Summer 2015 Complimentary Copy
Your Passion is Our Purpose
DORADO’S DYNAMIC DUO
DAVID TYSON & MICHAEL RÍOS All about
Puerto Rico OPEN 2015 Learning from the Masters Managing Your Golf Time Tips From A Cheese Specialist For A Perfect Cheese Tray
M i x o l o gy
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r e s tau r a n t s
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gastronomy
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wines
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sports
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pl ac es to v i s i t
Director/Publisher Charlie Bautista Sub-Director and Coordinator Verónica Rosario Editor, Proofreader, Translator Oscar Peñalber Art Director & Graphic Designer Laura Wood Cover Photo Charlie Bautista Photography Karen Arocho Writers and Collaborators Julio Soto Iván O. Puig Alberto C. Medina Gil Jorge López Chip Koehlke Dr. Rosa Echavarría Ricardo Picorelli Joseph Nelson Consultant Julio Soto Executive Director PRGA Sales and Marketing Charlie Bautista Advertise your business Please contact us at:
787-503-5437 sales@golftourismpr.com
Find us in Facebook and Issuu: Golf & Tourism Magazine All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Golf & Tourism Magazine Published by JVS Media Corporation. ©2015 JVS Media Corporation PO Box 9023856 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-3856
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your passion is our purpose
CONTENTS
Golf & Special Features
9 12 15
Interview El Legado in the Hands of an Experienced Golfer
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Junior Golf Three New Champions in the History of PR Junior Golf
Cover Story Dorado’s Dynamic Duo By Alberto C. Medina Gil
Tourism
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6
Golf Courses Guide
7
Opening Shot Director’s Letter
20
A Trip of a Lifetime to the Home of Golf
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52 37 26
Golf Gusto A Culinary Extravaganza
Regulars
Golf Gusto How to Prepare A Cheese Tray By Romualdo Seijo Marín
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Fitness & Health Key Point to be Physically Ready to Conquer the Course under the Sun By Ricardo Picorelli
Puerto Rico OPEN 2015 Alex Cejka Wins the PR OPEN 2015
Learning from the Masters Managing Your Golf Time By Chip Koehlke
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Fitness & Health Feel Better, Play at Your Best
Meeting On The Green “Amigos de la Placita” From Caparra to Golf
Mixology Mocktail Mattoni
GOLF COURSES GUIDE
PUERTO RICO
Aguirre Golf Club
El Legado Golf Club
Road 705, Km 3, Aguirre, Salinas Type: Public
18 holes championship golf club
Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club Route 187 Kilometer 4.2, Rio Grande Phone: (866) 529-3996
Caguas Real Golf & Country Club 700 Alhambra Blvd., Caguas Phone: (787) 653-4653
Club Deportivo Del Oeste Carr. 102 KM 15.4 Int., Joyudas, Cabo Rojo
Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club Ponce, Porta Caribe
Puerto Rico 53, Guayama Phone: (787) 866-8894 / 400-0042
Fort Buchanan Golf Course Building 171, Fort Buchanan
Las Bambuas Golf Course Road 189 Km. 10.1 Jardin, Gurabo
Palmas Athletic Club The Flamboyan Course The Palm Course #1 Country Club Drive Humacao, PR 00791 Phone: (787) 656-3000
Punta Borinquen Golf and Country Club Base Ramey, Aguadilla
Rio Bayamon Golf Course
Dorado Beach Resort & Club East Course
Verdes Carr. 177, Bayamon Type: Public Phone: (787) 740-1419
West Course 100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado Phone: (787) 626-1010
100 Clubhouse Drive, Rio Grande
El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa
The Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort
1000 Conquistador Avenue, Fajardo
Ocean Course
Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort 201 Dorado Del Mar Boulevard, Dorado
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Trump International Golf Club
River Course 6000 Rio Mar Blvd., Rio Grande Phone: (877) 636-0636
G&T | SUMMER 2015
Opening Shot
Dear Reader F
irst, allow me to describe our cover. Like with previous ones, we are trying to present something unique. In this occasion we introduce two gentlemen that were not shy about the craziest ideas of posing. I have to say that golf is about creativity and collaboration, and to me this cover represents the communication and understanding of this execution game. In professional golf the level of importance in the game does not matter, in the end, what counts is the performance and execution delivery of two people, the player and the caddy, as both are indispensable to meet the desired goals. So, my gratitude to Michael Rios and David Tyson for allowing us to present their performance in this creative way, and kudos to them for being such a great team! Second, we dedicate this edition to all the people who love the game and have little time to practice. I encourage them to read the great tips in this edition on how to keep the game level without losing time. Last but not least, we want to congratulate all the mothers and fathers that in one way or another contribute to the success of future golf champions. Enjoy!
Charlie Bautista Director and Publisher
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8
Interview
El Legado in the hands of
an experienced e e ced golfer C
arlos Matos is from Orocovis, a small town in the center of the island where he was born and raised until he completed high school and left to study at the University of Mayaguez. He completed his degree in Civil Engineering in 1971 and joined a major General Contractor company to start his career in construction. In 1984 he founded his own company, CM Contractors Inc. to focus on the development of housing projects and eventually pass them onto his own employees and continue developing more projects.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF GOLF? “I began late in life and as a hobby. In my early 30’s I remember receiving an invitation from my boss at the time and I can sincerely say that it was love at first sight. I had played many sports in my youth but I had never felt anything like it. As you know, I am a person with extensive experience in housing development and construction. I have built more than 2,000 housing units, which means that when I get involved in something, I do it with intensity and passion. Golf became an important part of my life. I began practicing seriously to the point where in my 50’s, I started playing for the Puerto Rico National Team qualifications. Finally in 2002, I became part of the National Team and, in that same year, the regional championships a/k/a Hoerman Cup was held in Puerto Rico. For the first time, Puerto Rico achieved what no other country has done: win in all the categories. Along with Israel Ortiz, I won the senior division for the Caribbean, which P.R. had not won in 5 years. In the last 12 years I have had the great satisfaction of being part of the National Team and we have won 5 championships. With partners like Luis de la Haba, Luis (Elvin) Gonzalez and last year with Tico Carrrero. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Interview
I have been extremely fortunate and will continue to do everything possible to stay active in this career. You have to make sacrifices in life and this is one of them.”
HOW DID “EL LEGADO” COME TO YOU? “El Legado began with Chichi Rodriguez in early 2001. Chichi did everything possible to get the project going but after some difficulties, El Legado fell back into the hands of the bank. Thats when the bank executives, who know of my experience as a developer and avid golfer, offered me the opportunity of purchasing the property. I was on the verge of retirement and here you see me now. As you can see, everything has changed and field conditions are optimal to play on. I’ve put my heart and soul into these facilities. Look at the clubhouse, the restaurant and the state-of-the-art pro shop and our next step is to build a hotel. Anyway, this is a dream come true and I invite all golfers to make reservations and see how it feels to play in an excellent golf course.” “Our greens have nothing to envy other golf courses. Finally we have integrated all structural aspects of these facilities to make it as golf friendly as possible. And I don’t want to finish without mentioning that the employees at El Legado are more than just employees, they are part of my family. I owe the success of this Country Club to all who collaborate in this magical place. So come and visit us, we are less than an hour away from San Juan. I promise you will never forget the Legado golf experience.”
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
“Insight and strategy from the best caddy�
Be a part of Golf and Tourism Magazine and let our readers cross paths with you (787) 503-5437 / charlie@golftourismpr.com
Juniors Golf
Three new
Champions
in the history of Puerto Rico Junior Golf After four days of intense competition and camaraderie, a representation of Puerto Rico junior golfers, together with family and friends, witnessed as youth players Yudika Rodriguez, from Salinas, PR (Women Division) Jose Cardona, from Guaynabo, PR (Men Division - 18 & U) and Gustavo Belardo (Men Division - 11 & U), defeated their respective opponents and were awarded the title of champions of the PRGA Junior Match Play Championship, organized by the Puerto Rico Golf Association (PRGA) in the facilities of Palmas Athletic Club, in Humacao, PR.
