OTL TEXAS Summer 2023

CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL COAST

California’s Central Coast abounds with wonders both natural and manmade—take a road trip on scenic Highway 1 to discover them all. S.Laird

MAGICAL MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN

We dive into the spellbinding culinary world of ‘Midnight in the Garden’, where Austin’s own Alex Bell serves up eclectic and immersive chef’s table dinners under the stars in his transformed backyard. R.Arebalo

PAGE, ARIZONA

Rugged Beauty: Discover outdoor adventure in Page, Arizona

T. Traverse

PGA FRISCO

New Omni PGA Frisco Resort has something for everyone, from its two championship courses and putting course and short course, to luxury accommodations, fabulous restaurants and even retail shops.

PICKLEBALL, ON TREND

The Power of Pickleball. The country’s fastest-growing sport is popping up at luxury resorts and country clubs.

FITNESS

YOGA FOR GOLFERS

It’s all in the hips. Here are the best hip opener moves in yoga.

PUTT FOR DOUGH

Deadlifts can create a powerful golf swing by strengthening the lower back. Saving for retirement and a child’s education at the same time.

DRIVE FOR SHOW

2023 Aston Martin DBX 707 is an absolute game-changer in the world of luxury SUVs.

GOLF FASHION

Decoding golf dress codes: Contrasting attire expectations at public and private courses.

BUCKS TIPS ON YOUR GAME

Every player is a “feel” player. How to tell if your feel is real.

Spring, TX resident Pat Oldacre is only the second African-American rules official in the history of professional golf in America. He didn’t get there by accident, switching one successful career for another with focus and purpose.

EQUIPMENT

When accuracy matters most, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Laser rangefinder delivers.

WINE CIGARS

There’s something about the charisma of South African wines. Once you experience it, you’ll come back for more.

When Big Smoke and Whisky Fest came together for a celebration of cigars in Florida.

From the Publisher

Welcome to the Summer 2023 issue of OTL Magazine. While each issue we publish is a testament to our unwavering commitment to showcasing the best in leisure and lifestyle, this one holds a special place in my heart.

The cover story of this issue pays tribute to an extraordinary individual, an accomplished person, and most importantly, a dear friend of mine Patrick Oldacre. He’s not just any friend; I consider him my lifelong brother. You may think this as favoritism or buddy-ism, sure, but the essence of OTL Magazines lies in its mission to highlight exceptional individuals, and I believe there’s no one more deserving than Pat. Considering, I’ve owned the magazine for 21 years, I’d say it’s about time.

Penned by our veteran writer Mike Bailey, this insightful feature on Pat is bound to resonate with our readers. You’ll come to understand why, from my perspective, he is the embodiment of fairness, honesty, and thoughtfulness. So much so, that I’d be the first one to endorse his name for the position of PGATOUR commissioner. His unwavering principles, in my opinion, make him an unparalleled candidate for the role.

The Summer 2023 issue also boasts a wealth of diverse content. It is quite literally sizzling, inside and out, featuring narratives that transport you to fabulous destinations, from bustling city centers to tranquil hideaways. We know the art

of vacationing is multifaceted, so we’ve covered it all. Whether you’re planning an exotic getaway, a quaint staycation, or even a rejuvenating resort stay, we’ve got you covered.

A highlight of this issue is our in-depth look at a truly sweet ride, the Aston Martin. It’s setting new standards in luxury and performance. For the automobile aficionados among you, it promises to be a real treat.

Of course, what’s a summer without a new, exciting game? Pickleball, the latest sports sensation sweeping the nation and beyond, finds a special place in this issue. If you’re yet to join the bandwagon, consider this your official invitation. Pick up a racket and experience the thrill and joy that this burgeoning sport has to offer.

From the best places to stay and play to exploring vibrant new trends, this issue is crafted to make your summer memorable. The team and I have poured our hearts and souls into creating an issue that not only entertains and informs but inspires you to make the most of this sun-soaked season.

Get ready to for a leisurely journey with us. Here’s to making this the best summer you’ve ever had!

Play well, play on.

PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

Sedric Walker

Sedric Walker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

Leticia Galarza

Tony Dean

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

Carl Mickelson

Leticia Galarza

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Natalie Kalbas

FEATURES EDITOR

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR

Carl Mickelson

Richard Arebalo

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

FEATURES EDITOR

Richard Arebalo

Buck Mayers

PHOTOGRAPHERS

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

Kevin Chin

Buck Mayers

CONTENT SPECIALIST

Joel McColl

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andon Guillory, Loui Shaya

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allison Loots, Mike Bailey, Scott Laird, Nicole Pinter, LeslieStevenson, Hunter Ham, Alejandra Barnard, Tomas Zilinskis

Teresa K. Traverse

Michelle Keller, Leslie Stevenson, Art Stricklin, Tara Lee Maloney

INTERNET & DIGITAL

Mario Rossi

INTERNET & DIGITAL

Alexandria Moya, Karen Kreeps

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

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OTL magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located in Round Rock, Texas. 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. ©2023 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.

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. ©2021 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.

California’s Central Coast Abundant Wonders

STORY BY SCOTT LAIRD

California’s Central Coast abounds

alifornia’s Highway 1 is the stuff of travel legend. It’s been a siren call to travelers almost as long as the highway has been in existence—running the full length of the Golden State’s Pacific Coast from San Diego to the Oregon border. Some of the most spectacular scenery along the route can be found in San Luis Obispo County on the Central Coast, with green hills, wide, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliff faces marking the stretches between the small communities dotting the ocean front.

At first glance, Cayucos looks like any other California beach town. Endless blue sky, an ancient pier, a wide expanse of beach attracting everybody from morning dog walkers to tenacious wet-suited surfers. A street of historic buildings, once saloons, banks, lodging houses, are now given over to coffee shops, bars, sweet shops, and the other trappings of a town that

earns its livelihood on tourism.

At the turn of the last century, Cayucos was as a port, shipping milk and lumber to the rest of the west coast from the pier. As intrastate travel transitioned from coastal steamship to automobile in the early decades of the century, the town shrank and fell into slow decline. It was a resurgence in interest in tourism on the Central Coast that revived its fortunes, and Cayucos is now a popular getaway for city dwellers from both directions on Highway 1.

There are a number of lodging options in town, but one of the newer ones is of note. The Pacific Motel is a refurbished motel property that has a younger, more contemporary feel than some of the

with wonders both natural and man-made—take a road trip on scenic Highway 1 to discover them all.

other properties in town, which seem to have remained true to their mid-century or coastal design aesthetics. The Pacific Motel borrows design ethos from California’s surf culture. Immediately upon stepping into guest rooms (some in the main building, others casita-style) take in the aroma of coconut-scented surf wax (fragrancesensitive guests can request housekeeping refrain from scenting their room).

The atmosphere is convivial—there are communal outdoor seating areas between many of the rooms and casitas, and the owners of the motel even parked and re-

furbished a food truck on site to provide snacks and drinks into the evening so guests can mingle and enjoy the region’s fine weather.

For a more traditional, oceanfront options, visitors can motor into the Shoreline Inn. Units here are rather apartment-style, with cozy seating areas and microwaves available for simple in-room meals. The Inn is so close to the beach that the sound of the surf can actually be a distraction if the door is left open (although many beach lovers will view this as an added amenity.)

The wineries in nearby Paso Robles are a draw for many to the region, but travelers want to stick to the coast can drop into the oceanfront Hearst Ranch Winery in San Simeon to taste some of their wines overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and perhaps try a lobster roll from the on-site food truck. There’s also a tasting room in Paso Robles for travelers wanting a more wine-focused journey.

Across the street, of course, is one of the Central Coast’s most-visited attractions. Hearst Castle, the estate of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, is a hilltop mansion now owned by the State of California and operated as a state park. Construction began in 1919 and continue for much of the next few decades. The house was originally intended for Hearst’s family, but he ultimately occupied it with his mistress, actress Marion Davies. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, until Hearst left the home due to declining health in 1947, the pair hosted weekend parties for friends, who stayed in one of three lavish guesthouses. Evenings always followed the same format—cocktails, dinner, and a film in the purpose-built cinema. Otherwise, guests were left to their own devices during the day, where they could enjoy the hilltop views, play tennis, ride through the estate on horseback, or take a dip in the sumptuous outdoor Neptune Pool. Both the indoor and outdoor pools, the interior of the house, and the grounds are stuffed

full of ancient from virtually every period in history, making any visit to the castle a bonus lesson in art history.

