OTL Holiday Issue 2021 by OTL Magazine

Holiday Gift Guide

LAKE GENEVA

GOLF MICHIGAN

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

12 Contents Volume 19, Issue 1

FEATURES 12

TAKE 3 Sea Island retreat. Treat yourself to the island that has everything. All the amenities are here including exquisite golf. M. Keller

THE CAPITAL GRILLE Located in the heart of downtown Austin, The Capital Grille delivers fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. R. Arebalo

GOLF FEATURE

Northern Michigan offers unimaginable and timeless beauty. You’ll keep coming back for more than golf. M.Hall

HOLIDAY FEATURE We did most of the leg work, the rest is up to you and your personal Santa. Great gift ideas will make the holidays ring. N.Kalbas

Holiday Gift Guide

LAKE GENEVA

GOLF MICHIGAN

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

ON THE COVER One of the best ways to bring holiday cheer is with great spirits. Garrison Bros, a Texas whiskey, is the perfect gift.

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22 Contents Volume 19, Issue 1

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COLUMNS 18

FITNESS Foam Rolling for golfers will help with soreness and stiffness.

PUTT FOR DOUGH If you are at least 70½ years old, you can make tax-free charitable donations directly from your IRA.

DRIVE FOR SHOW Exotic sport cars, port utility vehicles and pick-up trucks the world of EV’s is expanding right before our eyes.

HEALTH Why chiropractic adjustments don’t last.

BUCK’S TIPS Complete teachers incorporate the education of building a solid foundation and in understanding athletic skills.

ON YOUR GAME Texas Golf has produced some of the greatest players in Golf history, Kathy Whitworth is the winningest female golfer of all time.

TRAVEL Every season has a reason. Visit historic Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Make sure it’s on your travel bucket list.

WINE When a sharing wine with friends turns into something historical.

CIGARS Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Cigars and special occasions go hand in hand.

Laid-Back Luxury

Golfweek’s #1 in Texas & #9 in the U.S. Schedule a tour with Bluejack National Realty today. www.bluejacknational.com | (281) 475-2166 | life@bluejacknational.com 4430 south fm 1486 | montgomery, texas 77316 Pricing, plans and speciﬁcations subject to change without notice. See sales consultant for details. © Copyright 2021 Bluejack National. All Rights Reserved.

From the Publisher Don’t let opportunity pass you by appy Holidays. If you can read this, now is a time to be thankful. This is our 2021 Holiday issue. Over the next few weeks, we will experience Thanksgiving and Christmas and the new year. It certainly has been a year. Surely, there have been setbacks and achievements. What are you focused on?

The big announcement we have been teasing over the last few months is now here. OTL will launch a new magazine in January. The new magazine will be called, OTLPHX. We will take our vision of life, leisure and luxury to the Southwest. It will be everything you’ve come to expect from us. It’s all about making the most out of life. The new publication would not have been possible without all the great people who have made OTL the magazine it is today.

Before I move forward, let me briefly look back and remember those who did not make it to this point. Just last week, I learned of another loss of a high school friend. Like many, he lost his life due to Covid-19. Our collective hearts go out to all who have been touched by the pandemic. All we can do is our best.

I won’t name names, but if you see their name in this magazine, that’s who they are. In addition to all on the current roster, I would not have moved forward in the new endeavor without some of the new relationships that have been forged in a short amount of time.

There has been overwhelming loss of life, property, and commerce. Each belongs in its own category, but the pain and loss are still there.

It’s coming in January. I’ll thank you in advance for your continued support. Should you subscribe to both magazines? Yes, then you’ll know what’s going on in Texas and the great state of Arizona.

Amid all the challenges, we move forward and try to prosper. It’s what we do as a people. After the acknowledgment of the grief, we also experienced new relationships and fantastic adventures. We have traveled, met new people. From the beaches of Mexico, tropical island paradises, luxurious desert resorts, to world-class dining, we have done the hard work to bring you the best life has to offer. All in the face of the pandemic. In this issue, we showcase marvelous gift ideas. Giving can be just as satisfying as receiving. I’m sure you would be appreciative to be on the good side of these gift ideas. The most important thing is to give from the heart, not the pocketbook. The gift ideas we have suggested are not based on price, but thoughtfulness. The writer of the story said it best when they spoke of the true value of the season is love and the sharing of time and space together. Last year it was not a given we would be able to spend this time with loved ones. Here we are, let’s make the absolute best of it.

We have traveled to Phoenix a few times to prepare to get the magazine off the ground. Our first stop was the Phoenician. It literally felt like home. They welcomed us with open arms. My dear new friend Denise Seomin treated strangers like old friends. It’s that kind of support that allows me to truly believe that everything is possible. The lesson here is don’t wait for things to happen to or for you. You can control your destiny. Your life is not what others allow you to have. Your life is what you decide you want it to be. If you have been sidelined, get up, get back in the game and score. Go get what you want. Go get it today. It doesn’t matter where you are now. It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from, it’s about what you do today and tomorrow. Special thanks to all of those that contributed to this Holiday issue. I hope we are all together to do it again, bigger and better. Happy Holidays.

Sedric Walker • Publisher O T L G O L F. C O M

/OnTheLinks /OnTheLinks Magazine Magazine

@otl_golf @otl_golf

PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Sedric Walker Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson Carl Mickelson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PROFESSIONAL Buck Mayers Buck Mayers

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Natalie Kalbas Natalie Kalbas

CONTENT SPECIALIST CONTENT SPECIALIST Joel McColl Joel McColl

@otlgolf @otlgolf

otlgolf.com otlgolf.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Guillory, Chin, Felipe Telona Andon Loui ShayaJr. CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS WRITERS CONTRIBUTING KatieKeller, SoltasLeslie Michelle Keller Michelle Stevenson, Leah Gruber, Art Stricklin, Art Stricklin, Tara Lee Maloney Dr. Jeff Luke, Mike Bailey, Tara Lee Maloney

INTERNET & DIGITAL INTERNET DIGITAL Alexandria Moya, & Karen Kreeps J.Frank Hernandez

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Golf Perfor mance

Escape and Retreat on Sea Island STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

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When an exceptional escape is required, Sea Island is the destination. With four Forbes Five-Star experiences including The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Spa at Sea Island and the Georgian Room restaurant. Sea Island is an inclusive getaway. Located in none other than Sea Island, Georgia, Sea Island is the only U.S. resort to host a G-8 Summit of world leaders. This is the place for conference settings, executive retreats, or just personal, memorable escapes.

Center Aerial.

n Georgia’s Southeastern coast, Sea Island is situated on five miles of private beach, with a beach club, tennis center, yacht club, shooting school, and... wait for it...three Championship Golf Courses. Of the three courses, Seaside and Plantation are known as the home of the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic. Casual accommodations can be found on St. Simons Island, The Inn at Sea Island offers access to many Sea Island amenities. Broadfield, a Sea Island Sporting Club and Lodge, offers seasonal hunting and fishing opportunities. Sea Island continues to add to its legendary offerings including a bowling alley and pub at the Beach Club and refreshed rooms in The Cloister. Recent enhancements at The Lodge include seven cottages, an oceanfront pool, pool house, an 18hole putting course, a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, and complete redesign of one of the golf courses by PGA Tour player and local resident Davis Love III and his brother, Mark Love, of Love Golf Design. Those seeking adventures in the spirit of the American west may choose to visit The Broadmoor, the other member of the Sea Island family. Opened in 1918 and situated at the gateway to the Colorado Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor is the longest consecutive winner of the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards. Like Sea Island, the resort offers guests a unique way to experience one of the country’s most beautiful settings and is known for its history, tradition, and service excellence. A Forbes Five-Star, the Cloister is a Mediterranean masterpiece that preserves

the original architecture’s lustrous history and unique essence. With the 2016 addition of 63 rooms in the new Garden Wing, The Cloister’s 265 elegant guest rooms and suites offer sweeping views of the Black Banks River, Atlantic Ocean, and lush natural setting. Cloister accommodations include rooms and suites in the Main Building and adjacent wings, suites in the Sea Island Beach Club, and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom accommodations in The Cloister Ocean Residences. Uniquely designed rooms are defined by elegance, sophistication, and comfort featuring gleaming wood furnishings, exposed beam ceilings, overstuffed chairs, hardwood floors, and handmade Turkish rugs. From a bird’s-eye view, The Cloister encompasses a sprawling range of world-class buildings and amenities, including the Sea Island Yacht Club, The Spa at Sea Island, and The Sea Island Beach Club. The Lodge, a Triple-A Five-Diamond, Forbes Five-Star, caters to guests seeking ultimate privacy and luxury. The intimate 61-room hotel and golf clubhouse offers expansive ocean views and is surrounded by the emerald fairways of The Sea Island Golf Club. These accommodations have the feel of a classic English country manor with hand-crafted Oriental rugs, spacious marble baths with deep-soaking tubs, and rain head showers. Recent enhancements at The Lodge include seven cottages with sleeping rooms, an oceanfront pool and pool house, and an 18-hole putting course called Speedway. The Lodge’s delightful hospitality features first-class amenities including butler service, freshly baked cookies, and daily performance by the resort’s resident bagpiper at sundown. The Lodge was named the #1 Hotel in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report in 2014 and 2016.

O T L G O L F. C O M

Located on St. Simons Island, two miles from The Cloister on Sea Island and four miles from the Sea Island Golf Club, historic sites, and shopping on St. Simons Island, The Inn reflects the signature Addison Mizner Mediterranean design seen throughout Sea Island. With 85 guest rooms, The Inn offers casual, comfortable accommodations, continental breakfast, evening bar, heated pool, workout room, complimentary laundry facilities, and complimentary transportation to Sea Island and the Sea Island Golf Club. Guests of The Inn can have access to some Sea Island amenities and activities such as golf, spa, dining, and tennis. Sea Island Cottages Renting a cottage on Sea Island is a treasured tradition for many of the resort’s frequent visitors. Of approximately 600 privately owned Cottages on Sea Island, 130 are available for rent. Each is uniquely designed, providing guests with a selection of styles and décor from which to choose. The homes range from three to eight bedrooms and most residences offer beach, salt marsh, or tidal creek views. Rental of the Cottages includes

Indoor Pool.

Plantation Course, #18.

Ta v o l a a t T h e C l o i s t e r. 14

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TAKE 3

Sea Island maintains a high level of responsibility as stewards of the coastal habitat and its timeless natural beauty. The resort also offers a variety of unique explorations through tidal salt marsh, ocean beach, and dune habitats to experience this firsthand.

The Lodge Aerial.

