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RAUL GARZA: DRIVING CHANGES AT TIERRA DEL SOL LORENA OCHOA COMING TO CIMARRON [Southtexas Golf #1] 1 PROFILE: DR. ARMANDO MONCADA * PINEHURST NO. 2 HARLINGEN’S MORGAN MCLAUGHERTY * GOLF GRUB: HCC

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Feature name TABLE OF CONTENTS ››

COVER STORY - RAUL GARZA, TIERRA DEL SOL FEATURE NAME

NOT DONE YET

of changing the entrance and possibly expanding the parking lot so when golfers first enter the course, they see others putting, chipping are at the driving range and they take in a aesthetic look at the course and the remodeled clubhouse. Garza is a Pharr native. Tierra del Sol is his home course. He started golf later in life but remembers bringing his two sons on the course at very early ages – 3 and 1 ½. He even changed diapers on the course. “Everything was disposed of properly,” Garza joked. “This city and this course has been my life.” Back then he would've laughed if you told him he'd be directing the show at the course. “No way,” said Garza, who graduated from Pan American University with a degree in Accounting and worked with the Pharr EDC as well as the Pharr Events Center before taking over the 18-hole municipal course. “I worked for now City Manager Fred Sandoval years ago and we've known each all our lives,” Garza said. “He knows how I work and he and the city has trusted me with this project.” Don't be fooled, though. Running a golf course is more than just about the “golf.” With employees (human resources), a pro shop (retail), a restaurant (food & beverage), golfers and tournaments (actual golf) and landscaping there's a lot of juggling involved. Garza said the toughest part has been learning the landscaping, but with the help of Golf Course Superintendent Gabe Cabrera, Garza said he'd learned a lot. “We have more work to do and I need to be able to use all the resources that are available and to do that I have to listen and learn constantly,” Garza said. “But you couldn't ask for anything better than the people around me and the leadership of this city. They are forward thinking.” City Commissioner Adan Farias is quick to point out that quality of life is an ongoing major issue. The Last year the city also opened an aquatic park, with water slides, a lazy river and an area for toddlers. “Quality of life issues are one of the most important things a city can be involved with,” said Farias, who is also on the Tierra del Sol advisory board. “We believe that having quality places to do family thing are critical to a city. We continue to work on this golf course and we will continue to address and improve quality of life here.” The city is also looking at attracting some type of major golf event to Tierra del Sol and is addressing other improvements, such as tennis. Garza said the response from golfers has been more than

City of Pharr, Garza continue to work on the newly re-opened (and improved) Tierra del Sol BY HENRY MILLER

For Raul Garza, it's a perfect job. It's not an easy job. In fact, it could be considered multiple jobs with plenty of challenges. But as director of golf at Tierra del Sol golf course, it's a job he loves as much as a kid in a candy store. If you ask him why, his answer is twofold. “I love helping people, the golfer and the people are my favorite part of this,” he''ll say before you can finish asking the question. “And I love my city. This is where I grew up. This is my course. I'm so fortunate of have a city with leaders who believe in me and support us here. I'm just grateful.” The City of Pharr has invested more than once in Tierra del Sol, most recently spending $1 million giving it a brand new look. From tee to green it's not the same golf course it once was. “But we're not finished,” Garza said. “This isn't a one-anddone deal. There's a lot more I want to do and the city wants to do. This is about our customers, the people. We want them to come out here and have the best possible experience. That starts from customer service at the front door to an end-of-thenight banquet in our banquet room if need be.” More plans are in the way to work on the weeds so they have to maintain them instead of battle them. There's also the vision

Raul Garza talks to officials, guests, local residents and other supporters at the grand re-opening of Tierra del Sol in Pharr.The City of Pharr invested $1 million to give the course a major facelift.

what he anticipated and has been humbled by it. As he drives around the course, checking everything from fairways to greens, water to weeds golfers regularly stop him to share a word and they don't hold back when it comes to the course. “We have a large and very involved and wonderful Winter Texan base,” Garza said. “When they came back and came to play they were very excited. We even had some of our biggest critics tell us how much they enjoyed the course – and that says a lot. “We're here for the people. That's my favorite part of this job. I love helping people and I listen.” Unfortunately, the one thing he doesn't do as much now that he runs a golf course is... golf. “I don't get out as much as I used to,” Garza said. “But it's great to be able to walk out of my office and know that the golf course is right there. I can't stress enough how much I enjoy working here, with the people here and with the leadership at the city.”

20 ON THE RISE Raul Garza is a blessed man - just ask him. He is working on his home golf course in his home city. He has the support of his city and is focused on the continued improvement at Tierra del Sol.

Garza and Golf Course Superintendant Gabe Cabrera look over one of the new greens as it’s being water at Tierra del Sol in Pharr.

Tierra del Sol 700 E. Hall Acres Pharr, Texas (956) 702-2320 www.phargolf.com Par-72

Yardage: Blue tees: 6,827 White tees: 6,266 Gold tees: 5,820 Red tees: 5,252

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FEATURE NAME LORENA OCHOA

FORMER WORLD NO. 1 COMING TO CIMARRON Lorena Ochoa’s time on the LPGA Tour wasn’t one of the longer timelines when compared to many of the top golfers in the world. But her time clearly was one of the most – if not the most – dominant times in the history of the LPGA Tour. Ochoa, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, was ranked the No. 1 Player in the World for more than three years, was the LPGA Player of the Year for four straights years, won 27 LPGA events... the list goes on and on. When Ochoa retired in 2010 at the age of 28, she was still the top-ranked player in the world. And now she’s coming to Cimarron Country Club for the Copa Maxwell 2014, sponsored by Maxwell Magazine.“We are excited to welcome Lorena to the RGV,” said Guillermo Cruz, Director of the event. “We have no doubt that this event will be remembered. The event will be held Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24. A portion of the proceeds will donated to the Angels of Love and Valley Migrant Student Scholarship Foundations. The two-day event includes a conference on Friday with Ochoa entitled “Una Actitud Ante La Vida, Mi Vision.” It focuses on companies and is based on the life experience that led Ochoa to be one of the most successful sports figures in the world. That is followed up with a private dinner with Ochoa at 8 p.m. Friday exclusively for players and sponsors. Saturday’s highlights include a Golf

Clinic with Ochoa. This will be an integrated even with golf and activities that include setting objectives, team building and execution shooting. The big highlight is the Tournament, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The tournament will be a three-player format with only one single digit handicap player per team. A 3-person team is $2,250. There will be prizes for the first three places as well as hole-in-one and closest to the pin prizes. For more information call (956) 313-1709. All tournament entry fees include tickets to the Ochoa Conference and Clinic, the HIGHLIGHTS/AWARDS FOR LORENA OCHOA 2002 Futures Tour Rookie of the Year Futures Tour Player of the Year 2003 LPGA Rookie of the Year

2006 Mexico National Sports Award AP Female Athlete of the Year Mexico Athlete of the Year LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Tour Money Winner

FEATURE- FOOD NAME& DRINK LEISURE LEISURE - TRAVEL FEATURE NAME

More history making at Pinehurst No. 2

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Tastes of Spring are in The Patio air

tournament, breakfast, lunch and beverages tournanent day, an official tournament cap, duffle bag and golf balls and the opportunity to win a 2014 Maserati for a hole in one. “Our vision in Maxwell Cup 2014, is to promote sports in children, youth and adults as well as to educate and entertain our community with values focused on an active life style,” Cruz said. “At the same time we want to contribute to society by allocating part of the revenue generated by the tournament to non profit organizations, this year Angels of Love foundation & VMSS will be benefited.”