Several tours, including the popular Grand Rooms Tour, Upstairs Suites Tour, and Cottages & Kitchen Tour (all of which include the exterior grounds and both swimming pools) can be booked in advance or on-site, although more popular weekend and holiday times may sell out quickly.

An attraction that does require advance reservations is Piedras Blancas Light Station. There’s a historic light station tower for those who are keen on the history and operation of lighthouses, but even more interesting are the wildlife that take up residence in the rocky coves surrounding the light station. Visitors can peer over the cliffs to see elephant seals, a variety of seabirds, sea otters, and often orcas or other whales (in season) surfacing off the coast. The walking trail is an easy half mile, and volunteer docents are on hand during tours to provide commentary about the history of the light station and details about the wildlife that visitors can see during the tour.

If visitors don’t get enough wildlife in at

the light station, or are unable to make reservations, there’s a viewing area on the highway just south for visitors to pull in and wander along the wooden walkway set above the shore to watch elephant seals nap on the beach and awkwardly tumble in and out of the water.

Visitors wanting to stay closer to San Simeon than Cayucos might book a room in Cambria, which offers a distinctive split personality. Part of Cambria’s downtown is located slightly inland, with East and West downtown locations set in the hills just above the Pacific. Visitors here can find a B&B, or wander through dining and shops (Cambria is known for being home to number of antique shops). Visitors who want to stay within earshot of the Pacific can book a number of lodging options right on the waterfront, but it’s worth noting that area is more residential in feel, and there are fewer shops and services available, aside from a handful of restaurants, mostly situated within the lodgings.

Visitors can learn more about the spectacular stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County by visiting the dedicated Highway 1 Discovery Route website at highway1roadtrip.com.

Powering Your Golf Swing: The Role of Deadlifts

STORY BY LESLIE STEVENSON

While maintaining mobility and balance are helpful in most sports, developing a powerful swing is essential to have success in golf. Any well-rounded athlete can attest to practicing different types of exercise to keep themselves in their best shape. Relying solely on strength training, cardio, or stretching and expecting to perform at your best and stay healthy would be like trying to master a new instrument while only studying the sheet music but never practicing.

An important muscle group to focus on for a powerful golf swing is the lower back. Yes, a great amount of your power generates from the glutes and proper form, however; having a strong low back will help avoid fatigue and assist in preventing future injury.

Among the exercises for the lower back, a deadlift is an excellent compound movement to add to your routine for several reasons. When executed properly, the deadlift works on several muscle groups, mainly being hamstrings, glutes and back. This is a fundamental movement as it

will build strength to reduce injury in golfers. We know that with strength, speed often follows, and unless you are putting, speed is crucial in your golf swing.

It is critical that deadlifts are done safely to be most effective but also to avoid hurting yourself. Too often, people use their backs as the main source of strength. The initial power should come from the legs and glutes, all the while engaging your entire back from set up to follow through. This exercise can be done in a variety of ways including single leg deadlifts (you can use a kettlebell or a dumbbell), Romanian deadlift, Sumo, Conventional Trap bar or Stiff leg, just to name a few. Try a few different lifts to see which best suits you and perfect the mechanics.

Deadlifts will undoubtedly increase your power and speed; be patient with the progression and the results will speak for themselves. As you gradually add intensity to your strength training, you will see improvement in your performance in the gym and on the green.

The best hip opener yoga poses for golfers

STORY BY NICOLE PINTER

Having proper hip mobility is an essential piece of any golfer’s game. A golfer who has tight hips can develop compensatory movements. It can also cause pain and injuries. Establishing and maintaining hip mobility allows for golfers to have a smoother turn in their backswing and

Pigeon Pose

Make sure to do gentle hip openers and stretches before attempting the pigeon pose.

1. Start on your hands and knees with your knee aligned with your hips and your wrists aligned with your shoulders.

2. Bend your right knee and bring it to a comfortable position between your hands.

Try to make sure your right foot is touching your left hip. Keep your hips touching the ground.

3. Take your left leg and stretch fully behind you while tucking your toes under your feet.

4. Hold this pose for a few breaths. Change to the opposite leg.

Butterfly pose

A classic hip opener is the butterfly pose is suitable for all levels, so it’s a helpful addition to most yoga routines. Because the posture improves flexibility and reduces tension, it’s ideal for people who have tight hips.

1. Begin in a seated position.

2. Gently bend your knees

and press the soles of your feet together.

3. Interlace your fingers around the pinkie-toe side of your feet or place your hands on your ankles or shins.

4. Lengthen your spine and broaden across your chest.

5. Stay in this position for up to 5 minutes.

Half child’s pose with internal hip rotation

1. Half child’s pose with internal hip rotation

Trains internal hip rota -

tion; stabilizes and lengthens lower back muscles; stretches upper back and shoulders; encourages ankle mobility.

downswing. It also helps increase power by allowing for the optimal rotation needed during the golf swing. Hipopener yoga poses are essential for a better game. The following yoga poses can help you to increase hip mobility.

Reclining Butterfly Pose

It is a restorative pose that is an excellent hip and chest opener. Due to its reclining posture and relaxing effect, it is often performed toward the end of a yoga session.

1. Lie down on your yoga mat with your legs bent at the

knee and feet grounded.

2. Keep the feet together and by externally rotating your hips, tilt both the knees sideways.

3. Bring the soles of your feet together, just like you would in the seated version of this pose.

4. Pigeon pose.

Saving for Retirement and a Child’s Education at the Same Time

STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child’s education at the same time can be a challenge. But take heart — you may be able to reach both goals if you make some smart choices now.

Know what your financial needs are

The first step is to determine your financial needs for each goal. Answering the following questions can help you get started:

FOR RETIREMENT:

• How many years until you retire?

• Does your company offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan or a pension plan? Do you participate? If so, what’s your balance? Can you estimate what your balance will be when you retire?

• How much do you expect to receive in Social Security benefits? (One way to get an estimate of your future Social Security benefits is to use the benefit calculators available on the Social Security Administration’s website, www.ssa.gov. You can also sign up for a My Social Security account so that you can view your online Social Security Statement. Your statement contains a detailed record of your earnings, as well as estimates of retirement, survivor’s, and disability benefits.)

• What standard of living do you hope to have in retirement? For example, do you want to travel extensively, or will you be happy to stay in one place and live more simply?

• Do you or your spouse expect to work part-time in retirement?

FOR COLLEGE:

• How many years until your child starts college?

• Will your child attend a public or private college?

What’s the expected cost?

• Do you have more than one child whom you’ll be saving for?

• Does your child have any special academic, athletic, or artistic skills that could lead to a scholarship?

• Do you expect your child to qualify for financial aid

• Do you plan to cover the entire cost, or would you like the child to bear some of the responsibility?

Many on-line calculators are available to help you predict your retirement income needs and your child’s college funding needs.

Figure out what you can afford to put aside each month

After you know what your financial needs are, the next step is to determine what you can afford to put aside each month. To do so, you’ll need to prepare a detailed family budget that lists all of your income and expenses. Keep in mind, though, that the amount you can afford may change from time to time as your circumstances change. Once you’ve come up with a dollar amount, you’ll need to decide how to divvy up your funds.

RETIREMENT TAKES PRIORITY

Though college is certainly an important goal, you should probably focus on your retirement if you have limited funds. With generous corporate pensions mostly a thing of the past, the burden is primarily on you to fund your retirement. But if you wait until your child is in college to start saving, you’ll miss out on years of potential tax-deferred growth and compounding of your money. Remember, your child can always attend college by taking out loans (or maybe even with scholarships), but there’s no such thing as a retirement loan.

If possible, save for your retirement and your child’s college at the same time

Ideally, you’ll want to try to pursue both goals at the same time. The more money you can save for college bills now, the less money you or your child will need to borrow later. Even if you can allocate only a small amount to your child’s college fund, say $50 or $100 a month, you might be surprised at how much you can accumulate over many years. For example, if you saved $100 every month and earned 8% annually, you would have $18,415 in your child’s college fund after 10 years. (This example is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a specific investment. Investment returns will fluctuate and cannot be guaranteed.)

If you are unsure about how to allocate funds between retirement and college, a professional financial planner may be able to help. This person can also help you select appropriate investments for each goal. Remember, just because you are pursuing both goals at the same time doesn’t necessarily mean that the same investments will be suitable. It may be appropriate to treat each goal independently.

