Letter From The Publisher

Texas GOLF INSIDER

P.O. Box 310652

New Braunfels, TX 78130

830-964-2152

FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com

Mike Ratchman

Texas Publisher Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com

Director of Marketing: Melanie Grafe, National Office: 979-732-1909

Joe Valentino, DFW Office: 940-735-1265

Durwyn Williams, Houston Office: 832-978-6929

Editor: Ava Ratchman

Contributing Writers: Steve Habel,, Art Sticklin, Shane Sharp, Andrew Marshall

Contributing Photographers: Connie Black, Mark Lindsay, Steve Giles, Justin Becker, Office Manager/Social Media: Marcede Pullen

3 ANNUAL EDITIONS

Copyright ©2020 Texas Golf Insider. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Texas Golf Insider and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or

For the Texas Golf Insider’s 25th anniversary issue, in addition to being the publisher, I feel especially honored to be part of a vital resource for the game of golf in this great state of Texas. It’s hard to believe that two and a half decades ago we launched a golf magazine with the vision of catering to golfers and showcasing the beautiful Central Texas Hill Country (Austin, San Antonio) to travelers, vacationers, corporate visitors and the thousands of northern winter friends that visit this part of Texas annually. Never back then did I think we would grow to cover the entire state and beyond and be the only statewide Publication for Golf in Texas, and the oldest. I have had some time now to look back and reflect a little. Starting a golf magazine in the late 90’s during the Tiger Woods era was more fun, exciting and made it a little easier to get our first edition off the ground. It was crazy.

Now don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all fun and games because there were many times we were tested. The 2008 recession, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, several devastating floods that hit South Texas, not to mention a worldwide pandemic. Oh! And don’t forget the many years when all I heard was print is dead. Those were some lean years. But not once did I think about quitting.

After all these years I will continue to believe there will always be a place for print, because there is always going to be more to write about, courses to play, getaways to travel to and you, our readers, have proved that for 25 years. I took a few pages in this issue to reflect on the many relationships we have built over the years, answer a few questions, and to give a little insight on what the future holds for The Texas Golf Insider. I want to thank our great staff, writers, distributors, customers and you, our readers, who have allowed us to serve you for the past 25 years. Happy Anniversary to all of us! And Cheers to many more.

Mike Ratchman

Melanie Grafe

National sales for the Texas Golf Insider, over 15 yrs experience in marketing and advertising. CEO of e-Graphics Marketing and Advertising providing marketing and graphic design services.

Joe Valentino

A forty year veteran of the construction industry, he’s marketed products all over the world.

Golf is his passion and he has been fortunate enough to play top courses in seven countries. Joe loves calling on North Texas courses for TGI.

Durwyn Williams

Houston Marketing Director Durwyn brings over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in Technology and Golf. He promotes a creative approach to building strong and profitable partnerships with his customers.

Steve Habel

Contributing golf writer and correspondent for TGI, managing editor for Texas CEO Magazine, contributing editor for Horns Illustrated Magazine, a publication focusing on University of Texas sports and staff writer for the San Antonio Spurs.

Art Stricklin

One of the foremost experts on golf history and travel in Texas, Stricklin has written a total of seven books and personally played at a majority of the state’s courses.