Sea Island Suite.

complete access to dining, golf, spa, and resort privileges at The Cloister. Sea Island’s gracious hospitality extends from its unparalleled accommodations and engaging activities to a plethora of dining options, from refined cuisine to beachfront munchies. Foodies get your palette ready, Sea Island’s dining offerings are a culinary paradise. The resort’s nine restaurants feature a distinctive menu of delectable cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Programming, Jonathan Jerusalmy. Georgian Room (The Cloister) Offering breathtaking elegance and sophistication, the Forbes Five-Star Georgian Room is reminiscent of an Addison Mizner estate dining room. Among its features are a stately fireplace with a carved stone mantel, hand-painted china, gold and crystal chandeliers, and impeccable tableside service. The menu features flavorful refined Southern cuisine complemented only by an extensive selection of wines from The Cloister Cellar. O T L G O L F. C O M

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The Georgian Private Dining Room (The Cloister) serves up to 10 guests, features arched leaded-glass windows, a handpainted mural, and a large center table. Black Banks River Bar and River Bar Lounge (The Cloister) offer simple elegance with its wood-topped tables and bar combined with beers on tap. An extensive wine list, single malt scotch, and a fine selection of bourbon and whiskey make the River Bar The Cloister’s premier casual gathering place. The menu features light snacks and appetizers, perfect for sharing around the table. Sea Island’s ocean-side restaurant, Southern Tide (The Sea Island Beach Club) overlooks the dunes of Sea Island Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Honoring the traditions of Sea Island, Southern Tide taps strong southern influences to offer mouthwatering comfort dishes, fresh seafood, and an overall taste of coastal Georgia. Colt & Alison (The Lodge at Sea Island) Highback leather chairs and cozy banquettes invite relaxation while you enjoy the panoramic view of Plantation Course’s 18th hole and the glow of a wood-burning fireplace. Colt & Alison dinner patrons savor masterfully prepared USDA wet-and-dry-aged beef and fresh seafood, all paired with an extensive selection of wines by resident sommeliers. An oak-lined venue with a relaxed ambiance, Oak Room (The Lodge at Sea Island) includes hand-painted murals, leather ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and an outdoor terrace with sprawling views of the Plantation Golf Course and St. Simons Sound. The tavern menu ranges from local fried shrimp and to a classic Cobb salad and award-winning Shrimp and Grits. Paying homage to its rustic Italian concept, Tavola (The Cloister) offers a warm and inviting ambiance where guests can interact with the chef who tosses pizza, slices housecured prosciutto and bakes mouthwatering olive ciabatta in the open kitchen. Among the cuisine, the wine, the horseback riding, this is what we came for, Golf. The Sea Island Golf Performance Center is one of the resort’s signature experiences. The stateof-the-art facility offers an indoor video studio, 300 yards of teeing area, target greens, short-game areas, and exclusive club-fitting service. The Performance Center’s holistic, multidisciplinary approach to the game and exemplary instructors

welcomes some of the top PGA professionals for training. Sea Island Golf Club’s 18-hole championship courses are situated on some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Situated at the southern tip of St. Simons Island, Seaside is the pinnacle of links golf. A true links-style course – linking the sea to the land – features 15 holes flanked by captivating views of the Georgia coast’s diverse landscapes. Sweeping dunes mix with the native grasses and wildflowers. Sea Island’s original course, designed in 1928 by Walter Travis, Plantation was updated in 1998 by Rees Jones and re-opened following a complete renovation in 2019 by Davis Love III and his brother, Mark. With a nod to classic architecture, Love Golf Design used influences from golf architecture legends Walter Travis, Donald Ross, C.B McDonald, and Seth Raynor to create the new Plantation masterpiece. With strategic bunkering and classic green complexes, Plantation plays through majestic oaks and along the water. Views throughout are long and breathtaking, while a premium is placed on accurate shots to the green. A great mix of short and long holes gives the player a fun and visual challenge, with green complexes that offer a fun challenge on each hole. Retreat Par 72; Six tee areas; 5,194 to 7,000 yards, 122 to 136 slope When Davis Love III and his brother, Mark, began renovating the Retreat Course in October 2000, they knew they had a difficult task. Blending the players’ preferences from the previous design, the brothers created a uniquely dramatic design. The green complexes are a combination of slope, sand bunkers, and undulations creating a masterful test challenging the golfer to hit a variety of shots. Sea Island maintains a high level of responsibility as stewards of the coastal habitat and its timeless natural beauty. The resort also offers a variety of unique explorations through tidal salt marsh, ocean beach, and dune habitats to experience this firsthand. In addition to activities such as turtle explorations, birding, horseback riding, boating, shelling, sailing, fishing, and kayaking, Sea Island offers enhanced, curated programs that are designed to educate guests, as well as encourage exploration and interest in nature and ecology. If you’re looking for a place to do it all in one space, Sea Island could easily become your gem getaway.

Oak Room Bar at The Lodge.

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FOAM ROLLING FOR GOLFERS OTL / FITNESS

STORY BY LEAH GRUBER PHOTOS BY: FELIPE TELONA JR.

Have you ever woken up in the morning with a stiff achy body and wondered how you’re going to go play golf? The mornings can be hard for me to move if I have recently played a lot of golf, worked out hard the day before, or just because I’m getting older. Foam rolling is a great way to wake up your body before your golf round. It gently gets the blood circulating and loosens up your muscles so your body feels ready to move. Reasons Why you Should Foam Roll:

1. Increases range of motion your golf swing 2. Decreases tension & inflammation in your muscles 3. It can reduce muscle soreness 4. Improves muscle performance & blood circulation

These are my three favorite foam rolling exercises to get my body ready for golf. These foam rolling exercises help warm up your back, hips, and legs, helping to increase the range of motion and mobility for your golf swing.

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FITNESS

Thoracic Spine Center your spine in the middle of the foam roller. With your hips off the ground, slowly roll up and down on your spine from mid-low back to upper back (shoulder area). Use your feet to help glide your spine up and down the foam roller. * A bonus stretch I love to do (from this same foam rolling position) is an upper back extension. With the foam roller at the base of your shoulder blades, lower your bottom on the ground and gently lean back (opening up your chest and extending your head to the ground).

Piriformis Sitting on the foam roller lean to one side so that only one glute muscle has weight on the foam roller. With your hand behind you, to stabilize, roll back and forth or hold where it is tight. (For more pressure you can also use a tennis ball.)

IT Band Roll the foam roller along your leg starting from just above your knee to the bottom of your hip. Support yourself with your bottom arm and one foot stepped in front of the leg you are foam rolling. If you have never foam rolled before you may be more sensitive/painful in some areas and that is normal. As you foam roll more your muscles relax and get used to the rolling sensation, the pain should decrease over time. Talk to your doctor if your having sharp chronic pain. O T L G O L F. C O M

OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

Charitable Contributions from IRAs STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

Did you know that, if you are at least 70½ years old, you can make tax-free charitable donations directly from your IRA? By making what’s called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can benefit your favorite charity while excluding up to $100,000 annually from gross income. These gifts, also known as “charitable IRA rollovers,” would otherwise be taxable IRA distributions.1

How QCDs work In order to make a QCD, you simply instruct your IRA trustee to make a distribution directly from your IRA (other than SEP and SIMPLE IRAs) to a qualified charity. The distribution must be one that would otherwise be taxable to you. You can exclude up to $100,000 of QCDs from your gross income each year. And if you file a joint return, your spouse (if 70½ or older) can exclude an additional $100,000 of QCDs. Note: You don’t get to deduct QCDs as a charitable contribution on your federal income tax return — that would be double-dipping. QCDs count toward satisfying any required minimum

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distributions (RMDs) that you would otherwise have to receive from your IRA, just as if you had received an actual distribution from the plan. However, distributions that you actually receive from your IRA (including RMDs) and subsequently transfer to a charity cannot qualify as QCDs. Assume that your RMD for 2021, which you’re required to take no later than December 31, 2021, is $25,000. You receive a $5,000 cash distribution from your IRA in February 2021, which you then contribute to Charity A. In June 2021, you also make a $15,000 QCD to Charity A. You must include the $5,000 cash distribution in your 2021 gross income (but you may be entitled to a charitable deduction if you itemize

PUTT FOR DOUGH

your deductions, a strategy that may be less beneficial now than prior to 2018 due to passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). You exclude the $15,000 of QCDs from your 2021 gross income. Your $5,000 cash distribution plus your $15,000 QCD satisfy $20,000 of your $25,000 RMD for 2021. You’ll need to withdraw another $5,000 no later than December 31, 2021, to avoid a penalty. Assume you turn 72 in the second half of 2021. You must take your first RMD (for 2021) no later than April 1, 2022. You must take your second RMD (for 2022) no later than December 31, 2022. Assume each RMD is $25,000. You don’t take any cash distributions from your IRA in 2021 or 2022. On March 31, 2022, you make a $25,000 QCD to Charity B. Because the QCD is made prior to April 1, it satisfies your $25,000 RMD for 2021. On December 31, 2022, you make a $75,000 QCD to Charity C. Because the QCD is made by December 31, it satisfies your $25,000 RMD for 2022. You can exclude the $100,000 of QCDs from your 2022 gross income.2 As indicated earlier, a QCD must be an otherwise taxable distribution from your IRA. If you’ve made nondeductible contributions, then normally each distribution carries with it a pro-rata amount of taxable and nontaxable dollars. However, a special rule applies to QCDs — the pro-rata rule is ignored and your taxable dollars are treated as distributed first. Assume you have a single traditional IRA with a current value of $100,000, which includes $10,000 of nondeductible contributions. Therefore, you have a taxable balance of $90,000 and a nontaxable balance of $10,000. If you were to make a $5,000 withdrawal from your IRA, nine-tenths ($10,000/100,000) of your distribution, or $4,500, would be taxable and one-tenth ($10,000/100,000), or $500, would be nontaxable. However, if you make a $5,000 QCD, the entire $5,000 amount will be considered to come from your $90,000 taxable balance. If you have multiple IRAs, they are aggregated when calculating the taxable and nontaxable portion of a distribution from any one IRA. Assume you have two traditional IRAs. IRA One has a value of $50,000 and does not include any nondeductible contributions. IRA Two also has a $50,000 value but includes $10,000 of nondeductible contributions. For tax purposes, you are treated as owning a single traditional IRA with a value of $100,000 and a nontaxable balance of $10,000. If you were to make a withdrawal of $50,000 from IRA Two, nine-tenths ($10,000/100,000) of your distribution, or $45,000, would be taxable and one-tenth ($10,000/100,000), or $5,000, would be nontaxable.

However, if you make a $5,000 QCD from IRA Two, the entire $5,000 amount will be considered to come from your $90,000 taxable balance. RMDs are calculated separately for each traditional IRA you own, but may be taken from any of your IRAs. Your QCD cannot be made to a private foundation, donor-advised fund, or supporting organization [as described in IRC Section 509(a)(3)]. Further, the gift cannot be made in exchange for a charitable gift annuity or to a charitable remainder trust.

