OTL Magazine October 2017

DESTINATION,

SPA

TPC SAN ANTONIO: Hallowed Hill Country Grounds FLINTROCK FALLS: Lakeway’s Prestigious Urban Oasis

Contents Volume 15, Issue 9

44 34

EMPIRE OF THE DUMPLING While dinning in Taipei, we discover a can’t miss spot.

Richard Arebalo.

34

DESTINATION RESORTS AND DAY SPAS It’s all about treating yourself well. You deserve it.

Michelle Keller.

44

TPC SAN ANTONIO Play where the pros play. It’s a tough test of golf.

Carl Mickelson.

62

FLINTROCK FALLS Something really special is happening in Lakeway.

Carl Mickelson.

DESTINATION,

SPA

TPC SAN ANTONIO: Hallowed Hill Country Grounds FLINTROCK FALLS: Lakeway’s Prestigious Urban Oasis

ON THE COVER There many choices when it comes to Spas. We offer a few suggestions.

OCTOBER 2017

O T L G O L F. C O M

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PHOTOS: FRANKIE WYLIE MODEL: LENA MILAN

FEATURES

5

Contents COLUMNS 16

ON YOUR GAME Lexi Thompson talks about coming through on the other side.

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EQUIPMENT Ping’s newest driver. Three types to help every player.

23

MIND GAME Pre-shot routine. Calm your mind and execute.

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TIPS Avoid the dreaded three-putt with this drill.

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FITNESS Get back to the basics by targeting your back muscles.

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YOGA Work your core and reap the benefits all over your body.

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DRIVE FOR SHOW Bentley Bentayga: Exclusivity, luxury and style have been earned.

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PUTT FOR THE DOUGH Alternative investments must be approached carefully.

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WINE 2012 Vinsanto by Castello di Ama is a lovely, complex wine.

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SPIRITS A Texas twist on the Moscow Mule.

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CIGARS How to choose your cigar. Don’t just pick a pretty label.

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TRAVEL Belize: Jungle chic, eco-luxury.

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THE SWEET SPOT Trinidad: Beautul people, fabulous food.

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SIGNATURE SPOTLIGHT Wolfdancer’s 12th hole takes you to the top of the world.

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66

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Letter from the Publisher make us stronger.

We would like to acknowledge the hard and trying times of Texas and other Americans stricken by natural disasters. Our Hearts are with Texans who battled through Hurricane Harvey and our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico who are still struggling to regain the basic human essentials.

Our thoughts and well-wishes are with you and your families. No matter how difficult the times, it is good to see the best among us step up and deliver assistance. We all have family and friends in these areas and while many of us felt helpless, many ran towards the danger just to help.

You’ve all heard about the TPC San Antonio and the JW Marriot. Don’t put it off any longer.

Head down and play where the pros play. Fantastic amenities and incredible golf. Stay and play is real and worth it.

OTL considers Las Vegas our sister city. We too mourn with Las Vegas as they were stricken by a man-made disaster of senseless violence.

Our thoughts go out to those who lost their lives and suffered both physical and emotional injury.

We thank those who represent America, those in and out of uniform. Some will tell you about all the things that separate us, but we are united by our similarities. Our differences serve only to

We as a nation are attempting to heal.

OTL is the vessel that will take you away from all those issues at least for a short time. The best medicine for the day-to-day stress is to Spa. Our feature story is about you being good to you.

There is no better way to do that than by enjoying some of the best Spas in the country right here in our backyard. Michelle Keller shows us what the best spas have to offer.

This issue is packed with information and terrific ideas that you can do alone or with those you love.

A couple of new things. We have added a golf course map to give you a lay of the land. Not every course is listed, but it will grow in the issues ahead. Also, we have a page dedicated to those who help us bring the magazine to you, our advertisers page. Please take a look and if you need goods and services, please start with them and tell them how much you appreciate that they advertise with us.

Here’s to health and living every day we have to the fullest.

Sedric Walker Publisher OCTOBER 2017

O T L G O L F. C O M

F

all is in the air. Everyone loves the change of the seasons.

While spring always launches hope, there is something just as magical about fall. It’s a time to prepare for what is to come. Spring is the time to renew; that’s beautiful but fall is the time to put in the work. We welcome fall in Texas when the sun is clear and often times the mornings start to chill.

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/OnTheLinks Magazine

@otl_golf

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONALS Brech Spradley, Dave Pelz

@otlgolf

otlgolf.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Frankie Wylie, LeMans Whitfield, Al Argueta, Ornella Shaya CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Keller, Scott Kramer, Leslie Awdykowyz, Kristi Grosse, Al Argueta, Kelly Vohnn, Tara Maloney, Josh Clifford

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

OTL magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located at 210 Grand Isle Drive. Round Rock, TX 78665. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions and depictions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. OTL reserves the right to refuse any ad for anyreason whatsoever. Š2017 by OTL. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or part without the express written consent of OTL is strictly prohibited. Editorial queries and manuscripts should be directed to the editor via email, editor@otlgolf.com. All letters and their contents sent to OTL are sole property of OTL and may be used, printed, and published in any matter whatsoever without limit, obligation and liability to the author thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and artists and not necessarily those of OTL or its advertisers. Manuscripts should be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. OTL assumes no responsibility or liability for the return of unsolicited artwork, manuscripts or pictures. Printed in the USA.

OCTOBER 2017

O T L G O L F. C O M

512.657.7533 pr@otlgolf.com

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OTL / ON YOUR GAME O T L G O L F. C O M

Steady Through the Storm

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STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017

O T L G O L F. C O M

Lexi Thompson

17

I

Thompson, 22, stands out as one of the LPGA Tour’s longest hitters and best ball strikers and she’s quickly become one the game’s most marketable talents, having secured endorsements with Red Bull, Puma, Zurich and EA Sports.

Are you more confident now than you’ve ever been with your game?

I think my game is in a great spot. I do think I’ve gained a lot of confidence over the past couple of seasons. I go into every tournament wanting to win, having that fire power. Obviously, being an American, winning our championship is high on my list of goals now. I would say in the past, I would get really frustrated and get too focused in between shots. I’m always worried about the next one, but really I just have to focus for those little 30 seconds over the shot and just relax in between.

O T L G O L F. C O M 18

t feels like Lexi Thompson’s 2017 season alone has had enough drama to fill an ESPN 30 For 30 documentary. Her four-stroke penalty for incorrectly marking her ball at the ANA Inspiration set off a firestorm of controversy and instantly turned a final-round, two-stroke lead into a two-shot deficit. She would go to tie So Yeon Ryu on a 72nd hole that saw her reach the par five’s green in two, fight back tears as the gallery chanted “Lex-i!, Lex-i!” and miss an emotional eagle putt that would have secured her second major title. When Ryu won with a birdie on the first playoff hole, Thompson’s hard-fought, bittersweet day turned simply bitter.

She rebounded two months later with a 20-under-par display to win the Kingsmill Championship and quiet some demons.

“I’m so over (the rules fiasco at the ANA). It’s in the past. It’s unfortunate what happened, but it’s time to move on. (Winning at Kingsmill) puts a lid on it,” she said.

Quiet off the course but fierce on it, Thompson has collected two wins and five second-place finishes this season on her ascent to #1 in the Race to CME Globe Championship standings and the #3 spot on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. Pundits regularly stress that Thompson is the only American player in the top 10 of the Rolex Rankings, but she’s in no rush to be called America’s Great Hope. “I think it just shows the amount of global talent that’s out here. Each and every year we get a group of rookies that comes out and (often) contends right away.”

After falling four down in her singles match with Europe’s Anna Nordqvist, Thompson electrified the crowd at August’s Solheim Cup Matches with an eight-under run on a seven-hole stretch (on the strength of two eagles) to temporarily pull ahead.

Nordqvist squared the match on the final hole, but Thompson solidified her role as a team leader and frontrunner as the U.S. Team cruised to victory.

“That back nine was definitely some of the best golf I’ve ever played in my life; some of my best shots I’ve hit in my career,” she says.

Thompson, 22, stands out as one of the LPGA Tour’s longest hitters and best ball strikers and she’s quickly become one the game’s most marketable talents, having secured endorsements with Red Bull, Puma, Zurich and EA Sports. OTL caught up with Thompson to reflect on her eventful season and career:

OCTOBER 2017

What are you most proud of in terms of the progress you’ve made with your game?