LPGA Vare Trophy Golf Writers Assoc. of America Female Player of the Year 2007 LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Tour Money Winner LPGA Vare Trophy Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Mexico National Sports Award Golf Writers Assoc of America Female Player of the Year AP Female Athlete of the Year EFE Sportswoman of the Year Heather Farr Player Award

Each season has its own colors, scents and tastes. So, what does Spring taste like? Honey, berries, lime and coconut. Just the names probably send you on a visual exotic adventure. But you don't have to go far – just to The Patio on Guerra at Winter has its own tastes, that of cinnamon, tea, wood and spices but now we enjoy being in the middle of Spring. As a bartender here at The Patio on Guerra I try not to set the rules but rather improve upon the guidelines for our guests. Our approach to “perfect pairings” combines the best seasonal selections with interesting new beer, wine and spirits for a dining experience that will be as tantalizing as it is memorable. As a bartender, I dance to the beat of your drum and prepare our signature, premium cocktails feature seasonal selections made just for you. Extra lime, not too tart, extra dry, no citrus, however YOU like your drink…

2008 Best International Athlete ESPY LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Tour Money Winner LPGA Vare Trophy Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year 30 [Southtexas Golf #1]

2009 LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Vare Trophy 2011 Bob Jones Award

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BIG NAME: Former No. 1 Lorena Ochoa coming to the RGV.

Pinehurst No. 2, the centerpiece of Pinehurst Resort, remains one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. It has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America and, in 2014, will make history again, becoming the first to serve as host to the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in consecutive weeks. Opened in 1907, No. 2 was designed by Donald Ross, who called it “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.” Ross was associated with the course for nearly a half-century, improving the course continually until his death in 1948. No. 2 is best known for its crowned, undulating greens, which are some of the most complex and widely hailed in the world. In March 2011, No. 2 reopened following a yearlong, $2.5 million restoration by the design firm of Coore & Crenshaw that restored the course’s natural and historic character.

That being said our drinks are always conceived from a greater abstract idea and we start chipping down from there, deconstructing that idea until we come to a common denominator and build a drink from there. The best tasting drinks – and food for that matter – are made from simple, delicious ingredients. This Spring, we are taking a really fun light-hearted approach to our cocktail menu. As a bartender, there's nothing better than coming up with mixtures that tantalize your taste buds. Check out some of the delicious mixtures that we are featuring. This season we will be mixing strawberries, cilantro and dragon fruit rum to create a Rio Grande Valley version of a mojito. We also are featuring a Mexican chocolate, coconut and caramel bourbon iced coffee that’s a perfect after dinner drink. We're also showcasing a mixed berry, limoncello and honey syrup martini. Of course, there are many others that we are featuring to complement our existing lineup of

award-winning drinks. All the cocktails in our menu are craft cocktails. We take as much pride in our jack and cokes as we do in our old fashioned. There is no cocktail more important than yours. Whatever it may be, let us take care of you. Join us at The Patio on Guerra and enjoy McAllen’s live music at its best! Try a cocktail or two from our exceptional bar menu while listening to the best live entertainment. Patio on Guerra features the best in South Texas with delicious savory dishes, award-winning wines, exotic cocktails, and the best in live entertainment. Whether you are looking for a great place to wind down after a hard working day or for a business meeting, an anniversary, a proposal, or “just because” come enjoy the beautiful colors, scents and flavors of Spring. The Patio on Guerra is located at 116 S 17th St, McAllen, TX 78501. Call them for reservations at (956) 661-9100 or visit them at www.patioonguerra.com.

Championships on Pinehurst No. 2 U.S. Open Championship 1999, 2005, 2014 Ryder Cup Matches 1951 PGA Championship 1936 U.S. Women’s Open Championship 2014 U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship 1962, 2008 THE TOUR Championship 1991, 1992 U.S. Senior Open Championship 1994 Maxfli PGA Junior Championship 1993 USGA Women’s Amateur 1989 Independent Insurance Youth Classic (Big I) 1987, 1992 Men’s & Women’s World Amateur Team

PLAY PINEHURST Pinehurst Resort, the site of the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in June, has unveiled three unique opportunities to experience its championship summer - before, during and after the big events. Championship Preview Package Take an advance look at the course that will decide two national champions in June. Available June 1-8 beginning at $199 per person, the package includes accommodations, Pinehurst’s famed breakfast buffet and one round of golf on Pinehurst No. 6, 7 or 8. U.S. Women’s Open Golf Package Stay a short walk from the 18th green and receive a Trophy Club ticket to the first U.S. Women’s Open to be conducted on Pinehurst No. 2. Available June 16-22 beginning at $341 per person, the package includes resort accommodations, Pinehurst’s famed breakfast buffet, one round of golf on No. 6, 7 or 8 and a ticket that offers Trophy Club access. Champions Challenge Package Walk in the footsteps of Pinehurst’s newest champions and experience the same championship conditions that will have tested golf’s best men and women. Available June 26-29 following the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships, the Champions Challenge starts at $2,014 per person and features three nights and four rounds of golf, including one on No. 2 with a caddie, Pinehurst’s famed breakfast buffet, dinner and a commemorative U.S. Open gift. Guests can make reservations by calling 800487-4653. For more information, including photos and video, visit pinehurstmedia.com. Connect with Pinehurst Resort on Facebook and Twitter.

Championship 1980 North & South Junior Tournament (since 1979) World Golf Hall of Fame Classic 1973-1982 PGA Club Professional Championship 1971-74, 1988 Western Golf Association Amateur Championship 1966 Southern Golf Association Amateur Championship 1965, 1977 North & South Senior Women’s Amateur (since 1958) North & South Senior Men’s Amateur (since 1952) Donald Ross Memorial Junior (since 1948) North & South Women’s Amateur (since 1903 North & South Open Championship 1902-1951 North & South Men’s Amateur (since 1901)

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GOLF GRUB: Grubbers get treated like royalty at HCC.

FOOD & DRINK What’s Spring taste like?

TRAVEL: You can play Pinehurst No. 2.

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY FEATURE NAME

MEADOW CREEK GOLF CLUB FEATURE NAME

organ McLaugherty walked off the No. 18 green at Fort Brown Golf Course in Brownsville after firing off a personal best 5-under 67 during the first day of the Texas high school district tournament earlier this month. “I didn't make a birdie putt longer than 8-feet,” McLaugherty said. “Imagine if I had been putting well.” Watch out world. This is the new Morgan McLaugherty. The girl who may have been a little content with hovering around 70 is no longer around. The Harlingen Lady Cardinal who is aiming for perfection – and has a goal of making the LPGA one day – is now realizing that the sky is the limit. “Morgan is the only one I know who gets up at 5:30 in the morning and is at the golf course by 6:30, practicing for an hour,” said the Palms at Mid-Valley Golf Pro Joe Powell, who also works closely with Morgan and her swing. “She goes home and then she goes to school then after school she's back out on the course. “I don't know any other high school player that's doing that. That's why she's surpassing these others.” Morgan started playing at the age of 8, hitting the golf course with her dad Glen on a regular basis. She “just played” until she was 10 and then started competing in

Morgan says her improved short game has made a difference in her scoring his year. events like the South Texas PGA or events like the Texas, Oklahoma Championship.