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he women’s competition, despite having only three participants in the 18 & U division, was extremely close between Yudika Rodriguez, Kristina Ortiz and Natalia Rivera Rivera. Darianys Guzman was the only active girl in the 11 & U Division who measured her skills before other competitors. “This clearly is a special and important time for me as an athlete in this sport because it helps me keep gaining confidence in my game and to see the results of the work we have been doing with my swing coach.” shared Yudika Rodríguez at the end of the competition where she played a match that extended to a total of 20 holes, against Kristina Ortiz, who was her teammate in the Caribbean Youth Championship in 2014. The girl from Salinas won the title of Champion of the first Junior Match Play, adding an additional trophy to her resume as an athlete. Ortiz won her first match against Natalia Rivera to then confront Rodriguez, not before battling hole by hole and keeping the anticipation and excitement among those who witnessed the duel between these two excellent representatives of Puerto Rican golf at local and international levels. Soon, Yudika and Kristina, along with youth Valeria Pacheco, who lives in Florida and is immersed in a internship golf program, will be part of the Puerto Rican delegation that will travel to Mexico for a regional competition in search of a passage to the World Youth Team Championship to be held in Japan next summer.
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Juniors Golf
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Juniors Golf
Meanwhile, the competition between males had higher attendance and there was great expectation and surprises due to the preliminary results in the competition. Joseph “Joito” Cardona, a senior student of the American Military Academy in Bayamón, won the final match against Antonio Morales, and was one of the surprises of the tournament by having beaten the favorite, Melvin Morales, who had the advantage of playing in the field where he has developed competitively. The youngest champion was Gustavo Belardo (11 & U) who is a newcomer to the sport. “We at the PRGA are very pleased with the results of this first edition of the match play. There were excellent matches and youths enjoyed the most exciting golf format. Due to the success of this event, starting in 2016, the championship will be included as an official event of the Official World Amateur Golf Ranking. We want to thank all the participants, parents and Palmas Athletic Club for their support, “said the Tournament Director, Francisco Rivera.
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
PRGA News
A trip of a lifetime to the
Home of Golf
The Tournament Director for the Puerto Rico Golf Association, Francisco J. Rivera, participated in the four-day seminar R&A Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees School (TARS) held in February 3-6, 2015 in the St. Andrews Scotland, United Kingdom. As a result of his active participation, he obtained the R&A Level 3 Examination certification.
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PRGA News
“T
he purpose of the School is, as the name TARS suggests, to give guidance and advice on running tournaments and refereeing and it is hoped that all delegates will leave the School having learned something that will aid them in their continuing or future roles as referees or tournament administrators. Having attended this seminar will enhance my ability to act as Tournament Director and I could not be more grateful to Sidney Wolf and the Puerto Rico Golf Association for having had this wonderful opportunity,” said Rivera.
About the host city - St. Andrews, United Kingdom St. Andrews is known worldwide as the “home of golf.” According to the earliest surviving document from 1552, the “playing golf” on the links adjacent to the “water of eden” was granted permission by Archbishop Hamilton. St. Andrews also serves as home to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, and one of the governing authorities of the game. The Royal and Ancient (R&A) organizes The Open Championship, major amateur events and international matches. Together with the United States Golf Association (USGA), the R&A governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The R&A’s working jurisdiction is global, excluding the United States and Mexico. The R&A is committed to working for golf and supports the growth of the game internationally and the development and management of sustainable golf facilities. The R&A operates with consent of 152 organizations from the amateur and professional game and on behalf of over 30 million golfers in 138 countries.
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The event started with practical demonstration sessions that used specially constructed indoor golf settings, allowing participants to discuss different Rules scenarios with the instructors. Then, the assistants participated of the Level Three Exam, which is a component of the R&A’s three-tiered Rules Education program that guides people from a basic knowledge of the Rules to the standard of a tournament official or referee. Days three and four consisted of sessions and presentations on subjects including pace of play; course marking; starting and recording; and role-play sessions giving individual rulings on different on-course situations. “It’s very true what they say about St. Andrews, Scotland – it really is the home of golf. The feeling of walking through town, past the clubhouse and over Swilcan Bridge is like none other. The Home of Golf truly lives up to the hype. I was fortunate enough to experience these things first hand by attending the 2015 R&A Tournament Administrators and Referees School (TARS). I had the chance to represent the Puerto Rico Golf Association and the Caribbean Golf Association while discovering the mecca of golf inperson,” said Rivera. As he added, the R&A Level 3 Examination covers Rules 1 to 34 and is based on the 2012-2015 Rules of Golf and the 2014-2015 Decisions on the Rules of Golf. “The R&A Level 3 Examination is recognized throughout the R&A’s jurisdiction as being an “official” qualification that, depending on the mark attained, demonstrates the level of Rules knowledge possessed by the examinee, and is a good guide as to whether the individual should be considered for on-course refereeing
“It’s very true what they say about St. Andrews, Scotland – it really is the home of golf. The feeling of walking through town, past the clubhouse and over Swilcan Bridge is like none other, said Rivera.” duties. The written examination passing is seen as a stepping-stone to becoming a respectable referee”, concluded the young professional about the event where attended 96 delegates from more than 40 different countries spanning Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America and United Kingdom.
G&T | SUMMER 2015
PRGA News
As the world’s governing bodies of golf, the R&A and the USGA work together to grow the game around the world, maintain its storied traditions and educate people on its rules. Despite coming from across the globe, we quickly bonded over our shared passion for this great game and its rules. The morning of the Level 3 exam brought about some last minute reading before the two-and-a-half hour task before us. The five-part test breezed by in an instant – it really is amazing how fast countless hours of studying and preparation can be applied with pen to paper.
Highlights of the overall experience team of rules officials, starters and scorers at its amateur championship events.
That Wednesday afternoon brought about discussions on amateur status and the world of golf’s current hot topic: pace of play. Every association is trying to figure out ways to solve this dilemma and it was interesting to hear everyone’s perspectives. The R&A’s findings on the issue were well received, but the question remains: what more can we do? The PRGA’s checkpoint policy has seen some success, but we
“That Wednesday afternoon brought about discussions on amateur status and the world of golf’s current hot topic: pace of play. Every association is trying to figure out ways to solve this dilemma and it was interesting to hear everyone’s perspectives. ”
Following the ordeal – which was equal parts horrifying and exhilarating – we were able to turn our attention to the rest of the seminar. The afternoon of the second day focused on how to successfully run a championship. One thing that every championship needs is a dedicated team of volunteers and it was great to see so many passionate people at this seminar. It never ceases to amaze me that the Puerto Rico Golf Association has such a committed
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continue to look for ways to improve the hot button issue facing the golf industry in America and abroad. Thursday was all about the rules of golf with European Tour Chief Referee Andy
About Francisco J. Rivera Rivera serves as Tournament Director for the Puerto Rico Golf Association and as Tournament Coordinator for the Caribbean Golf Association. He is also certified as USGA/R&A Rules Official and Tournament Administrator and has participated in more than 150 championships and events. Within the PGA Tour, the young professional holds nine PGA Tour events, three PGA Champions Tour Events and two PGA Tour Latinoamérica Events. In 2014, he worked as Tournament Director for CAGC & CAJGC. Throughout his career, Rivera has worked five times as Team Manager of the Puerto Rico National Team and six times as Team Captain of Copa de Campeones. Rivera is also a NCAA certified Scout and served as an active member of the past PRGA Junior Program. Rivera is characterized by being the first golfer to receive a golf scholarship to the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria.