In my off season, I work extremely hard on my short game of putting. I put at least three to four hours in a day about it. I knew that’s what I needed to work on. It’s given me a lot of confidence. It’s great to feel like I’m lined up right and then all I have to do was put a good stroke on it. I like that we golf courses on our schedule that suit my long game and ball-striking. Being able to trust my driver can be a huge lift.

What has this wild season taught you?

It’s definitely been a crazy, up-and-down year.

Definitely a lot of emotions behind it. I think I’ve just learned overall just how strong I am, going through the whole year and things that have happened. But I think that’s what helped, knowing my mom (who battled cancer for the second time and is now out of treatment) is back to being healthy. I think that’s helped me out a lot, and just being with her every day when I do go home.

She’s the strongest woman I know and I always say I want to be half the woman that she is when I grow up and she’s been a role model of mine and, like I said, she’s my best friend and great to have her out here supporting me.

I think it gave me the satisfaction that I could pull shots off under the highest level of pressure possible. When the galleries are five rows deep and they’re all screaming, there’s nothing in golf that has that adrenaline rush.

Any time I can represent my country, that’s my number one goal. That’s was my number one goal coming into the year, to be on that team. There is nothing like representing your country.

Speaking of adrenaline, your sponsor Red Bull is known for associating with extreme sports athletes. Do they try to push the envelope with you a Rickie Fowler a little?

They wanted me to do a cliff diving thing with their cliff diving team. I thought about it. It was close to a yes, but then I thought maybe I shouldn’t (risk injury). I skydove from 10,000 ft to the first tee at the Kingsmill ProAm in support of the (Navy) SEAL Legacy Foundation. It was unforgettable. Awesome. Just to be able to represent them and hopefully bring awareness to them and this foundation to help raise money for the families of fallen SEALS and also operators in service right now.

What was different about your game or approach the week you won your first major (the 2014 ANA Inspiration)?

Going into the week, I figured something out in just a few practice rounds. Just hitting “control shots” and little punches, keeping my line and not really drawing it too much. The last day, I was kind of in my own little world. I was really focused and it was a really relaxed week. I just tried to have fun and swing and laugh. When I’m relaxed out there, I think that’s when my game shows the most.

You grew up in a golfing family and now both of your older brothers play professionally. How much did competing with them drive you and shape the player that you’ve become?

Immensely. Trying to beat them, outdrive them and just always having them around to know that I can go to them for help, or pretty much anything, has made me a much better a player and so much more competitive.

There’s always a lot of trash talk. That’s for sure. When we’re all home and get to play together, it’s so nice and just play our little matches and have a little trash talking.

I always say just having them around has made me the player that I am. Them always making noise in my back swing and just being always so focused to beat them made me very tough on the golf course.

O T L G O L F. C O M

Do you still get nervous in tournaments?

Standing on the first tee at the Solheim Cup is probably the most nervous I’ve been since my first U.S. Open (when she was only 12). Playing well in that event, though, helped me out so much in my game. Personally, OCTOBER 2017

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Green the most. Now, there are a few girls I played junior golf with on Tour which is really nice because I know them pretty well.

You’ve achieved some lofty career goals at an early age. Does the achievement feel like you thought it was when these things were just dreams?

Yeah, I would say so. It’s a lot of traveling, a lot of hard work and I’ve gone through struggles where I’ve just had to work through it. It gets hard sometimes, but it’s everything I imagined. I love traveling. I love playing and I love working on my game and working through it. I’ve said before I’m addicted to trying to get better.

PHOTOS: RED BULL

You’re only 22, but you’ve traveled around the world. Where’s your favorite travel destination?

My favorite place has been Dubai. I love it there. I took my mom there and that’s her favorite place to go now. I want to go back to Italy. I want there for about one day to shoot a commercial for Puma, but I’d love to go back and just hang out and sight-see. To play golf there would be amazing, too.

O T L G O L F. C O M

I’ve done quite few tamer Red Bull days and it’s a lot of fun reaching out to my fans, letting them ask any question that they want and then teaching them a few shots. I like interacting with my fans. I have Twitter, two Facebooks, Instagram and SnapChat. That’s what I love about my sponsors. They allow me to reach out to my fans.

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How has the LPGA Tour changed since you turned pro seven years ago?

Women’s golf is growing. Even since I turned professional, we’ve gained more tournaments. We’ve gained more sponsorships and more TV coverage. We work hard and we’re showing our talent and doing something we love. And we want more and more people to support us. The huge galleries we see at events like the Soheim Cup mean the world to us.

This Tour is so global. Everybody is coming from everywhere now and they have such amazing talent.

That’s why you’re seeing all the different winners almost every week.

Who are your closest friends on tour?

I would say I hang out with Austin Ernst and Jaye

OCTOBER 2017

Are your comfortable in this growing spotlight?

Yeah, I’m pretty comfortable with it. I love interacting with my fans whether it’s through social media or just being with them in pro-ams or sponsor events. I enjoy it. It’s a way to reach out to my fans and I’m okay with the attention. It comes with the success.

What can’t you live without?

I wouldn’t be able to live without my family, for sure. I use my iPod for music or my iPhone alot. People are surprised that I have a good amount of rappers on it. I’ve got Lil Wayne and Drake but I also have Rihanna on there and some Linkin Park and Blink 182 for work out jams to get me pumped.

Say you’re in the final pairing in the final round of a big tournament and the Golf Gods could guarantee you a birdie on either the first hole or the 18th, but not both. Which would you choose?

I would say the first hole. I like it when I come out firing. That’s what happened in the final round at (The ANA Inspiration in 2014). To set the tone and settle the nerves to start the round does a lot.

If the LPGA could add a new event at any venue in the world, where would you like it to be?

Augusta National, obviously. That’d just be sick if there was ever ladies event there.

OTL / EQUIPMENT

PING’S LATEST DRIVER

IS ALL-INCLUSIVE STORY BY SCOTT KRAMER The three versions of PING’s new G400 driver aim to help out every type of golfer. Each rendition is slightly smaller than most models on the market -- only 445cc in volume, as opposed to the common 460cc of many competitor products. That relatively diminutive size and the crown’s turbulators help improve aerodynamics for faster clubhead speeds, say officials, while a high moment of inertia and tungsten back weighting lend forgiveness. A thin, forged clubface also yields high ball speeds and distance, while a deep CG helps shots get airborne. For added measure, the driver’s thud at impact sounds rather mighty. Perhaps the coolest feature is its copper shaft, which visually darkens to nearly black at address, to improve your focus as you stand over the ball on the tee box. And if all of

that isn’t enough, you can adjust loft up or down by up to 1 degree from the base loft.

As for the various versions, there’s the standard model that most golfers will gravitate towards. Next is the G400 SFT (Straight Flight) that’s designed to help slower swing speeds and slicers find the fairway more often. It has more heel-side tungsten weighting and a lighter swing weight, to help square the clubface and draw the ball.

And finally, the G400 LST (Low Spin) is for better players wanting to generate low, stable ball spin with control -- a feat accomplished from tungsten positioned close to the clubface.

Roughly 70 Tour pros -- in-

cluding Lee Westwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Mackenzie Hughes, David Lingmerth and Daniel Summerhays -- have been using the driver in competition. “We’ve never seen faster conversion to a new product than we did at this year’s U.S. Open with 13 drivers in play, the first week it was available,” says John A. Solheim, PING’s chairman and CEO. “The players immediately loved the driver’s look and became enamored with its powerful sound and feel. Statistics proved that both the longest and most accurate players off the tee at the U.S. Open relied on a G400 driver.”

O T L G O L F. C O M

G400 Driver Soleview

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G400 SFT

OCTOBER 2017

G400 LST

OTL / MIND GAME

Routine, Routine, Routine When evaluating a new student on the golf course, I watch for whether the golfer has a solid, or consistent routine. I have found that many amateur golfers lack this skill. Think of your own game for a moment. How is your routine? In golf, the ball just sits there, waiting for us to make the first move. In other sports, players generally react to a moving ball, so there is less time to deliberate, making it easier to focus. Golfers must learn how to handle the internal and external distractions as they step up to the ball. Having a quality routine is the best way to stay focused and present. There are two basic phases of a golf shot routine: Pre-shot and Post-shot.

First is the pre-shot routine. This process has two main components: mental and physical. The mental phase is performed 6-8 feet along the imaginary line behind the ball. When you watch the best players in the world, you will notice they all stand in a common area. Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, co-founders of Vision 54, and colleagues of mine with Golf Channel Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona call this area behind the ball the “Think Box.” I think that a great name.

This is where all the analytical calculations are done.