THE MORGAN FILES

14 [Southtexas Golf #1] MILLER STORY BY HENRY PHOTOS BY JOEY DOWDEN

Meadow Creek is rebuilding its reputation as a challenging course

MORGAN MCLAUGHERTY›› Stronger, Straighter...Better

NAME: Morgan Jean McClaugherty AGE: 17 SCHOOL: Harlingen High School GRADE: 11th grade DAD: Glen McClaugherty HOME COURSE: Treasure Hills Golf Club BEST ROUND: 67 (-5) Fort Brown Golf Course FAVORITE COURSE: The Maxx Golf Club in Laredo, Texas

She quickly learned that playing outside the Valley was a whole different ballgame. “You need more height when you get out of here,” said Morgan, a junior at Harlingen High School. “When you leave here there's a lot more undulation and more bunkers and you have to be able to hit it high and stop it more.” It's been a subtle, bot roller-coaster ride for The Lady Cardinal, who first noticed her game climbing to a new level when she was in junior high school while working with the school's coach daily. When he left the school, Morgan said her game started to get away again. In between her sophomore and junior years, however, if came back with the help of both Powell and Joe Cardenas at Treasure Hills Golf Course. . This year, however, it has soared. McLaugherty has watched her scoring average drop from 78 to 71. This season, she broke her person best three times, the most recent a 67. One time Morgan and Powell played a round. Powell finished with a 68. Even though Morgan shot a 72, Powell told her she could've been him that day. “The sky is the limit for her and she could make it to the Tour if she keeps it you. She shot a 67 andit came in a tournament setting. “A lot of it is in between the ears and she's mentally tough. She would try to steer into the clubhouse with blowing up. That last time we played she got tight when she was 2- or 3-under. I told her when you get there start shooting at the pins more. She could be shooting in the mid-60s quite

COURSE NAME: Meadow Creek Golf Club

FAVORITE PROS: Tigers Woods, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth FAVORITE FOOD: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad HIGH SCHOOL COACH: Chris Milligan

YARDAGE: Blue - 6,059 White – 5,488 Red - 4,747

PHONE: Pro Shop (956) 3504000; Office (956) 581-6262

FAIRWAY GRASS: Bermuda

EMAIL: meadowcreekinthevalley@ yahoo.com

GREENS: Bermuda

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION: Otis Hesteness

HOBBIES: Play golf, practice, work out NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THIS: “in the last couple years I realized my calling in life, is to play golf, is to change the world of#1] golf15 [Southtexas Golf forever

ANNUAL TOURNAMENTS: 22 Annual Tournaments

PAR: 70

ADDRESS: 1300 Circle Drive Mission, Texas 78592

ABOUT THE COURSE: Lots of water on the back 9. No. 18 as tough a finishing hole around from the blues. Course is a good test for any level of golfer. OTHER INFORMATION: Driving Range, Pro Shop, Pro Shop Grill and the 19th Hole is Open Daily

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SOARING CARDINAL

MEADOW CREEK

Harlingen High School’s Morgan McLaugherty just keeps getting better day by day.

Mission Golf Course poses challenges for all level of golfers.

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What’s Inside

8 A SPECIAL SPORT: Golf might be a perfect sport for all ages, for all levels, for all everything.

10 COUGAR ON THE PROWL: U of H and former Harlingen South star Roman Robledo making news in a great way.

12 WHAT’S HAPPENING: See what golf events are happening in the Valley and beyond.

24 SAY IT IN A PHOTO: Check out some of the tournaments we visited recently.

44 HAPPY MOTHERS DAY: Mothers Day is always a special day. Make this one even more special.

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Feature name FROM THE PUBLISHER

GOLF

Could it be the perfect sport? One of my greatest joys about 25 years in the media has been interviewing so many people. Often times someone will say someHenry Miller is Publisher of South thing to me that makes me reflect on my Texas Golf. He has more than 25 years life -- good and bad times both. of publishing experience, has written sports for more than 150 newspapers, Recently while interviewing Harlingen covered the Olympics, NASCAR, Major High School’s Morgan McLaugherty League Baseball and other sports. He she mentioned something about how has been syndicated on radio in more she loves golf because it’s an individual than 70 markets and loves to golf. sport. She doesn’t need to play against His 9-year-old daughter Camilla has or with anybody because she can always a wicked left-handed swing and also compete against herself. enjoys track, volleyball, karate and I love the sport for the same reason. fashion. They live in McAllen, Texas. Then I thought to myself “wow, I love the sport for so many more reasons too.” I love to compete. When you think about it, every single swing is a different competition as you aim for longer distances, more accuracy, hitting the green.... whatever your goal is right then and there. I love playing it with others. Sharing times with friends - whether it’s in an official competitive setting or just to see who’s buying drinks at the end of the round. I love playing it by myself. There’s something about being on the course alone. There’s nothing like being able to put all your worries of the day to the side and just be able to reflect and have a peaceful round of golf. (Other than having to wait on the slow group in front of you). I have a couple friends who always seem to have their best rounds when they play alone... wonder how that happens. I love being able to take my daughter to the course. There’s no greater joy on the golf course for me than watching her take a swing that could chop a small tree down. She may not always hit the ball clearly but somehow her swing is still picture perfect. It’s way better than mine and I’ve been playing for 20 years. I especially love just being able to spend the time with her there. She was first exposed to the sport at Palm View Golf Course with her plastic club at age 5. Whenshe’s 85 she’ll still be able to play, God willing. I love that about the sport. All in all, it might just be a perfect pasttime, a perfect sport. Yeah, that’s why I love the sport. In fact, I think I may go play right now.

WHO HIT AN ACE?

Gord Morrish scored a Hole-In-One recently at Valley International Country Club in Brownsville on the No. 5 hole using a 9-iron. Send your photo and hole-in-oneinformation to southtexasgolf@gmail.com Congrats Gord!

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FREE! TAKE ONE

September 2013

Free edition

RAUL GARZA: DRIVING CHANGES AT TIERRA DEL SOL LORENA OCHOA COMING TO CIMARRON [Southtexas Golf #1] 1 PROFILE: DR. ARMANDO MONCADA * PINEHURST NO. 2 HARLINGEN’S MORGAN MCLAUGHERTY * GOLF GRUB: HCC

On the cover: Raul Garza couldn’t be any happier than he is now, working with the City of Pharr to improve Tierra del Sol by leaps and bounds. Photo by: Henry Miller

Staff Henry Miller - Publisher henry@stexasgolf.com (956) 607-9210 Joey Dowden - Advertising Director joey@stexasgolf.com (956) 607-0853 David DeLeon Henry Miller Designers Tiki Tillman Photography Photographer

Volume 2, Isssue 2. April 2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of South Texas Golf or its publisher. Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy in the material published in this magazine. South Texas Golf reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. South Texas Golf shall be held harmless and indemnified against any third-party claims. Advertisements appearing in South Texas Golf present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. South Texas Golf is printed in the U.S.A. All correspondence to the publication become the property of South Texas Golf Magazine. South Texas Golf Magazine is published by H&J Publications. Copyright 2013. To advertise in South Texas Golf call (956) 607-0853 or email southtexasgolf@gmail.com

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Feature name SHORT SHOTS

SHORT SHOTS A collection of tidbits brought to you by...

facebook.com/southtexasgolf

WIZARD’S WORD

Buying used clubs obviously can save you money…but there can be many headaches and sometimes a complete bust on a purchase if a few simple details are overlooked. When it comes time to purchase used golf clubs, there are primarily two areas you’re going to get them. You can either buy them at a golf shop or a retail outlet, or you can buy them online. The benefit of going to a retail store or a local golf shop to buy a set of used golf clubs is you see and touch them. You might even be able to hit a couple and you know exactly what you are purchasing. You can thoroughly inspect used club shafts for straightness or any kinks. Next determine if the shaft is the original equipment or a replacement shaft…any

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ROMAN ROBLEDO

ROBLEDO

Harlingen South graduate Roman Robledo has had a huge impact on the University of Houston golf team. Robledo has twice beeen recognized as the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week and was named Golfweek’s National Player of the week in mid-March.

