ISSUE 3 October - December
2013 $8.95
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Your Passion is Our Purpose
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Old San Juan The Puerto Rico Golf Association
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
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Director/Publisher Verónica Rosario-Bautista Editor, Proofreader, Translator Oscar Peñalber Art Director & Graphic Designer Laura Wood Photography Priscila T. Rivera José “Piti” Gutiérrez Leoneill Hernández Fernando J. Montano Writers and Collaborators Julio Soto Paul Stawinski Iván O. Puig Alberto C. Medina Gil Jorge López Andres Subira Chip Koehlke Chef Lorraine Colón Michele Irene Llamas Consultant Julio Soto Executive Director PRGA Sales and Marketing, tourism expert and Club Administrator Charlie Bautista Advertise your business Please contact us at:
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your passion is our purpose
CONTENTS
Golf & Special Features
8
10
A Puerto Rican at the Open By Alberto C. Medina Gil
PRGA Summer Highlights By Julio Soto
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22 24 27
16
Learning from the Masters What Your Golf Game Says About You By Andres Subira
Cover Story The Executive Game By Alberto C. Medina Gil
Learning from the Masters Three Things You Can Learn from the Pros By Chip Koehlke Stay & Play Rio Mar is at Your Service By Alberto C. Medina Gil Golf Journal Where to Golf in Orlando By Paul Stawinski
Tourism
31 34
Tourism Golfers’ Loyalty Grows Revenues By Iván O. Puig
Regulars
6 38
Go Shopping Old Walls, Cobblestoned Streets and Great Holiday Shopping By Michele Irene Llamas
40 36
Golf Gusto Local Ingredients Gone Gourmet By Lorraine Colón
44 46
Opening Shot Director’s Letter Mixology Whisky By Jorge López Albarrán
Off the Course Wyndham Rio Mar Cutty Sark Cattlemen’s BBQ Comics Paladeo Hugo Boss Bodega de Mendez Meeting on the Greens Golfing for a Good Cause Golf Humor 10 Fun Facts about Golf
47
Tech & Gadgets
49
G&T Restaurants Guide
50
Golf Courses Guide
Opening Shot
Dear Reader
P
uerto Rico should be at the top of your list when planning your next golf vacation or corporate event. With its perfect weather all year long, our paradisiacal island is the perfect destination for a luxury golf getaway or business event. Golf & Tourism invites you to experience its meticulously landscaped world-class golf courses overlooking some of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean. The Island offers a wide array of options for memorable lodging experiences at elegant hotels and resorts or quaint countryside or costal inns. It provides countless diversions to spice your stay and create treasurable memories. Sample our rich culture, art and music; learn about our history; take powerboat trips; enjoy water sports; go snorkeling or paddle boarding; take a hiking tour in the rain forest or experience a zipline tour; savor the delectable Caribbean cuisine or enjoy a day of shopping. In this edition we will talk about how mixing business with your passion for golf can help you generate revenues, strengthen business relations and make lifelong friends. If you haven’t played in a while or if you are considering picking up the sport, after reading this issue you may come to the realization that you have put it off long enough. You still have 3 months before the year is over to rekindle your passion for the game and start reaping the benefits. The time is now. Meet you on the Greens. Happy Holidays!
Verónica Rosario Director and Publisher
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Stay & Play
Wyndham Garden Hotel & Casino at Palmas del Mar Located in the prestigious community of Palmas del Mar, the Wyndham Garden provides a balance of tasteful amenities and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for a wide range of corporate and social events. The rooms reflect the tropical setting with all the modern inroom amenities you expect. It also offers a full array of dining options including the Amalgama Restaurant– Caribbean fusion cuisine, Circle’s Wine Bar and Cellar –with an incredible variety of wines and spirits, and Ginger–Swim-up Bar, an outdoor venue overlooking their infinity pool. It is located steps away from six miles of secluded beach with easy access to the Palmas del Mar Resort Community and its two championship 18-hole golf courses. The Flamboyán Course, designed by acclaimed
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course architect Reese Jones, is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Puerto Rico. The Palms Course, designed by champion golfer Gary Player, offers a tournament-grade challenge for any seasoned golfer.
Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
Whether you are in Caguas for work or fun, this hotel delivers style and service at a great price. The hotel features elegant public areas, charming outdoor terraces, inviting indoor meeting venues and banquet rooms for conferences, seminars and social events. It is located minutes away from the city’s historic down-
town and near the most exciting local attractions, including Caguas Real Golf & Country Club, which provide golf fans one of the best experiences in the sport. The course has 18 holes, 4 sets of tees, 11 in water and over 50 sand traps. Despite being a par 70 golf course, its design represents a true challenge to any player.
A The Open Puerto Rican
at
By Alberto C. Medina Gil
In 1973 Juan ‘Chi Chi’ Rodríguez became the first Puerto Rican and the only one to-date to play at the legendary Open Championship, better known as the British Open. Exactly 40 years later the Island was once again well represented at golf’s oldest and greatest tournament when Christine Beauchamp served as Rules Official at the 142nd Open in Muirfield Golf Links, Scotland this past summer.
B
eauchamp, a Puerto Rico Golf Association board member and longtime Rules Official, began her journey to the British Open last year, when PRGA President Sidney Wolf approached high-ranking R&A officials about the possibility of having some Puerto Rican representation at the event. Without a doubt, Beauchamp was the perfect candidate for the job. Since she started her ‘career’ as Rules Official nearly a decade ago she has worked arduously to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to get to this level. She has gone to rules workshops held by the R&A and the USGA, and she is part of the USGA Regional Affairs Committee. She acts as Rules Official in nearly all local golf tournaments at every level, and has been in Caribbean Championships, two World Amateur Team Championships, and several USGA events. When Beauchamp received the official invitation she wasn’t sure what lay ahead. “My expectations involved a lot of questions because you go there with a healthy amount of nervousness,” said Beauchamp. “You
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don’t know what’s going to happen, and you’re praying that you won’t make a mistake.” But when she arrived at Muirfield many of those fears dissipated, “It was wonderful, the R&A welcomed me just like all their other officials from the PGA TOUR and everything from the training to the organization was so professional and a real thrill.”
Sunday, she had to rule on a challenging situation. “On the first hole of the last day there was a moved ball, which is every Rules Official’s nightmare,” said Beauchamp. “All of these things are happening and you have three minutes to make the right decision... thankfully, I think I did well on that and all the other rulings.”
True to her nature, Beauchamp made sure she was ready to do the job to the very best of her ability. “I walked the course twice trying to familiarize myself with the layout, all the temporary structures like TV towers and grandstands, and any potential Rules issues.” “I spent lots of time looking over the Local Rules, suspension of play policy, temporary immovable obstructions, timing, and so on.” Thanks to her preparation, when the first tee shot was hit Beauchamp was ready to put aside those nerves and enjoy the moment. “The excitement you feel during that walk down the first fairway is great,” she said. “My expectations were more than met.” On the first round she was assigned to the talented trio of Hunter Mahan, Matteo Manassero, and Ricky Fowler. In the following days she worked with other outstanding golfers like Graham DeLaet, Graeme McDowell, and Matthew Fitzpatrick, who ended up being the Championship’s lowamateur. She also followed Jordan Spieth, who at the most recent Puerto Rico Open finished third. “He would look for me and make conversation,” said Beauchamp about Spieth. “All the players greeted me with respect and appreciation, which added to that great feeling of excitement.” Of course, the players also put her to work. While, as a traditional links-style course Muirfield lacks the lakes and trees that can keep a Rules Official busy, Beauchamp was tested several times. At one point, she correctly resisted a caddie’s prodding to call a penalty on an opposing player. Then, on championship WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
In the end, Beauchamp got to enjoy one of the most memorable Open Championship finishes in recent times as Phil Mickelson birdied four of the last six holes to win it. But, aside from that dramatic finale, the event as a whole was an invaluable professional experience and an unforgettable personal highlight for the Puerto Rican Rules Official. “I really want to thank Sidney for making it possible for the PRGA to be represented by a Rules Official, and I hope I represented Puerto Rico honorably, as I had intended,” said Beauchamp. “The Open is what it is, and who knows if I’ll ever do it again, but if I don’t at least I can say I was there once.”
PRGA Juniors Golf
This summer, Junior and Amateur golfers of all ages and levels enjoyed a very successful run representing Puerto Rico at various international championships and events
Joito Cardona, Yudika Rodríguez, Valerie Pacheco, Alexandra Vélez, Gabriela Santini
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PRGA Juniors Golf
Summer
Highlights Caribbean Junior Champs for
6th Consecutive Year The 14-player squad that formed the Boys and Girls teams of various age groups and categories made it possible for Puerto Rico to win for the sixth consecutive time the title of Best Junior Golf Team in the Caribbean at the Caribbean Championship in the Cayman Islands.
2013 Team
Valerie Pacheco
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All the Girls categories were dominated by Puerto Ricans while the Boys teams earned Top 5 finishes in various categories. Valeria Pacheco, Yudika Rodriguez and Gabriela Santini returned home with the “Best Individual Overall Score” in their respective categories. Pacheco won the Girls 11-13 division; Rodriguez won the Girls 14-15 for the second consecutive year, and Santini tied with Christina Ferreira, from Trinidad & Tobago, on 1st place at the Girls 16-17. The Boys performance was highlighted by the finishing score of Felipe Colón, who shot a 71 the last day of the competition.