HELP! I CAN’T MEET BOTH GOALS

If the numbers say that you can’t afford to educate your child or retire with the lifestyle you expected, you’ll probably

have to make some sacrifices. Here are some suggestions:

• Defer retirement: The longer you work, the more money you will earn and the later you’ll need to dip into your retirement savings.

• Work part-time during retirement.

• Reduce your standard of living now or in retirement: You might be able to adjust your spending habits now to have more money later. Or, you may want to consider cutting back in retirement.

• Invest more aggressively: If you have several years until retirement or college, you might be able to earn more money by investing more aggressively (but remember that aggressive investments mean a greater risk of loss). Note that no investment strategy can guarantee success.

• Expect your child to contribute more money to college: Despite your best efforts, your child may need to take out student loans or work part-time to earn money for college.

• Send your child to a less expensive school: You may have dreamed your child would follow in your footsteps and attend an Ivy League school. However, unless your child is awarded a scholarship, you may need to lower your expectations.

• Think of other creative ways to reduce education costs: Your child could attend a local college and live at home to save on room and board, enroll in an accelerated program to graduate in three years instead of four, take advantage of a cooperative education where paid internships alternate with course work, or defer college for a year or two and work to earn money for college.

CAN RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS BE USED TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE?

Yes. Should they be? That depends on your family’s circumstances. We generally discourage paying for college with funds from a retirement account; even more so if using retirement funds for a child’s college education will leave you with no funds in your retirement years.

With that said, you can certainly tap your retirement accounts to help pay the college bills if you need to. With IRAs, you can withdraw money penalty free for college expenses, even if you’re under age 59½ (though there may be income tax consequences for the money you withdraw).

However, with an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k) or 403(b), you’ll generally pay a 10% penalty on any withdrawals made before you reach age 59½ (age 55 or 50 in some cases), even if the money is used for college expenses. There may be income tax consequences, as well. (Check with your plan administrator to see what withdrawal options are available to you in your employer-sponsored retirement plan.)

College is a big hurdle, and if history is any indication of what is to come, costs could continue to rise. As with any goal, consistently saving is usually the best strategy.

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in the Garden

STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR

would have expected that at my age, I would no longer find people that “I’d like to be when I grow up.” Still, I recently sat down with food and wine impresario Alex Bell and couldn’t shake the admiration (and a bit of envy) for what this really charismatic man has done in just the last few years.

By day, Alex is a managing partner at Aviary Wine & Kitchen, which, oddly enough, started as a unique furniture and décor shop. The well-located South Lamar spot eventually found unexpected success as a wine shop and, as of late 2017, is thriving as a full-service restaurant.

The kitchen focuses on small plates from a wide range of flavor profiles. Shrimp Potstickers and Date-Butter Burrata offerings can be found alongside Coconut and Bluefin Tostadas, and the Beef Short-rib Naan competes for appetites with a very hardy Aviary double meat burger.

As beverage director for the restaurant, Alex spends a great deal of time exploring wine and thinking how best to pair it with the restaurant’s diverse offerings. I quickly learned that Alex’s taste is a kaleidoscope, expounding not only on fine French and Italian wines but also Slovenian, Austrian, and even rare Greek labels easily.

Like most of my conversations, we turned to some of our best dinners, favorite wine regions, favorite restaurants in town, and some of the sad losses after the pandemic. (We both miss Chez Nous.)

Though the restaurant industry has recovered much since the worst of Covid, those that relied on food and wine for their livelihoods will still have rough memories of those early days.

In November of 2020, Alex took notice of the impact that Covid was having on the food industry and decided to try and help in some way. He saw chefs and service folks sidelined and, in many cases, hurting. Together with Chef Damien Brockway (Distant Relatives BBQ), Alex launched a modest dinner event in the backyard of his south Austin home. He remembers a significant focus on safety with mask protocols and guidelines limiting the first event to just eight guests. He remembers warmly that his first guests were all regulars and close friends.

Four months passed before Chef Damien spurred Alex to continue the wonderful events, and ‘Midnight in the Garden’ was born.

Sixty-plus dinners later, Alex and his partner Jaycee host the phenomenal events on Saturday and Sunday nights, most times with two seatings of twenty.

Midnight in the Garden is an intimate Chef’s Table dinner featuring a variety of cuisines created by famous chefs from Austin and beyond. The elaborate dinners are paired with exceptional wines and now take place in various venues depending on the season.

Alex showed me photos of the humble beginnings of his garden and how it’s evolved into the shady and wonderfully eclectic space it is today.

My first Midnight in the Garden experience was last month when the talented Chef Kristina Zhao, owner of DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar in San Antonio, brought her magic to Alex’s garden.

To keep a bit of mystery, the exact dinner location was only sent on the day of the event.

We arrived at the pretty, tree-lined neighborhood just before 5 pm and were soon escorted by Alex to the brilliant backyard setting. Rows of paintings on black velvet decorated the back wall, which is topped by a high band of evergreens,

and a series of classical statues dotted the ground cover under the enormous trees. The long table set for twenty was a riot of color and treasure.

As it turned out, the table was a very well-planned riot. The more you studied the details, the cut flowers, placemats, centerpieces, and huge collection of glass and plates, the easier it was to appreciate the thought behind it. Alex gives Jaycee credit for much of the lovely details, but he and the guest chefs also have some input.

During our conversation, one little table detail helped Alex remember how many dinners they hosted. Among the wooden Chinese fans and monogrammed wooden coasters were colorful cards featuring a tarot theme combined with the name of the guest chef. With a different card for each dinner, Alex estimates that they have gone through sixty-three of the original seventy-eight card deck.

As we were seated, Jaycee and some of the staff ensured everyone was hydrated and comfortable, and then the magic began.

Every bit a ringmaster, Alex greeted the guests with a palpable welcome. He explained the progression of the evening, a bit about the food to come, and described each wine in exacting detail; its origin, its qualities, and why it was chosen to pair. A particular gleam is evident in his descriptions, and it’s clear that he loves presenting the wine for the evening.

We got a short introduction from Chef Zhao, and the fantastic Sichuan dishes started coming to the table.

For most Midnight in the Garden dinners, all the plates are served individually per guest; however, owing to the Chinese theme this evening, dinner was served family style, with platters of dishes being shared by sets of guests.

Our first course consisted of several cold Sichuan appetizers. “Smashed Cucumbers” are rounds of small cucumbers marinated in rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy, garlic, and chili flakes. The effect is cool, spicy, and sour at the same time. The cucumbers were combined with generous amounts of flavorful wood-ear mushrooms and “mild” birds-eye chilies.

Next was a platter of sliced cured pork served alongside Suan Ni Bai Rou Rolls. The rolls were also made of thinly sliced pork (“white meat”) but topped with an intense, red-oil garlic paste. Each item was delicious on its own but worked very well in succession.

Suan Ni Bai Rou Rolls.

Smashed Cucumber.

The last appetizer was “Mom & Pop” Fu Qi Fei Pian, or Sichuan Sliced beef in Chili Sauce.

I’ve been lucky to have had this dish at Sichuan cold buffets before and find it almost addictive. The tender beef slices are served in a rich, spicy hot sauce and topped with peanut flakes and cilantro.

Alex paired the quartet of huge flavors with a 2022 Kobal ‘Penina Zelo Suho’ Brut Rosé from Slovenia. The wine had lots of bubbles and a light red berry taste that worked well with the pork and various chilies.

The next course was both exotic and familiar. First up was a platter of Lotus root slices combined with more of the earthy wood-ear mushroom and Sichuan ham. The combination was different from the cold appetizers and seemed to be a table favorite.

A light 2021 Texas Touriga Nacional Rosato from the Austin Winery paired well with the ham and lotus root.

Touriga Nacional is a thick-skinned grape from Portugal that traditionally makes full-bodied red wines that can age like a Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s best known as a blending grape in Port. Given the similarities in climate, the grape has been doing well in Texas.

Up next were scallops and a show. A tall daikon root was attached to a ceramic bowl, and various scallop shells were arranged around the core. Nicely seared scallops were then placed in each shell. A bit of liquid added to the base activated dry ice, filling the bowl with a veil of mist. The 2018 Meyer-Fonné Edelzwicker from Alsace worked so well with the light dish.

