boost of energy.

Clubs, from top to bottom: Driver: TaylorMade Burner Superfast (8.5-degree) with 1-inch loft and an X-flex shaft; Woods: TaylorMade R9 3-wood (15-degree) and 5-wood (18-degree); Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue Hybrid (19-degree); Irons 3–9: TaylorMade TP Tour Irons; Wedges: TaylorMade 52-, 56and 60-degrees; Putter: TaylorMade Rossa WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 19

SH T AVID Magazine Launch Party November 17, 2010, Bar Napoli Golf fanatics and friends of AVID gathered at Bar Napoli to celebrate the launch of the Gateway Area's newest golf and lifestyle publication. Guests enjoyed margaritas and hard punch from Mike's Hard Lemonade and entered to win prize packages, with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Missouri. Each year, the Humane Society of Missouri helps more than 85,000 animals through three adoption centers, full-service veterinary medical centers open to the public, a statewide Animal Cruelty Task Force, humane-education programs and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

Go to facebook.com/avidmag to see all the event photos.

Photos: Bill Hippert

Barbie Ricken, Dani Apted, Nina Kult

Crystal Burden & Richard Kearns

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Tim Walshauser & Morgan Jensen

Marty Fernandez & Shelby Hoose

Bob Holthaus, Chris & Meghan Frank, Amy Holthaus

Tim & Liz Collins

Amy Reilmann & Keith Van Gels

Co-publishers Richard Riney and Matt Mathison and Editor-In-Chief Dan Michel

Anand Mody & Brianne Serda

Mark & Genus Dalton

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 21

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THE LAB Bracelets

Perfection or Placebo?

Regardless of whether you believe in the mystical healing power of magnetic therapy, hundreds of professional athletes and everyday golfers sport these bracelets to bring their game to the next level.

The jury may still be out on whether magnetic bracelets have any real benefits to speak of, but as evidenced by the purchasing power of the American golfer, results don’t always matter. There is some research, however, to show that the fancy bracelet you’re sporting could be doing more than drawing attention to your wrist.

Proponents of magnetic therapy claim it can strengthen the body’s healing ability and relieve pain associated with arthritis, headaches and stress, as well as increase blood flow, alter nerve impulses and generally promote improved emotional well-being.

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to back up these claims, there is an overwhelming lack of hardline factual evidence to suggest that magnetic therapy is a viable method of treatment for any ailment, other than a naked wrist.

Whether those success stories are simply a product of the placebo effect (by which simply believing a treatment works can help the body heal itself ), or whether they actually do what proponents claim, the FDA considers the use of magnetic therapy harmless.

One thing is certain: In golf, confidence and a sound state of mind are key to improving performance, and anything that can help (or even make you think) you feel better can only be a benefit.

Some of the bracelets look pretty cool, too (we like these metal ones). As far as the medical effects go, the best-case scenario is improved balance and a more fluid swing; the worst is a green wrist.

WORDS: Michael Wilmering PHOTO: Mark Christian

Bracelet by Sabona, $82, Golf Galaxy, multiple locations, 800.287.9060, golfgalaxy.com

Bracelet by Sabona, $63, Norwood Hills Country Club, 1 Norwood Hills Country Club Drive, 314.521.4802, norwoodhills.com

Bracelet by Sabona, $75, Golf Galaxy, multiple locations, 800.287.9060, golfgalaxy.com

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 23

THE LAB

A Breakdown of the Next Generation of Tablet PCs

Tablets

Tablets are all the rage these days, and although last year’s top sellers are iPredictable, a number of up-and-comers are hoping to take a big bite out of the ever-growing demand for hand-held computers.

Nothing took the tech world by storm in 2010 like the rise of tablets. When Apple released its iPad in April, it seemed like every other computer company and tech innovator was caught with their, uh, mouse in their hands, scrambling to put out a product that could compete.

But not everyone is riding on the Apple bandwagon.

For some consumers, a few obvious omissions from the iPad’s arsenal allowed room for the competition to edge into the tablet market.

AVID puts four tablets to the test to see how they stack up.

Apple iPad It seems like each year, Apple is able to get the buzz going about its latest-and-greatest product by keeping its projects under the radar, but that didn’t stop hype about the tech giant from rising to a fever pitch during the holiday season.

Despite its hefty price, the iPad’s intuitive operating system and seemingly endless list of apps gives it an edge over the competition—and the hardware’s clean aesthetics don’t hurt, either. That isn’t to say the system doesn’t have its drawbacks, like its lack of USB ports and cameras.

Also, the feud between Apple and Adobe over support of the Flash video format has long been a point of contention for iPad detractors. Still, the stunning clarity of its display should keep you distracted long enough to forget about the bite this Apple will take out of your budget.

Apple iPad with Wi-Fi • 16 GB: $499 • 32 GB: $599• 64 GB: $699 Apple iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G • 16 GB: $629 • 32 GB: $729 • 64 GB: $829 24 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Samsung Galaxy Tab The only tablet that has even come close to rivaling the iPad in number of units sold, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is widely recognized as the best Android tablet on the market. Although its price is right up there with the lower-end versions of the iPad, its front and rear cameras and support of the Adobe Flash video format make it an intriguing option for the tech enthusiast who’s managed to resisted the Apple hype machine.

The combination of Samsung apps and apps available through the growing Android marketplace give the Galaxy Tab versatility (without some of the restrictions of Apple’s marketplace), and its smaller dimensions and lighter weight make it that much more portable.

Samsung Galaxy Tab • $600

Huawei Ideos S7 This affordable tablet option from Huawei offers fewer bells and whistles than the Samsung or Apple devices, but at half the price, it’s a viable competitor.

Because it’s an Android device, you can still customize your tablet with thousands of apps, but the Ideos S7 comes with the slightly antiquated Android 2.1 operating system, which means it’s not Adobe Flash–compatible. Another drawback is the resistive touch screen. Although your finger will work for scrolling and touch-screen functions, Huawei has included a stylus that offers more precise control.

The Ideos S7 falls short of the competition in terms of storage, with only 8 GB available, but if

Apple iPad

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Huawei Ideos S7

ViewSonic ViewPad 7

Screen Size (Diagonal)

9.7-inch

7-inch

7-inch

7-inch

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Processor

1 GHz Apple A4

1 GHz ARM CortexA8

1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon

600 MHz ARM Qualcomm

Operating System

iOS 4

Android 2.2

Android 2.1

Android 2.2

Flash Memory

16/32/64 GB

16/32 GB

8 GB

512 MB

Expandable

N/A

microSD (up to 32 GB)

microSD (up to 8 GB)

microSD (up to 32 GB)

Weight

24/25.6 ounces

13.6 ounces

15.9 ounces

13.2 ounces

Resolution

1,024 x 728 pixels

1,024 x 600 pixels

800 x 480 pixels

800 x 480 pixels

Adobe Flash Compatible

No

Yes

No

Yes

Dimensions

9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches

7.48 x 4.74 x 0.47 inches

8.23 x 4.25 x 0.61 inches

7.06 x 4.33 x 0.45 inches

Camera

N/A

1.3 MP front 3 MP back

2 MP front 2 MP back

0.3 MP front 3 MP back

your primary focus is nothing more than surfing the Web (Flash-free), watching YouTube videos and using your tablet as a reading device, the affordability of the Ideos S7 might be a good fit.

Huawei Ideos S7 • $300

ViewSonic ViewPad 7 Like most, the ViewPad 7 runs Android OS 2.2, which was primarily designed for smart-phone use and adapted for tablets, so it still doesn’t match the streamlined user interface of the iPad, but it’s a viable alternative.

The ViewPad 7 is the smallest and thinnest tablet on this list, but it still has a full 7-inch display. Although it offers a paltry 512 MB internal flash memory, it can support up to 32 GB of additional storage through a microSD card. The ViewPad also features an intriguing speech-to-text function.

ViewSonic ViewPad 7• $600

OR mill

RUM

Google is working on a new version of the Android operating system, Honeycomb, which would be designed to work specifically with tablets. The earlier versions were designed exclusively for smart phones. The supposed release date is March.

Rumor has it that the new iPad will feature a thinner bezel (the black band enveloping the screen) and a flat back, similar to an iPod touch. The new design is also rumored to have a high-resolution camera on the back as well as a front-facing camera, a dual-core processor, additional RAM and improved sound. MacWorld Expo is scheduled for January 27 through 29 in Cupertino, Calif., and it appears likely that announcements regarding the next-generation iPad will happen then.

Research in Motion (creator of the BlackBerry) has announced that its new PlayBook will feature a 7-inch touch screen, as well as front- and rearfacing cameras. The company has already unveiled a YouTube video demonstrating the device outperforming the iPad in a variety of tasks. The expected release date is early 2011.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 25

THE LAB

The Golf Industry’s Newest White-Hot Trend Make a statement on the course and add a boost of confidence to your game this year with one of the new all-white, customizable drivers that are taking over golf.

Golf

Cobra Golf Limited Edition ZL Driver TaylorMade R11 DRIVER

Only 500 limited-edition ZL drivers were produced worldwide, each marked with an individual serial number to ensure authenticity. The December 15 release was timed to make it a hotticket item for Christmas, but if you can still get your hands on one, you certainly won’t regret it.

The new all-white TaylorMade R11, aside from looking sharp, also happens to be its most customizable and adjustable driver to date.

In 2009, TaylorMade debuted its Flight Control Technology (FCT), which allowed golfers to adjust the loft to a higher, lower or neutral setting.

This built upon the company’s Movable Weight Technology (MWT), which allowed golfers to adjust weighting to modify the ball’s trajectory.

This tour-caliber driver features a Fujikura Motore Speeder shaft with a soft bend profile and Cobra’s Adjustable Flight Technology, which allows you to easily adjust your club-face angle to open, neutral or closed.

Although FCT was a significant advance in drivers, it was also restrictive, in that it forced you to change the face angle and loft simultaneously. If you wanted to close the club-face angle, you were forced to add loft. When you’d open the club-face angle, your loft decreased.

The ZL has a laser-welded milled rhombus insert in the club face that sits behind a perimeter of titanium to create just the right sweet spot.

Just like the original ZL driver, the limitededition features an optimized traditional club head shape, designed to maximize distance, accuracy and forgiveness.

With the introduction of Adjustable Sole Plate technology (ASP), you can adjust the face angle without affecting the square-impact loft. The different combinations of ASP, FCT and MWT allow for 48 different configurations, so your driver can be customized to your exact specifications.

If that’s not enough, the R11 is available in two lofts—9-degree and 10.5-degree—for both right-handed and left-handed swingers and four different shaft flexes.

You can find the limited-edition ZL driver in 9.5-degree and 10.5-degree lofts, in men’s right-handed style only. So, if you’re having trouble landing one, you may want to settle for the original Cobra ZL, the nearly identical (albeit slightly less sought-after) twin of the limited edition (sans the upgraded Fujikura Motore Speeder shaft).

$700 (with steel shafts); $900 (with graphite shafts), Pro-Am Golf, 3174 S. Brentwood Boulevard, 314.781.7775 , proamgolfctr.com

$700 (with steel shafts) $900 (with graphite shafts), Golf Galaxy, 90 Brentwood Promenade, 314.962.9100, golfgalaxy.com

Everything’s Gonna Be All White

to set the standard by focusing solely on producing white drivers, according to spokesperson Dave Cordero.

White is more than just a fashion statement. It’s an emerging trend with research “We’re anticipating to back it, and this at any given tournayear, TaylorMade ment that you’re is going to attempt going to see 40 to 50 26 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

white drivers in play,” says Cordero. “They really pop.”

He says TaylorMade created the new look to eliminate the glare that can occur with some drivers.

For other distributors, however, the

appeal is purely cosmetic.

“I know other manufacturers talk about the contrast,” says Terra Teat, a representative for Cobra-PUMA Golf.

“We didn’t really focus on that.”

According to Teat, Cobra’s impetus for an all-white club was to make it stand out from the crowd. “We paired it with Ian Poulter, who is very fashionforward,” she says.

Poulter showcased the all-white ZL at the

World Golf Championships–HSBC Champions event in Shanghai last November, but come this spring, he definitely won’t be the only one on tour swinging a great white.

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WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 27

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VICE LIQUOR

A Winter Wonder Buzz

Photos: courtesy of: Compass Box Whisky Company, Maker’s Mark and Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum

words: kyle harsha

As the mercury drops and ice starts to form on Highway 40, it becomes time to shelve the white liquors for the year and bring out the browns. Winter is synonymous with whiskey, Scotch and spiced rum in many households, and this year there are some new options to keep your whistle wetted.

For fans of Scotch, an interesting alternative that just came onto the market is Orangerie by Compass Box Whisky Company. This is a Scotch whiskey that has been infused with orange zest, cloves and the aromatic bark of the Indonesian cassia tree. The whiskey’s pale green color belies the wonderful complexity that comes wafting out of the glass. Scents of dried orange peel, vanilla and cloves immediately greet the nose.

The palate is a delightfully light combination of the same flavors, the subtle warmth of the liquid, and just enough peat to keep the Scotch enthusiast interested.

Single-malt purists may consider this sort of steeping with other flavors cheating, but for the novice, it’s a welcome, pleasant end to a long day.

vanilla-laden spiced rums with pirates on the labels, or do they just long for the summer months when vodka is flowing? With the appearance of Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum, the decision is no longer a tough one. Created by the folks at the Greenbar Collective, this is a liquor that truly stays near to the company’s motto of “A better rum for a better cocktail and planet.”

Organically grown, fair-trade sugar cane and molasses are used to create a spiced rum that is clearly a step apart. The aromas are like opening the spice cabinet of a bake shop, and the palate doesn’t have any of the cloying sweetness or vanilla found with the Captain.

