On The Links Magazine June 2017

JUNE 2017

OTLGOLF.COM

On The Links Golf • Lifestyle • Travel • Leisure

Bluejack National INSTANT CLASSIC

TRAVEL: MAUI Discover Hana F1 Grand Prix: VIP Access Handmade Cigars: Get your roll on

Soto: Fine Sushi Summit Rock at Horseshoe Bay

George Strait: Texas Troubadour

Contents

Golf is more than a sport, it’s a way of life.

Volume 15 , Issue 6

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FATHER’S DAY Nothing matches the love shared between a father and son, J. Frank Hernandez

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SOTO Exceptional sushi off the beaten path, Richard Arebalo

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BLUEJACK NATIONAL Tiger Woods’ design takes center stage, Carl Mickelson

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SUMMIT ROCK The Pinnacle of Hill Country Golf, Carl Mickelson

ON THE COVER Tiger Woods brings his vision to deep in the heart of Texas. Bluejack National is an instant classic

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FEATURES

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Contents

Golf is more than a sport, it’s a way of life.

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COLUMNS 16

ON YOUR GAME Texas legend George Strait talks life and golf

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EQUIPMENT Sink more putts with these new tools

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MIND GAME The human brain has two sides, find the balance

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TIPS Learn the techniques to score with wedges inside 80 yards

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FITNESS Get golf strong, working the right muscles

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YOGA Increase flexibilty to play better and longer

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DRIVE FOR SHOW Ford Raptor is Texas tough

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PUTT FOR THE DOUGH Everyone likes to save on taxes. Maximze deductions

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TRAVEL Hana, explore the other side of Maui

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WINE Clos Canon 2010, indulge your senses

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SPIRITS Cool off with a Texas style Margarita

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CIGARS The artistry of a fine, hand-rolled cigar

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THE SWEET SPOT Watch F1 Grand Prix from a private suite

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SIGNATURE SPOTLIGHT Hole #12 Onion Creek, go big or go iron

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Letter from the Publisher

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Sedric Walker Publisher june 2017

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here do I start? This issue of On The Links is fantastic. It should be. It was literally years in the making. Without getting emotional, we have been on hiatus for an extended time. No reflection on the Obama administration, but we needed some time to regroup. My mom will love this line, I’ll just blame him. He’s the reason/excuse we have not been around.

A lot of things have changed since our last issue. Then, there was a new golf course being developed on any given piece of land, now several courses have closed with very few new ones on the drawing board. Then, golf was growing at an unmatched pace and at the top of the pro game was a dominating champion destined to take his spot in history and walk down the major record holder, now the best player in the word, can’t even swing a club. Then there was a King, now the King is gone. But, the King still lives in our hearts forever. We will miss you Arnie.

Life is change and it must be embraced. To begin the downswing to stripe it down the middle, there must be a backswing. Our backswing was the break and now we begin our mighty downswing to unleash a powerful shot. This is our shot.

So much to see in this issue. Carl Mickelson takes us to two incredible golf courses. How good is the new Bluejack National? Designed by Tiger Woods and just down the road in Montgomery, Texas. I’ve only seen pictures, but I can’t wait to see it in person. Then it’s back to the Texas Hill Country. You get a glimpse inside of Jack Nicklaus’ newest course at Horseshoe Bay, Summit Rock.

Boom that makes four fantastic options to play while lounging at the Horseshoe Bay. Hawaii is always high on the bucket list. If you’ve even been to Maui, you know how awesome it is. You’ve seen all the T-shirts about the drive to Hana, we take you there in record time without all the twists and turns, and hairpin turns. Off the beaten path, discover the rejuvenative powers of Hana.

Closer to home, you can always enjoy a lovely night out with great sushi, wine, cigar and cool off with a sweet spirit. Our resident sommelier, Richard Arebalo offers keen insight and information.

Don’t sweat, we have excellent recommendations.

This is a power-packed issue with the things you will want to do over-and-over again. On The Links is your companion on this marvelous journey.

A special thanks to our long-time partners and thanks to those who are new. Thanks for demonstrating confidence in what we do and for sharing in our belief in those for whom we do it.

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On The Links Golf • Lifestyle • Travel • Leisure

/OnTheLinks Magazine

@otl_golf

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

ADVERTISING Leslie Sosa

TEACHING PROFESSIONALS Brech Spradley, Dave Pelz

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

@otlgolf

PHOTOGRAPHERS David Ventura Garcia Jennifer Hickle Carpenter Ornella Shaya CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J.Frank Hernandez, Scott Kramer, Leslie Awdykowyz, Kristi Grosse, Jim Kerr, Al Alguerta, Tony Dean, Kimberly Feliciano, Andon Guillory, Loui Shaya

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

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512.657.7533 pr@otlgolf.com

On The Links is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located at 210 Grand Isle Drive. Round Rock, TX 78665. Advertising rates furnished upon request.

Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions and depictions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. On The Links reserves the right to refuse any ad for anyreason whatsoever. ©2017 by On The Links. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or part without the express written consent of On The Links is strictly prohibited. Editorial queries and manuscripts should be directed to the editor via email, editor@otlgolf.com. All letters and their contents sent to On The Links are sole property of On The Links and may be used, printed, and published in any matter whatsoever without limit, obligation and liability to the author thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and artists and not necessarily those of OnThe Links or its advertisers. Manuscripts should be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. On The Links assumes no responsibility or liability for the return of unsolicited artwork, manuscripts or pictures. Printed in the USA.

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Love of the Game

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STORY BY J.FRANK HERNANDEZ

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It’s funny how time can pass so quickly in life. I have spent so many years of my life rushing to get somewhere that I never realized how long I was spending on the journey – and how little I was enjoying the ride.

When my son asked me if we could play golf today, it struck me that a decent amount of time had passed since I first placed that club in his hands. I remember his mother thinking I was crazy.

“He’s too young,” she said. “It’s bigger than him.”

I knew that. But, I also knew that I wanted him to say hello to the game of a lifetime at an early age. I always wanted him to know that it existed and that he was welcome to join me at any time.

There are few things worse to me than the pleasures of the parents being withheld from children simply because of age. It instills in children the notion that they are unworthy; that they can’t understand right now; that they are not allowed to participate in that which their parents enjoy. If one does that enough, children will develop a callous attitude toward such things and may never return to consider them.

“Don’t push him into it,” she implored me. “He’ll let you know when he’s ready.”

Since that day, I have wondered many a night as I returned from the golf course when my son would feel ready to play a round of golf with the old man; when my insatiable desire to play this beloved sport would lead him to venture onto the rolling fairways.

I guess that day has come.

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I woke up this morning with the feeling that today was going to be a special day. In my heart, I already knew that it would be. It had to be, by definition. Realizing that I am finally going to play a round of golf with my son brings a smile to my face already. As I sit here and sip my coffee, waiting for him to return from over there on the putting green, I wonder often about what this all means.

(Granted, he is knocking balls all over the place, but I can’t expect much more, I suppose. Putting seems simple enough, but mechanical ease is not indicative of what it takes to keep the ball on the green. Back and forth, back and forth he goes. Oh well, respect for the game is what is most important, and he appears to have that in place.)