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PRGA News
McPhee discussing “The art of refereeing.” Andrew Coltart, a former player on the European Tour, was on hand to provide us a view from the other side – the golfer’s perspective. Sharing and discussing is great; role-playing is even better. Each delegate was given three different rulings as we assumed the role of rules officials while the R&A staff acted as players. The rulings spanned putting greens to hazards; through the green to temporary immovable obstructions (TIOs). Despite being indoors, the R&A staff did an excellent job of making it very realistic with an actual bunker with stacked turf and even a TV tower. It was a nerve-wracking experience having to get up and do a ruling in front of some of the world’s most knowledgeable golfing minds, but each correct ruling was a great confidence builder. The final day of the seminar focused on the difficult task of delivering rulings on equipment questions. We were given a number of different clubs and scenarios and worked together in groups to decide on the ruling. We saw a presentation on course marking and how to develop local rules of the competition. The day was highlighted by group video discussions of
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Dawson’s office and my dialog with the R&A Executive Director himself overlooking the famed Old Course’s 18th Hole. This opportunity was truly an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will always remember gathering with delegates from other countries to have dinner in the clubhouse library with the Directors of Rules for the R&A.
incidents that have occurred on the PGA, European Tour, and the LPGA Tour. The seminar came to a close that evening in the perfect way: everyone coming together for dinner at the historic R&A clubhouse. The club’s history was not only educational, but also exciting as the R&A continues to write a new chapter in its legacy. The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse is an iconic image, recognizable to golfers worldwide. I am still in amazement with my tour of Peter G&T | SUMMER 2015
Fitness & Health
Feel better, play
at
your best Golf produces an incredible set of demands on your body. Although, less strenuous than action sports, golf actually requires extreme flexibility, stability, endurance, strength and power. Important human body systems (musculoskeletal, circulatory, endocrine, respiratory, nervous and integumentary) are involved in many of golf actions. All are affected by your state of health and fitness. If you are playing golf in a body that is in no shape to play the game effectively, you can hardly expect to perform at your best.
W
hether golf is your weekend workout or your fulltime retirement pursuit, optimizing your health at any age is achievable through proactive medicine, supported by healthy lifestyles. The first step is finding the right partner to support you in determining the current state of your health and fitness
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and guide you in regaining or enhancing your total wellness. Cenegenics is the leading authority in healthy aging, with almost two decades of experience. Established in San Juan in 2004 by Dr. Claudia Villate, a specialist in internal medicine and age management
medicine, Cenegenics Puerto Rico offers Concierge Elite Health Programs that combine the wellness trifecta: state-of-the-art medical attention, metabolic nutrition and personalized exercise. Personalized programs are built on evidence-based science, comprehensive
G&T | SUMMER 2015
evaluations and proven protocols to help you achieve peak vitality at any age. The Cenegenics approach to the science of age management has been shown to reduce the risks of agerelated disease, increase physical and sexual vitality, improve sleep quality, increase muscle tone, decrease body fat and sharpen mental acuity.
these physiological factors makes improving your game much easier. Combine with a strength and power program specifically designed for golfers and you are making the best of what you have to lower your score. Studies report that general flexibility and strength exercises for 8 weeks can enhance club speed in a 3–6% increase and 4.3% driving distance.
Muscle loss with aging
The foundation of the Cenegenics approach to Elite Health is a comprehensive evaluation to establish the patient’s metabolic, physiologic, neurocognitive and fitness baseline. This process helps identify and formulate the criteria that will move you into the lowest possible risk categories for disease. Your Elite Health base line results will be used to create a personalized medical program designed to optimize your health, helping you look and feel rejuvenated. Additional cutting-edge testing and fitness training are also available to aid in your success at your favorite game of sport. Exercise Physiologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA - CSCS) Luis R. Lopez will conduct an assessment to determine your level of functionality, flexibility, strength and endurance and design a customized exercise programs to meet health care needs and athletic performance goals.
Your progress in each area of the program will be monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis, measuring your current state versus your goals, an adjusting the program accordingly, so you stay motivated and on track. Dr. Javier Cuevas and Dr. Angel Soto are recent additions to the Cenegenics’ Elite Health team to ensure each patient can partner with an experienced physician who will manage the program medically and continually fine-tune it to the patient’s needs. The concierge medicine model means you will have easy access to your assigned physician and to the rest of your Elite Health Team composed of a nutrition and exercise counselor and a personal service coordinator. Achieving elite status in the game requires Elite Health, and the experienced Elite Team of health specialists at Cenegenics can provide the continuity that makes it easier to feel great and play at your best.
Flexibility, poor posture and strength imbalances can create inefficient movement patterns that affect swing mechanics and are not only less likely to allow you to swing correctly, but also more likely to cause injury. Addressing
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Fitness & Health
There are three main progressions: Pre Round – During Round – Post Round.
PRE-ROUND
Summer
Golf
Key points to be physically ready to conquer the course under the sun By Ricardo Picorelli Saint John’s School PE Teacher / TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor K-Vest 3D Level 1 Certified
For more information on how to get your TPI golf-specific physical assessment, you can reach us at: Facebook: RP Fitness Lab Twitter: @rpfitnesslab E-mail: rpfitnesslab@gmail.com Telephone: 787-307-9473
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Are you one of many amateur players who spike up their playing rounds during this time of the year? If so, and you also want to keep this pace of continuous weekend golf throughout all summer, here are the key points to consistently having the edge over your golf buddies.
This feature of your game is the foundation on which your overall game performance will gain the most benefit. The two essential components for this part of your game to develop are:
Golf Specific Fitness Training If you couldn’t start a training program during the winter time, is never too late to get physically assessed to enhance your overall body Stability, Mobility, Balance, and Flexibility. Along with Stamina, they are the main physical factors on the success of your round. On our last article we talked about dysfunction and compensation. The relationship of these factors with your golf swing is called the Body/Swing Connection. For example, picture this, when you address the ball at setup, your brain starts sending messages to the body that you need to take the club to the top. Then you hear your upper and lower body start arguing with the brain by saying, “you know we can’t disconnect one from the other, the people we represent (Thoracic Spine, Lumbar Spine, Core Muscles, Gluteus, Hip Flexors) have not gotten the memo of training for this movement” (disassociation). The brain reacts and says, “Hey, your boss is here in this position and he wants you guys to find a way of doing this now!!” The obedient body segments huddle up and find a way to perform this and tell the brain, “Ok we think we are good to go!!” So they begin to “perform” the motion to the best of their abilities. The arms start to move away from the ball and the fire alarm goes off. The upper and lower body look at each other and see the posture they are in and realize that it is not possible to rotate away from each other. They compensate by having the spine come out of the initial posture to allow the arms take the club to the top. The brain shouts “What are you doing?” The answer of the upper and lower body is obvious, “We are doing what we can do”. Now that you can picture this brain and body dilemma, how do you think that a golfer’s back will be feeling after repeating the same motion for around 60 to 80 strokes, not counting putts? G&T | SUMMER 2015
Fitness & Health If you can’t disassociate your upper and lower body, there is certainly some dysfunction and compensation on one or more areas of your body. Therefore a golf specific physical screen is imperative to begin the path to correcting those compensations. One key point is previous injuries and traumas. They will tell also why you can or can’t perform basic or complex motions of your golf swing. The more relevance you put into the fitness aspect of your game the more pain free golf you are going to play. Here are some great exercises to help you with upper and lower body disassociation:
Bent Arm Tornadoes - Teaches disassociation between the upper and lower body. Get into a good athletic posture holding a medicine ball in both hands out in front of your body. Trying to keep your lower body stable, rotate your upper body and ball back and forth as fast as possible. Keep your core engaged and your lower body stable.
