OTL Magazine April / May 2020

TEXAS TAKE 3

Galveston Island

FINE-DINING

Masterful Meals at Home

TRAVEL

Nashville, Music City

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Contents Volume 17, Issue 5

FEATURES 12

TAKE 3: GAVLESTON ISLAND With 32 miles of shoreline and a variety of parks, Galveston Island offers something for all beachgoers.

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PLAYING RESTAURANT Richard Arebalo invites you into his home and shares his passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

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CIMARRON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY GLUB The club boasts an array of luxury recreational, social, fitness, wellness and dining amenities along with a world-class Nicklaus designed golf course.

Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club

Worl d-class Living TEXAS TAKE 3

Galveston Island

FINE-DINING

Masterful Meals at Home

TRAVEL

Nashville, Music City

ON THE COVER Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club was founded in 2003.

Located in Georgetown it continues to move to the head of the class.

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Contents Volume 17, Issue 5

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22 18

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COLUMNS 18

FITNESS Stuck indoors? You don’t need a gym to maintain your gains.

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PUTT FOR DOUGH The SECURE ACT: Major tax changes become effective in 2020.

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DRIVE FOR SHOW 2020 Jaguar I-PACE Jaguar boasts on the road excitement with stylish design.

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TGA PREMIER Dynamic program makes golf accessible to kids.

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MIND GAME Mind and balance. Golfers use both sides of the brain to achieve balance.

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BUCK’S TIPS Explore the concepts of “Cause and Effect.”

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TRAVEL Nashville. Legends and new comers all can be seen in one night.

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ON YOUR GAME One on one with celebrity golf circuit champion Rich Rhoden.

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WINE Inside the 4th Annual Texas International Wine Competition.

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CIGARS Get you roll on. A great cigar may not be the brand. It’s in the roll.

Hyatt Hill Country Come for the golf.

Stay for the experience.

BOOK OUR GOLF GETAWAY PACKAGE

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9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78251 210-520-4040 | hyatthillcountrygolf.com Must request golf package offer to receive special rate. Based on availability. The HYATT trademark and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates.

From the Publisher he most important thing we can do now is to take care of ourselves and those we love by our actions and behavior.

Humans adapt and survive. It’s what we do and we are good at it. We all know the seriousness and the uncertainty of these days. There appears to be no respite from the pandemic.

After careful contemplation, we have decided to forge on and talk about things that make us feel normal. OTL’s content will try to provide positive and exciting things to do and places to go. We don’t encourage you to go now, but when the environment is safe there will be a lot of making up to do.

I was looking into purchasing a home gym. A trainer said people tend to look at what they don’t have instead of seeing all the opportunity that’s in front of you.

That’s a great point. Since we all are spending much more time at home, let’s make the best of it.

OTL always has a restaurant featured in every issue. We flipped the script this time. Richard Arebalo dines in and shares his inner chef by creating an amazing dining experience at home. You’ll feel as if you have received one of those hard to get invitations for one of his epic themed dinners.

We take you to beautiful Galveston Island as part of our travel getaway. Surf’s up. Enjoy the beautiful images and plan to go the end of the summer.

Cimarron Hills Golf and Country club is our featured club. It’s a very special place. The club is truly one of the best in Texas. Once you read about it, you might want to make it your home.

If you start to feel a bit stir-crazy, try hitting the links. Golf, while not on television, is a fantastic option to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and have a little social interaction (at the proper distance). Most clubs are allowing members to play and many public courses have remained open. Call the course of your choice and ask if they are open. If you play 18 holes, you can escape for four to five hours.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to free your mind and feel a normal routine.

A long walk/run/bike is an excellent way to feel better. Exercise releases endorphins and helps you build up your immune system to fight off viruses. If you’re doing it in your neighborhood, don’t forget to wave or nod to your neighbors and allow adequate distancing.

Most restaurants are open for takeout. Take advantage of that and support these businesses. They are doing a magnificent job feeding us. Special thanks to all the medical heroes treating the sick and saving lives.

The bottom line is that we are all dealing with this situation together. Anxiety is running a little higher than usual for many people. We will get through this together and come out on the other side just a little better. This has provided us a chance to slow down, think and examine who we are and what we do. Use this reboot as an opportunity to make improvements in multiple aspects of our lives, relationships, and careers. We don’t know what the future holds but know we have a future.

Social distancing has brought us closer together.

Sedric Walker • Publisher

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/OnTheLinks Magazine

@otl_golf

@otlgolf

otlgolf.com

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Chin, Andrew Ferguson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONALS Brech Spradley, Buck Mayers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Keller, Leslie Sosa, Kelly Vohnn, Tara Lee Maloney, Andon Guillory, Leonard Finkel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Natalie Kalbas

CONTENT SPECIALISTS Joel McColl, Susan Campbell

INTERNET & DIGITAL Karen Kreeps

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

512.657.7533 pr@otlgolf.com

OTL magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located at 210 Grand Isle Drive. Round Rock, TX 78665. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions and depictions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. OTL reserves the right to refuse any ad for anyreason whatsoever. Š2020 by OTL. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or part without the express written consent of OTL is strictly prohibited. Editorial queries and manuscripts should be directed to the editor via email, editor@otlgolf.com. All letters and their contents sent to OTL are sole property of OTL and may be used, printed, and published in any matter whatsoever without limit, obligation and liability to the author thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and artists and not necessarily those of OTL or its advertisers. Manuscripts should be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. OTL assumes no responsibility or liability for the return of unsolicited artwork, manuscripts or pictures. Printed in the USA.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / TAKE 3

Paradise in Reach

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Galveston Island STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

Among the closest beaches in reach of Austin, Houston and San Antonio, Galveston is ready to accommodate that summertime itch to watch the sun go down in the land of sand. With 32 miles of shoreline and a variety of parks, Galveston Island offers something for all beachgoers.

nparalleled luxury can be found at The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, a 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa resort right on the island. Recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award® since 1999, The San Luis Resort offers a hotel and resort experience you won’t soon forget.

With lavish accommodations, breathtaking Gulf views and personalized service, San Luis has an all-inclusive feel.

Dine at their award-winning res-

taurants, sip a refreshing cocktail in the fabulous The Cove pool, enjoy luxurious resort amenities and then step into the excitement of historic Galveston Island, which offers a wide array of activities on land and sea with sun-drenched beaches, historic sites and famed shopping. Relax and unwind in Gulf-view guest rooms after a “hard” day at the beach.

An educational tourist destination, with a golf course and hotel in Galveston, Texas, Moody Gardens opened in 1986. The non-profit destination uses nature to educate and excite visitors about conservation and wildlife.

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M O O DY G A R D E N S AQ U A R I U M The multi-million dollar investment is a contribution to the city on the part of Moody Gardens and the culmination of the vision to provide a first-class public golf course for local residents and visitors to the Island. The course features Paspalum turf, designed for seaside golf courses and providing an outstanding playing surface.

To keep playing surfaces in top condition, a new water treatment plant and irrigation system were included in a renovation project. This improvement in water quality optimizes playing surfaces and also provides water for landscaped areas around the clubhouse and on the golf course. The course highlights its unique seaside tropical feel with 18 holes meandering through upland and lowland native areas, natural wetlands habitat of beautiful Sydnor Bayou and over 500 palm trees.

Featuring three main pyramid attractions: the Aquarium Pyramid, which is one of the largest in the region and holds many species of fish and other marine animals; the Rainforest Pyramid, which contains tropical plants, animals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and a variety of other rainforest animals including free-roaming monkeys and two-toed sloths; and the Discovery Pyramid, which focuses on science-oriented exhibits and activities.

Another major attraction at Moody Gardens is Palm Beach, a landscaped white sand beach mainly open in the summer, with a small water park for children, freshwater lagoons, a lazy river, tower slides, a hot tub, ziplines, and a splash pad play area for children. Moody Gardens also has a RideFilm Theater with motion-based

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M O O DY G A R D E N S pod seating, the MG 3D Theater features the largest screen in the state of Texas, 4D Special FX Theater, paddlewheel cruise boat, a hotel, golf course and a convention center.

With waterfront fun and entertainment like no other Gulf Coast destination, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features family-oriented attractions will have you busy for a day, maybe two with rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops.

Many of the rides at Pleasure Pier are over the water. You’ll be flying over guests on the Pier, soaring over the Gulf of Mexico and enjoying the ride all at the same time. If mystery is your thing, there’s an 8-minute adventure of a lifetime to be had in a 5D theater Mysterious Underworld ride.

H A U N T E D G A LV E S T O N - B I S H O P ’ S PA LA C E N I G H T

PLEASURE PIER Rivers connect for a mile of fun through three distinct park sections at Schlitterbahn Galveston. The water park is home to four high thrill speed slides including Rohr!, Cliffhanger, and the immersive Screaming Serpents body slide. Surfenburg has raft rides and water coasters with great picnic pavilions and the Tiki Tikes Kids Area for kids of all ages. The world’s tallest water coaster MASSIV Monster Blaster can be found in Blastenhoff with a wave pool - Shipwreck Harbor, and a swim-up bar. If you are looking for a way to cool off on Galveston Island and entertain your family, this is it.

Aaron Martinez of Schlitterbahn said, “Schlitterbahn is the iconic Texas summertime tradition for Texas and non-Texans alike. Schlitterbahn Galveston attracts visitors of all ages from all around the world. From mild to

S E A W O L F PA R K U S S S T E W A R T W W I I D E S T R O Y E R E S C O R T O T L G O L F. C O M

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wild, there is something for everyone at Schlitterbahn.