A father and son are meant to spend time together. What better place than the manicured fairways, the plush rough, and the undulating greens to bring two generations together as one? It may seem silly to make so much out of so little, but that is the essence of golf. The game creates a lifetime of pleasure out a quite simple task: put the ball in the hole.

Golf is a pleasure. It is a treat. It is a gift that has been given to us through the minds of millions of people over hundreds of years. This simple game has brought pleasure unparalleled to people all over the earth – and still the goal remains the same.

I have missed that fact that so many times in my golfing life. The goal is to enjoy the pursuit of perfection, the journey toward our greatest golf. Success is defined in this endeavor not by shooting a certain score or by winning a particular match, but by performing to the best of our ability at a given moment. The closer we come, the farther we feel; the less we try, the more we succeed.

I have spent untold hours berating myself – and mostly my clubs – for poi-

soning my mind with poor shots, for lost focus and failed attempts at greatness. I have contributed to that ledger of club throwers and shaft breakers, cursing the golf gods as if they had personally placed that hitch in my swing.

Thinking back, perhaps I am glad that my son has not been there, for I surely would have spoiled any interest he may have had in the game. What could I do worse than rob my child of the satisfaction that comes from time spent on the links?

There he is. My son. My love, my pride, and my joy, all bundled up into one. Dancing around that practice green like it was his first time at the amusement park or his first trip to the candy store.

Look at that smile on his face. I think he gets. It. Here he comes.

“Ready to go, son?”

“Yeah dad.”

“We’re the next ones up.”

“Great! Can I drive the cart?”

What a question. Can I drive the cart?

The sound in his voice rings in my ears.

He’s yearning for the fairway. He’s seeking out the game. Here is this grand pastime that I have loved all my life, and he is finally feeling welcome and is inviting it into his life. There can be no prouder moment.

“Sure, you can drive the cart.”

“By the way, dad,” he says.

“Yes, son?”

“Happy 66th birthday.”

Yes… it is. More than he will ever know and more than I can ever express.

It all seemed so odd. He walked up to me last night and said, “Dad, I want to play golf with you tomorrow.” It was as if we had a standing tee time. Perhaps we did. Perhaps we always have. Perhaps I was just anxious all that time, eager to get to that great day – so much so that I thought it would never come.

Here it is. It’s time to tee it up. OTL

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With his son Bubba Strait.

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ON THE LINKS / ON YOUR GAME

A Conversation with Country Music Legend George Strait STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

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or a performer who has sold more than 100 million albums and racked up 60 number-one hit singles, the man fans call “King George” remains surprisingly modest-- and

protective of his private time. “Country music is important to me, but it’s not my whole life,” Strait said. “I like to be outdoors, I like to hunt, I like to fish, I like to play golf.”

Strait may have grown up idolizing hard-living country greats like Merle Haggard, George Jones and Johnny Cash (along with Western Swing king Bob Wills), but he’s managed to steer completely clear of the kind of controversy his heroes often found. Anyone looking to write a wartsand-all, Walk the Line-style tell-all is going to be seriously disappointed.

“George Strait is the ultimate family man,” says Strait’s longtime songwriting companion Dean Dillon. “Every time I’m ever around George, it’s not long before his son Bubba’s there. George, Bubba and Norma are closely-knit a family as you’ll ever find.”

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COURTESY OF TAPATIO SPRINGS RESORT.

When country music legend George Strait and his partner Tom Cusick bought The Resort at Tapatio Springs in Boerne in 2012, it was out of a genuine affection for the property and because they had a vision to make Tapatio a golf resort everyone in the region could be proud of. It’s safe to say the locals are proud and the upgrades to the resort have been received favorably.

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What’s most remarkable about Strait’s career isn’t just the hits and the record-breaking sales feats, it’s his longevity and ability to remain relevant in a genre that is ever-changing. When Garth Brooks was flying on a wire over the heads of sold-out-concert goers in the 1990s, George Strait was having equal success playing traditional country tunes and letting his music essentially speak for itself. While younger acts were goofing around with pop-rap hybrids of the genre, the easy-going Texan reminded fans of his stature in the game by releasing a collection called “50 Number Ones” (For a frame of reference, Elvis Presley recorded 18 number one singles. The Beatles had 27 number ones.).

If you have a tee time or a brunch reservation at the renovated Resort at Tapatio Springs, don’t be surprised to see Strait out there following his bliss. He’s there often and gets in plenty of golf and revelry with his family, staff and members.

On The Links: You’ve worked with many talented songwriters, but can you describe what it’s been like to have had a songwriter like Dean Dillon (collaborator on more than 50 of Strait’s hit songs) in your camp? What’s the magic between you guys?

George Strait: I don’t think there’s been but one album I’ve ever cut with no Dean Dillon songs on it. Dean and I have had a very special relationship for many years. I really love his melodies and his lyrics ain’t too bad either (laughs). I think the thing that catches my ear first is the melody.

Dean’s songs have such interesting, different melodies and a lot of really pretty chord changes.

OTL: Is there a particular process when you two work up a new song together?

GS: Our process, pretty much, is to set aside some dates to get together, then we all show up with our ideas and throw them out there and see what sticks. It’s fun but also gets pretty intense at

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times. A lot of times, Dean comes in with new songs for me and he’ll sit down and play them on guitar.

We’ve gotten a lot of songs that way.

OTL: From ages nine to 90, you have tremendously loyal fans.

Can you describe what it’s like getting energy and love from the fans at a live arena show—like those old, incredible Astrodome shows at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo?

GS: I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have such loyal fans. I still see some at shows that I remember from the 80s. That’s amazing! To try and describe what it’s like to play a big stadium in front of all of those great fans is impossible. It’s a lot of adrenaline and it’s just a heck of a lot of fun.

When the audience is really with you, there’s nothing better than that. I’m just glad I get to experience it.

OTL: You’ve been compared to Frank Sinatra quite often. You have career longevity and that “seemingly effortless” quality to your singing in common. 1) Do you like that comparison? 2) Is the “effortless” description maybe a misconception—is it harder than we think to sound so smooth and easy?

GS: I have always been a big Sinatra fan, so when someone compares me to him, it’s a huge compliment. He was so smooth and it always seemed so effortless but, sure, some songs do require a little more effort than others.

What comes off sounding comfortable or easy (on the finished song) might have been something that was difficult to do in the studio. It’s a trade secret, though. I can’t give it away. Singing is just fun, even the hard ones.

OTL: In your song “Troubadour”, you sing “I still feel 25 most of the time.” That’s probably the way most of us feel in those moments we’re doing what we truly love. Is that a good way to describe how you feel when you’re singing, roping, fishing or playing golf?

great golf courses here in Texas, so you don’t have to travel too far for a good challenge on a world class golf course.

OTL: Do you try to emulate any pro’s swing when you’re on the course?

GS: I like to imagine Fred Couples’ tempo when I’m swinging. I love to watch Freddie Couples play golf, too. Like most everyone else, wish I could swing the golf club like that. It seems like I play a little better-- for a couple holes anyway-after I watch him play. He’s like the Sinatra of golf.

OTL: Do you look at golf as escape or a passion?

GS: Golf is a definite passion for me. I wish I could have started playing earlier in my life and hope I can play it until the day I die.

OTL: Are you competitive on the golf course?

