Nov 13 South Texas Golf

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NOV/DEC EDITION Free Edition

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September 2013

RANCHO VIEJO

Setting high expectations

NEW FEATURE

GOLF GRUBB

The Los Lagos Burger

SABINA, JOSE PENA DRIVE SHARYLAND [Southtexas Golf #1] 1 CUSTOM FITTING * CITY AMATEUR * VAMOS Martin Valley ranch HISTORY * GOLF & INTEGRITY

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El Toro Patented Perpetual Calendar. Self-winding movement.

18 ct rose gold case with ceramic bezel.

Water-resistant to 100 m.

Also available on leather strap.

W W W . U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M

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Feature name TABLE OF CONTENTS

20 SKY HIGH GOALS When Rancho Viejo hired Wendy Werley Bullock to head up their golf and fitness program, they both had one thing in mind - make Rancho Viejo Country Club and Resort nationally known for their excellence. They haven’t strayed from those expectations and the results so far are right on track.

What’s Inside

12 30 FOOD: You gotta try the Los Lagos Burger - awesome!

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ON THE LINKS: Photos from tournaments across the Valley.

WHERE TO GO: Directory of Rio Grande Valley Golf Courses.

FINANCE: Are You Ready to Retire?

Check out the RGV Calendar: Plenty of tournaments for you to be a part of

14 Tour events: A glance at the upcoming PGA and LPGA events

24 Opinion: Jaime Rivera says it’s time to restore integrity to the sport of golf.

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AMAZING HISTORY

MEET THE PENAS

Martin Valley Ranch was once just acres of orange groves - then a freeze in the mid-80s changed everything.

Sharyland’s Jose and Sabina Pena are off to a great start and the Rattlers are once again the teams to beat in the RGV.

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THREE-TIME CHAMP: Miguel del Angel won the McAllen City Amateur Championship again.

57 Custom Fitting: Tim Elliott tells us there really is an art and a value, to custom fitting.

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Feature name FROM THE PUBLISHER

New Features TO highlight second year OF MAGAZINE It’s hard to believe this is the fourth edition of South Texas Golf Magazine and the next issue - our annual Golf Henry Miller is Publisher of South Course Directory - will be out in January Texas Golf. He has more than 25 years of publishing experience, has written to kick off our second year. sports for more than 150 newspapers, Along the way we’ve been humbled covered the Olympics, NASCAR, Major by all the wonderful comments and fun League Baseball and other sports. He times meeting people on and off the golf has been syndicated on radio in more course. The support for this endeavor than 70 markets and loves to golf. has been amazing. We started out with His 9-year-old daughter Camilla has a plan to do two magazines a year - but a wicked left-handed swing and also the support and demand pushed us to enjoys soccer, volleyball and fashion.

They live in McAllen, Texas. four editions this year. Next year we will publish bi-monthly.

And there are plenty of stories to be written.

Of course, it’s all of you readers who help us the most - giving us mountains of ideas to use in this magazine.

And we listen - well, most of the time I hope.

That’s why we are adding some pretty neat features in the upcoming editions starting with a new regular feature in this edition - RGV Golf Grub. In each edition we will highlight one or more of our golf course’s delicious offerings - from tacos to bar-b-que to this edition’s monster Los Lagos burger. You’ll be surprised at the full spectrum of food that’s available at these courses. Your stomach will thank you!

We are also adding a “Where Are They Now” feature - and the title is pretty much self-explanatory. This feature will highlight where past Rio Grande Valley golfers (high school, college, amatuer, pro...), golf pros, golf coaches and instructors are these days. If you know where someone is and what they’re up to these days, drop us an email at southtexasgolf@gmail.com.

Our third new feature will be a more historical look at golf in the Valley over the years. The “Golf Icons of the Valley” series will take the history of golf and bring it to the forefront. One thing we’ve learned in these few months is that there’s a rich history of golf in South Texas. That history is unknown by many since the Valley has grown so much in the past couple of decades. We hope to bring back memories to some of you and enrich others with interesing and suprising stories from yesteryear.

Again, if you know someone we should feature in this section, please let us know at southtexasgolf@gmail.com.