The Edelzwicker is a blend of 55% Pinot Blanc, 15% Muscat, 15 % Riesling, 10% Chasselas, 5% Pinot Gris, giving a variety of flavors to enhance the buttery quality of the scallops.

Our main courses were again a set of four unique dishes. Tender Pork Belly on skewers was served on a mound of noodles and came with a 2021 L’Azienda Agricola Case Vecchie ‘Sposato’ from Lombardy.

The shrimp and bean curd Pi Pa Fritters with bok choy were served with a 2019 Borell-Diehl Brut Sekt that had been sabered by two of the guests.

To me, the two best dishes were part of the main course. Chef Zhao brought out the most beautiful whole fish platters covered in chilies and scallions. The delicate poached fish was paired perfectly

with a 2019 Vignoble du Rêveur ‘Imagine’ (Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling) again from Alsace.

The “Xia Fan Tea Party” was the best surprise. The profoundly flavored duck consommé was served with a side of jasmine rice and fried green beans. The amazing soup was served with a 2016 Craven Faure Pinot Noir, Stellenbosch, which I have to say was also delicious on its own.

Even though most of the dishes were light, having only one dessert was a welcomed sight after so many. Our last course was a Blueberry Naigaimo. Unexpectedly, nagaimo is a mountain yam used for various foods in China; our dessert was a light pudding topped with a blueberry sauce.

True to form, Alex paired the dessert with a tasty Malvira Brachetto Birbet from Piedmont.

It’s pretty amazing that after all that work and energy, a second seating was shortly after our departure, just shy of seven-thirty.

I’ve had the opportunity to attend another Midnight in the Garden since my first visit, an over-the-top dinner at Hotel San Jose with Ben Runkle of Salt & Time paired with Napa wines by Ben Brenner of Benevolent Neglect and an incredible assortment of Japanese sakes curated by Eduardo Dingler, Ambassador of Sake extraordinaire. Having both a wine pairing and a sake pairing for each dish was a revelation but also the perfect reason to have taken an Uber.

With both dinners, the standout is the tremendous energy Alex brings to the events and the talent of the teams he brings together.

Each time Alex gave an introduction, he created yet another wave of anticipation for what was coming. The evenings seem to have a buzz that his chefs and wine guys seem to know how to sustain.

I asked Alex if there were any particular favorites after so many dinners. He said that the first one still had a place in his heart, and the one he was able to do with his brother Kevin was another. Incidentally, his brother Chef Kevin Bell runs Soigné, a prestigious private dining company on the Island of Maui. From all accounts, the same incredible magic seems to run in the family.

Alex gave me a brief list of upcoming guest Chefs – you’ll definitely want to start checking their website.

Poached fish with scallions and chilies. Alex and Jaycee.

Scallop tower.

Tour 18 Incorporated’s newest addition, Highland Pines Golf Club. As the first public access golf club in the Houston area to open in more than a decade, We are proud to offer Zeon Zoysia fairways, rough and tee boxes.

Highland Pines is also the first and only club in the world to offer Lazer Zoysia greens.

Highland Pines Golf Club is nestled on the banks of the San Jacinto River and winds through the river basin, then travels up through tall pines and hard woods to stunning views of lakes, meadows and valleys. The course stretches more than 7,200 yards from the back tees and has five sets of tees in all, each offering their own unique challenge. Conveniently located off the Grand Parkway, in Porter, Texas, the golf club is an easy commute from its sister courses, Augusta Pines Golf Club and Gleannloch Pines Golf Club.

The Highlands Community in which this golf course is located, developed by award winning Caldwell Communities, offers 13 premier builders with 17 model homes open daily. The Highland Pines, developed by Tour 18 Inc., offers a social membership for residents of The Highlands and a special resident initiation fee.

To learn more about The Highlands by Caldwell Communities visit TheHighlands.com!

DECODING GOLF DRESS CODES:

Contrasting Attire Expectations at Public and Private Courses

STORY BY ALEJANDRA BARNARD

On the other hand, private golf courses typically enforce a more formal dress code policy. Golf attire, including collared shirts, longer skirts or dresses, and proper golf shoes, is usually mandatory. Private courses prioritize a more traditional and refined atmosphere, upholding the traditions and etiquette associated with the game. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific dress code of the private course you plan to visit.

Regardless of where you choose to play, contacting the pro-shop a few days before your tee time can help you gather accurate information regarding their dress code policy and avoid any surprises the day of your golf game. You can follow my golf journey

When it comes to golf, dress codes can vary depending on whether you’re playing at a public or private golf course. The distinction between the two lies in the level of strictness and formality associated with their dress code policies. Public courses generally adopt a more relaxed and laid-back approach, while private courses tend to adhere to a stricter dress code.

At public golf courses, players often have more flexibility in their attire choices. Short skirts, tank tops, and leggings are commonly accepted. The focus is usually on comfort and freedom of movement, allowing players to enjoy the game without being overly concerned about their outfits.

Rugged

STORY BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE

Located just south of the Utah border, Northern Arizona’s Page beckons with stunning landscapes, plenty of outdoor attractions and one unbelievably scenic golf course. Discover Page and its many wonders.

WHAT TO DO

Page is an outdoor mecca. One of the city’s popular and iconic attractions? Horseshoe Bend. Park in the lot just off of U.S. Route 89, and walk on a paved pathway to reach this truly breathtaking site. The hike is about 1.5-miles round trip. Roughly 1,000 feet deep from the overlook to the river below, take in the impressive red rock formation that was formed via erosion of the Colorado River. Although the natural sandstone formation is impressive on its own—it really is shaped like a horseshoe—what gets us every time we see it is the water surrounding it. The water is a deep, emerald green that we’ve never seen accurately captured in a photo. Admire the views here. Be sure to mind your footing too. The viewing platform has railings, but the rest of the trail does not.

Another one of Page’s signature sites is Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is a scenic slot canyon that you’ve no doubt seen images of—both Apple and Microsoft have used pictures of the place in their marketing. During our recent visit, Ken’s Tours hosted us for a guided visit. After descending a series of staircases, we were inside this slot canyon. A tour guide led our group through the canyon’s twists and turns and paused to point out notable formations in the sandstone. Slot canyons are truly magical. The colors of the sandstone walls—reach out and be sure to feel the grains of sand that make up the walls that can get quite narrow in certain spots—seemingly shift in the sunlight. Expect to see oranges, golds and reds on either side of you. You’ll want to keep your neck craned up to see the walls of the canyon coupled with the blue sky up above. The canyon offers plenty of photo opportunities. If you have an iPhone, try the filter vivid warm as it helps accentuate the canyon’s natural colors. In rare moments, you’ll have the canyon all to yourself. Savor the crunch of the sand underneath your feet coupled with the majestic scenery all around you.

Tower Butte Tour.

LAKE POWELL

Lake Powell beckons with bright blue water complemented by sandstone canyon walls surrounding you. If you’re searching for a way to see Lake Powell that’s easy on your joints, consider booking an Antelope Canyon Boat Tour from the Antelope Point Marina. We delighted in taking photos of this scenic spot and getting another look at Antelope Canyon from the water. Lake Powell also offers plenty of outdoor recreation including kayaking, jet ski, boat rentals, paddle boarding, tubing and wakeboarding, among other water sports.

TOWER BUTTE

The only way to reach one of Page’s iconic sites, Tower Butte? Via helicopter. Papillon Helicopter Tours offers a Tower Butte Landing with Horseshoe Bend tour. Board a helicopter at Page Municipal Airport and then fly high above the area’s scenic attractions like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. The helicopter also lands atop of Tower Butte---a massive sandstone formation that’s just over 5,000 feet in elevation. From there, take in truly unique views before returning to the airport.

LAKE POWELL NATIONAL GOLF COURSE

If you’re searching for a scenic golf course, Lake Powell National Golf Course more than delivers. The 18-hole course was designed by William Phillips and opened in 1995. The course can accommodate everyone from novice golfers to championship-level players. Actor Michael J. Fox has even played here.

Certain holes provide grand vistas of the area’s most scenic attractions. From the latter half of the course, take in views of the Vermillion Cliffs, Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell—all classic Page sites. We enjoyed the challenges here. Look forward to practicing your swing over water features with a red sandstone backdrop. One challenging hole is 17—one of the longest par 5 holes in the entire state. Golfers are also hitting roughly 657 yards into the prevailing wind. No matter what, enjoy the spectacular views here.