GS: I play a lot with my son. He has become a very good golfer. We’re very competitive, but he usually beats me these days. I still get him every now and then, though. I really can’t remember playing golf with anyone who wasn’t very competitive, though, come to think of it. Everyone wants to win, right?

OTL: What’s your best 18-hole score ever?

GS: It’s a 75. I have had some days when I thought I was going to break that, but 18 has always done me in.

OTL: How did your “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” charity golf tournament come about?

GS: I’ve had a great relationship with Wrangler for many years. They are such good folks and, of course, I love to wear Wranglers. They started having the tournament a few years back without me. Later on, I was asked to host it along with my long-time friend, Butch Harmon. It was a no-brainer for me. It’s for a great cause, also, which is to research and find a cure for breast cancer. OTL

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GS: Sure, I love doing all of those things, and when you’re doing something you love it makes you feel good. It makes you forget about those little problems or aches and pains that you sometimes feel. I don’t rope as much as I used to since Bubba quit going. We golf a lot more now. I just went out fishing yesterday and caught a sailfish, three Dorado, and two tunas. Not a bad day offshore…

OTL: Not bad at all. Let’s talk about another of your passions, golf. What did you and Tom Cusick see in the Tapatio Springs property that made you want to rescue it?

GS: Our goal has been to make the vision that Clyde Smith saw when he developed it become reality. It’s been a thrill to give new look, feel and flavors of Tapatio. Tom and I have worked hard to create the perfect Texas Hill Country resort for golfers, families and friends and the community.

OTL: What are your ultimate goals for Tapatio?

GS: We hope to make The Resort at Tapatio Springs a spot where you would want to take your family for a golfing vacation or a business would want to come have an annual meeting and golf outing. We will have great facilities for golf, lodging and food and beverage. We also want to welcome local golfers back out who maybe have, at one time or another, given up on Tapatio, and show them what it has and will become. It has the convenience of beautiful Boerne nearby, with all that it has to offer, which is amazing. Then, of course, you have the great city of San Antonio, also. What more could you want?

OTL: Where are some of your favorite places ever to play golf?

GS: I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to play some of the greatest golf courses in my travels. I’m not going to mention names because it would sound like I’m bragging, but sometimes I just have to pinch myself. We have some

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ON THE LINKS / EQUIPMENT

BY DROPPING MORE PUTTS STORY BY SCOTT KRAMER What’s the best putter out there? The one that helps you sink more putts, of course. And that means choosing one that foremost looks right to your eyes, as you stand over the ball. From there, it’s all about a model that works well with your stroke to get the ball rolling quickly on target. Plus it has to feel good all the way through. Thankfully,

Scotty Cameron by Titleist’s Futura 6M ($410) sports a mid-sized head that’s flanked with a rear weight bar which extends mass outward and back. Mix in its deep heel-andtoe weighting and you have a forgiving, stable mallet with a high moment of inertia. That helps off-center hits better find the hole. It frames the ball well at address, too. A vibration dampener leads to a soft, but solid feel.

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RAISING EYES

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there are several brand-new flatsticks on the market that may make the difference between finding the cup and lipping out. The bad news? They’ll set you back a few dollars. As with all clubs, prices of putters are on the rise this year. But you may quickly make back the difference, in winning a few friendly skins games. What to try:

PING’s very distinctive PLD2 Camo Ketsch Realtree Xtra mallet ($325) employs an anodized sealing process that results in a camouflage finish on its milled aluminum head. Contrasting sightlines ease the process of aiming, while stainless steel sole weights help lower the center of gravity to get putts rolling forward faster.

The stepless shaft has a brushed, non-glare finish that eliminates reflections -- which is especially useful on sunny days.

Odyssey’s O-Works #1 ($230) features a proprietary face: It’s a stainless steel plate populated with tiny hinges that gently flex and rebound at impact to impart forward spin -- and backed by a soft thermoplastic elastomer inner layer.

The end result is that putts begin rolling immediately, smoothly and accurately -- and with a pillow-like feel. The popular, black-and-white Versa-T alignment system helps with aim. It comes standard with a SuperStroke grip. .

OTL

STORY BY BRECH SPRADLEY, PGA DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION • BARTON CREEK GOLF ACADEMY The human brain has two sides a golfer needs to try to balance. Basically, the left side is the analytical side and the right brain is the creative/feel side.

The left side deals with the function of analysis, logic, computation and rational thought of the game. The right side deals with intuition, creativity, imagination and emotions of the game. Let’s discuss these two areas of the mental game.

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

The player was not overly wrapped up in swing mechanics during the swing.

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

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

Another aspect of balancing the mental game is determining when to play aggressively and when to play conservatively. Phil Mickelson, before winning multiple major championships, was known for his “go for broke” mentality.

Although he’s always been one of the greatest golfers, he started winning majors when he did a better job of managing the game. He started playing more conservatively when it was called for, and aggressively when the opportunity was there.

Phil has now won five majors. For the amateur golfer, managing aggressive and conservative play should be a part of their game. Let’s call it the 50/50 rule, meaning that if you face a shot that you could not pull off over 50% of the time, then it is not a shot that should be attempted on the course. This style of play can lead to tension in the swing and probably a poor result. The range is the place to practice shots not the course.

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

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

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

This type of negative thinking will almost guarantee a bad result. So keep your thoughts positive and your results with greatly improve. Good luck! OTL june 2017

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ON THE LINKS / MIND GAME

Balance Your Mental Game for Better Golf

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ON THE LINKS / TIPS

Fish Where the Fish Are:

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Practice the shots that affect your scores the most STORY BY DAVE PELZ Golfers always ask me about what they should do when they warm up for a round or when they have time to practice. The truth is, most golfers prefer to spend 90% of their practice time on the range, hitting woods and irons. They really should divide this time into thirds, one-third for the full swing, one-third for their short game, and one-third for putting.

They should think about the par-5 wedge approaches for the greens they’re going to miss. They should get a laundry basket at home and some backyard-safe practice balls (almostGOLF™ balls) and practice hitting to a target. As Phil Mickelson can attest: There’s no such thing as “too good” in the short game!

Phil is the best player and has the best short game of any player I’ve ever coached. Even after all these years, it’s still a joy to watch him hit short game shots. Average golfers should watch him practice. Watch his routine for lag putting, makeable putts and short putts. Then watch what he does with

a wedge. He spends a lot of time on his short game before tournaments, and just by watching him, golfers will learn both what is possible, and how to accomplish it.

Like Phil, you should Lag Putt from 40, 50 and 60 feet to get your putting muscles engaged and to see how the ball rolls. Controlling your speed and distance will save you some strokes on the greens. Also, practice your short game shots from 20 yards from the hole. Develop high, mid and low shots you can trust when you’re 14 to 20 yards from the pin, because statistics prove that’s a distance you’re going to find yourself recovering from these shots frequently.

If you can develop a pitch shot to play in that range with a partially-cocked backswing that smoothly accelerates (powered mostly by a good hip turn) to a finish with the club pointing to the sky, you’re going to love all the short par and birdie saves you leave for yourself.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to

practice something that almost NOBODY practices. It’s your Green Reading. Generally speaking, most golfers say they don’t have a clear understanding of “how” to read PuttBreak. They mostly rely on their instincts. And our testing shows most golfers struggle to read greens accurately. If you are frustrated by not having a good approach to green reading, pre-order the book and video project I am working on at www.pelzgolf.com/greenreading.