SWINGING FOR STATE

As of presstime, the following teams and individuals had avanced to the Texas Regional Golf Tournament with the hopes of advancing to the state tournament in Austin, April 28-29: BOYS 32-4A Teams: Mission Veterans A; Edcouch-Elsa. Individuals: Jorge Ibarra, Valley View; Thomas Zomorrano, Donna North 30-5A Teams: Shary A; Edinburg Vela A. Individu-

sets with a club with an unmatched shaft replacement would not make a good set to purchase. Think about re-gripping immediately if you like the clubs as most used clubs have worn grips and you can get it done right on the spot. If you are going to buy a set of used or even new clubs online be sure you are dealing with a reputable company that you have confidence in buying. Otherwise, you just don’t know exactly what

Recently, Robledo posted a score of 7-under-par 209 to win the Border Olympics individual title and lead the Cougars to their third straight team championship at the start of April. He posted three consecutive sub-par rounds - including a second-round 68 - for his fourth title in 2013-14 and the fifth title of his career. It also was his fifth individual championship in his last nine events.

als: Phillip Garza, Edinburg North; Amancio Acosta, Edinburg 31-5A Teams: Weslaco East, McAllen Memorial. Individuals: Alan Alanis, McAllen High, Francesco Guerra, San Benito 32-5A Teams: Harlingen A, Brownsville Veterans A. Individuals: Adrian Saenz, Brownsville Porter; Cesar Elizando, Brownsville Hanna GIRLS 32-4A Teams: Edcouch-Elsa, Roma. Individuals: Leah Lerma, Mission; Kimberly Calderon,

you are going to get… there are tons of counterfeits we see them more and more as online purchasing grows. Also, used clubs purchased online can have shaft changes and club lies that may have been adjusted and cannot be brought back to standard, a couple of issues that could lead to a useless club and an unhappy golfer. …So, if you want to just simplify the search for really good used clubs, stop by one of our two Golf Headquarters locations in McAllen or Brownsville and check out the “Consignment Corner” display of gently used clubs that have been inspected by our pros.

Bill Hayter - Golf Headquarters owner, has been helping RGV Golfers improve their game and their equipment for more than 37 years.

This season, Robledo leads the Cougars with a sparkling 70.86 scoring average and 15 rounds of par or better. He has posted eight sub-par scores in his last nine rounds and totaled 10 rounds of par or better during his last 11 rounds. UH boasts 16 team national titles and eight individual national champions, a list that includes PGA regulars Fred Couples, Steve Elkington and John Mahaffey.

Mission Veterans 30-5A Teams: Sharyland A, Edinburg Vela. Individuals: Carina Hernandez, Sharyland B; Ariel Chavana, Edinburg Vela (ind) 31-5A Teams: Weslaco, McAllen High. Individuals: Emma Valle, San Benito; Catherine Trevino, PSJA. 32-5A Teams: Harlingen, Brownsville Hanna A. Individuals: Briana Garza, Los Fresnos, Amanda Alvarez, Harlingen South

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Visit Our Large Showrooms In: [Southtexas Golf #1] 11 McAllen n Corpus Christi n San Antonio

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SCHEDULES Feature name RGV GOLF CALENDAR ALAMO COUNTRY CLUB 956-787-0907 MAY 16-17 MEMORIAL DAY BROWNSVILLE GOLF CENTER 956- 541-2582 APRIL 26 CHIEF OF POLICE CIMARRON COUNTRY CLUB 956-581-7408 JUNE 6 AUDI QUATTRO CUP FORT BROWN GOLF CLUB 956-541-0394 APRIL 27 FORT BROWN JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION HARLINGEN COUNTRY CLUB 956-412-4100 APRIL 25 BLUE SUNDAY MAY 9 HARLINGEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LOS LAGOS GOLF CLUB 956-316-0444 APRIL 26 PIGA 26 KOREAN CHURCH OF MCALLEN 26 SUNDOWNERS (EVERY TUESDAY) MAY 3 ROBERT MAHER MONSIGNOR 23 AGC 24 RGV THUNDER SOFTBALL 31 A.C. CUELLAR JUNE 7 PIGA 21 DOUBLE POINTS COME VISIT THE ALL NEW LOS LAGOS LIGHTED DRIVING RANGE MARTIN VALLEY RANCH 956-585-6330 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WINTER TEXANS

McALLEN COUNTRY CLUB 956-686-0823 APRIL 30-MAY 3 MEMBER/GUEST MAY 5 HADASSAH MEADOW CREEK 956-581-6267 APRIL 26 TEXAS A&M AGGIES MOMS MAY 3 NATIONAL HISPANIC INSTITUTE MONTE CRISTO GOLF COUNTRY CLUB 956-221-3480 APRIL 12 FOOD BANK 26 EDINBURG ISD SUPERINTENDENTS MAY 12 EDINBURG BOYS/GIRLS CLUB THE PALMS AT MID-VALLEY 956-565-3211 APRIL 12 FOOD BANK 26 MERCEDES CHAMBER CROWNE CLAS. MAY 4 WESLACO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PALMVIEW GOLF COURSE 956-681-3444 APRIL 25-27 API MAY 3 MCHI BOOSTER CLUB RANCHO VIEJO 956-350-4359 MAY 10 BROWNSVILLE ISD 28 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FUNDRAISER RIVERBEND GOLF COURSE 956-548-0192 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WINTER TEXANS SHARY MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE 956-580-8770 APRIL 11 AIA 17 MISSION JUNIOR HIGH 19 MISSION LEADERSHIP 26 MISSION KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

PGA SCHEDULE April 17-20 April 24-27 May 1-4 May 8-11 May 15-18 May 22-25 May 29-June 1 June 5-8 JUNE 12-15

RBC Heritage CBS, ESPN Zurich Classic CBS, ESPN Wells Fargo Champ. CBS, DirTV The Players Champ. GOLF/NBC Byron Nelson Champ. CBS/GOLF Crowne Plaza Invitational CBS/GOLF The Memorial Tourn CBS/DirTV FedEx St. Jude Classic CBS/GOLF U.S. Open (Pinehurst No. 2)CBS

LPGA SCHEDULE April 16-19 LOTTE Championship, Kapolei, Hawaii April 24-27 Swinging Skirts Classic, Daly City, Ca. May 1-4 North Texas LPGA Shootout, Irving, Texas May 15-18 Kingsmill Champ., Williamsburg, Va. May 22-25 Airbus LPGA Classic, Mobile, Ala. May 30-June 1 ShopRite LPGA Classic, Galloway, N.J. June 5-8 Manulife Financial Classic, Waterloo, Ont. June 19-22 U.S. Women’s Open, Pinehurst No. 2 12 [Southtexas Golf #1]

MAY 3 JESSIE LERMA GOLF/6K RUN 10 MISSION JUNIOR DISTRICT JUNE 7 MISSION JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND GOLF CLUB 956-943-4653 MAY 3 LAGUNA MADRE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB STUART PLACE GOLF COURSE 956-428-2000 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WINTER TEXANS TIERRA DEL SOL GOLF COURSE 956-702-2320 APRIL 12 BASILICA OF SAN JUAN 19 FRIENDS OF HIDALGO 26 SENIOR NCO MAY 17 PSJA NORTH RAIDER 24 VALLEYVIEW ISD FOR SCHLORSHIP TIERRA SANTA GOLF COURSE 956-973-1811 APRIL 11 SANTEX 12 EDCOUCH ELSA ROTARY 18 ARMY/NAVY CREDIT UNION 26 FCA MAY 3 WISD SCHLORSHIP FOUNDATION 17 PICO DE GALLO 24 BORDER PATROL JUNE HEB (CALL FOR DETAILS) TONY BUTLER GOLF COURSE 956-216-5970 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WINTER TEXANS TREASURE HILLS 956-365-3100 APRIL 5 PAGA 16 STPGA JUNIOR VALLEY INTERNATIONAL CC 956-546-5331 TUESDAYS HOT 9 @ 5:30 SATURDAYS VICC MENS GOLF ASSOCIATION