Drink it on the rocks, or use it to give your eggnog a delicious oomph.

Die-hard bourbon enthusiasts know that the Kentuckyborn Maker’s Mark has not released a new product for about half a century. That changed this year, when Maker’s came out with its 46 label, which has been seasoned beyond the normal protocol by adding oak staves directly into the aging barrels. The result is a whiskey that has the normal caramel and herb notes found in the original, but with a vivid, oaky array of vanilla and roasted-marshmallow flavors layered on top.

The back end seems to be a touch smoother, with less sweetness than regular Maker’s. This is something truly to be savored either fireside or while playing cards with the boys.

Whatever your poison, don’t be afraid to experiment a bit this winter. Don’t worry—Jack, Jim and José won’t be upset.

Non-whiskey drinkers have often faced a dilemma during the winter months: Do they drink the oversweet,

Orangerie by Compass Box Whisky Company Friar Tuck, Multiple locations, $45 Maker’s Mark 46 Provisions Gourmet Market, 11615 Olive Boulevard, $30 Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum Lukas Liquor Superstore, 15921 Manchester Road, $29

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Not all winter liquors have to be imbibed straight.

If you want to get creative with your cocktails, incorporate a touch of summer into a winter margarita

using Orangerie instead of triple sec. You may never go back to the old recipe again.

2 ounces silver tequila 1 ounce Orangerie 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 dash simple syrup

Make simple syrup by dissolving 1 cup of sugar into 1 cup of boiling water and allowing it to cool.

Shake the ingredients together vigorously, and serve in a salt-rimmed traditional margarita glass. Garnish with a lime or an orange slice.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 29

VICE TOBACCO

Up in Smoke: The Ban’s Details Following the November 2009 vote in the county (and corresponding vote by the city’s Board of Aldermen), the smoking ban—which prohibits smoking in most public indoor places in the area—went into effect January 2.

The ban was approved by 65 percent of voters in the county.

Embrace The Ban WORDS: MICHAEL WILMERING PHOTO: LESIA TATARSKY

Brennan’s in the Central West End creates a private club as the smoking ban invades St. Louis.

Brennan’s is a staple for wines, Scotches, bourbons and cigars in the Central West End. Its luxurious but laid-back atmosphere has earned the hangout a cadre of loyal followers, and a few recent renovations—inspired by St. Louis’ new smoke-free ordinances—have only served to improve its ambience.

A few months ago, Brennan’s overhauled its firstfloor bar and retail space to add more seating and a new look. Then Brennan’s placed its own ban on smoking in the cellar and main-floor bar, and restructured the upstairs, known as Maryland House, into a private club—the Zino Platinum Room—that offers an exclusive cigar-smoking experience.

The room features rich, dark wood with black trim, high-backed leather chairs and heavy red cast-iron tables. Each of the smoking rooms features air purification and filtration systems, as well.

“In the back of the bar you won’t see anything except a floating shelf that’s got an old 1977 Kenwood turntable painted piano red,” says owner 30 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Kevin Brennan. “Underneath it will be what we consider to be the top 50 best cigar listening albums of all time.”

In the U.S., 42 of the 60 largest cities have already approved or implemented indoor smoking bans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Missouri has the fourth highest number of smokers of any U.S. state, according to the CDC. Kentucky, Oklahoma and Mississippi take the honors for the most.

A 2008 study found that 25 percent of Missouri’s 18 and older residents were cigarette smokers, compared to the national median of 18.4 percent.

A membership to the Zino Platinum Room costs $35 per month, which is good for credit toward purchases (Scotch, wine, cigars, etc.) each month. Premium membership costs $100 per month, with $60 of that fee going toward purchases, and it gets you a private tasting each month, a locker for storing cigars and the ability to call ahead for reservations.

According to the St. Louis County Department of Health, about 250 of the 1,750 bars in St. Louis city and county have either filed for or obtained an exemption. That doesn’t include those that are automatically exempt: bars that earn no more than 25 percent of their revenue from food (in the city the bar area must also be 2,000 square feet or less) and some private clubs, hotel rooms and, not surprisingly, tobacco shops and casino gambling floors.

Although many view the ban as yet another blow to the maligned smoker, some, like Kevin Brennan, take a glass-half-full approach to offer a new smoking experience with an extra helping of class.

All bars must go smokefree by 2016, regardless of whether they’re currently exempt.

The club will carry more than 20 brands of cigars and will have seating for about 20 at a time.

“The high ceilings, the air filtration—everything’s nicer, but I think it’s still in a relaxed, cool atmosphere,” says Brennan. “We’re not trying to be the Ritz-Carlton.”

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FUEL : MONARCH

Cajun Cuisine in the Heart of Maplewood The newly remodeled Monarch takes flight.

words: kyle harsha PHOTOS: Gregg Goldman

When Maplewood fine-dining stalwart Monarch announced last spring that it would be closing for one month for renovations, the rumor mill hit full spin.

Would the restaurant close down? Would it just change the décor and have the same menu? What would happen to executive chef Josh Galliano? The rumors intensified when word got out that the restaurant would transform its bar area into a Cajuninspired bistro, but still keep an upscale vibe. Did it work? Investigative eating would soon find an answer—sort of.

“We wanted to reposition Monarch in the restaurant community and dining public’s consciousness,” says Galliano. “With people being more price- and cost-conscious, we hope to appeal to a broader market.”

The creative inspiration for the change came from Galliano’s Louisiana upbringing. “I get to play with food that is near

and dear to my heart,” says Galliano.

“Southern food can range from simple to extravagant, and part of my background and being around family helps me finesse the extremes of Southern food.” Galliano also draws upon a previous stint as sous chef at legendary New Orleans restaurant Commander’s Palace.

A foray into the newly remodeled bar side of Monarch reveals the restaurant’s new vibe, with TVs hanging above the bar. The wallpaper and parts of the décor are different, but you’d have to be fairly designastute to notice. The casual, friendly atmosphere is further evidenced by the menu.

While the regular menu, still available in the main dining room, has entrees in the $30 range, the new “Southern bistro” menu’s dishes hover around the $15 mark, never breaking $20.

So what does a New Orleans–born, James Beard Foundation Award–nominated chef serve up when he’s given free rein with “Nawlins food”? Galliano’s appetizers all hit around $7, and start with an item that could truly be served as an entree: the shrimp rémoulade salad. This starter comprises an enormous plate of fresh greens topped with a delicious mound of jumbo shrimp, peppers and onions, mixed with mayonnaise and just enough spice to show WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 33

off its Cajun roots. The gumbo is an everevolving dish that’s also suitable to knock down a small hunger, and features Missouri-grown rice.

For those who aren’t up for one of the large starters, Monarch offers a selection of $4 to $7 “snacks.” The crawfish bread is an absolute must-order. Think of an incredible, gourmet Hot Pocket filled with crawfish étouffée. Other spectacular items include the Boudin balls—kind of like sausagefilled arancini—and the praline bacon, a bit of salty-sweet perfection honestly better saved for dessert. Some may overlook that Monarch’s hush puppies are made with bacalao, or salt cod; don’t be surprised by their slight fishiness.

The entrees are tasty, but if you have one in mind, you’ll have to plan ahead, as some items are only available once per week. The Monday special, red beans and rice, is a bit of a misnomer. The plate includes creamy, smooth rice and perfectly firm beans, but the star of the show is the softball-sized ham hock, expertly braised, placed right in the middle. It’s rumored that the Thursday special of pan-fried chicken has quickly become a restaurant-industry favorite. The po’ boys are the stars of the under-$10 section of the menu. The Surf n’ Turf—which features perfect, lightly breaded shrimp and warm roast beef on a 6-inch bun with 34 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

all the fixins—comes highly recommended.

The Gumbo Dog—an andouille sausage covered with gumbo and pepper-jack cheese— is a mound of delectable, heartburn-inducing hedonism on a platter.

Desserts are probably the only place where Galliano didn’t knock the ball out of the park. By the end of the meal, the slightly bitter root-beer float had been completely overshadowed by the magnificent main dishes.

7401 Manchester Road, 314-644-3995, monarchrestaurant.com Hours: Mon–Thu: 5–11 p.m. Pricing: $$$$$ Style: Business casual in the bar, formal in the fine dining area.

Cuisine: Cajun/Southern Chef: Josh Galliano

Whether this experiment in New Orleans– style cuisine that’s a touch pricier than expected actually works is still up for debate.

But Galliano says many compliments have come from native Louisianans who are looking for familiar flavors.

Sophisticated diners looking for a whitetablecloth experience will find it in Monarch’s formal dining room. Those interested in a homemade New Orleans–style meal will love the bar area, despite the absence of dirt-cheap entrees you might find in an everyday gumbo shack. And those looking to kick back in a posh environment with a perfectly balanced Sazerac and a plate of fantastic food while watching sports might find a new favorite here.

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Kyle Harsha is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine. kharsha@avidmagazine.com

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STITCH

Back

to the Basics

Two of fashion’s leading men weigh in on clothes every man should own photographs by Linda Mueller

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 37

STITCH

Back to the Basics: lifestyle

Before you buy another piece of clothing, make sure you have these wardrobe essentials— recommended by expert style gurus—already on your rack.

A Plain White Pocket Square.

“You don’t need to be fancy.

Sometimes a simple white pocket square can be the accent that really sets off your outfit.”

Advice from:

Eric Jennings Men’s Fashion Director, Saks Fifth Avenue

Suit: Versace, $1,295 Shirt: Burberry, $185 Tie: Burberry, $140 Belt: Salvatore Ferragamo, $190 Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue, $298 Pocket Square (pack of three): Saks Fifth Avenue, $40 All from Saks Fifth Avenue Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com

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A Fitted White Dress Shirt.

“I see men with these voluminous, blousy shirts with all this extra fabric that they can get rid of. I don’t care if you’re fat or skinny— it doesn’t matter. You can get your shirts tailored to fit.”

A Perfect-Fitting Gray Suit.

“Most men don’t know what to look for when it comes to fit. It’s there to make your silhouette look good. A suit is built to enhance your physique and hide your flaws.

When clothes fit, that’s what makes you look handsome.”

Wingtip Shoes.

“You should have a solid pair of wingtip, brogue shoes. They’re sturdy and masculine, with a business feel. And the best part is that over time, the more of a beating they get, the cooler they look.”

A Navy Blazer.

“Go for a hopsack, three open patch–pocket blazer that’s a bit shorter in length. You can wear it with jeans, to work, going out.

I have four that I use in slight variation.”

A V-Neck Merino Wool Sweater.

“These are great for layering, and it allows you to experiment with color. This can really be your ‘f– you’ piece. You can give off some swagger with it when you pair it with a suit or a blazer.”

Blazer: Theory, $495 Sweater: Neiman Marcus, $295 Shirt: Zachary Prell, $195 Jeans: Hudson, $189 Belt: Robert Graham, $98 Above items from Neiman Marcus Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com

Dark, Clean, Straight-Leg Jeans.

“If you don’t own a pair of these, run—don’t walk—to the store and buy some. You can dress them down or dress them up with a blazer, and that’s what will set you apart.”

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 39

STITCH

As a person who works in the highest echelons of fashion—a world that can sometimes seem light-years away from St. Louis—Eric Jennings might seem like the type to turn up his nose at anything that isn’t avant-garde or haute couture. But in fact the exact opposite is true.

Back to the Basics: lifestyle

A Trench Coat.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be double-breasted or belted. It’s perfect for travel and when it’s wet outside. You’ll still look puttogether and polished. “

“I want to demystify fashion,” Jennings says.

“Lots of men don’t relate to fashion. They just continue to dress the way they dress. There’s no personal style. I call it ‘body covering.’”

Jennings goes to countless fashion shows and keeps on top of just about every facet of men’s fashion, but one of his biggest priorities is to make sure men have the basics in their wardrobe.

“We like to bring in clothes that real men can wear,” he says. “I’m not concerned about trends.

Men should build a wardrobe with a foundation of the essentials.”

It’s these basic articles of clothing, Jennings says, that can be combined to create a look that’s anything but plain.

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Trench Coat: Versace, $1,695 Jeans: 7 For All Mankind, $178 Boots: Jump, $248 All from Saks Fifth Avenue Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com Shirt: Zachary Prell, $195 Neiman Marcus, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com

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FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 41

STITCH

Back to the Basics: golf

Advice from:

Marty Hackel Mr. Style, Golf Digest

A White Collared Shirt.

Starting with a white base leaves you options for what you can wear with it: “Don’t make [dressing for golf] harder than it has to be,” Hackel says. “Everything works with white.”

Shirt: J.Lindeberg, $65 Belt: Nike Golf, $40 Bracelet: Sabona, $75 Above items from Golf Galaxy, 16 THF, 636.537.8400, golfgalaxy.com Pants: Calvin Klein, $68 Dillard’s, Chesterfield Mall, 636.532.4040, dillards.com Shoes: Nike Golf, $110 Dick’s Sporting Goods, 16 THF, 636.536.3718, dickssportinggoods.com

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White Golf Shoes.

They might be a bit harder to clean, but white shoes are essential to every golfer’s wardrobe.

“You can wear them with anything, any color. It doesn’t make any difference. Versatility can be served positively by getting simple, classic stuff.”

Blue Bermuda Shorts.

These shorts are an easy, go-to choice if you’re not sure what to wear: “If you’re a beginning golfer, you need to go under the radar ever so slightly. So simple, and go classic.”