We do ask one thing from y’all - go check out and like our Facebook page - South Texas Golf. There you will see more photos from each of the photo pages in this magazine. You’ll also be kept up to date on how the high school and local colleges are doing, have chances to win tickets to sporting events or free rounds of golf or other gift certificates and a whole lot more - but you gotta “like” us - really, really like us!

Thanks to everyone who has made this first year enjoyable. Seeing my daughter take picture perfect left-handed swings on the course has been amazing - whether she hits the ball or not. We always have to hit it again anyway, right?

Happy Holidays to all and may God continue to richly bless you and your loved ones.

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FREE EDITION

SEPTEMBER 2013

RANCHO VIEJO

SETTING HIGH EXPECTATIONS

NEW FEATURE

GOLF GRUBB

THE LOS LAGOS BURGER

SABINA, JOSE PENA DRIVE SHARYLAND CUSTOM FITTING Ç CITY AMATEUR * VAMOS MARTIN VALLEY RANCH HISTORY * UTPA PREVIEW

On the cover: Wendy Werley Bullock and Rancho Viejo Country Club and Resort have their eyes set on major goals now and in the future.

Photo by: Tiki Tillman Photography (tikitillmanphotos.com)

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 1, Isssue 4. November 2013. 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 RGV SCHEDULE

RIO GRANDE VALLEY GOLF COURSE

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Brought to you by...

Here’s a look at the upcoming events schedule at your rgv golf courses. From kids to pros to charity events you’ll find them right here. Follow us on Facebook for results and other events.

ALAMO COUNTRY CLUB 956-787-0907 Welcome Home Winter Texans

STUART PLACE GOLF COURSE 956-428-2000 Welcome Home Winter Texans

BROWNSVILLE GOLF CENTER 956-541-2582 Winter Texan Season Is Back

TIERRA DEL SOL GOLF COURSE 956-702-2320 November 22-23 PSJA Invitational

FORT BROWN GOLF CLUB 956-541-0394 Welcome Home Winter Texans

Welcome Back Winter Texans

December Toys For Tots

HARLINGEN COUNTRY CLUB 956-412-4100 December 9 Winter Texan Outing 23 Winter Texan Outing January 6 Winter Texan Outing 16 HCC Ladies Invit.

McALLEN COUNTRY CLUB 956-686-0923 November 18 First Texas Exes Scholarship 23 Tour Championship December 7-8 Winter Member/ Member

PALMVIEW GOLF COURSE 956-681-3444 Welcome Home Winter Texans

LOS LAGOS GOLF CLUB 956-316-0444 December 6-7 RGV Senior Amateur 14 LLGA/Edinburg January 1 New Year’s Scramble 25 Frostbite

MONTE CRISTO GOLF COURSE 956-381-0964 November 23 Judge Arnold Cantu December 14 Ricardo Rodriguez For D.A.

SHARY MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE 956-580-8770 December 14 Holiday Trifecta

MARTIN VALLEY RANCH 956-585-6330

THE PALMS AT MID-VALLEY 956-565-3211 Welcome Home Winter Texans

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RANCHO VIEJO 956-350-4359 December 7 Red Cross

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND GOLF CLUB 956-943-5678 December 5-7 Holiday Pro-Am

TIERRA SANTA GOLF COURSE 956-973-1811 November 23 First Christian Acad.

30 JRG Foundation TONY BUTLER GOLF COURSE 956-216-5970 Welcome Home Winter Texans VALLEY INTERNATIONAL CC 956-546-5331 November 28 Thanksgiving Lunch December 5 Tee Up For Toys 25 Christmas Brunch January 11 Winter Texan Expo Skins Game Second Saturday Of Every Month

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Feature name PRO SCHEDULES

PGA TOUR

PRO TOURS

linkS schedule The following is the upcoming schedule for the pga, lpga, champions and legends tours

DATES

TOURNAMENTS

NETWORK

DEFENDING CHAMPION

FEDEXCUP POINTS

November 7-10

The McGladrey Classic Sea Island Resort (Seaside Course) St. Simons Island, Ga. Purse: $5,300,000

CBS GOLF SIRIUS-XM

Sergio Garcia $936,000

500

November 14-17

OHL Classic at Mayakoba El Camaleon Golf Club at the Mayakoba Playa del Carmen, MX Resort Purse: $8,000,000

CBS GOLF SIRIUS-XM

Nick Watney $1,440,000

2,500

November 21-24

World Cup of Golf Royal Melbourne Golf Club Black Rock, Victoria, Australia Purse: $8,000,000

Rory McIlroy $1,440,000

2,500

January 3-6

Sony Open in Hawaii Waialae Country Club, Honolulu Purse: $8,000,000

Rory McIlroy $1,440,000

2,500

January 16-19

Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation PGAWest, La Quinta Calif.