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PRGA Juniors Golf
Diana Vélez Wins Medalist Honors at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships Diana Vélez, Joito Cardona, Kristina Ortiz, Valeria Pacheco, Josapeth Durán, Héctor Rivera, and Valeria Jiménez represented Puerto Rico at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship played in Florida. Diana Vélez won 3rd place while Valeria Pacheco came in 5th at the Girls 1314 Age Group. The two up-and-coming “stars” of the Junior Golf Program achieved the best performance to-date by individual players from Puerto Rico.
Gabriela Santini at The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy After winning the Championship Title as top golfer in the Caribbean in the Girls 16-17 category at the CAJGC Gabriela Santini was invited by the Duke of York to play at the Young Champions Trophy. Santini, the current Women Amateur Champion in Puerto Rico, represented Puerto Rico at this prestigious event contested at the Royal St. George Golf Club, which can be played by invitation only, by young champions from around the world.
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PRGA Juniors Golf
Melvin Morales Excels at the 2013 US Kids International Golf Championship Left-handed phenomenon Melvin Morales accomplished a Top 25 finish among the 152 players in his age group at the 2013 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. The tournament, played in North Carolina, is the largest and most prestigious event in the world for players 12 and under and attracted over 1,200 participants from the United States, Puerto Rico and more than 30 countries from around the world.
Young Players at the Callaway International Junior World Golf Championships Eight very young Puerto Rican Junior golfers traveled to San Diego to compete at the prestigious Callaway International Junior World Golf Championships. The team included Joito Cardona, Gabriela Santini, Paola Diaz, Leslie Rivera, Diana VĂŠlez and Diego Saavedra. The Torrey Pines Golf Course was the scenario of this 10-day event historically played by the best Juniors in the world.
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PRGA Juniors Golf
Juniors from Puerto Rico play “friendly”
Copa Campeones
in Dominican Republic against local team
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PRGA Amateur Team
Puerto Rico Teams
Winning Streaks
The Puerto Rico Amateur team defended the Championship Title and won the Arthur Ziadie trophy as the Best Overall Team in the Caribbean at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships played in St. Thomas. Robert Calvesbert, Jero Esteve, Edward Figueroa, Erick Morales and Jose O. Rodriguez, topped the Regular Amateur Category to win the coveted Hoerman Cup. The duo of Carlos Matos and Israel Ortíz returned home as Champions of the Super Senior division holding the Higgs & Higgs Trophy. Two other PRGA teams received medalist honors: the Ladies team formed by Kristina Ortiz, Paola Robles and Gabriela Santini, who played for the George Teale Memorial Trophy, and the Seniors team formed by Felipe Colón and Fernando Diaz, who were in the hunt of the Francis & Steele-Perkins Cup, respectively won second place. The Mid-Amateur team formed by Mario Carbia and Alfred Colón won 4th place at the Ramón Baez.
Robert Calvesbert, Jero Esteve, Edward Figueroa, Erick Morales and José O. Rodríguez, topped the Regular Amateur Category in orden to win the coveted Hoerman Cup trophy who is the oldest competition among all others contested (Mid-Amateur, Senior, Super Seniors & Ladies).
Overall, it was a great championship for host Puerto Rico, its players and coaching staff led by Coach Wilfredo Morales and Team Managers Luis Elvin Gonzalez, Jr. and Marilina Silen. PRGA staff led by the Sidney Wolf, President of the Caribbean Golf Association (CGA), provided the USVI Golf Federation, sponsors and the Tournament Committee with an outstanding support to achieve this great success. Carlos Matos and Israel Ortíz
The PRGA looks forward to give amateur golf a new swing in 2014, when it celebrates its 60th anniversary and both Caribbean Championships are hosted by Puerto Rico.
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Learning from the
e m a g lf o g r u o y t a h W
says about you By Andres Subira
Regardless of the reason you play golf, reveals many personality traits the game re not be aware of. Dealing with you may no difficult and mood-altering situations is part of life and also part of the game.
D
ealing effectively with those situations will demonstrate a great deal of maturity. If you lose control of your emotions by yelling, cursing or throwing temper tantrums while playing golf, it’s very likely that you behave the same way outside the course. If you blow up like a fire cracker after hitting a bad shot, probably you do the same when something goes wrong at work or at home. If you are an angry golfer most likely you are an angry boss or spouse. Golf also shows your ability to create a workable and effective strategies; your decision-making process, and your ability to deal with difficult and mood altering situations. As with all facets of life, your ability to create a workable and effective strategy will help you plan and work your game. You must accept your limitations. If you are not capable of hitting a three-hundred yard drive, don’t try. If the only club you can hit reliably is an eight iron, then play it. Having a good decision-making process will help you manage your game effectively. Nobody cares which club you use to hit a golf ball a hundred and fifty yards as long as you can do it consistently. Hitting a nine iron or a five iron does not define your strength; however it shows that you are realistic about your game. Golf reveals your character and integrity as well. It doesn’t matter what score you shoot or at what level you play, if you cheat in golf it’s assumed that you are not trustworthy. Those who disregard the rules of golf or constantly miss counting their score presumably
Andres Subira is a Master Golf Coach with the United States Golf Teacher’s Federation. Currently, he is the Director of Instruction, Master Club Fitter and Club Maker at Rio Bayamon Golf Course.
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do the same with their private affairs. On the other hand, those who count every stroke, follow the rules, and regardless of their performance act with integrity, most likely behave the same way in their personal and professional life. Golf is an ideal relationship builder because of the time spent together doing something enjoyable. How else can you spend many hours with a captive and receptive audience? Not at a coffee shop, movies, or even the gym, and certainly not in a business meeting. If you play golf to strengthen relationships or generate business leads keep in mind that people will build relationships or do business with people they know, respect, and trust. Therefore, it is important to be aware of our behavior during the game.
“If you lose control of your emotions by yelling, cursing or throwing temper tantrums while playing golf, it’s very likely that you behave the same way outside the course.”
Does it matter how well you play golf? Your ability to play will not be as important to others as knowing and respecting golf’s rules and etiquette. By doing so you’ll avoid embarrassing situations and misunderstandings that can lead to broken relationships. Your ability to play will impress others; however they will not become closer to you or do business with you because you can play like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Stacey Lewis, but rather because they like and respect you. If you play golf for business, most likely you’ll end up playing it for fun as well. If you play golf for fun it is very likely that some business will come from it. Whatever the reason, others will want to play with you not only because of your golfing skills but also because of your honesty, character and integrity. Golf becomes a passion for all who play it, so learn the rules, live by its etiquette and you’ll build lasting relationships.
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Cover Story
Doing Business on the Course
By Alberto C. Medina Gil
For decades now, industry tycoons, high-ranking executives, and enterprising professionals alike have taken to the links to establish connections, entertain clients, and try to use birdies to improve their bottom line.
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Cover Story
T
he game of golf can be many things to many people. For pros and other serious competitors, it’s a challenging sport that tests their physical skills and mental fortitude. For the millions who enjoy a round on the weekend with friends, it’s a pleasant pastime that gives them a chance to ‘get away’ from the daily grind. For many kids and junior players, it’s a tool through which they develop, not just as athletes, but as individuals, learning the value of hard work and fair play along with the intricacies of the game.
Playing with a valued acquaintance and free from the grind of practices and the stress of competition, Ruiz experienced a side of golf that he had long forgotten, and that slowly reignited his love for the game. As he began playing with other executives and business associates, he found that the game could add a positive dimension to his working relationships. “After two or three holes, all the walls come down,” says Ruiz. “There’s a certain code of ethics and a camaraderie, and you can talk about business, about family, about anything.”
Of course, golf has always been something else as well: an invaluable business tool. For decades now, industry tycoons, high-ranking executives, and enterprising professionals alike have taken to the links to establish connections, entertain clients, and try to use birdies to improve their bottom line. Golf & Tourism Magazine spoke to three such executives in the food & beverage industry and found that, while the notion of closing backroom deals on the 18th green may be clichèd and outdated, the truth about the intersection of golf and business is far more nuanced, and far more interesting.
Ramón Leal, Vice President of International Restaurant Services (Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, P.F. Chang’s), also points to the “bonding” between players as an integral part of the business golf experience. “You spend a certain amount of time with these people, and you can establish some really great relationships,” he says. “In my experience it’s very special, not necessarily because of business, but because I can spend some time with friends and people I already do business with; it really helps me strengthen those ties.”
NOT JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE Abelardo Ruiz was a golfer before he was a businessman. Sports are a tradition in his family (his grandfather and namesake is a member of the Puerto Rican basketball and horse racing Halls of Fame), and he showed promise for the game as a teenager. Ruiz went on to play collegiately at Virginia Tech, but later became disenchanted with the sport. “It got to the point where I stopped liking golf because it was work; it was always a competition, and it felt like work,” says Ruiz, now COO of Colón Gerena Restaurant Group, which locally operates Wendy’s, Applebee’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse, among others. It is ironic, then, that after not picking up his clubs for over three years, it was actually work that led him back onto the course when a business partner asked to play a round with him. “I told him I would agree, but only if we could have a couple of beers while we played,” he recalls. “I had a great time; we socialized and were able to spend some quality time together.” WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
“T
here’s a certain code of ethics and a camaraderie, and you can talk about business, about family, about anything.”