Sweater Vest: Murano, $65 Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren, $85 Above items from Dillard’s Dillard’s, Chesterfield Mall, 636.532.4040, dillards.com Belt: Hugo Boss, $85 Saks Fifth Avenue, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com Shorts: Under Armour, $35 Shoes: Ecco, $140 Above items from Dick’s Sporting Goods, 16 THF, 636.536.3718, dickssportinggoods.com

Hackel’s motto when it comes to fashion: “It’s not just what you wear, but how you wear it.” This speaks to how a man presents himself on the course and how he feels in the clothes he wears— and ties into his message to men who want to impress on the course.

“My advice for golfers is, don’t try to make it too perfect,” says Hackel. “You need to be comfortable with what you’re wearing.

If you have to stand in front of the mirror for more than 10 seconds, go change, because it’s probably not working.”

MARTY’s TIPS Think Outside the Pro Shop.

“Great sportswear makes great golf apparel. You don’t need ‘golf apparel’ to go out on the course and look good.”

Marty Hackel has a style all his own. With his signature round glasses and fashion-forward outfits, Hackel is easy to recognize, and so are his opinions on golf fashion.

As the fashion director for Golf Digest, he sees all the best—and certainly the worst—trends in the game.

Don’t try to dress like a tour player. “Chances are, you’re not going to pull it off. If you’re a beginning golfer, you won’t swing like a pro, either. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a Greg Norman golf shirt, but you might want to stop before you put the big hat on.”

Wear Clothes That Fit. Fit is important on the golf course, just as in everyday life: “Make certain that whatever you’re going to wear fits well. It shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.”

By sticking to basic colors and getting the proper fit, says Hackel, you open yourself up to more clothing options, and you’re sure to outshine that dope in your foursome who’s trying to dress like John Daly.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 43

STITCH

Black Ops Investing in a high-end watch isn’t always easy, no matter how eyecatching it may be. But that’s not to say you can’t find a timepiece that’s worth every cent and then some.

The best way to get your money’s worth is to find a versatile watch that’s bold, masculine and goes with just about anything. In this case, we’ve gone ahead and found one for you: the Oris 4e RHFS Limited Edition.

Its sleek, understated design—created for and tested by the French Army’s 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment—is a timeless, allblack spin on the military watch.

The best part is, the 4e RHFS looks great with everything from a threepiece wool suit to a breakaway tracksuit.

The watch’s solid stainless-steel build has a gunmetal finish that won’t fade or give under pressure.

But you don’t need to be a trained killer or a helicopter pilot to wear it. You just have to be prepared to stand out, because you won’t see another one like it on the course… or anywhere else, for that matter.

—D.M.

Oris 4e RHFS Limited Edition $2,555 Novak Jewelers 276 Lamp & Lantern Village 636-227-7225 novakjewelers.com

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Yet, at the end of this year, we will be required to stop producing the CG15 with these grooves. These truly are the ultimate grooves, and this truly is your last chance to get them. You can visit yearofthewedge.com for more information. But whether you think you need them or not, I encourage you to replace your current wedge set for maximum legal performance. This is the year, and this is the wedge.

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THE CUT: preview

pete yorn

The New Jersey rocker brings his new, scaled-back sound to The Pageant

P L AY L I S T

10 Songs to Get You Through the Winter “Blood Bank”

Photos: Courtesy of Jim Wright, Matador Records

Bon Iver

bound to elicit some of the harder elements in Yorn’s sound.

“It’s something that’s always been in me. There’s moments of it on every record in different ways,” says Yorn, adding that the transition came about organically. “We just knew it was going to go that way without even talking about it. We didn’t say we were going to make a heavier record. It was just naturally what we went to.”

words:danmichel

W

hen you think of Pete Yorn’s music, you might think of your favorite radio-friendly, acoustic rock tune. It’s a consistent sound that has come to define him as a musician and brought him much commercial success. So what would possess the New Jersey–born artist to take a more raw, stripped-down approach on his latest, self-titled album?

“I just needed to get some rock ’n’ roll out of my system, basicalWho: Pete Yorn with Ben Kweller and The Wellspring

ly,” Yorn says. “I was going in to make another record around the same time, and I knew it would be more folky and more mellow for the most part... I wanted to make something fast, something really inspired.” That’s what listeners can expect to hear when Yorn comes to The Pageant in February.

Yorn worked with Pixies frontman Frank “Black Francis” Black on the new album. Given Black’s musical background, it was a partnership that was

Where: The Pageant, 6161 Delmar blvd. thepageant.com

When: February 27, 8 p.m. how much: $27

Tracks to Get You Started: “Strange Condition,” “Precious Stone”

The album’s heavier sound means the tracks will likely lend themselves well to a live show. “After I recorded this album, I remember thinking, ‘I can’t wait to play this stuff live,’” says Yorn. “The arrangements were created in a way that kind of works with arena rock. The scaled-back arrangements make everything seem bigger to me.”

This is most evident in songs like “Badman” and “Sans Fear.”

You will, however, find some of Yorn’s more familiar influences in the album’s clever final song, a cover of the Flying Burrito Brothers song “Wheels.”

The eponymous album doesn’t render Yorn unrecognizable, but there’s enough variation to keep the sound interesting— which should help make his live show an upbeat departure from the norm.

“White Winter Hymnal”

Fleet Foxes

“January Wedding”

The Avett Brothers

“Kettering”

The Antlers

“Blue Beard”

Band of Horses

“Hold On”

Tom Waits

“Snowball”

Devo

“Something Vague”

Bright Eyes

“The New Year”

Death Cab for Cutie

“I Am a Rock”

Simon & Garfunkel

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THE CUT

Local author Jim Healey chronicles the history of Sunset Country Club

1

words: michael wilmering

F

or more than 100 years, Sunset Country Club has stood strong. It’s weathered the Great Depression, as well as numerous transformations and financial setbacks to emerge as one of the premier and most enduring private clubs in St. Louis.

About three years ago, the owners of Sunset approached local author and golf historian Jim Healey to craft a centennial book with a focus on the club’s origins, legacy and history. The story that unfolded, Sunset Country Club Centennial: 1910–2010, tells of the club’s founding by legendary beer baron Adolphus Busch, its transformation from dinner club to full-on country club and the rich history of how it has survived and thrived during the past 100 years.

“It has a good legacy of championship golf as well,” says Healey. This history makes for an interesting read, from the construction of the original golf course by architect Robert Foulis in 1916 to the first post–World War II major there in 1946, won by the legendary Ben Hogan, to the course redesign by Michael Hurdzan in 1990.

This is the ninth book from Healey, whose first major work, Golfing before the Arch: A History of St. Louis Golf, was published in 1997. Since that time, numerous clubs have approached Healey to draft a personalized history, including Glen Echo Country Club, Norwood Hills Country Club, Algonquin Golf Club, Old Warson Country Club, Westwood Country Club, Bellerive Country Club and St. Louis Country Club. Given all of that research, says Healey, “There’s nobody in town who knows the history of golf in the area like I do.”

In addition to his club-specific books, Healey writes for myriad golf magazines and publications. His goal, he says, is to simply use his work to promote the game that he loves. His latest book does just that, while taking a deep look at one of the region’s most historic private clubs.

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Sunset Country Club Centennial: 1910–2010 Publisher: Friesens

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3

s u r vival on the big s c r een 1. Sanctum

Director: Alister Grierson Kokoda Release Date: February 4

Sanctum is the story of explorer Frank McGuire (played by Richard Roxburgh) and his son Josh (Rhys Wakefield) as they lead their team into the world’s largest cave.

When an unexpected (aren’t they always?) tropical storm floods their only exit, the team must get creative in order to survive.

Based on true events, this psychological thriller is not for feeblehearted spelunkers or claustrophobes, to be sure.

2. The Eagle

Director: Kevin Macdonald The Last King of Scotland, State of Play Release Date: February 11

The Eagle follows the son of a fallen explorer on a quest to uncover the mystery of Rome’s fabled lost Ninth Legion, set in 140 CE. Marcus Aquila (played by Channing Tatum) seeks to restore his father’s name and reclaim the legendary golden eagle of the Ninth in Roman-controlled Britain. With his slave (played by Jamie Bell) in tow, Aquila must follow in his father’s mysterious footsteps and fend for himself when his slave’s loyalty is called into question. Now that’s epic.

3. I Am Number Four

Director: D.J. Caruso Eagle Eye, Disturbia Release Date: February 18

John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) has lived a transient existence since as early as he can remember.

With his guardian, Henri (Timothy Olyphant), as his only companion, John is forced to blend into his surroundings to hide from a persistent and deadly foe.

When he arrives in a small Ohio town, he must deal with newfound and ever-strengthening superpowers; a new love interest, played

by Dianna Agron; and the rigors of high-school life.

As if fending off supernatural assassins wasn’t enough pressure.

Photos: Courtesy of Amazon.com, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Lionsgate

A Century-Long Sunset

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BURN FITNESS

Sit Up Straight!

How positive posture will improve your performance and decrease your chances of injury Words: Damon Goddard, CPT, PES Photos: Mark Christian

“C” Posture Take a look at your swing while set up perpendicular to a mirror. If you see excessive rounding of your upper back or thoracic spine, creating a “C” curve in your back, you might be susceptible to tightened or shortened chest, “traps” and “lats,” as well as tension in your deep neck flexors. This posture will also create a host of swing faults, due to significantly decreased shoulder rotation.

You may see a sway and slide throughout the entire swing pattern and may have a tendency to use your arms and wrists to create a casting motion in your club, due to the poor range of motion throughout your shoulders.

“S” Posture

If you’re the type of guy who wakes up in the morning, rushes to work, sits at his desk for eight hours, holding a fixed gaze at the computer screen, then sits in the car again, you might not notice the gradual loss of strength that comes with a desk job right away. Where you will notice the difference, however, is on the driving range. You might ask yourself, “Why am I losing distance? Why am I losing accuracy? And why in the world does my back still ache?”

What you may not realize is that remaining in a seated position all day long creates tightness in your back and deteriorates the brain-muscle connections used to set up your golf swing. Proper posture setup will aid your ability to rotate efficiently, which has the potential to take your game from good to great.

Thinking of a simple thing like posture during the day—or even in your golf swing—might seem elementary, but when it comes to your golf swing, you want to be as efficient as possible, regardless of what style swing you have. When you observe the swing patterns of golfers like Jim Furyk and Brandt Jobe, you will see two distinct styles, but one common theme for both golfers is a well-formed address position at setup and an efficient pattern in the downswing. Their hips, spine, shoulders, hands and club create a fluid, sequenced pattern because of the platform they create in their address position.

Because our society is relatively immobile, we’re plagued with postural distortions. Unfortunately, we take those distortions onto the golf course. Two of the most common postural faults at address position are the “C” posture and “S” posture. It is possible, though, to use a conditioning program to improve some of the postural faults that may be holding back your game.

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The “S” posture is the most prevalent and is also the leading cause of lower-back pain in golfers. This posture is easy to spot. Looking in a mirror, you’ll notice excessive sway in the lower back, creating an “S” in the lower spine. A lack of proper technique or significant limitation in the lumbar spine and pelvic and hip areas contributes to this posture. You will see tight or shortened hip flexors, lower-back muscles and outer thighs, as well as weak gluteus and abdominal muscles. Common swing faults associated with this posture are sway, loss of appropriate swing angles, reverse spine angle (characterized by excessive backward bend in the upper body) and early extension throughout your swing pattern.

The Fix I would love to say that the solution is to simply achieve neutral spinal alignment in your address position and swing away. You need to remember, however, that your body may be acclimated to a negative motor pattern, which is why these postural distortions occur in your setup on a repeated basis. You’ll need to create positive motor patterns to reinforce your posture.

You can achieve this by having a posture specialist identify areas of the body where you need improvement and create a conditioning program that will help you get there. Your program should include movements to improve flexibility and range of motion, corrective exercise strategies and an integrated strength program. By creating your platform at address, your game will see more consistency, distance and a reduced risk of injury. dgoddard@avidmagazine.com A

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These“Take Five” exercises are a dynamic way to increase your flexibility and warm up your muscles before hitting the links.

treadmill or bicycle beforehand will yield even better results.

1. Elbow Cs | Two sets of 15–20 repetitions on both sides In a hands-and-knees position, take your right hand and place your fingertips by your ear. Keep your eyes on your left thumb throughout the entire movement, and begin by taking your right elbow to your left thumb and then rotating your elbow, shoulders and spine, to drive your right elbow toward the sky, effectively drawing a large “C” with your elbow. Repeat this movement for the left side.

I always enjoy going to the driving range and observing the “warm-up” routines that golfers go through. One person bounces up and down trying his hardest to touch his toes. The next guy will grab a fist full of clubs and do a full Hank Aaron swing. Then there are guys who skip the warm-up all together and start hammering their drivers at full force. The one thing these golfers have in common is they all grab their lower backs afterward, wondering why it has totally locked up on them.

If you’ve experienced tightness or pain in your lower back, try this test: Stand in your normal golf setup position, cross your arms on your chest, and turn your shoulders into a full takeaway position, keeping your hips completely still. Next, try rotating your hips and lower body without letting your shoulders move. If you found that you couldn’t move your hips and shoulders independently, you may have a flexibility issue.

It may be a symptom of instability, as well. Use this simple test to gauge how well you’re creating separation between your hips and shoulders.

To create this independent movement, start with this quick warm-up, which allows your brain to make connections with the muscles you’re about to recruit in your golf swing. You can do this in the clubhouse, and it should only take about five minutes. A fiveto ten-minute warm-up on the

2. Alligators | Two sets of 15-20 repetitions on both sides Start our lying on your right side with your arms straight out in front of your chest and your knees bent 90-degree angles. Keeping your right arm and both knees on the ground, rotate your left arm, shoulders and spine until they are flush on the ground on the opposite side (keeping your eyes on the left hand), and return to starting position. Repeat on your left side.