Lake Powell.

WHERE TO EAT

Williams, Arizona-based Grand Canyon Brewing Company has a location in Page. The restaurant is housed inside of a former firehouse and features high ceilings, a bar and plenty of tables throughout the dining room. The spacious outdoor patio is another great location to enjoy your suds and hearty food. We enjoyed both the massive lightly buttered pretzel served with savory beer cheese along with cauliflower wings served with a side of ranch. Both filled us up on a relatively chilly day. We paired our food with the Horseshoe Bend Ale. We fell for this light beer featuring refreshing notes of grapefruit and caramel with a slightly hoppy finish—an ideal summertime beer.

Red Heritage puts on dinner and a show in a unique way. Expect to see Native Americans telling stories and performing vibrant, traditional dances. Hoop dancing—where a dancer literally jumps through hoops while chanting—is such a mesmerizing site to behold. We also watched a live drum circle too. Diners also can enjoy Navajo tacos—traditional fry bread topped with choice of pork, chicken, beef or vegetarian chili along with toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, corn, salsa and sour cream. For dessert, guests can sink their spoons into a sweet vanilla pudding parfait.

WHERE TO STAY

Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell—this hotel hosted our recent Page trip—offers contemporary digs in the heart of Page. Guests can enjoy a spacious lobby, a happening restaurant that serves great cocktails and spacious accommodations. Try to book a room facing Glen Canyon. The views are sweeping and worth beholding. Rooms feature plush beds, a sitting area including a couch, a long desk and bathrooms outfitted with glass showers featuring a rainfall showerhead. When you’re on the ground floor, don’t miss taking a photo of the massive rectangular wood frame in the back of the hotel—it’s a perfect Instagram spot.

One of the hotel’s most unique features is its adventure concierge program. Guests can book visits to many of Page’s natural wonders via the hotel’s concierge desk, including many of the places mentioned in this story.

Lake Powell National Golf Course.

PHOTO BY: HARRISON FITTS.

Located in the hotel’s lobby, the on-site Prickly Pear Kitchen serves a breakfast buffet with a healthy variety of options and lunch and dinner for all. Diners can dig into New American fare. For lunch, we enjoyed a hearty turkey pesto sandwich—two pieces of sourdough in between turkey breast, pesto sauce, spinach and sundried tomato mayo that was tangy and rich. The dinner menu include sharables like basil pesto flatbread and large, creative plates like baja shrimp tacos, crab cake platter, mango habanero tofu tacos and pork adobo tacos.

Our absolute favorite menu items were the stellar

drinks. Although everything we tried was good, the sage advice and the hibiscus margaritas were both wellbalanced and perfect drinks.

GETTING TO PAGE

From Phoenix, it takes just less than five hours to drive to Page. You also can book Contour Airlines and fly from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Page. The flight is just less than one hour. Contour typically offers two daily flights from Phoenix to Page Municipal Airport.

Elote with Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips. Hyatt Place Page Seating & Grand Lobby Fireplace.

Fields of Dreams

STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

t was years in the making, starting with trying to find a new home for the Northern Texas Section of the PGA of America to become arguably one of the top golf resorts in the world and now slated to stage six major championships in the next 12 years. The result, when it fully opened this May, is that the Omni PGA Frisco and Fields Ranch offer something for everyone, even nongolfers. From the 510-room Omni Hotel and Resort to two championship golf courses, a short course, putting course, retail and restaurants, this North Texas destination is stunning and fun.

“All those things coming together just became a series of dreams that were being answered,” said Paul Earnest, former president of the Northern Texas PGA and now the PGA director of golf and operations at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco. “We ended up opening something that collectively far exceeded those dreams, just a magical place. We just hope people will come see it and experience it. It really does have something for everyone.”

The project, which cost well over a half billion dollars and is billed as “The New Modern Home of Golf,” is a partnership between the PGA of America, Omni Resorts, the Northern Texas PGA, the Frisco Independent School District, and the city of Frisco, located about 40 miles north of Dallas and one of the fastest growing cities in America. Frisco already has a pretty good sports DNA, with a Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas, and the Double A baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers, the Frisco Roughriders. The addition of this spectacular facility just solidifies Frisco’s reputation as a city on the rise, dedicated to sports, recreation, education, and development.

The 660-acre campus includes the Omni PGA Frisco hotel and resort, the Gil Hanse-designed Fields Ranch East Golf Course, the Beau Welling-designed Fields Ranch West Golf Course, the new home of the PGA of America headquarters building, the Northern Texas PGA Golf House, and

the PGA District (which is a golf entertainment center).

The PGA District itself includes a 10-hole, par-3 course called The Swing (co-designed by Hanse and Welling), the Dance Floor Putting Course, PGA Coaching Center, and an expansive retail and entertainment space. There’s so much that it’s almost overwhelming, but always fun. For now, though, let’s start with the two championship golf courses.

Initially, this whole project started as a means to give the local PGA section a new home, where it wouldn’t have to pay a lease and could expand its local programs. But as more and more entities got involved, including the PGA of America, the scope grew more ambitious. Once the PGA of America started looking at moving its national headquarters from PGA National (which it did not own) in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., officials started to ask some questions. For example, why not build a golf course in Texas that could host major championships that the PGA operates, such as the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA, and eventually the Ryder Cup?

That dream has been realized and then some. This May, Steve Stricker defeated Padraig Harrington in a playoff to win the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA on the Fields Ranch East Course at PGA Frisco. It’s the first of a half dozen major championships scheduled on the Fields Ranch East Course over the next 12 years. And while the Fields Ranch West wasn’t designed for majors, it’s no slouch either.

The two courses, both of which are open to resort guests, the public and members, are laid out next to each other, over the former Bert Fields Headquarters Ranch. Tens of thousands of cubic yards of earth were moved

From hosting majors to junior camps and everything in between, Omni PGA Frisco and Fields Ranch is ‘The New Modern Home of Golf.’

to create elevation change and get the playing surfaces above the 100-year flood plain. Though they were done by different designers, there are some common threads. Both are designed with wider fairways, but challenging greens complexes to test better players while giving higher handicappers easier corridors. Fields Ranch East, however, has a larger footprint to accommodate grandstands, skyboxes, and the huge galleries you would see at majors and the Ryder Cup.

From the back tees, Fields Ranch East is really long, like nearly 8,000 yards. But there are six sets of tees, starting at just over 5,000 yards, so most players will be able to find a distance that is comfortable for them. Like the West Course, the East has ribbon tees, allowing for great flexibility in setup.

Drawing inspiration perhaps from one of his favorite classic architects, Perry Maxwell, Hanse crafted deep bunkers around small greens. Hanse, who counts the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil among his many credits, routed the holes around Panther Creek and dry washes and meadows. The fairway bunkers blend in with the natural grasses and are positioned in such a way that when the fairways are moved in, the fairway bunkers are still very much in play for the best players in the world.

There are drivable par-4 holes on both nines of the East Course, and there’s a par-3, the 13th, that can play nearly 300 yards from the back tees. The 17th is a short-but tricky par-3, followed by the par-5 18th, which is 576 yards with carries over

Panther Creek and other obstacles on the way to the green.

The West Course isn’t as difficult, and has some length too. From the back tees, it’s more than 7,300 yards, but just a little over 5,000 yards from the front tees. The defining characteristic of this course is that the fairways average around 75 yards in width and there is more than 75 feet in elevation change, culminating at a focal point of the course where there’s a snack shack at the old homestead ranch house. This is where you will find the shortest hole on the course, the par-3 fifth, which has a green that is probably 50 yards wide, so there are all kinds of treacherous pin positions. It’s also near the 14th green and 15th tee of a downhill, drivable par-4 hole.

Welling hesitates to call the fifth a signature hole, but with its treacherous bunkers and wide but shallow green with a false front, it’s a hole that everyone will talk about.

“It’s one of these high volatility holes,” Welling said. “You’ll have a few birdies (because it can play as short as 100 yards), but you’ll also have lots of fives.”

Good players can easily spin the ball off the false front of the fifth and many other holes on the course, so you have to be precise with your iron play and short game. There are also opportunities where it’s probably best to use the ground. Welling, who has Irish heritage and went to school in Ireland for a while and played lots of links golf there, designed the course with many links golf traits. Not only do you have to figure out

the breaks and nuances of the large greens on Fields Ranch West -- which also plays around and over Panther Creek -- but you should read the fairways as well, he said, especially if you play the ball on the ground. And with the firm greens of both courses, and firm conditions in general, having a good ground game is extremely helpful.