Those improved relationships, borne out of hours on the course, can be beneficial once everyone is back in the boardroom. Likewise, starting a business meeting on the 1st tee and ending it in the clubhouse can be the difference between a done deal and going back to the drawing board. “There’s a certain level of relaxation,” says Leal. “You can have a meeting in a more informal atmosphere that, at the end of the day, still meets your objectives: you can present something, speak, make your point, and the other person might feel more comfortable asking questions. Julio Canales, President and COO of Lola and the Boys (Casa Lola) and Oceanfront Hospitality (which will soon bring to Puerto Rico the renowned East Coast eatery Rosa Mexicano), couldn’t agree more. “When you’re in the office it’s a tense environment, or people are focused on other things,” he says. “Out on the course the conversation is more pleasant and it becomes a more jovial atmosphere.”
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Cover Story
“G
olf is the best sport for developing mental toughness. For your developement as an executive, for understanding yourself and how to deal with any barriers that might arise, it’s like a great mental exercise.”
That relaxed environment might even diffuse otherwise uncomfortable meetings or situations. Abelardo Ruiz recounts that, at a previous job, his supervisor would perform his annual employee evaluation after a round of golf. “That’s a situation in which you’re usually scared and you don’t know what’s going to happen, but doing it out on the course would put him at ease. We would just play, and then he would pull out his piece of paper and we would talk.”
READING THE GREENS Other times, a round of golf can help in evaluating a potential client or business partner. “In that time that you spend together, you can get a better idea of what someone is like... there are a lot of things in this game that depend on an honor system,” says Leal. “Through golf, you can gauge someone’s honesty, their personality, their character,” adds Canales. “You see if, when the ball’s up against a rock, someone kicks it out with his foot... you see how that person might react in a difficult situation, and you can tell if it’s someone you can trust with things that are important to you.” Of course, that character appraisal goes both ways, and golf provides a myriad of opportunities to display those same desirable qualities – and to improve upon them. “It’s a sport in which you’re playing against yourself,” says Canales, who has become From left to right: Ramon Leal Vice President of International Restaurant Services; Abelardo Ruiz COO of Colón Gerena Restaurant Group; Julio Canales President and COO of Lola and the Boys
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Cover Story
“A
Photos by Priscila T. Rivera
round of golf can help in evaluating a potencial client or business partner. Through golf you can gauge someone’s honesty, their personality, their character.”
the most serious player of the three. “You have to be honest and accept the result of every shot you make, and that’s a great professional lesson.” Ruiz goes even further: “Golf is the best sport for developing mental toughness. For your development as an executive, for understanding yourself and how to deal with any barriers that might arise, it’s like a great mental exercise.” For these executives, golf also has another effect on the mind; one that’s especially useful in their high-stakes, high-stress industry. “We might plan a meeting early in the morning for a round, and by one o’ clock we’re back at the office and everyone is more relaxed. You have a smile on your face,” says Canales, an 11 handicap and member at Bahía Beach.
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“Golf is almost a form of therapy. Sometimes I play better than others, but it’s great just being out on the course, in nature among the trees, in the different courses that all have something special and beautiful,” says Ramón Leal, who particularly enjoys playing at Río Mar and Dorado Beach. Ruiz, who also favors those courses, adds: “I really enjoy nature, and on a golf course you see plants, animals, things you might not see anywhere else. That’s another personal benefit.”
benefits are significant but intangible. It is probably no coincidence, though, that for all three, business is booming: they are opening additional locations of existing restaurants, bringing new franchises to Puerto Rico, and contributing more and more to the local economy. Canales, at least, isn’t shy about what the game has meant to him, and what it could potentially mean to others who marry their passion for business to a love of golf. “I would say that, every business I run right now, I run because of golf,” he says. “Because of golf and the group of friends I’ve made on the course, I’ve had a lot of opportunities for growth, and I’m very committed to and thankful to the sport.”
It may be impossible to quantify how much golf has helped these and other executives in their careers; to state, in dollars and cents, what it has meant for them and their companies. As Abelardo Ruiz, Ramón Leal, and Julio Canales attest to, many of these
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Learning from the
Three Things You Can
Learn from the Pros By Chip Koehlke
Throughout my 30 years as a golf professional coaching thousands of recreational and competitive amateurs of all skill levels I have also had the great pleasure to coach many touring professionals on the PGA, LPGA, Champions, European, Ladies European, and Asian Tours. My unique experience has given me first-hand knowledge of what tour players do differently from golfers like yourself, and how you can benefit from adopting just a few of the things they do.
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S
ince golf is the tour player’s full-time job, they do things that a recreational golfer doesn’t, but I will point out a few things you can adopt to help improve your own performance. Likely you may not have the time or resources that the full-time professional player has, but I assure you that you don’t need them in order to adopt these practices. Simply try to implement them with the time and resources available to you.
1
First you need the right equipment. I’m not talking about using the latest or greatest driver or putter, but rather the equipment that fits you best. Tour players don’t play with off-therack clubs, but instead they have clubs built to their exact specifications. You’re probably thinking you are not good enough for custom-fitted clubs. However, off-the-rack or improperly fitted equipment may be the reason you don’t improve orperform better. This is something every professional is aware of while most amateurs aren’t. Most recreational golfers are playing with clubs that don’t fit them, so they have to compensate in order to accommodate their bad equipment. It is these compensations that make it difficult to improve and ultimately cause inconsistencies that limit their performance. Get properly fitted and purchase clubs built exactly to your specifications instead of wasting money buying set after set hoping the next one will make the difference.
2
Next, let’s consider how pro golfers prepare for peak performance. Contrary to what people may think, preparations don’t start the week before the tournament. Depending on their tournament schedule and individual preferences, every 3 to 5 weeks pros break away from competition and use 1 to 3 weeks to concentrate on practicing and improving their game. During these periods they work on their physical fitness, assess their ongoing performance, improve their technical skills in needed areas, perform maintenance practice in strength areas, and finally begin outcome-based practice to get into a performance mode. In contrast, most recreational golfers play whenever they have some time for golf and may try to jam a practice session just prior to the round, if they even hit a practice ball at all. You may say, well that’s all I have time for, and you are probably right, but I suggest that whenever you have limited time, you practice instead of playing. If you normally play twice a month, play only once. If you practice regularly, then adopt a structured practice plan. Studies have shown that it is not talent that separates you from a tour player but is the amount of quality practice. So if you want to improve you need to take time for quality practice, and I don’t mean the practice session you try to rush before a round. I’m talking about a dedicated practice session with clearly defined objectives and focused awareness on what you are attempting to accomplish with each shot. Ask your golf coach or instructor to help you structure your practice session, clearly laying out what you need to work on in order to achieve your goals.
ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
“...most recreational golfers play whenever they have some time for golf and may try to jam a practice session just prior to the round, if they even hit a practice ball at all.”
Chip Koehlke is a highly experienced PGA Professional, with 2013 marking his 30 year anniversary as a golf professional. He brings extensive experience to his clients, including developing and coaching many top professional tour players on the PGA, LPGA, Champions, European and Asian Tours. Most importantly his holistic coaching philosophy has assisted countless golfers just like yourself to truly change their game!
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3
Lastly, I want to discuss course management. We hear this term used all the time but what does it really mean? To the tour professional course management means developing and executing a plan to give them the best possible chance to hit fairways and greens in regulation. Seems simple right? Well the problem for most recreational golfers is that their perception gets in the way. Every weekend they watch tour players bombing drives down narrow fairways and knocking down flags tucked neatly behind daunting bunkers. What they tend to forget is that they only see the highlight shots from the players who are performing best. This skews their perception into thinking every shot pros hit is a perfect shot. The reality is that the average tour player only hits the ball around 20 feet from the flag on average from 75-125 yards. Yet if you asked recreational golfers if that would be acceptable for them, without knowing the
tour stats, I bet they would say – No Way! Recreational golfers have unrealistic expectations because they are trying to hit the perfect shot while the tour professional is trying to execute a shot that gives them the highest percentage of hitting the fairway or green. This is a huge difference that once learned can really change your game. So how can you start hitting more fairways and greens? Simply start picking conservative targets that give you the highest percentage of hitting the fairway or green and play aggressively to them. So, if you do like the pros and use the equipment that suits you, develop and schedule a practice plan, and improve your course management, I know you will start to see improvement soon.