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3. Windshield Wipers | Two sets of 15-20 repetitions on both sides Start out lying on your back with your knees bent and feet set just beyond shoulder width on the floor. Keeping your shoulders and feet on the ground, rotate your knees and hips to your left and right. The goal is to drive the inside of one knee toward

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BURN INSTRUCTION

Swing Away

As St. Louis freezes, adopt this simple strategy to keep your game hot.

Winter is a time when many courses remain dormant, but that doesn’t mean your golf game should be. Now, I could provide you with tips for getting your body in great shape and working on various types of shots, but I think a more critical bit of advice—one every golfer could use—is how to maintain your handicap and not lose your swing during the off-season.

WORDS: MARIA PALOZOLA PHOTO: Mark Christian

Definition: There are multiple planes in a golf swing, but the one most talked about and analyzed is the original shaft plane. As you grip the club in resting position, this plane goes from the head of the club diagonally through your body and up toward the sky.

YOUR TEMPO: Along with your putting arc, try maintaining your tempo with an electronic metronome. Set it to 84 beats per second, and putt away to the beat. Try it without a ball first.

On the first beat take the putter back, and on the second beat impact the ball. It’s a simple way to find a true stroke.

Swing plane is especially important because it controls two major factors in the golf swing: distance and direction.”

Direction: If your club comes in too low or under plane (from the inside out), you will push the ball to the right of your intended target. If your club comes in too high or over the top of the plane (from the outside in) you will pull the ball to the left of your target. In either scenario, if your club face is open or closed to your target line, the ball can start one way and curve another way.

Hordes of instructors have tried to define swing plane in

You don’t need me to tell you that putting is 43 percent of your score or that you should “drive for show, putt for dough.” Surely you’ve heard it all before. Yet few of us spend 43 percent of our practice time on putting. Most go to the driving range, beat balls, then roll a couple of putts, and adios! Sound familiar? Improve your short game this winter by working on these basic elements: YOUR PATH: Use a putting track to help guide your swing path. I recommend The Putting Arc (theputtingarc.com). When you swing, it’s important to keep the heel of the putter on the track the whole time. If you choose a straight track, make sure your putter slides straight back and remains centered on the arc. As always, keep your head completely still, play the ball a bit forward of center in your stance and keep your eyes over the inside of the ball.

Focus: Swing Plane

Distance: Everyone knows the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

If your swing stays on plane and moves from point A to point B and back to A again, your swing will be efficient and generate great speed and force.

Conversely, if your swing shifts planes, your club shaft will lose energy and power.

Become “Boss of the Moss” This Spring

all the way through the finish when your club lines up behind your head.

a way that the average golfer would understand. Ben Hogan had his famous “pane of glass” analogy—a line from the ball to the top of the right shoulder representing the uppermost limit of the swing plane. Jim Hardy immortalized the debate between the one-plane versus two-plane swing in his book, The Plane Truth for Golfers Master Class. The idea is to pick a plane on the basis of your build and how your body functions. Practicing within the plane that’s right for you is a great way to maintain your

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swing this winter without ever hitting a ball.

Practice: While in your swing, your club should be pointed at your target line or parallel to it at all times. Try practicing indoors in front of a mirror (with enough room for a full swing).

When you pull your club back, it should remain parallel to your target line. This becomes more difficult the farther you get into your backswing and as you rotate your wrists, so be sure you keep within your plane from your backswing

Practice these moves throughout the winter, and train your swing to stay on plane. By practicing in front of a mirror, your brain will have an image to associate with each move.

Practice swinging along a plane to where the motion becomes automatic, and by time things thaw out, you’ll be hitting the ball straighter and farther than ever.

A

Maria Palozola is the director of instruction for Midwest GolfLab in St. Louis and is a co-founder of the Naked Golf Academy.

She is ranked as one of the Top 50 Best Teachers by the LPGA. mpalozola@avidmagazine.com

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BURN RULES

How breaking the rules cost players big-time WORDS: George Abernathy

In 2010, we had the misfortune of seeing a number of violations on the PGA Tour. Some cost players their chance at winning tournaments.

Others resulted in disqualification. We’re at a loss, though, to explain why so many commentators referred to violations as “oddball.”

The rules are the rules, and it seems that few, if any of them are ever deemed ridiculous or

Ian Poulter after accidentally moving his ball marker at the Dubai World Championship.

examined at all until they’re broken—and they’ve been around for a very long time.

But there are some who say the rules should be changed. Is it time that the USGA reviewed each rule and its importance?

The answer is more complicated than it seems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the rules that made headlines in 2010.

1 Registration Playing in a PGA Tour event requires each player to register upon arrival. Failing to register can get you disqualified. Just ask Chad Campbell. He didn’t register at the Deutsche Bank Championship, and the mistake went unnoticed for days. In fact, Campbell played the pro-am and carded a 71 in the opening round.

It was when the second round was about to begin that officials noticed and disqualified him.

Campbell’s response? “Those are the rules.”

We agree, Chad. But we hope that someone’s head rolled for your gaffe, which should have been noticed before you teed off.

2 Grounding Your Club The culprit? Dustin Johnson, at the PGA Championship. The rules were clear, and Dustin admittedly failed to read them.

Grounding your club in a hazard is a twostroke penalty. Period. Is this an “oddball” rule violation? It shouldn’t be. It’s one that we’re all too familiar with, although the majority of us aren’t used to playing a golf course that has more than a thousand bunkers.

3 Using Weights on the Tee Box This rule violation occurred on the LPGA Tour. Juli Inkster violated USGA Rule 14-3, which bars the use of practice devices during rounds. What’s so oddball about this rule? It’s quite clear, and despite the fact that she was only trying to warm up, it’s still not allowed. Inkster made a stink about it and referred to the rule as “stupid.”

Our question: Why was it in your bag to begin with? Why not do what other golfers do and swing multiple clubs? There’s nothing wrong with that.

4 The Coin At the Dubai World Championship, Ian Poulter suffered a one-stroke penalty as he was replacing his ball marker. He dropped the ball on the marker, causing it to move, at which time he violated USGA Rule 20-1, which states that if a ball or ball marker is accidentally moved in the process of lifting the ball under a rule or marking its position, the ball or ball marker must be replaced. There’s no penalty if the movement of the ball or ball marker is specifically due to the act of marking the position of or lifting the ball. Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke under this rule or Rule 18-2a.

“The coin was one way and the next minute facing the other way,” Poulter said afterward.

“It’s pitched right on the front and flipped over.

If it pitches in the middle, the coin doesn’t move and it’s fine.” Not only did Poulter drop the ball, he was clearly on the wrong side of the coin for this one. A

54 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images

2010: A Year in Errors

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[ E xecutive ]

Ryan DeGrand ProAm Golf’s vice president talks about being raised on golf, how he stays motivated and how his job even helped save his life. words: Dan Michel

photos: Peter Newcomb

I

n the 21st century, multigenerational mom-and-pop stores have become a rarity. Most have given way to corporate megastores where you can buy everything under the sun and then some. Most, but not all. One of the few locally owned and operated exceptions is ProAm Golf, and the man behind the business is Ryan DeGrand.

DeGrand’s father, Tom, bought ProAm Golf in 1975. Back then, the business comprised a small driving range and retail store in south St. Louis County, where DeGrand and his younger siblings, Todd and Molly, were raised on golf. Now, the game helps DeGrand support his wife, Kathe, and their two kids, Hunter, 10, and Lauren, 8.

“I grew up on the driving range hitting golf balls at 4 or 5 years old,” says DeGrand, who went on to play soccer and golf at Christian Brothers College High School and Saint Louis University.

“I eventually learned how to regrip clubs and watched other people do their jobs. I was outside during the good months, and it was great. My friends thought it was great that they could visit me and my dad at work.”

DeGrand graduated from SLU in 1994 and began working for ProAm Golf shortly thereafter. As the vice president, he currently runs the business’s sales operations on a day-to-day basis, a job he’s enjoyed for the past five years.

“There are no family-owned stores in St. Louis anymore, besides a pro shop here and there,” he says. “They’re all owned by larger companies.”

Working for a family-run operation doesn’t necessarily mean a more relaxed environment, says DeGrand. “The biggest challenge for anyone who gets into a family business is that they need to prove something to the employees: that they’re not being spoon-fed,” he says. “That’s how I am. I want to work harder than anyone.

I take it seriously. It’s important to have a leader who can show the employees a good example.”

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“The biggest challenge for anyone who gets into a family business is that they need to prove something to the employees: that they’re not being spoon-fed.”

Although the challenge of leading by example is a tough one, it would pale in comparison to the challenge presented to DeGrand in August 2004, when he went to the emergency room for debilitating headaches. There, he discovered he had a baseball-sized tumor just above his left eye.

It was an especially deadly form of brain cancer, one that typically leaves patients with less than two years to live.

“They took me in that Sunday night at 5 p.m. after they found [the tumor],” says DeGrand. “They [performed] surgery on Wednesday morning, and I went home Saturday morning. Then we had to wait three to four weeks for the wound to heal, and I went through six weeks of radiation [therapy] after that.”

Despite the initial devastation, DeGrand not only returned to work at ProAm, but found it to be a kind of a release.

“Work became a place for me to come in and do my job,” he says. “Instead of sitting at my house thinking about what I was going to do, worked helped. I was still here doing my job, and it was good for me to get out of the house.”

Even though the tumor was successfully removed, his doctors said they couldn’t promise it wouldn’t return. Unsatisfied with that answer, DeGrand did some research and found that doctors at Duke

Ryan DeGrand operates ProAm Golf with the help of his younger brother Todd (pictured) and younger sister Molly.

Quickfire

nine months. It depends on the year, but those colder months are when I can actually play golf.

How often do you play golf?

Not as often as I’d like. People think if you’re in the golf business that you play a lot of golf. The only downside is that even though I want to play a lot of golf, I’m always busy. Missouri [doesn’t have] a 12-month golf season. It’s typically

Which are your favorite courses to play?

There are a lot of good courses here. Pebble Beach in California.

Augusta [National Golf Club] in Georgia. Those are my top two in the country. I actually got to play Pebble Beach about two years ago.

University were working on a vaccine to prevent the re-formation of brain tumors.

The initial treatment proved successful, and DeGrand has traveled to Duke once a month since then to receive the vaccine.

That was more than six years ago, and today DeGrand is cancer-free and looking toward the future of his business.

ProAm Golf is still a mainstay of the St. Louis golf community, thanks in large part to the company’s move toward corporate branding and merchandise—a move that has kept the business afloat during lessthan-premium economic times.

“About 90 percent of our business is based in corporate fulfillment,” says DeGrand. “We’ll do incentive and fulfillment services for corporate golf tournaments. Along with that, we do logo work. So if you wanted to do shirts, we do that type of stuff, along with golf balls.”

DeGrand remains hopeful that the business will continue to do well with hard work and time.

“Right now, with the economy, when you’re talking about golf, it’s one of those things that’s not a necessity,” he says.

“There are ups and downs in any business.

We’ve weathered the downs, so hopefully we’ll be on the up. Our business has been good, not great. Hopefully everything will work out for us in the future.”

A

What kinds of clubs do you play?

Being in my position, we get clubs thrown at us every day. I switch it around. I have a TaylorMade driver and Ping irons. I think a lot of people are mixing the brands.

I use a Titleist Scotty Cameron [putter].

What’s the biggest problem facing golf today?

Ultimately, golf in the last two

to three years has been at a low point. The upper courses are seeing less and less corporate retreats. But there’s going to be some growth in the next few years. I like talking to guys who are 65 and 70 years old who were alive during the era when I was a kid, who saw things when they were good. I think we’re as low as we can go. The only way we can go is up. I have no idea how far up it will go.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 57

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: e r

a w e B

d a e rh

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PHOTOS: Courtesy of Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort

West Florida’s highest-profile course bites back WORDS: Fred W. Wright, Jr.

If you happen to hit a resident alligator while playing the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook on the west coast of Florida, don’t worry. The course’s local rules allow for a free drop. Consider it a photo opportunity— one of many in the Innisbrook area.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 59

JET

“There isn’t a player on tour who wouldn’t call this one of the top 10 courses.” —Jim Furyk

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The Copperhead Course comprises more than 900 acres of beautifully maintained, gently sloping hills with a one-of-a-kind layout.

Some golf courses are designed around water hazards; others, around bunkers. The hazards here are trees—tons of pine, oak, cypress and palm trees, many with a touch of hanging Spanish moss—that narrow the fairways and frame the course’s skyline.

t’s all very Florida.

Players are drawn to the challenge.

And that’s just how E. Lawrence Packard planned it 40 years ago, when he designed the Copperhead Course at Innisbook—where he still lives at age 98.

As Jim Furyk, who won the 2010 Transitions Championship on Copperhead, noted in a press conference, “There isn’t a player on tour who wouldn’t call this one of the top 10 courses. That’s why the players want to come and why the field is so strong.”

In fact, Packard designed all five courses at Innisbrook, each with its own characteristics. (He even tweaks bits and pieces of the courses to this day.) Although the par71, 7,340-yard Copperhead Course is the most popular, hosting the annual Transitions Championship many pros consider a warm-up for Augusta, a number of golfers prefer Innisbrook’s Island Course (par 72, 7,310 yards) for its water hazards and challenging final holes.

But the final three holes at Copperhead aren’t exactly easy.