While these two courses are championship level with premium green fees well north of $200 (local residents get discounts), they are hardly the only golf attractions at Omni PGA Frisco. On any given day or night, you’ll see dozens of players of all abilities and ages enjoying The Swing Short Course, the two-acre putting course called The Dance Floor (both are lighted for night play), a PGA Coaching Center and Toptracer range, as well as the Ice House, retail outlets and even an ice cream shop that are part of the Monument Realty PGA District. Here, you can’t help but notice a large outdoor big screen with announcements and video overlooking this expansive entertainment area, where you can spend hours having a great time without even setting foot on the big courses.

While Welling was responsible for the overall master plan of The District, The Swing is a collaborative effort between Hanse and Welling that previews the big courses in terms of its feel and look. The cool thing is you could play all the holes, which range from 64 yards to 103 yards, with one club, including a putter. Some better players might use just a sand wedge, for all their shots, including putts.

“We had some definite goals and objectives from the ownership and stakeholders here, and it was a diverse group of stakeholders,” said Welling, referring to all the different entities involved in the project. “So I’m super proud because I feel like we accomplished or exceeded the goals and objectives of being able to have something that could test the best players in the world, yet there are ways to onboard beginners here and even nongolfers.”

Omni PGA Frisco and Fields Ranch is truly a bucket-list resort, a terrific new home for the PGA of America and its members, and a fun gathering place to golfers of all levels, including juniors, who will be groomed through programs in cooperation with the Frisco Independent School District.

And the Omni Hotel and Resort -- with its 13 restaurants and accommodations (which include 10 Texas-style ranch homes on the campus near the courses), and 127,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space -- is already booked out well in advance. Just a half hour from both DFW International Airport and Love Field, it’s easy to understand why this resort with all its amenities will attract so many corporate groups.

It’s an incredible environment, Welling said, that will “become very, very significant in the game of golf for the whole world.”

Is Your Feel Real?

STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

I often encounter the misunderstood assumption by many golfers that they are “a feel player“. It is my opinion that every player is a “feel” player. They base their learning on the premise that their “feel“ is correct or “real“. Golf is a motor skill born from a very athletic movement pattern. Secondly, “feel” is certainly a key factor to improving in golf. Yet, all great players went through the battle of learning, proper fundamentals, the delicate coordination of the body and hands to the golf club, proper sequencing for power generation, and wired mental capacity to perform under pressure.

There is so much available information on golf learning today. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. Free instruction by so-called “experts“ is everywhere. It reminds me of the adage of paralysis by analysis and the flavor of the month club. Let’s not forget the CEO Charlies, husbands, and 20 handicap buddy reminders; keep your head down, left arm straight, your eye on the ball, you looked up,

turn those hips…UGH!

Personally, I have found no greater joy and satisfaction than to watch my student’s accomplishments, and success from the simplified guidance of understanding what feel truly means. More times than not, it’s not real at all. It’s just comfortable. As Harvey Penick once said “Don’t confuse comfort with correct. Comfort is what you’re used to“. Most golfers have pre-conceptions of what they think they should be doing or what good players do.

In my 40+ years of watching, listening, learning, in baseball, tennis, and now golf coaching, it is imperative to seek out professional help. There are no shortcuts, get rich quick, or trick method to playing better golf. As in any endeavor, there is a learning curve with practice. The goal is to perform this athletic movement without any conscious thought. But one must not only know what to do, but how to do it, when to do it with a plan. I am grateful to assist my students on this journey!

Do The Right Thing

STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

fter a perfect and long tee shot on the downhill par5 ninth hole during a recent round at Highland Pines Golf Club in Porter, Pat Oldacre considered his options. He could play it safe and hit a midiron to set up an easy wedge to the green, or try to go for it in two. The second option required him to rip his 5-wood over a tall tree as well as take on a lake, some 240 yards to the green. After a little deliberation, he liked his chances with option no. 2.

If your guess is that Oldacre reached the green in two, you guessed right. But it was never a guess for him. Once he weighed the risk and reward of the shot, he simply committed to it, then executed it to perfection. He didn’t get excited about it one way or another, even after he pulled it off. He had a plan and he followed it, just the way he has with everything in his life.

“Pat is always in control, always even-keeled,” said J.Frank Hernandez, a good friend who has known Oldacre since their college days at Texas A&M University, where they shared a love of hip-hop music and deejaying, and still do (Oldacre’s nickname since high school has been “P-Diddy”). “That’s not to say he is not passionate, because he is. But he’s very, very consistent with how he approaches his life.”

Oldacre, who lives in the north Houston suburb of Spring, is in his second or third act of his professional career (depending on how you look at it), working as a tournament referee (rules official) on the PGA Tour. Now in his third year on the job, he officiates mostly on the Korn Ferry Tour as well as select PGA Tour events. And in case you are wondering, he’s only the second

African-American to ever work as a PGA Tour rules official. The other is Orlando Pope, who gained some notoriety in 1999 when he ruled that Tiger Woods could treat a boulder as a loose impediment and enlist spectators to help move it. Oldacre hasn’t had any rulings that dramatic yet, but there’s still time.

Counting his previous two decades as a lead Shotlink producer for the PGA Tour, Oldacre has been in the golf industry now for nearly 23 years. But a golf career probably never entered his mind after he earned his degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M in 1990. After graduation, he chose a profession that lined up with his college training, spending the first decade of his professional life as an electrical engineer before he made a life-changing decision to follow a new career path, spurred by a growing interest in a sport he took up and fell in love with when he was 27.

For rules official Pat Oldacre, his career and his life are a combination of passion, commitment, and consistency

“I just think it’s a great game,” Oldacre, 54, said. “It’s a game you can play from the age of four or five to age 90. I think it’s a game of integrity And for a kid, it teaches a lot of life lessons, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Oldacre had a mentor to help him along as an adult, but wish he had that growing up on Long Island in New York. It’s why he’s passionate about introducing golf to African Americans at an early age. “Anyone can play with anyone. It’s very social. You can be competitive. It’s strategic. You have to think,” Oldacre said. “And also, when you play, you’re usually out in a nice setting and good weather. It’s really peaceful.”

When decided he wanted to make golf his work, he started looking for avenues to make it happen. “I just knew I wanted a career in golf,” he said.

Fortunately, he had a lot of support, from the friends he’s had since his days at Texas A&M (which he attended on a full academic scholarship), to his family, including his wife, Yvette, an mechanical engineering graduate from Texas A&M who has enjoyed a very successful career with Exxon-Mobil. In fact, they lived on two different coasts for the year or so when Oldacre studied at the Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula, Calif., as the Oldacres were just starting their family.

landed an internship at the Match Play Championship at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. That led to getting hired full-time by the PGA Tour to work on Shotlink, a technology platform that collects and disseminates scoring and statistical data on every shot by every player in real time. No doubt, Oldacre’s analytical skills and background came in handy there, but working on Shotlink, however, meant being inside most of the time. So when he got the opportunity to become a rules official, he relished the chance to get onto the course.

“I like being a rules official better,” Oldacre said. “I loved what I did before, but I was in a control room. I wasn’t really out there, part of the action.”

As a rules official during play, Oldacre is very much like his persona. He doesn’t get excited (as is the case with any good rules official), and handles tough situations calmly. “You get used to delivering bad news, and nobody likes it,” Oldacre said. “I haven’t had anything too crazy.”

One of the more interesting situations, though, came at an overseas Korn Ferry event, where many of the players took local caddies because it’s just too expensive for their regular caddies to make the trip. On this example, a player hit a tee shot that looked as if

over to his provisional, but his caddie had picked it up. Not only was he out of bounds and had to take stroke and distance, but we had to add another stroke because his caddie picked up his ball... But he was more upset with the caddie than he was with me.”

The truth is, however, that making rulings is a small part of the job. “Most of our time on the course is spent dealing with pace of play, which most people wouldn’t think,” Oldacre said.

He is also part of a group of officials who advance and set up the golf course. Weather, most notably wind and temperature, is a big factor in setup, which includes where the tees are. They also mark the course for penalty areas. “Our mission,” he said, “is to prepare and identify the best players for the PGA Tour.”