Helicopters - For disassociation and coordination of the upper and lower body. Start in standing posture with your arms out to your side, slowly move the arms backwards and forwards around your torso, then add the motion of your hips. Try and feel your hips resisting the upper body motion on the backswing and leading the downswing motion on the thru swing. Row and Reach - Helps develop rotary strength, balance, push-and-pull strength and disassociation between your upper and lower body. Grab two dumbbells and get in to a split or lunge stance with your right foot forward. Bend forward from the waist, like a golf set-up letting your arms and weights hang down. Simultaneously, row or pull your right arm back and reach across your body with your left hand. Repeat. Now switch your legs and repeat with the opposite side. Disassociation Planks - For core stability combined with disassociating your upper body from your lower body. Start by getting into a push-up plank position. From this position try to maintain a good stable posture and core, and lift your right hand up towards the sky (keeping your belt buckle pointing to the ground). Return your right hand and now drive your right knee under your body towards your left hip (keeping your trunk stable). Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite side.
Swing Technique Practice
Row and Reach - Helps develop rotary strength, balance, pushand-pull strength and disassociation between your upper and lower body. Grab two dumbbells and get in to a split or lunge stance with your right foot forward. Bend forward from the waist, like a golf set-up letting your arms and weights hang down. Simultaneously, row or pull your right arm back and reach across your body with your left hand. Repeat. Now switch your legs and repeat with the opposite side.
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This aspect of the game is crucial and works hand-to-hand with your fitness side of the equation. Getting your swing instructor and your fitness expert communicating about your game is a great advantage to have. Your swing coach should be able to tell the fitness trainer “I’m seeing that the player is having trouble maintaining the spine angle during the takeaway”. The trainer should be able to physically assess the player by performing three simple tests: Pelvic Tilt test, Pelvic Rotation test, and Torso Rotation test. After that, the trainer will create a program to get these areas functionally able to perform a proper takeaway sequence and will be highly beneficial to the player. Once this aspect is corrected, the swing coach can start working on other aspects of the player’s game. Getting to develop other areas of the game include, club fitting, grip, posture, setup, ball position, width of stance, body position in relation to the ball (how near or far), swing sequence, chipping, pitching, putting, and club by club distances.
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Fitness & Health
DURING ROUND The main component besides your swing, course management, club selection, mental focus, and the tees you are playing from, is how well your body is hydrated. The following is an excerpt from one of Robert Yang’s articles on Hydration. Robert Yang specializes in nutrition, strength and conditioning. His integrative and individualized programs have helped athletes and individuals improve performance, prevent injuries, and improve health and vitality. Robert is a sought-after presenter and lectures nationally and internationally on the topics of nutrition, rehabilitation, corrective exercise, and performance enhancement. He is an advisory board member for the Titleist Performance Institute and the National Pitching Association.
Hydration Basics (by Robert Yang) “Stay hydrated” is a common phrase you often hear from playing sports and on the golf course. Optimal hydration can improve your golf game mentally and physically. Since the brain is made up of 85% of water and is water inefficient, it has top priority in regards to blood circulation. Drinking the correct amount of water will ensure optimal blood flow to the brain, which will enable you to focus on the golf course. “The human body is composed of 25% solid matter (solute) and 75% water (solvent).”
Therefore drinking water first thing in the morning is the first step to optimal hydration. Start with 25% of your total water intake in the morning. If your water intake for the day is 100 ounces, you would consume 25 ounces in the morning. During a golf round you should consume 40% - 50% of your total daily intake of water. If your water intake for the day is 100 ounces, you would consume 40-50 ounces of water on the golf course. The remaining water should be consumed throughout the day.
slowing digestion and thus giving you energy for a longer period of time. When protein and fat are present at a meal, the blood sugar curve is more balanced.
Nutrition
Make sure your breakfast consists of:
Many weekend warriors love to go out to the course and enjoy a round of golf early in the morning. The detail of having an early tee time is key for those who love to play a quiet and fluid round of golf. If you are one of those players, your attention towards what you eat for breakfast before that round, is crucial for your round performance through all 18 holes. Of course, wake up time vs. tee time will always be a crucial component to consider for your food intake before your round. The following is an excerpt of an article wrote by Amy Goodson. Amy is a registered dietitian that has worked for the Texas Rangers professional baseball team, and currently works for Texas Health Resources. Pre Round Nutrition: Teeing Off with Breakfast (by Amy Goodson) The goal of breakfast is to set a solid nutrition base for the rest of the day. Carbohydrate
Those who eat poorly at breakfast typically find themselves tired throughout the day, starving at night and tend to crave less healthy foods. So, whether you are at home, in a hotel or in the player’s dining area at the PGA Tour, here is a breakfast checklist to follow.
• Complex Carbohydrates: oatmeal, whole grain cereal, wheat bread/bagel/English muffin • Protein: eggs/egg whites, lean ham, turkey sausage/bacon, whey protein powder, 2% cheese • Healthy fat: peanut or almond butter, nuts, flaxseed or flaxseed mill • Choose a low-fat (skim, 1% or 2%) dairy product such as milk or yogurt as both provide carbohydrate and protein in addition to a variety of vitamins and minerals • Aim to get a fruit into your breakfast (1 serving = ½ banana, 1 medium fruit, ½ cup chopped fruit) • Limit your intake of fried foods, greasy potatoes, extra gravies/sauces, or sugary pastries/muffins. Drink a bottle of water to start hydrating your body.
“Drinking the correct amount of water will ensure optimal blood flow to the brain, which will enable you to focus on the golf course.” Timing of water consumption is important to optimal hydration. Drinking water first thing in the morning is critical because during sleep the body becomes dehydrated.
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provides the body with energy, but you need more than that to get you going. Adding a lean protein and healthy fat to breakfast prevents a “carb-crash” mid-morning by
So, if your goal is to have energy throughout your golf game, maintain driving strength through the 18th hole, and stay mentally focused, you better set your alarm early and make time for breakfast. Remember, if you want your body to perform at its highest potential, you have to fuel it with good nutrition. Put gas in the tank and the car will drive where you want it to go.
(Excerpt from Amy Goodson’s article published on mytpi.com in November, 2012).
G&T | SUMMER 2015
Fitness & Health
DO’S & DONT’S DURING ROUND DO practice nutrient timing. Plan your minimeals every hour…which usually means eating something every 3-4 holes. During a round, eat at least 3 times: Between holes 4 and 5, at the turn, between holes 14 and 15. Eat BEFORE you are hungry. Drink BEFORE you are thirsty. Fuel your body before your body knows it needs it. Prevent the lulls during a round or the crash after hole16, which is so common for so many people.
“If your goal is to have energy throughout your golf game, maintain driving strength through the 18th hole, and stay mentally focused, you better set your alarm early and make time for breakfast.”
DON’T think that by not eating during a round you are going to “lose weight.” Going 4-5 hours without eating only talks your body into saving energy (fat) over time. DO plan ahead and stash healthy snacks in your golf bag. The best snacks are those with a low glycemic value. These types of foods keep you satisfied longer and allow your blood sugar levels to stay even throughout the round. Great food items to stash in your golf bag for the long haul are: protein bars, nuts, and trail mix. Other great choices that can be left in the golf bag for long are: string cheese, whole fruits, cut raw veggies.
DON’T go near the beverage cart girl! In a competitive round, there is nothing on the beverage cart these days that is healthy enough for you. If you have not planned ahead and craving something, the best thing I’ve seen on the beverage cart is high fiber crackers & cheese and/or fruit. No candy bars!