They’ve earned the nickname “The Snake Pit,” and it’s easy to see why. When you’re standing on the 16th tee, the fairway is visible running narrowly between the trees, then turning right. A water hazard is only partially visible between mid-fairway and the green.

The rest of the Snake Pit is equally as challenging. The green on the 17th hole, a long par-3, is tucked away and protected by a bunker.

It’s not easily accessible from the fairway, even for the pros, and requires a very precise tee shot.

The 18th hole, a par-4, calls for an extremely accurate drive off the tee. Another challenge quickly follows: The green undulates, and if you don’t approach it just right, you’ll face a difficult uphill putt.

“It’s easy to finish [with all bogeys],” says Rodney Green, the resort’s director of golf. “Finishing [the Snake Pit with par] will usually give you a good score.”

Copperhead has an exceptional number of trees for a course in flatland Florida—but they’re not the only obstacles here to challenge golfers. Each hole on the course features potential uphill or downhill lies, elevated terrain and water hazards on approaches— features more traditionally found in places like North Carolina.

“You can’t go low on this course,” says Green, adding that the course is tight and has a small margin for error.

On Copperhead, wildlife abounds, and sometimes can be found strolling across a green as golfers wait to putt. With 70 acres of lakes and water hazards around the course—all of them natural— it’s easy to spot softshell turtles sunning on pond banks or blue herons floating in slow motion to a landing. More than 40 different species of birds have been spotted throughout the course, and the occasional fox squirrel has been known to bounce up to snag a snack from an idle golf cart.

In addition to the Island Course, which hosts an annual LPGA tournament, and the Copperhead, Innisbrook also has the North Course, considered more forgiving than Copperhead, and the South Course, noted for its fairway breezes from the Gulf of Mexico. The latter course is considered ideal for the casual golfer, someone who wants to build golfing confidence but still be challenged for par.

Innisbrook is enjoying the benefits of new ownership and a $16 million resortwide renovation. It reopened with a new face in 2008, and looks like it—everything sparkles.

The resort now has four restaurants, three bars, more than 600 guest suites and rooms and the Innisbrook Golf Academy. The resort also offers 11 tennis courts, a conference center and six heated swimming pools.

There is increased emphasis now on entertainment for golfers and their families. One pool complex, the Loch Ness Monster Pool, features “dive-in” movies on a big outdoor screen each Saturday, weather permitting.

The resort also added a spa—Indaba—with 20,000 square feet of pampering. Nearly a dozen different massage treatments are available for individuals or couples, as well as steam rooms, a fitness center, a plunge pool and even an outdoor labyrinth for meditation.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 61

JET

Soak It Up in Tarpon Springs Just up the road from Innisbrook, in the same county along the Gulf of Mexico, the Greek community of Tarpon Springs offers a special lure to golfers and their families looking for an escape.

Bunker Buster The final three holes of the Copperhead Course have earned the nickname “The Snake Pit.”

The hub of the community remains the sponge docks. In a tradition that goes back more than a century, Greek fishermen battle the elements and changing economic tides to maintain the sponging industry.

Today, while just a token of what it used to be, the docks offer a chance for visitors to tour a sponge-fishing boat and even buy a natural sponge fresh from the Gulf of Mexico.

In fact, some people opt for an outdoor massage within the labyrinth. The spa’s signature treatment is a 50- or 80-minute Citrus Massage, featuring a foot-scrub finish, ideal for golfers who’ve just battled The Snake Pit.

Numerous Greek restaurants in the area offer authentic cuisine; some even offer belly dancing as part of the evening entertainment. There are numerous antique stores and souvenir shops, not to mention perhaps the most popular and visible of Tarpon Springs attractions, Spongeorama, which features artifacts from the sponge-diving industry.

Caladesi Island State Park is a protected, all-natural beach, ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the country in 2008 by researchers at Florida Atlantic University. A three-mile nature walk winds through the island’s interior; a three-mile kayak trail offers views of mangroves and the Gulf.

The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is not to be overlooked. There, spectators can observe a living coral reef—a facet of marine nature typically only visible to scuba divers.

Visitors to Tarpon Springs can also book a cruise to go dolphin watching or walk to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, considered by some to be among the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

62 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

For family time, the resort offers the Fox Squirrel Course, a 9-hole, 32-par walking course that meanders over 850 yards. It opens at 4 p.m. each afternoon starting Memorial Day weekend. And since most of Innisbrook’s visitors come from the northern U.S., the resort offers complimentary transportation to two of the state’s beaches, both just 15 minutes away.

Caladesi Island is accessible by boat or by ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island, which offers a taste of sun and sand.

Honeymoon Island State Park is home to osprey nests and a rich variety of shorebirds, as well as one of the few remaining slash pine forests in South Florida.

Open year-round, Innisbrook appeals to golfers with a variety of stay-and-play packages.

This year, to celebrate its 40th birthday, the resort is promoting, through December 10, a $40,000 package that includes play on all four Innisbrook courses, plus 40 nights in the 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite, 40 meals and 40 spa treatments.

Gators come at no extra charge.

A

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course opinion

Tapawingo National Golf Club

co u rs e opinion Words: Ryan Scott

Nestled in a wooded corner of Sunset Hills lies a golf club that’s a true place of joy.

W

Photos: Courtesy Of Gary Player Design

e’re a fortunate bunch here in St. Louis. A diverse set of landscapes with gorgeous natural features provides golfers with an enviable variety of courses from which to choose.

Those were my thoughts shortly after teeing off at Tapawingo National Golf Club, and as 27 holes fell behind me, I left feeling fortunate indeed.

Tapawingo, which means “place of joy” to the Miami Indians, was built in 1994 by Gary Player Design. Its grasses—zoysia fairways, bentgrass greens and a bluegrass-fescue mix in the rough areas—were chosen for the Midwest climate, and hold up well to St. Louis winters.

Originally an 18-hole course consisting of the Woodlands and Prairie nines, Tapawingo added the Meramec nine in June 1998. When playing all three courses, head pro Kevin Triefenbach suggests starting with the Woodlands. It’s a beautiful way to begin any day of golf.

Gary Player himself speaks highly of this course. As he notes on its website: “Out of the 100 or so courses I’ve had a hand in, only four pieces of ground have really stood out, and this is one of them. You could not ask for better material.”

Who am I to disagree? The Woodlands nine has striking elevated tee boxes, undulating terrain and picturesque

landscapes, with water and sand in just the right places.

The Woodlands kicks off with two medium-distance par-4s, both of which will lead to birdie opportunities, given the right drive. The third hole is one of the most famous holes in the St. Louis area, a par-3 where you must clear more than 150 yards of water to land on a shallow, oval-shaped green that’s carved out of a hillside. You could hit balls at this green all day and not get bored. But don’t let the rush from it make you think you can carry the water on the fourth hole. Trust me, you can’t. Play the smart shot down the right to secure pin placement on the tiered green.

No. 6 is another beautiful par-3 with a dramatic elevated green, but beware the sneaky green-side bunkers in back and on both sides. No. 7 is Triefenbach’s favorite Woodlands hole—elevated tee boxes on par-5s are always fun.

Encounters with wildlife are to be expected at Tapawingo, as was the case on the eighth tee box—my visitor left a present I made sure not to step in. No. 9 is another elevated par-5 that—like many holes in the Woodlands nine— favors those who can hit a controlled draw out of the box.

Moving to the Prairie course, I found the first doglegged right of the day, but it being my first time playing Tapawingo, I drove through the end of the fairway.

Pulling a fairway wood or hybrid here is a good decision, WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 65

course opinion

approach is key to this hole. You’ll find another dramatic elevated tee shot on the third hole, but the fairway is tighter than most others at this point, so you’ll have to hit accurately for a solid setup.

Players get a real feel for the Prairie nine on No. 4, with a wide-open fairway that’s split down the middle by a rough-covered mound. Triefenbach says this was the only change made to a hole after construction; previously there was a water hazard to the left of the mound.

Holes five through seven aren’t particularly difficult. The course has enough water to keep you honest, and rolling mounds that bring a links feel to play. No. 8, on the other hand, could present a problem for many players, with a forced carry over 160 yards of water onto a green that’s sloped more than it appears at first glance. With the flat landscape of the Prairie nine, wind can also be a factor.

Choose your club wisely and be prepared for a real challenge on the last hole, which is also the course’s most peculiar. It features plenty of water, sand and links-style mounds. A wayward tee shot here will make par nearly impossible. Keep it in play, and don’t be disappointed with par on this closer.

Playing 27 holes is my preference. It allows me to warm up on the first nine, leaving a full 18 where I can’t make excuses. And thank goodness, because I needed an accurate tee shot for the first hole of the Meramec course.

It shares a green with Woodlands’ seventh hole, which makes for a large landing area. Just be sure to aim for the correct pin.

The second hole is one it pays to know in advance. From the box, it appears that you can cut the corner on the doglegged right, but as a first-timer I played it safe. The building you see on this hole is said to have been a retreat for a Catholic order, Servants of the Paraclete, and was left up to pay respect to its history.

Next is a short par-3 that provides an excellent birdie opportunity. Shots that fall short, however, can be a difficult save from the thick rough. No. 4’s natural setting is gorgeous, but more than that, I enjoyed the drive down its path, which resembles a mini Formula 1 track.

66 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

the d e ta i l s Year Opened: 1994 Course Length: 9,286 yards over three 9-hole courses Designer: Gary Player Head Pro: Kevin Triefenbach Grass: Zoysia, bentgrass and a bluegrassfescue mix Rates: $60 weekdays (including cart fee) Other Info: 13001 Gary Player Drive Sunset Hills, Mo. 63127 636.349.3100 tapawingogolf.com

No. 5 runs right along the edge of the Meramec River.

As you drive past, you’ll notice a bench labeled “Pete’s Place.” Triefenbach says it’s the favorite nature-watching area of one of Tapawingo’s owners, and it’s no wonder why. After your tee shot here, take a quick glance under the bridge about 100 yards ahead. A single ball caught my peripheral vision as I crossed it, and when I looked closer, I found another 10.

The highlight of my day came on my next shot, where I holed a 110-yard approach. Predictably, there was nobody around to see it—just my luck. Hole No. 6 is a great birdie opportunity, but can turn into a double bogey if you miss right. No. 8 is a par-4 where accuracy is key, with a long carry over water to a small landing area and another water carry to an elevated green. Like Prairie, Meramec saved its best for last, in my mind. The final hole here will test your long and short game, as well as your decisionmaking. With a great tee shot you’ll be tempted to go for the green in two, which is a risky proposition.

Tapawingo has plenty to offer players of all skill levels. There’s certainly enough challenge for the scratch golfer, and with most holes designed with playability for the high capper in mind, the weekend golfer won’t leave frustrated and down a dozen balls. The facility is world-class, with one of the nicer clubhouses in the area.

Triefenbach says Tapawingo can host more than 200 golfers in a single shotgun tournament. With a location in southwest St. Louis County that’s just 10 minutes from the intersection of Interstate 270 and Interstate 44, the course is easy to reach.

Tapawingo was built to be one of the finest public courses in the region, and its team has done a wonderful job of maintaining that status. The course is immaculate, even late in the year, and remains playable throughout the winter months. The variety of holes, combined with natural beauty, makes Tapawingo truly a place of joy.

A

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 67

Call Me Bob Tower Tee instructor Bob Gaus preps for the next chapter in his professional golf career.

WORDS: CHRIS HANNIS 68 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

photos: lesia tatarsky

a

s you drive down a winding road in South County caked with ice and snow, Tower Tee seems to pop out of nowhere.

Its reputation, however, is well-founded.

The golf complex has hosted hundreds of thousands of golfers since its opening in 1963. Celebrities such as Bob Hope, Bob Barker and Bobby Knight have hit balls there, and it’s not unusual to see St. Louis professional athletes go there to hit balls, practice their putting and play its par-3 course.

The location and facilities make Tower Tee one of the preeminent golfing facilities open to the public. But to those who keep close tabs on the St. Louis golf scene, Tower Tee represents something totally different: It’s where Bob Gaus teaches golf.

Gaus isn’t just a teaching pro; he’s a veteran golfer who’s participated in four PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens.

That’s right. The pro at Tower Tee has played in six majors.

Gaus spends his days teaching golfers, from children to high-school students to regulars who play competitively. Many might wonder what would keep a golfer with Gaus’ level of experience teaching at a family golf complex instead of an upscale, private golf course. The answer begins at the earliest stages of Gaus’ career as a golfer.

Gaus began playing golf in a way that’s common among St. Louisans. His grandfather cut off clubs for him when he was 7, and Gaus was off hitting balls at Tower Tee as early as 1968.

Photos: Courtesy of Bob Gaus

“This place has always been like home to me,” says Gaus. “I found my niche, which is to teach. I don’t like being indoors… or behind a desk. I charge less than I probably could, but I’d rather give more lessons than less.”

His father, a fireman from Webster Groves, set him up with his first lessons with Bob Richardson at Riverside Golf Course in Fenton a few years later, and he eventually caddied at Westborough Country Club. He first played competitive golf at age 11 and started playing in Gateway PGA Junior tournaments at age 13 at clubs like Paradise Valley Golf Club, Riverside Golf Course and Crescent Country Club. As a

student at Lindbergh High School, Gaus found golf to be challenging. He never won a state title, but individually, he finished sixth in the state as a junior and third as a senior.

“I had a decent career in high school,” says Gaus. “I was a medalist in some nine-hole matches. I guess I was one of the better ones, but it was tough competing against guys like Jay Delsing and Jeff Johnson.”