CHAMPIONS SCHEDULE April 18-20 Greater Gwinnett Champ.p, Duluth, Ga. May 2-4 Insperity Invitational, The Woodlands, Tx May 15-18 Regions Tradition, Shoal, Creek, Ala. May 22-25 Sr. PGA Champ.,, Benton Harbor, Mich May 30-June 1 Principal Charity Classic, Des Moines, IA June 2-8 Big Cedar Lodge Legends,, Ridgedale, Mo. June 20 Encompass Championship, Glenview, Il. LEGENDS SCHEDULE May 1-4 Walgreens Classic, Sun City West, Az. June 27-20 Judson Collegiate Pro-Am, Atlanta FED-EX CUP STANDINGS 1) Jimmy Walker 2,046 pts 2) Bubba Watson 1,840 3) Patrick Reed 1,343 4) Duston Johnson 1,334 5) Harris English 1,253

6) Jordan Spieth 1,115 7) Chris Kirk 1,109 8) Zach Johnson 1,031 9) Matt Every 994 10) Webb Simpson 971

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Feature name

14 [Southtexas Golf #1] MILLER STORY BY HENRY PHOTOS BY JOEY DOWDEN

MORGAN MCLAUGHERTY›› Stronger, Straighter...Better

gets up at 5:30 in the morning and is at the golf course by 6:30, practicing for an hour,” said the Palms at Mid-Valley Golf Pro Joe Powell, who also works closely with Morgan and her swing. “She goes home and then she goes to school then after school she's back out on the course. “I don't know any other high school player that's doing that. That's why she's surpassing these others.” Morgan started playing at the age of 8,

Morgan says her improved short game has made a difference in her scoring his year. hitting the golf course with her dad Glen on a regular basis. She “just played” until

THE MORGAN FILES NAME: Morgan Jean McClaugherty AGE: 17 SCHOOL: Harlingen High School GRADE: 11th grade DAD: Glen McClaugherty HOME COURSE: Treasure Hills Golf Club BEST ROUND: 67 (-5) Fort Brown Golf Course FAVORITE COURSE: The Maxx Golf Club in Laredo, Texas

she was 10 and then started competing in events like the South Texas PGA or events like the Texas-Oklahoma Championship. She quickly learned that playing outside the Valley was a whole different ballgame. “You need more height when you get out of here,” said Morgan, a junior at Harlingen High School. “When you leave here there's a lot more undulation and more bunkers and you have to be able to hit it high and stop it more.” It's been a subtle, but roller-coaster ride for The Lady Cardinal, who first noticed her game climbing to a new level when she was in junior high school while working with the school's coach daily. When he left the school, Morgan said her game started to get away again. In between her sophomore and junior years, however, it came back with the help of both Powell and Joe Cardenas at Treasure Hills Golf Course. . This year, however, it has soared. McLaugherty has watched her scoring average drop from 78 to 71. This season, she broke her person best three times, the most recent a 67. One time Morgan and Powell played a round. Powell finished with a 68. Even though Morgan shot a 72, Powell told her she should've beat him that day. “The sky is the limit for her and she could make it to the Tour if she keeps it up. She shot a 67 and it came in a tournament setting with all the pressures. “A lot of it is in between the ears and she's mentally tough. She would try to steer into the clubhouse without blowing up. That last time we played she got tight when

FAVORITE PROS: Tigers Woods, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth FAVORITE FOOD: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad HIGH SCHOOL COACH: Chris Milligan HOBBIES: Play golf, practice, work out NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THIS: “in the last couple years I realized my calling in life, is to play golf, is to change the world of#1] golf15 [Southtexas Golf forever.”

Feature name she was 2- or 3-under. I told her when you get there start shooting at the pins more. She could be shooting in the mid-60s quite often before you know it.” The next tournament after the two played, Morgan went out to Tony Butler and shot 69-69 over a two-day tournament. “I think she was 5-under at one point and bogeyed No. 17,” Powell said. “But she realized that when she gets that cushion, that's the time she can go for it.” Morgan said that her work ethic was a huge factor in helping her scores drop. “I worked really hard last summer,” said Morgan, who also works hard in the classroom and is in the top 10 percent of her class with her grades. “I thought I had always been working hard, but I hadn’t been. I worked harder than ever in my entire life last summer. I lived at the golf course and the gym. “There are so many things that work together to become a better golfer – practice, working out, eating. You have to incorporate all those things. Between June and

August I saw a huge different in my game.” Another thing that helped was making a grip change – even though Morgan fought it for the first few weeks. “My right hand was very weak and Joe (Powell) wanted me to get it more on top. It was like an inch of movement but it completely altered my swing. It took me a solid three weeks to get used to it. My feeling was that if it wasn't broke, don't fix it,” Morgan said. “But that's part of the mental game. You can't give up on something. It was a humbling experience – a teaching professional knows more than the player. “It's definitely helped me. I'm not a long hitter but it's given me more distance and more accuracy.” Powell said that Morgan was in a position where she needed to do something different. Her grip was only going to allow her so much distance. “She could shoot par her way but under pressure she started hooking the ball and that's hard to avoid,” Powell said. “You want to be aggressive and hit it further and for

a right-handed player to get optimum distance she needed to use the right hand and she really wasn't. “Now, the way she hits her driver dead straight on some of those par 4s she can hit driver and chip on the green. It’s a ot easier to get birdies from 50 yards than 150 yards out.” Morgan's plans after high school are to play college golf, but she hasn't given out any verbal commitments yet. She said she will major in business and marketing. But for now it's keep on working and keep on improving. While Morgan claims that there wasn't any real breakthrough round that catapulted her from good to better, she admits that the district round of 67 was a good deal. “That was really good, but to do that and not make any long putts and to wonder what I could've shot if I was making some putts.... that's scary.” “She has always been a good little player and with her work ethic she just passes everyone,” Powell said. “The sky's the limit for her.”

1119 WEST HARRISON , HARLINGEN, TX 78550 PHONE: (956) 365-4122 FAX (956) 365-4120 WWW.RGVCARTS.COM

THE OFFICIAL AND ONLY AUTHORIZED CLUB CAR GOLF AND XRT DEALER FOR CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS (SERVING HARLINGEN, SOUTH PADRE ISLAND AND BROWNSVILLE)

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Feature name LORENA OCHOA

FORMER WORLD NO. 1 COMING TO CIMARRON Lorena Ochoa’s time on the LPGA Tour wasn’t one of the longer timelines when compared to many of the top golfers in the world. But her time clearly was one of the most – if not the most – dominant times in the history of the LPGA Tour. Ochoa, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, was ranked the No. 1 Player in the World for more than three years, was the LPGA Player of the Year for four straights years, won 27 LPGA events... the list goes on and on. When Ochoa retired in 2010 at the age of 28, she was still the top-ranked player in the world. And now she’s coming to Cimarron Country Club for the Copa Maxwell 2014, sponsored by Maxwell Magazine.“We are excited to welcome Lorena to the RGV,” said Guillermo Cruz, Director of the event. “We have no doubt that this event will be remembered. The event will be held Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24. A portion of the proceeds will donated to the Valley Migrant Student Scholarship Foundation. The two-day event includes a conference on Friday with Ochoa entitled “Una Actitud Ante La Vida, Mi Vision.” It focuses on companies and is based on the life experience that led Ochoa to be one of the most successful sports figures in the world. That is followed up with a private dinner with Ochoa at 8 p.m. Friday exclusively for players and sponsors. Saturday will be a day full of fun activities for the kids as businesses will be giv-

ing away samples and much more will be happening. Also Saturday there will be a Golf Clinic with Ochoa. This will be an integrated event with golf and activities that include setting objectives, team building and execution shooting. The big highlight is the Tournament, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The tournament will be a three-player format with only one single digit handicap player per team. A 3-person team is $2,250. Mention this article to receive a 10% discount when you buy a team up until May 2. There will be prizes for the first three places as well as hole-in-one and closest to the pin prizes. HIGHLIGHTS/AWARDS FOR LORENA OCHOA 2002 Futures Tour Rookie of the Year Futures Tour Player of the Year 2003 LPGA Rookie of the Year 2006 Mexico National Sports Award AP Female Athlete of the Year Mexico Athlete of the Year LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Tour Money Winner

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For more information call (956) 313-1709. All tournament entry fees include tickets to the Ochoa Conference and Clinic, the tournament, breakfast, lunch and beverages tournanent day, an official tournament cap, duffle bag and golf balls and the opportunity to win a 2014 Maserati and a Rolex watch for a hole in one. “Our vision in Maxwell Cup 2014, is to promote sports in children, youth and adults as well as to educate and entertain our community with values focused on an active life style,” Cruz said. “At the same time we want to contribute to society by allocating part of the revenue generated by the tournament to the Valley Migrant Student Sholarship Fund.”