How good are these Korn Ferry Tour players? Better than most golf fans realize. Players coming out of college as well as other professionals now go to Q-school to basically qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour (not necessarily the PGA Tour), where they will have a chance to play their way onto the PGA Tour.

“In some cases those guys are better (than many of the PGA Tour players); they just haven’t qualified for the PGA Tour yet,” Oldacre said. “They’re younger, more athletic. They’ve come up in the era of technology and science, diet and stretching. They hit the ball so long.

“They’re so good on the Korn Ferry Tour that it’s really more about making birdies. whereas on the PGA Tour, you kind of see guys playing for their place and money slot, and a lot more conservatively. On the Korn Ferry Tour, there’s not a lot of conservative play. It’s just ‘get after it’ and make birdies.”

As for Oldacre’s golf game, he can make a few birdies as well. A near scratch player, he’s a member at Augusta Pines and its sister course, Highland Pines Golf Club, the new all-zoysia course that has received rave reviews and located in a growing master-planned community northeast of Houston. He plays golf much like he lives his life, methodical and with purpose. And despite his quiet demeanor, he’s very competitive.

Hernandez, a field marketing manager for MolsonCoors Beverage Co. that mostly covers the Houston area, said he’s never beaten Oldacre in match play. And he recalled a time when they were playing and he asked Oldacre for a ruling. “I would say, ‘can I do this?’ And he would say, ‘Not according to the rules.

You wouldn’t be playing golf. But you do whatever it is you want to do with your life.’”

Hernandez defined Oldacre’s sense of integrity. “By integrity I mean that true definition of wholeness, completeness, like the integrity of a hull of a ship. So it doesn’t surprise me now that Pat’s career has now evolved into him being a rules official. Because in his job I can see him matter-of-factly telling people in the situation that these are the rules, this is how it works, here are your options.”

His even keel, well-thought approach extends into his family life as well. The oldest of three brothers, his parents -- Trevor, a former high school teacher, and Florence, a nursing administrator, instilled the values he lives by today. Pat and Yvette, who have been married for 26 years, now have three grown sons, Miles, 22, Maddox, 19, and Malachi, 18. Miles just graduated from Yale University, where he was a standout defensive player on the Bulldogs’ football team.

“He and Yvette have raised three amazing sons, who I’ve known from the day they were born,” Hernandez said. “There’s a real rock-solid foundation, and yet there’s a humility to it all. For them, this is just how you live.”

On Trend: The Power of Pickleball

The country’s fastest-growing sport is popping up in spades at luxury resorts and country clubs.

STORY BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE

Pickleball

Pickleball Court at Houston Oaks.

Pickleball Court at JW Marriott.

ou’ve no doubt heard of (and maybe have even played) pickleball. More than 36.5 million individuals took to a pickleball court to play from August 2021 to August 2022, according to a study released by The Association of Pickleball Association. The fastest-growing sport in the United States for the third year in a row—according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association—has also attracted the attention of many A-listers too. Athletes like NBA star LeBron James, NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and retired football pro Tom Brady have all invested in pro pickleball teams. Many luxe resorts and country clubs have also added pickleball courts to their properties due to its popularity. Take a closer look at this trendy sport.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball was invented in 1965. After hitting the links one Saturday, Washington state congressman Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell went to Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, roughly 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle. Bored and looking for an activity to occupy their time, Pritchard and Bell started playing with ping-pong paddles on a badminton court, according to a story published on the website of the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA). The following weekend, their friend Barney McCallum was introduced to the game at Pritchard’s home. Those three men are credited with developing the sport. According to the USAPA’s website, their intention was to create a sport the whole family could play.

Why the surge in popularity?

Many high-end resort and country club throughout the nation have taken note of all of this buzz around the sport and have either built pickleball courts or converted tennis courts to pickleball courts. Some believe that pickleball has grown because it’s easier to learn how to play than other sports like tennis and golf. Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, and the nets are lower.

“It’s an easy sport to be able to play socially and pickup,” says Andrew Seidenberg, head pickleball professional at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale. “It’s a sport that people of all ages can have fun playing together, even if you’re not exactly at the same ability.”

Pickleball games are also shorter—lasting from as little as 15 minutes to as long as 30 minutes—making it a breeze to get in a quick game.

Seidenberg’s been working for the resort for more than three years. Roughly four years ago, The Phoenician constructed a new athletic club outfitted with two pickleball and seven tennis courts. Two more pickleball courts are being constructed. Seidenberg tells us that many corporations will come to the resort and play pickleball as a team building event.

“We can literally teach them the rules and the basic shots and some basic takeaways in as little as 15 minutes, 20 to get them going. And literally, by the end of the first half hour, they’re playing legitimate pickleball points and having fun,” says Seidenberg.

Pickleball and luxury

The connection between pickleball and luxury isn’t necessarily an obvious one, but there is a link between the two.

“The demographic of pickleball just seems like it’s very similar to those who are attracted to golf and tennis,” says Seidenberg. “There’s just a type of athlete that gravitates to resorts like The Phoenician. So therefore, it’s a natural add on.”

Additionally, due to the smaller size of a pickleball court, it’s much more intimate and doesn’t require as much physical space to play.

“The footprint is small,” he says. “It’s another activity that you can easily bring home without taking up too much space.”

Another high-end hotel that’s added pickleball to its grounds is Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa—formerly known as the Paradise Valley Racquet Club in the 1950s and the John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch in 1965—has three pickleball courts in addition to its four tennis courts and professionals that can teach students how to play. Another luxe resort that has capitalized on the pickleball trend is the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Guests requested a pickleball court back in 2016, and tennis courts were marked to accommodate them. In 2017, club members asked for temporary courts. Today, the property is home to a total of 17 courts and includes one stadium pickleball court. The property claims it has the most number of pickleball courts of any resort in the country. The hotel also employs full-time instructors and has a racquet center. One true highlight: Recess Pickleball has crafted custom pad-

Pickleball Court at Houston Oaks.

dles that are available exclusively at the property. The resort even offers two different memberships that include complimentary lessons, guest passes, 50 percent off guest rooms, discounts on resort dining and gear.

Seeing as pickleball is an easier sport to pick up than tennis, it also tends to be seen as being more approachable. Stuart McNicol, racquet center manager of the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, has observed pickleball surging in popularity over tennis and sees the link between pickleball and luxury.

“Pickleball is overtaking tennis, which has been known for decades as a highly esteemed sport played at luxury clubs. Those same courts are being converted to pickleball courts. Many of those who played tennis are also converting to pickleball. It is by no surprise that pickleball is associated with luxury,” says Stuart McNicol, racquet center manager of the hotel.

Naturally, pickleball has taken off at country clubs too. Two of the owners of The Clubs at Houston Oaks in Hockley, Texas, wanted to add pickleball courts to the clubs’ recreational offerings. The club has two permanent courts and the capacity for an extra four pickleball courts for a total of six. Much like The Phoenician, The Clubs at Houston Oaks also hosts team building events and pickleball tournaments that many participants seem to enjoy.

Enjoyment is a key aspect of the sport. Pickleball is not only great exercise, it’s just plain fun.

“We have a very active membership, and they are always looking for themes,” says Jennifer Herring, director of club operations at The Clubs at Houston Oaks in Hockley, Texas.

One popular theme? Disco. There’s also a Halloween night.

“People will come in their retro outfits, and we’ll get the music pumping. I’ve even seen wigs,” says Herring. “Pickleball, even the name, it alludes to something not so serious. So they can have a beverage and play.”

And kids love the sport as much as their parents. It’s typically a sport they can pick up quickly. Pickleball has even been added into Houston Oak’s summer camp programming.

“It is really remarkable, honestly, to see some kids that have done tennis lessons with me for a while get out on a pickleball court and immediately be able to maintain rallies, and play points way easier than they ever were in tennis. The growth potential for kids programming is huge,” says Wes Lemke, the director of racquets at the club.

Pickleball also gives members of Houston Oaks a chance to really let loose.

“Most of our members have memberships at River Oaks and all your downtown clubs, but when they come out here, they really let their hair down,” says Herring. “The inner kid is wanting to come out, and I think pickleball, just as the name eludes, lets that happen.”

The Phoenician Athletic Club With Courts.

When Accuracy Matters Most, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Laser Rangefinder Delivers

STORY BY MARC HALL

If you’re going to play golf for many years, you have to know what kind of person you are on the golf course. Are you the guy who takes on par fives in two, or someone who methodically places the ball in safe spaces, playing to and from predictable yardages. Are you a Breakfast Ball guy? Someone who loads your golf bag with all the essentials? Do you like to play fast or spend the hours regaling your foursome with jokes and stories, smelling all the roses as you go?