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Stay & Play
Rio Mar is At Your Service By Alberto C. Medina Gil
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ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Stay & Play
T
hanks to its superb golf courses, outstanding restaurants, and commitment to providing one-of-a-kind experiences for its guests, the resort has also been able to do much more than just stay afloat during these challenging economic times. Business is good at Rio Mar, which has been consistently adding country club members, creating new vacation packages, and recently garnered half a dozen awards recognizing it as a top tier site for meetings and conventions. But Rio Mar General Manager Danny Williams and his dedicated team are not resting on their laurels. Far from it, they are working harder than ever to maintain an allencompassing focus on customer service, which has made the resort an increasingly attractive destination. “We all understand and have the same mission,” says Williams, an industry veteran and General Manager since 2011. “When guests come to Rio Mar we want them to know that they will be cared for and that we appreciate them.” That appreciation takes on many forms: from continually enhancing the resort’s food and beverage offerings, to soliciting customer feedback and making specific improvements based on their suggestions. And above all, it means ensuring that every country club member or resort guest benefits from the personal touch. “We continually train our leaders and associates, and encourage a high level of interaction with our guests,” says Williams. “We want our staff to get to know their names and enhance their experience by educating them about the resort, or to give a res-
On an island with dozens of world-class resorts and golf destinations, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar stands out from the pack. Blessed with an enviable location –the Atlantic on one side, El Yunque on the other– and a rich history, the property has long been a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. taurant recommendation. Many customers keep coming back year after year because of relationships they have with servers or pool attendants.” That individual attention extends to golf, which has always been one of Rio Mar’s calling cards. The resort hosted the 2004 World Amateur Team Championships and holds an annual NCAA tournament, as WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
well as a local qualifier for the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open. Country club Director Jeff Willenberg is as committed as Williams to providing everyone who plays a round at Rio Mar with a great outing. A big part of that is making sure that the magnificent Ocean and River courses are kept in excellent shape. Willenberg, who joined Rio Mar last year, explains “We’re in major upgrade mode right now. There’s a lot of renovation going on and we are fixing some of our hardware, repairing and refurbishing bridges. We’re doing a complete physical bunker renovation on the Ocean Course and getting a very positive feedback from our members.” In keeping with the resort’s philosophy, Willenberg is also leading the efforts to expand the country club’s services. In addition to the existing Chip Koehkle Golf Academy, Rio Mar is adding more schooling and instruction alternatives for both golf and tennis. The club also continues to serve as host for many of the Island’s best and biggest charity tournaments, and its growing membership is hitting the links with greater frequency and enjoying all that Rio Mar has to offer.
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Stay & Play
“We have a great atmosphere, especially on weekends when the members are here and in the afternoons everybody gathers at the clubhouse,” says Willenberg. “It’s just a great place to get away and enjoy, and we have a very experienced team that knows how to take care of our guests and members. bers.”
Aerial view of the golf club with “El Yunque” Rain Forest on the background. As two of the most important team leaders, Willenberg and Williams complement each other very well. “Jeff is a superior golf professional, but more importantly he’s a great human being,” says Williams. “He’s determined to be a leader, has great social skills, wants people to come out, and encourages them to come back.” For his part, Willenberg describes his boss as a very involved General Manager who, simply stated, is getting results. “Danny has been absolutely fantastic. He’s the one who has pushed very hard to get these facilities in shape,” he says. “I really enjoy working with him; we all feed off his charisma and excitement, and we all push hard to get these projects moving.” Whether golfing, dining, or simply kicking back at the beach for hours on end, the resort remains a can’t-miss option for anyone looking to get away and enjoy a slice of paradise. The recent and upcoming renovations, along with the renewed focus on outstanding service, ensure that Rio Mar will only get better, and will continue to exemplify Williams’ creed: “A Wyndham Grand hotel experience is a one-of-a- kind.”
Map provided by Meghann Hawes Caribbean Trading Company
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ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Golf Journal
to golf in e r e h W
By Paul Stawinski
V
ery likely, many of you have traveled to Orlando and either didn’t plan on playing golf or just didn’t know where to play. Of course, Disney World has
some very good golf courses, but Orlando also has a lot of golf courses for all playing levels and budgets. These are some of the golf courses I have played:
DISNEY WORLD COURSES
Photos provided by Sean Clarson, PGA Head Golf Professional Palm-Magnolia-Oak Trail Walt Disney World Golf
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Disney has three 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course, which is designed for kids, families and beginner golfers. The Lake Buena Vista is a 6,800 yard long par 72 golf course that has been home to many PGA and LPGA tournaments through the years. The course has beautiful views. The fairways are wide, which allows you to hit long drives but also challenges you with the second shot into the green, as many of the holes are raised and covered with bunkers. Stop and take a picture while hitting your tee shot on hole 7, a par 3 island green.
Magnolia is my favorite course at Disney. It’s an 18-hole par 72 course about 7,000 yard long. The fairways are average size but it doesn’t have a lot of rough on the sides, so if you go left or right you will find yourself in trouble very quickly. As you make your way through the back nine you’ll see some beautiful views of the Grand Floridian and Polynesian hotels. There is a lot of water and bunkers on the course, so hitting fairways is critical. When you reach the par 3 6th hole notice that the bunker guarding the green is shaped like Mickey Mouse. This golf course has everything for the golfer, from great service to challenging holes. A must if you plan to play any of the Disney courses. The other 18-hole par 72 and 7,000 yard long course is The Palm. With plenty of water and bunkers guarding greens, this one also keeps you challenged at all times. Finally, The Oak Trail is a 9-hole par 36 course that plays about 3,000 yards. The course, designed for beginner golfers and families, is wide open and short so you won’t lose a lot of balls. If you, a friend or a relative want to give golf a shot, this is a good place to have fun and not feel pressured by the foursome behind trying to get around you!
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Golf Journal
Magnolia Golf Course
OTHER GOLF COURSES IN ORLANDO As for golf courses outside of Disney I have a few favorites, but for the challenge that it represents my favorite is Champions Gate, a property with 2 golf courses that are as different as night and day. This is why I feel this is one of the best golf course properties in Orlando. The National Golf Course, a par 72 course playing 7,100 yards is a traditional North American course that challenges you in many holes, from long par 5’s to short par 4’s that will tempt you to go for it. The reward is high if you hit it straight, but any mistake can take you from an easy par to a bogey or higher very quickly. This is a golf course for the serious golfer, with GPS on all carts, which make life easier on some blind shots. The other one is The International, a links style golf course. If you have never played links golf in Scotland here is your chance to
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play a very challenging links course. It has everything from the famous pot bunkers, where you might need to hit sideways or even back just to get out of them, to long bunkers that go from tee to green on either side of the fairway. If you are an avid golfer like me you may want to take advantage of some of their offers and play both courses the same day to see how different the greens are. You may have to land a few balls short of the green and let them run in just like at the British Open. The International plays like a real links golf course, so you will find it very quick on the greens. If you only have one day to play golf in Orlando this is the course to go, you will not be disappointed.
REUNION RESORT Another one of my favorite golf course facilities in Orlando is Reunion Resort. It is the only resort with 3 signature golf courses from 3 of the biggest names in the game: Palmer Course, Watson Course and a
Nicklaus Course. They all are spectacular and have their own specific characteristics that make them special. The Palmer Course has a lot of elevation changes that makes for some very interesting shots. It plays long at 6,900 yards but it is a lot of fun with all the risk/reward shots you encounter. The Watson Course is a long 7,300 yards with a lot of strategically placed bunkers. Even for shorter holes you have to choose a club from the tee that is not driver. This will make second shots even longer but the greens are in average bigger than in many other courses. So, bring your putting game with you as you will encounter many long putts! The Nicklaus Course is a very tough 7,200 yard par 72 course. In 2009 it ranked fourth among the Top 25 Toughest Men’s Golf Courses and second among the Top 25 Toughest Women’s Golf Courses. The three golf courses are private so in order to play you need to either stay at the resort or be invited by a member. If you go to OrlanISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Golf Journal do just to play golf this might be a property to consider as it offers three excellent and challenging golf courses.
THE WALDORF ASTORIA GOLF COURSE Another great choice in Orlando is The Waldorf Astoria Golf Course. As expected from a Waldorf property, the golf course does not disappoint. The service is 5-star from the moment you arrive to the time you leave. Service is their specialty and they deliver. We gave our names when we checked in to play and at the end of the round we received a metal Waldorf Astoria bag tag engraved with our names as a complimentary gift from the course. The course is long, 7,200 yards par 72, and soon you find yourself hitting long iron shots into the greens. The course is always kept in great condition and their long and thick rough is tournament cut, which makes finding your ball and hitting out of it difficult. This year the course has been ranked one of the top courses in Orlando. If you have more than one day for golfing in Orlando this property is a must play. To get the best rates check their online specials and midday or late afternoon tee times.
UNFORGETTABLE ITALIAN CUISINE, PRIVATE DINNING, AND EXQUISITE CATERING AT EVERY LEVEL.
HAWK’S LANDING GOLF COURSE
Magnolia Golf Course 17th hole, aerial view from tee.
As far as resort golf courses in Orlando I would recommend Hawk’s Landing Golf Course at the Orlando World Center Marriott, a great resort with great golf facilities. It is a short drive to Walt Disney World and to various other golf courses in the Orlando area. This is a good choice for an early morning or late afternoon round since many golfers staying at the resort start their rounds at mid-morning. The course has a lot of water and bunkers. It’s not too long (6,600 yard par 71) and has a few par 5’s that are risk/ reward holes. If you hit a good drive you’ll be tempted to go for the green in two.