Why are QCDs important? Without this special rule, taking a distribution from your IRA and donating the proceeds to a charity would be a bit more cumbersome and possibly more expensive. You would request a distribution from the IRA and then make the contribution to the charity yourself. You’d include the distribution in gross income and then take a corresponding income tax deduction for the charitable contribution. But due to IRS limits, the additional tax from the distribution may be more than the charitable deduction. And due to much higher standard deduction amounts ushered in by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017, itemizing deductions may have become even less beneficial in 2018 and beyond, rendering QCDs even more potentially appealing. QCDs avoid all this by providing an exclusion from income for the amount paid directly from your IRA to the charity — you don’t report the IRA distribution in your gross income, and you don’t take a deduction for the QCD.

At Austin Asset, we are Fee-Only Financial Advisors. We seek to bring clarity and purpose to wealth through authentic and enduring relationships. For Life. 1Beginning after 2019, if you make deductible contributions to an IRA for the year you reach age 70½ or beyond, this could reduce the allowable amount of your QCD. 2Legislation passed at the end of 2019 raised the RMD age to 72 (from age 70½) beginning January 1, 2020. If you reach age 72 before July 1, 2021, you will need to take an RMD by December 31, 2021.

O T L G O L F. C O M

OTL / DRIVE FOR SHOW

holiday Electric

Vehicle Review More so now than ever before there are options for those of us who are curiously exploring the world of electric vehicles. From exotic sport cars to sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks the world of EV’s is expanding right before our eyes. 2022 brings the top 4 most popular luxury automo-

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tive brands together in a new realm of electric competition. We take a look at the contenders from each of those auto-makers including BMW, AUDI, Tesla Mercedes and the wild card electric vehicle from GMC that has a unique story all its own. Let’s begin with a look at what BMW has for 2022.

On another electric vehicle front Audi officially launched the e-tron GT electric car in the USA this summer with a starting price of $99,900. Audi’s e-tron GT shares a platform with the Porsche Taycan but the resemblance really stops there. The e-tron GT has a sleek look and feel of its own steeped in the Audi tradition of power and performance. The e-tron GT is powered by a pair of electric motors that create an electrified version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The entry level e-tron GT generates up to 522 horsepower while the RS version peaks at 637 ponies. This power is converted to exhilarating acceleration with the help of its innovative two-speed transmission, which has a first gear for launches and a second top gear for optimal efficiency. A complex cooling system means its battery pack can

BMW goes after the electric competition with the introduction of the all-new 2022 i4 electric sedan based on a 3-series platform. The i4 is stylish and is packed with performance goodies. The BMW i4 is expected to compete against the Tesla Model 3 and other mid-size EV sedans when it finally hits showrooms in 2022. The i4 will have two options available including the edrive40 model powered by a single rearmounted electric motor making 335 horsepower with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and the m50 that adds a motor up front producing 536 total horsepower that catapults this ride from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Both are equipped with

handle repeated runs without the typical signs of heat-related degradation. The e-tron GT is available with all-wheel steering, an adjustable air suspension, and wheel sizes that range from 19 up to 21 inches. Audi claims e-tron GT will provide up to 238 miles of driving range. The e-tron GT can also be recharged from 5 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger. Inside the 2022 e-tron GT Audi provides a spacious cabin with standard leather-free interior incorporating recycled materials; Dinamica® and Alcantara. Napa leather is also available as an option. The dash layout is clean and user friendly surrounded by top-notch quality finishes. Audi comes at the competition strong with these EV options combining aggressive styling and state-of-the-art electric technology.

AUDI e-tron GRAN TURISMO

2022 BMW i4a

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an 81.5-kwh battery pack with estimated driving ranges between 240 and 300 miles on a full charge. That battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes on a 200-kW DC fast charger. The i4 interior is what you would find in BMW’s 3-series gasoline version sedans, plenty of room, very intuitive dash layout and sporty ergonomics that have become common place for BMW vehicles. The i4 edrive 40 model will start at $55,400 and m50 version starts at $65,900. The BMW i4 can be a very reasonable way to get into the electric car game without breaking the bank on a proven brand name like BMW.

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TESLA ROADSTEr

The main contender Tesla, who is one of the most recognizable electric vehicle manufactures on the planet is leading the pack with the much anticipated release of the new Tesla Roadster. This electric ride promises to take the market by storm once its released. The new Tesla Roadster is a super car version of its original design dating back to 2008. Technology advancements of the past decade in a half have catapulted the new Roadster to potential superstardom when it comes to performance. Powered by three electric motors, two for the rear wheels and one for the front axle, this radical electric all-wheel-drive supercar is expected to launch from 0-60 in a mind-blowing 1.9 seconds, run the quarter mile in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 miles per hour. The 200 kWh battery pack is estimated to provide a range of 620 miles. Tesla is famous for techy gadgets and the Roadster will have all the toys including the company’s latest autopiloting driving technology, cam-

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Changing gears to finish up this overview we had to take a look at the Hummer’s electrified resurrection. This is obviously not the gas guzzling Hummer you remember. The 2022 Hummer is making an all-electric comeback as a subbrand for GMC. This first iteration will come in the form of a pick-up truck with a sport utility version not far behind. This new Hummer apparently brings the goods of its predecessor without the poor fuel economy. How about an estimated 1000 horsepower produced by its top powertrain option, which uses three electric motors. All that power blasts this Hummer from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds with a full charge range of 350 miles. 24

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The Hummer EV also features removable roof panels, an optional adjustable air suspension, and a cool four-wheel steering feature that allows it to “crab” sideways—drive diagonally—all of which should make it fun to take off-road. No word yet on official towing capacity which would need to be in the 7500 and 11,000 pound range to compete with the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford Lightning. The all new Hummer has

DRIVE drive FORfor SHOW show eras and sensors that will detect objects both hard and soft for up to 250 meters around the vehicle. Base price is $200,000 with a reservation deposit of $50,000. The Founder’s Series with only 1000 units expected to be produced hits the $250,000 mark and Tesla requires payment in full to place an order for that edition. Tesla recently announced that the new Roadster which was expected for 2022 will most likely hit the market for 2023. Delays are a result of semi-conductor supply shortages.

2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup

Tried and true luxury brand Mercedes releases a new generation of vehicles with the 2022 Mercedes EQS. This all electric luxury sedan catapults Mercedes to the forefront of the EV movement. The USA gets two models for 2022 the EQS 450+ and the EQS 580 4Matic. Mercedes designers have recently focused on the theme of “sensual purity,” the new EQS has a minimum number of body lines along with flowing transitions and a reduced number of panel gaps. This glamorous yet simplistic design is brought to life for the EQS 450+ by a rear-mounted 329-horsepower electric motor. The EQS 580 4Matic has front and rear electric motors with a combined output of 516 horsepower. Mercedes makes its own batteries, with reduced cobalt and high energy density, in Germany. Further improving range is an exceptionally sleek EQS body with a smooth bottom. This new electric Mercedes luxury sedan also has a drag coefficient of only 0.20, the lowest of any production car on the road. Top

speed for the EQS electric models is limited to 130 mph. The interior is refined and functional what you would expect from the Mercedes brand. And how about that Power Nap Mode for drivers and passenger needing a break. Once the vehicle is safely parked the driver can activate Power Nap Mode. This sleep-aid program has three phases: falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up. When Power Nap is engaged, the driver’s seat moves into a restful position, the side windows and blinds are closed, an air ionizer activates, and the ambient lighting gets toned down. Sleep is then supported by soothing sounds and a starry sky displayed on the EQS center console. When it’s time to wake up, a fragrance fills the EQS cabin, and the seat massages you before returning to its former position. Where do we sign up for that experience, right? The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450+ starts at $102,300 and the EQS 580 4Matic in Pinnacle trim begins at $125,310.

lots of cabin space, big comfortable seats and removable glass roof panels to enjoy the wind when out exploring the open road. The 2022 electric Hummer price tag comes in at $79,000 to $113,000 depending on the version and optional equipment. This one is certainly worth a test drive. 2022 is promising to be an exciting year for EV enthusiasts. If you are on the fence about going electric now may be a good time to get out there and do some test driving. With so many options available you are more than certain to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Good luck and have fun. Driverside Vehicle Reviews

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Sliced Filet.

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AUS TI

THE

CAP

ITAL

GRIL

STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR

Austin has always been a casual restaurant town. The city has a young demographic thanks to the University of Texas and, in general, a population that loves lake activities, participation sports, and live music. Outside of hotels, our most celebrated restaurants in the past have been in historic old houses in quaint (expensive) neighborhoods, and our new food powerhouses tend to be in more modern, eclectic spaces (in newly ….expensive neighborhoods.)

friend’s birthday recently introduced me to a bit of a hybrid, a great old Austin building with amazing food in a modern yet very elegant dining room. The Capital Grille is located in what some Austinites will remember as the old Spaghetti Warehouse at 4th and Colorado. Rare for Austin, the building was home to the Italian eatery for nearly forty years. Many will have hazy college memories of the large warehouse space that featured a trolly car in the center of the restaurant. The handsome red brick building (circa 1905) is a designated historic landmark and has been home to The Capital Grille since 2014. Interestingly several of the company’s 62 restaurants are located in historic venues as well. The original Capital Grille in Providence, Rhode Island, was located in the town’s imposing Union Station, which accommodated some 300 trains a day back in the 1920s. There is a Capital Grille on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC with views of the US Capitol, and the one in New York City is in the prestigious Chrysler Center. The satellites in Chicago and Seattle also feature unique downtown locations with colorful connections to the turn of the (last) century.

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Fried Calamari with Hot Cher r y Pepper s.

Lobster & Crab Cakes.