After receiving a golf scholarship to play at SIUE, Gaus got off to a quick start in his first tournament at the Northern Iowa Open. Leading after three rounds, he shot 80 in the final round to finish seventh.

In his typically modest, self-deprecating manner, Gaus says that tournament proved “that he could play a little bit.” Those words would prove true as he made the Division II finals his freshman, sophomore and senior years, with the added highlight of playing in the 1981 U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club in San Francisco just before his junior year.

In his senior year, Gaus won five tournaments in a row and was named a Division II first-team All-American, alongside such current pros as Rocco Mediate and J.L. Lewis.

He turned pro in 1983, and Gaus says he’s “been chasing it ever since,” all while working at Tower Tee, a job he’s held for 20 years now.

What is it? It is what all pro golfers strive for: guaranteed playing privileges on a pro tour. If you’re Phil Mickelson and you win a PGA tournament as an amateur to clinch playing status, you’re set. But if you’re one of the thousands of pro golfers like Gaus seeking and searching for playing status, you have to chase it.

This place has always been like home to me.

I found my niche, which is to teach. I don’t like being indoors…or behind a desk. I charge less than I probably could, but I’d rather give more lessons than less. —Bob Gaus

(Top) Gaus at age 14 playing in the Insurance Youth Classic at the Country Club of Missouri in Columbia. (Middle) Gaus (age 12) taking a practice swing at Paradise Valley Golf Club. (Bottom) Gaus teeing off at the 1980 Amateur Open.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 69

The Champions Tour wants to make it as tough for a guy like me as possible to play in these tournaments. They want the name guys to play—the guys people recognize from the past—so they’ll watch on TV. —Bob Gaus Every tournament on the PGA Tour has a handful of invitations the title sponsor gives out to “name” players who can’t get into a tournament on their own. For example, a player like John Daly, who hasn’t had playing privileges in a few years, is forced to write rear-end-smooching letters to title sponsors in the hope of receiving invitations to as many tournaments as possible. This is a vehicle the sponsor uses to enhance the playing field and visibility of the tournament. It doesn’t behoove the title sponsor to expend one of its invitations on someone like Bob Gaus, because he probably won’t increase gallery attendance at the tournament—especially since 70 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

there is no tourney here in St. Louis—or television viewership. It’s a harsh reality, but no one understands it better than Gaus.

Enter PGA Tour Qualifying School.

Gaus first went to Q School in 1985 and made it all the way to the finals that year, but received no playing status. Q School became a yearly event and an intricate part of Gaus’ chase. He made it to the finals in 1990, 1998 and 1999, too. But nothing would test the fine line of tour qualification like Gaus’ 2000 Q-School adventure.

After five rounds of play, in which he shot 73-67-67-68-71 on the tough Jack Nicklaus

Private Course at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., Gaus was homing in on Tour status.

Coming down the stretch on the last four holes, he had no idea what the cut line was, but knew he was close.

“There are no leaderboards out on the course,” says Gaus. “I wished I would have known where I stood. And my caddy and I are watching all these other guys talk on their cellphones with their buddies getting updates on the cut line. So I asked the marshal about the cellphone thing, and he just shook his head like he couldn’t do anything about it, so I just didn’t know the cut line.”

In the end, on the 18th hole of the last of six grueling rounds, Gaus needed a birdie to ensure full playing status for the 2001 season.

His drive rolled into the rough, his second shot found water, and Gaus ended up with a bogey. Would he have done anything differently had he known exactly where he stood?

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” he says. “I would have laid up on the par-5 16th hole with a sand wedge, taken my par. Go par, par,

He didn’t make the cut in any of the majors he played in, but he is most proud of the way he qualified for the 2008 U.S. Open at age 47 at Boone Valley Golf Club. It was a one-day, 36-hole event. The course was tough, with tricky pin placements, slick greens and high rough.

1968: Gaus begins hitting balls at Tower Tee at age 8

Photos: Courtesy of Bob Gaus

“When Boone is set up like this, it’s the toughest course in Gaus tees off at his second U.S. Open at Torrey Pines the area, no quesin San Diego. It’s just one of six majors the Tower Tee tion,” he says. He pro has played in. finished early and shot a magnificent 66, easily the low round of the day. “I probbogey, and I’m playing on the Tour the ably played one of the best rounds of golf of next year.” It’s a bitter reality that’s all too my life that afternoon. I snuck out the one familiar on the Q-School circuit. remaining spot.”

That year, Gaus received playing status Now at 50, Gaus is now eligible to compete for the Buy.com Tour, playing in 24 events in golf’s greatest mulligan: the Champions and making 15 cuts. But the sting of his Tour. This past year, the Champion’s Tour Q-School finish now allows Gaus to offer Q School saw 80 players competing for words of caution to aspiring young golfers, 22 spots. In his own words Gaus “played such as our own Scott Langley. Gaus has horribly—finished two over and missed played with Langley twice, and uses terms one under qualified.” He sees a real oplike “the real deal” and “complete golfer” portunity, however, in the next few years’ when describing the University of Illinois Champions Tour Q Schools. senior. But his experience in “the chase” is a lesson worth noting, says Gaus.

For now, he’ll spend portions of February and March in Florida to “Friday qualify”— “When Scott decides to turn pro, he’s going take part in prequalifications required of to get his fair share of sponsor invitations golfers without status—for Champions to PGA tournaments,” he says. “After playTour tournaments. After that, he’ll coming with Scott and seeing what he did at the pete in the Monday qualifier to play in the [U.S.] Open last year, he’ll probably have tournament. If it seems tough, well, it’s no problem making cuts and he’ll be off to designed that way. the races.”

Although Gaus never had full-status privileges on the PGA Tour, he has made the most of his golfing abilities in the past two decades. Locally, he’s won almost every tournament there is to win, including shooting an astounding 68-61-69 at the 1995 Missouri Open to win it.

“The [Champions Tour] wants to make it as tough for a guy like me as possible to play in these tournaments,” he says. “They want the name guys to play—the guys people recognize from the past—so they’ll watch on TV.” But Gaus will continue to play on because that’s what he does—and does well.

Nationally, his golfing résumé is highlighted by the six major championships in which he has competed: the 1998, 2000, 2007 and 2009 PGA Championships and the 1990 and 2008 U.S. Open Championships. The gap in his career after 2000 was when Gaus took time off from competitive golf to concentrate on building his business at Tower Tee.

Apart from seeking a spot on the Champions Tour, Gaus has already qualified for next year’s PGA Professional National Championship in Hershey, Pa. He also has plans to try for the U.S. Senior Open, as well as the PGA, Senior PGA and Senior Club Pro championships.

For Gaus, the chase continues.

A

1971: Begins playing competitive golf 1979: Receives golf scholarship to SIUE 1981: Plays in the U.S. Amateur; begins working at Tower Tee 1982: Named first-team All-American 1983: Turns pro 1985: Goes to first Q School, advancing to final round 1990: Competes in his first U.S. Open 1995: Wins the Missouri Open 1998: Plays in his first PGA Championship

Bag Check Driver: Titleist 910D3 Woods: Titleist 909F Irons: Titleist 710 AP2 Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design 48-degree, 53-degree and 59-degree Putter: Scotty Cameron

2000: Misses tour status by two strokes in Q School final round 2001: Plays competitively full-time 2008: Plays in his second U.S. Open 2009: Named Gateway PGA Player of the Year for the seventh time (previously in ’95, ’96, ’98, ’00, ’07, ’08) 2010: Gaus is eligible for the Champions Tour

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 71

SNOW GOLF

PHOTO: Courtesy of the Upper Engadin Tourist Office

72 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

The Coolest Game on Earth

For the past 32 years, the world’s most extreme golfers have gathered in southeast Switzerland to play in the Engadin Snow Golf Cup—an icy incarnation that puts a twist on your average day at the course.

WORDS: Dan Michel

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 73

EXTREME TOURISM

Most of the golfers come to the area specifically for the tournament, with half of the participants hailing from Switzerland, and the rest coming from Italy, Germany, other Western European countries and overseas.

74 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Past celebrity attendants include Scottish golfers Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance and Italian golfer Costantino Rocca

E

veryday golfers often store their golf clubs at the slightest hint of snow, and generally won’t exhume them until the first signs of spring. Others embrace the cold weather and don’t mind playing with a few inches on the ground. In the most extreme category of golfer, however, are the participants in the Engadin Snow Golf Cup, held each year in southeast Switzerland. These players seek out the subzero temperatures and brutal conditions to play on the “whites” on frozen Lake St. Moritz.

Temperatures in St. Moritz can get as low as 30 degrees below zero in the winter, freezing the lake so strong that a horse race is held there each February.

Although the biggest tournaments might be abroad, snow golf has its origins in the U.S. Many sources state that Rudyard Kipling invented the sport while living in Vermont in the 1890s. It’s reported that he used tin cans for cups and painted his ball red to prevent it from blending in with the snowy, monochromatic landscape.

The cup’s adventurous (if not slightly crazy) circumstances create an interesting juxtaposition of golf, a sport that is relatively tame, and the slopes of Switzerland, which are home to such intense sports as sky diving, extreme skiing, base jumping and snow kiteboarding (skiing with a small parachute that propels you), among others. But the tournament’s intrigue has been enough to keep it alive for more than three decades.

The Snow Golf Cup, which consists of a 9-hole course atop Lake St. Moritz, first took place in January 1979. Golf architect Mario Verdieri designed the icy track, and after the tournament’s initial success, organizers launched women’s, seniors’ and kids’ versions, as well.

It’s not difficult to see the draw, with beautiful vistas and snowcapped mountains surrounding every side of the lake, some peaks climbing near 13,000 feet.

In the spirit of embracing winter, AVID takes a look at last year’s tournament to remind us that our passion for golf isn’t stored in the rafters along with our clubs.

It’s alive all year round.

The tournament has taken place at several different locations in southeast Switzerland, including the nearby towns of Samedan and Sils Baselgia.

A

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 75

sun & snow

Players navigate the course in a clockwise direction so each is able to play under the sunlight throughout the day.

defrost

Engadin Snow Golf Cup Course Designed by architect Mario Verdieri, the Engadin snow golf course measures 1,433 meters (1,567 yards) and does not have a designated par.

253m 95m

1

2 110m

180m

4

5

8

160m

130m

6 155m

150m

7

3

200m

9

76 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

After the sixth hole, players head to the makeshift clubhouse—normally the Sailing Club St. Moritz boathouse— to warm up with some soup and hot drinks.

In the 1980s, organizers tried using green grass “carpets,� but abandoned the idea after high-impact landings and solar radiation caused channels to form in the grass, making it even harder to putt.

Holes in the Snow Golf Cup are larger than traditional golf holes to compensate for the rough, icy terrain.

Ice Golf Around The World Ice Golf is not a phenomenon unique to Switzerland.

There are tournaments held all over the world in places such as Greenland, Russia and Argentina, and in several states in the U.S., including Iowa, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 77

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Worried someone might take your whip

for a joyride while you wait? Don’t be.

The Viper SmartStart is also a state-ofthe-art alarm and security system. Lock and unlock your car, arm and disarm your alarm, hit the panic button and remote start your car—all from a free app on your smart phone.

The app also includes a SmartPark feature, which

81 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010

remembers exactly where you parked every time you lock your doors. With step-by-step directions, you’ll always find your ride, no matter where you left it.

Your car can even communicate with you, Knight Rider– style, by sending you text-message alerts if your alarm is triggered. Now that’s smart. $599, Best Buy, multiple locations, 888.237.8289, bestbuy.com.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 81

>> For the modern gentleman in the making, moving out of Mom and Dad’s house might have taken a bit longer than planned, but with a new decade comes a new beginning.

As you get older and wiser, let these items help keep your youthful spirit alive.

KNIT ETERNITY SCARF $20, Urban Outfitters, Saint Louis Galleria, 314.727.6262, urbanoutfitters.com.

GOLF-BALL PINT GLASSES $45 for set of 12, Meridian Supply, 9950 Page Avenue, 314.423.2727, meridianrs.com. head deviates from the proper plane.

Practice with one of these bad boys, and come spring, you’ll be a driving machine while your friends are still knocking off the rust. $200, Hammacher Schlemmer, 800.321.1484, hammacher.com.

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Utterly Essential, Totally Irreplaceable Men’s Guide

MINT AUTOMATIC FLOOR CLEANER $200, Bed Bath & Beyond, multiple locations, 800.462.3966, bedbathandbeyond.com.

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THE GYROSCOPIC GOLF TRAINER For many, the winter training regime consist of nothing more than indoor putting and the occasional 12-ounce curl. The Gyroscopic Golf Trainer is designed to keep your swing in line by providing active resistance when the club

urbanoutfitters.com.

314.727.6262, Saint Louis Galleria, $20, Urban Outfitters, KNIT ETERNITY SCARF

bathandbeyond.com.

800.462.3966, bedtiple locations, & Beyond, mul$200, Bed Bath FLOOR CLEANER MINT AUTOMATIC

work into the STLStyle collection.

“It’s one that people identify with because of the city’s French heritage,” says STLStyle co-owner Jeff Vines. “It’s simple, but it says a lot.” $23, STyLehouse, 3159 Cherokee Street, 314.494.7763, stl-style.com.

when the club active resistance in line by providing to keep your swing Trainer is designed Gyroscopic Golf 12-ounce curl. The and the occasional than indoor putting sist of nothing more training regime conFor many, the winter GOLF TRAINER THE GYROSCOPIC

JOHN VARVATOS CONVERSE ALL-STARS $110, Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com.

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stl-style.com.