SHINGLE CREEK Shingle Creek is ideally located near the Orlando Convention Center and one of the top courses in Orlando. This is a versatile course because the average golfer can play from any of the 5 sets of tees to make it either more challenging or easier. It can play from 7,200 yards from the black tees (pros) to 5,900 yards from the silver tees. The fairways have plenty of undulation and the greens are not too fast. The service in this resort is outstanding. Stay tuned for our next edition as we continue reviewing other golf courses around the nation. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
AT THE RITZ CARLTON HOTEL, ISLA VERDE TEL 787.791.8632
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Golf Course Showcase
River Course
OCEAN COURSE
THE CARIBBEAN’S PREMIER COUNTRY CLUB The Río Mar Country Club features a magnificent clubhouse overlooking our picturesque golf courses. Enjoy all the amenities you’d expect and more. CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF |
Improve the view on your morning drive.
. Ocean Course – 18 hole 6,782 yard course designed by Tom & George Fazio . River Course – 18 hole 6,945 yard course designed by Greg Norman . Driving range with chipping and putting areas . Golf Academy– resident PGA Golf Pro clinics & private lessons . Golf Shop offering pro-line equipment, accessories, and attire WORLD RENOWNED TENNIS |
The ball’s in your court.
Play tennis amid the spectacular vistas of our award-winning International Tennis Center Facilities – 11 Har-Tru® courts and 2 Laykold hard courts (4 evening play courts) Player matching program for single and double players without a partner Pre-arranged tournaments and clinics Complete men’s and women’s locker facilities Tennis Shop – retail attire, accessories and equipment rental, and stringing services
18 Hole Championship Course, designed by Tom & George Fazio in 1974 SIGNATURE HOLE #16 YARDAGES
Gold Tees Blue Tees White Tees Red Tees
6,716 6,297 5,946 5,327
RIVER COURSE 18 Hole Championship Course, designed by Greg Norman in 1995. SIGNATURE HOLE #7 YARDAGES
Gold Tees Blue Tees White Tees Red Tees
6,931 6,343 5,826 5,119
. . . . . 30
Please contact Jeff Willenberg, Head Golf Professional at 787-888-7060 for detailed information. 6000 Rio Mar Boulevard Rio Grande, PR 00745 Toll-Free: 800.474.6627 Direct: 787.888.7060
www.wyndhamriomar.com ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Tourism
By Prof. Ivรกn O. Puig Gonzรกlez
Did you know that it costs businesses 5 to 10 times more to acquire a new customer than it does to sell to an existing one?
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31
Tourism
O
n average, existing customers spend 67% more than new ones. So the question is: how to keep golfers coming back? As a golfer and non-club member to any specific golf course in the Caribbean I have always wondered why golf courses don’t offer an open loyalty proprogram gram in addition to their regular golf membership model?
“The loyalty could also be designed to allow clients to earn preferential status and VIP perks with different membership levels depending on the amount of points accrued.”
Restaurants and retail stores, among others would answer that they retain customers through loyalty programs in which customers earn points to be redeemed for rewards. These programs have become one of the biggest selling points for major hotel chains and airlines because they foster brand loyalty.
A point system can be integrated into any marketing and promotion feature and is an essential element to incentivize your clients. The point system is a viral component to drive traffic back to your site; increase your membership; promote specific products or services, and much more.
Programs can be currency-based, in which points are accrued and redeemed for reward certificates of different values to be spent on anything and anywhere at the golf facility, such as green fees, cart fees, restaurant, bar, golf shop and clubhouse. The loyalty program could also be designed to allow clients to earn preferential status and VIP perks with different membership levels depending on the amount of points accrued. Just keep the point system simple to understand.
Prof. Iván O. Puig González is Dean of the International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Universidad del Este (UNE).
The 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF) concludes that in order to be competitive in today’s economy businesses must innovate. So, many companies are using innovation as their key business driver. What can be more innovative than implementing a loyalty point system at golf courses to attract and retain new nonclub members? I would certainly be a regular guest at any golf course with a point system that rewards my loyalty.
SAMPLE REWARD POINT SYSTEM structured in tiers rewarding golfers according to their loyalty Callaway or Par: low amount of points Gross or Birdie: medium amount of points Net or Eagle: high amount of points
ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Tourism
The new look and feel of the
InterContinental San Juan InterContinental San Juan has always been passionate about its philosophy of creating memorable stays and events consistent with IHG’s objective to deliver “Great Hotels Guests Love.� The internationally renowned brand has strengthened its commitment to excellence through an aggressive improvement plan, which makes the beachfront landmark hotel in Isla Verde an even more outstanding experience for business and leisure travelers. Last year’s renovation of all of its tower guest rooms, which included the remodeling of 362 guest rooms and 10 meeting rooms exquisitely decorated, illuminated and furnished based on the design concept “San Juan at the Beach,� was a great introduction to the next phase. While the guest rooms reflect a harmonious combination of different tones of beige and blue symbolizing sand and sea, the decorative accents and wood details evoke the emblematic colors and architectural characteristics of Old San Juan.
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The public space areas provide a warm and modern ambiance for business meetings and leisure. All meeting rooms have been completely refreshed with a look and feel consistent with the rest of the resort, featuring the newest digital signage with sleek design and sophistication. The lobby oval bar has two distinct environments, half of it is inside the lobby reception area, a good spot to see and be seen, and the other half is located on an al-fresco terrace overlooking the lavish pool deck area and lush tropical gardens. The bar has become the focus point of the entire lobby area, which has been transformed into a more sociable atmosphere with a giant digital screen behind the reception desk showcasing the spectacular Isla Verde Beach and other breathtaking sights of the Island. When you visit the Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renovated facilities you will encounter a clean modern design that nevertheless retains the traditional touches of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
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Go Shopping
Old Walls,
Cobblestoned Streets and Great Holiday Shopping! By Michele Irene Llamas
The walls around Old San Juan are tall and imposing. Just being here makes you experience a timeless enchantment. But did you know that besides all the culture, history and the feeling of living in another time, this ancient city also offers a whole world of shopping?
T
he best tourist area in Puerto Rico has beautiful historic monuments, fountains, museums and restaurants. But once you’re done with all that, Old San Juan has plenty of shops specializing in all anyone could ever want. Yes, shopaholics, you’re in luck. From jewelry to designer clothing to a unique dessert for the sweeter tooth, Old San Juan has it all. This Holiday season we have decided to ditch the heavy traffic malls and spend a day of shopping in the old city. Take a look, we have found something for everyone in the family.
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FOR THE SPECIAL
lady
IN YOUR LIFE The Coquí el Original® Collection - N. Barquet Joyero, one of the largest jewelry stores in Old San Juan, designed and introduced this collection in 2009. All pieces (charms, bracelets, studs, etc.) have NB-PR engraved on the back and include his signature diamond. They also carry brands such as Carrera and Nanis, as well as crystal and watches. 201 Fortaleza Street, Phone (787) 721-3366. www.nbarquet.com
Beautiful local designer clothing at Capalli - Lisa Cappalli runs her famous boutique in Old San Juan, offering a wide range of beautiful designs for day to evening. Cappalli, located at 206
O’Donnell Street, is an elegant and loungy boutique for the sophisticated woman who wants to experience something different and new.
at the shop ready to help you choose your favorite panama hat or a gift-boxed set of handrolled cigars, the perfect gift for dad. Located at 154 Cristo St.
www.lisacappalli.net
FOR THE
FOR THE SPECIAL
man
little ones
IN YOUR LIFE
Puerto Rican Pop Corn – Before taking your kids to the Museo del Niño or the Pigeon Park or even to fly kites at El Morro buy them treats at Pirates Chest Pop and Shop on Fortaleza Street. There you will find over 25 different amazing flavors of popcorn, from salty to sweet to spicy, like hot cheese, bacon, caramel, sweet & salty caramel, cookies & cream, chocolate drizzled caramel and other amazing flavors. Try all of them!
Don Q Gran Añejo – Inside the small and cozy Museum Casa Don Q you will find a gift any special man will appreciate. The incredibly flavorful Don Q Gran Añejo (beautifully gift boxed) contains rums aged between 3 and 12 years, creating a balance between sweet and dry that you won’t get in other spirits. For a special recipe of any of the other Don Q flavors ask their friendly bartenders Jason, Danny or Julio, they will set you up! Wooden saints, panama hats and cigars at “El Galpon” – Its owner Gustavo Lerner is always
Unique items for children are also found at Spicy Caribee at 154 Cristo Street. There you can purchase the Stuffed Coqui, a beautiful stuffed tree frog ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Go Shopping
about 10 inches long that when squeezed makes the sound of the Coqui. You can also get the Parrot Club Book by Nance Hooper, a colorful bilingual story about the Puerto Rican parrot. Once you are there don’t miss the chance to purchase guava marmalade and banana ketchup sauce, totally unique!!
FOR THE
youngster A Fashionable handmade bag from Concalma - The Concalma hand bag line is designed by Matilsha Marxuach and is manufactured at an industrial women’s co-op in Puerto Rico. It’s a must for any young student to carry everyday items. Fashionable and lightweight, they are great for carrying books and files. Some bags fit a 13” laptop. The straps are wide, strong and comfortable to adjust and mold to the shoulder. Located on San Francisco St. Email: concalmaonlineshop@gmail.com
FOR
adults The PRTea selection – Provide your loved ones with health and wellness and prepare them your own PR Tea Gift Basket! PR Tea is an artisan blender and distributor of gourmet loose tea and coffee blends made with premium, natural, organic, and fresh ingredients sourced globally and blended and packaged locally in Puerto Rico every day! Their culinary-inspired tea and coffee creations yield unique and colorful blends that stimulate the eyes, nose, and palate. Try the sangria or the coconut truffle flavors, you will love it! Located at 153 Calle de la Cruz and is well attended by his owner Ricardo Torres. Phone (787) 723-1013.