Golfers need to assess all the factors that will influence the shot, such as: wind, slope, lie, yardage, target, type of shot, club choice.

Our friends at GolfPsych, Dr. Deborah Graham and Jon Stabler, state there are three must do’s behind the ball in the pre-shot routine: commit, visualize and feel the shot. Commit to the target, which can include an intermediate target 2-3 feet in front of the ball, shot

choice, and club choice. Visualize the shot vividly as if you are performing it. Then feel the shot by making a practice swing. If any of these are overlooked or haphazardly done, you are lowering your chances of performing well. Now that you have assessed the shot, chosen the club, visualized it, and felt the practice swing it’s time to walk towards the ball. You are leaving the “Think Box” and entering the “Play Box,” as Pia and Lynn call it. The “Play Box” is not the time or place to analyze the shot.

The second component to the pre-shot routine is the set-up. This consists of taking your grip, addressing the ball, aiming the club head at your target and aligning your body with a good stance and posture.

You should not spend too much time in this phase.

This is where we need to let it go and swing in tempo and balance. Let the “athletic side” of your brain kick in and perform the shot that you have already felt and visualized. If you start second guessing your decision or swing mechanics while standing over the ball, you need to go back to the imaginary line and regroup.

Now it’s time for your post-shot routine, which is overlooked by so many golfers. Did you hit a good shot or bad shot? If you hit a good shot, imprint the shot in your mind with a positive emotion. If you hit a bad shot, work on showing no emotion. Conserve your mental energy. You can control our pre-shot routine, post-shot routine, attitude, temper, strategy. You can’t control outcome, past shots, bounces, score, and lies. Many play their best golf when they verbalize their intentions and develop a good pre-shot and post shot routine.

OCTOBER 2017

O T L G O L F. C O M

STORY BY BRECH SPRADLEY, PGA DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION BARTON CREEK GOLF ACADEMY

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OTL / TIPS O T L G O L F. C O M 24

‘Chipputt’ to Erase Nagging Three-Putts STORY BY DAVE PELZ

Every golfer could improve their handicaps if they practiced their lag putting a little more.

While lag putting is not one of the more exciting or glamorous skills can you work on, minimizing three putts is a worthwhile goal for most players, even the pros.

It probably won’t surprise you that our research shows, the longer the putt (once you get past about six feet), the lower the probability you’ll have of sinking it. On putts longer than 35 feet, the probability of sinking it drops off significantly and the chance of three-putting from this distance certainly goes up, too. If you want to reduce your three-putts, try these techniques and drills: Learn to “Chipputt” on Long Putts The longer the putt (and the OCTOBER 2017

more uphill it plays), the more likely you are to leave it short, because your stroke (and everyone else’s) naturally evolves to favor accuracy over power. That said, on longer putts, a common tendency is to sacrifice the necessary power needed to get the ball close for aim (direction and accuracy).

You can overcome this tendency by adding a chipping motion to your putting stroke-think of it as “chipping with your putter.” On super-long putts, stand upright for a better perspective on distance, and then putt with the same body motion you use to chip (adding a slight body turn). On 50- to 110foot putts, every golfer the Pelz Golf Institute has tested, including Tour professionals, lags closer to the hole with the “chipputt” method.

Turn Three into Two (or Better) On all putts longer than 35 feet, imagine that the hole is a 6-foot circle and try to get your ball within the circumference of it. This makes the putt look much easier, and you’ll actually end up holing one every once in a while.

You can also use this circle rule on putts from less than 35 feet, but make sure you get the ball past the cup. I call this region the “Safe Zone.” When you’re rolling the ball into the Safe Zone, you’re rolling the ball well and giving yourself a great chance to two-putt.

Test Yourself: Take six balls to a practice green and use tees to mark off 10 feet from a 50 to 100 feet from the hole. Put six balls from each distance- putt three with your normal stroke and three chipputting. Start at 50 feet and move out until the difference in your lag ability makes an obvious improvement with all or most of your putts in the Safe Zone.

Alternate this drill on flat, uphill and downhill putts. Most players will find that they’re most comfortable (and successful) chipputting from the longer distances.

They also find an approximate distance (in feet) from where they consciously switch from their normal putting stroke to the chipputt set-up and motion. Once this happens, they’re likely three-putting a lot less and improving their scores as a result!

OCTOBER 2017

Parachuters

I do not know many or any if that, who would say, “I don’t care how my abs look”.

Most of us work diligently to sculpt our abdominal muscles, but what about the other side? A strong back not only helps prevent injury and promote better posture, but it

Deadlifts

BACK TO THE BASICS

OTL / FITNESS PHOTOS BY FRANKIE WYLIE

O T L G O L F. C O M 26

STORY BY LESLIE AWDYKOWYZ CERTIFIED POP PILATES INSTRUCTOR helps to pull in the abs for a flatter tummy.

While back work may not be as popular as abs and booty, it is equally important.

The following exercises are nothing new to those who are familiar with exercise; basic isn’t always bad.

While on your stomach, position your arms like goal posts, toes pointed, and your gaze is at your mat. Simultaneously lift your chest and your legs off of the ground, squeezing your shoulder blades together as well. The more you squeeze your butt and lower back, the higher your legs will come off the ground. With each repetition, hold for second to make sure you are activating all of the muscles in your back and butt. Start with three sets of 20 and adjust as needed.

Form is critical when executing this exercise, so take your time with the set up and start with a comfortable weight to get a good feel of the movement before adding more. Deadlifts can be performed differently, depending on the weight and your flexibility. Regardless of the weight, a few things to keep in mind include foot positioning (typically hip width apart, toes forward), core tucked in, hips back, shoulder blades back, and squeeze the glute before you straighten your body. By squeezing the glutes before standing up, you will help protect the lower back from unnecessary strain.

Deadlifts work the hamstrings, glutes, lower and middle back, so don’t overlook them.

Strengthening your back is beneficial to your everyday life. To the mom carrying kids all day, the office worker having better posture at the desk, or jobs which require lifting, having a strong back will help prevent injury and promotes better overall wellness. The next time you want to skip back work, keep in mind all the benefits you are throwing away. Stand tall, sit upright and walk confidently.

OTL / YOGA

Yoga: To the Core STORY BY KRISTI GROSSE, CYT Golfers are finding that strength training, especially in their core, can increase power in the rotation of their swing. Greater power can produce longer drives. A

Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose) Plank can strengthen muscles in the abdomen, spine, shoulder, arms and wrists. This pose can be modified for wrist pain by dropping to your forearms. A beginner modification is to drop your knees to the floor until you gain strength.

Instructions:

O T L G O L F. C O M

PHOTOS BY FRANKIE WYLIE

• Begin in Tabletop position on all fours with wrists lined up beneath shoulders.

• Extend the legs behind you, lifting hips towards the ceiling.

• Draw the shoulder blades down your back to widen your collarbone.

• Engage your core.

• Press hands into the mat, equally engaging the thumbs and index fingers with pinky

28

OCTOBER 2017

stronger core can also protect your back from injury. For best results, do these postures 3-5 times per week. Consult your physician prior to beginning a new exercise program.

Vasisthasana (Side Plank) Side Plank is more challenging, so add to your strengthening routine after performing Plank a few times. This pose works the abdominal muscles, including the obliques, spine, shoulders, wrists, and legs. Proper alignment is important to avoid injury to shoulders and wrists. A modification for this pose can be performed on your forearm to avoid wrist pain. Another modification is dropping your knee to the floor while you are gaining strength.

Instructions: fingers.

• Lengthen the spine towards your heels making the torso parallel to the floor.

• Elongate the neck looking down.

• Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, working towards 2 minutes.

• Drop knees back to Tabletop position to rest then repeat 5 times.

•This pose can begin in Tabletop position or in Plank.

•Line the wrist slightly in front of the shoulder with straightened arms.

•Extend the legs as if you were doing a Plank, then shift weight on to the left hand and outside of the left foot.

•Extend right hand to the ceiling while stacking right foot on

top of your left.

•Engage your core, staying lifted in a diagonal line from the head to feet.

•Hold for 15-30 seconds, working up to 1 minute.

•Return to Plank pose, with wrists still just slightly in front of shoulders.

•Repeat on the other side.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DIN TAI FUNG

O T L G O L F. C O M 30

Shrimp and Por k Wontons with Spic y Sauce

OCTOBER 2017

Empire of the Dumpling It’s always fascinating when something humble is elevated to international fame and status. Such is the case with a small shop that started in Taipei in 1972 and the little soup dumplings that eventually earned them Michelin status and a presence in eleven countries (and counting).

n a recent trip to Taipei, a friend told me that a can’t-miss restaurant was located across the street from the hotel where I was staying. Coincidentally it was in the mall level of Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and a spot I had definitely planned to visit.