DO bring lots of water and take a quick swig about 3 times a hole. One sip when you are on the tee box, take a sip somewhere in the fairway, and another sip when heading to the green. Then repeat this EVERY hole. This prevents huge gulps having to be taken when you are already dehydrated. Adding an electrolyte powder to your water in hot climates is encouraged, but try to keep highly sugared and saturated drinks like Gatorade and Powerade to a minimum. You’ll get a lot farther if you water down those drinks.
DON’T drink alcoholic drinks or carbonated caffeinated beverages during your competitive round. These have a tendency to either slow you down or speed you up way too much! They are unpredictable and should not be played with during serious competition. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
POST ROUND Nutrition The two key nutrients in post-exercise nutrition are carbohydrates and protein. Consumption of carbohydrates at high dosages within 30 minutes post-exercise has been shown to increase the recharging of your muscle energy stores. Examples of post-game meals, ideally consumed 30 minutes after you have completed your round, include a whole-wheat turkey sandwich, or a well-balanced carbohydrate/ protein nutrition bar.
Rest After your round is done and after your, hopefully, brief stay at the 19th hole is done, it’s time to relax and recover. A proper good night sleep of 8+ hours is crucial for your body to re-energize and be ready for the week. Along with sleep, your muscles might tender or you may feel some joint motion restrictions. In these instances, there are some treatments to consider such as:
Neuromuscular/Trigger Point Therapy This therapy applies direct pressure to specific tender areas of a muscle. These tender areas are known as trigger points and can refer pain and sensations to other parts of the body. This type of therapy usually leads to an immediate release of tension and improved muscle functioning. Deep Tissue Massage It is a type of massage that focuses on realigning the deeper layer of muscles and connective tissues. It works by physically breaking up adhesions in the muscle to relieve pain and helps to restore proper movement. Note: This article is not intended to prescribe or treat anyone. Before starting any exercise or nutritional diet plan, you need to consult your physician and nutritionist to lay out a personalized plan that fits your needs.
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Learning from the
You’re a busy executive trying to balance your remaining time between your relationship with your spouse, spending time with your family, maintaining a level of personal fitness and health, leaving little time for your recreation. The vast majority of people would rather use what little time they have for golf to play rather than practice or take a lesson, and that is ok if you’re happy with your game and performance. However, if your play is causing you as much heartburn as putting together your annual report to the shareholders, maybe it’s time to think about changing things up. A simple form of periodization might be just what you need.
Managing amille
Vélez
Your Golf
Time
Illus
by C tration
By Chip Koehlke
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
PERIODIZATION Periodization is the systematic planning of athletic or physical training. The aim is to reach the best possible performance in the most important competitions of the year. Periodization is a term used to describe the breakdown of training and preparation process. It involves progressive cycling of various aspects of a training program during a specific period. It is this last part, cycling various aspects, which can help you manage your limited recreational time in order to improve your game and performance. Let me give you an example. A competitive golfer may have a periodization schedule that looks like this: WEEK 1 – Technical Practice – In this phase the player works on improving or maintaining technique in all areas of the game from driving to putting. The player may at the direction of his/her coach, spend more time on some specific areas which need more work, but will also maintain those areas which are already good. WEEK 2 – Pre-Competition Practice – This phase is about linking the technical practice to performance outcome. It is the most ignored phase by amateur golfers and the leading reason someone is great range player but poor on the course. Performance based practice allows you to develop and hone your shot making routines, gain confidence in your ability to play a given shot as well as measure what areas of your game are working and what still needs improvement. Performance practice example – With 5 balls see how low you can score. -1 for any ball coming to rest within 3’ circle around the hole. Even par for any ball coming to rest within 6’ circle around the hole, and +1 for anything outside of 6’ circle around the hole. WEEK 3 – Competition – Actually applying what the player has been developing and maintaining. There are some important aspects of this phase which include, developing a tactical game plan for the course on which you will play, as well as how you will warm-up before you play and practice afterword. This week will end with a post competition evaluation to determine what work needs to be done in the next technical practice phase. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
So if you look at the above example and think how you are approaching your game, you may quickly realize that you are doing little to prepare yourself for the best performance opportunity. You may have limited time, but how you choose to manage what time you have can make all the difference. Here are a couple of suggested options for restructuring your golf time.
If your game is acceptable to you or needs a bit of improvement, maybe your golf time for the month should be divided like this: Week 1 – Technical Practice Week 2 – Pre-Competition Practice Week 3 – Play Week 4 – Play If your game is less than you desire and you need some improvement, maybe your golf time for the month should look like this: Week 1 – Technical Practice Week 2 – Technical Practice Week 3 – Pre-Competition Practice Week 4 – Play
“You may have limited time, but how you choose to manage what time you have can make all the difference to prepare yourself for the best performance opportunity.”
If your game needs a lot of work or maybe you haven’t played in a long time or are just getting back into the game, your golf time might look something like this: Month 1 – Technical Practice Month 2 – Technical Practice Month 3 – Pre-Competition Practice Month 4 – Play
After getting back into the groove you can use one of the shorter periodization examples above. Changing how you manage your golf time can have a positive effect on your performance. Come visit us at the Dorado Beach Golf Academy to learn more about bringing your game to life.
Chip Koehlke is a highly experienced PGA Professional, with 2013 marking his 30th 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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Michael Rios
David Tyson
Dorado’s Dynamic
Duo By Alberto C. Medina Gil
Cover Story
“When you first get here you fall in love with the environment: from the warm weather to the beaches, the mountains, and the golf courses,” says Tyson. “Then you fall in love with the people. I've never had better friends than I have here.”
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
hen David Tyson arrived at Dorado Beach Resort in January 2012 to begin his tenure as the legendary property’s new General Manager, he was, in many respects, in uncharted waters. While the Miami-born executive had over 20 years of experience running country clubs and resorts in places like Philadelphia, New York, and Virginia, it would be the first job in Puerto Rico for a self-described gringo who didn’t speak a word of Spanish. But it didn’t take him long to settle into his new position and to develop a genuine passion for the place he now calls home.
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“When you first get here you fall in love with the environment: from the warm weather to the beaches, the mountains, and the golf courses,” says Tyson. “Then you fall in love with the people. I’ve never had better friends than I have here.”
One of those friends turned out to be Michael Ríos, the Assistant General Manager at Dorado, who would become not just Tyson’s employee and right-hand man, but a trusted confidant and partner in leading Dorado Beach to the next level. It is a partnership based on professional respect, but also on a great deal of personal regard for one another; a relationship emblematic of both men’s peoplecentric approach to management that is reflected in everything they accomplish. “David and I have created a great friendship aside from what we do at work, and I think that friendship also makes us very successful in what we do professionally,” says Ríos.
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Cover Story
A Partnership is Born As in any relationship, it initially took some time for the two men to jell—but not too long. “When David started working at Dorado it was a little bit of a transition for the whole property, not just for David and me,” says Ríos, who had been working there since 2010. “David was arriving as GM and COO of the new company. As with any sudden change like that, at the beginning there was back and forth, but it probably only took two months for us to realize: it’s going to be a great partnership.” That realization, they both say, came from shared goals for Dorado Beach, and a mutual understanding that the greatest success would only be achieved by leveraging the unique skills and knowledge each brought to the table. “Michael is a key guy for me. One thing I don’t have is, I don’t speak the language, and when I started I didn’t really know the culture,” says Tyson. Ríos, on the other hand, had considerable local experience, having worked as Director of Restaurants at Marriott hotels and as Food & Beverage Director at Palmas del Mar Country Club. “Michael was awesome in helping me through those obstacles; his strengths complemented my weaknesses, and my strengths complemented his weaknesses,” says Tyson. “It’s been invaluable.” For his part, Ríos appreciates Tyson’s leadership qualities, particularly those that may seem contradictory, but combine to create a managerial style that brings the best out of each employee.