Thrill-seekers can challenge the World’s Tallest Water Coaster, MASSIV or take on the galactic experience, Infinity Racers. Kiddos can play in Wasserfest kids area or the Whitewater river. And folks just looking to relax can do so in one of two heated pools and swim-up bars, in a private cabana or in the Kristal River. Schlitterbahn truly is the hottest, coolest time in Texas!”

If you’re ready for the thrill of a lifetime and what Skydive Galveston’s owner calls an “air bath”, book your skydiving experience. After an individualized training program one on one with the instructor you’re going to jump with, you’ll be harnessed and ready to jump.

In the air you will get to enjoy some amazing views of Galveston Island, the Gulf Of Mexico and the sandy

beaches. While all this is happening, your tandem skydive instructors are doing their best to keep you calm.

At the same time, they are double-checking all their jump procedures.

You’ll be hooked to your tandem jump instructor. They will fully check you and them, before going through the sequence of the jump again to refresh your memory. It’s easy to forget things while on the ride to altitude. This is an excellent opportunity to address anything you have forgotten and make you comfortable.

The door opens and your instructor will talk you through getting in position ready to jump. You get to pose for some final photos in the door, and then we launch you into freefall. Now you can breathe a little and enjoy the rush of 120 mph while soaking up the beach and ocean views.

After a breathtaking canopy ride you’ll be landed safely on the beach, have an opportunity to reflect on the epic adventure you just undertook and congratulate yourself for your bravery. From there you’ll be transported back to where it all started, have some winddown time with your instructors and be presented with your very own certificate and the video and/or photos you purchased.

A Galveston visit isn’t complete without a stop at one of the area’s many delicious restaurants. Head down to Pier 21 or Galveston’s largest selection of entertainment and dining including Fisherman’s Wharf, Willie G’s Olympia Grill at Pier 21. Complete your stay at the Harbor House Hotel located right at Pier 21.

The Hotel Galvez is famous for being the only Historic Hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast and features Texas’ best

P O R T O F G A LV E S T O N

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Sunday Brunch. The Hotel Galvez is one of Galveston’s best known historic hotels.

Sunday brunch is a divine tradition at Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel.

Embracing the tradition of a classic hotel’s Sunday Brunch while keeping the menu fresh and appealing, fresh fruit, cheeses, breads and pastries are just the beginning of this mid-morning delight.

Every week, Sunday brunch also features an extensive seafood station offering smoked salmon, cocktail shrimp, crab claws and oysters. For those craving a taste of breakfast, the hotel offers made to order omelets and a waffle station. For those with an appetite for lunch, the pasta station offers marinara and

F O O D & W I N E F E S T I VA L

R U D Y A N D PA C O S H R I M P A P P E T I Z E R

E AT C E T E R A Q U I N O A S A LA D

Alfredo sauces and several pastas as well as vegetables, shrimp and chicken.

Perhaps the island’s most unique dining experience, Rudy & Paco features grilled seafood and steak with a South Central American flare. Relax with your favorite cocktail before taking in a show at the Grand 1894 Opera House right next door.

Because sometimes you’re just in the mood for drinks and apps. Galveston is ready for this type of appetite. Drink some, eat some, move along. See as much as you can while you’re there. The best spot in Galveston for both appetizers and cocktails is the Tremont House Rooftop Bar. Don’t miss Hearsay on The Strand for the perfect bloody mary. Live Jazz and beverages can be found at the 1888 Toujouse Bar. We finished our Galveston tour with a stop at Beerfoot Brewery. With 33 craft beers on tap, this is not your regular alehouse. “We are hoping to find the next great craft brewer and say “we knew him when.”, the website states. “Homebrewers are invited to use our top of the line brewing system to produce their best for you to try and critique. Every cycle we will have a new brewer and a new flavor. These beers will be the freshest and most unique in all of Texas.”

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OTL / FITNESS

No Weights, No Equipment, No Problem STORY BY LESLIE SOSA When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right? In many cities, gyms are closed, public gatherings are not permitted, and “social distancing” is the new hashtag on most social media outlets, but that doesn’t have to stop you from keeping your physical health in check. From musicians to comedians, chefs to universities, live and pre-recorded classes are being offered to learn new skills or build on one you have already started to develop. In the fitness world, there is no exception as famous instructors from all over the world are offering their expertise online to keep people moving.

One way to stay active while the gyms and even some outdoor options like golf courses or public parks are currently closed, is to incorporate body weight exercises. Mat Pilates has become quite popular over the years and you don’t need any equipment except yourself and a mat. No special footwear or resistance bands, no weights are required and you can do it all in the comfort of your own home at your leisure with a simple internet connection. Pilates is beneficial for developing slow twitch fiber muscles which are useful for activities requiring endurance; multiple flights of stairs, carrying heavy grocery bags, long distance running or biking. You’ll know that you’re building endurance when the muscles start to produce lactic acid, that burning sensation and fatigue, but if you push

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through and keep going, and you’ll increase your slow twitch fiber muscles. These kinds of muscles produce large amounts of energy over a long period of time.

Another approach to alternative ways of staying active outside of the gym is to learn a new skill. Have you ever wanted to learn a new style of dance or even dance at all? Take up dance in the form or Salsa, Ballet, Hip-Hop, the options are endless with the internet at your fingertips. Dancing is an excellent form of exercise and often doesn’t even seem like work because it is so much fun! Dancing is not only beneficial for your heart health as it is a great source of cardio, but it will also produce endorphins that give your mood a boost of happiness.

Maybe you have been working from home and need to step outside for a bit and get rejuvenated with fresh air. Bike riding, jogging, HIIT workouts and yoga are just a few options that are easily accessible outdoors.

Take this time to enjoy the outdoors to slow down and get creative. All of these activities can also be done with partners or the whole family, so encourage one another to get moving and stay healthy together.

Even though there is a lot of uncertainty, focus on what you can control and try to enjoy a different approach to staying fit. Remember, exercise is not just to keep your muscles healthy, it is profitable for your mental and emotional health as well.

OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

The SECURE Act: Major Tax Changes Become Effective in 2020 STORY BY JIM KERR, CFA, CFP® WITH AUSTIN ASSET

As a Financial Advisor at Austin Asset, I am routinely keeping up with changes to tax laws and how that impacts our financial planning assumptions.

One of the largest reforms just occurred and here is what you need to know: The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was passed by the House in Summer 2019, then passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Trump in December 2019. It provides multiple tax changes for individuals and small employers, with several changes applying to retirement accounts. Some of the changes include:

• You can now contribute to your traditional IRA or Roth IRA no matter how old you are, if you have earned income.

• Your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) can now be delayed until April 1st following the year you turn age 72 (instead of age 70½). This new rule only applies to people who had not turned age 70½ by end of 2019.

• If you inherit an IRA from someone other than your spouse, you will no longer be allowed to stretch the distributions over your life expectancy. All distributions from an In-

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herited IRA must occur within 10 years. Note: This 10-year rule does not apply to beneficiaries who are spouses, disabled, chronically ill, minor children, or not more than 10 years younger than the decedent. Also, the 10-year rule only applies if the decedent passed away after the year 2019.

• You can now take a penalty-free withdrawal of up to $5,000 from your IRAs and other qualified plans due to the birth or adoption of a child.

• There are new and increased tax credits employers can take to encourage them to set up and maintain retirement plans for their employees.

• Part-time employees who work at least 500 hours in three consecutive years are eligible to participate in their employer’s 401(k).

• The employer can set up employerfunded retirement plans after year-end up to the date of the employer’s tax return.

• You can now use 529 College Savings Plans for student loan payments (within limits) and certain apprenticeships.

• Kiddie tax on children’s income is now taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate, instead of the higher Estates and Trusts tax rates.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• With the SECURE Act, converting part of your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may be more advantageous than it was before. Since the RMD beginning date has been raised from age 70½ to age 72, you may have more lower income years available when Roth conversions make the most sense. And if your children eventually inherit an IRA from you someday, inheriting a Roth IRA is much better taxwise than inheriting a traditional IRA. Your children will likely be subject to the new 10-year distribution rule either way, but unlike traditional IRAs, the distributions from a Roth IRA are not taxable.

• If your retirement accounts name a Trust as the beneficiary, the SECURE Act may have a nega-

tive effect on how any Inherited IRA distributions could be distributed and taxed to your heirs. We recommend that you visit with your estate planning attorney if your retirement accounts name a trust as the beneficiary.

• With the SECURE Act, even though the RMD age has been increased to age 72, you can still make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) beginning at your age 70½. You can also continue contributing to your IRA no matter how old you are, as long as you have earned income.

The rules can be complicated, so we encourage you to talk to your financial advisor or tax advisor to determine what strategies you should be using.

Jim is a Financial Advisor at Austin Asset, where he seeks to bring clarity and purpose to wealth through authentic and enduring relationships. For life.

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Jaguar’s 2020 I-Pace

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The electric vehicle market has become all the rage within the past few years. Jaguar’s 2020 I-Pace is one contender that really stands out. This Jaguar boasts on the road excitement all wrapped up in a very stylish design.

Jaguar offers enthusiasts three trim levels separated by what comes standard and what you can choose to upgrade. All the trim levels offer standard all -wheel drive powered by two electric motors. These motors combined produce 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque.

And like most electric vehicles that power comes quickly and without hesitation. The I-Pace’s 90.0kWh battery pack earns an EPA-rated driving range of 253 miles.

On the road the 2020 I-Pace is fun to drive. It is extremely responsive and agile with a standard air suspension that keeps everyone inside happy and comfortable. Jaguar designed the hefty battery pack to sit under the floors which provides a low center of

gravity and more stability.