GOLF NBC SIRIUS-XM GOLF NBC SIRIUS-XM GOLF NBC SIRIUS-XM

Brandt Snedeker $1,440,000

2,500

K

eep an eye on the schedule and view the winners and moneyleaders. That’s right…south texas golf…your one stop shop and the hub for your golfing information.

Final results from the 2013 FedEx Cup: 1) Henrik Stenson: $10,000,000 2) Tiger Woods: $3,000,000 3) Steve Stricker: $2,000,000 4) Adam Scott: $1,500,000 5) Zach Johnson: $1,000,000 6) Matt Kuchar: $800,000 7) Jordan Spieth: $700,000

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8) Graham DeLaet: $600,000 9) Phil Mickelson: $550,000 10) Justin Rose: $500,000 11) Webb Simpson: $300,000 12) Brandt Snedeker: $290,000 13) Dustin Johnson: $280,000 14) Jim Furyk: $270,000 15) Nick Watney: $250,000

CHAMPIONS TOUR Nov. 18-21

Champions Tour Q-School TPC Scottsdale (Champions), Scottsdale, AZ Purse: $200,000

GOLF

Gene Jones $30,000

LPGA TOUR DATES

TOURNAMENTS

DEFENDING CHAMPION

Nov. 8-10

Mizuno Classic Purse: $1,200,000

Stacy Lewis

Nov 14 - 17

Lorena Ochoa Invitational Presented by Banamex & J Purse: $1,000,000

Cristie Kerr

Nov 21 - 24

CME Group Titleholders Purse: $2,000,000

Na Yeon Choi

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Feature name SHORT SHOTS

SHORT SHOTS

WIZARD’S WORD

A collection of tidbits brought to you by...

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

Some of the simplest advice can be the best to increase the life, appearance, and performance of your golf gear. Like always keep your head covers on your woods and putter during the round. Too many times I have seen golfers take the covers off at the beginning of a round, then drive with the clubs banging together in the back of the cart, replacing the covers after the dam-

Let’s pick up where we left off with our acronym GAME. GIve up on gimmicks, Aim for consistency, and now Maintain a firm grip.

I really don’t want this to be confusing, but I’m going to add an acronym within the acronym.

G-grasp God’s word, R-recognize your identity, I-interact through prayer P-practice obedience Grasp God’s Word The bible should be the first thing we reach for when processing the challenges and opportunities of each day. It’s important that we have a firm grasp on the principles in the bible Psalm119:9 How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of God’s word. Colossians 3:16

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AND Keep a towel and brush attached to your golf bag and wipe off the face of the club with each shot. (a dirty club face will reduce the distance and backspin of your shot!) Another payoff is well maintained clubs will bring a much better value for trade in or if you want to place them for sale in Golf Headquarters “Consignment Corner.”

In the previous edition of South Texas Golf Magazine we celebrated Sam Distefano’s hole-in-one. Now his son earned a hole-in-one. Mike Distefano, a 66-yearold Brownsville resident (originally from Nebraska), shot a hole in one at Brownsville Golf Center. It was the eleventh hole, about 167 yards, with a 5 wood. It was Mike’s second career ace. Way to go!

facebook.com/southtexasgolf

God and Golf

age is done!

says Let the words of Christ live in your hearts and make you wise.

Recognize your identity If I were the son of Tiger Woods...

We struggle with being consistent in our spiritual lives because we don’t know or we forget who’s son we are.