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As you walk into the Austin restaurant, the total transformation of the old warehouse space is astounding. The feel is part private club, a little jazz age from the Art Deco light fixtures, and an expensive Texas home with some impressive game trophies here and there. The restaurant is wall to wall, fine wood paneling, lush carpets, and beautiful oil paintings. Though perhaps not as grand as a train station or a legendary address, manager Jasmine Peterson explained that the Austin restaurant is purposely filled with Texas heritage. Many of the paintings are of influential Texas personalities ranging from Lorenzo de Zavala and Stephen F. Austin to President Lyndon Johnson, Governor Ann Richards, and US Representative Barbara Jordan. One of the three private dining rooms features a large portrait of Corpus Christi native Farrah Fawcett, and the main bar features impressive paintings of Coach Darrell Royal and ballplayer Willie Wells. Far from stuffy, the classic décor is integrated with modern metal and glass details. For instance, an impressive glass wine cellar greets you at the entrance and is the backdrop for much of the main dining room. On each of my visits, I’ve started at the beautiful bar just to the left of the entrance. The dark wood tones and sizable sporting and landscape paintings give the bar a classic New England feel, but the prominent portrait of Darrel Royal definitely tells you you’re in Texas. Like much of the restaurant, the bar staff is genuinely friendly and sets the tone for the rest of the experience. The bartender happily crafted a cucumber mojito for me though it wasn’t on the menu. (…“we have cucumber in the kitchen… I can do that.”) He followed later by introducing me to the Grille’s signature cocktail, the Stoli Doli, a house-infused, pineapple vodka martini served in a slender flute…. deceptively strong and seriously delicious. (Fans have posted the recipe/method online.) I had the luck of being seated in the main dining room on my first visit. The large, attractive room has to be one of the prettiest in the city; well-spaced table, comfortable chairs, starched linens, and gleaming flatware. The servers wear smart, khaki jackets with just a slight military crispness to the look. It could be a rookie move to order too many appetizers at a steakhouse, but given the terrific selection, you have to take the plunge. To date, my favorites have been the (light) lobster bisque with generous chunks of lobster, and the outstanding lobster and crab cakes. The latter was served with fantastic, fresh corn relish and a remoulade, definitely worth revisiting. The fresh “Pink Moon” oysters, Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella sticks, and Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes have also been stand-outs. The restaurant uses a 15-year-old balsamic vinegar on various dishes, and where used, it just makes them sing. Though excellent seafood and chicken dishes are available (someday I may even try the lamb chops),

Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese. The Capital Grille prides itself on their 18-24 day dry-aged steaks. The process slowly removes moisture in a very controlled way leaving a concentration of flavor and a softer texture than regular steaks. The choices range from small fillets to a large 22-ounce Bone-in Ribeye with occasional more enormous steaks as specials. On Chef Ken Larsen’s recommendation, I ordered a porcini mushroom dusted, bone-in ribeye. The dark char happens to the mushroom coating, leaving a very moist steak with a deep flavor. (Incidentally, Chef isn’t particularly fond of mushrooms, but he loves what this method does for his steaks.) I’m glad I took his advice. Like any good steakhouse, the sides can be the difference between a good meal and one you will tell about to everyone. On our first outing, we loved the Au Gratin Potatoes enough to make sure we ordered them again. Table favorites have been the Soy Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and the Sautéed Spinach with garlic confit. All are usually found at high-end steakhouses, but they are particularly well done here. Steakhouses are always great places for big red wines, and Covid disruptions notwithstanding, the Grille’s selection does run into hundreds of labels. Good options from dozens of Burgundy and California makers are available for seafood or lighter dishes. I did a superb Vaillons 1er Cru Chablis with the Oysters one night and a Louis Latour 1er Cru Beaune on the birthday night. For serious red fans, nearly 77 big names are available from California with featured cases of Shafer, Caymus, and DAOU and some options from Hundred Acre, Bond, and Harlan for deeper pockets. A fair selection of Bordeaux reds is available from Margaux, Pessac Leognan and Pomerol, plus a sampling of Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Rounding out the list are good choices from Spain, Italy, Australia / New Zealand, and Argentina. As would be explained by another online recipe, The Capital Grille’s Cheesecake with a Brûlée style topping is simply incredible. Unlike other cheesecakes, the house version is on a base of crushed Nilla Wafers. The filling is a light, whipped blend of cream cheese and ricotta, and the top is torched sugar a la Crème Brûlée. The Classic Crème Brûlée and the (not dense as fudge) Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake are also favorites. For all its style, the Capital Grille Austin certainly follows up with substance. My first experience was having been invited to a birthday dinner. As a good friend is having a birthday in November, I can think of no better reason to book one of the private dining rooms for the next time out. This place could become a habit.

Coconut Creme Pie O T L G O L F. C O M

O T L / H E A LT H

Why Chiropractic Adjustments Don’t Last STORY BY DR. JEFF LUKE

A common complaint about chiropractic care is, ‘That you have to keep going back to the chiropractor.’ This may make you hesitant to even start chiropractic care, since you don’t want to get ‘hooked’ on a never-ending series of adjustments. On the other hand you may want to address your health issues naturally without drugs or surgery. So, what do you do? Current research shows chiropractic care is very effective in treating back and neck pain as well as a number of other health issues. But, you really want to be in control of your own health care choices. If this sounds familiar to you, stay tuned because I’m going to share three effective ways you can maximize the positive benefits of chiropractic adjustments and maintain control of your own care. As we look at how you can take charge of your own healing process and have the most efficient and cost-effective natural health support, while utilizing chiropractic, let’s start by considering some basic physiology. We know that the nerve system is the control system of the body, orchestrating the proper function of trillions

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of cells all at once, 24 hours a day. We also know that when there is interference with nerve function it results in pain or other symptoms, which alert us there is problem. When everything is functioning optimally our bodies are self-regulating and self-healing without much thought on our parts. When something goes wrong with this process, our body needs to get our attention and it is not just looking to have its messages turned off with pain medication. The objective of chiropractic adjustments is to reduce the cause of the nerve interference so that your body can get on with proper healing and regeneration. Today we want to explore how to get the most benefit from your chiropractic care. So, let’s look at the 3 main factors that help you get optimum chiropractic results.

HEALTH

There is The Healing Journey Some people think they are either ‘In Adjustment’ or ‘Out of Adjustment’. They believe chiropractic adjustments are something like an On – Off Switch. It can seem this way because they usually feel better after an adjustment, but then over time their discomfort starts to return. As we considered a moment ago, adjustments remove nerve interference, so that your body can better heal itself from ‘the inside, out’. This is certainly not a ‘one and done’ process. Adjustments should be thought of more along the way you see eating, sleeping or exercise. All these activities help you recharge, heal or strength-

en, but they need to be of good quality, and they must be repeated at the proper frequency for you to be at your best. The adjustment process is something like a trek from Point A toward Point B. It is composed of many steps rather than one leap from A to B. If the adjustment moves you forward 4 steps, and then events in your life cause you to go backward 1 step, you still have a net forward movement of 3 steps, which is progress. If however, you take 4 steps forward and then move 4 or more backward, there is no progress. This leads us to the other 2 factors for optimizing chiropractic care.

There is The a Adjustment Frequency Matters Journey Proper adjustment frequency keeps you moving forward and insures that each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The optimal frequency has to be based on various factors: including your current health state and your goals. If you are young, basically very healthy and have an acute lower back pain, your care plan will be shorter and require less adjustments than an older person in poor general health with a chronic, recurrent and degenerated lower back complaint. If your goal is simply to get out of pain, your plan

will be different than someone who wants to achieve and maintain optimum health. Your chiropractor can evaluate your condition and recommend options related to your desired goals. This teamwork in structuring an agreed plan of action is important. So, be sure to speak with your chiropractor about your specific goals and create a detailed plan together for your health journey. With the proper plan, adjustments can result in much more than relief of pain and symptoms. They can also support your regeneration and lead to progressively higher levels of health.

Is That ‘Lifestyle Matters’ What you do between adjustments is important. Since the nerve interference, which creates subluxations, can be caused by Physical, Chemical and Mental-Emotional stresses, the lifestyle choices you make are more important than you may think. Things like sitting or standing posture, dietary choices, hydration levels and sleep quality all play roles in your health. If the stresses from these activities are greater than your body’s ability to recover or adapt, you will become more subluxated. Subluxation, by the way, is a chiropractic term for the structural distortions, which produce nerve interference. Left untreated, the distortions cause postural

change and even affect the function of your organ systems. This is not the kind of cumulative change you want. Much of what people call aging is in fact the degenerative changes resulting from years of nerve interference and poor lifestyle choices. The good news is that it is never too late to turn this around. And, the sooner you do the higher your quality of life going forward.

If you would like more specific information on lifestyle choices and activities that help you heal and make your chiropractic adjustments more effective, contact out @mpoweredchiro on social media, along with my website – www.mpoweredchiro.com.

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BOYNE GOLF

Dazzles as America’s Summer Golf Capital STORY BY MARC HALL

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The first time I traveled to Northern Michigan, I knew I’d be back. Seduced by gorgeous, limitless Lake Michigan panoramas along rapturous shorelines, the coolest “frozen in a golden era” small towns anywhere and breathtaking forests, streams, rivers, epic dunes, hills, mountains and lush, rolling landscapes (all which lend to tremendous, unforgettable golf), it was wild to process that anywhere this idyllic could still exist today. And the golf in this region is plentiful and, by all measures, superb. Like someone who suddenly discovered in adulthood they’re some percentage Native American, I swore I must somehow must have some “Northern Michigan DNA.”

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ike desert golf, links golf or mountain golf, golf in Northern Michigan, from its majestic coastline to its rippling, verdant and forested interior, seems to exist in its own genre that must be experienced by anyone who was a serious passion for the game. On a recent return trip to one of the game’s genuine paradises, our group experienced the elegant simplicity of booking our rounds and accommodations through one source who is the leader in first-rate resort golf in this region, BOYNE Golf. Rather than booking tee times at multiple, spreadout places or banking on the hospitality of a random club member someone knows, we put our expectations in BOYNE Golf’s hands because so many people have vouched for the brand’s collection of 10 area courses. Variety (in the form of 10 golf courses set over three unique resort properties – Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain and Bay Harbor), meticulous conditioning, memorable scenery and shot values and pure fun were the selling points and BOYNE Golf’s signature properties really delivered. A short, scenic and anticipation-fueled from Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport brought us to the iconic Victorian-style Inn at Bay Harbor. Laying eyes on the hotel, its adjacent yacht club and the beaming shoreline of Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay, it’s immediately clear why many have dubbed Bay Harbor “The Pebble Beach of the Midwest.” First on the hit list was the premier golfing experience in the region, Bay Harbor Golf Club and its bucket-list-caliber offering of the Links and Quarry nines. There are moments when you’re playing along the coastline and you glance to the water and you’ll swear you’re on a Hawaiian coastline. Arthur Hills’ masterwork weaves is full of daring, imaginative holes. As your approach shot on the sweeping dogleg right par 4 first on the dramatic Links nine takes flight, you catch your first glimpse of Lake Michigan to the left of a well-protected green. On the challenging 420yard par-4 second hole, you’ll see tall, waving fescue, a strategic and aesthetic nod to the Irish courses Bay Harbor is patterned after. At the reachable, 490-yard, par-5 seventh providing big-time thrills and a shot at glory if you hit a long drive into a narrow landing area. This uphill hole often plays into the wind, with Lake Michigan on the right and fescue lurking left. The Quarry nine (built on the site of a former working quarry), is an eye-popping thrill ride with one hole after the other daring you to play hero shots. The long par-4 fifth, at 478 yards, features an all-carry approach over water to a shallow, firm green. The par-4 sixth demands an intimidating tee shot and a all-carry shot over wetlands that looks farther than it