You’ll be amazed when you discover we’ve cracked the code on reading break. We’ll show that golfers have been looking at and “reading” the WRONG slopes for last 500 years. This is truly a game-changer. You have to read greens more than 30 times every round. This greatly impacts your scores.

If you’re ready to know exactly what to look for on the greens and how to determine how much break to play in a truly better way, pre-order our system on www.pelzgolf.com/greenreading, We are ready to show how to get really good at it reading greens! OTL

ON THE LINKS / FITNESS

GETTING GOLF STRONG STORY BY LESLIE AWDYKOWYZ CERTIFIED POP PILATES INSTRUCTOR Golfers sustain injuries. That’s a fact. The golf swing can be a thing of beauty for the skillfully trained, but it is a learned motion which requires practice and patience to perfect. Strength is an important component in all physical activity. The golf swing is no exception. Strength in the right places is the key. There is no better place to start than with a

strong core. Most people think “abs” when they hear people talk about having a strong core, but the core is not just the abs, it also includes back and glutes as well. Power is a valuable commodity and strength can help guard against injury so you can truly enjoy the game. Today I’ll show you how to improve your core with simple yet effective movements.

Plank position is no stranger to those who are working towards a stronger core, but I’d like to add a little something extra to help with proper stability.

From plank position with your forearms like railroad tracks and your gaze at the floor, reach your right arm over your right ear as you rotate.

Alternate each time, start with ten on each side and increase the repetitions as desired.

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PHOTOS: JENNIFER HICKLE CARPENTER

The second exercise is one of my favorites for targeting lower abs, the rectus abdominis, an area that is not worked often enough in our day to day lives. While lying flat on your back, slightly bend your left leg and stack the other heel right over the bottom of your left knee cap.

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Keeping your arms at your side and your lower back on the floor, lift your left leg and lower. It may be challenging to keep your back on the floor, think about turning your hips towards your belly and drawing your navel to your spine.

10 repetitions on each side. It’s been said that nothing worth having comes easily; be consistent and you will get stronger as you progress with the movements and build a stronger core.

OTL

STORY BY KRISTI GROSSE, CYT Every golfer knows the importance of flexibility in the shoulders to achieve a better swing. In addition to tight shoulders and back, the body can become imbalanced with the continual repetitive rotation that occurs with the golf swing. Yoga can assist in increasing range of motion in the shoulders, increase core strength and

balance, help gain better breath control, and improve overall flexibility, which can in turn reduce pain and injury. The true power of a golf swing comes from a greater torque between the upper and lower body, therefore increased flexibility in the shoulders and spine can help to create more power in your swing. Here are a few

Instructions:

Thread the Needle Pose

This pose can open and stretch the shoulders, upper back, and neck. You can place a blanket or towel underneath the knees or neck for a modification.

• Begin with wrists aligned underneath shoulders, and knees beneath hips, with spine in a neutral position • Inhale lifting the right hand and exhale sliding it underneath the body until the shoulder and right side of the neck and face rest on the floor • Extend the left arm towards the ceiling creating a gentle twist in the upper back. Your arm can remain lifted or bend at the

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

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Instructions:

(also known as Seated Spinal Twist)

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• Begin in a seated position, both sits bones evenly on the floor and legs extended in front • Bend the right knee placing the foot over the left leg on the floor, knee lifts towards the ceiling • Slide the left foot underneath the right, close to your bottom, or leave it straight if hips are tight • Place the right hand on the floor near the base of the spine to lengthen through the torso • Left arm lifts over the right knee,

yoga poses that every golfer should be incorporating in their practice.

These postures can be practiced daily for best results, with a minimum of a couple of times a week to see an improvement. As with any exercise program, it is always recommended to consult your physician prior to beginning yoga.

elbow placing the left hand behind the back, lifting the shoulder towards the ceiling to deepen the stretch • Hold the pose for 5-10 slow breaths • Return to the tabletop position and repeat on the other side • Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (also known as Seated Spinal Twist) • This pose opens and stretches the shoulders, neck, and entire spine.

This pose opens and stretches the shoulders, neck, and entire spine.

hugging it into the torso • Inhale lengthening through the crown of the head, extending through the spine • Exhale initiating the rotation from the base of the spine working up, neck is the last to twist • Continue inhaling to lengthen, exhaling to twist, going as far as you comfortably can • Hold the pose for 5-10 slow breaths • Release by slowly untwisting, returning to the starting pose • Repeat on the other side.

OTL

PHOTOS: JENNIFER HICKLE CARPENTER

ON THE LINKS / YOGA

Yoga For Golfers

STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / ON THE LINKS MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID VENTURA GARCIA

Northern Outpost for fine Sushi

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h e first thing that strikes y o u a bout the menu at Soto is the definite feel of a more culinary bent.

Specialty Kumamoto Oysters, Hamachi Carpaccio, Foie Gras, both nigiri and in a dessert, plus several items featuring truffles are featured along with over 60 varieties of fish and dozens of traditional Maki rolls. Chef / owner Andy Okamoto (the youngest looking chef behind the bar) has been at the helm of this northern outpost of wonderful Japanese food for just over four years.

If Soto was located anywhere near downtown Austin it would certainly be one of the more celebrated Japanese restaurants in the area. It’s location in a shopping center close to Lakeline mall on north Highway 183 makes the wonderful quality and creativity surprising and very certainly worth the trip.

As you walk in in to the restaurant, the clean modern lines, grays with swirls of gold on the walls and white orchids on the bar let you know that Soto will not be an average restaurant visit.

11066 Pecan Park Blvd, Suite 402, Cedar Park, Texas 78613, 512-257-0788 sotoaustin.com

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Chef Andy is from a family of chefs with both mother, Lin, father Keh and brother Ke contributing to the high standards of the restaurant. He studied Sushi in Kyoto Japan for four years under his uncle Chef Ke Okamoto and eventually spent two years working for famed Chef Masaharu Morimoto in Philadelphia.

Chef Andy credits his greatest source of education from his respected uncle and a honing of skills from Chef Morimoto.

Chef Andy’s attention to the freshness, variety and beauty of his dishes easily confirm his special background.

Although there are eleven magnificent dishes on the chef’s Omakase (trust) menu, a memorable dinner can be made by choosing from different parts of the menu. On the most recent outing we started with a half a dozen small Kumamoto oysters dressed with; ponzu, spicy daikon, a drop of Tabasco and sturgeon caviar. Each little oyster is a burst of flavor with a mild brininess and a bright finish. (you will crave these mid-week).

The second course, Kinmedai (Golden eye sea bream), has become an absolute favorite.

This dish was sashimi style fish on a bed of ponzu marinated cucumber topped with tangerine slices, golden tobiko and a chiffonade of shiso leaf.

The flavors of the sweet fish, citrus and mildest mint make every bite an event. (Sea bream not surprisingly is Chef Andy’s personal favorite).

We followed the Kinmedai with a beautiful selection of sushi nigari; o-toro (fatty tuna) with a tiny mash of pickled, real wasabi root, fatty salmon with a sliver of strawberry, fresh snow crab with a tiny but powerful piece of yuzu and a few other wonderful items.