Din Tai Fung was originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in 1958 in the Da’an district of Taipei. In 1972 during a downturn in business, founder Yang Bingyi and his wife decided to transform the shop into a steamed dumpling and noodle restaurant employing chefs from Shanghai (where soup buns are believed to have originated). In a city where these shops are extremely common, its particular quality and subsequent reputation allowed the business to add additional locations in Taipei.

By 1993 the New York Times had included Din Tai Fung in a list of ‘best restaurants in the world’, effectively turning the Taipei location into a destination restaurant. In 2010, Din Tai Fung achieved a first for a Taiwan based restaurant by earning a prestigious Michelin Star for its first branch in Hong Kong (its second branch in was awarded the same distinction in 2013).

Today the company has satellite locations in Tokyo, Macau, Bangkok, Sydney and multiple locations in nine additional countries including the US and the UAE. A common characteristic of the current restaurants is the mix of sleek and modern decor with wood and

screen effects that bring to mind older architecture.

Many are located in upscale financial or trendy shopping districts in their respective cities. In the Taipei 101 location, Din Tai Fung shares a mall with Cartier, Hermes, Harry Winston, Van Clef and Arpels, and many other stratospheric luxury brands.

In contrast to its exclusive neighbors, the Taipei 101 location is very definitely a restaurant of mass appeal. Business men in suits, locals and tourists of every stripe wait in an ever-present que for seating in the large restaurant. Wait times vary, ours was less than twenty minutes, but they can exceed an hour or more at particularly heavy times.

Once our number came up on the electronic board we were escorted to our table just across from the operating room like kitchen behind a very long glass wall. Behind the glass were scores of chefs in white, looking very much like surgeons because of the masks and caps that they all wore. They were feverishly creating what had to be thousands of little dumpling disks and noodles by hand. As I walked past, I saw one of the chefs do a quick rolling pin motion that produce a little dough disk that looked absolutely machine made. A trick he would perform for hours before and likely hours for after our dinner was done.

Steamed dumplings are well known to fans of Dim Sum in the Unites States, but the little soup filled dumplings that have made Din Tai Fung famous are rarer. Known in Chinese as xiao long bao (literally, “little basket bun”) these are delicate, ping pong ball sized packets made of dough and filled with pork and a

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STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / OTL MAGAZINE

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TOP: Noodles with Minced Por k Sauce BOTTOM: Por k XLB RIGHT: Shrimp and Por k Shaomai

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B1, No. 45, Shifu Rd., Taipei City (Taipei 101 Mall) 886-2-8101-7799 www.DinTaiFung.com.tw

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small amount of cubed broth gelatin. As the dumplings are steamed, the gelatin melts and creates the delicious soup surprise.

Obviously prepared for international travelers, our waitress was wearing several discrete flag pins that indicated which languages she spoke.

The menu is organized into various good sized categories: Appetizers, Xiao Long Bao, Steamed dumplings (non-soup), Buns, Fried rice, Noodle soups, Wanton, Desserts, Rice buns and Drinks, and luckily dotted with many appetizing photographs of the available dishes.

Our meal started with Oolong tea (which flowed throughout the meal) and small bowls of a light broth with tiny pieces of scallion. Up front, I have to say that many of the dishes were familiar, but delicate, not as salty and somehow cleaner in taste than many of the varieties that I have had in Chinese restaurants in the states.

Our first appetizer was a small pyramid of pickled cucumber in a drizzle of chili oil. They were mildly sour and had just the right amount of heat. Then came a large serving bowl of shrimp fried rice with generous small pieces of egg and scallion; it was remarkably light and was enjoyed with several of the dishes to come.

Prior to the soup dumpling highlight, our waitress mixed small bowls with three parts house made vinegar and one part soy sauce with little bundles of ginger cut into the finest of slivers. Those were to be used in a recommended ritual of how to eat the xiao long bao…

The rookie mistake of popping the dumpling from steamer to mouth usually ends with a burned mouth and possibly

soup on the table. Locals are always kind enough to help avoid this.

Ideally the dumpling is lifted with chopsticks and dunked into the vinegar/ soy/ ginger then placed onto the spoon.

A small hole is made with the chopsticks draining just a bit of the soup. Usually at this point the dumpling can be eaten whole without much damage. Repeat the process while mentally calculating the number of dumplings you can have given the number of your hungry dinner companions.

Though it was not my first soup dumpling, I can definitely see how this small item at Din Tai Fung has made a restaurant empire. The steamed dough is thin, therefore easy to eat and the pork and broth inside is delicate yet decidedly flavorful. The ginger slivers in the soy and vinegar provide the only counterpoint needed.

Following the soup dumplings we chose a few other varieties filled with spinach and black mushroom, shrimp and pork (shumai), and added a side of some spinach-like greens called amaranth – each dish again was just delicate in flavor and yet very satisfying.

For dessert, we chose steamed buns filled with dark chocolate and another filled with red bean paste the latter seemingly scented with a tiny hint of vanilla.

While I was at the airport, I picked up a small gift for the friend that recommended the restaurant. In hindsight it really was an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

There are five branches of Din Tai Fung on the west coast; three in California and two in Washington.

Closer to home Wu Chow in downtown Austin is a good bet for xiao long bao.

Destination Reso O T L G O L F. C O M

Where Practicality Sho

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ouldn’t Come Into Play

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orts and Day Spas 35

STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

The term ‘spa’ originated from the name of the town of Spa, Belgium. The word itself denotes the action of a “fountain.”

Experts suggest “spa” originated from the name of the Belgian town named Spa where a curative natural spring was discovered in the 14th century.

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oday the term ‘Spa’ means anything from luxury to intimacy, celebration to play, therapeutic to pampered; but mostly we reference ‘Spa’ with these two words: es-

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cape and relaxation.

From the elite ‘destination resort spas’ to the exclusive ‘day spas’, there are many different levels of treatments, all designed to refresh, rejuvenate and offer the ultimate experience in self-care.

Centered around a natural hot springs or mineral springs, destination spas provide a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthy cuisine, and special interest programming. On the whole, a day-spa provides similar services for the purpose of improving health, beauty and relaxation through personal care such as facials, hair, and massages.

Both spas offer facilities such as a sauna, pool,

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steam room, or whirlpool that guests may use in addition to their treatment. Resort spas typically include services integrated into packages which include diet, exercise programs, instruction on wellness, life coaching, yoga, tai chi, and accommodations where participants reside for the duration of their stay.

Local offerings in Austin include several options of these treatments with a variety of packages from a one-hour massage to a full 7-day stay to accommodate the need of even the busiest clientele. In our fast-paced, constantly “plugged in” society, self-care important. We’ve outlined a few of many destination, resort and day spas in the Austin area.

Many times vacations include lengthy itineraries of key spots to see and things to do that when we return, we don’t feel like we’ve been on a vacation.

Imagine if your itinerary was already planned for you and every moment of it was focused solely on empowering and energizing your mind and relaxing, rejuvenating your body. Many of the destination resort spas are oriented to do just that.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Centered around a natural hot springs or mineral springs, destination spas provide a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthy cuisine, and special interest programming.

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Over-looking stunning Lake Austin, activities such as ‘Walk on Water,’ a peddle or paddle lake outing and ‘Mindful Morning Lakeside Sun Salutations,’ a sunrise yoga class can be found at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

You’ll also find celebrity hairstylists on site, along with guest speakers and renowned chefs. But don’t think it’s all slow-go and quiet moments. Bring that summertime grin back to your face and skim the waters of Lake Austin on skis, a wakeboard, a tube – or just sit back and enjoy the summer time breeze as you take in the sights of Lake Austin. Whether it’s bringing back memories of family fun on the lake or learning a new skill on the water, Lake Austin Spa Resort has the boat and equipment for you to enjoy the water sport of your choice and an expert watersports staff is the icing on the cake!

There are an abundance of activities that are planned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all you have to do is show up.

“At Lake Austin Spa Resort we celebrate wellness on the water (wow) daily with over 20 water activities offered, personalized instruction, and of course access to over 100 unique spa services in the resort’s 25,000-square foot spa,” Managing Director Janis Clapoff offered. “Our healthful, gourmet cuisine features items from our onsite organic gardens and Chef Beaucamp uses traditional French cooking techniques infused with local flavors. We are so proud and humbled to have been honored as a top ten Spa for the past ten years in both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines and will continue to offer the immersive, award-winning health and wellness experience that we are known for.”