“One thing I don’t have is, I don’t speak the language, and when I started I didn’t really know the culture... Michael strengths complemented my weaknesses, and my strengths complemented his weaknesses,” says Tyson. “It's been invaluable.”
“One of the things David brings is a lot of structure, because of his knowledge and past experience that he has been able to bring to Dorado and just polish everything we do and make it better,” says Ríos. “But he also gives every manager the opportunity to make their own decisions, and even the opportunity to fail and learn from it.”
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Cover Story
“One of the things David brings is a lot of structure, because of his knowledge and past experience that he has been able to bring to Dorado and just polish everything we do and make it better,” says Rios.
A Vision for Present and Future Tyson and Ríos’ close working relationship allows them to consult and collaborate on nearly everything. “Ninety-nine percent of the decisions I make, I don’t make until I’ve asked Michael what he thinks,” says Tyson. It also allows them to divide and conquer, with Ríos focusing more on the day-today challenges of operating a 1,500-acre property with more than 300 staff members, while Tyson turns his attention to the big picture—and the future. “David has that great experience and knowledge of, not just what is good for the club this year, but also what will be good 10 years from now,” says Ríos. “We’re in 2015 and while we’re really working hard to achieve our immediate goals, I’m working on ‘16 and ‘17 as well,” adds Tyson. “I work with several partners on developing our vision, and it’s my role to make sure we achieve those goals.” That goal, he says, is simple: to make Dorado Beach the best resort in the Caribbean. “I’m not talking about the top golf course, or the top beach,” says Tyson. “Our ultimate goal is to strive for excellence in delivering a ‘life time’ experience that, when guests come here, they would like to live that experience their whole life; and for people who buy here, we want to give it to them the whole year.” That vision has guided Tyson and Ríos as they lead Dorado Beach through an exciting period of growth, starting with the opening of the luxurious Ritz Carlton Reserve in December 2012. There have been new facilities, like the fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, as well as new initiatives like 2013’s Big Break NFL Puerto Rico, a reality golf competition featuring former football greats that brought a national audience to Dorado Beach.
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Cover Story
“Tyson and Rios' close working relationship allows them to divide and conquer, with Rios focusing more on the day-to-day challenges of operating a 1,500-acre property with more than 300 staff members, while Tyson turns his attention to the big picture–and the future.”
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Cover Story
That kind of innovation and growth continues, especially on the links. “We’ve just signed a deal to bring TPC (Tournament Players Club) here. In Puerto Rico, it will be exclusively at Dorado Beach, and will make it a nationally-recognized golf facility. Now, on a golf level, they’re really going to start to know about us,” says Tyson, adding that Dorado Beach members will also be able to play at any of the 35 prestigious TPC courses across the U.S. There is also an upcoming renovation of Dorado’s West Course, which will include five completely brand-new holes, and which comes on the heels of the East Course’s comprehensive restoration just a few years ago. And, to house all the players who will undoubtedly be drawn to some of the best golf in the Caribbean, later this year construction will start on a new 350-room resort on the property. “That will create another level of excitement for us as we continue to grow,” says Tyson. “Ultimately, our ownership’s vision is to continuously add new amenities to the property so every year, when people come back to Dorado Beach, they see something new.”
Leading a Team for Success The results of all these efforts speak for themselves. “At Dorado Beach, year over year, our revenues have grown,” says Tyson. “Our members have grown and we’re holding our own while several clubs on the Island are struggling.” One might think, then, that Tyson and Ríos might cite that growth—difficult to achieve in the current economic climate— or one of the many exciting initiatives outlined above as the crowning achievement of their tenure managing Dorado. But both leaders see beyond the buildings and the numbers, to the individuals who have made it all possible.
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“I think the biggest accomplishment is just developing our people: junior managers that are becoming senior managers, line employees that are becoming managers in our organization,” says Ríos. “David and I are working together with these people, shaping their future and the future leaders in our industry.” Tyson concurs. He’s especially proud that Dorado Beach kept more than 80 percent of its management staff through the leadership transition. The team, he says, is “doing better than they ever thought they could do.” As for Tyson, himself, it’s been just over three years since he first set foot in Puerto Rico, but the Island has already given him the kind of ‘life time’ experience that he is inspired, every day, to provide Dorado’s guests. “The culture, the people, the friendships that I have, that’s the driving force in my life,” says Tyson. “It’s just home now.”
“The culture, the people, the friendships that I have, that's the driving force in my life,” says Tyson. “It's just home now.” 33
Golf Course Showcase
Casa Club
FAST FACTS Located 30 minutes from Luis Muñoz International Airport Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean Luxury 3-bedroom Resort Residences overlooking the beautiful Sugar Cane golf course. Ultra-dwarf Champion Bermuda grass greens with a mixture Zoysia and 419 Bermuda grass on fairways and tees Native golden-sand from Dorado Beach used in all bunkers Caddie services available: $80 per bag gratuity included
The tradition of golf at Dorado Beach is as rich as the property’s history. Beginning in 1955, renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. set out to create the finest golf resort in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, culminating in four spectacular, 18-hole layouts that have played host to celebrities, world leaders, golf legends and PGA tournaments. Today, Dorado Beach is still the only golf venue in the Caribbean offering 72 holes. 34
Forecaddie service available: $100 per group gratuity included Brand new Titleist AP1 and AP2 rental clubs includes two sleeves of PROV1X golf balls: $75.00 per set, plus 7% sales tax PGA instruction available for groups and individuals La Hacienda Clubhouse features golf shop, locker rooms, bar, Members’ lounge, seating on the terrace Zafra Restaurant features fabulous eclectic cuisine in an exquisite atmosphere Practice facility features grass practice range, putting green and a green-side practice bunker G&T | SUMMER 2015
Golf Course Showcase
East Course
EAST COURSE
WEST COURSE
SUGARCANE COURSE
PINEAPPLE COURSE
The Re-Opening of Dorado Beach’s East Course is the first in a series of events signifying its resurgence as one of the premier golf, leisure and private resort membership experiences in the world. Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s restoration of the historic East Course to the original vision put forth by his father brings this classic seaside course into the 21st century with a subtle rebirth as a modern masterpiece.
On the West Course, opened in 1958, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed holes running in different directions, making the everpresent breezes off the ocean a challenge to negotiate.
The Sugarcane course, also built in 1972, is the more challenging of the two Plantation courses although it boasts larger fairways and greens. The course demands you to negotiate forced carries and deep bunkers. The back nine is surrounded by newly created rivers and lakes and offers a much different look.
The Pineapple Course, built in 1972, was designed to be the more-friendly course for golfers. It has fewer forced carries. The bunkers are not as deep and the greens are slightly larger.
Original panoramic site lines to the ocean have been restored on 15 of 18 holes. Native sand harvested from surrounding beaches highlights the contoured bunker complexes. New ultra-dwarf Champion Bermuda greens support double-digit speeds with a number of hole locations on every green. And now, playing over 7,200 yards, Dorado Beach East is as formidable from the championship tee as it is forgiving from the forward tee. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
The four par-3 holes are considered the toughest of Dorado Beach’s four courses. Ranging from 150 to 200 yards, these four holes feature sloping greens and plenty of bunkers. The 175-yard 13th hole is lined with palm trees and the green is in an oasis of rolling sand that seems to run directly into the ocean. The Raymond Floyd Group renovated this course in 2002 keeping the original layout and vision of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Today, the West Beach course is temporarily closed for renovations.
Players have an opportunity for birdies early in the round, but by the 8th hole the course begins to show its teeth. Par is a great score on most every hole on the back nine, with a few birdie opportunities mixed in! Good thing the new Plantation clubhouse awaits golfers after their round, whether it’s for a cold beverage, a magnificent meal cooked to order, or to just relax on our deck that provides great views of the course.