Jaguar also made certain the 2020 I-Pace is equipped with a standard DC fast-charging port that allows 80 percent of its battery to be charged within 40 minutes.

The 2020 I-Pace’s interior is all Jaguar with very elegant finishes encompassing a modern simplistic dash with plenty of passenger space to go around.

Jaguar offers a long list of standard and tech upgrades to help personalize your vehicle.

The I-Pace has lots of storage out back and one of the best manufacture’s warranties in the business.

The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace starts at the $70,000 mark and can top out around $81,000. This is one electric vehicle that deserves a test drive.

DRIVERSIDE VEHICLE REVIEW

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Playing Restaurant STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO

I have a very cherished food memory from when I was about ten years old. I’ve told it to folks many times over the years, but at a book signing recently, a local chef gave me a completely different perspective on it. had the great luck of being born into a family with terrific cooks – my mom’s food was amazing; even my grandfather and dad were pretty adept on a BBQ grill, but some of my best memories were of my grandmother Santos’s cooking.

I grew up with excellent carne guisada, charro beans, deeply flavored with salt pork, and amazingly fragrant, garlicky Spanish rice, among many other dishes. But my grandmother was also particularly good at Southern cooking. She would prepare delicious pan-fried pork chops with mashed potatoes and pork gravy (served with a salad with French dressing,) her meatloaf recipe continues to make converts to this day, and she made an excellent fried chicken. But a dish I particularly loved was her chicken and dumplings. I liked that dish so much I wanted to share it. So one day I invited several friends from school, home to try it.

Though we ate very well, my family was not into fancy food presentation – the good china gathered a lot of dust in the highest cabinets in the kitchen. For my friends though, I wanted everything to look special. I dug out some of the seldom-used china and set a nice table for them.

I’ve always thought I was just doing what I saw on television, the fancy spread on all those family shows.

When I told the story to the chef, he smiled

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widely and said, “you were playing restaurant!”

I honestly felt bowled over. All my life, I thought I was just sharing good food. It never occurred to me that as a kid, I was already playing restauranteur.

Fast forward a few decades, and I’m still “playing restaurant” for friends, but the difference is I get to have a lot more fun with the atmosphere, the table settings, and even the music.

Together with the help of a few very talented cooks and an actual chef or two, I’ve had the pleasure of putting together some really memorable dinners. As a souvenir, I even have the printed menus for some sixty-five dinners hosted since the late 1990s.

To put a little extra context to my food mania, I have a relatively large collection of fine and vintage cookbooks. The collection includes many works by Michelin-starred chefs, rare cookbooks from the Grand hotels of the last century, and books from the chefs of the great Atlantic Ocean Liners. A treasured find a few years back was a 1912 first edition of Auguste Escoffier menus. (Chef to

FRENCH TA B L E S E T T I N G.

S C A L LO P I N B LA C K T I E .

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PHOTOS BY RICHARD AREBALO

F R E S H I TA L I A N W I N T E R T R U F F L E S .

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kings) I love sharing the experience of a fine meal, and I really love the idea of food as a kind of time travel.

In 2012, one hundred years to the day, I recreated the last dinner on Titanic, making ten of the thirteen courses for twenty-four friends. They did me the great favor of dressing in white-tie (food aside, the ladies had more fun playing dress-up).

I’ve recreated the inaugural dinner from the 1935 French Ocean Liner, Normandie, and treated friends to a meal I had on the Orient Express many years ago.

In each case, I learned how to make things that are not very common anymore; clarified stocks, consommés, long-forgotten sauces, and rare desserts involving making my own flour.

So, I guess I don’t mind a good challenge.

A recent New Year’s Eve dinner allowed me to make something I’d wanted to try for a very long time.

The recipe was from a special twelvecourse dinner at the famed Le Cirque restaurant prepared by Chef Daniel Boulud for the food critic of GQ magazine sometime in the 1980s.

Although the full dinner menu sounded amazing, it would have to stay on the back burner along with other Herculean tasks like “Babette’s Feast.”

What had caught my attention was a beautiful picture of a dish called “Scallops in Black Tie.” It was a kind of scallop Wellington. I decided to tackle that as the challenge and build a classic menu around it as my NYE gift.

For dinners like this, I like to go at least a full seven courses, and I try to make the visuals really shine. Since much of the meal would be Frenchinspired, I opted for Bernardaud porcelain. While the large place plates are simple cobalt with splashes of gold stars, all the ancillary dishes focus on Parisian monuments. The dinner plates individually feature the architecture of twelve different world cities. A full complement of Christo-

B E E F T E N D E R LO I N A N D S A U C E B O R D E LA I S E .

H O R S D’O E U V R E S , L U C U L L U S . B L I N I W I T H C A V I A R , T R U F F L E PÂT É , S M O K E D S A L M O N .

fle and vintage Cailar Bayard silver finished the table nicely.

In some of the very old menus I have, I kept coming across the phrase “Hors d’oeuvre Lucullus.” They didn’t seem to be a specific thing, but more of a category. I learned that the ancient Roman general ‘Lucius Licinius Lucullus’ was so famous for his banqueting that the word “lucullan” now means lavish, luxurious, and gourmet.

So, appetizers Lucullus meant anything over the top.

I decided on small Petrossian blinis with sour cream and French caviar, toast points with truffled duck pâté, and smoked salmon topped with dill. The first course was served with a favorite Henriot Champagne.

From the famous Lutèce restaurant in New York, I got the soup course. I’ve been making Chef André Soltner’s Shrimp Bisque for many years now – it’s a bit lighter than the traditional lobster version and is so much better with its garnish of sautéed shrimp. I paired the soup with a 12-year-old Don Zolio Amontillado. This particular sherry drinks beautifully and compliments the cognac used in the soup.

The fish course was the (happily successful) Scal-

lops in Black Tie – Chef Boulud had taken large sea scallops and cut them horizontally. The layers are then filled with shaved black truffle. The whole is wrapped in blanched spinach and then in puff pastry cases. The scallops are then baked to a golden brown and served with a chicken jus reduced with truffle and vermouth.

Chef Andy at Soto in Austin procured large, fresh Hokkaido scallops for me, and I had sourced fresh Italian truffles from D’Artagnan in New York. The truffles were a decent size, but most importantly, very fragrant.

The trick seemed to keep everything very cold. As soon as the pastry warmed too much, it was nearly impossible to make the neat little packages, and using spinach as wrapping paper will not happen again soon.

The results though, were worth the wait and effort. The scallops were picture perfect and a brilliant combination of flavors.

Since we had started with Champagne, I paired the scallops with a 2016 Patient Cottat Sancerre. The gooseberry and grapefruit acidity in the wine was a nice counterpoint to the scallops and the rich butter in the puff pastry.

The main course was a little less creative, but it’s

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S A LA D W I T H C H A M PA G N E V I N A I G R E T T E . hard to beat a well-made beef tenderloin with a bordelaise sauce. Fondant potatoes cooked in chicken stock, butter, and thyme, and sautéed asparagus made for excellent sides.

For the wine, I chose a 2006 Chateau Lagrange, Saint-Julien. The most common description for this third growth Bordeaux is “finesse.” Medium weight with black fruit, pencil shavings, and the smallest hint of vanilla, it was a great wine with the beef.

I remember reading that the American custom of a salad before dinner was a restaurant invention in the mid-1900s. Restaurants needed something to keep customers busy while their food was being prepared, and so the salad was moved ahead of the main course.

For our dinner, we had a small, simple salad after the main as a perfect palate cleanser.

For dessert, I selected another recipe from Le Cirque. Many years ago, the New York Times printed their popular crème brûlée recipe, and it’s the one I’ve used ever since. (it’s straight forward, but from experience, not forgiving of shortcuts.)

In Sommelier training about a decade ago, I learned that you can pair sweet wines with sweet desserts and 30

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CAV I A R S E RV I C E. not yield too sweet an effect.

To that end, I paired the lovely custards with a 2014 Chateau Doisy-Vedrinés Sauternes. The wine had aromas of honey and orange zest. The palate had enough acidity to brighten the sweetness, and the flavors of lemon, honey, and orange peel were wonderful.

A French tradition I like very much is to serve fruit at the end of a meal. Though it may seem like too much, bit by bit, grapes are eaten over long conversation, cherries, and sometimes peaches vanish just the same.

We finished our meal with a 1977 Sandeman port and coffee, and with just a few minutes to spare, we toasted the New Year with an “André Clouet 1911” Champagne.

We finished our evening with some dancing and a bit more Champagne – I like to think that the ten-yearold me would have been over the moon.

So now I’ve been “playing restaurant” for the better part of forty years. My friends kindly indulge me as sometimes the work can be a little overwhelming, but in the end, when we’ve enjoyed an extraordinary experience, some fine wine, and a great food memory was made – it makes the work so worthwhile.

TGA Premier Sports Makes Golf Accessible for Kids STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

Sitting here “sheltered in place” watching my kids take internet classes then having recess in the confines of our backyard trampoline, I’m reminded of times that suddenly seem simpler yet uncomfortably far away. One in particular was a fall visit to one of the most innovative introductory juniorgolf-in-schools programs I’ve seen in years.

While TGA Premier Sports-- which has chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio-- currently has its enrichment programs in online-only mode, their business model is too good not to share. When TGA programs return to these communities, you should consider signing up a child you know who could use more sports in their lives.