Sweet Fire Salmon (top) over coffee bean flame Bright chili / citrus Seafood Ceviche (middle) Smooth Edamame amuse-bouche (bottom). june 2017

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Show stopper Kinmedai (top) / Briny complex Kumamoto oyster s (bottom).

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Our next course was a fan favorite at Soto; strips of wild King Salmon draped over a piece of lemon grass and suspended over a flaming dish of rum and coffee beans. The salmon is dressed with a thin eel sauce and dotted with edible flowers. The “Fire Salmon” is as photogenic as it is delicious.

On more than one occasion Chef Andy has presented a dish I may not have ordered otherwise, (trust).

In each case, it has been a game changer. Most recently, the Shima Uni – two delicate pieces of special mackerel topped with fine sea urchin roe and dressed with tobiko and microgreens, was unctuous, sweet and yet deeply flavorful.

Our last course before the dessert was two pieces of seared foie gras topped with black truffle on sushi rice.

Though not a Japanese standard it is a terrific combination and perfectly right with the preceding courses.

Our last course cutesy of Chef Andy’s brother Ke was a small, phenomenal slice of cheesecake, served with a scoop of ice cream and a flourish of whipped cream all three flavored with Sapporo Black Stout.

You will wonder why more cheesecake is not made with any type of beer.

In addition to all the wonderful courses; our dinner was expertly presented by a very professional wait staff, some of whom have been with the restaurant since its opening.

In addition to Chef Andy, General Manager Craig Anderson makes constant rounds of the restaurant ensuring guests of a faultless dining experience.

Lastly and probably the most resounding affirmation of Soto is the ever presents of regulars.

On every visit I have seen fans of Chef Andy’s work; guests I recognize, repeat customers bringing new guests or others there on the constant recommendation of friends; high praise indeed. OTL

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NATIONAL TREASURE

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Bluejack National Instant Classic june 2017

“Everything about Bluejack National, both culturally, from an amenities standpoint, is about bringing the family together. You’ll find this place more like a destination resort than a typical club.”

team knows what it has and they’re excited to share the story.

“We called this place Bluejack National for a reason, because we want it to feel like a national golf club (the same way the Pine Valley, Augusta National and Cypress Point are revered), and, truthfully, we get people from all corners of the country showing curiosity,” says Beacon Land vice president and co-founder Casey Paulson. june 2017

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PHOTO: AIDAN BRADLEY

S

ome country clubs can do completely without hype or notoriety, eschewing “branding” for pure mystique. The developers of Bluejack National in Montgomery (55 miles northwest of Houston) have embraced the buzz that comes with being home to Tiger Woods’ US. golf course design debut and with being one of the very-few new upscale golf communities to launch in recent years.

Simply put, the Beacon Land Management

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STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

PHOTOS: HOLLY PAULSON

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In the deep forest that was once the site of Blaketree National Golf Club, Bluejack National has taken the best parts of country club life, discarded the rigid and stuffy ones, and offered discerning golfers and homebuyers a chance to enjoy a refreshingly “deconstructed” interpretation of the modern club community experience.

“We weren’t interested in building another club that took golfers away from their families or put stress on their time,” Paulson says. “Everything about Bluejack National, both culturally, from an amenities standpoint, is about bringing the family together. You’ll find this place more like a destination resort than a typical club.”

This summer, the first phase of Bluejack National’s innovative recreational hub, called The Fort, opens. Soon, The Fort will be home to a 60yard flag football field, a whiffle ball park called “Little Fenway,” pools, a lazy river, a zipline course, stocked (and staffed) fishing lakes along with tennis and other recreational amenities.

A spa, movie theatre, eight miles of hiking and june 2017

biking trails and world-class dining will also help complete the “vacation” ambiance in this elegantly-forested community.

From a golf standpoint, validation is coming fast and emphatically for Bluejack National. GOLF Magazine named it the best new golf course in the country in 2016 while Golf Digest tabbed it as the Best New Private Course of 2016. The recent Dallas Morning News rankings of the 100 best golf courses in the state saw Bluejack National debut at number three, hurtling past some of Texas’ most venerable and respected courses. Only Whispering Pines and Dallas National ranked higher.

The golf course consistently draws enviable comparisons to Georgia’s revered Augusta National Golf Club, thanks to exhilarating elevation changes, the majestic pines, unadorned white sand bunkers and wide, sweeping Zoysia grass fairways.

“The land is more along the lines of something that you would find in Georgia or the Carolinas. We’ve designed a course that emphasizes strategy and creative thinking,” Woods says.

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Bluejack delivers an exceptional family experience where memories are made and life happens with an ar ray of extraordinar y amenities inc luding: golf, tennis, spa and w e l l n e s s c e n t e r, p o o l s , z i p l i n e s , t r e e h o u s e , b o w l i n g a l l e y, m o v i e t h e a t e r, f o o t b a l l f i e l d , “mini-Fenway� par k, skate par k, as well as several dining and corporate enter tainment options. Thir ty-five acres of fishing lakes and seven miles of beautiful hiking, biking and running trails link these features to the Bluejack National neighborhoods.

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Capturing the spirit of the great lodges and fishing camps of the 19th Centur y, B l u e j a c k N a t i o n a l i s a g a t h e r i n g p l a c e w h e r e m o d e r n f a m i l i e s a n d f r i e n d s may choose to visit for a shor t while or live year-round. Here they will pur sue their passions, strengthen bonds, share traditions and create memories. ot l g o l f . c o m

PHOTO: AIDAN BRADLEY

The stunning par-3 12th, with a creek fronting a shallow green, looks so much like Augusta National’s 12th, you’ll swear you smell pimento cheese (and not just the decadent slow-smoked Tri-Tip from the nearby comfort station). Other corridors, flanked by thick, towering pines and showing off a rich contrast of emerald Zoysia and stark-white bunkering, will have you doing double takes.

From a playability standpoint, Woods was adamant that the fairways would be exceptionally generous and that the green complexes would allow for a variety of approaches and short game shots, especially shots that use the ground much more than is possible on most modern designs.

“Tiger loves August National, but his favorite place to play is The Old Course at St. Andrews. He talks about getting the ball on the ground and being able to putt from wherever. He talks about once having an 85yard putt at St. Andrews. I think he was able to bring a lot of those elements here successfully,” Paulson says.

Bluejack National presents exhilarating shot values at every turn. The fairways are firm and fast and the approach-shot angle is key on every hole. An innovative and endlessly-fun 10-hole short course called The Playgrounds is a must-play on every visit to Bluejack National.

As Houston continues to grow, Montgomery seems closer to “civilization” than it ever has. That factor and ever-growing infrastructure in the local area are good signs for Bluejack National’s real estate sales.

Following the aesthetic traditions of classic American architectural styles, The Woodlands-based architect Justin Tipler and his team have designed four distinct real estate offerings: small but luxurious Member Suites, Cottages with three- and four-bedroom floorplans, spacious Sunday Homes and 257 custom Estate homes offered on half-acre to one-and-one-half-acre lots.

“We’re only getting closer and closer to Houston and The Woodlands and more roads will lead there in coming years,” Paulson says.