The back nine of The Pineapple Course consists of four holes with ocean views, followed by a tough five-hole stretch culminating with a fantastic parfour 18th that finishes up on a green just below the clubhouse terrace. For those seeking a challenge, this course will provide all you can handle from the back tees.
Dorado Beach Resort & Club 500 Plantation Drive, Suite 1 Dorado, PR 00646 Phone: 787.626.1001 Fax: 787.626-1011 www.doradobeachclubs.com
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Introducing the New Pro V1 and Pro V1x.
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Alex
Cejka wins the 2015 PR OPEN WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
“I’m speechless,” Cejka said. “I’m glad it’s over. It’s been a grinding week, tough week. The first victory is always the toughest. ...These guys are good.”
T
hree months into his 287th career TOUR start, Alex Cejka won his first PGA TOUR, capturing the Puerto Rico Open at the age of 44. Cejka defeated Sam Saunders, Emiliano Grillo, Jon Curran and Tim Petrovic with a birdie-4 on the first playoff hole. It was the TOUR’s first five-man playoff since the 2005 BellSouth Classic won by Phil Mickelson. The Czech-born German Cejka, the first international event winner, was tied for third in Greens in Regulation at the Puerto Rico Open (56/72 77.8%). A fourtime European Tour winner, he birdied four of the first six holes and finished with a 3-under 69 in rainy, windy conditions at Trump International-Puerto Rico. Following Padraig Harrington’s win at The Honda Classic the week prior, Cejka’s victory marked the first time players in their 40s won back-to-back since 2013 when Phil Mickelson (The Open Championship) and Woody Austin (Sanderson Farms Championship) won in the same week. “I’m speechless,” Cejka said. “I’m glad it’s over. It’s been a grinding week, tough week. The first victory is always the toughest. ... These guys are good. I mean this is the slogan. At least I can say I played the PGA TOUR for a long ti me and I won. So that’s a good sentence I can use when I retire.”
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Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
Runner-up Sam Saunders was looking for his first win in his 32nd career TOUR start. Saunders’ grandfather, World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer, won his first PGA TOUR event in his 30th start at the 1955 Canadian Open. Sam had a chance to force another playoff hole, but his 8-foot birdie try on the par-5 18th went to the right. “I really felt like I hit a pretty good putt there,” Saunders said. “It went right on me and I was playing it inside the hole. I’m still proud. I had a great week ... just good things going forward. I’m happy for Alex. He’s been out here so
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long and he’s been a great player for a long time. He deserves it. I’m very happy for him. Hopefully, I’ll have more chances like this.” Runner-up Emiliano Grillo recorded his ninth consecutive par or better PGA TOUR round. Tim Petrovic earned his first TOUR top-10 since the 2013 Greenbrier Classic. John Daly tied for tenth for his first top-10 since the 2012 Barracuda Championship. Rookie Jon Curran made his first playoff appearance in his 17th career TOUR start.
G&T | SUMMER 2015
Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
Eric Morales
makes history
A
t the end of the 8th edition of the Puerto Rico Open, it was amateur golfer Erick Morales who emerged as the best representation of the four local golfers who were part of the field of the Official PGA TOUR event hosted by the PRGA along with a great numbers of sponsors and collaborators. After an opening round of 75 strokes, the dream came Friday true for Morales when he shanked a 10-feet putt par on the 18th hole to finish with a 71 (-2), being able to make which guaranteed him being able to play over the weekend in front of his family, friends and local golf fans. “It was very exciting to reach eighteen and feel the great vibes of the people who were their support us, as the local representation at the Puerto Rico Open, but it was even more special when my putt found the bottom of the cup, which was very key to make the cut.” commented Morales about that special moment. Over the weekend, Morales added rounds of 75 and 69 strokes to his scorecard for the event in order to finish at 289(+1) and tied for 55th place with eight other players. Few bogeys on Saturday stopped him from climbing up the leaderboard, but the five birdies recorded on Sunday were definitively a great boost in his game and self-confidence as “fierce competitor” as described by Tournament Chairman and PRGA President, Sidney Wolf: “Watching Erick make the cut on Friday was very special for me and for golf in Puerto Rico, as he has grown over the years in our programs and has represented his country as a member of the National Team in many occasions in the past.” “Being the only Puertorrican in
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
“Watching Erick make the cut on Friday was very special for me and for golf in Puerto Rico, as he has grown over the years in our programs and has represented his country as a member of the National Team in many occasions in the past”, said Tournament Chairman and PRGA President, Sidney Wolf.
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
the field who can finish the 72 holes this year makes it even more special for all of us that work very hard to have the best level of golf to come down here and play in Puerto Rico. I’ve put Erick to a test and he has endured and accomplished an important goal for him and for us, added Wolf. With Max Alverio as his caddie, Erick benefited from the 7-years of previous experience at the PRO that Alverio would offer him while carrying his bag. “I’m thrilled that I was able to share with Max these past four days at Championship Course at Trump International and being able to play at this level during a very important event for me and my country,” shared Erick Morales during his speech at the Awards Ceremony. He was presented with a special prize on behalf of the Empresas Diaz family, which recognizes the performance of the best local golfer on the field. He then went on to thank God, his family, friends, fans and Alverio for keeping him grounded and focused on the goal of playing shot-by-shot. The duo of best friends celebrated with the roar of the crowd an accomplishment which was very significant for amateur golf in Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
All the excitement from the Bleachers and
the After Party
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Puerto Rico OPEN 2015
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Meeting on the Green
Amigos de La Placita The aim of Amigos de la Placita Golf Tournament is to contribute to realize the dreams of the children of Make a Wish Foundation. In 2007, a group of friendss who like to golf and frequent the recognized Placita de Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico, saw the opportunity of complementing their passion for the sport by uniting friends of “La Placita� on a golf course with a very clear idea: to help children! With organized outing events and the Amigos de La Placita Golf Tournament this group of friends contributes to an important cause: making dreams come true for several children from the Make a Wish Foundation. Recently, this group got together in a joyful, healthy competitive environment event with much fraternization at Punta Borinquen Golf Club and raised funds that will be used by the Foundation. Congratulations!!!
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Meeting on the Green
From Caparra
to Golf
“From Caparra to Golf” is an excellent golf and educative program under Compass Teen Camp, designed for children of Caparra Country Club members and guests. The program is specially designed to teach beginners the basics, and to provide continuity for them to improve within each class. Each session consists of 5 classes led by a pro trained to work with children, where they receive theory and plenty of supervised practice.
On a Sunday morning, last March, parents and children from Caparra Country Club got together for a unique golf experience. It was very exciting to see young kids taking the first step into the golf world. All kids participated in a Mini Golf Tournament, where they were able to apply the techniques and knowledge acquired during past sessions. They enjoyed a day of play with their parents and each kid received an award recognizing the area where they stood out. The next session will be in August and is open to 5-12 year-old Caparra Country Club members and guests. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your kids on this fun program. Come, apply, join us and enjoy Golf!
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Off the Course
A Culinary
Extravaganza Saborea Puerto Rico (Taste Puerto Rico), the 8th edition of “A Culinary Extravaganza” celebrates the best in Caribbean traditions and worldwide flavors with chefs from Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and different regions. San Juan’s blue flag, Escambrón Beach was the center stage of a weekend full of flavor and taste offering tastings from 60 of the island’s restaurants, rums, wine, beer & distilled spirits, with over 50 international and local Culinary Personalities. We were truly excited with this edition of this event and found it very refreshing and innovative. Every were you went you found all that Puerto Rico can offer, from gourmet bites to most basic Ceviche salad, people dancing and having fun in the sun or participating in raffles. I will say that this edition was a very complete one. While we went around, all presenters kept our taste buds busy, all day long. Saborea Puerto Rico had an unparalleled line up of local Chefs and reknown personalities who prepared exquisite dished in front of the public. Local celebrity Chefs like Roberto Treviño, Cielito Rosado, Raul Correa, Giovanna “Maria” Huyke, Augusto Schreiner, Ángel Santiago, Efraín Cruz, Fernando Parrilla, Nasha Fondeur, among other, participated showing off many of the delectable dishes that have positioned Puerto Rico as a worldclass gastronomic destination.