You might find James Casteel’s after-school TGA Premier Golf of Tarrant County class decidedly louder than other golf programs you may have seen. However, compared to the unfettered chaos of kids at play in the adjacent open field — a never-ending game of tag (that, at times, resembles rugby), a toddler toppling unexpectedly over the top of a soccer ball the size of her entire torso and rowdy footballers trying to make their spirals sing through the wind in the key of Dak Prescott— the golf class looks as mellow as a yoga retreat in a Tibetan monastery. From a distance, Casteel and his 22 elementary-school-aged pupils, in their warm-up-stretch poses, almost appear to be moving in slow motion in the sectionedoff space Casteel has reserved (and organized into stations) for this weekly hour-long session.

“During our stretches, it’s a great time to get everyone focused and ping them with some questions that jog their memories on what we worked on in our last class,” Casteel, a veteran golf instructor and TGA Premier Sports of Tarrant County owner, says. “It’s also the best time to review the academic lessons (TGA classes cleverly incorporate science, technology, reading and math (STEAM) into the PhD-designed class curriculum) so I’ll ask, ‘Who remembers what we learned about the effects of gravity… or spin?’ It always helps to engage their brains early, before we start hitting shots.”

TGA’s innovative before- and after-school enrichment programs and local sports camps bring developmental golf,

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tennis and an array of team sports directly to the students, saving parents travel and time while engaging kids in healthy new activities. Casteel’s Metroplex-area franchise is one of 77 TGA Premier Sports chapters nationwide. TGA (an acronym for Teach, Grow, Achieve) is on pace to enroll its one millionth student in 2021 since launching in 2003.

Five-year-old Chance’s eyes follow “Coach James” almost constantly during the hour. He’s timid but attentive and serious about improving his golf skills. He raises his hand frequently as Casteel engages the group, but only if college-aged Coach Taylor is at his side, a buffer from the stares of the much bigger kids in the group. When the class breaks into stations, Chance’s face reveals how well he executes each chip.

His confidence soars as he’s the only participant to drop all seven chip shots into the target zone. He accomplishes this twice before it’s time to switch stations. For this shining moment, our rail-thin hero is the Short Game King.

Station-based lessons keep every participant busy throughout the hour and reveal the crafted genius of the TGA lesson plan, which uses a handbook that is a lively mix of introduc-

tory golf with academic fundamentals that relate to the sport.

By catering to new golfers ages five to 12 (70 percent of TGA participants and families have never played golf) and making golf available to the masses, TGA is activating a new generation of lifelong golfers.

Meagan, age 8, brings big energy, big laughter and an already-obvious natural athleticism to the class. By the 15-minute mark, she’s already asked about “hitting drivers” three times. Tonight, she’ll have to wait until her third rotation before she and her group “let the Big Dog eat.” Chipping and putting sessions fly by, though, and soon Meagan is making exuberant three-quarter swings into a net with park- and backyard-safe plastic TGA limited-flight golf balls.

Casteel explains that TGA students learn a small (repeatable) “Tick-Tock” swing first before graduating to half- then threequarter and full swings (toward colorful targets) so they develop distance control and pick up golf’s often-daunting movements in achievable steps.

TGA Premier Golf creates accessible and simple player pathway for students and their families to build on their newfound golf passion and advance further in the sport. TGA programs are leading juniors to participating in other national golf programs like PGA Junior League and Drive, Chip & Putt, as well as playing on high school and college teams.

With registration fees significantly less than $200, TGA’s sixor eight-week enrichment programs are also extremely affordable for families interested in starting their kids in golf.

“Our goal is to be the first step for juniors entering golf’s player pathway while specializing in introductory and recreational programs,’” says TGA Premier Sports CEO and founder Joshua Jacobs. “TGA gives kids and families a solid foundation to learn the sport in schools and community centers while providing a seamless transition to the golf course.”

TGA provides all of the equipment for kids at no cost in the program, including its own line of custom golf equipment to provide all players an affordable option to get into the sport. The program can also be utilized anywhere on school campuses regardless of weather, including gymnasiums, hallways, cafeterias, fields and blacktops.

“It’s incredible how fast an hour goes by but you can see a real sense of joy and accomplishment on the kids’ faces by the end of each class,” Casteel says. “The more they get into the groove of hitting shots into the targets or sinking putts, you hear a lot of eruptions of excitement.”

Right on cue, Chance, now brimming with all the confidence of Steph Curry uncontested from the three-point line, breezes through the Putting session by jarring five of

six putts. Smiles all around. Next, at the Full Swing station, he takes a rip with the driver and the ball nails the flagstick on the fly. Without missing a beat, he informs the class is his work is done for the day, leaning on his driver with absolute satisfaction.

“TGA really makes a big impact on kids and their families,” says Casteel. “Our kids get such a rewarding experience, meeting new friends, learning from successes and failures and seeing how far they can push themselves. We have multiple kids who started out very young with TGA and now play competitively for their high school teams.”

For more information about TGA Premier Sports slates of fun-filled Summer Camps and Fall In-School Enrichment programs, visit www. playtga.com or follow @ TGA_Sports on Twitter.

TGA Premier Golf Chapters in Texas: TGA of Austin - www.playtga/austin TGA of North San Antonio – www.playtga/nsa Dallas TGA of Tarrant County – www.playtga/tarrantcounty TGA of Northwest Collin County – www.playtga/nwcollin

TGA of South Denton County - www.playtga/sdenton Houston TGA of North Houston - www.playtga/northhouston TGA of West Houston - www.playtga/ westhouston

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OTL / MIND GAME 34

Balance Your Mental Game for Better Golf STORY BY BRECH SPRADLEY, PGA DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION • BARTON CREEK GOLF ACADEMY The human brain has two sides a golfer needs to try to balance. Basically, the left side is the analytical side and the right brain is the creative/feel side. The left side deals with the function of analysis, logic, computation and rational thought of the game. The right side deals with intuition, creativity, imagination and emotions of the game. Let’s discuss these two areas of the mental game.

A true balanced golfer utilizes their left side of their brain before the swing begins and more of their right side when the swing is in motion. An example of this would be that before a shot, a player should assess the situation behind the ball including picking out the target, club selection and type of shot (left brain analysis). Many great players even pick out an intermediate targets such as a piece of grass or spot on the ground a few feet in front of their ball for aiming. Then, after the player finishes their left brain routine he will move into right brain mode and make a relaxed free flowing swing. This is a great example of playing with both sides of the brain.

The player was not overly wrapped up in swing mechanics during the swing. If a player gets too stuck in one side or the other, he/she will most likely not perform at their best. Overly analytical players become so wrapped up in swing mechanics that they lose their creativity and feel for certain shots.

Heavy right brain players miss out on some of the complexities of the game that require more of the analysis, such as wind direction, slope lies, green reading, and tactical course management. These variables are examples of some of the left brain analysis that a golfer needs to complete during a round of golf.

Another aspect of balancing the mental game is determining when to play aggressively and when to play conservatively. Phil Mickelson, before winning multiple major championships, was known for his “go for broke” mentality. Although he’s always been one of the greatest golfers, he started winning majors when he did a better job of managing the game. He started playing more conservatively when it was called for, and aggressively when the opportunity was there.

Phil has now won five majors. For the amateur golfer, managing aggressive and conservative play should be a part of their game.

Let’s call it the 50/50 rule, meaning that if you face a shot that you could not pull off over 50% of the time, then it is not a shot that should be attempted on the course. This style of play can lead to tension in the swing and probably

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a poor result. The range is the place to practice shots not the course.

A player must make wise decisions and play within their limitations, such as deciding when to attack pins and when to aim at a safer part of the green. Think how many greens in regulation you would hit if you aimed at the middle of every green. I am not suggesting this is the way for everyone to play, but it’s important to know when to take a pin on and when not to.

Next time you play, try to incorporate a good pre-shot routine that encompasses the left brain computations of the shot, but when it is time to pull the trigger relax and make a tension free swing with the target etched clearly in your mind. Also try to choose targets that are more comfortable spots to take aim and I am sure that you will start scoring lower.

One thing to remember is that studies show that the human brain does not compute negatives as it does positives, so when picking your target mentally tell yourself “I will” or “I want to hit the ball there” instead of “don’t hit the ball in the water.” All the brain recognizes is water.

This type of negative thinking will almost guarantee a bad result. So keep your thoughts positive and your results with greatly improve. Good luck!

OTL / BUCK’S TIPS

The Concepts of Cause-and-Effect STORY BY BUCK MAYERS The most overlooked flaw to instruction from my perspective is asking one very simple question before you start each lesson. “What are your concepts of the golf swing and impact?“ Once we have established what they are attempting to do, now we have to discern if their concepts are good ones or need a little tweaking, and are they really doing what they think?

Every motion (cause) produced with our body or club and every thought (cause) has certain reactions (effects) to the ball flight (effects). To be successful, we must have a clear understanding of the concepts of cause and effects.. The golfer’s confusion abounds from this neglect and lack of understanding. These basic principles to the laws of motion are simple but rarely learned, seen, felt, and seldom practiced with purpose.

Whether it’s old-school/digging in the dirt

- ball flight or new school/technology – use of video, 3-D, Trackman, Swing Catalyst data to see and measure, or a combination of both, golf instructors have better armed themselves with more tools in their box to simplify coaching.

It’s the coaches job to communicate the “keep it simple silly” approach to the what, when, how, and where.

Ideology, systems, methods, and opinions sometimes dominate the “how“ to teach. In learning, if we are better listeners, we now know ““what“ to teach and better serve the client with the best strategy to get better sooner. Understanding the concepts of cause-and-effect is the first step. We all miss it and hit poor golf shots.

Learning why it’s not that complicated. We all can miss it just a little better, because golf is not a game of perfect.