“Combine that with the high quality of schools here and the uniqueness of the community and I think you’ll see a lot of families who just won’t be able to resist this quality of life.”

Golf is an industry in desperate need of fresh ideas that attract and keep golfers and their families engaged in the game. With that in mind, Bluejack National’s culture and master plan is one worth copying.

“We know our members can get a ‘country club experience’ anywhere. We want every day here to feel special. When you develop a community like this, it’s nice to be considered the cool and trendy spot, but the real, longterm goal is to be timeless,” Paulson says.

If that’s the goal, Bluejack National is well in on its way. OTL

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ON THE LINKS / DRIVE FOR SHOW

2017 FORD RAPTOR The rough and tough reputation of Texas is very apparent when you take a ride in the all-new 2017 Ford Raptor. This truck has an impressive performance history that puts it at the top of the food chain for quarter-ton trucks. This year’s work horse continues to turn heads with its good looks and could be one of the most capable Raptors Ford has produced so far.

Let’s look at the guts of this fierce allwheel-drive ride. Ford has made sure this Raptor is more powerful than previous years. The all-new second generation 3.5 liter high-output Ecoboost V6 provides 450 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds-of-torque. Engineers wanted a stronger Raptor but also a more fuel-efficient machine. Ford boasts a 23 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy for the 2017 Raptor.

Getting all this power to the ground is no easy task. Ford stepped up to the plate and included a new smooth 10-speed transmission that manages the gearing to provide maximum performance when and where you want it. Driving this tough truck is a breeze on and off the road thanks to a unique shock system that helps keep the Raptor civil under normal driving conditions.

The Raptor’s broad military-grade aluminum alloy body is 500 pounds lighter this year and

is offered in both Super-cab and Super-crew.

You will never go unnoticed with signature LED grille lights and blacked out headlamps. And inside both driver and passengers are spoiled with great ergonomics and comfy seating. There are

plenty of upgrades for the tech-savvy enthusiast who likes lots of gadgetry.

If you are looking for a truck that plays nice but has the potential to have an attitude then the 2017 Ford Raptor needs to be on your test drive list. This is a lot of truck with lots of capabilities for a MRSP starting in the sub $50,000 range.

OTL

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DRIVERSIDE VEHICLE REVIEWS

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STORY BY JIM KERR, CFP®, CLU®, EA Everyone likes to save on taxes. Making the most of deductions is one avenue available to taxpayers to reduce their tax bill. All taxpayers have the option to either itemize deductions or take the standard deduction, which is currently $12,700 for a married couple under age 65. If a couple’s standard and itemized deductions are close to being the same amount each year, there is an opportunity to plan these expenses in a way that may reduce the overall tax bill.

Common itemized deductions include property taxes, charitable contributions, mortgage interest and certain medical and investment-related expenses. Because of the standard deduction, a married couple may realize no tax benefit for deducting these expenses unless they exceed $12,700. One way to avoid missing out on this tax advantage is to delay some deductions in one year and accelerate them in the next. This strategy, sometimes referred to as “bunching” or “doubling up” deductions, results in itemizing deductions every other year and taking the standard deduction in the alternate years.

Some itemized deductions must be paid in the year that they are due. However, others offer more flexibility and are good candidates for this strategy. For example, in Travis County a taxpayer can choose to pay the current year’s property taxes in December of the current year, or wait one month and pay in January of the following year.

This flexibility lets you pay, and deduct, two years’ worth of property taxes in one calendar year.

Here is an example of how bunching or doubling-up on itemizing deductions might work. We will assume the following: • A married couple, both age 60, with a paid-off home mortgage and grown children.

• Adjusted gross income is $120,000 per year for 2016 and 2017.

• Property tax on their home is $8,000 per year for

2016 and 2017. They have earmarked $4,000 per year for charitable deductions and no other expenses that would qualify as itemized deductions.

• For this example, we will assume tax rates remain constant in 2016 and 2017.

If the couple pays property taxes and charitable contributions each year, they will owe $16,278 in taxes each year for 2016 and 2017. However, if they pay two years of property tax ($16,000) and charitable deductions ($8,000) in 2016, and then do not pay any in 2017, their 2016 tax bill is reduced to $13,453. In 2017 their taxes remain the same at $16,278.

While total out-of-pocket expenses did not change at all, proper planning allowed the couple to save $2,825 in taxes for 2016.

This strategy may not work if you have large deductions, such as mortgage interest, medical and investment-related expenses that don’t allow you the flexibility to choose when they are paid. In addition, some mortgages require you to pay property tax as part of your monthly payment. There are other factors to consider. First, you must consider your income and the changing tax laws. If the tax rates or your income are going to change significantly in a coming year, those changes must be taken into account when implementing this strategy. Second, if you are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax there are several itemized deductions that will not help you if you accelerate their payments because they are removed in the calculation of the AMT. OTL Jim Kerr, Manager – Wealth Planning at Austin Asset, a premiere fee-only financial planning firm.

Jim’s financial expertise spans a broad spectrum from insurance analysis and retirement planning to cash flow/budgeting & custom spreadsheet design.

june 2017

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ON THE LINKS / PUTT FOR DOUGH

MAXIMIZE YOUR DEDUCTIONS

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ON THE LINKS / TRAVEL

THE OTHER SIDE OF MAUI The rain comes down in drenching sheets of water as our car slowly trundles down the road to Hana, on Maui’s remote eastern shore. It’s not my first visit to Hana, but it is my first time arriving by land. Even on a sunny day, the serpentine road is an adventure, with hairpin turns and several small, one-lane bridges.

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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY AL ALGUERTA

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plan. Once in my own sea view cottage, I order a delicious salad, local grass-fed beef, and a glass of red wine. I fall asleep to the sound of rain ticking on the bungalow’s tin roof, waves crashing ashore, and palm trees creaking in the wind.

I awake the next morning to a glorious sunrise.

The sea view cottages face east and the long rays of the rising sun bathe the grassy hills of Travaasa in warm, liquid light. On my lanai I find a giant, six-foot palm leaf left over from last night’s rainstorm. I take it as a good omen for the days ahead. As it turns out, I really do luck out with the weather. Well, mostly.

My many visits to Hana to photograph various architectural spaces at Travaasa have taught me to take advantage of sunlight whenever I can get it. Hana’s location on the island’s east coast means it gets the bulk of the rain falling on the island. It can be sunny one moment and raining in the next 10 minutes.

For now, it’s pleasantly sunny as I enjoy the early morning light show from my lanai with robust Hawaiian coffee and delicious banana bread, which I found waiting for me the night before upon arrival. I’m a huge fan of Travaasa’s 25-yard pool, with its blue tiles and dark lava rock border overlooking the sea. I swim some laps to try and fight any remaining jet lag, then soak for a few minutes in the hot tub. It’s suddenly raining and I eventually get out and walk the few steps back to my cottage in the rain. It’s time for some breakfast. Room service? You betcha.

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PHOTO: ORNELLA SHAYA

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he lush jungle all around is dotted here and there by thundering waterfalls.

On the other side of nary a sharp turn we suddenly find ourselves overlooking steep cliffs and the choppy Pacific Ocean crashing ashore. If we’re not careful we might find ourselves crashing into an oncoming car. There’s a steady flow of tourist-filled rental cars and vans stopped along the sides of the road, their passengers getting out in frequent intervals to take it all in.