FOR THE
foodies Looking for unique gifts for foodies? At Airenumo Restaurant, located at Luna Street and Tanca, you can purchase a bottle of the best homemade sanWWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
gria as well as the best homemade hot sauce. Owners Luisa and Chef Mary Blanca have their secret recipes to guarantee a hit selection. Don’t forget Chef Mary Blanca’s homemade desserts, to die for! Phone 787-723-0984.
Do we have coffee lovers in the house? Purchase the finest coffee beans at Caficultura, located at 401 San Francisco Street. Their beans come directly from the rich mountains of Puerto Rico. Make sure to chat with Edgardo, their prize-winner barista, you can learn a whole lot about our local coffee. Isabela, another great barista also makes coffee soap bars, a unique gift you should grab! Phone (787) 723-7731.
For the “corporates” they also offer The Christmas party at Vaca Brava, a package with a full Christmas menu of roasted pig, rice with gandules, pasteles and coquito! Truly delicious!! Contact Get Shopped PR at (787) 381-2861 for an unfor-
gettable experience in Old San Juan and a gift to remember. Shoppers from all over the world will enjoy the uniqueness of products that Old San Juan has to offer, you name it, we have it… Happy Holidays!!
Experience Old San Juan as a local… Centrally located near best restaurants, shops and attractions the city has to offer. Boutique styled rooms with Satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi. No Elevator.
15% Discount on Stay
7-Day Advance booking required Certain Restrictions Apply
316 Fortaleza St., Old San Juan, PR reservations@hotelcasablancapr.com
www.hotelcasablancapr.com 787-725-3436
And guys, if you are shopping on a hot day in Old San Juan you must be refreshed with the best mojitos in town which are prepared by Michael at Punto de Vista, so many flavors! That’s why he always has 2 for $8, can’t do better than that!
FOR THE ENTIRE
family
Surprise your family with a reservation at Boutique Hotel Casablanca, right on Fortaleza Street, for easy shopping with designer outlet stores and jewelry stores nearby. Phone (787) 725-3436.
GET SHOPPED PR Get Shopped PR, Inc. offers shopping and culinary walking tour gift certificates for the whole family to enjoy. Visit www. getshoppedpr.com and purchase a gift certificate for any of their four unique experiences in Old San Juan: • The Mofongo and Mojito Tour • The Secrets of Espresso Tour • The Shop and Bar Hopping Tour • The Artisanal Cheese and Exotic Fruits Workshop
P ark & Fly Marginal Los Angeles, Joaquin Street #19, Carolina
Ph: (787) 727-0000 / 727-0009 www.estacionayvuelapr.com
Wide parking area for airport & cruise. High security 24 hours. Free pick up drop! 24 hours/7 days. Only $8.99 daily.
3 days of paid parking 4th day is FREE With the presentation of this ad.* (*) Offer valid until march 31, 2014.
Golf Gusto
Local Ingredients Gone
Gourmet By Chef Lorraine Colón
During the last few years, local produce which are part of the Puerto Rican basic food basket have kept coming out from the shade, not just as a side dish like mashed tubers, but taking the spotlight in dishes created by our most renowned chefs.
Note: Photo location courtesy of Casa Cortes ChocoBar in Old San Juan.
A
s Puerto Rico continues to grow as a gastronomic destination, so does the planting, harvesting and raising of gourmet ingredients and the inclusion of products that are part of our culinary culture such as tubers, spices and meats. And this is good news for our local agriculture, also for chefs that can use fresher ingredients, and finally for tourists who can enjoy not only our traditional dishes, but also local products prepared “alla gourmet.” Here are three easy-to-prepare simple recipes that will impress your family and guests any time of the year.
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CHURRASCO WITH COFFEE & CHOCOLATE Servings: 2 Ingredients 2 servings good quality steak about 6 ounces each portion 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs 2 tablespoons of brown coffee 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (no sugar) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced salt & pepper to taste PROCEDURE Thoroughly clean the steak and season with remaining ingredients. Allow to marinate at least two hours in the fridge. In a large hot skillet, sear the steaks on both sides, then lower the temperature of the skillet and cook an additional 10 minutes to achieve the desired finish. Serve with fried yuca sticks and Creole mojo. ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Golf Gusto
“SAMOSAS” WITH CREOLE ROOT VEGETABLES Servings: 12 Size 12 cocktail dumplings templates 1 cup cooked root vegetables, can use yam, taro and pumpkin– cooked in salted water until soft 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup green peas 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon curry powder salt & pepper to taste PROCEDURE In a large saucepan melt the butter and fry the onion lightly, add the garlic and curry powder. Add the root vegetables, chopped into small pieces and mash slightly, add the peas and cook over medium heat about 15 minutes. Add the fresh coriander and mix strongly, creating a lumpy paste. Let cool thoroughly before filling templates with this mixture. Put a good spoonful in the center of a template and close well extracting all the air. Tightly seal the edges. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
COD BUÑUELOS Servings: 24 For Pate Choux Dough 1 cup wheat flour 6 tablespoons butter 3/4 cups water 1 teaspoon sugar 4 whole eggs The Aromatics 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup shredded salt cod , must be totally desalted 1 tablespoon chopped bell pepper Cilantro Mayonnaise 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon zest yellow 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro pinch of hot sauce PROCEDURE The pate choux dough basically use as a basis for many applications in the kitchen, salty as sweet. In a large saucepan, bring to heat the water, butter and sugar over medium heat to melt butter. As this melted butter temperature rises and when about to boil, add the whole wheat flour and begin to mix. Lower
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heat and continue mixing until all the flour and the dough is cooking. The way to know that the dough is cooked is when the mix peels off the edges of the pan. It is important to mix continuously until you create a ball in the middle of the pan. Remove the dough from the pan carefully, it will be very hot, and put it in the bowls mixer. Let cool a few minutes. Using the paddle attachment, add one whole egg and mix well on medium speed. Then add another and mix well. Repeat the procedure with the remaining eggs. Dough will be firm and shiny. Add all the aromatics, including salt cod, and mix thoroughly on medium speed. Remove dough from bowl and set to cool. For cilantro mayonnaise: Mix by hand all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use. To cook Cod Buñuelos: Put enough oil to heat, mold buñuelos mass of cod in the form of small balls (you can use ice cream scoop) and fry immediately. The buñuelos will be ready once they rise in the hot oil. Drain well and serve with cilantro and mayonnaise on the side.
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Whi Mixology
In recent years, the interest in whisky of all types has sky rocketed. Whether quaffed straight, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, whisky is a great alcohol option for anyone craving something smokier and deeper in taste than the other liquors out there.
Whisky Sour 1 ½ oz American Whisky ¾ oz Fresh Lime juice 2 oz Sour Mix Splash of 7up
Peach Whisky Sour 1 ½ oz Scotch Whisky 3 ½ oz Monin Peach Smoothie ¾ oz Fresh Lime juice
Wildberry Whisky Sour 1 ½ oz Scotch Whisky 3 ½ oz Monin Wildberry Smoothie ¾ oz Fresh Lime juice
Strawberry Banana Whisky Sour 1 ½ oz Scotch Whisky 3 ½ oz Monin Strawberry Banana Smoothie ¾ oz Fresh Lime juice
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ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
isky Mixology
Scotch Coffee
1oz Scotch Whisky 1oz Monin Chocolate Sauce ¾ oz Monin Espresso Syrup 3oz Milk
Arnie Palmers Scotch 1 ½ oz Scotch Whisky 1 ½ oz Lemonade 1 ½ oz Ice Tea 1 oz Fresh Lime juice
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39
Off the Course
Rio Mar
Member & Guest Golf Tournament Members & Guests were treated to an unforgettable experience at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, a golfer’s paradise. Ricardo Vega, Nelson Torres, Johnathan Acevedo
Danny Williams Rio Mar General Manager, John Barton, Waldemar Leon, Joakin Rodriguez
Herminio Figueroa, Jeff Willenberg, Julio Fuentes, Jeannette Gonzalez
Cutty Sark
Mario Chalas, Manuel Torres, Luis Gonzalez, Eduardo O Marxuach
Cutty Sark is hosting the new event series, “Cutty Cargo”, to promote whisky to a younger audience with a mixture of live music, DJs and street food with a tour across major cities around the world including London, New York and Tokyo, that started in London on September 12. The event is held inside a giant reproduction of a wooden cargo crate, replicating the kind of crate used to smuggle Cutty Sark into de US 90 years ago.
to host the
‘Cutty Cargo’ tour starting in London 40
ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Off the Course
What comes to mind when you hear the word “barbecue”? Very likely it is fingerlinking food cooked over an open pit or grill, refreshing drinks, family fun and live music. Those are some of the elements we found at The Cattlemen’s Caribbean BBQ Competition. This annual outdoor festival, held on July 13-14 in front of the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, is the most recognized and attended culinary event in the Caribbean. It is estimated that the event attracts more than 15,000 locals and over 1,700 tourists from the USA, Australia, Jamaica, Bermuda, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Martin and Antigua, among other countries, and contributes over $ 1.5 million to the Island’s economy.