2008 Best International Athlete ESPY LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Tour Money Winner LPGA Vare Trophy Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year 2009 LPGA Rolex Player of the Year LPGA Vare Trophy 2011 Bob Jones Award

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COVER STORY - RAUL GARZA, TIERRA DEL SOL Feature name

NOT DONE YET

City of Pharr, Garza continue to work on the newly re-opened (and improved) Tierra del Sol BY HENRY MILLER

For Raul Garza, it’s a perfect job. It’s not an easy job. In fact, it could be considered multiple jobs with plenty of challenges. But as director of golf at Tierra del Sol golf course, it’s a job he loves as much as a kid in a candy store. If you ask him why, his answer is two-fold. “I love helping people, the golfer and the people are my favorite part of this,” he’’ll say before you can finish asking the question. “And I love my city. This is where I grew up. This is my course. I’m so fortunate to have a city with leaders who believe in me and support us here. I’m just grateful.” The All-America City of Pharr has invested more than once in Tierra del Sol; most recently spending nearly $1 million giving it a brand new look. From tee to green, it’s not the same golf course it once was. “But we’re not finished,” Garza said. “This isn’t a one-anddone deal. There’s a lot more I want to do and the city wants to do. This is about our customers. We want them to come out here and have the best possible experience. That starts from customer service at the front door, to an end-of-the-night banquet in our banquet room, if need be.” There’s also a vision of changing the entrance and possibly ex-

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›› panding the parking lot; so when golfers first enter the course, they see golfers putting, chipping or at the driving range and they get an aesthetic perspective of the course and the remodeled clubhouse. Garza is a Pharr native. Tierra del Sol is his home course. Raul Garza started playing golf late in life; but remembers bringing his two sons to the course at very early ages – 3 and 1 ½. He even changed diapers on the course! “Everything was disposed of properly,” Garza joked. “This city and this course have been my life.” Back then he would’ve laughed if you told him he’d be directing the show at the course. “No way,” said Garza, who graduated from Pan American University with a degree in Accounting and worked with the Pharr EDC as well as the Pharr Events Center before taking over the 18-hole municipal course. “I worked for City Manager Fred Sandoval years ago and we’ve known each all our lives,” Garza said. “He knows how I work and he and the city have trusted me with this project.” Don’t be fooled, though. Running a golf course is more than just about “golf.” With employees (human resources), a pro shop (retail), a restaurant (food & beverage), golfers and tournaments (actual golf) and landscaping, there’s a lot of juggling involved. Garza said the toughest part has been learning the landscaping; but with the help of Golf Course Superintendent Gabe Cabrera, Garza said he’s learned a lot. “We have more work to do and I need to be able to use all the resources that are available. And to do that I have to listen and learn constantly,” Garza said. “But you couldn’t ask for anything better than the people around me and the leadership of this city. They are forward thinking.” Mayor Pro-Tem Adan Farias is quick to point out that quality of life is an ongoing major issue. Over the last year, the city of Pharr also opened an aquatic park with water slides, a lazy river and an area for toddlers. “Quality of life issues are one of the most important things a city can be involved with,” said Farias, who is also on the Tierra del Sol advisory board. “We believe having quality places to do family things are critical to a city. We continue to work on this golf course and we will continue to address and improve quality of life here.” The city is also looking at attracting some type of major golf event to Tierra del Sol and is addressing other recreational interests such as tennis. Garza said the response from golfers has been more positive than what he anticipated; and is humbled by it. As he drives

around the course, checking everything from fairways to greens, golfers regularly stop him to share a word - and they don’t hold back when it comes to the course. “We have a large and very involved and wonderful Winter Texan base,” Garza said. “When they came back this year and came to play at Tierra Del Sol, they were very excited. We even had some of our biggest critics tell us how much they enjoyed the course – and that says a lot.” You can see the energy and enthusiasm Raul Garza brings to his role as the individual responsible for keeping the community happy. “We’re here for the people. That’s my favorite part of this job. I love helping people . And I listen.” Unfortunately, the one thing he doesn’t do as much now that he runs a golf course is golf. “I don’t get out as much as I used to,” Garza said. “But it’s great to be able to walk out of my office and know that the golf course is right there. I can’t stress enough how much I enjoy working here, with the people here and with the leadership at the city.” Tierra Del Sol has come a long way and invites you to experience the advantage of this newly renovated jewel of south Texas.

Garza and Golf Course Superintendant Gabe Cabrera look over one of the new greens as it’s being watered at Tierra del Sol in Pharr.

Tierra del Sol 700 E. Hall Acres Pharr, Texas (956) 702-2320 www.phargolf.com Par-72

Yardage: Blue tees: 6,827 White tees: 6,266 Gold tees: 5,820 Red tees: 5,252

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VAMOS PROFILE Feature Blessedname are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting. – Princess Elizabeth (Asquith) Bibesco, from the book Haven, 1951

DR. ARMANDO MONCADA

PUTTING OTHERS FIRST BY HENRY MILLER Dr. Armando Moncada has affected many children’s lives. There will be many more to benefit from his care of others. Whether it’s through cleft-lip surgeries in Guatemala, Nicaragua or the Valley, or as the driving force behind the fundraising efforts of the annual VAMOS Cup Golf Tournament, Moncada has made it a mission, a life-long goal, to help. As you talk with him you also realize one thing, he believes that this is what he’s on earth to do. There’s no gloating, no bragging, just a matter-of-fact realization that there are others in need and he, along with others, should provide. “Maybe it’s part of my DNA,” said Moncada from his office at Moncada Hand & Plastic Surgery in McAllen. “My grandmother would treat people in town when there were no doctors. Or she would bring food to the sick and poor patients and I would go with her bringing pans or whatever else I could carry. “That’s how she was. That’s how I grew up. I knew from when I was 6 or 7 that I wanted to be a doctor.” Moncada has been the VAMOS Cup Golf Committee Director since its inception. In May the tournament was held for the 18th straight year. More than 200 golfers, plenty of food, prizes and volunteers filled Palm View golf course en route to more than $700,000 beinf raised. “Years ago we had a conversation with Alonzo (Cantu, VAMOS founder) and he wanted to create a foundation to assist students. I suggested a golf tournament as a good way to do it.” Moncada already had plenty of experience with tournaments, running Docs for Tots for 15 years. That event would raise upwards of $80,000. Volunteers and committee members would spend most of a day using that money to buy toys for the Marines to pass out to children. “It takes a lot of time to spend $80,000 on toys,” Moncada said. “The Valley has always been good when it comes to giving 22 [Southtexas Golf #1]

for kids.” And they’ve come out in full force for VAMOS, which raised more than $300,000 in the first event. The Valley Allliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) mission is to provide renewable scholarships to all deserving students in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties for the purpose of completing a post secondary education. “This takes a lot more than one person. We have not only a great committee but an amazing group of volunteers,” Moncada said. “This is really two tournaments in one, with the same prizes and everything in the afternoon flight as in the morning flight so it takes twice the amount of work. But the committee and volunteers get it ready every year.” Moncada has played in all but one of the VAMOS Cup tournaments and picked up golf at a young age. He didn’t play regularly until he moved to Nebraska in 1975 and played with his then in-laws. One of the family members still travels to McAllen to play in the McAllen Country Club member-guest.