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actually is. The eighth, which plays into a picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline setting, is easily one of the most picturesque par 3s in the country. With a more traditional parkland routing, The Preserve nine plays well up to the lofty standards of the Links and Quarry. Winding extensively through the hardwoods for much of the nine, The Preserve, like the Quarry, also opens up to the calming Lake Michigan shoreline. A very short drive away, scenic 18-hole Crooked Tree Golf Club delivers stellar panoramic views and an underrated stretch of quality, finelymaintained golf holes. More than one person in our group said Crooked Tree was a course they could play every day. The Inn at Bay Harbor features 116 guest rooms and suites and 35 two- and three-bedroom cottages at the Lakeside Cottages and Cottages at Crooked Tree. All provide views of the areas famous Million Dollar Sunsets. Dining and signature cocktails are next-level at Vintage Chophouse and Wine Bar and the views of Lake Michigan. The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor is a full-service spa and salon that includes a private manicure/pedicure room and a private couples massage room. Families can also enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool, cabanas, beach area, lawn chess and croquet, exercise room and biking trails. Boyne Highlands Resort Resembling a Scottish country estate with its deep wood accents, tartan plaids and massive fireplaces, Boyne Highlands is a cozy escape just a half-hour drive north of Bay Harbor. Popular during the winter as a family-friendly ski destination, Boyne Highlands is home to BOYNE Golf’s first golf property and a multi-course template many resorts have replicated through the years. The resort is currently undergoing a renovation that will bring a new elegance, comfort and tasteful sense of modern luxury to the property’s rooms and common areas. The changes promise to make The Highlands one the region’s premier travel experiences. With four different golf courses, Boyne Highlands, alone, makes for an ideal, one-stop buddies trip. The timeless, strategic parkland allure of the Heather (the original Boyne course by Robert Trent Jones Sr.) and the natural beauty of the Arthur Hills course, which features a 150-foot drop off from the tee at the par-5 13th, stand tall as must-plays on a visit to Northern Michigan. The Heather is also on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses and, in 2019, was named the National Golf Course Owners Association’s Golf Course of the Year. The Donald Ross Memorial is an extremely wellexecuted tribute course comprised of holes inspired

Boyne Mountain offers two fun courses, the Alpine and The Monument, which both offer tremendous views of nearby Deer Lake. The 7,061-yard Monument and the 7,045-yard Alpine, both designed by Michigan architect Bill Newcombe, zigzag through tree-lined slopes before winding down to tamer, rolling terrain. Both courses begin with a scenic 10-minute cart ride up the ski hill to their respective first tees.

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by famous Ross designs that have hosted three Ryder Cups, eight U.S. Amateurs, 11 PGA Championships and 14 U.S. Opens. Holes were carefully selected to match topography, with green complexes being nearly perfect. Seminole, Oakland Hills, Oak Hill, Pinehurst, Inverness, Bob O’Link, and Aronomink are just a few of the legendary courses represented. More than being a thoughtful, well-executed tribute course, The Ross is an enjoyable and engaging routing. Even it wasn’t a tribute course, it stands apart as a great start-to-finish golfing experience. Some golfers consider the easy-going Moor Course, where a round feels like an escape through the woods, the most enjoyable of the four. Every course at Boyne Highlands closes with a forced-carry approach, so don’t count those bets as over until the last putts fall. One of the coolest things you can do at Boyne Highlands is stop by Slopeside for pizza and drinks and a spin around the adjacent par-3 Cuff Links course that plays up and back down the ski hill. Accommodations abound in the resort’s main Lodge, Bartley House, Heather Highlands Inn and Townhouses, Alpine Village and, most popular for golf buddies’ trips, the Ross Cottages. For those who wisely plan golf trips around game improvement, the Boyne Golf Academy works tireless-

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ly to stay on the cutting edge of game improvement. An award-wining professional staff using GEARS and TrackMan in lessons and expert club fittings and the new TrackMan Range feature on the practice tee brings working on your game to an unprecedented level. You can hit shots and receive shot data on each swing or prep for your round on Boyne Highlands courses by “playing them” on TrackMan Range’s gamified version of each layout. Just 27 miles away from Boyne Highlands, Boyne’s southern-most resort, Boyne Mountain Resort offers the walkable and family0friendly allure of a European alpine village. Hugely popular for skiing in the winter, Boyne Mountain plays up the ski village theme beautifully. The charming and vast resort includes a variety of accommodations from standard rooms to suites and condos, situated right at the base of the mountain. The Solace Spa is first-rate and includes access to exercise equipment, steam, sauna and whirlpool facilities. Off-course attractions for the entire family include ziplining, Segway tours, watersports, disc golf, indoor and outdoor pools with hot tubs, tennis courts, lawn games as well as the thrilling, family-friendly Avalanche Bay indoor water park, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark. Terrific dining options abound at Boyne Mountain, including relaxed yet refined fare

at Everett’s and the always-fun Forty Acres Tavern for sports viewing, pub grub and local craft beer. Boyne Mountain offers two fun courses, the Alpine and The Monument, which both offer tremendous views of nearby Deer Lake. The 7,061-yard Monument and the 7,045-yard Alpine, both designed by Michigan architect Bill Newcombe, zigzag through tree-lined slopes before winding down to tamer, rolling terrain. Both courses begin with a scenic 10-minute cart ride up the ski hill to their respective first tees. With sweeping drops to narrow fairways carved from the forest, The Monument requires more heroic shots. Holes here are named for golfing legends like Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson. After golf, don’t miss one of the region’s best lunch destinations, across the street at the lakefront Beach House. All of BOYNE Golf’s courses are maintained to meticulous and consistent standards. While there, a staffer showed us that all of the greens on all 10 courses were rolling with much less than one foot of variance on the Stimpmeter. In most cases, there difference was negligible. That’s impressive, especially, considering the courses were all in good enough shape to host a top-tier tournament at the drop of a hat. Finally, BOYNE Golf is centered amid one of Amer-

ica’s most beautiful vacation spots. The scenic Lake Michigan beach towns of Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, and Petoskey are minutes away, and a side trip to Mackinac Island is easily managed. This area has some of the best and most memorable before- or after-golf activities anywhere. Marinas, wineries and waterfront dining abound along with the chance to walk the in the steps of Ernest Hemingway in the summer destination of his youth on the quaint, charming streets of Petoskey. This region is a true throwback to simpler times with fruit stands, craft breweries, local artisans, mom and pop businesses of all kinds and little charms like the divine chocolate and ice cream from Kilwin’s that are good enough to leave you wondering if you, yourself, have any Northern Michigan DNA. With 10 acclaimed golf courses sprawling across three separate and distinctive resort properties and an abundance of packages to fit a broad array of itineraries, you can’t go wrong putting your next golf trip in the hands of the folks who’ve been curating the destination in Northern Michigan for more than 50 years. Add the fact the direct flights are available into Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport from Dallas and Houston, and planning just got easier. For more information on BOYNE Golf, and to plan your summer golf adventure, visit www.BOYNEgolf.com.

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OTL / BUCK’S TIPS

Game Day Performance STORY BY BUCK MAYERS, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION It is often the perception that many golfers who seek council in learning golf, assume coaches only teach the biomechanics and physical skill sets. This is far from the truth. Complete teachers incorporate the education of building a solid foundation and in understanding athletic skills. But chances are, most golfers do not incorporate a structured plan to motor learning, sports psychology, or mental game training. Recently, my good friend, Dr. David Cook sent me a copy of his new book “Greatness” with a very heartfelt note for my input and worthiness of spreading the message. I was humbled and grateful to do so. David has counseled many of my students and friends, therefore, I can speak to his incredible ability to bring out the best in all he touches with his wisdom. He is also the author of “Seven Days in Utopia, Golf’s Sacred Journey“ and “The Psychology of Tournament Golf; Playing Your Best When It Means the Most”. If you have heard, “SFT or See, Feel, Trust“, then you know the practical approach in David’s writings. I feel “Greatness” is his best book so far and can help you build your roadmap to success, but more importantly, significance. David describes greatness as “Selfless Exceptionalism”. This approach resonated with me far more than just my golf learning skills, but my quality of life and the people whose lives I’ve been fortunate to touch. Here are a few snippets from Greatness by Dr. David Cook: “We all get it. It’s easy to perform well we’re not on the stage. It is very different to perform your best when

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it means the most. Focus. Passion. Mental toughness. That’s it. When these three elements are combined, they become the greatest predictor of success, or exceptionalism. These elements serve as the first three pillars to greatness. 1. Where do you want to go? Focus 2. How bad do you want to get there? Passion 3. Do you have the mental skills needed to handle the adversity along the journey? Mental toughness. The depth and clarity with which you answer these questions says it all. I have never met a competitor in business, sport, or life who desires to fail. However, I meet daily with performers who consistently failed to reach their true potential when it means the most – game day. They don’t fail because they don’t try; they fail because of their answers to these three questions. They fail because they are missing a few pieces to the performance puzzle. It isn’t because they are weak in character; it’s not because of poor strategy, training or technique; it isn’t because they lack strength or fitness. They just lack knowledge about the mental game.” These are just a few samples of how all golfers can build their own roadmap for greatness. For more, please go to www.greatnessthebook.com. Enjoy, I want you to realize your goals on game day!

Buck Mayers is the Director of Instruction at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. He can be reached at buckmayersgolf.com or 512.695.2270.

A sneak peak at Santa’s List

AND OUR FAVORITES FOR 2021 STORY BY NATALIE KALBAS ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, OTL MAGAZINE

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Santa is getting ready for his time to shine. This year, he seems to have deep pockets and wants us to feel downright spoiled. Can’t say we blame him. Not only do we like to feel spoiled, but like Santa, we also like to spoil others. It is considered the season of giving and this is the year to completely be wrapped in luxury. 2021 is the year to indulge and this is your sign to not hold back. We are excited to list a few recommendations that will either make your decision easier or tougher, but they’re worth consideration. Hint: Our favorite gift is an escape to the Phoenician. f you want first-class with golf and a gorgeous scene that you can get lost in, absolutely go directly to Kapalua on Maui, Hawaii. Just as Kapalua translates to “arms embracing the sea,” The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua embraces guests with island-inspired luxury and natural aloha. Spend your days lounging on golden beaches, snorkeling with sea turtles or soaring through the West Maui Mountains on a dual zipline. Play in the footsteps of legends on one of two championship golf courses (the Plantation and Bay courses), reinvigorate with an indigenous spa ritual or discover new flavors from locally sourced fare. At this luxury beachfront resort, every new adventure begins with the spirit of aloha.

Nestled on Maui’s pristine Northwest shore, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is surrounded by one of Hawaii’s most expansive natural preserves and two protected marine sanctuaries. At this sprawling beach-

front resort, guests appreciate the abundant opportunities to explore and discover. Balancing their time with relaxation and wellness, enjoying resort amenities and activities, while being pampered with legendary RitzCarlton service. Newly transformed guest rooms, suites and residences beckon with enhanced decor embracing Maui’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Delicate sand tones evoke feelings of calm and serenity while azure blue and deep green accents echo the captivating hues of the sparkling ocean and lush flora. Stunning oceanfront and natural beauty inspire all the senses while award-winning culinary experiences, interactive eco-adventures and a Hawaiianinspired spa create an unforgettable escape at this restorative sanctuary. Check out their Golf in Paradise package with rates that start at $849 per night and includes two rounds of golf daily and breakfast for two. Visit their website to book your getaway now.