The big birds land in Kahului, on the windy side of the island, mostly from the U.S. mainland and neighboring islands. I had originally been booked on the last flight to Hana but was invited to tag along for a road trip by Jorah Anderson, Director of Sales for Hana’s star resort attraction, Travaasa, where we’re both headed. She’s fun, young, and attractive, so it’s a no-brainer. We’ve both had our post-flight Starbucks so there’s no lack of conversation. It turns out we know several of the same innkeepers in Belize, which couldn’t feel further away from here right now.

We arrive at Travaasa just before dark, the resort’s entrance flanked by glowing tiki torches. We’re welcomed with beautiful Hawaiian leis (mine is a very regal leaf lei). Jorah and I are then whisked away in a golf cart to our luxurious accommodations. We stop at hers first and she disappears into the night. “I’m going to order room service and pass out,” she says, her voice trailing off. “Goodnight.” Sounds like a good

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I could easily spend my entire time at Travaasa in my seaside cottage. It’s spacious and beautifully furnished. The living room has a sofa decorated in retro-chic geometric patterns. The cottage’s high ceiling keeps it cool, as do several ceiling fans. There’s nice art depicting lava flows and traditional fishing methods. The bedroom has its own access to the lanai, along with a comfy bed that seems to beckon me back to sleep. The bathroom has both a tub and stand-up shower and two vanities. All just for me.

When I eventually do make it out of my cottage the sun is back out and the skies have cleared. I borrow one of Travaasa’s vans and head over to the black sand beach, just a few miles down the road. Upon arrival, it’s obvious I’m not the only

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one deciding to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park today. The parking lot is jam-packed and there’s ongoing construction on the park’s grounds, to boot. With a bit of luck, I find a space and make my way down some stairs to the small sliver of black sand flanked by enormous lava rocks. There are easily 50 people on the tiny stretch of sand and I have to admit it’s not my first visit to a black sand beach so maybe the experience is lost on me.

My parents hail from Guatemala and I grew up going to its black sand beaches, which feel vast and unfettered by comparison. I quickly decide to make my exit. Perhaps I’ll have better luck at another beach. I decide on Hamoa Beach, a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach flanked by a cliff about a 20-minute drive back in the direction of

The food is as authentic and flavorful as anything I’ve had streetside in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

I head back to the cottage, past a charmingly simple and dilapidated old baseball park, in the rain. I love the rain, and it gives me an excuse to go back to my Happy Place. But then, do you really need an excuse to never want to leave perfect beach accommodations with a patio and ocean view? I think not. And besides, that feeling of being on the edge of civilization is the reason I came to Hana in the first place.

My thoughts trail off, distracted by the soothing white noise of waves crashing in the distance. To be in Hana is to be, partly, in a dream. It’s a dream from which I don’t fully awaken until a few days later when my small plane lands, with a thud, back in Kahului.

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PHOTO: ORNELLA SHAYA

Hana. It’s really quite lovely and there are even staff from Travaasa on hand to provide beach towels and refreshments.

Best of all, it’s nearly empty. Victory!

When hunger sets in, I set back for Hana. In addition to the Travaasa’s wonderful farm-to-table dining options, there is a varied assortment of food carts hawking myriad options from Mexican to Thai food around town. There’s even a popsicle cart run by a smiling Brazilian expat. The talk of the town is Thai Food by Pranee, a local operation that has evolved over my numerous visits to Hana. It finally seems to have found its place in the community and enjoys a good location with plenty of parking. It has become a requisite stop on the Hana circuit. The many favorable reviews online are not the least bit exaggerated. I enjoy a delicious curry dish on the patio and a light rain sprinkle.

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ON THE LINKS / WINE ot l g o l f . c o m 48

june 2017

Haute Vintage STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / ON THE LINKS MAGAZINE

I recently had to buy a birthday gift for a rather beautiful lady friend. She is a successful business owner and has a great sense of style.

Needless to say, selecting the right gift for her is challenging.

I explained the situation to the wine specialist helping me and he said “you know, ‘Chanel’ has a wine”. I couldn’t help but smile. It turned out Chanel had a few wine properties. In addition to the well-known Chateau Rauzan Segla in Margaux and a large negociant, the Chanel group owns Chateau Canon in Saint-Émilion.

Though the dealer was out of Chateau Canon proper, he did have several bottles and a few vintages of their second label Clos Canon. With ratings between 91-95 from various wine reviews including Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, and priced at about $60, I decided to buy a few bottles.

Clos Canon is 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc as is more typical of the right bank regions of Bordeaux. Though the Chateau’s original vineyards go back to the mid 1700’s the bulk of their vines have been replanted since 1996.

We tasted the 2009 and 2010 vintages. The 2009 was beautifully smooth from the start.

The wine had soft tannins and the juicy characteristics of plum and black cherry. Throughout, there was a faint tobacco note and it had the classic Bordeaux minerality in the finish. It drank beautifully on its own.

The 2010 vintage, which is more readily available, was a different animal. The tannins were much bigger but also with more dense fruit, plum and blackberry and less of the tobacco notes. It opened up eventually over the course of two hours, but I believe it will be truly amazing with a minimum of two more years in the cellar.

In the end, my friend got a bottle of Dom Pérignon but hopefully will enjoy something from Chateau Cannon in the not too distant future.

Post note: Back in 2011, the Chateau relabeled Clos Canon and it can now be found as Croix Canon. It continues to thrive and enjoy very positive ratings. OTL

ON THE LINKS / SPIRITS

Frozen W Mango TitoRita

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elcome to summer time in Texas. During the dog days of the hot, humid Texas summer, you need a way to cool down during the day and chill out for a hot summer night. Since we’re in Austin, let’s do it Tito’s style. So head over to your kitchen or at home bar and let’s make a Frozen Mango TitoRita.

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STORY BY TONY DEAN

BATCH OF 4 DRINKS

6oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka 3oz Orange liqueur 8oz Mango nectar 1oz Fresh lime juice .25oz Agave nectar 1 cup Frozen mango chunks 3 cups of ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with cocktail umbrellas and a juicy lime wedge.

Please drink responsibly and make sure only these drinks are only consumed by those over 21. And as always, please do not drink and drive.

OTL

june 2017

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TICKETS: AUSTINTHEATRE.ORG OR

512 474-1221

PARAMOUNT THEATRE • 713 CONGRESS AVE • AUSTIN, TEXAS

The artistry of the roll

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ON THE LINKS / CIGARS

STORY BY ANDON GUILLORY

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

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

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

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

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

Inspection of the leaves will allow the roller to choose the best part of the leaf and use his “chaveta” (roller’s knife), which is usually another family heirloom, to sculpt the wrapper leaf into optimum shape. The roller then applies vegetable glue to secure the wrapper. A tobacco bunch from the cedar mold is then taken and cut to perfect length and the wrapper is carefully applied from foot to head.

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

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

One of the few places in Austin that offers handrolled cigars is Bobalu Cigar Company. They have two locations, 6th Steet and in North Austin. You don’t have to wait to get your cigar rolled, you can S A N TO D O M I N G O, stop in and buy directly from the shelf. If you can’t DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - APRIL 24: Unidentified wait to get home, you may smoke it there. OTL cigar maker in Santo Domingo at April 24, 2013. Half of all the cigars smoked in the United States are Dominican cigar s.