Similarly, when it comes to having reliable yardage-to-the-target data, it helps to know if you are a GPS-on-the-app, gadgetlinked-to-your-watch, or a handheld laser rangefinder kind of golfer. I like to play quickly, and I like to be efficient on the course, not keeping anybody waiting unnecessarily. For me, it’s been a Bushnell laser rangefinder that has facilitated that need for more than a decade by being fast, responsive, and accurate with its yardages.

My last Bushnell laser rangefinder lasted about six years which seems to amaze anyone I’ve ever told. It was durable and accurate for all of that time, so trying the latest technology from Bushnell was the ultimate no-brainer. The only question was what new features would be found in the 2023 model, the Tour V6 Shift.

Even for somewhat-fidgety golfers like me, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift rangefinder is as easy to use as any you’ll try. A single press of the orange power button on top of the unit calls up your aiming sights and

displays the yardage. Holding down a second button on top of the unit lets you toggle from yards to meters or tinker with display brightness, but you mostly just push the one button for fast, accurate yardages.

How can we be so sure of that accuracy? A new feature called Visual Jolt makes the ring around the optical viewfinder light up red and vibrates to leave no doubt when you have locked onto a flagstick. Speaking of features, the “Shift” in the name makes clear that this is Bushnell’s slope-enhanced model which can be easily toggled on and off for legal tournament play of for casual and practice rounds. Slope adjustment is essential for all the rounds I play in the Texas Hill Country.

Staying on trend with features, the hyper-strong BITE Magnetic Mount on the side of the Tour V6 Shift helps you mount the unit on your golf cart for quick, easy access. We’ll make a fast player out of you yet! If you need it, the Tour V6 Shift can accurately spot a flagstick as far out as 500

with adjustment and focus from long range. Bushnell also states that the Tour V6 Shift is the brand’s most weather-resistant rangefinder, satisfying the IPX6 standard of resisting high-pressure jets of water.

I try to be polite about this, but so many people have themselves convinced that their mobile apps and other GPS devices are measuring the distance to the flag and not just the center of the green. Frequently, they’re mistaken. I play with a ton of people who stubbornly mis-club because they can’t reconcile this seemingly simple computation. With the Bushnell laser rangefinder, like the new Tour V6 Shift there’s never confusion. I consistently enjoy perfectly accurate yardages to get me around the course quickly, with very minimal fumbling with hardware.

I know app technology and other wearable and smartwatch-responsive technologies have come a long way fast in this yardage-detection space. For me, the laser rangefinder is the most expedient and trustworthy way to dial in yardages and focus on hitting the shots I want to hit. This new Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is the fastest and most feature-rich product I’ve ever used. It retails for $399.99 and if it’s anywhere as durable as my last Bushnell, that’s a solid investment.

If you’re looking for the most accurate way to know, yardage is on the course, this might just be the perfect solution for you.

The Distinct Palette of South African Wines

STORY BY HUNTER HAM

As a sommelier, I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the world’s most exquisite wines. Yet, there’s something about the charisma of South African wines that never ceases to amaze me. Nestled within the embrace of breathtaking landscapes, the wineries of South Africa give birth to vintages that encompass an enchanting array of styles, textures, and flavors.

Last week I was reading an article about a fellow wine connoisseur visiting the Stellenbosch region, the heart of South Africa’s wine country, for the first time. He wrote about the scent of ripening grapes in the sun that wafted around him, instantly captivating his senses. The vineyards, beautifully spread across rolling hills and flanked by dramatic mountain ranges, painted an alluring picture that makes the experience of savoring their produce even more delightful. It struck a nerve with me and reminded me of what a beautiful region South Africa is. It is easy as a sommelier to take a region for all that it is factually and analytically. Sometimes you lose the sense of beauty and grandeur, until you see it again in person and are left breathless and reminded of the entirety of the beauty of winemaking and nature.

To truly appreciate South African wines, one must taste the vibrant Chenin Blanc, locally known as Steen. With a versatile character that ranges from refreshingly crisp to delectably sweet, it reflects the spectrum of South Africa’s terroir in a glass. Yet another captivating ensemble is the country’s signature red, Pinotage, a crossbreed of Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The harmony of its robust body and spicy notes leaves an indelible mark on the palate, much like the unforgettable South African sunset.

One cannot overlook the Cape Winelands’ bold Cabernet Sauvignon and the intriguing complexity of its Chardonnay. Crafted with passion and the distinct character of their terroir, these wines display a unique richness that is hard to find elsewhere.

A recent discovery that left me fascinated is the Methode Cap Classique (MCC), South Africa’s answer to Champagne. It presents a remarkable elegance and effervescence that celebrates the sun-kissed vineyards from which it originates.

What sets South African wines apart, besides their exceptional taste, is their dedication to sustainability. The local wine industry has committed to biodiversity-friendly farming, ensuring their winemaking not only resonates with our taste buds but also echoes the right environmental notes.

As I sit in our restaurant, pouring a glass of wine for a discerning guest, I often find myself recommending a South African bottle. Their diversity and quality promise an adventure, a chance to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions from a far-off land, right here in the comfort of our dining room.

South African wines, with their captivating narratives and complex profiles, offer an intoxicating journey of discovery. One that continually evolves, much like the country’s vibrant landscapes, ensuring every sip is a fresh revelation and a celebration of the art of winemaking.

Discover the charm of these vintages. Trust me, they promise a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate, leaving you longing for more. It’s not just about drinking a glass of wine; it’s about savoring a piece of South Africa.

The Methode Cap Classique (MCC), South Africa’s answer to Champagne.

When Big Smoke Met Whisky Fest: A Celebration of Cigars and Whiskies in Hollywood, FL

STORY BY TOMAS ZILINSKIS

Hollywood, Florida recently witnessed a remarkable event that brought together cigar aficionados and whisky enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening. The harmonious convergence of Big Smoke and Whisky Fest, hosted by Cigar Aficionado created an exceptional experience that left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

The event unfolded with a captivating display of craftsmanship. Expert cigar makers, dressed impeccably, showcased their artistry, rolling tobacco leaves with precision and care. Their skilled hands carried on a tradition passed down through generations, exemplifying the timeless allure of cigar making. Specific attention was given to cigar collaboration by the two biggest names in cigar industry Padrón and Fuente that won’t be released until later this year but attendees were able to sample prototypes.

Beyond the allure of indulgence, the event offered a platform for education and enlightenment. Workshops and seminars led by industry experts allowed attendees to delve deeper into the world of cigars. From understanding the nuances of cigar pairing to exploring the complexities of cigar aging, participants immersed themselves in the heritage and artistry behind each cigar. These workshops not only expanded their knowledge but also refined their palates, enabling a deeper appreciation of the craft.

Interactive stations provided guests an up-close encounter with the intricacies of cigar production. Witnessing the process of rolling a cigar, from the careful selection of tobacco leaves to the final creation, heightened the appreciation for the meticulous artistry involved. Whisky tasting sessions, guided by knowledgeable experts, offered a parallel exploration of flavors and profiles, inviting enthusiasts to savor the complexities of different whiskies.

As the evening progressed, the synergy between cigars and whiskies came alive, captivating the senses of all in attendance. Perfectly paired combinations elevated the experience, accentuating the flavors and nuances of each element. The wisps of smoke from the cigars intertwined with the smooth melodies of the whiskies, creating a symphony of taste and aroma that delighted the palate.

This gathering served as a reminder that amidst the busyness of modern life, moments of tranquility and enjoyment are to be cherished. The convergence of Big

Smoke and Whisky Fest in Hollywood, FL provided a sanctuary for like-minded individuals to immerse themselves in the artistry of cigars and whiskies, forging memories that will endure beyond the event’s conclusion.

The evening left a lasting impression, as guests departed with cherished memories, a testament to the craftsmanship and collective passion displayed. The convergence of Big Smoke Meets Whisky Fest exemplified the celebration of artistry, heritage, and the sheer delight derived from the world of cigars and whiskies. Next, I am looking forward the see y’all, November 3-4th at the Resorts World Las Vegas for yet another to-be-remembered night, Big Smoke (tickets can be purchased at https://www.lasvegasbigsmoke.com/).