Don’t forget to take the swimwear like this pretty one-shoulder cut-out from Zimmerman ($320). O T L G O L F. C O M

Guys, you’ll want to make sure you have some sunglasses. We like a nice classic look, but with elevated style like this pair of aviators from Dior ($530)

For the golfer who has just about everything, we suggest the allnew PXG GEN4 Golf Clubs. They are the product of years of research and testing, combining specialized materials never before used in golf to produce incredible sound and feel, unbelievable forgiveness, explosive distance, and drop-dead sexy looks. Their flagship clubs include drivers, fairways, hybrids, and irons—each optimized to suit your swing and skyrocket your performance. At the time of press, the price is $2,999 for the GEN4 full bag promo–various prices per club. The full bag promo includes: GEN4 Driver, Fairways, Hybrids, GEN4 Irons, GEN3 Milled Wedges, Battle Ready Putter, Hat, Bag. *Upgrade charges may apply, full bag purchase required for this pricing.

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You’ll also putt like never before with a PGX putter. Nine new, 100% milled putters will have golfers of all skill levels sinking more putts from anywhere on the green. Each putter is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and high-density tungsten. Unique to the Battle Ready lineup, PXG engineers introduced high-density tungsten inserts. The inserts are strategically positioned in every putter to enhance stability and boost MOI. At the time press, clubs start at $289 per club.

Give the gift of an iconic destination. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona sits the picture-perfect Phoenician. Showcasing a lush, tropical landscape in stunning Sonoran Desert surroundings, this 254acre AAA Five Diamond property features a contemporary, approachable luxury. From a Forbes Five Star spa with a rooftop pool to a fair but challenging 18-hole golf course, The Phoenician captures the moment, as well as the imagination. Diverse, artisan-crafted dining options (the Afternoon Tea is a must!), a state-of-the-art athletic club with fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a multi-tiered pool complex and two-acre Cactus Garden provide the best for both an active and leisurely getaway. www.thephoenician.com.

Stay hydrated in the desert with this water bottle with diamonds by Gem Water ($330). In the healing arts, this blend of diamonds and clear quartz is said to support the sensory organs and help ease the stresses of everyday life—not unlike the Phoenician itself.

Take a trip to the epicenter of Texas Wine Country at Fredericksburg. With over 50 wineries to choose from, you will fall in love with more than a few. Explore Fredericksburg’s Urban Wine Trail, while includes over 10 downtown wineries and wine tasting rooms owned by Fredericksburg wineries, all within walking distance to historic hotspots, shops and boutiques, and B&B/hotels. Our beloved food and wine editor, Richard Arebalo, highly recommends Ben Calais and Ron Yates wineries. Fredericksburg during Weihnachtszeit or the Christmas season has often been compared to a holiday Hallmark movie and with good reason. Whether it’s ice skating and marveling at the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree and au-

Luxuriate in style at the Phoenician with this Versace silk robe ($1,750).

thentic German Christmas pyramid, shopping along a Main Street decked out in its holiday finest, enjoying a festive wine event and local cuisine, or experiencing one of the many special events, Fredericksburg is the perfect holiday getaway. In 2021, Fredericksburg will be a magical place for the holidays, highlighted by Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights, which will take place each evening at Marktplatz at 6 p.m., starting on Tuesday, Nov. 23 and running through Thursday, Jan. 6. Experience a 10-minute audio presentation, featuring the story of the town’s German heritage, holiday carols and concluding with a countdown to the lighting of Marktplatz.

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The Texas Hill Country is home to excellent (and plentiful) distilleries. Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye should be the top spot on your list when deciding which distilleries to check out. Every bottle of Garrison Brothers is overflowing with the finest, gourmet-grade ingredients on the planet. The nectar inside was made from a sweet mash bill and heat-forged in the scorching Texas sun, extracting all the flavor possible from their new American white oak barrels, yielding a darker, richer, and fuller bourbon than any out there. One thing is certain: Life is simply too short to waste on inferior whiskey. So, go to heavenly Hye, Texas to see it all for yourself.

What makes Garrison Brothers stand out is how they give back. In association with the distilled spirits community, GOOD BOURBON FOR A GOOD CAUSE is the beneficiary of marketing and promotional events conducted for philanthropic purposes. Funds from GOOD BOURBON FOR A GOOD CAUSE are distributed to charitable organizations primarily, but not exclusively, in Blanco and Gillespie counties of Texas and also to charitable organizations that serve current and former American military personnel. The types of charitable causes that are supported include, but are not limited to military veterans and nature conservancy. Visit www.goodbourbonforagoodcause.com for more information. 50

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The holiday season isn’t complete without stocking stuffers. Your Garrison Brothers whisky deserves to be enjoyed cold, but not bruised. We recommend some gorgeous whisky cubes you have to have from the ANNA New York. The Vida Gemstone Whiskey Cubes are an unusual and fun gift for the liquor connoisseur in your life. Handcrafted from Amethyst (said to provide strength) and Smoky Quartz gems (thought to remove negativity), they keep your drink cool without watering it down. Place in the freezer for four hours, in the included pouch, drop into your drink of choice, and enjoy. ($145)

Candles are almost always welcomed and appreciated especially when they remind you of a well-loved place. Paris is always a good idea….so Baobab came out with a scent for the City of Lights. Just like the Baobab trees overlooking the African Savannah, Baobab candles and diffusers are known for their size and original designs. They are extraordinary objects providing an olfactory and aesthetic experience. The Paris Scented Candle is decorated with powder pink and gold silkscreen print that resembles the stylized structure of the Eiffel Tower. The fragrance of this candle is a mix of linden and tulip, an immersion into the romanticism of the city ($60)

Petrossian Caviar is a nice take on a stocking stuffer. Special Reserve Kaluga Huso Hybrid caviar from Petrossian is the future of caviar, a natural hybrid that combines the rich flavors of Beluga (currently banned in the United States) with a clean, buttery opening, firm grains and a velvet finish that never ends. Starting at $504.

Serve your caviar with this pretty serving set from Christofle from the Malmaison Collection. A two-piece silver-plated caviar serving set in the Malmaison pattern contains an outer presentation dish for ice and a crystal bowl that can hold 8.8 oz. of caviar. The bowl comes with a lid adorned with a closed lotus plant. One of Christofle’s most historic patterns, Malmaison exemplifies the Empire style, with its frieze of delicate palm and lotus leaves and symmetry. The name is a nod to the Chateau de la Malmaison, a favored Parisian residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine. It is also the only line that includes caviar serving pieces. ($1,400)

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A safer route for gift-giving usually falls under the scent category. Help your loved ones discover their signature fragrance from Bacarrat and Tom Ford. For the ladies, we like Bacarrat Rouge 540. Luminous and sophisticated, Baccarat Rouge 540 lays on the skin like an amber, floral and woody breeze. A poetic alchemy with notes of jasmine, saffron, cedar wood and ambergris. Starts at $325.

Men will appreciate F*cking Fabulous by Tom Ford. This iconoclastic leather fragrance is spicy, warm, and decadent. A gourmand almond and iris heart imbue textural richness to the luscious leather intensified by floral orris accord. The effect is so exquisitely beautiful, no other name would do. The scent will last for hours. Starts at $368.

Really relish in little luxuries this year. Take a wellness cue from the likes of celebrities world-wide with DOSE on the go. Perfect for traveling or at-home use, The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blankets increase the body’s thermal energy and promote a temporary increase in blood flow, so one sweats like they are working out, without working out. Relax into the soothing, yet stimulating heat and the infrared also provides an uplifting sensation ($499).

Byredo Suede hand wash is definitely one luxury you never knew you needed. A fusion of breezy floral notes, pear, bergamot and fresh aldehydes. Suede gently unfurls with nuances of lily of the valley and violet before settling on a bed of soft musks, smooth velvet plum, and sweet, crisp amber. Get a bottle starting at $65.

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K e e p your appearance impeccable by treating your skin from within. Tr i Po l l a r STOP Vx is the ultimate in skincare innovation. The FDA-cleared, anti-aging device delivers professional-level aesthetic results in the comfort of your own home. The STOP Vx is a multi-functional Radio Frequency (RF) device, based on the well-established 3rd generation TriPollar® Technology and enhanced with ELV. TriPollar STOP Vx delivers RF energy into the dermis skin layer to naturally build collagen and repair elastin and improve skin tone and firmness, safely and effectively. The results are both immediately visible and long-lasting. Users enjoy a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, reshaping and toning of facial features such as the jawline contour, and plumping and tightening of sagging skin. Using STOP Vx regularly, according to the treatment protocol can effectively postpone the signs of aging ($629).

Beautiful jewelry is always on someone’s list. In a post-COVID world, the buying habits of consumers are high but the mindset is on investment. Pieces that are classic staples are on the rise even more so than before, and they are sure to be the highlight this holiday season. People are looking to spend their money in a smart way – and invest in classics that will stand the test of time. Diamond’s Direct has exquisite pieces to choose from.

We narrowed it down to these 4 gifts:

You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of brilliant diamond stud earrings. Available in a range of carat weights, the diamond experts at Diamonds Direct hand select all diamonds to ensure value and brilliance. Plus, all diamond stud earrings are eligible for Diamonds Direct’s unbeatable 110 percent lifetime upgrade! It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. Earrings start at $565.

Shopping for a trendsetter but want to find a piece that will stand the test of time? Then a diamond eternity band is a definite must! Worn alone or stacked with other bands, this piece is sure to dazzle. Starting at $3,950.

Everyone can appreciate the timeless elegance of a diamond bracelet. Available in the classic tennis bracelet form or as a bangle bracelet, all Diamonds Direct pieces include complimentary cleanings and maintenance to keep your diamonds sparkling for life. Starting at $1,150.

This beautiful halo pendant features a round brilliant-cut center diamond surrounded by a sparkling halo of diamonds. Available in a variety of carat weights, this pendant is set in 14K white gold on a cable link chain. Meet with a Diamond Expert at Diamonds Direct for certified diamonds, fancy shape diamonds, colored diamonds or stud settings in platinum, yellow or rose gold. Priced $1,200-$11,500.

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Fancy a new bar set that will elevate your current style? Look no further than this high-end bar set from Aerin. Beautifully stored in a shagreen box with brass hardware, this deluxe set has three removable trays with integrated brass handles. It includes everything you need for a home bar: a selection of Leon bar tools and serving accessories. Embossed shagreen/brass/suede. Set includes bottle opener, corkscrew, bottle stopper, Fausto jigger and shaker set, 4 Mattea cocktail picks, 4 Fausto julep cups, 4 linen napkins and 4 Shagreen Coasters all for $3,900.