314.494.7763, Cherokee Street, STyLehouse, 3159 but it says a lot.” $23, Vines. “It’s simple, Style co-owner Jeff heritage,” says STLof the city’s French identify with because “It’s one that people Style collection. work into the STL-

I STL T-SHIRT An homage to Milton Glaser’s iconic I ♥ NY design, local artist Joe Allhoff partners with the fine folks at STLStyle to present his I STL creation.

Originally, the I STL T-shirt was created and sold at Trader Bob’s Tattoos on Jefferson Avenue, where Allhoff works as a tattoo artist, but because STL-Style garnered so much interest in its shirts, the two parties agreed to incorporate Allhoff’s

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JACK SPADE LEATHER FLASK $125, Jack Spade, 877.917.5225, jackspade.com.

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1/14/11 6:43 PM

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your youthful spirit alive. let these items help keep As you get older and wiser, cade comes a new beginning. planned, but with a new dehave taken a bit longer than Mom and Dad’s house might in the making, moving out of >> For the modern gentleman

THE

1/14/11 6:43 PM

82 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011 jackspade.com.

877.917.5225, $125, Jack Spade, FLASK JACK SPADE LEATHER

1/14/11 6:47 PM

KINECT FOR XBOX 360 $150, GameStop, multiple locations, 636.922.2650, gamestop.com.

AVID_WINTER_mon.indd 81

AVID_WINTER_mon.indd 82

stop.com.

636.922.2650, gamemultiple locations, $150, GameStop, KINECT FOR XBOX 360

NIKE GOLF TRUNK ORGANIZER $80, Nike, 800.344.6453, nike.com.

BLACK & DECKER SMART BATTERY CHARGER $137, Black & Decker, 800.544.6986, blackanddecker.com.

82 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

GLADIATOR FREEZERATOR Tired of opening your garage fridge during the winter only to find what looks like a scene out of Reservoir Dogs? Keep

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DRIVING GLOVES $33, Nordstrom, West County Center, 314.255.2000, nordstrom.com.

your drinks from exploding with the Freezerator, a fridge with a built-in heater to prevent temperatures from getting too low. $1,300, Lowe’s, multiple locations, 800.445.6937, lowes.com.

AVID_WINTER_mon.indd 82

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PRADA DRIVING SHOE $470, Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com.

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VIPER SMARTSTART REMOTE START SYSTEM The Viper SmartStart system eliminates the need for clunky fobs that clutter up your key ring. Now, you can have full

for a joyride while you wait? Don’t be.

The Viper SmartStart is also a state-ofthe-art alarm and security system. Lock and unlock your car, arm and disarm your alarm, hit the panic button and remote start your car—all from a free app on your smart phone.

The app also includes a SmartPark feature, which

remembers exactly where you parked every time you lock your doors. With step-by-step directions, you’ll always find your ride, no matter where you left it.

Your car can even communicate with you, Knight Rider– style, by sending you text-message alerts if your alarm is triggered. Now that’s smart. $599, Best Buy, multiple locations, 888.237.8289, bestbuy.com.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 81

>> The holidays are finally over, and not a grade-school AVID_WINTER_mon.indd 81

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NIKE GOLF TRUNK ORGANIZER $80, Nike, 800.344.6453, nike.com.

control of your vehicle right from your Blackberry, iPhone or Android device.

Perfect for those chilly winter months, the Viper SmartStart can start your car remotely from inside your home and have it warmed up, defrosted and ready to roll before you even walk out the door.

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BLACK & DECKER SMART BATTERY CHARGER $137, Black & Decker, 800.544.6986, blackanddecker.com.

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DRIVING GLOVES $33, Nordstrom, West County Center, 314.255.2000, nordstrom.com.

>> Whether you’re born to be wild or just love the purr of a finely tuned engine, one thing is certain: These distinctive toys are built to get your gears humming. your drinks from exploding with the Freezerator, a fridge with a built-in heater to prevent temperatures from getting too low. $1,300, Lowe’s, multiple locations, 800.445.6937, lowes.com.

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PRADA DRIVING SHOE $470, Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com.

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GEARHEAD

1/14/11 6:47 PM

1 4/1 1/1 9

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pageant too soon. The countdown to the golf season has officially begun, but you’ll have to make it through St. Louis’ harsh winter months first. That’s why we’ve assembled this go-to list of gear for every kind of AVID man.

WORDS: Dan Michel and Michael Wilmering WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 79

the

Sartorial son

>> You’re the kind of man who

puts the XY in SEXY, and you know how to look good doing it. Pick up these stylish essentials and keep making it look easy.

Ralph Lauren Men’s Herringbone Boots $150, Journeys, multiple locations, 314.909.5712, journeys.com.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel $30, Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com.

Striped Bow Tie $55, Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com.

Wagner Duffle Bag $128, Fossil, multiple locations, 800.449.3056, fossil.com.

Mackintosh Duncan Coat Not every winter day calls for a bulky parka or puff vest.

Sometimes, all you need to make it through the day while looking your best is a simple-yetsexy overcoat.

80 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Popular in the UK, the Mackintosh is a popular water-resistant coat made with a fabric invented

by Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh.

J.Crew applied Macintosh’s revolutionary technology to this

classic three-quarterlength number.

Its timeless navy color wears well with just about any color, pattern or texture, making it a piece you can don throughout the year. The Mackintosh Duncan coat’s

thin, water-resistant fabric, mixed with its fashion-conscious attention to detail, means your wardrobe just got a little smarter. $800, J.Crew, multiple locations, 800.562.0258, jcrew.com.

Classic Shaving Set and Stand $215, Dalvey, dalvey.com.

MacKenzie Harlequin Golf Bag $1,200, Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com.

FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 80

the

gearhead

>> Whether you’re born to be wild or just love

Prada Driving Shoe $470, Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com.

Driving Gloves $33, Nordstrom, West County Center, 314.255.2000, nordstrom.com.

Gladiator Freezerator Tired of opening your garage fridge during the winter only to find what looks like a scene out of Reservoir Dogs? Keep

the purr of a finely tuned engine, one thing is certain: These distinctive toys are built to get your gears humming. your drinks from exploding with the Freezerator, a fridge with a built-in heater to prevent temperatures from getting too low. $1,300, Lowe’s, multiple locations, 800.445.6937, lowes.com.

Nike Golf Trunk Organizer $80, Nike, 800.344.6453, nike.com.

81 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010

Black & Decker Smart Battery Charger $137, Black & Decker, 800.544.6986, blackanddecker.com.

Viper SmartStart Remote Start System The Viper SmartStart system eliminates the need for clunky fobs that clutter up your key ring. Now, you can have full

control of your vehicle right from your Blackberry, iPhone or Android device.

Perfect for those chilly winter months, the Viper SmartStart can start your car remotely from inside your home and have it warmed up, defrosted and ready to roll before you even walk out the door.

Worried someone might take your whip

for a joyride while you wait? Don’t be.

The Viper SmartStart is also a state-ofthe-art alarm and security system. Lock and unlock your car, arm and disarm your alarm, hit the panic button and remote start your car—all from a free app on your smart phone.

The app also includes a SmartPark feature, which

remembers exactly where you parked every time you lock your doors. With step-by-step directions, you’ll always find your ride, no matter where you left it.

Your car can even communicate with you, Knight Rider– style, by sending you text-message alerts if your alarm is triggered. Now that’s smart. $599, Best Buy, multiple locations, 888.237.8289, bestbuy.com.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 81

the

millennial man

>> For the modern gentleman

in the making, moving out of Mom and Dad’s house might have taken a bit longer than planned, but with a new decade comes a new beginning.

As you get older and wiser, let these items help keep your youthful spirit alive.

Kinect for Xbox 360 $150, GameStop, multiple locations, 636.922.2650, gamestop.com.

Jack Spade Leather Flask $125, Jack Spade, 877.917.5225, jackspade.com.

82 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

I STL T-Shirt An homage to Milton Glaser’s iconic I ♥ NY design, local artist Joe Allhoff partners with the fine folks at STLStyle to present his I STL creation.

Originally, the I STL T-shirt was created and sold at Trader Bob’s Tattoos on Jefferson Avenue, where Allhoff works as a tattoo artist, but because STL-Style garnered so much interest in its shirts, the two parties agreed to incorporate Allhoff’s

work into the STLStyle collection.

“It’s one that people identify with because of the city’s French heritage,” says STLStyle co-owner Jeff Vines. “It’s simple, but it says a lot.” $23, STyLehouse, 3159 Cherokee Street, 314.494.7763, stl-style.com.

John Varvatos Converse All-Stars $110, Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com.

Knit Eternity Scarf $20, Urban Outfitters, Saint Louis Galleria, 314.727.6262, urbanoutfitters.com.

The Gyroscopic Golf Trainer For many, the winter training regime consist of nothing more than indoor putting and the occasional 12-ounce curl. The Gyroscopic Golf Trainer is designed to keep your swing in line by providing active resistance when the club

head deviates from the proper plane.

Practice with one of these bad boys, and come spring, you’ll be a driving machine while your friends are still knocking off the rust. $200, Hammacher Schlemmer, 800.321.1484, hammacher.com.

Golf-Ball Pint Glasses $45 for set of 12, Meridian Supply, 9950 Page Avenue, 314.423.2727, meridianrs.com.

Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner $200, Bed Bath & Beyond, multiple locations, 800.462.3966, bedbathandbeyond.com.

the

corporate shark >> For the business-minded gent looking to shake up his

workday and look good doing it, here are a few items sure to spice things up. Who says you can’t have fun at the office?

The Putting Game This highly entertaining, mildly addictive putting trainer is the perfect training tool (read: time vacuum) for your office or home.

The Putting Game’s triangulation-based system allows you to simulate any distance or green speed to help you fine-tune your accuracy and

distance control.

Six different games (500, Knock Out, Diminishing Cup, The Practice Green, Virtual Cup 500 and Stack-up) help get your competitive juices flowing, and as you work to top your high score in each category, you’ll be shaving strokes off your handicap.

Spending the winter

with this little gizmo is sure to have you sinking the long putts in no time. $300, Westwood Country Club, 11801 Conway Road, 314.432.2311, westwood-cc.com; theputtinggame.com.

Eclipse Lamp $110, Museum of Modern Art, moma.org.

Monogrammed Club Links $60 for a set of 14, Red Envelope, 877.733.3683, redenvelope.com.

Robin Rotenier Cuff Links $295, Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9811, neimanmarcus.com.

Buckyballs $30, Urban Materials + Accessories (UMA), 1100 Locust, 314.241.9990, iloveuma.com.

Fisticup Coffee Mug Let your co-workers know you mean business with this part comical, part “Wait, is he serious?” coffee mug. One added benefit: Everyone will

think twice before entering your office to ask if you have a case of the Mondays. $15, Urban Materials + Accessories (UMA), 314.241.9990, iloveuma.com.

Cigar Cutter $26, Von Maur, The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 636.561.7040, vonmaur.com.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 83

the

Food Aficionado

Rib-Eye Steak We know what you’re thinking: “Damn.

That looks good.”

Well, it was. And now you’re either really jealous or really hungry. Probably both. But never fear!

The precise knives of Brady Hanlen, thirdgeneration meatcutter (don’t call him a butcher!) are honed and hungry to dissect the perfect cut of cow of your very own.

Hanlen’s personal favorite, the rib-eye, is basically a boneless prime rib, and it’s packed full of flavor.

“The amount of intermuscular marbling gives that piece of meat the most flavor out of any of the steak cuts,”

>> For every Food Network junkie

says Hanlen. “The fat content might turn some people off, but that’s where you get most of your flavor profiles.”

Originally, Hanlen wasn’t planning on taking up the reins of the family business.

Oddly enough, he decided to attend the University of Missouri to save animals, not slice them, in its veterinary program.

But it wasn’t meant to be, and it’s a good thing because Hanlen’s steaks are to die for. $11 per pound, Hanlen’s Meat Shoppe, 11037 Manchester, 314.966.8606.

84 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Eating St. Louis: The Gateway City’s Unique Food Culture Longtime Post-Dispatch writer Patricia Corrigan’s new book explores the origins, tendencies, people, places and ideas that have shaped the food culture in St. Louis.

Fantastic full-color photos and one-ofa-kind stories make this book educational and mouth-watering. $30, Left Bank Books, Central West End,

and Top Chef wannabe, there are countless gadgets and gizmos designed to make you feel like you can throw down in Kitchen Stadium, even if you’re more of an executive officer than an executive chef.

399 N. Euclid Avenue, 314.367.6731, left-bank.com.

LamsonSharp Three-Piece Cutlery Set $190, Bertarelli Cutlery, 1927 Marconi Avenue, 314.664.4005, bertarellicutlery.com.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven $245, Williams Sonoma, multiple locations, 877.812.6235, williams-sonoma.com.

Golfer’s Barbecue Set $25, Uncommon Goods, 888.365.0056, uncommongoods.com.

Monogrammed Brander $65, Red Envelope, 877.733.3683, redenvelope.com.

Personalized Chef’s Jacket $34–$40, Need-AUniform, 3216 Watson, 314.645.5400, need-a-uniform.com.

Square So you’re wrapping up the back nine, and your friend tells you he doesn’t have the cash to cover the skins beat-down you just laid on him. No worries. You’ve got Square, so you can accept credit-card payments right from your iPad, iPhone or mobile Android device. Device and app are free; Square takes 2.75 percent plus 15 cents of each transaction. Square, squareup.com.

FootJoy WinterSof Glove $20, Pro-Am Golf Center, 3174 S. Brentwood, 314.781.7775, www.proamgolfctr. com.

Noon Copenhagen Watch Starting at $155, Noon Copenhagen, nooncopenhagen.com.

DODOcase for iPad $60, DODOcase, dodocase.com.