Buck Mayers is the Director of Instruction at Escondido Golf & Lake Club and can be reached at buckmayersgolf.com

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Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club

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A luxury club with a welcoming social vibrance STORY BY MARC HALL

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As long as runners run, hikers hike, revelers revel, troubadours make crowds swoon and barbeque pit masters draw long lines, Austin will always earn high marks for its livability and lovability. However, as the Capital City grows increasingly cosmopolitan and-- let’s face it-- crowded, discriminating homebuyers and prospective country club members are looking to posh outlying communities that still put the country in Hill Country.

he acclaimed Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club in Georgetown, founded in 2003, somehow still has the sheen of a new property and delivers an entertaining array of luxury recreational, social, fitness, wellness and dining amenities along with a world-class golf experience on its 18-hole 7,302-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature course.

Nestled along the south fork of the San Gabriel River, this 1,000-acre upscale development has grown healthily along with the rest of the areas north of Austin and is more accessible than ever to Cedar Park, Round Rock and even downtown Austin can be reached in a half-hour drive from the gates of Cimarron Hills. Members and

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residents enjoy active outdoor lifestyles in this tucked-away, oak-forested 1,000-acre development that was home to a working ranch before golf and high-end residential offerings transformed a beautiful place into a beautiful place to share with friends and family.

“You’re only 30 minutes from the heart of Austin, and being a few miles west of I-35, you can easily see we’re at the beginning the Texas Hill Country. The land has some nice roll and elevation, but it’s subtle and gentle,” said director of golf Chris deKeratry. “The peaceful, natural setting here, along with the maturity of the land and wind through the oak trees, lends to our members feeling like they’re on a little vacation every time they enter the gates.”

Cimarron Hills provides of activities for every age group and refined amenities that easily rival any resort’s approach to enrichment, recreation and wellness. A full-service spa offers treatments, massages, and skin care. Activities for all ages include hiking and biking trails, organized activities and a bustling social calendar, a fitness center with the latest equipment, and expansive swimming center. Osage Trace restaurant in the clubhouse features a diverse menu and a lively crowd. deKeratry says Osage Trace has become the perfect gathering for so many families, couples and groups of friends in the community.

“We’re proud of the welcoming and friendly culture here. So many of our members have an obvious appreciation for the club amenities and the unspoiled commune with nature this club and community offers,” said membership director Lily Jones. “Our general manager Robbie Kearney puts it best when he says ‘Cimarron Hills is an inclusive club with exclusive amenities and levels of service.’ There’s a diverse mix of age groups and a really welcoming culture throughout this club. The clubhouse is the heartbeat of the entire community, especially during Men’s League, Women’s League and any holiday. Easter and the Fourth of July are special times here.”

The Nicklaus Signature distinction piques elevated expectations, and the golf course at Cimarron Hills Country Club lives up to the reputation, especially with its creeks meandering through the property, excellent tree cover and a clever routing that makes engaging use of six dogleg rights, six dogleg lefts and six straight holes. Playing Cimarron Hills with success will mean you’ve played the appropriate angles on your tee shots and played some bold shots into some stout pin placements. A part of Troon Golf’s exclusive class of Privé properties, Cimarron Hills maintains championshipquality conditions year-round thanks to the capable talents of new superintendent Mike King. With the Troon Privé affiliation comes access to the full roster of luxury private clubs in the Privé portfolio, like The Club at Cordillera near Vail, Colorado, Silverado Resort and Spa and Marin Country Club in Northern California as well as destinations around the world, such as Palmilla Golf Club in San Jose del Cabo in Mexico and The Grove, outside of London, England.

“This is a challenging golf course but the members are pretty wise about playing the

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right sets of tees,” deKeratry said. “There’s a real strategic use of the water features and there’s no fall-off to the round. Any three-hole stretch could be anyone in the foursome’s favorite. This golf course has as good a three-hole finishing stretch as any course in the state. From the all-carry approach over the creek bed at 16 to the picturesque par-three 17th that plays over a wide pond and the brawny par-four 18th where you play one of the most thrilling approach shots over water to end your round.” If you need more after that finish, the nifty 72-yard 19th hole provides a chance to settle bets or simply put an exclamation point on the day before you head into Osage Trace for a drink.

An extensive golf course renovation in 2017 saw new Champion Bermuda greens replace the less heat-tolerant Bentgrass surfaces, as well as a bunker renovation utilizing state-of-the -art capillary concrete™. Additionally, every green and bunker was restored to the shapes and sizes designed in the original routing. Pay no attention the Dallas Morning News’ ranking of Cimarron Hills as the 71st best course in the state. It’s solidly in the top 30. The more raters that see it, the higher it will rise.

Beyond golf, Cimarron Hills is also home to the world-renowned Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy with world-class management and amenities. The tennis program is led by Director of Tennis Cal Loveridge and his dedicated staff and features yearround programs for all ages and abilities to help our players make the most of every match.

Luxury real estate options within the 1,000-acre development have been moving quickly but a variety of options are available, from lock and leave Villas up to Estate homes on ¾-acre lots and select offerings in between. All built in distinctive styles that marry Mediterranean influences with native Texan stone and the latest finishes and design features.

“People who gravitate to Cimarron Hills put lifestyle first and they’re seeking access to nature as well as the top-level amenities offered at the club,” says real estate sales associate Amberly Ward. The community serves a variety of needs for its residents, including many young families seeking a rich quality of life away from the city, while custom floor plans in a number of sizes appeal to retired buyers and empty nesters wishing to downsize their living space without compromising custom finishes and layouts.

Future residents have the flexibility to work with the architect and builder of their choosing or may enjoy the ease of working with one of the

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trusted and reputable builders that have tremendous experience in the community. Sitterle Homes, Pinnacle Custom Homes and Goodner Brothers have built a wide variety of homes in Cimarron Hills with superior craftsmanship and customer service that residents rave about for years to come.

The more Austin grows, the more informed homebuyers are going to gravitate to the allure of the Hill Country with ever-increasing shopping, dining and community comforts popping up all over Georgetown.

Cimarron Hills is redefining luxury living and commu-

nal fun in way that echoes the spirit of Central Texas and appreciation for the good life. As deKeratry says “People hear Cimarron Hills and they think it’s probably a stuffy country club straight out of Caddyshack, but this is one of the most consistently fun and welcoming places I’ve ever seen in all my years in the golf business. It’s genuinely a place that lives up to its billing and exceeds it.”

If you get the chance to see Cimarron Hills firsthand, don’t hesitate. It’s a tremendously satisfying place to spend the day, or perhaps even a lifetime.

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OTL / TRAVEL

Red Carpet Style in Music City Nashville STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

“Down on Music Row, if you want to be a star that’s where you’ve got to go,” country music’s legendary superstar Dolly Parton bursts out in one of many songs written about the Tinseltown of the deep American South, Nashville, Tennessee.

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travel

ith nicknames such as Nashvegas, Cashville, the Buckle of the Bible Belt, Hollywood of the South, and many others, this music-wealthy city is also home of the Tennessee Titans NFL team Nashville Predators hockey team and both Vanderbilt and Tennessee State University.

Pack your heart separately because you may lose it in this city of hopes and dreams. Known as a land of possibilities where aspiring artists flock and celebrities reside, this star-studded city will leave you with a sparkle in your eye and a dream in your heart.

With a regal water show and botanical garden tours, you’ll want to book your stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Blissful pampering awaits at its 27,000-square-foot European-inspired spa which features an indoor/outdoor pool, 12 private treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Numerous shops are available onsite, from bath products to gifts,

music and candies, entertainment for a lazy afternoon is in arms reach. Gaylord Springs Golf Links has stay-and-play packages at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, only five minutes to Gaylord Springs and 10 minutes from Nashville International Airport.

The Cumberland River gave birth to the Scottish links-style Gaylord Springs Golf Links, a par72 golf course that provides 18 testing holes that border limestone bluffs and wetlands protected by the feds. The golf course, designed by the former U.S. Open and PGA Champion Larry Nelson, has collected several distinctions over its days.

The big draw on the Gaylord Springs Golf Links is the signature fourth hole, home to the hundredplus-year-old springhouse that gives the golf course its name.

After a round on the Gaylord Springs Golf Links, head back to the 43,000-square-foot antebellum-style clubhouse to shop, dine, and take in the views of the golf course.

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ENJOY DOWN HOME SOUTHERN CUISINE AND A SHOW OR JUST ENJOY THE VIEW ABOARD NASHVILLE’S GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT.

Feel the rumble of live music beneath your feet at Nashville’s premier country music stage, worldrenowned Grand Ole Opry. Legends, superstars and new talent can be seen all in one evening. Unlike any other concert venue, the Grand Ole Opry presents multiple artists at each show, giving the audience a variety of styles to listen to in one night. Backstage tours of the music hall where many musicians launched their careers are guided for a close-up and personal experience. You can walk on the same stage that Carrie Underwood has performed and hear stories about what happens behind the curtain at the Grand Ole Opry while sneaking a peak in the artist’s dressing rooms.

The General Jackson Showboat is the one to catch in Nashville. Hop aboard for a phenomenal lunch or dinner cruise on the Cumberland River. A three-course, pure Southern meal is prepared and served while cruising the city’s skyline from an authentic paddle-wheel showboat.

Taste local Nashville fare and Southern favorites on a guided walking tour. As you explore the city, learn the history behind famous sites like Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and Printers Alley. Try Nashville hot chicken, BBQ, beer, and more at local restaurants while you 50

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hear stories about Music City. If you’re a foodie or a first-timer, this tour is for you.