If you’re wanting to go really big, why not sign the papers for a brand new Land Rover? The most capable Land Rover, the Defender comes with five plus two seats, up to 88.3 cubic feet of cargo space, up to 130 milesper-hour, and features plenty of off-roading capabilities. Built for adventure, the Defender is built from the toughest materials and has been tested to its very limits, designed for

optimum durability. As the owner of a new Land Rover vehicle, receive a complimentary two-hour lesson with a Land Rover Experience Driving School Instructor and learn how to take advantage of your Defender’s capabilities. Experience the Defender along with Sewell’s obsessive customer service at Sewell Jaguar Land Rover North Austin or at landrovernorthaustin.com.

These are a few gift ideas for 2021. Let us not forget that the best gift we have to offer is the gift of our time. Have a clear intention to spend your time with those you love: take an extra hour at dinner with friends, virtually reach out to those you can’t visit, and always remain present. Despite the hustle and bustle of the season, let us also remember to take care of ourselves! Here’s to wishing Santa is very good to you this year. They say when you stop believing in Santa, you start getting underwear. We just ask that he makes them Calvin Klein. Happy Holidays.

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OTL / ON YOUR GAME

KATHY WHITWORTH, Texas Golf Legend Q&A STORY BY ART STRICKLIN

Texas Golf has produced some of the greatest players in Golf history including names like Hogan. Nelson, Trevino, Crenshaw and Spieth which will stand the test of golfing time. But when it comes to Lone Star female players, the greatest winner in professional golf history, Kathy Whitworth, still lives in North Texas, and is involved in a myriad of golf events including an ambassador to the LPGA’s Volunteers of America event at Old American Golf Club in The Colony and her junior events at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth.

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ON YOUR GAME

hitworth who lives in Trophy Club and at age 82 remains a keen observer of the women’s and men’s professional game. While the last of her 88 professional victories (the most ever for a male or female golfer) came in 1985, plus an amazing 95 runneru p finishes, she has actively remained a part of the game she loves and dominated and will be a constant presence at the VOA Classic Since leaving competitive golf, she has served as the first captain of the women’s Solheim Cup team, has hosted her own hugely successful junior tournament the Kathy Whitworth Invitational at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth along with forging relationships with players 50 years her junior. A native a tiny Jal, New Mexico, where her dad had a hardware store, Whitworth moved to West Texas for college and drove hundreds of miles to be taught by legendary Texas golf teacher Harvey Penick in Austin. Whitworth won the first of her 88 professional titles in 1962 and continued her winning ways for more than two decades. The winner of six major championships, she was named LPGA Player of the Year seven times, the Female Athlete of the Year twice by the Associated Press and Golfer of the Decade for the 1960s and ‘70s by the World Golf Hall of Fame who inducted her in 1975 She released book titled, Kathy Whitworth’s Little Book of Golf Wisdom, from Skyhorse Press, modeled after her teacher and friend Penick’s book of short stories from her career and bits of her wisdom for golf success. Still healthy and mobile, on the go as much as possible, Whitworth slowed down enough to talk with OTL Senior Writer Art

Stricklin about her career, her love for golf year, why Asians females dominate golf and her favorite thing about going to professional events these days. ON THE LINKS: At an age when many golfers are just happy to be retired or playing golf with their friends, you’ve still avidly involved in ladies professional and amateur golf, hosting your own amateur event and going to many others, why is that? KATHY WHITWORTH: Are you kidding me? It’s my life, that’s all I’ve ever done. I’m never not interested in what the girls are doing. I always like to see what is going on. OTL: Does anything about today’s LPGA seem familiar to when you played your golf on Tour? KW: It certainly was a lot different than when I was playing. We only had 35 players then, and we never thought about working out or the travel we had to do, we just did it. I not sure we thought it was that tough. The thing I enjoy the most about the Tour today are the great course conditions. We were happy to have any grass at all on the greens. I like to come to the VOA tournament so I can just walk on the greens and think how nice it would be to putt on something like this when I was playing. OTL: Do you know much about Champions Golf Club, the site of the Women’s Open last year, a national championship you were never able to win. KW: I have been there before, but never played the course. I never had much success in that tournament, I guess I just wanted it too much. It’s disappointing. OTL: Do you think ta course Should be set up tough for a national championship?

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KW: I’ve never played there, but have been there before and there are a lot of hard, long fairways, and hard greens to read. It should be a tough challenge, but I know the Korean girls are fun to watch. OTL: Why is that? KW: This is just my opinion, but they are not more talented than our (American), girls but they are better shot makers and better iron players. Their teachers must do a really good job with them and working on their swing. You have to know your game. The Korean girls can manage and adjust their game. OTL: Do you think they are harder workers than the American girls? KW: No I don’t, otherwise they would all be No. 1, but they certainly have been successful. (5 of the 7 winners of the VOA LPGA Classic in North Texas have either been from South Korea or Japan). The Korean who won the year before (2108) knew how to adapt her swing to the conditions OTL: What are some other changes you see on today’s women’s profes-

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sional tours that are different from when you played? KW: When I played, we had three types of clubs made by Wilson, Spaulding and McGregor and that’s what you could choose from. Today, there are so many choices, it can look confusing sometimes. OTL: What about the game itself? KW: One thing that hasn’t changed, it’s not how far you hit it, it’s what you do with your shot. How can you work it and where can you place it. The Korean girls are very good at managing and adjusting their game that way. OTL: Any other big changes? KW: I remember Byron Nelson once said the biggest change to golf was the invention of the lawn mower for the golf course. I laughed, but I think that is true. We didn’t have any grass on the greens and not much in the fairway. I wish we had the grass to play on. They don’t get bad lies now, the greens are pristine. OTL: The Texas players like Stacy Lewis, McKinney’s Brittany Lang and Fort Worth’s Angela Stanford and Dallas’ Gerina Pillar rate chances to play in their home state. Did you feel extra pressure playing in Texas? KW: Not really. I won several times in Texas, in Waco, Amarillo, Dallas and San Antonio. I played in the last Texas U.S. Women’s Open at Colonial (1991) Country Club but I was really passed my prime there and played in the Legends of Golf tourney in Austin with men which was really a lot of fun. OTL: Do you get to see some of your friends from the LPGA and your golfing days when you’re traveling? KW: Sure, I’m going up to see people I played with. I do a lot of corporate and charity stuff. It’s nice to still be wanted and people still call me all the time. OTL: One of the reasons people may

ON YOUR GAME

have never seen you play or heard much about your game is there is no Women’s Senior Tour. Why is that? KW: Well, several people have tried. Jane Blalock’s corporation has tried to put together a senior tournament, but it’s a tough sell. Nancy Lopez was the biggest name we had, but she decided not to be involved. OTL: Some people know you grew up in West Texas, were taught by Harvey Penick in Austin and went to school in Odessa. How long have you been in North Texas? KW: I’ve lived here nearly 20 years. I lived in Taos (New Mexico) for a couple of years, but it didn’t work out. This is close to the airport, close to some good golf courses and close to my friends and golfing partners. OTL: Do you see get to watch some PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events on TV? KW: I get to see plenty on TV, plus I host my own junior tournament in Fort Worth each March, the Kathy Whitworth Invitational at Mira Vista. We had some of the good young players on the Tour come through my tournament so it’s fun to see them play out there. I just want to give something back. OTL: Is that why you’re still involved in teaching? KW: Harvey always said you should give something back to the game, so that’s why I want to teach and help out. That’s why I did the book, to pass along some tips I’ve learned in golf. I molded it after Harvey’s book of golf wisdom. It’s not as good, of course, but it a compilation of things I learned from him and others. OTL: Byron Nelson once said one of his golf records would never be broken. Not the 11 straight wins, but the 18 in a single season because today’s top pros don’t usually play that much.

Will your record of 88 LPGA wins ever be broken? KW: Oh, yeah, I certainly think it will. I think Annika (Sorenstam) have done it and there may be others. Who certainly could do it OTL: Why do you think that is? KW: Annika was motivated and talented enough and ready to do it (Sorenstam has 73 wins).. Records are made to be broken and Annika is a great person, the few times I’ve been with her. There is no guarantee, of course. Will she still be motivated? Will she stay healthy? I certainly think she can. But it didn’t happen. OTL: You mentioned the times you’ve been with Annika. Do you think players today remember you or your great LPGA career? KW: The younger ones, who have been through our junior tournament, like Paula Creamer and others, probably do. Maybe some of the older ones do, but most of the ones in the middle probably don’t. The majority of the player don’t (know about my career) OTL: Why is that? KW: Men are always better at golf history than women. OTL: You don’t seem to be slowing down much at age 821, are you looking forward to a more golf in your future ? KW: Certainly. I’m blessed with good health to travel and don’t think I don’t know it. Most of the girls out here probably don’t know who I am, but I know them, and that’s what matters. OTL: Thanks for the time.

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OTL / TRAVEL

EVERY SEASON HAS A REASON Visit Lake Geneva, WI STORY BY KATIE SOLTAS

It will be hard to choose which season to visit historic Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, but make sure it’s on your travel bucket list. With vibrant leaves and some of the best fall golf weather in the nation, an Autumn trip is hard to refuse. In the winter, visitors can enjoy fresh blankets of fresh powder on nearby ski slopes, followed by relaxing at world-class indoor resort spas and waterparks for families. pringtime provides rare opportunities to see wildlife as you traverse nearby hiking trails. Stop by the Geneva Outdoor Market, rent bicycles and cruise along the 26-mile public Lakeshore Path to find your perfect picnic desti-

nation - or window shop for your future lakeside estate. Summer, the most memorable season for water sport enthusiasts, is all about getting out on the water whether it’s by sailboat, a lake cruise on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line or even a kayak rental.

Lakefront gardens at the Abbey Resor t.

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TRAVEL

During the 1970’s and 1980’s, the small lake town attracted national celebrities and recording artists with the opening of the late Hugh Hefner’s Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel and the Shade Tree Recording Studio, which brought the allure of Los Angeles to the area and became one of the Midwest’s first luxury resorts.

Lake Geneva’s Resort Destinations Hefner’s glamorous resort transitioned ownership and was eventually purchased by Milwaukee-based Marcus Corporation and remodeled into the current-day family-friendly establishment Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. With 356 guest accommodations including the luxury villas, two championship golf courses, three restaurants, a ski hill and the indoor WELL Spa and Salon, the Grand Geneva is a year-round destination to suit any traveler – and our top golf resort recommendation in the area.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GRAND GENEVA

Lake Geneva’s personality changes drastically each season. But, one trend remains consistent: this gem of a lake destination has been a playground for Chicago’s elite since the midnineteenth century. In 1871, the Lake Geneva Express route was established from the Chicago suburb Elgin to the Lake Geneva Depot Station. More followed over the next century, transporting wealthy Chicago natives to their lake homes, according to city archives.