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No better place to play golf than in t h e b e a u t i f u l T e x a s H i l l C o u n t r y.

Mesmerizing vistas allow you to see t h e g l o r i o u s Te x a s l a n d s c a p e .

SUMMIT ROCK HORSESHOE BAY THE PINNACLE OF HILL COUNTRY GOLF

PHOTO: JIM MANDEVILLE

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STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

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ummit Rock Golf Club at Horseshoe Bay sits on a towering bluff overlooking a sprawling expanse of Hill Country, yet it’s not just the location that’s breathtaking. The natural settings of several of the holes on this Jack Nicklaus Signature design, showcasing natural creek beds and washes, rocky hillsides and rolling fields of native flowers combine to make a round here unforgettable. Every golf course designer will bend your ear about how well his course “blends” into the land, but here, it’s seamless. The natural features are revealed, not exploited. june 2017

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The routing makes round on this golf course seem a little like a mountain expedition up and down that rock,” Hatch says. “So many people say this routing is unlike anything in Texas. It’s one of the best uses of land I think I’ve ever seen.”

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“This property has significantly more elevation change than any other course I’ve done in Texas, even the other ones on the Hill Country,” Nicklaus says. “We were fortunate that the land had that gentle climb up to the upper areas of the course. The views are just exceptional.”

Summit Rock is the fourth course built as part of Horseshoe Bay Resort (the first non-Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design on property) and it’s the only one of those open exclusively to the club’s highest membership tier.

Director of golf Steve Hatch says the 7,258-yard, par-72 layout shows a kinder, gentler Nicklaus than some of the Golden Bear’s previous designs. “This is a very playable Jack Nicklaus golf course. You see some generous landing areas because Mr. Nicklaus knew there would be days when the wind blows 30 miles per hour. When those days come, those wide landing areas don’t seem so

wide,” Hatch says. “There’s bailout on every hole and not too many forced carries.”

Summit Rock features lush Bentgrass greens, a treat for players accustomed to Bermuda and an adjustment for those not familiar with the subtleties of Bent. “These greens have some severe undulations, so we never get them ridiculously fast.

There’s a premium to you hitting the right spots on these greens,” Hatch says. “That said, these greens are fair. I feel like I can two-putt from anywhere here.”

The “upper section” Nicklaus and members refer to is holes 3 through 10 and, on a clear day, you’ll see 40-mile views from that section’s highest points. Beautifully framed golf holes like the 448-yard eighth (with an elevated green, well guarded by a deep-faced sand trap short and right) and the lengthy par-3 12th (flanked by hillsides and colorful native areas).

The 11th, 12th and 13 holes cascade down into a rugged, wash-like terrain. This section feels like Hill Country, sure, but it also feels almost prehistoric, adorned by exposed granite and wild native plants. One might stop and wonder if this area looked much different 1,000 years ago.

Nicklaus’s take on a short par-4 is the downhill seventh. Playing 323 yards from the tips, this wide hole sweeps down then back uphill and is split by a strategically-placed “Dare Ya” fairway bunker. “The biggest advice I can give is, if you’re a strategic player, use the fairway bunkering for

direction. These bunkers make good aiming points on many holes. This golf course sort of shrinks and widens depending on the setting topography, so you always have to pay attention to the landing areas,” Hatch advises.

Even in the Hill Country, few courses play along such an ever-evolving landscape.

“The routing makes round on this golf course seem a little like a mountain expedition up and down that rock,” Hatch says. “So many people say this routing is unlike anything in Texas. It’s one of the best uses of land I think I’ve ever seen.”

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Legacy Inter national Resor t Proper ties

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Another fine touch at Summit Rock are the elegant comfort stations on holes 5 and 13, offering an assortment of snack food, beverages and chef-prepared delicacies to help keep your energy up during the round. Only members and guest of members can play Summit Rock, however golf course is fantastic lure for potential real estate clients.

“We seeing solid growth from the membership and the real estate sides,” Hatch says. “We love the energy that the new membership brought to Horseshoe Bay,” Hatch says. “The new folks mix well with our established membership and we really feel like we’ve brought in a new era for this club.”

Hatch says, with new healthcare facilities and award winning schools in the area, Horseshoe Bay and Summit Rock should continue to flourish. “I look at Horseshoe Bay in a similar way to the way people looked at Lakeway back in the late 80s.

That seemed like a world away from Austin, but now it feels much more connected and it’s like its own city grew before our eyes. It’s hard to predict a timetable, but I think there will come a time when Horseshoe Bay really does feel like an extension of greater Austin. There’s so much out here that people want in their lives,” Hatch predicts.

Play Summit Rock once and you can bet, you’ll also want it in your life. OTL

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ON THE LINKS / THE SWEET SPOT

#GrandstandingVIP Suite-Day F1 Grand Prix

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COURTESY OF CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

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STORY BY LOUI SHAYA

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ircuit of the Americas. The name evokes excitement. I had the pleasure of doing a lot of work with a local billboard company and as a perk, they invited me to Formula 1. When we arrived at the track, the buzz was palpable. The roar of the engines was dominant. The client didn’t just give me seats for the race, they gave me VIP suite grandstand seats.

Texas is literally transformed into an international destination for a few days in October.

The suites are spacious and properly catered.

We were given ear plugs to step outside to our seats to enjoy the siren like musings of some of the most technologically evolved and majestically engineered cars on Earth.

By race time, responsible or not, the ear plugs were tossed to the ground as to feel the full effect of the F1 cars. The track has been

hailed as a masterpiece. When the cars hit the straightaway and take on the elevation, you can’t help but yell and cheer to try to match the volume. I’m not a F1 enthusiast who travels abroad or carefully watches the weekly F1 broadcast or charts the points leader, but for one weekend, I’m all in.

Saturday night, pop-sensation Taylor Swift rocked the crowd of all ages and on Sunday Lee Hamilton did the Texas two-step and defended his title. That’s a great weekend in Austin.

Circuit of the Americas has several events from races to concerts throughout the year.

The Formula One United States Grand Prix returns to Austin later this year October 2022nd. Check their website for upcoming events and for more information. Make sure you can do it in style. OTL

ON THE LINKS / SIGNATURE SPOTLIGHT

No. #12 Onion Creek Club

STORY BY KIMBERLY FELICIANO

Temptation is a cruel mistress, and this concept is no more evident than at the par-4 12th (original course) at Onion Creek Club in South Austin. At it’s longest the hole is a mere 342 yards, but plays even shorter due to the massively elevated tee box.

Many a player might be lulled into hitting driver off the tee and relishing the thought of an eagle putt, but beware. Not only is your postage stamp target guarded by a large bunker short and

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“Go Big” May not apply

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right of the green, there’s also the meandering Onion Creek hazard to the right and OB to the left that should give you pause. The tree-lined tee box and left-to-right sloping fairway also adds an element of intimidation, as does the resulting unpredictable wind-tunnel effect on breezy days.

Calm your inner Happy Gilmore and play a long iron or hybrid off the tee to set up a simple approach and a shot at birdie, then walk away with your par and be thankful it’s over. OTL