FootJoy Men’s Icon Sport MyJoys $250, Golfsmith, 800.813.6897, golfsmith.com.

Vuzix Wrap 310 Video Eyewear $200, Brookstone, multiple locations, 800.846.3000, brookstone.com.

Kaleidescape Cinema One Finally, your Blu-ray, DVD and CD libraries are at your fingertips with the Kaleidescape Cinema One, a state-of-the-art, single-component movie server designed to

store, protect and archive your entire media collection.

Although there are different options within the Cinema One, including expandable storage and a Blu-ray disk vault, the system comes stock with four 500 MB drives designed to store all of your movies with a secure backup system.

Also, Kaleidescape’s software engineers

are reportedly working on a deal with Amazon and Netflix to add HD movies to your permanent collection. Potential agoraphobes, beware: This system will make you never want to leave your house again. Starting just under $5,000, Integrated Custom Design, 314.956.8558, via The Sound Room, 314.997.3456, thesoundroom.com.

the

tech guru

>> It’s inevitable. Every time you

see a cutting-edge contraption or the latest and greatest gadget, you’ve just got to get your hands on it. Appease your appetite for innovation with these fun tech toys.

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 85

the

weekend warrior

>> Every week it’s the same.

The monotony of the office slowly builds each day, and when Friday finally comes, you’re itching to trade that shirt, tie and chinos combo for something better suited for the outdoors. This rugged gear can help you start your weekend off right.

Smartwool Midweight Thermal Bottom $75, Alpine Shop, multiple locations, 314.962.7715, alpineshop.com.

HeatMax HotHands Hand Warmers Two for $2, Johnny Mac’s Sporting Goods, 800.962.8347, multiple locations, johnnymacs.com.

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Bugathermo Techlite Boots Fight frostbite with Columbia’s Bugathermo Techlite, the first boot with a selfcontained, rechargeable heating system, ideal for long outdoor projects. $350, Cabela’s, St. Louis Mills, 314.225.0100, cabelas.com.

Solio Rocsta H1000 Hybrid Solar Charger The next time you go camping, you can really connect with Mother Nature by re-

charging your Kindle, Blackberry or iPod with all-natural sunlight. Because what fun is watching a sunrise if you can’t post it on Facebook? $80, REI, multiple locations, 800.426.4840, rei.com.

Diesel Puffer Vest $230, Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com.

Coleman GolfCat Perfectemp $90 (propane cylinder not included),

Dick’s Sporting Goods, multiple locations, 314.649.1400, dickssportinggoods.com.

Hole-in-1 Tool Ever find yourself patting down your pockets in search of the right golf gizmo?

Avoid giving yourself the TSA treatment with this rugged all-in-one tool, which has a ball marker, rangefinder, divot tool, bottle opener, groove cleaner and 12-click stroke counter (let’s hope that’s enough), all in a

durable, hard-plastic body.

The Hole-in-1 has useful applications, so it won’t suffer the same fate as most other golf gadgets: a lonely existence collecting dust at the bottom of your golf bag. $20, Restoration Hardware, Saint Louis Galleria, 314.863.7566, restorationhardware.com.

Jess’ Bee Natural Mountain Man Lotion Bar $8, Jess’ Bee Natural, jessbeenatural.com.

the

avid audiophile

>> If your house were on fire, the first thing you’d grab is your music collection. We feel you. Rock harder and keep your anthology growing with these musical must-haves.

Urban Ears Headphones $60, Urban Outfitters, Saint Louis Galleria, 314.727.6262, urbanoutfitters.com.

West Coast Seattle Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Anthology $21, Vintage Vinyl, 6610 Delmar Boulevard, 314.721.4096, vintagevinyl.com.

In Concert: KSHE and 40+ Years of Rock in St. Louis $50, Vintage Vinyl, 6610 Delmar Boulevard, 314.721.4096, vintagevinyl.com.

Geneva Sound System $1,000, Design Within Reach, 44 Maryland Plaza, 314.361.1701, dwr.com.

Pro-Ject Debut III Turntable $369, Needle Doctor, 800.229.0644, needledoctor.com.

Olive If you’re the kind of music hoarder whose collection can’t be tamed by even the most up-to-date

computer, meet Olive, a 2 TB server that can hold up to 6,000 CDs’ worth of music and blare it back in HD quality (250 times better than CD quality). Its touch-screen design and sleek aluminum body make it easy on the eyes, too. $5,000, Olive, 877.296.5483, olive.us.

The BoomCase Washington University sculpture grad student Dominic Odbert and his brother J.P. have taken throwback music gear to a new level with The BoomCase.

The duo transform vintage suitcases (not to mention guitar cases and lunch boxes) into portable, battery-powered speakers, and so far they’ve had a tremendous response.

“We didn’t even plan to sell them,” says Dominic Odbert. “We sold a couple by word of mouth, then I put one online, and En-

gadget wrote about it.

Since then, it hasn’t stopped. It’s taken over.” The BoomCase’s innovative design also recently rocked the pages of Rolling Stone.

Starting at $155, The BoomCase, theboomcase.com.

Jack Spade Rock and Roll Mittens $95, Jack Spade, 877.917.5225, jackspade.com. iHome Rechargeable iPod Speakers $44, Target, multiple locations, 800.440.0680, target.com. A

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 87

AVIDDIVA

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The Gateway Area’s most charming cart girls sit down with AVID to answer some of life’s less important questions.

>>>

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AVIDDIVA

Q+A How old are you?

27 How long have you worked at Sugar Creek?

For about a year now.

What drew you to the job?

I’m a big athlete, and I love sports. I got into golf recently, so it seemed like a good fit.

The job is totally my speed.

What other sports do you enjoy?

I played four sports in high school, and I was an all-American softball player in college [at Lindenwood University]. I still play competitive basketball and sand volleyball.

Wow. You’re quite the athlete.

Totally. My parents were athletes, and I grew up in a neighborhood where I was the only girl. It’s funny; people look at me and think I’m girly. They can be quick to judge. I’m actually the exact opposite.

Judging from your clubs, I see you’re a lefty. That probably makes you a pretty dangerous opponent.

I think it’s what made me an all-American. It really helps you in sports. You can do everything right-handed just as well, because that’s how the coaches teach you. I consider it a double threat.

Do your customers ever make any weird requests?

Some of these golfers will offer me money for the strangest things. One guy gave me $10 to take a picture with me.

Another offered me $60 if I got back around to his group before they were done [with

90 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

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WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 91 Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. (member FINRA/SIPC) The Capital Group, LLC. is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.

AVIDDIVA their round.] It’s interesting how you men are so easy to work.

Sounds like you can hold your own around guys. What’s the funniest pickup line you’ve heard?

I was serving this guy coffee, and he dropped a sugar packet.

He picked it up, handed it to me and said, “Here, you dropped your name tag.” That was the funniest one I’ve heard yet.

What music are you into?

I like Jason Mraz, Beyoncé, Colbie Caillat...pretty much anything on 107.7.

What’s your dream job?

I sort of have it now. I went to college and got a communications degree, then became a hairstylist. Go figure. I work in my mom’s salon. Hopefully I can use my degree to help her run the family business.

A

92 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

“Working in a sportsrelated atmosphere makes me enjoy my job.”

WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 93

Any holes in one?

Martin Courtois The longtime caddy shares his experiences from inside the ropes How did you first get into caddying?

I went to a qualifying tournament to find a “Monday rabbit,” one of the borderline golfers who would follow the tour each week trying to qualify every Monday to play in that week’s tournament. I went down there to find one of those Monday rabbits, and I did. Ray Barr was his name.

He qualified the very first time I tried to caddy on tour.

That was the ’81 Bing Crosby [National Pro-Amateur Golf Championship].

Country Club in Atlanta and Kapalua Resort in Maui, where they hold the Tournament of Champions. We walk a minimum of 30 miles a week, if our players make the cut, on foot with roughly a 50-pound bag on our shoulders.

How’s your own personal golf game?

I’m a scratch golfer. I played in the U.S. Amateur in 1992. I’m very adept at the short game with chipping and putting.

Things have certainly changed for caddies since then.

Well, now caddies make big money, and have more of a high profile than we did back in the ’80s. Caddies were making $150 a week in salary [back then]. It was really more a labor of love. Then, when Tiger [Woods] turned pro, caddying changed... He’s the only one who deserves the credit, in my opinion. Tiger was the single driving force that changed purses in golf, because the television contracts got kicked up to a level that nobody ever really thought they could.

What’s the hardest course to caddy on tour, in your opinion?

The toughest walking courses are courses like Sugarloaf 94 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

I’ve had a double eagle and three holes in one. The first was at Orinda Country Club when I was a caddy there. That was with a 6-iron. The second was at Timberlane Country Club in New Orleans with an 8-iron on the eighth hole. My last one was at my club, Southern Woods, in Homosassa, Fla. That was with a 7-iron in November.

You’ve had some pretty extensive experience over the years. Do you still worry about finding work?

Caddying is a very insecure business. There’s very little job security. People like to talk about Steve Williams and [Jim] “Bones” MacKay and Phil [Mickelson] and Tiger’s caddies, but there is only one Phil and only one Tiger. Then you have the other 154 guys who tee up on tour, and they’re a more realistic option.

What is the No. 1 reason caddies get fired?

Well, a golfer cannot fire himself. There’s only one other

person to look at if he wants to change things up, and that’s the caddy. The caddy is more closely involved in professional competition—as a noncompetitor—than any other sport.

What people don’t really understand about caddying is that there are golfers who are playing hundreds of thousands of dollars with every shot, and we’re right there inside the ropes making the decision with the pro.

One wrong decision can be very costly.

What’s the best part about being a tour caddy?

We joke and call it “full-time pay for part-time work.”

Caddies work 25 to 30 weeks a year, which is roughly half the year. But the main thing about it is when your player’s name’s on the tee every day, and you’re inside the ropes and part of the battle.

A

AGE: 49 HOMETOWN: Spring Hill, Fla. CADDY FOR: Rocco Mediate, Steve Flesch, AND Jay Williamson among others

Photo: Courtesy of Martin Courtois

CADDY SHACK

WANT TO SEE YOUR EVENT IN THE AVID CALENDAR? Email us at listings@avidmagazine.com.

All entries must be submitted by the 15th of the month to be included in the subsequent issue.

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WINTER 2011 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 95

cease & desist $10 million Furyk won for the FedEx Cup).

Erik Compton also made headlines in qualifying for the U.S. Open. In case you don’t know who Compton is, he’s more than just a professional golfer. He’s spent years on the mini tours trying to achieve his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour with full, unconditional status. At age 9, Compton was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a condition in which his heart muscles are inflamed and unable to pump as hard as they should. After two transplants, he is now on his third heart. He ultimately missed the cut, but no one dismissed his inspirational story.

A Golf Odyssey The Stories We Can’t Forget and the Questions We’re Left With WORDS: Matt Mathison ILLUSTRATION: DANIEL ELCHERT I can’t believe that the start of the 2011 PGA Tour is already here. As a matter of fact, by the time you read this, there will already have been two official PGA events on the books. The off-season for golf is short.

Seems like only yesterday that Jim Furyk took home the FedEx Cup and the Euros took home the Ryder Cup. I think the reason why it seems to fly by so fast is that we’re able to focus on other sports like football and basketball (both college and pro), as well as hockey, in the interim. For us in St. Louis, it’s cold, and golf normally takes a back seat anyway, so watching the games with family and friends isn’t so bad.

The 2010 PGA season was a good one, and it will be memorable for many years to come. I realize that Tiger Woods’ trysts

occurred around Thanksgiving 2009, but it was the 2010 PGA Tour that suffered the most economically from his notable absence from several events.

But that’s not the story. The real story is that a number of players stepped up and made this season especially impressive.

We won’t soon forget Phil Mickelson’s shot during the final round of the Masters on the 13th hole. Between two trees, off the pine straw and onto the green? Are you kidding? Yes, he missed the eagle putt, but that shot has to be one of the greatest shots ever made in the history of golf.

Last season also saw the rise of a superstar in Graeme McDowell when he won the U.S. Open. We saw that this guy’s the real deal at the Ryder

96 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / WINTER 2011

Cup. He already won the U.S. Open Championship on our turf, and then one-upped the U.S. on his home turf. This guy is methodical. This guy is consistent. This guy is just good.

Period. What lies ahead for him in 2011? With McDowell playing predominantly on the PGA Tour this season, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a trophy raised over his head again on more than one occasion.

The U.S. Open also was the location for the rise and subsequent collapse of Dustin Johnson. It was all but his to lose—and he did just that. He shot an 82 to close the day, but still managed a top-10 position. Johnson wasn’t through, though. He had a great year.

He made more than $5 million, finishing second on the money list (third, if you include the

Louis Oosthuizen won The Open Championship without debate, clearing the competition by seven strokes. This guy was able to manage the media and the pressure all at once as he dominated the event, leaving us without much to talk about other than the fact that yet another international star was born.

The PGA Championship was full of drama. We saw the legendary Steve Elkington make a run at winning at Whistling Straits just as he did in 2004.

Dustin Johnson was back in the news when he grounded his club on the final hole, costing him not only his second major, but also the chance to participate in a playoff. Then Martin Kaymer won the championship and rose to No. 3 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

It was a great year for golf.

But now it’s time to focus on what this season will bring.

Will Tiger fall out of the top 10? How much weight will Mickelson lose on his vegetarian diet? Is Sergio Garcia’s career toast? Will someone else (finally) step up and win the FedEx Cup? Will Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson still be BFFs by the end of the year? I look forward to the answers to all of these questions in 2011.

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