“Roll into town step off the bus, Shake off the where you came from dust, Grab you guitar walk down the street, Sign says Nashville Tennessee,”-Jason Aldean If you’ve ever been interested in celebrity homes, this city offers the perfect tour. A 3.5-hour sightseeing bus tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach drives through some of Nashville’s best scenic, upscale and secluded areas and neighborhoods to see celebrity homes. Superstar’s such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock, Dierks Bently, Reese Witherspoon, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood and Taylor swift are on the list. A hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in the tour.

From interactive exhibits to only-in-Nashville events, there’s plenty to see and do at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Elvis’ gold Cadillac and piano can be found here. The museum’s major exhibition, however, Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s, celebrates this era of cultural and artistic exchange between Nashville, Tennessee, and Austin, Texas, revealing untold stories and

never-seen artifacts. The exhibition, which remains for a nearly three-year run, explores the complicated, surprising relationship between the two cities.

Sing Me Back Home, the museum’s core permanent exhibit tells the story of country music from its pre-commercial roots in the nineteenth century through its vibrant life today. A multi-layered experience, it includes artifacts, photographs, original recordings, archival video, newly produced films, touchscreen interactive media, and beautifully rendered text panels. You’ll become immersed in the history and sounds of country music, its meanings, and the lives and voices of its honored personalities at this exhibit.

Don’t miss a chance to tour the historic RCA Studio B. The cities most important recording studio and the creative epicenter for Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, The Everly Brothers and many others, this iconic tour is worth the time spent.

At the Museum General Admission, stories of the music’s roots through artists of today unfold before your eyes through displays, interactive photo archives, engaging films, listening stations — and, of course, the inspiring Rotunda, where the plaques of all Country Music Hall of Fame members reside.

Located inside the Museum, the state-of-theart CMA Theater hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year, from country, bluegrass, and folk artists to the latest Americana acts.

An authentic Nashville original, Hatch Show Print opened in 1879, and has been creating show posters for more than 140 years. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this process and print your own poster at this location. Famed WSM radio personality, Bill Cody carries you through Museum & Audio Guide offering fun details, behind-the-scenes stories, and other insider tips to help the exhibits come alive.

We’ve barely covered the surface of attractions and the scene “behind the scenes” in this fun city. If you’re in pursuit of a fun music-filled stay, start planning your own getaway. Sources say NFL quarterback Tom Brady may land with the Tennessee Titans if the Patriots don’t lock him down for a 21st season in New England.

“I woke up in Nashville, but it still felt like a dream. Like the one I’ve been chasing since the day I first played my Dad’s six string”-Seth Ennis.

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OTL / ON YOUR GAME

Interview with Rick Rhoden STORY BY LEONARD FINKEL

Rick Rhoden was by far the best golfer on the celebrity golf circuit. He even played on the PGA Champions Tour. I ran into Rick at the celebrity tournament and began chatting with him.

He said that he wasn’t the player he used to be and he’s having trouble hitting his irons these days. It was the perfect opportunity to come into Club Champion. Rick wound up getting new irons. He also agreed to sit down for an interview. Here’s what Rick had to say.

Leonard Finkel: Rick, you had a long illustrious career as a major league baseball player.

What would you consider your highlights?

Rick Rhoden: Biggest highlight was getting to the major leagues at all. I hurt my leg when I was eight years old on a slip-n-slide. You hooked up the hose to a 40ft. piece of plastic, you shot water on it and you run and dive on it. I hurt my knee and looked down it was bleeding. There was a pair of rusty scissors and they cut my knee. I went to the hospital and got a tetanus shot and got stitched up. I was on bedrest for three months. I had osteomyelitis and needed an operation.

It’s a bone disease. Mickey Mantle had that. I went to Shriners hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Stayed there like 2 or 3 months. They made a leg brace for me, which I had to wear for 4 years. I couldn’t play any organized sports. I didn’t start playing organized sports till I was 14. I was just hoping to get a college scholarship. Getting to the major leagues was a hope of mine but I never thought it was possible. Getting to the big leagues was a bigger accomplishment for me than it would be for most guys.

Finkel: That makes a lot of sense. Do you want to point out any of your highlights from your playing days?

Rhoden: I was fortunate. I played on some really good teams, I played on some really bad teams, but I also played for the probably the best two organizations in baseball, the Dodgers and Yankees. I feel really

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fortunate that I was drafted by the Dodgers. The Dodgers always had great pitching, so I got to see all kinds of pitching at the big-league level in spring training. I tried to pay attention and I did the same thing when I started playing golf, play with guys who are better than me and just paid attention to how they were doing their work.

With baseball, as a kid I always played with older kids because that’s what I was around, and I think if you have any talent, it’s better to be the youngest then to be the oldest and best player. You got to do a lot of things to compete with older guys. My first year in the big leagues as a rookie was, 1975 and they put me in the bullpen because the Dodgers led the big leagues in ERA for like 11 straight years. I was on the All-Star team in 1976 with the Dodgers and then my next year in 77 and 78 I was in the World Series. I thought this is pretty easy. Four years and I have one All-Star team and two World Series. Then I got traded the next year to the Pirates. I was hurt, my shoulder was messed up and put on the disabled list. They won the World Series that year and I never got in another playoff game. But I was in two All Star Games. I think one of the things I’m known for is my hitting. I was probably one of the best hitting pitchers when I played. I had like an 11-game hitting streak as a pitcher which is like I think 5th or 6th all time. And I had 28 hits in 1986. I still think that’s the most hits by a pitcher since then.

Finkel: You won more than 150 games in your career and had 69 complete games and there

on your game

are very few complete games pitched anymore. In your opinion how has the game changed, and do you think it has changed for the better?

Rhoden: I can’t hardly watch baseball today. I think most of the guys who played when I played feel pretty much the same way. The biggest difference is size. The guys are really big now. I did some minor league work for the Dodgers four or five years ago, for like 4 years, and the Dodgers when I played, we had ten pitchers. All the teams had 10 pitchers now they have 13. So that gives the manager three less moves he can make for pinch-hitting and stuff. And they have more guys on the disabled list now than we did when we played. The years I played with the Dodgers we led the league in ERA all four years. I think our heaviest guy probably weighed 225. I think I weighed 206. Most of the guys weighed under 200 pounds. The Dodgers 7 or 8 years ago, out of 13 guys, seven guys weighed over 230 pitching for them! They’re big, they throw hard. I don’t think you see as much pitching you do as when I played. I think it’s more throwing now.

Everything’s the same now. The number one and number

two guys on every team are great. But hitters are killing these third, fourth and fifth starters on most teams. In my opinion, the first reliever in the sixth inning is throwing 97 miles an hour. And just if he could throw it in that box you see on TV, he can pitch in the big leagues, because he going to pitch one inning. Next guy comes in, it’s the same guy for almost every team. And the difference between them and the closer is, the closer has command of his fastball and command of a breaking ball. And they’re good, they’re really good. He only has to pitch one inning. But it’s all about power now, because with power you can get away with more bad pitches. And it’s all about strikeouts. They don’t care about walks. But the ballparks are smaller. The guys are bigger and stronger. There are a lot of balls flying out of the ballpark now and that style of hitting is a strikeout is just an out. You just keep on trying to hit homeruns. I think that’s why there are so many strikeouts.

With two strikes, they don’t adjust like we were always taught to do, put the ball in play. They’re told, we don’t care if you hit a .240, if you hit 30 homeruns. And I think that’s the reason there’s so many strikeouts and home runs.

The thing that bothers me the most about watching the game today, as an ex-player, is the attitude of the players.

This guy hits someone in the face with a pie, turns their hat around, leaving the field and not shake hands after the game.

I’m not saying that that’s bad. We were brought up differently.

It’s a long season. You don’t show up the other team because I don’t care who you are, you are going to stink sometime during the season. Pete Rose, Tom Seaver, you’re going to have three or four bad outings somewhere during the season.

I don’t care how good you are. It just happens because the competition is so good. Everybody’s all about attention. They hit a homerun and they celebrate and run the bases. make fights in the dugout and do all this stuff and they carry the bat to first base. I mean, you never did any of that stuff until the last 15 or 20 years. It’s all because of TV. To me what changes the game and pretty much every sport is the TV. Because now it’s kind of “oh look at me generation” in sports.

Finkel: Who would you say are the best ball players you’ve ever seen or played with?

Rhoden: I think arguably the best player of all time is Barry Bonds. I played with Barry his rookie year with the Pirates. Played against his dad when he was playing with the Cubs. I think it was 86 that he came up, the year that Canseco went 40/40. He had great power to centerfield, left-center and could hit the ball out of the ballpark. But he couldn’t handle the ball inside. And I told him, when he learns to hit the ball inside, he’s going to hit 40 and steal 60. Well he did hit over 40 and he did steal 60, just not in the same season.

You could tell he was going to be a great player. I didn’t know he’d be maybe the greatest player of all time, but you could tell he was going to be a great player. I played with some good players. Reggie Smith was a great player who doesn’t get rec-

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Finkel: In your heyday, you were the best golfer among professional athletes. What is it about baseball that translates to golf and how does it help you?

Rhoden: Throwing a baseball, hitting a baseball are very similar to hitting a golf ball. Weight transfer and timing are the key. Baseball players can usually hit and make contact pretty good. In baseball, you want to keep your weight back and then explode into the ball. It’s basically the same thing in golf. If you do it too quickly, you come across the ball and you’re high and to the right. It’s a timing thing and most guys in baseball have pretty good hand – eye coordination.

That’s why they can pick up golf pretty quick.

ognized, played for the Dodgers. He could do everything.