1 John 4:4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won your fight. If I failed as Tiger’s son most people would say “It’s just a matter of time, after all he is Tiger’s son, he’s had....” Shouldn’t we expect to win in life, knowing we are the children of God. Interact through prayer Of all the things the disciples saw Jesus do, the one thing they wanted Jesus to teach them was how to pray.

They saw that when Jesus prayed good things happened.

James 5:16 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and

wonderful results.

Practice obedience Isn’t it true that we are a lot better at hearing than we are at doing?

James 1:22 “Remember that it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourself.”

We are all better at talking than doing. You’ve heard the saying, “When all is said and done, more will be said than done.”

Grasping God’s word, Recognizing your identity, and Interacting in prayer will have very limited results without Practicing obedience!

Phil Corzine is an avid golfer and pastor at CFC McAllen, 2201 Trenton Road.

Visit their website www.cfcmcallen.com

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Feature name COVER STORY

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Rancho Viejo

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A budding junior program leads the way for a Country Club set on being a world-class facility

Story By Henry Miller w Photos By Tiki Tillman, tikitillmanphotos.com

I rma Cortez saw her son’s head suddenly droop.

Andy, age 9, had just teed off on his playoff hole after being tied with one other player in their junior golf tournament. And when he walked up to see where his ball was, he accidentally kicked it. Nobody saw it – well, not his opponent or his opponent’s family, whose view was blocked as they walked over to his ball.

But he knew he did it. So, he walked over to the official, told him what happened, was assessed the penalty and lost in the playoff.

“That was my proudest moment as a parent,” said Andy’s mom, Irma Cortez.

“Not only does Wendy teach the game and the mental game, but she teaches integrity – in the game and in life.”

The Wendy she speaks of is Wendy Werley Bullock, Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club’s Director of Sports & Wellness. Andy, now 12, is a microcosm of what Bullock is turning the blossoming Junior Golf program into at RVRCC. “We are very fortunate to have Wendy here,” said Rancho Viejo Country Club President Xavier Montemayor. “She’s one of the top instructors in the nation, she loves what she does and she’s

great at what she does. We have a vision to create a youth program at our club that you can’t get just anywhere and we have the ability to do it.”

“There’s no reason we can’t have a world-class facility right here and we need to take advantage of Wendy being here for us.”

Bullock has brought her trademarked Wellness Golf program to RVRCC, a program she created thanks – indirectly – to the book “Who Moved My Cheese.”

“I had a lot going on in my life and someone recommended to me that I pick up that book,” Bullock said. “ I loved it and was going to buy a bunch of copies for my family when I saw a book next to it by Debbie Ford called ‘Dark Side of the Light Chasers.’ It teaches

you to look at the dark and the light in yourself – but I had to take it a step further.”

That step was more like a leap as Bullock signed up for Ford’s $5,000 class, taught at the Deepak Chopra Center for Well-Being, then in LaJolla, California.

While at the Chopra Center, Bullock met with Dr. David Simon to discuss some migraines she was dealing with.

“Halfway through the consult he asked me to move there and create a golf program for them – meaning a mind and body instructional golf course to teach their Chopra Center guests,” Bullock said. “He wanted me to meet with Deepak that afternoon.”

Bullock’s golf life started at an early age – 3. She later took lessons from Hall of Fame golfer and two-time PGA champion Paul Runyan.

“Paul was into stretching and nutrition and an all encompassing approach to the game,” Bullock said. “I was 5 years old and remember him doing all that. I was fortunate to have had

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Feature name

tremendous exposure to people teaching me to take care of my body, my mind – it wasn’t just about swinging a golf club or a tennis racket. By the time I got to Deepak I already had an appreciation of this whole world.”

It’s that appreciation – along with a passion for children and their well-being (everyone’s well-being actually) that has her now at RVRCC. Talking with her is an uplifting experience and her personality draws people to her – as has been shown by the sprouting junior golf program.

“We had several different coaches teaching Andy and my son would tell my husband that this wasn’t the coach for him,” Irma Cortez said. “Then someone mentioned her and we made an appointment with her and my son absolutely loved her. She can get to any level – whether you’re 6 or 50. She’s very respectful and she listens.

She’s a phenomenal teacher and a role model. We love her.”