Lake Austin offers a refreshing menu of over 100 spa treatments and services at a luxurious Austin day spa, all developed by their in-house experts.These customized spa treatments are drawn from a serene natural setting and by some of the best of the world’s ancient and modern therapeutic techniques. For more information visit www.lakeaustin.com.

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Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa

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With a tranquil landscape and a number of PGA endor sed cour ses, Austin has developed a reputation as one of the best golfing destinations in the world.

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One of the most sought after resort destinations in Texas, Omni Creek Resort and Spa stands tall among picturesque hill country views matched in vastness only by rich history. Located on 4,000 acres, the resort is home to four championship golf courses, one which was designed by Austin native, Ben Crenshaw and another by Arnold Palmer. Just 10 miles northwest of downtown Austin, this resort blends the best of capital city with the beauty of Texas Hill Country. Resort guests also have exclusive access to instruction from on-site professionals at the renowned Barton Creek Golf Acad-

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emy where golfers can tune up their game before teeing off, for a world-class experience.

Located at the confluence of three springs, the spa at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa channels the natural energy of the surrounding area and delivers holistic treatments ranging from professional skin therapies, to guided meditation sessions inspired by the tranquility of the surrounding Hill Country, Three Springs Spa delivers a relaxing and natural environment where you will find a balance between mind, body and spirit. For more information visit www.omnihotels.com.

The Spa at Lakeway

Resor t spas typically include ser vices integrated into packages which include diet, exercise programs, instruction on wellness, life coaching, yoga, tai chi, and accommodations where par ticipants reside for the d u r a t i o n o f t h e i r s t a y.

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With several rejuvenating treatments, The Spa at Lakeway is a relaxing vacation retreat on beautiful Lake Travis. Refresh body and soul, indulge in a romantic getaway or decompress from day-to-day life.

Discover seven treatment rooms, men’s and women’s lounges, couples showers, dry saunas and a chic spa terrace with incredible views of the Texas Hill Country. Stop by the boutique featuring authentic spa products chosen for their preventative and therapeutic qualities for skin care and wellness. Designed to invigorate mind and body, this full-service Austin spa offers healing massage and body therapies that leave you feeling refreshed and energized, so you can enjoy your vacation or tackle demanding corporate challenges.

With a sensory journey, The Spa at Lakeway offers a Signature Scrub, a salt scrub that will help polish tired skin revealing a more youthful, radiant glow. You are then cocooned in a unique blend of wild flowers and shea butter, working in harmony to moisturize and revitalize your skin from head to toe. Take a moment to enjoy spectacular lake views, while you soak up the healing benefits of their signature wild flower oils and shea butter. With your body now feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, experts will begin to work deeper to relieve tension with the Signature Massage. Enjoy 80 minutes of unwinding, until you find the deepest sense of relaxation, all aided by the resorts signature aromatherapy blend which includes all the best scents the hill country has to offer: lavender, cypress, sage and mint.

At Lakeway It’s all about you. This journey is customized to your needs. Begin with your choice of 80 minute massage, followed by your choice of 80 minute facial .“The Spa at Lakeway is focused on a tranquil Texas Hill Country experience,” said Spa Director Jason Janusheske, “Guest enjoy treatments inspired by our locally sourced products and lakeside views, among our seven soothing treatment rooms and nail salon and relaxing dry saunas.”

With a tranquil landscape and a number of PGA endorsed courses, Austin has developed a reputation as one of the best golfing destinations in the world. Discover beautiful tree-lined fairways, manicured greens and stunning vistas, as you tackle challenging layouts that will excite your senses. Situated within minutes of the top Austin courses, this spa resort is your starting point for a memorable golf getaway in Texas Hill Country. For more information visit www.lakewayresortandspa. com/about.aspx.

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OTL / DRIVE FOR SHOW

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley has certainly earned a reputation of exclusivity, luxury and style. Bentley, headquartered in Crewe, England is a British manufacturer of exotic luxury vehicles. For the first time in its long history Bentley has produced a sport utility vehicle like no other. The 2018 Bentley Bentayga is considered the priciest, most performant and luxurious SUV on the world’s automotive stage.

Just at a glance the numbers seem to back-up the claim. How about reaching 60 mph in just about 4 seconds? For a 7-seater vehicle to move like that it must have something powerful under the hood. Bentley packed in a 600 horse-power twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12.

The Volkswagen VW group, which currently owns Bentley, is the only automotive group in the world that makes engines in a “W” configuration.

The advantage is packaging, as a W is shorter than a V, and it can be set further back in the car to balance the weight distribution. This is the case for the Bentley brand usage.

The exterior is sophisticated and poised setting the Bentayga apart from any other SUV on the road. The front grille is classic Bentley complimented by 22inch wheels and powerful styling lines that finish off this 200 plus thousand-dollar ultra-luxury SUV. Bentley spared no expense on the Bentayga’s

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2018

interior. The seats are wrapped in the finest of leathers surrounded by every detail of custom finishes from top to bottom. The interior feels every bit of the hefty price tag for this super SUV. Bentley offers many configurations including a diesel powered Bentayga and an all-wheel- drive version. There are countless optional features that are available for every want or need you might have for this exceptional SUV. So how can anyone pass up a test drive in a 6000lb SUV that has the guts and performance of an exotic sports car. Bentley has definitely raised the bar in the competitive world of luxury SUVs. DRIVERSIDE VEHICLE REVIEWS

OCTOBER 2017

STORY BY JOSH CLIFFORD, CFA, CPA

Investors, both institutional and retail, often invest in alternatives in pursuit of greater diversification or risk reduction; however, alternatives might fail to reliably accomplish these goals.

Portfolio Construction Typically within a diversified portfolio, stocks outperform bonds, high-grade bonds reduce volatility, and alternative investments that behave unlike stocks and bonds can improve portfolio diversification. This article focuses on alternatives, which includes real estate, hedge funds, private equity, managed futures, and others.

Correlations and Diversification The common assumption is that alternatives improve diversification because they have low correlations of returns with stocks and bonds.

However, investors should also understand what is driving this because low correlation is not the same as diversification. Real estate investment trusts derive value from the underlying real estate, and associated income. As an investment vehicle, this generally has low correlations with diversified stock and bond portfolios. However, some alternatives have low correlations because they concentrate holdings in a few stocks, which is clearly not diversification. Finally, alternatives might appear to have low correlations because they are valued infrequently, creating illusory price stability when calculating correlations.

Additional Risks Investors should also consider additional risks associated with alternatives, including: • Less Transparency: alternatives typically have fewer accounting, custodial, and regulatory requirements than other publicly traded investments.

• Lower Liquidity: many alternatives require lock-up periods, reducing flexibility and increasing the risk of selling other investments at the worst times.

• Leverage: alternatives might use leverage to boost returns, which substantially increases the overall risk.

• High Fees: fees are frequently around 2% of assets in addition to upside sharing.

• Insufficient Return History: Researchers have studied decades of returns for stocks and bonds to determine statistically significant drivers of returns.

However, for alternatives, current data sources may be incomplete and/or survivor-biased.

Conclusion Investors should evaluate their alternative investment to understand their true impact as it is likely very different than what they have been led to believe.

Josh Clifford is a part of the Wealth Management team at Austin Asset, a fee-only financial planning firm. As a wealth manager, Josh interacts daily with wealth planners to manage portfolios that strive to meet clients’ financial goals.

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OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

Alternative Investments

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TPC SAN ANTO UNIVERSAL APPEAL

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STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

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ONIO Easy to say—rolls right off the tongue-- but it’s nearly impossible to possess… unless maybe you’re Tom Petty, Blue Bell’s Homemade Vanilla or a sitcom character called Raymond. Yet, that’s the where the bar is set for large luxury resorts like the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio. To have sustained success, they have to appeal to pretty much everyone. All the time.

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PHOTOS COURTESY TPC SAN ANTONIO

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fter seven adventure-packed summers, everything at this luxe 600-acre complex still feels brand new. The palatial lobby stays abuzz with a lively combination of fun-seekers, romantics, escapists, families and businessfolk, all taking advantage of the array of recreational and corporate amenities.

“When the hotel opened, management was confident corporate group business would be brisk in key seasons, but the trend that’s exceeded expectations is the volume of recreational guests that flock here from San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas,” says Matt Flory, general manager of the TPC San Antonio (the acclaimed 36-hole golf property which resides within the resort). “That’s driven a series of improvements like the expansion of the River Bluff Water Experience and a host of offerings for the whole family.”