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Off the Course
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
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Golf Gusto
A Cheese Tray How to prepare
By Romualdo Seijo-Marín
Cheese Specialist at Provimi de PR, Inc., a supplier of international cheeses
With the summer season approaching, let’s learn how to serve cheeses and what to accompany them with. I will give you some simple steps to prepare a Cheese Tray and recommendations on how to use fruit, breads and crackers to accompany the cheese, so that you can enjoy the wonderful World of Cheese.
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How to Serve Cheese Attractive and appetizing cheeses arrangements are possible without any major complications or decoration, either for elaborate banquets or informal social gatherings. Ornaments and decorations are elements that clog the cheese tray and decrease cheeses’ visual and gastronomic “natural” features.
STEP 1
NUMBER OF CHEESE VARIETIES At least pick three types of cheese from seven varieties of cheese which belong to different groups, to have various tastes and textures, for instance: “Mild” cheese flavor - Example: St. Andrew, Brie, Camembert, Boursin, Chavrie Goat Cheese, etc. “Medium” cheese flavor - Example: Fontina, Muenster, Gouda, Emmental, Jalsberg, Port Salut, etc. “Strong” cheese Flavor - Example: Morbier, Parmigiano Reggiano, Agec Manchego, Gorgonzola, Beemster Aged Gouda, etc. G&T | SUMMER 2015
Golf Gusto
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
In terms of quantity, you should plan for 1/4 lb of cheese per person, so for 8 people you should have about 2 lbs of combined cheeses.
Vary the shape of the cuts of cheeses; the recommendation is to keep the original shape of the cheeses. Examples: Swiss in chunks; Cheddar in cylinder or halfmoon shapes; Danish Blue and Roquefort in wedges; Mini Brie, Brie Saga, whole (wheels), etc.
Treat Cheese Trays as a painter’s palette, using the cheeses’ contrasting colors. Example: Don’t remove Edam cheese’s red wax, Erin Gold’s green wax or Manchego’s purple wax, etc.
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
Leave the cheeses plain, without decorations. Chopsticks with decorative colors, parsley sprigs, as well as fruit or vegetable ornaments, take away from the beauty of cheeses served “au natural”.
Remove the cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving so that it is room temperature. Do not take the cheese out of the refrigerator before the recommend time because cheese, like Manchego for instance. Keep in mind that soft cheeses are more sensitive to heat than hard cheeses.
You must have the specific knives for the different types of cheese. There is a variety of cheese knives, like soft cheese knives for spreadable cheeses, medium cheese knives and hard cheese knives.
QUANTITY OF CHEESE PER PERSON
CHEESE “AU NATURAL” WITHOUT DECORATIONS
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DIFFERENT CHEESE CUTS
TEMPERATURE TO SERVE CHEESE
COMBINE CHEESE COLORS
UTENCILES TO CUT CHEESE
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Golf Gusto
Cheese Plane The cheese plane is a special knife to cut cheese slices. It was invented and patented in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund, a carpenter from Lillehammer, Norway. The main idea which led to its design was the Guillame (brush wood) used by carpenters.
Accompanying cheese with crackers and bread
Serving cheese with fruits Cheese and fruit make an appropriate combination to be served as an appetizer for a special occasion or as dessert at dinner, and is also very suitable as a snack or light lunch. Fruit should be served separately from the cheese, mainly to prevent the juices to moist and damage the cheese. It is also recommended that fruit be served ready to be eaten, diced in small sizes (tidbit size) to facilitate its consumption. Since it is correct to use your fingers to eat fruit, it is important that it is pre-cut.
You must select crackers or breads with flavors that don’t compete with the cheeses. These should serve as complements, as the main actors should be the cheeses. Crackers or bread must be served on trays or baskets separately from the Cheese Tray. Bread should be cut into small pieces (tidbit size) to facilitate consumption and the best is a baguette type of bread without added flavors. Some cheese lovers claim that cheese should not be served with crackers. Crackers should be low in salt, as some cheese have a lot of salt and the trend nowadays is to cut down on the use of salt.
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Golf Gusto
Varieties of cheese classified by consistency: SOFT CHEESE Cheeses in this category are often spread on bread or crackers to be served as snacks. They’re usually not used for cooking. Most soft cheeses should be used within a few days of purchase–they spoil faster than firmer cheeses. Brie, Camembert, Feta, Robiola.
SEMI-SOFT CHEESE These cheeses are great for snacking or desserts, and a few are heat-tolerant enough to be good cooking cheeses. Cheeses lose character when frozen, but many semi-soft cheeses can be frozen and thawed without losing too much flavor, though some become crumbly. For best results, first cut the cheese into small (1/2 pound) chunks, and wrap each chunk in an airtight package. Thaw in the refrigerator, and use the cheese soon after it’s thawed. Mozzarella, Muenster, Monterey jack, Gouda. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
SEMI-FIRM CHEESE Most semi-firm cheeses are pressed during production to remove moisture. As they age, they become even firmer and more pungent and crumbly. Most of these cheeses are great for snacks and sandwiches, and many can be cooked without becoming rubbery or oily. Semi-firm cheese tend to have a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. Many can last about 1-2 months in the refrigerator if the package isn’t opened, 3-4 weeks if opened,
and 2 weeks if sliced. Appenzeller, Asiago, Cheddar, Caerphilly.
FIRM CHEESES Cheeses usually become not only firmer but more pungent as they age, so most of the cheeses in this category pack a lot of flavor. They’re often grated onto pasta dishes. Firm cheeses have a much longer shelf life than their softer counterparts. Asiago (aged), Manchego, Parmesan, Romano.
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Mixology
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G&T | SUMMER 2015
Mocktail Mattoni Mocktails have set a trend in the United States, and are swiftly conquering old Europe. Tropical fruit, syrup and ice make up this delicious, non-alcoholic mocktail. Professional bartender Armando Ramos brings us a very healthy & well balance mocktail with antioxidants, aromatic citrus, herbs and fruits creating an unforgettable experience in your palate.
Armando Ramos is a Professional Bartender since 2007, Winner and creator of the best Mojito in Puerto Rico since 2011. Armando has participated in PRBA competitions at National level, obtaining best tastings and First Places in Bacardi brand competitions. He took part in the Legado de Bacardi (Bacardi Legacy) 2011 competition representing the Western Region. At present he manages Restaurant Mahi Mahi in A単asco, Puerto Rico with its Mojito Lounge Lab, which delivers to customers at home and helps non-profit organizations to raise funds with its mojito bar.
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Mixology
Mattoni Mocktail Spicy Junittoni INGREDIENTS 8 9 1 ½ oz 1 ½ oz 1 ½ oz 2 10 oz
Basil leaves Junier Berrie Ginger juice (no sugar) Kiwi juice (no sugar) Lime juice Hibiscus Syrup Mattoni Sparkling
METHOD Shake
CUP Hurricane
PROCEDURE 1. Macerate basil & juniper berries with all the fresh juices in a shaker, add ice and shake. 2. Add ice in the glass. 3. Add the mixture into the cup.
DECORATION Lemon, Lime peel, cherry & Pineapple leaves G&T | SUMMER 2015