“Located just one hour outside of Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the Midwest’s most desirable destinations for leisure and business travelers,” said Stephen Magnuson, managing director of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, noting the variety of seasonal amenities mentioned above.

Winter scape at Grand Geneva Resor t.

Located just one hour outside of Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the Midwest’s most desirable destinations for leisure and business travelers,” said Stephen Magnuson. O T L G O L F. C O M

to the rich tradition it has built around the holidays. It begins with the Illumination Ceremony on Nov. 21 where the resort flips the switch to turn on the holidays and continues with a gingerbread house contest, breakfast with Santa, skiing and more winter sports fun throughout the season. It is worth noting that while Grand Geneva is spectacular and has its own smaller-scale lakes and creeks on its golf courses, it is about three miles from Lake Geneva itself and the downtown area. For travelers seeking a lakefront stay who are willing to sacrifice onsite golf, The Abbey Resort is a solid option on the opposite side of the lake. What this resort lacks in fairways, it makes up for in marina accessibility. The Abbey partners with Gordy’s Marine to oversee stand-up paddleboard and boat rentals, and also help coordinate launching privately owned boats from the marina. Other ways guests can take advantage of the waterfront views on the resort include taking a dip in The Abbey’s indoor and outdoor pools, winter ice skating on the lawn, seasonal art immersion at The Abbey’s Waterfront Art Gallery featuring work by Carol Ann Warren or a monthly “Make and Take” art event on the lawn where participants are guided by a local artist to create their own visual art souvenirs.

Brute Course at Grand Geneva. Avid golfers should hit the links at both of Grand Geneva’s courses as they couldn’t be more different. The par-72 Brute Course, as its name suggests, is one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest with 7,000 yards of greens enhanced with 68 bunkers and huge rolling greens designed by Robert Bruce Harris. The Scottish-inspired Highlands course, designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus and later transformed by Bob Cupp, provides a scenic experience through lush foliage and trickling creeks of the Southwestern Wisconsin terrain and forces golfers to make smart decisions and play strategic golf. Check in with the resort as golf season ends before the holidays and picks up in early Spring. After working up an appetite from the travel day or lake adventures, guests can dive into the cuisine scene at Grand Geneva, highlighted by the fine dining at Geneva Chop House with butcher’s prime cuts and shareable plates paired with quality wine from top regions around the world. Or, savor contemporary Italian cuisine at Ristorante Brissago in an intimate dining area with panoramic views of the Brute golf course. Bring the kids to the casual Grand Café offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. We visited during peak summer season while the sprawling pool area was in full swing, but Grand Geneva has just as much demand during its winter months thanks

Highlands Course at Grand Geneva. 64

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TRAVEL

“PHOTO PROVIDED BY OAKFIRE PIZZA.

As for accommodations, The Abbey describes its 334 guest rooms, suites and villas as nautically inspired with lake cottage furnishings and ambiance. The resort’s dining experience is led by its signature restaurant, 240° West, with farm-to-fork ingredients from the Midwest and a rustic atmosphere influenced by wine country. The Abbey also has plenty of holiday programming, beginning with a famed Thanksgiving dinner buffet, Santa’s Landing by the lake, Brunch with Santa and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Celebration. Avani, the resort’s spa, will complete a major facelift in 2022. “The Abbey Resort offers unique and memorable lakeside experiences for its guests every time they visit,” said Michael Lucero, general manager at The Abbey. “Not only are our amenities top-notch, but our staff continues to excel at guest service and we’re proud to be known as the ‘Friendliest Resort in Lake Geneva.’”

Exploring the Downtown District Dining, imbibing and shopping in the downtown district of Lake Geneva is a must. Locals raved about Oakfire Pizza, an acclaimed pizzeria and bar with two stories of open-air, lakeside seating serving up Neapolitan

pies made from scratch via Italian-imported wood-fired ovens, local beer and a generous wine list. The brand new Topsy Turvy Brewing Company has become another popular hot spot among the locals. For a more formal dining experience, head to Grandview Restaurant southeast of downtown to enjoy fresh surf’n’turf dishes with sprawling nature views of Big Foot Beach State Park and the lake. High-end independent retail shops, bistros and wine bars line the streets bustling with visitors. Similar to other flourishing small towns in the Midwest, Lake Geneva’s nineteenth-century architecture is prominent through the village. Yet, here it is artfully blended with modern parks, contemporary new builds and public art that give the town an aesthetically pleasing character with a colorful past. As you weave down the roads to the lakeshore’s cobblestone path, the sight of Lake Geneva’s unexpected vastness may take your breath away. Dip your feet in the cool water and watch the sailboats glide across the water from Elm Park or Riviera Beach. For many, time spent at the lake conjures cheerful childhood memories with family and close friends. Lake Geneva eagerly evokes this feeling in its guests, whether it’s their first or fiftieth time experiencing “lake life.”

O T L G O L F. C O M

OTL / WINE

A Legacy in Wine STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR

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On a recent trip to Scottsdale, AZ, I had the privilege of visiting the wine cellar at the famed Phoenician Resort. The hotel and spa tucked high against Camelback Mountain have played host to executives, celebrities, and almost every US President back to its opening in 1988. Though its famous Mary Elaine’s Restaurant is now just a memory, the current J&G Steakhouse offers wonder food, the same gorgeous views, and some (though not all) of the collection in the cellar expertly curated by Master Sommelier Greg Tresner. Tresner, who sadly passed last year, had become the first Master Sommelier in Arizona in 2000 and was one of only 172 in the world at the time. The MS title is earned after a process that can take several years of extensive preparation, with the final exam being invitation only. Manager Taylor Chandler, now in charge of the collection, kindly guided us through layers of security to the chilly venue. A wine cellar in the desert could be tricky, but the location on a lower level deep in the hotel helps keep the room at an ideal temperature between the upper 40s for white wines and low 50s for reds. Even though the day outside was rela-

tively cool, a thirty-five-degree change in temperature is hard to ignore. I noticed a jacket or two for folks that need to work in the room for longer than a few minutes. The cellar is a warren of wooden bins with a touch of cement bunker and a bit of metal cage here and there. The wines closest to the door were nice, in some cases very nice, but as you went farther, the contents of the bins became more unusual. In no particular order I found a bin of 1969 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, a bin of ‘81 Château Haut-Brion, a bin of ‘70 Clos d’Estournel, and even a few bottles of 1953 Château Cantemerle, and 1955 Taylor Flatgate Port. Taylor pointed out some 1972 Tokaji Essencia as I was trying to figure how I could smuggle out a few bottles of ’89 Château Beychevelle. Like any good cellar, new and impressive makers are added every day – Bins of Penfolds and Sassicaia were within eyeshot, and Taylor explained their next push would be to build up their stocks of fine Champagnes. Our evening meal called for something special, and I was happy to share a 2001 Château Pape Clément with some OTL staff and Manager Denise Seomin who put together the exclusive look behind the cellar door.

OTL / CIGARS

Merry Christmas Cigar Lovers STORY BY TARA LEE MALONEY

Christmas time is really the most wonderful time of year for me. I love all the lights around the houses, the smell of apple cider in the air, and the special feeling of the season. I have never been one to get caught up in the commercialization of it. I often tell my friends that the best Christmas I had as a child was the “make a gift” one. Everyone had to make something for each person and I still have several of those gifts to this day. Christmas is a time to let the ones I love know how much I really know about them. It means that I spent the year listening to them talk about the things they really enjoy and make them happy. I am okay with giving a tool for Christmas that they may have spoken about several times, but I also want to find something for them that they just enjoy. One year I gave my boss, Jim Harrison, a barbecue sauce holder for his grill because I knew how much he liked to grill. Then a few months later we were talking about how no one ever gives him cigars as gifts because he is in the business. Needless to say, from that point on, I give him cigars for special occasions. One of the issues for all of you who know that your father, husband, uncle, mother or aunt loves cigars is not actually knowing which one they like. This is where gift boxes from cigar companies come in handy. I love to help a person who comes in and does not know what their loved one smokes, but knows they want to buy them something special. You might roll your eyes and think “Well, that is going to cost me more than I want to spend.” Not true. I have come across gift packs for $30 for 5 cigars to several hundred dollars. You don’t have to

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break the bank to get your loved one a special cigar gift. I usually try to find out what your special person smokes, so that I can find a gift box that fits within their palate. I don’t necessarily pick out that exact cigar. I want to find something they may not buy for themselves, but would not overwhelm them. If you don’t know what they smoke, the gift boxes are great because it will introduce them to something new. There are gift boxes for all levels of cigar strength and sizes; so you don’t have to know exactly what they like. I usually pick one out which I know every level of cigar smoker would like. Most of the boxes have a variety of cigars in them, so this allows them have something they already smoke and something they may have not have had before. Every year the manufacturers come out with different boxes, so ask your local tobacconist what they suggest. I have an affinity for the Arturo Fuente boxes but usually they get sold out before I can buy one. I buy Jim the Padron sampler and another co-worker the Punch box. I will also usually try to find a scotch or whiskey to give with the cigars for the full relaxation event. If you don’t want to buy the alcohol, you can give coffee. I have a friend who only drinks coffees, so for him it is coffee and a cigar. If you still feel scared to make a choice, then get a gift card for them. This is one store’s gift card they will be excited to spend. I have seen it so many times, those who are lucky to get a gift card usually come in and their reactions remind me of a twelve year-old in a game store. Have fun buying them this gift; don’t be worried. I promise they will love it. Merry Christmas.

OTL / ADVERTIZER INDEX

Austin Asset 512.453.6622 austinasset.com Austin Infiniti 512.220.0920 austininfiniti.com Austin Subaru 512.323.2837 austinsubaru.co BlueJack National 281.475.2166 bluejacknational.com Cascata 702.294.2005 golfcascata.com Diamonds Direct 512.691.9950 diamondsdirect.com Mpowered (512) 548-4355 www.mpoweredchiro.com/ Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830.598.7800 escondidotexas.com Garrison Brothers garrisonbros.com Houston Polo 713.681.8571 houstonpoloclub.com

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Houston Oaks 936.372.4311 www.houstonoaks.com Kapalua 1.877.kapalua golfkapalua.com La Cantera 210.558.6500 lacanteraresort.com Omni Resorts omnihotels.com/bartoncreek 512.329.4000 Rio Secco 702.777.2400 riosecco.net Sewell 737.255.4100 JaguarNorthAustin.com / LandRoverNorthAustin.com Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center TexasAMHotelCC.com The George 979.485.5590 thegeorgetexas.com The Phoenician 480.941.8200 thephoenician.com

OTL Holiday Issue 2021

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