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With more than 1,000 room and 140,000 sq ft of conference and meeting space, the JW is a statement hotel in the meetings and conventions universe. Not only is it San Antonio’s largest hotel, its largescale offerings make the Alamo City competitive for large corporate groups in the same league as destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, Scottsdale and New Orleans.

With Marriott and the PGA Tour, you’re definitely getting a “branded” experience but the Hill Country ambience and serene surroundings ensure an authentic Texas good time. “The real key to providing a special experience here is the Texas charm and commitment to personal service from the staff. It really is the personal touches that set us apart,” Flory says.

No doubt the allure of seeing the resorts best features on television have been a catalyst to the resort’s popularity. Between the PGA Tour event, the Valero Texas Open and the PGA Tour Champion event, the

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San Antonio Championship, TPC San Antonio has had 14 events televised nationally. “You can’t put a dollar amount on a shot of the water park or the magnificent 700-acre nature preserve on live television. You can’t blame people for wanting to come and experience this in person,” Flory says.

Whether you’re floating in the lazy river in the vast River Bluff Water Experience or strolling the manicured grounds while taking in the Hill Country views, this meandering property still feels somehow intimate, like your own massive villa that opens up into idyllic Hill Country terrain.

Golfing guests are motivated to play where the pros play and this property has two courses that stack up well against most any in the region. In the late spring, the intimidating AT&T Oaks Course stays near fullybooked with guests looking to tackle the host of the Valero Texas Open and one of the toughest courses on the PGA Tour’s rotation.

completely unique character,” Flory says. “Canyons is all Hill Country- quintessentially so- with great elevation changes, and The Oaks Course is more a parkland experience through the trees with pretty intimidating bunkering and a fair amount of length.”

Compared to most resort course offerings, these two are stout tests. “Both courses are stringent testd of golf, but there isn’t anything unfair about them.

Across 36 holes, there’s only one forced carry and very little that’s hidden or obnoxiously deceptive,” says Flory. “By and large, people realize they’re playing at PGA Tour experience. They’re getting to tee it up where the best players in the world play. There’s something special about playing a course you seen on TV, hitting the same shot you’ve seen your favorite professional play,” Flory adds.

Post round recreation abounds at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, but the most groups eventually find their way to the High Velocity Sports Bar which boasts a 120-foot wall of HD screens that showcase every sport imaginable. Fine dining enthusiasts will want to try 18 Oaks, located in the golf club house and specializing in dry-aged steaks and an impeccable offering of wines from around the globe.

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The driving corridors are tight because the fairways are lined by mature oaks and when the wind picks up, there’s not much relief. Ensuring competitive competitions, the greens are demanding for approaches, short game shots and, most of all, for putting. Exotic limestone outcroppings and artistic bunkering provide a unique aesthetic to this bold layout. Tour players from outside the U.S. have been known to say the 7,435-yard, Greg Norman-designed Oaks course reminds them of courses in Australia or South America.

The par-72, 7,106-yard Pete Dye-designed AT&T Canyons Course has wider driving lanes, sweeping Hill Country and nature preserve views and challenging approaches into its relatively small greens. “People say The Canyons doesn’t feel like a typical Pete Dye course because it’s not as penal as other Dye designs. The challenges are subtle and a lot of the difficulty is found in the areas surrounding the small greens. You have to come in from smart angles and your short game needs to be sharp here,” Flory insists.

Flory says his staff and membership are pleased at how the two courses provide two completely different kinds of rounds. “The developers’ goal from the beginning was to have two distinct golf courses with

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The best-kept secret at this sprawling resort is the posh 26,000-sq ft Lantana Spa and the sensational views from the spa pool. If you could use a dose of pure serenity, the well-appointed Lantana has made relaxation and wellness a fine art.

There’s also an undeniable gravitational pull to the River Bluff Water Experience with its 1,200foot lazy river, 650-ft action river ride, multiple water slides, dedicated children’s and adult pools, whirlpools, a sand beach and an expansive activity pool. It’s a water lover’s paradise.

While many view the TPC San Antonio as treat for resort guests, the club also has a thriving golf membership which allows play on both courses, access to the state of the art practice facilities and entry into the TPC Network, which offers play at private clubs across the

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country at discounted rates. Flory says being a member at a club that hosts Tour events is a unique opportunity.

“At a lot of clubs, members talk about ‘giving up the course’ for a period of time in order to host to a PGA Tour event. Here, our members embrace tournament week, whether it’s through volunteering or enjoying great times in our member suite or partaking in the Members Clinic hosted by one of the players in the field. Also, The Canyons Course stays open during Valero Texas Open week and The Oaks stays open through San Antonio Open week,” he says.

If you haven’t tried the TPC San Antonio or the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, pick a weekend and discovers its intimate Hill Country enticements. You might stay a lot longer than you planed.

OTL / WINE

STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / OTL MAGAZINE Though the grapes for Vin Santo, a beautiful amber colored dessert wine from Tuscany are picked in September and October they are destined to lie on mats of straw in barns and attics for up to 6 months before they are crushed to make wine. They are kept warm and well ventilated and as the grapes lose moisture, the remaining liquid begins to concentrate the sugars. This is why they are sometimes referred to as “raisin wines”.

The length of the drying period is proportional to the sugar concentration, ultimately the alcohol level and general style of the wine. Vin Santo is classified as a dessert wine but is made into various levels of sweetness from bone dry to very sweet, though problems can develop in the extreme ends.

At the end of the drying period, the fruit is crushed and mixed with yeast in addition to a kind of ‘starter yeast’ left over from a prior vintage.

After the fermentation (yielding the desired style) the wine is aged in small barrels, historically of woods other than oak, though in the last few decades, prestige produces are moving exclusively to oak.

By DOC regulations, vin santos are required to age for at least 3 years though it is not uncommon for producers to age their wines for 5 to

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10 years.

The 2012 Vinsanto by Castello di Ama is a lovely, complex wine. It’s mildly sweet but has enough acid to not be cloying. Typical of Vin Santo, there were wonderful initial aromas of apricot, dried fruit and honey.

The mouth feel was big with ripe melon flavors and soft pear notes with hints of butterscotch. The wine has a long finish with slight peppery note. All in all, a very pleasant wine to drink.

In Italy vin santo is traditionally served with biscotti though it does pair well with aged cheese.

This Castello di Ama is made from 65% Malvasia Bianca and 35% Trebbiano Toscano which were planted in 2010. In some vintages, they will add some Sangeovese yielding a slightly rosé look to the wine.

It has an alcohol content of 14.5%, though not strong, it can be modest for some vin santo.

The Castello di Ama is DOC: Vin Santo del Chianti Classico and their wines are typically aged for 5 years in old French barriques from Allier.

Vin santo like other wines made from reduced juice; late harvest, sauternes, ice wines, tend to be expensive.

The Castello di Ama is in the $60 range for a half bottle; however, it would be ideal to end fine, romantic Italian meal.

OTL / SPIRITS

Lone Star Mule

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

STORY BY SPEC’S

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ith the temperatures getting down to just about perfect, you need a beverage that captures the brisk bite of fall while still going down refreshingly easy. Here at Spec’s, we put a Texas twist on the popular Moscow Mule to spur it along into the Holiday season. Give it a shot and we know you’ll enjoy it!

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INGREDIENTS 2oz 1835 Lone Star Bourbon 4oz ginger beer 1oz lime juice Sage leaf for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS In a copper mug or glass, add the lime juice and bourbon. Add ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a sage leaf, kick your boots up, and enjoy!

OTL

OTL / CIGARS O T L G O L F. C O M 54

Cigars: It’s all about the lifestyle STORY BY TARA MALONEY / HABANA HOUSE CIGARS

Cigar smoking is a lifestyle. Smoking a cigar is a gentleman’s/ladies’ recreation. A cigar lounge is one of the few places you will see a Congressman sitting next to a truck driver having a meaningful or frivolous conversation, but thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. They can talk about any subject from politics to sports and still hold their composure and never offend the other. There is an old-world politeness within cigar smokers. They are the kind of people that still give up their seat to a woman on the train and say sir and ma’am to their elders. Where do you meet this elite crowd, your local cigar lounge.

Now you are at the lounge standing in the humidor. Find the tobacconist and let them guide you. Too often the beginner’s friend chooses a cigar which is too bold for their first-timer. Therefore, they don’t enjoy their initial exposure to the lifestyle. Let a tobacconist guide you.