Run, hit, switch-hit, throw. Dave Parker when I first got to the Pirates was a great player. And probably the best player I saw, he had ups and downs, but could do everything was Dave Winfield. Mike Schmidt was a great player. I’m sure I’m missing quite a few guys. I wasn’t playing when Aaron and Mays played. I caught McCovey at the end of his career, played with Stargell when he was near the end of his career, he was great. But I think Barry Bonds is probably the best play I’ve ever seen.

Finkel: So after you retired, you transitioned in a big way into golf. How did that come about?

Rhoden: I never took a golf lesson. I just went to the golf course and played. When I quit playing baseball, I probably was a two handicap. I lived in LA during the wintertime and every Monday there were two or three scramble tournaments with baseball players in the area. I played more of that kind of stuff. I used to play in spring training with the Dodgers and they had their own golf course. Once you got all your work done, though you couldn’t go play before 2 o’clock, and you had to walk. That was the rule. So pitchers, especially once you get to the big leagues, if you weren’t doing anything that day or pitching in a game, you go play golf. It was just a mile from spring training camp. So played a lot of golf there. I really wasn’t thinking about golf for anything more than just fun. When I retired I came to Florida, built a house on the golf course and started playing a lot of golf. In 1990 Randy Quaid was filming the movie Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise. I played with him when I lived in LA. He played a lot of golf while they were filming. One day he said I should play in this tournament in lake Tahoe. He said they have actors and athletes playing. They’re going to have a purse. He said he’d see if he could get me in. I didn’t get in that year, but I played in 91 and I won. So I just kept playing.

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Finkel: It’s funny that you brought that up because I did a story on golfers on the celebrity tour. I remember they were all hoping you stayed on the Champions Tour because you were pretty much winning almost every event on the Celebrity Tour.

What was it like for you to play in the professional golf ranks?

Rhoden: When I first started the celebrity stuff, I had never played any kind of a competitive golf tournament. In 1991 in the first round, on the first tee I was just glad to get it airborne down the fairway. The first day I had like 38 putts. Every time I put the putter in my hand it felt like a sledgehammer. I felt I could beat that the guys that I knew out there. But there were a lot of guys I didn’t know from other sports. So I relaxed the second day. I think the second day I shot par or one under and I was in the final group the next day and won. I think what happened was none of us had played much competitive golf, especially on TV. First there were four tournaments, then six; I think we got up to 15 tournaments. We had ten for quite a few years. Actually, you can make some pretty good money playing. So everybody started working on their game a lot more. You get professional athletes, especially at the top level, they figure I’ll do this like I did my sport. If I work at it and spend time on it I’ll get better. Well they did! But so did the better players, the guys who were the best golfers also got better. So the same guys kept winning. I won eight times.

I moved to Ponte Vedra and joined Pablo Creek. which has no houses, just golf. There were a lot of good players there. That’s why I moved. They had Bobbie Duvall, Leonard Thompson, David Duvall played out there some. Fred Funk played some. I was in my mid-forties and I played with them all the time. I got a lot better and then I tried to hit a qualifying school. Right before I turned 50, I got hit from behind by cement truck. Totaled my vehicle and I had three herniated discs in my neck. I kept trying to play but I just couldn’t play as good. When I turned 50, I ended up having three Top Ten’s. I played 35 events, but I never was the player I was before that. When I played those four years I got into bad habits. Just favoring the hurt all the time and I finally got

on your game

surgery year I went to Tour School. I went to Tour school with Jean Jones, and we tied, the first year they didn’t have like seven spots to be totally exempt and all that did was get you to Monday qualifying. I enjoyed Monday qualifiers and got in 15 events that one year. I played with Trevino and Hale Irwin. I got to meet Arnold Palmer. I played with a lot of really good players. Gary Player use to meet me and my wife at the airport and come eat lunch and sit and talk with us about health. He always talked about health. Most of them are really good guys. They all want to talk about baseball. But I never played out there fully healthy and still today I have bad habits ingrained in my system.

Finkel: I recently ran into you at a celebrity event in San Diego and you were having problems hitting your irons, so you wound up coming into Club Champion. What was that experience like for you and what clubs did you get?

Rhoden: It was better than I expected. I had been to places like Titleist and Callaway and Taylor Made when I was playing the celebrity tournaments. I’d go and hit their clubs and they put you on monitors, but not like they did at Club Champion and not to the same extent. I didn’t know there was anything like Club Champion. They could adjust, put on different heads. You hit five or six with one shaft with a head on it and you just know that shaft wasn’t right.

Or the numbers would say it wasn’t right. And you just hit balls and change shafts and change heads until finally you were getting the kind of numbers like I had on my club. I always used forged clubs when I was a real good player.

I started losing distance as I got older and I think a lot of that has to do with the shaft. I went to a cast club for a few years to get my distance. But probably all three go maybe as much as 5 yards difference, and that’s a lot when you’re hitting a wedge or a 9 iron. I thought it was impossible get anywhere near the distance I was getting before. Now I’m hitting pretty close the same the distance. And with better results because they are more consistent. And the clubs are more forgiving.

start playing better. It is a good feel again. They feel how they’re supposed to feel when you hit a good shot.

Finkel: My last question, playing in so many celebrity events, you got to play with a lot of awful amateur players. What’s the best tip you can give them?

Rhoden: I think for most of those guys it’s tension.

They have too much tension. Tension is a killer in golf. Another big one, they’re always trying with their irons to help the ball in the air instead of hitting it into the ground. It’s just the opposite. And all they want to hit is driver. They need to work on shots from 100 yards in, getting , up and down around the green, learn how to chip a little better, putt better.

Finkel: Thanks Rick.

Rhoden: My pleasure.

Finkel: What irons did you wind up getting?

Rhoden: I got Calloway irons and I got a softer shaft then I’ve been playing too. It feels much softer. I could feel the head of the club better than I could with the stiffer shaft.

Finkel: And how are the irons preforming for you?

Rhoden: The irons are great. This time of year I don’t play as much as I do normally like during summertime. I like to hunt, fish and stuff like that. This time of the year is when the hunting season is. So I’m in and out of town not playing as much as I normally do. But from what I seen so far since I got them, I really like them a lot. I think once I get back into it I’ll be playing like four times a week. I’ll

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OTL / WINE

Texas State of Wine

STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR n early February, I had the great privilege of attending (and cooking for) the 4th annual Texas International Wine Competition (TXIWC).

This fantastic event was founded

by Bonnie Villacampa, an international wine judge and co-founder of Baron de Villacampa, a wine brand from UruĂąuela in the Rioja region in Spain.

Ms. Villacampa has been a judge at the Great American International Wine Competition and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (FLIWC) in New York for more than ten years. Farther afield, in 2018, she was asked to judge at The Silk Route Wine Competition in Yinchuan China.

The mission of the TXIWC is to bring attention to Texas as a prominent viticulture and wine-making region, though it is open to wines from anywhere in the world.

This year, entries came in from; Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Columbia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, New Zealand, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, and Uruguay with some countries 60

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wine

PHOTOS BY TODD GATES

J U D G E S: M I C H E L E PA D B E RG A N D J E F F CO P E.

M A S T E R O F W I N E : C O U N T J O H N U M B E R T O S A LV I .

JUDGES: LEFT TO RIGHT. ALANA MARTINEZ, ANNEMARIE MORSE,NATASHIA RAMCHECK, (RICHARD AREBALO), BONNIE VILLACAMPA, MICHELE PADBERG. sending several entries from multiple wine regions.

Additionally, some thirty-five different U.S. wine regions spanning twenty states sent in wine. As would be expected, the bulk of the U.S. entries were from wineries based in Texas and California.

Total entries in the 2020 competition came to about 681 vintage and label combinations.

The venue for this year’s competition was the beautiful ‘Lodge at Grace’ in Buda, Texas. The Lodge is a popular wedding venue, but with its rustic grand hall and sweeping

views of ranchland, it serves up the “Texas experience,” which many of the international judges particularly like.

By virtue of the friendships and connections Ms. Villacampa has made over the years, she has managed to gather an impressive selection of judges ranging from Professors of Oenology, notably Annmarie Morse from Cornell University, prominent Vintners like Dan Gatlin of Inwood Estates and two rare Masters of Wine, (Joel Butler MW, and Count John Umberto Salvi MW.) Count Salvi incidentally was one of only 20 Masters of Wine in the world in 1970.

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61

PHOTOS BY TODD GATES

D A N G AT L I N - I N W O O D W I N E R Y F R E D E R I C K S B U R G .

F O R O V E R 37 Y E A R S , D A N G A T L I N H A S P E R F E C T E D T H E A RT O F W I N E M A K I N G I N T H E S TAT E O F T E XA S.

(There are now 389 though the credential is one of the most challenging to achieve in the world.)

I had the pleasure of taking Count Salvi to dinner in Austin on two occasions. He told wonderful stories and seemed to have a personal connection to nearly every fabled wine, fine food, or travel subject I could mention. He was also kind enough to autograph my copy of ‘The Count of Wine: A hedonistic autobiography.’

Over the several days, I enjoyed interacting with judges; François Côté, Sommelier from Quebec Canada, Dr. Timothy O’Connor, M.D. from New York, and Dr. Luboš Bárta, Czech Republic (editor-in-chief of Sommelier/Travel Review).

Two friends, Sammy Angel Lam and Michael Stapleton were two of the youngest judges though both already have Sommelier credentials in their 20s and some pretty impressive knowledge!

The tastings were led by certified wine judge Ron Dougherty, Executive Director of the ‘Raise A Glass Foundation.’ Mr. Dougherty has been judg-

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L LA N O E S P I N O Z A A N D B O N N I E V I L LA C A M PA

ing wine for twenty years and has been running several of his own tasting competitions for fifteen years.