Top to bottom: 1– Alexis García, Ivette Torres, Michael Compton, Brenda Torres 2– Chef Angel Ortíz, Chef Chango, Chef Chino 3– Verónica Rosario, Nancy D. Andino, Julio Soto, Chef Norma Llop, Charlie Bautista
Thanks to Julio Soto of the Puerto Rico Golf Association and the overwhelming enthusiasm of Chef Norma Llop of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Golf & Tourism partook of an unforgettable culinary experience. Just like a good round of golf, cooking over an open fire is an excellent opportunity to spend time with old friends and make new acquaintances.
4– Gourmet Business Solutions Group 5– Bahama Bar-BKing
Cattlemen’s Caribbean Competition
BBQ
Now enthusiasts won’t have to wait a whole year to enjoy bbq’s finest. “We are happy to announce that for the first time, the Cattlemen’s Caribbean Competition will be held in the month of February. This is a strategic move aimed at attracting a larger crowd of US-based teams to compete in the event,” said event producer Alexis Garcia. “February is a time where we escape the cold winters in the States and what better setting for BBQ lovers than a warm Caribbean island like Puerto Rico, with great beaches, exotic cultures, amazing history and great BBQ! We expect the event to become a must stop for all BBQ enthusiasts and professionals alike.”
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Stay & Play
Stay & Play
Staythe & Play Off Course
Stay & Play
T
he gastronomic world of Puerto Rico is populated by outstandingly creative chefs that continuously delight with their exquisite confections millions of tourists that come to our Island every year. More than 30 of these talented chefs gathered at the Caribe Hilton Hotel on August 18 for the fundraiser Comics Paladeo, an event sponsored by Plaza Cellars, to benefit SER de Puerto Rico.
Chef Luly Bustillo
Chef Xiomy & Chef Cielito Rosado
Chef Daniel Vasse
Oscar Rodríguez, Gustavo Hermida, Luis Rivera Siaca, Carlos Mateo
Ramón E. Orta Rodríguez Secretary Sports and Recreation Department and his wife Jennifer Rodríguez
Chef Augusto Schreiner
Chef Raúl Correo
Chef José Ruiz, Efraín Cruz, Christian Quiñones
Chef Jesus Herbon
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Verónica Rosario-Bautista & Chef Blanca Oliveras
Shirley Danner, Esther Cintrón & Henry Torres
Chef Mike Pereira
Chef Enrique Piñeiro ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
Stay & Play
Staythe & Play Off Course
Learn from the best and you’ll up your game in no time!! That’s how Hugo Boss sees it, and they made sure the best visited their store to provide tips on how to play, and look good at the green. Golf Amateur Champion, Erick Juan Morales, joined the brand on Saturday, July 20th, as part of Boss’s presentation of their golf collection, Boss Green. The new collection, interestingly called “Tradition and Technology”, combines the performance of well thought-through sportswear with the established style world of golf. Dynamic fabrics and color combinations make the golfer a true star on the GREEN! To view and shop the Boss Green Fall/Winter Collection, stop by the Hugo Boss store in Plaza Las Americas, Saturday, November 16, 2013, for a special presentation by Erick Juan Morales and the PRGA.
Raul Figueroa, Robin Ortíz, Lisa Perez, Erick Juan Morales, Edwin Ferrer, Yamileyda Vega y Enrique Cristobal
Wine Pairing at La Bodega de Mendez with Ventana Vineyards and menu by Chef Lorraine Colón
Jorge Estela Southeastern Regional Manager San Francisco Wine Exchange, Chef Lorraine Colon, Cynthia Rodríguez Brand Manager Mendez & Company, Inc.
A food and wine escape is sure to create great memories for anyone that chooses to experience any of the many wine tastings and pairings at La Bodega de Mendez. On this occasion we were delighted with a selection from the “Most Award Winning Single Vineyard in America” combined with Chef Lorraine Colon’s exquisite creations.
Iván Caran WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Meeting on the Greens
Diageo golf tournament
benefits Learning Skills for Life
The second Learning Skills for Life Golf Tournament was held at Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande and raised funds for 40 sponsorships. Learning Skills for Life scholarships, sponsored by Diageo, is a program designed to obtain certification in the food and beverage field. Students are given the opportunity to get academic training and career development to obtain employment in the service and tourism industry in Puerto Rico. Throughout the day, players spent a fun day playing golf with the students and learning about their experiences and educational development. “The Learning Skills for Life program gave me the tools needed to develop a career and made me regain confidence in myself,” said Melvin Sabater, a graduate student. The program is available in Latin America and other Caribbean countries as well. In Puerto Rico the course is offered at the International School of Tourism and Hotel Management at Universidad del Este, Carolina Campus.
Left to right: Melvin Sabater (student), María Alicia Reyes (Diageo), Francisco Rivera (PRGA), Natalia P. Betancourt (Diageo), Karla Robles (Diageo), Femin Castañeda (Diageo), Beatriz Fernández (Diageo), Ivonne Vélez (Diageo), José Vázquez (student), Karem Molina (student)
1st Place winners Erick Morales and Felipe Colón
Fondos Unidos and Puerto Rico Open Committed to
Advancing Education To emphasize the importance that young people have in the future of Puerto Rico, Fondos Unidos (United Way of Puerto Rico) and the Puerto Rico Open once again expressed their commitment to supporting education by granting scholarships and Excellence Awards for post- secondary studies to youngsters of the island’s Eastern Region. The event, sponsored by SeePuertoRico and attended by officers and representatives of institutions and companies such as Puerto Rico Golf Association, the PR Open, INTENE, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Empresas Díaz, and EdNet, took place at the headquarters of Fondos Unidos and highlighted the legacy of the PR Open in Puerto Rican education and the support that its alliance offers to the agencies affiliated to Fondos Unidos. “We are pleased to join efforts with the PR Open to improve the future of these young people and help them fulfill their professional aspirations. They are examples of self-improvement, and their commitment to excellence in education motivates us to continue
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Based on the funds and collaborations of the PR Open, INTENE (Northeastern Technological Initiative) and EdNet formed an alliance and started working with regional municipalities to establish digital libraries in Loíza and Canóvanas to provide This Year’s Scholarship Recipients - Vilynette Santiago García, Jou Lee Correa Pineda, Evelyn Rivera Romero, Carolina Calderón Canela, education tools Dayanaris Ceballo Burgos, Joy Rodríguez Negrón, Angélica Ramos Gómez in science, and Francheska Fontanet Orta. technology and mathematical engineering to youngsters supporting causes as pressing as this one. from low-income families. “During the We are convinced that this initiative will last three years INTENE has strengthened allow them to contribute to the common Loíza and Canóvanas in the areas of wide well-being of our society,” expressed band technology access, internet and Samuel González, President and CEO of entrepreneurship,” expressed Edgardo Fondos Unidos. Agrait, Executive Director of INTENE. ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Meeting on the Greens
Another
successful
tournament Golfers teed off and clubs swung at the 12th Camarasur Golf Classic at Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club on August 10. Cámara de Comercio del Sur de Puerto Rico – CAMARASUR contributes to the strengthening of the socio-economic and business competitiveness in the Southern Region of Puerto Rico.
Jose L. Martinez, Juan C. Gonzalez, Gary Hernandez, Luis “Pipo” Ortiz
Alving Tollinchi, Alexander Rivera
Saul Rosado, Luis Santo, Nilsa Marrero, Victor Torres
Luis M. Segarra, David Talavera – President CAMARASUR, Luis E. Segarra Luis E. Rodriguez, Salvador Rovira, Peter Watts, Pedro Goyco
Guillermo Fernandez, Cesar Maldonado Josean Diaz, Jose Moyett, Ivan Perez, Manny Fernandez
Moises Morales, Carmín Roman – Sales & Marketing CAMARASUR, Victor Berrios WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Humor
1 2
4 5
3
6 7 8 9 10
Golf was invented in Scotland around 500 years ago, but the Chinese claim that they invented a similar game as early as 943 AD. Not all golf balls have the same number of dimples. Golf balls contain anywhere from 300 to 500 dimples. The ideal number of dimples is between 380 to 432 dimples.
Alan Shepard hit two golf balls while on the lunar surface. On February 6, 1971 he played golf on the surface of the moon.
The highest golf course in the world is at Tactu Golf Club in Morococha, Peru. It is 14,335 feet above sea level at its lowest point. Many Japanese golfers have a holein-one insurance. It is customary in Japan for players who hit a hole-inone to share their good luck by treating their friends by throwing a party complete with gifts for the participants. 1947 was the first televised golfing event at the U.S. Open in St. Louis.
The most expensive course to play a round of golf at is Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, Nevada with a price tag of $500 per round.
Golf was banned in Scotland from 1457 to 1502 to ensure citizens wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste time when preparing for the English invasion. Between 1990 and 2003, developers built more than 3,000 new golf courses in the United States, bringing the total to about 16,000.
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When golf was first played professionally there were only 13 rules. Now there are 34.
ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
Tech & Gadgets
Attack
Mizuno JPX-EZ Forged
the course Turn into a player that takes risks. Improve your odds with the incredible JPX-EZ irons.
Mizuno JPX-EZ A completely new level of distance and dispersion within a soft feeling iron. The Harmonic Impact Technology (H.I.T.) engineered cavity frame ensures that the JPX-EZ feels like every Mizuno iron should, but with forgiveness you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine. TECH SPEC: Max Pocket Cavity (4-7): Massive sweet area, tightest dispersion, and effortless launch characteristics. Deep pocket Cavity (8-GW): For increased accuracy and launch control. Harmonic Impact Technology (H.I.T): Feel and sound tuned through cavity frame design. HOT METAL FACE: Thin multi thickness design for maximum COR to deliver long, consistent distance.
The Mizuno Golf JPX EZ Forged Irons deliver explosive distance, and the same effortless flight and tight dispersion of the JPX EZ series, but with the soft, solid feel of Mizunoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive Grain Flow Forging process. TECH SPEC: Grain Flow Forged: From a single 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel billet for unmatched feel. Max undercut design (4-7): For a larger, high energy rebound area. Deep Center of Gravity (COG): Effortless flight. Multi thickness face: For maximum ball speed in a forged iron. Harmonic Impact Technology (H.I.T): Feel and sound tuned through cavity frame design.
Experience a Taino Restaurant where the flavors and the beauty of “El Yunque” comes together Great food. Great Atmosphere. Great Price
MENU SPECIALTIES
On your way to or from El Yunque make sure you stop by for some traditional Puerto Rican food...we give old world dishes, new world flavors that will tantalize even the most discerning of taste buds.
Agüeybaná
Located in the El Yunque rainforest our restaurant is set on the tranquil Rio Mameyes (The Mameyes river). If you want to relax, listen to good music have the best food you ever tasted you should definitely stop by the restaurant. Carr.191, Km 1.1, El Yunque, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787-415-2317 / 787-354-5977
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Tender Juicy Angus Beef served with our exclusive wine mushroom sauce and a side dish of your preference
Canóbana Smoked Spared Ribs, served with our exclusive Taina Barbakoa Tamarind or Guava sauce and a side dish of your preference
Yuisa Smoked juicy Cornish Hen stuffed with Yuca served with our exclusive Taina Atabey sauce and a side dish of your preference
Jumacao Combination Platter. Assorted combo Chicken Wings, Spare Ribs, grilled Sausage and Yuca “mofonguito” ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
RESTAURANT GUIDE SELECTION METRO AREA PERLA Perla is a luxury restaurant serving refined contemporary American cuisine with gracious professional hospitality. Perla is located in the dramatic seashell surrounded by a reflecting pool that was design and built in 1958 by international-renowned architect Mario Salvadori. The interior designed by Jorge Rosello, is elegantly appointed with sumptuous furnishings and exotic materials. Eight hand blown Murano glass lamps illuminate the shell shaped ceiling. Owner Dayn Smith and son, Chef Lindell Smith are committed to serving the finest of ingredients. Concha Hotel 1077 Ashford Avenue San Juan, PR 00907 787.977.3285
CASA LOLA Situated in the trendiest spot in Condado, Casa Lola will season your senses with Chef Roberto Treviño’s vision of Criollo cuisine. Inspired by Lola’s own recipes, at Casa Lola you will taste the best flavors from Puerto Rico’s traditional cuisine with the added sexy touches of renowned Chef Treviño. Enter and savor our new sexy culinary concept! 1006 Ashford Avenue Condado, San Juan 787.998.2918
SOFIA Italian Ristorante and Pizzeria located on San Francisco Street. The space evokes the personality of the mega star Sofia Loren beautiful, glamorous, colorful and perfumed in passion, perfectly complementing the variety of Italian dishes which are the restaurant’s main attraction. Adding to this experience is a generous list of wines and specialty cocktails. All dishes are served with passion by an extremely knowledgable team. 355 San Francisco, Old San Juan, San Juan, PR 00901 787.721.0396
setting for an unparalleled meal, whether it be the island bounty of freshly caught langostinos or the Old World Il Mulino tradition of the perfect veal chop. Located at the Ritz Carlton San Juan 6961 Avenue of the Governors Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979 787.791.8632
123 Rd., km. 68.0 Embarcadero Lago Dos Bocas 787.894.8034 ranchomarina.com
NORTH AREA MADE IN PUERTO RICO
Just spectacular! Within the colorful Ramada Hotel. Eclectic and creative cuisine. From sushi to traditional mofongo. Reina St., at the Square (Plaza) Ponce 787.813.5050
Great cook Alexis Torres opens this ‘funfonda’ in Dorado. It’s a revival of 1940’s rural living in PR. The greeter welcomes you with rollers in her hair: “Hey, Jíbaro! You look like you’re starving, come and sit down while I get you a table.” You wait in the “living room” where a TV is playing Puerto Rican shows & commercials of the beloved era. The phonetically-perfectyet-mispelled sayings on the wall and the traditional food transport you to another period of island living. Great menu: just like Abuela’s cooking! Rd. 693, Bo. Higuillar, Dorado 787.626.6666
WEST AREA ZAFRA Zafra is a unique culinary concept located amid The Plantation golf course, in West Dorado Beach Resort & Club. Among the bestsellers in their delicious dinner menu: glacéed pork chops in tamarind sauce, and from the sea, the fresh catch of the day sautéed in butter, garlic and lemon and served with rice, beans and tostones; garlic shrimp or Mahi Mahi Casserole with a side of chickpeas and chorizo. For meat lovers: Grilled Rib Eye steak and Rack of Lamb in its own juices, garlic, mashed potato and seasonal vegetables. “Cook with your heart and respect the nature of your ingredients. This will infuse your food with flavor,” says Chef Cedeño. Dorado Beach Plantation Rd. 696; 500 Plantation Dr., Dorado 787. 626.1054 / 787. 626.1031
LOLA’S
EAST AREA
RIO GRANDE BARBAKOA RESTAURANT “Fantastic Rainforest dining experience by the river” Tiki umbrella picnic tables, fantastic interactive waiters, ambience, great food. It is located right along the river on your way to El Yunque. If you visit the restaurant after dark, tiki torches are on, creating a picturesque ambience. Fun music is playing. Fun location!!! Carr. 191 km. 1.1, Barrio Mameyes, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787.415.2317
FERN A stylish indoor/outdoor restaurant in a lush environment at St. Regis Bahia Beach Hotel. With a Caribbean-Latin inspired menu and impeccable service and extensive wine list. St. Regis Bahia Beach Rd 187 Km 4.2 Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787.809.8000
CENTER AREA
IL MULINO NEW YORK
RANCHO MARINA
Il Mulino New York offers a one-of-akind experience: authentic Italian cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients and techniques, served with impeccable attention amidst the lushness of a tropical island resort. Renowned for its opulence, the Ritz Carlton San Juan offers the perfect
Unique! : Rabbit à l’Orange Forty-five years ago, Don Harry Marrero founded this place on what used to be a bus stop. His son, Harry, and his wife, Vivian, created a spectacular menu with tropical flavors. Best sellers: Rabbit à l’Orange, with touches of papaya.
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
SOUTH AREA
Note: Information subject to change without notice during the course of the year. 49
GOLF COURSES GUIDE Aguirre Golf Club Road 705, Km 3, Aguirre, Salinas Type: Public
Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club $125 - $225
$125 - $275
PUERTO RICO Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort 201 Dorado Del Mar Boulevard, Dorado
Fort Buchanan Golf Course Building 171, Fort Buchanan
Las Bambuas Golf Course Route 187 Kilometer 4.2, Rio Grande Phone: (866) 529-3996
Berwind Country Club Road 187 Km 4.7, Rio Grande
Caguas Real Golf & Country Club $65 - $110
$65 - $110
700 Alhambra Blvd., Caguas Phone: (787) 653-4653
Club Deportivo Del Oeste Carr. 102 KM 15.4 Int., Joyudas, Cabo Rojo
Coamo Springs Golf & Tennis Club Road 546 KM 1, Coamo
Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club Ponce, Porta Caribe
Dorado Beach Resort & Club East Course $100 - $210
$100 - $210
West Course $70 - $160
$70 - $160
Road 189 Km. 10.1 Jardin, Gurabo
Palmas Athletic Club The Flamboyan Course The Palm Course $145.00 Non members / $28.00 Members - 7 days a week #1 Country Club Drive Humacao, PR 00791 Phone: (787) 656-3000
Punta Borinquen Golf and Country Club Base Ramey, Aguadilla
Rio Bayamon Golf Course $25
Verdes Carr. 177, Bayamon Type: Public Phone: (787) 740-1419
Trump International Golf Club 100 Clubhouse Drive, Rio Grande
The Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort Ocean Course River Course $150
100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado Phone: (787) 626-1010
El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa
$25
$200
6000 Rio Mar Blvd., Rio Grande Phone: (877) 636-0636
1000 Conquistador Avenue, Fajardo
El Legado Golf Resort Carr. PR-713, KM. 2.5 Bo. Jobos y Pozo Hondo, Guayama 50
Note: Fees subject to change without notice during the course of the year. ISSUE 3 / OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013