The most asked question is how to select a cigar. The answer is usually to look at the wrapper and question: is it dark or light; toothy or smooth; glossy or dull? It all depends on what you are in the mood to smoke. Where is the tobacco in the

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cigar from? Do you want Nicaraguan spiciness, Dominican earthiness, or any number of combinations and blends? Who makes the cigar? What about the flavor profile. What sizes do they have?

The response to this elaborate answer is usually, “Really?” I laugh and say, No. I mostly look at the band and think whether I have smoked this one before and do I want to try something new or one that I know I like.”

When helping the newcomer pick a cigar, I start by asking them whether they have smoked before. The answer will tell me where I am going to start. If they have never smoked before, then I am going to want to move them toward a milder cigar with little to no pepper notes.

I always want them to enjoy the experience.

We relish helping people choose their first cigar as well as guiding them through the lifestyle.

If the new cigar smoker has smoked cigarettes previously, I will usually move them toward a medium strength cigar with a little more spice. A sun grown or Maduro is my normal starting point so they can begin to appreciate the feel and tastes of a cigar. I will also remind them not to inhale and don’t quickly blow out the smoke. A cigar’s smoke is to be drawn into the mouth and then allowed to slowly escape. I remind them to take it slowly; no more than one puff per minute. This is a time to relax and reflect on the life you have or the life you want to have. This is cigar time. Enjoy it to the fullest.

As you come back we will help you move through regions and flavor profiles in the new cigars you choose. You will experience cigars with black pepper, white pepper, citrus, leather, grass, and other flavor notes and full body. You get to decide what you like and what you don’t. This is the beauty of the cigar lifestyle. There are so many options to choose from that you can try any cigar that tickles your fancy and know that the only thing that counts is what is right for you.

Enjoy your new cigar lifestyle with great conversation, whiskey, scotch, wine or favorite food.

OTL / TRAVEL

JUNGLE CHIC: BELIZE’S NEW ECO-LUXURY STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY AL ARGUETA

O T L G O L F. C O M

’ve been traveling to Belize since the mid-1990s when, as an adventurous college student on summer break in Guatemala, I decided to cross the border into unknown territory. On that first trip to Belize I visited Chaa Creek, a jungle retreat consisting of simple, thatch-roofed cottages set on a private rainforest reserve next to the Macal River.

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Chaa Creek has always had a sort of legendary status. It was THE first jungle lodge in Belize, a country that now boasts some of the world’s finest eco-lodges.

It began as an overgrown farm, bought in the late 1970s by Mick and Lucy Fleming, who heard about the land for sale at a bar in the nearby town of San Ignacio.

Access to the property in those days was strictly via the Macal River, as there was no road access. A few cottages were eventually built to accommodate visiting friends and relatives, so the story goes. Road access eventually gave way to more and more travelers exploring Belize’s inland attractions, and the Flemings decided to open Chaa Creek Cottages in 1981.

I had read so much about Chaa Creek in travel magazines and I knew I just had to check it out. On that first visit, I ran into the quite amiable Lucy Fleming, who noticed me capturing the lodge’s grounds with my SLR camera in front of the hotel dining room. That first visit spawned a subsequent visit to photograph the lodge’s interior and exterior spaces several years later as my photography career was just getting off the ground.

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Chaa Creek has grown dramatically since its humble beginnings. It has since expanded to include meeting spaces, horse stables, a swimming pool, and a spa. It always amazes me just how comfortable it all is, despite being quite literally in the middle of a jungle. Now known as The Lodge at Chaa Creek, it has garnered accolades from top travel publications such as National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler. The latest addition to the lodge’s offerings is the downright luxurious Ix Chel Villas.

The three spacious villas overlook the Macal River on a quiet corner of the lodge’s grounds. All have air conditioning (new to Chaa Creek), ceiling fans, and a hot tub or private plunge pool. They feature high ceilings, which let in plenty of breezes (if you wish) and lots of sunlight. The spaces are decorated with local art evoking Belize’s tropical cornucopia. I’m particularly drawn to the beautiful wooden furniture, made using local hardwoods and featuring metallic accents. My host, Jared, from Chaa Creek’s marketing team, tells me this is Mick Fleming’s latest project. I’m at once impressed by his skill in woodworking and

Chaa Creek has grown dramatically since its humble beginnings. It has since expanded to include meeting spaces, horse stables, a swimming pool, and a spa. It always amazes me just how comfortable it all is, despite being quite literally in the middle of a jungle.

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the fact that everything around me sprung forth onto the earthly plane from the minds of two wandering dreamers who set roots on an overgrown farm. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it.

As for my vision, my aim is to capture the villas in all their splendor, having been entrusted with the task by none other than Lucy Fleming. As far as work goes, it’s one of the more enjoyable shoots I’ve had in recent months. Despite it being the rainy season, we luck out with plenty of sunshine and our final exterior shot of the villas is made with a glorious sunset backdrop.

That evening there’s time to enjoy a cocktail and a wonderfully fresh and delicious multi-course dinner. Long a hit with eco-conscious travelers, Chaa Creek is now in a position to cater to high-end travelers seeking luxury in a remote jungle setting. Most of Belize’s visitors typically hail from the U.S., but on my last evening at Chaa Creek the dining room is filled with Spanish-speaking travelers from South American countries who are on a multi-day tour of the Mayan World. I imagine as word gets out concerning Chaa Creek’s new luxury digs, the traveler profile will only continue to morph, much like the old citrus farm that once occupied these lands.

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STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

Can the Flintrock Falls Course at The Hills Country Club in Lakeway really be 15 years old?

Seriously? That’s like asking a friend if his kid still plays with Duplo blocks and having him inform you the kid just got accepted to Rice.

Time indeed flies. Sometimes with rocket fuel.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LEMANS WHITFIELD

I

n two short decades, the Lake Travis-area suburb known as Lakeway has taken amazing shape around the daring 7,051yard, par-72 Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II design and the posh residential community that surrounds it. Lakeway has been transformed from one of Austin’s sleepiest vacation/retirement enclaves into one of its most vital suburbs and one of the most sought after residential destinations in the region. And, according to The Hills membership director Laurie Harris, “Increasingly, the membership at our club mirrors the community now. Young active professionals and families are taking advantage of the Lake Travis lifestyle now more than ever. The energy in this community is incredible.”

Flint

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With two Nicklaus-designed golf courses and 18-holers Live Oak and Yaupon (collectively branded as Lakeway Country Club) and the state-of-the-art World of Tennis facility, The Hills Country Club is one of the most dynamic private club offerings in the region.

With its original 18 hall layout, The Hills Country Club has one of the most revered courses in the state.

With its iconic Hill Country vistas and beautiful use of natural creeks, waterfalls and elevation changes, this Jack Nicklaus Signature course has stood the test of time and remained a sentimental favorite among Hill Country golf aficionados. Having hosted a PGA Tour Champions and a Web.com event in the past, the Hills has packed a lot of history into its three-and-a-half decades.

In more ways than one, represents Flintrock Falls The Hills’ “next generation” course and club environment. Situated in a more recently-developed part of Lakeway, The newer course favors more swashbuckling style of play. Meanwhile its location, in the heart of the community driven by families with active lifestyles, suggest it’s going to be the course that grows along with this rapidly-evolving suburban oasis.

Just three miles from the original Hills clubhouse, practice facility and gold academy, Flintrock Falls features its own clubhouse with first-rate dining and fitness amenities. Golfers find Flintrock Falls is similar to The Hills in that they are both situated in the Hill Country and make artful use of natural rock formations, streams and plentiful oaks. From a design standpoint,

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however, Flintrock presents several more risk reward opportunities and dials up plentiful variety on its strategic dogleg holes.

Director of golf Rufus Brijalba says “For a pro or a golfer who keeps solid shots in play, this course has more scoring opportunities (than The Hills course).

It’s more gettable. However, the high handicapper sees more trouble and hazards on Flintrock Falls that just won’t come in to play for the scratch golfer. When the mid to high handicapper has to carry two water hazards on number three, a double hazard on a lengthy par five, that’s a tall order. Bogey is a really good score.

Those golfers are going to feel that the easier course is The Hills where you can run it up to the greens a little more easily.”

Early in its history, this course was tabbed as having difficult-to-hold (and putt) greens. Swift green speeds and brutal false fronts on some greens gave members either a decided home course advantage or nerve-wracking matches down the stretch. These days, superintendent Aaron Clary works hard to make these surfaces- which are more challenging than averagemanageable for players of all skills.