Likewise, Moncada plays away from the Valley – being a member of a team at country club in Managua, Nicaragua. Each year different clubs from Central America compete for bragging rights. This year they played in Panama and Moncada’s team finished second, behind the host club. “Home course advantage,” Moncada said. “But we played well.” Golf is a great bridge for Moncada and he has used it – abroad and here at home – to help others, especially those who can’t help themselves. “It’s not me, it’s the donors and people who give so much for kids,” he said. “Altruism is something everybody should do. A lot of people don’t understand that. My primary joy is addressing children when they have congenital anomalies – cleft lips, cleft palettes. I’ve worked with all kinds of deformities and kids with trauma from burns or dog bites or amputations. Without good people we couldn’t help these kids the way we do. “Likewise, without good committee members and volunteers we couldn’t give away the scholarships we do either.”

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Feature name 18TH ANNUAL VAMOS CUP AT PALM VIEW GOLF COURSE

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ON THE LINKSVAMOS CUP AT PALM VIEW GOLF COURSE 18TH ANNUAL

Moncada

Plastic Surgery MONCADAPLASTICSURGERY . COM

Little black dress

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TEXAS REDname GRAPEFRUIT DAY GOLF BENEFIT AT MCALLEN CC Feature

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Feature 62ND LIFE name BEGINS AT 40 TOURNAMENT AT HARLINGEN CC

Ron Kilby, left, came from 2-down to win his eighth Life Begins at 40 Golf Tournament on the first playoff hole at Harlingen Country Club. L.D. Clopton, right, the defending champion, was seeking his third title.

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1119 WEST HARRISON , HARLINGEN, TX 78550 PHONE: (956) 365-4122 FAX (956) 365-4120 WWW.RGVCARTS.COM

THE OFFICIAL AND ONLY AUTHORIZED CLUB CAR DEALER FOR CLUB CAR CARRYALLTM PRODUCTS IN THE RIO GRAND VALLEY!

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Feature name

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GOLF GRUB: HARLINGEN COUNTRY CLUB

FOOD FIT FOR KINGS

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(and a 9-year-old girl)

I recently read a book where during one chapter two people were being fed by some mythological Mayan gods (not so mythical in the book of course). They were mere mortals being treated like gods - and fed by them as well. I know how they felt after eating at Harlingen Country Club. Chef and Food & Beverage Director Adam Ezzell and Restaurant Manager Ashley Levin (photo at right) treated us (us being two adults and a 9-year-old girl) to an exquisite smorgasbord of amazingly prepared and presented dishes. Obviously, being a country club, the food reaches a different level than most golf courses with more choices and more complex dishes. Every one of these dishes were amazing. Let’s put it this way - my 9-year-old daughter ate beef ribeye nachos, some filet mignon, perfectly cooked and seasoned asparagus, grilled onions and most of her own steak, cooked to perfection and then had dessert. Of course, if you’ve followed golf grub over the previous editions you know I have not a sweet tooth but a meat tooth - I love beef. That leads me straight to the filet mignon, medium rare (seen at left). Every bite was a lesson in how to make a simple filet -- seasoned with just salt and pepper - blackened to perfection. To me, the thicker the piece of meat the more complicated it is to give it that consistent level of pink throughout. That wasn’t the case here and this steak was crispy, juicy and filled with flavor. The asparagus, crispy onion straws and a twicebaked potato was a perct combination, both for my visual enjoyment and moreso for my taste bud enjoyment. The other adult party is as big a fish, chicken, pork eater as I am a beef eater. He tore into his Gulf snapper and crab picatta pan fried with jumbo crab meat, capers, tomatoes, white wine and lemon butter (top right photo). He’s a critic when it comes to food and extremely picky. Not a word was spoken as he ate this more complicated, but spectacularly prepared and presented meal. This was served with a side of rice - and more aspargus (rice and asparagus

mostly eaten by my daughter - gotta love it!) “Featuring the Snapper is a must here in South Texas with being so close to the Gulf, Chef Adam said. “Showcasing this dish topped with lump crabmeat and picatta sauce has definitely enhanced it” Chef Adam told us that the asparagus runs out faster than anything because diners just love it. I can’t say I disagree. I could seriously take a large plate full of the divine stalks and just eat them throughout a day (lets make that several large plates. On of my my problems with fish is that I grew a major dislike for it as a child. I just never could get into the taste and I remember always being hungry afterwards. Most of those memories quickly disappeared as I tried the snapper. Light and easily breakable in your mouth, all the flavors mixed together were amazing. And while it was light, it was also very satisfying in regards to the portion. It’s definitely something I would order next time - if I could pull away from the filet mignon. Another dish that Adam and Ashley brought out for us to try included the Diablo Chicken sandwich grilled with onions and pepper on jalpeno bread. This was servied with sweet potato fries and an amazingly fresh, crunchy wedge salad with house bleu cheese, bleu cheese crumbles, tomatoes, red onions and bacon (bottom right photo). If you’re not looking for a big dinner-style meal, this is more than enough for a great lunch. The combination was perfect. (And the house peppercorn dressing might be worth getting a membership... imagine eating that with a filet... oh, sorry, I digressed). This was all topped off with some bread pudding topped with white chocalate and whiskey sauce (middle right photo). Clearly this was enough food for three or four adults (and a 9-year-old), but I’m glad it was just us three on this occasion. After all, how often do mere mortals get fed by cooking gods? [Southtexas Golf #1] 31

GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature name

MEADOW CREEK GOLF CLUB Meadow Creek is rebuilding its reputation as a challenging course

COURSE NAME: Meadow Creek Golf Club

PAR: 70

ADDRESS: 1300 Circle Drive Mission, Texas 78592

YARDAGE: Blue - 6,059 White â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5,488 Red - 4,747

PHONE: Pro Shop (956) 3504000; Office (956) 581-6262

FAIRWAY GRASS: Bermuda

EMAIL: meadowcreekinthevalley@ yahoo.com

GREENS: Bermuda

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION: Otis Hesteness ANNUAL TOURNAMENTS: 22 Annual Tournaments

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Feature name GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY FEATURE NAME

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature FEATURE name NAME

Adolfo Cubriel

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY FEATURE NAME Feature name

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MISSION JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT›› This fundraiser pays for: bus, hotel, meals, shirts, caps & chaperones

“Help Make That Dream Possible” SATURDAY, JUNE 7 8:30 A.M. SHARY GOLF COURSE

Help Us Send The Kids To The TAAF Games, July 30-Aug. 2 The Mission Junior Golf Program Goals: -- Instruction -- Etiquette -- Management -- Rules -- Fun

TO REGISTER: SHARY PRO SHOP (956) 580-8770 COACH OCANA (956) 821-5185 EMAIL: tocana817@aol.com

SPONSORSHIPS (what you receive) HOLE - $200 (Sign) PAR - $400 (1 Team & Sign) BIRDIE - $600 (2 Teams & Sign) HOLE-IN-ONE - $1,000 (3 Teams and 2 Signs)

INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS: $75 per person HANDICAP FORMAT: First Flight (one player 0-5, two players 6-11) Second Flight (three players 12 and above)

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY FEATURE NAME Feature name Chris Meade Chris Meade

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6TH ANNUAL

Place: Flamingo Bowl / Tierra Santa Golf Course Dates: June 21 Bowling (Saturday, 2 p.m.) June 22nd Golf (Sunday, 11 a.m.) Format: 3-person Bowling Team / Florida Scramble Cost: $240.00 Per Team...36 Teams Fees Include: Green Fees, Lane Fees, Golf Cart, Lunch on Saturday and Sunday and Awards Bowl Format: 1st Game Regular, 2nd Game 9 pin no tap, 3rd Game 3, 6, 9 Deadline to register is June 18, 2014 Contacts: Andy Flores (956) 495-6716 or (956) 686-1286 [Southtexas Golf #1] 41 David Garza (956) 533-5772

GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY FEATURE NAME Feature name

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JOEY’S CORNER Feature name

MUM’S THE WORD That special time of the year is here again. MOTHERS DAY!!! Mothers are the backbone of the family. We know dad is the strong one and the wanna be leader of the pack but it’s mom who keeps the family together. She is the force behind every good decision we make…..she puts a band aid on our cuts, she reassures us when we make a bad grade in school, she holds us in our time of need and she praises the good we do. My mother died not long ago and I miss her dearly. I remember all the wonderful things my mother did for me. Those special surprises for a good grade in school, the manners placed in me for the way I treated others and the punishments when I needed them the most. Yes, punishments are good at times as they mature us for life. Oh and yes, the booma-rang slipper. My mother had a slipper (a really flimsy soft slipper) that when us kids misbehaved we would take off running and that slipper would somehow find our rear end, only to turn around and there she was holding that same slipper. HOW?!!! Yes, the fond memories I have of

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“Hi I’m Madison and I’m from Pensacola, Florida. Just to let you know…That’s my dad in the other picture. I love to shop, sing and, well… shop. I hope you enjoy South Texas Golf Magazine as much as I do. Be seeing you…..Madison.” -- Joey Dowden is COO and Advertising Director of South Texas Golf.

my mother will live forever. South Texas Golf Magazine wants to wish all the mothers a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Following a poem that depicts what my mother meant to me.

Guiding Light Mom Mom, from the time I was really young, I realized I had someone...you, who always cared, who always protected me, who was always there for me no matter what. You taught me right from wrong,

and pushed me to do the right thing, even when it was hard to do. You took care of me when I was sick, and your love helped make me well. You had rules, and I learned that when I obeyed them, my life was simpler, better, richer. You were and are the guiding light of my life. My heart is filled with love for you, my teacher, my friend, my mother. --By Karl and Joanna Fuchs This Mothers Day give mom the biggest and the most awesome hug you could ever give. She deserves it. After all… MUM’S THE WORD!!!

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2014 GOLF DIRECTORY

HONORED ONCE AGAIN MillerCoors added to its unmatched collection of brewing honors when the 2014 World Beer Cup awards were announced in Denver earlier this month. Seven MillerCoors beers received individual honors, including a sweep of the “American-Style Lager or Light Lager or Pilsener.” Those wins give the brewer a combined 278 awards in the biennial World Beer Cup and annual Great

American Beer Festival, both hosted by the Brewers Association. Following is a complete list of brand medals won by MillerCoors:

SILVER Miller Genuine Draft - American-Style Lager or Light Lager or Pilsener Icehouse - American-Style Cream Ale

GOLD Coors Light - American-Style Lager or Light Lager or Pilsener George Killian’s Irish Red - Iris-Style Red Ale Winterfest (AC Golden Brewing Company - American-Style Amber Lager

BRONZE Coors Banquet - American-Style Lager or Light Lager or Pilsener Henry Weinard’s Blue Boar (BlitzWeinhard Brewing) - American Style Cream Ale.

FOLLOW GLAZERS ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/glazersrgv

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Feature- FOOD name LEISURE & DRINK

Tastes of Spring are in The Patio air Each season has its own colors, scents and tastes. So, what does Spring taste like? Honey, berries, lime and coconut. Just the names probably send you on a visual exotic adventure. But you don't have to go far – just to The Patio on Guerra. Winter has its own tastes, that of cinnamon, tea, wood and spices but now we enjoy being in the middle of Spring. As a bartender here at The Patio on Guerra I try not to set the rules but rather improve upon the guidelines for our guests. Our approach to “perfect pairings” combines the best seasonal selections with interesting new beer, wine and spirits for a dining experience that will be as tantalizing as it is memorable. As a bartender, I dance to the beat of your drum and prepare our signature, premium cocktails feature seasonal selections made just for you. Extra lime, not too tart, extra dry, no citrus, however YOU like your drink… 46 [Southtexas Golf #1]

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LEISURE Feature- FINANCE name

How much do you need to retire? Let’s Calculate

ment returns. At the very least, you should try to contribute at least enough to receive the full amount of your employer’s matching contribution (if offered). It’s also a good idea to increase contributions annually, such as after a pay raise.

Calculating a retirement savings goal is one of the most important steps investors can take to help determine if they are on pace to meet that goal. However, most American workers haven’t tried to figure out how much money they will need to accumulate for retirement. What about you?

MEET WITH AN ADVISOR A financial professional can help you determine a strategy -- and help you stick to it. Retirement will likely be one of the biggest expenses in your life, so it’s important to maintain an accurate price estimate and financial plan. Make it a priority to calculate your savings goal at least once a year.

PLANNING MATTERS What’s important to realize is that the exercise of calculating a retirement savings goal does more than simply provide you with a dollars and cents estimate of how much you’ll need for the future. It also requires you to visualize the specific details of your retirement dreams and to assess whether your current financial plans are realistic, comprehensive, and up-to-date. ACTION PLANS The following four strategies will help you do a better job of identifying and pursuing your retirement savings goals. Double-check your assumptions. Before you do anything else, answer these important questions: When do you plan to retire? How much money will you need each year? Where and when do you plan to get your retirement income? Are your investment expectations in line with the performance potential of the investments you own? USE A PROPER CALCULATOR The best way to calculate your goal is by using one of the many interactive worksheets now available free of charge online and in print. Each type features questions about your financial situation as well as blank spaces for you to provide answers. An online version will perform the calculation automatically and respond almost instantly with an estimate of how much you may need for retirement and how much more you should try to save to pursue 48 [Southtexas Golf #1]

Harvey Lopez brings more than 15 years experience of Wealth Management, business solutions and Insurance experience serving the entire Rio Grande Valley. His office is located at 801 E. Fern, McAllen, Texas, 78501. If you have questions, you can call Harvey at (956) 874-8750 that goal. If you do the calculation on a paper worksheet, however, you might want to have a traditional calculator on hand to help with the math. Remember that your ultimate goal is to save as much money as possible for retirement regardless of what any calculator might suggest. CONTRIBUTE MORE Do you think you could manage to save another $10 or $20 extra each pay period? If so, here’s some motivation to actually do it: Contributing an extra $20 each week to your plan could provide you with an additional $130,237 after 30 years, assuming 8% annual invest-

The result shown is for illustrative purposes only. The hypothetical returns used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. Taxes are due upon withdrawal. Your results will vary. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

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LEISURE - TRAVEL Feature name

More history making at Pinehurst No. 2 Pinehurst No. 2, the centerpiece of Pinehurst Resort, remains one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. It has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America and, in 2014, will make history again, becoming the first to serve as host to the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in consecutive weeks. Opened in 1907, No. 2 was designed by Donald Ross, who called it “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.” Ross was associated with the course for nearly a half-century, improving the course continually until his death in 1948. No. 2 is best known for its crowned, undulating greens, which are some of the most complex and widely hailed in the world. In March 2011, No. 2 reopened following a yearlong, $2.5 million restoration by the design firm of Coore & Crenshaw that restored the course’s natural and historic character.

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Feature name

1119 WEST HARRISON , HARLINGEN, TX 78550 PHONE: (956) 365-4122 FAX (956) 365-4120 WWW.RGVCARTS.COM

Come See the ALL NEW and REDESIGNED 2014 CARRYALL Product Line!

THE OFFICIAL AND ONLY AUTHORIZED CLUB CAR DEALER FOR CLUB CAR CARRYALLTM PRODUCTS IN THE RIO GRAND VALLEY!

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