He managed the heavy pace and brought considerable experience and knowledge to the process.

The actual judging took place over two days, with twenty-four judges in teams of four tasting nearly fifty different wines each day. To help with palate exhaustion, the wines were alternated, white to red to white, then sweet and sparkling wines to finish. The judges tasted and rendered a score between 1 and 20, analyzing the visual qualities of the wine, color and clarity, the nose (aromas), palate (flavors, acidity, tannins, finish), and the “overall quality” of the wine.

On the final Saturday, typically, the competition ends with a Gala. This year, the evening started a little different as Dr. Bárta had asked if he could surprise his partner of twenty years, Iva Kovarikova, with a Texas wedding! The music and dancing that followed seemed just that much

wine

more festive.

Throughout the competition this year, I participated as a chef and organized the teams of folks that helped feed the twenty-four judges and some forty support-staff.

Each day I was responsible for various snacks and for preparing a large buffet lunch. I helped coordinate the large opening dinner with fantastic BBQ and sides provided by 44 Farms and Go Texan. Grill-master, Chef Juan Roman, was an absolute star.

On the Gala night, Grill Masters David Halvorson and Kevin Cook amazed the crowd with just how awesome Texas beef can be; David grilling more 44 Farm steaks, and Kevin providing some of the most flavorful brisket I’ve ever tasted. Sides and other incredible entrées had been donated by Oli’s Kitchen Bar & Grill.

TXIWC generates revenue from wine entry

fees, auctions, and charitable events with proceeds donated to other charitable organizations, but their work is really made possible by generous sponsors like 4Floors, Go Texan (The Texas Department of Agriculture), Vinovium in Johnson City helping with the logistics of the hundreds of entries, and The Vine Vault in Austin who provides valuable and much-needed wine storage.

Other sponsors include Kent Black’s BBQ – San Marcos and The Austin Texas Wine Society (of which I am a founding member) providing direct funding and manpower. (Competition results and a full list of sponsors available at txiwc.com.)

By all standards, the 2020 Texas International Wine Competition was a huge success but certainly helped along by directors; Bonnie Villacampa, Brianna Smith, Norman Carr, and the dozens of volunteers that carted, sorted, cataloged, poured and generally kept the competition humming.

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OTL / CIGARS 66

The artistry of the roll STORY BY ANDON GUILLORY Christopher Columbus landed on Cuba’s Bahia de Gibara on Oct. 29, 1492. Native Americans on the island were smoking raw twists of leaves and introduced the practice to Columbus’s crew. This method would later be fashioned into what we know as the cigar today. Because of Columbus’s findings, cigar smoking first became popular in Spain and then the rest of the world.

In 1890 Cubans began to immigrate to the United States. Among these immigrants were Cuban master rollers, and the country became a prominent producer of quality cigars. The United States still produces great cigars and the rolling tradition has been passed along through generations. It is important to note master rollers in the United States can make as much money as a certified nurse.

Private companies have hired rollers and begun to roll their own cigars. The process is quite extensive and requires, among other things, the growing, harvesting and leaf selection. The actual rolling process begins with the preparation of the fillers. The Cuban filler “entubar” method achieves superior airflow through the cigar. During this process the leaves are evenly distributed and folded individually, which will later affect the way a cigar burns. Make sure to pay attention to your cigar the next time you light up.

“If a cigar is poorly rolled, it will not burn evenly, causing it to become hot, go out and most importantly, the full flavor of the tobacco cannot be enjoyed,” Pablo Caballero, expert tobacconist, says.

A binder leaf will then hold the tobacco together and complete the filler part of the process. A cedar mold will then hold the tobacco bunch for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. After this, the tobacco is transferred to a cedar-rolling platform where the wrapper will be applied. The process is quite delicate because wrapper leaves are very expensive. This particular process can also be quite sentimental for rollers because platforms are usually passed on from generation to generation.

Inspection of the leaves will allow the roller to choose the best part of the leaf and use his “chaveta” (roller’s knife), which is usually another family heirloom, to sculpt the wrapper leaf into optimum shape.

The roller then applies vegetable glue to secure the wrapper. A tobacco bunch from the cedar mold is then

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0

taken and cut to perfect length and the wrapper is carefully applied from foot to head. After the cigar is wrapped, the cap is applied by punching a circle out of the wrapper leaf and applying the circle to the head of the cigar. Only after this process is complete is the band applied with vegetable glue.

So when paying a hefty price for a box of cigars, you might not only be paying for the quality of a roll but for the tradition and patience that comes with the art.

One of the few places in Austin that offers handrolled cigars is Bobalu Cigar Company. They have two locations, 6th Steet and in North Austin. You don’t have to wait to get your cigar rolled, you can stop in and buy directly from the shelf. If you can’t wait to get home, you may smoke it there.

OTL / DIRECTORY

1 Avery Ranch Golf Club 512-248-2442 www.averyranchgolf.com 2 Harvey Penick Golf Campus www.harveypenickgc.com 512-926-1100 3 River Place Country Club www.riverplaceclub.com 512-346-1114 4 The University of Texas Golf Club www.utgolfclub.com 512-266-6464 5 Barton Creek Country Club 512-329-7999 www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ austin-barton-creek/golf 6 The Hills of Lakeway 512-261-7200 www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/ The-Hills-of-Lakeway 7 Falconhead Golf Course 512-402-1558 www.falconheadaustin.com 8 Grey Rock Golf Club 512-288-4297 www.greyrockgolfandtennis.com 9 Austin Country Club 512-328-0090 www.austincountryclub.com 10 Onion Creek Club 512-282-2150 www.onioncreekclub.com 11 Cimarron Hills 512-763-8700 www.cimarronhills.com/golfcourse 12 Balcones Country Club 512-258-1621 www.balconescountryclub.com

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13 Jimmy Clay & Roy Kizer Golf Course 512-974-4653 www.austintexas.gov/golfatx 14 Morris Williams Golf Course 512- 974-8333 www.austintexas.gov/golfatx 15 Lions Municipal Golf Course 512- 477-6963 www.austintexas.gov/golfatx 16 Great Hills Country Club 512-345-6940 www.greathillscc.org 17 Spanish Oaks Golf Club 512-421-8530 www.spanishoaksgc.com 18 Blackhawk Golf Club 512-251-9000 www.blackhawkgolf.com 19 Forest Creek Golf Club 512-388-2874 www.forestcreek.com 20 Teravista Golf Club 512-651-9850 www.teravistagolf.com 21 Twin Creeks Country Club 512-331-5900 www.twincreeksclub.com 22 Georgetown Country Club 512-930-4577 www.georgetowncountryclub. net 23 Lake Cliff Golf Club 830-798-0695 www.lakecliff.com 24 Boot Ranch Golf Club 830-997-6200 www.bootranch.com/golf

25 Wolfdancer Golf Club 512-308-4770 www.wolfdancergolfclub.com 26. Landa Park Golf Course 830-221-4350 landaparkgolfcourse.com 27 La Cantera Golf Club www.lacanteragolfclub.com 210-558-4653 28 The Quarry Golf Club 210-824-4500 www.quarrygolf.com 29 Golf Club at Briggs Ranch 210-670-9400 www.briggsgolf.com 30 Dominion Country Club 210-698-3364 www.the-dominion.com 31 Canyon Springs Golf Club 210-497-1770 www.canyonspringsgc.com 32 TPC San Antonio 210-491-5800 www.tpc.com/sanantonio 33 Cordillera Ranch Golf Club 830-336-3571 www.cordilleraranch.com/ cordillera-golf-club 34 Tapatio Springs Resort & Conference Center 830-443-9681 www.tapatioresort.com 35 Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830-598-7800 www.escondidotexas.com 36 Horseshoe Bay Resort 877-611-0112 www.hsbresort.com/activities/ golf

22

Cedar Park

36

183A

45

OTL / DIRECTRY MAP

Pflugerville 1

12 4

Steiner Ranch

360

3

130

45

45

183

6

79

Round Rock

1

21

18

19

35

183

35

20

11

183A

1

16 183

130

35

9 7 23

1

71

Austin

360

17 5

2 14 183

15

71

1

130

35

290 290

71

8

183

46

24 35

1604

33

30 27

32

281

26

31 35

35

410

San Antonio 37

410 35

35

10

35

130

10

28 29

Bluff Springs

Manchaca

281

10

25

13

10

34

71

410

10 183

87

410

Lorem ipsum

281

Buda O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / ADVERTIZER INDEX

Austin Asset 512.453.6622 austinasset.com Austin Infiniti 512.220.0920 austininfiniti.com

La Cantera 210.558.6500 lacanteraresort.com

Austin Subaru 512.323.2837 austinsubaru.co

Lajitas Golf Resort 877.525.4827 lajitasgolfresort.com

Boot Ranch 830.997.6200 bootranch.com

Royal Albatross albratross.com

Cascata 702.294.2005 golfcascata.com

Rio Secco 702.777.2400 riosecco.net

City of Bryan 979-776-0133 bryantx.gov/visit

South Padre sopadre.com

Club Champion 888.842.1320 clubchampiongolf.com Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830.598.7800 escondidotexas.com Garrison Brothers garrisonbros.com Hyatt Regency 800.233.1234 hyatthillcountrygolf.com Houston Polo 713.681.8571 houstonpoloclub.com

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Kapalua 1.877.kapalua golfkapalua.com

The Golf Ranch 610 North Auatin Avenue Georgetown TX 78626 The Henderson Inn hendersonparkinn.com 888.853.9050 The Olive Tree Inn 512.210.1210 1310 University Ave. Georgetown TX The George 979.485.5590 thegeorgetexas.com