Overseeding with rye grass in the winter helps keep the greens running smooth for much of the year. “It’s a fair test but you have to play this course strategically and you need to play it a few times before you learn the nuances and how to avoid the shots that run off the greens,” Brijalba warns.

“

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For a pro or a golfer who keeps solid shots in play, this course has more scoring opportunities (than The Hills course).

It’s more gettable. However, the high handicapper sees more trouble and hazards on Flintrock Falls that just won’t come in to play for the scratch golfer. “

PHOTOS LEMANS WHITFIELD

Unique pacing is a hallmark of this course.

This is evident with three par 5s (holes 13, 16 and 18) creating scoring opportunities down the final stretch. “This is maybe the most fun stretch on the course, where you may be able to get some of the shots back that you lost in the middle of the round,” Brijalba says.

Flintrock Falls also showcases a memorable collection of par threes. Holes two and six are scenic gems. Number two features a rippling creek right of the green punctuated by a cascading waterfall. Meanwhile, the three one-shotters on the second nine are no less eye-catching but make their statements with length. From the tips, the 12th hole stretches to 232 yards, while 15 plays to 195 yards and the brawny 215-yard 17th has a huge green that meanders and swoops just enough to rattle the nerves a little.

“We have a great mix of par 4s on this course but I think number nine (a sweeping dogleg-left that plays to 459 yards from the tips with a creek running down the left of the fairway) is one of the toughest holes in the city,” Brijalba says. “You have a very small landing zone, so you lay up with a five-wood or hybrid, and you may have a full six-iron in from a downhill lie to an uphill green that runs away from you. So it’s, it’s mindboggling.”

To continue to grow the club in a way that fits the profile of Lakeway’s surging demographic growth, The Hills Country Club is offering an attractive membership platform for the 44-and-under crowd. Junior memberships may be obtained for a $6,000 initiation fee (plus monthly dues) and at age 45, the member may choose to retain the full Hills Golf or Champions Golf membership under new terms. Top-tier Hills members are part of the renowned Club Corp Network, allowing them gold and dining privileges at top clubs, courses and resorts across the city and country.

Club life in Lakeway is a bit of an extension of the lake lifestyle. “Our members are pretty attached to the laid-back quality and the downto-earth essence of the club,” says Harris. “They want to play their golf here, and they want to dine and celebrate, and do their business. Some bring their computers, work out at the World of Tennis and go to their parties here. We aspire to provide facilities that allow them to do everything here with us.”

The Hills Country Club staff prides itself on making its large club operation feel like an intimate family environment. If that feels like the right fit for your next club, learn more at www.thehillscc.com.

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STORY BY KELLY VOHNN I was very fortunate to visit this tropical Island in the Caribbean recently to do a show called The Rock Pack.

We were greeted by high officials and treated like royalty upon our arrival. At the airport, our guide and one of the promoters, Raj Khemlani, introduced us to one of the islands famous delicacies called ‘doubles’. Now, me being a foodie, was totally impressed and intrigued by this delicious street food found in Trinidad and Tobago.

The diverse cultures of Indian, Amerindian, European, Portuguese, Spanish, Jewish, Arab and African bring the utmost interesting fare to please the curious palate.

Once we settled into our beautiful rooms at the Hyatt, right on the waterfront as you enter Port of

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OTL / THE SWEET SPOT

The Beautiful People And Food Of Trinidad

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Spain, we decided to go for some authentic Indian dining at Apsara. We called ahead and they stayed open for us, knowing the long journey we had that day. Their hospitality and food was completely outstanding. We performed the following day and were overwhelmed by the people in the audience who seemed to love our music and sing along with us on every song. It was the night before Trinidad’s Independence Day and everyone was in great spirits and ready to party. Another huge celebration that Trinidad is known for is Carnival. The island is predominantly Christian and people from all over the world come to celebrate Carnival, Trinidadian style with calypso and soca music, beautiful and bright costumes, stick-fighting and limbo competitions, oh and food of course! On the night of our gig, the islanders served us Buss Up Shut Paratha Roti. If you say the name of this food quickly, it resembles what the food looks like. A bust up shirt… We tried the roti with Curry Channa and Aloo. The mixture of flavors and eating with your hands were such a delightful treat.

The next day we decided to head to a beach.

Although our hotel was right on the water, there were no immediate beaches at the port. There was however, a constant flow of freighters importing and exporting by the sea visible to us. We decided to go on the North end of the island, through the mountains to get to Maracas Beach. Driving through the mountains can be quite adventurous, especially if you are used to driving on the right side of the road. There was a look out point before reaching the beach where we took pictures looking out into the ocean from above and stands were selling Trinidadian treats and trinkets. I bought Pineapple Chow which is quite spicy. Who would have thought to add hot peppers, garlic, salt, cilantro and calypso hot sauce to the juicy, sweet fruit? It was Independence Day and the beach was quite full. I ordered a Bake and Shark at one of the stands off the beach. This is another well known street food of Trinidad which actually endangers the sharks due to overfishing to keep enough supply to the island.

Overall, the people of Trinidad were beautiful and gracious hosts to us during our stay. The most southern island of the Caribbean had breathtaking sunsets every night and delightfully distinctive foods. Exploring the rainforest will be at the top of my list for my next visit to this intriguing tropical island.

“The Top of the World” Situated on the highest elevation point in Bastrop County, Wolfdancer Golf Club’s signature hole, the 12th hole, is aptly named “Top of the World.” With the tee boxes located above the heavily-wooded tree line and the hole set below, swirling wind that consistently changes due to the elevation, and steep dropoffs that dive directly into the surrounding woods, the course’s 12th hole presents a fun and unique set of challenges for golfers. The best advice for conquering “Top of the World” is to hit one club less, swing with precision, and be sure to bring extra golf balls. It’s an excellent photo-op no mater the score.

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OTL / SIGNATURE SPOTLIGHT

No. #12 Wolfdancer Golf Club

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Austin Infinity 512.220.0920 austininfinity.com Bluejack National 281.475.2165 bluejacknational.com Cascata 702.294.2005 golfcascata.com Christopher’s World Grille 979.776.2181 christophersworldgrille.com Dave Pelz Scoring Game School 800.833.7370 pelzgolf.com Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830.598.7800 escondidotexas.com Frank Erwin Center 512.471.4713 uterwincenter.com Gruene Mansion Inn 830.629.2641 gruenemansioninn.com Horshoe Bay Resort 844.236.6136 hsbresort.com Hotel Valencia Riverwalk 855.596.3387 hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com

Landa Park Golf Course 830.221.4340 landaparkgolfcourse.com Mercedes-Benz of Austin 512.454.6821 mercedesbenzofaustin.com Paramount Theatre 512.474.1221 austintheatre.org Pearl South Padre 956.761.6551 pearlsouthpadre.com Shweiki Media 512.480.0860 shweiki.com Specs 512.366.8260 specsonline.com The First Tee Greater Austin 512.732.0380 thefirstteeaustin.org The Range at Austin 737.802.3700 therangeaustin.com The Resort at Schlitterbahn 855.847.4394 schlitterbahn.com TPC San Antonio 210.491.5829 tpc.com/sa-fall Zoltan David 512.372.8888 zoltandavid.com

Kapalua 1.877.527.2582 golfkapalua.com

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OTL / ADVERTIZER INDEX

Austin Asset 512.453.6622 austinasset.com

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22

Cedar Park

36

183A

OTL / DIRECTRY MAP

45

45

Pflugerville 1

12 4

Steiner Ranch

360

3

130

45

183

6

79

Round Rock

1

21

18

19

35

183

35

20

11

183A

1

16 183

130

35

9 7 23

1

71

Austin

360

17 5

2 14 183

15

71

1

130

35

290 290

71

8

183

46

24 35

1604

33

30 27

32

281

26

31 35

35

410

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10

35

San Antonio 37

410 35

35

281

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410

10 183

87

410

Lorem ipsum

130

10

28 29

Bluff Springs

Manchaca

281

10

25

13

10

34

71

Buda

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OTL / DIRECTORY

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

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

11 Cimarron Hills 512-763-8700 www.cimarronhills.com/golfcourse

23 Lake Cliff Golf Club 830-798-0695 www.lakecliff.com

12 Balcones Country Club 512-258-1621 www.balconescountryclub.com

24 Boot Ranch Golf Club 830-997-6200 www.bootranch.com/golf

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

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Hutto

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