The Cortezes were so captivated by Bullock then that when she left Rancho Viejo for a short bit (this is her sec22 [Southtexas Golf #1] ond stint there), they would call her or videoconference her to still work with Andy. They would email her and

she’d respond – and Andy would know what to do.

“They were definitely on the same page. She’s like a second mom to him and so many kids,” Irma said. “They really bonded.”

After creating the Wellness Golf program for the Chopra Center, Deepak – who always claimed he wouldn’t golf because he saw the attachment involved and that is something he advises to stay clear of – broke down and started taking lessons from the former Colorado golf star and LPGA Professional.

“The first day I took him out to play and he was really good at it,” Bullock said. “He played cricket as a child and had really good hand-eye coordination. He fell totally in love with it and on the way back home he got on the phone with his secretary and recited the seven spiritual laws of golf.

“That was the beginning of the book he began writing with me as one of the two characters – called ”Golf for Enlightenment”. The Spanish version is called “Iluminacion”.

Living in California with a new born son

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– and with a husband in Atlanta commuting – held plenty of stresses and the two decided to move to somewhere they could be near family – so Harlingen became home.

While getting accustomed to the Valley, Wendy stumbled upon Rancho. She fell in love with the likeness it had to La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, where the Chopra Center moved.

“I wanted to teach my golf at a very special place,” Bullock said. “I got it here! I fell in love with it. It had good vibes and it felt right. They sent out an email blast to all the members and no sooner did that email get out and someone was calling me.”

The caller said he had just been given “Ilumination” and was actually searching for Wendy in California.

“He asked if we could meet for breakfast the next day.

We did and he said ‘I want you to be my teacher. I want you to be my grandchildren’s teacher.” The caller turned out to be one of the future owners of RVRCC. That’s exactly what she’s become – and it’s that type of response Bullock gets from people that makes her the perfect fit for the goals she and RVRCC have.

“This is absolutely the best for me,” Bullock said. “We’re shooting for the best of everything we do. We want the Club to be the place to be – for golf, for tennis, for swimming and yoga and fitness and health and families. We want families to be [Southtexas Golf #1] very comfortable here. And with junior golf23 in the area, the sky is the limit.”

Feature nameRIVERA OPINION: JAIME

Restoring Integrity To The Game Brownsville Golf Center Tournament Club Rules 1. Handicaps.

All handicaps will be reviewed. We will make adjustments as deemed appropriate.

Unverified handicaps are automatically a (0).

“Unverified” meaning no established and current handicap at a golf course, or local golf course can’t determine a player’s playing ability if they do not have an established handicap.

Player’s “known” ability: Players handicaps which is not consistent to their known playing abilities will be adjusted accordingly.

I have been involved in many golf tournaments throughout the years and one common complaint is when teams with high handicaps win due to good players claiming higher handicaps than what they should be.

Personally, nothing bothers me more than when I have to post a score where a team consisting of a 14, 24, & 28 handicapper shoots a gross “55” (luck is a factor, but that’s just ridiculous). All you hear are the rest of the players shouting “RATAS!” Meaning “RATS” (Term used for players who load up their handicaps).

Not everyone cheats on their handicaps, but many do. The problem has only increased with the logic of some saying, “If they are doing it then we need to do it also in order to have a chance to win.” The argument may seem justified to many, but it’s a blemish on the integrity of the game of golf.

History has always regarded golf as a “gentlemen’s” game. Words like “honor” and “integrity” have echoed through the life of the game.

In all competitions it is expected that the “best” win. We expect the winners to be the ones who trained their bodies, minds, and skills to out perform everyone else. The world frowns on athletes who cheat by using performance enhancing drugs, prize fighters who place things in their gloves to have

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an advantage over their opponent, even card players who hide “Aces” up their sleeves.

“Cheating” is cheating no matter how you look at it.

In short no other sport tolerates this type of behavior and goes through great measures to prevent it from happening. I understand we are not talking about an Olympic gold medal or the U.S Open. However, I am talking about personal character and the beauty and integrity of the game.

I see young players developing that type of mentality due them seeing older players loading up handicaps. It’s a real tragedy for the game of golf and the next generation of players. We at the Brownsville Golf Center are doing our part in keeping and promoting the integrity of the game of golf in its history, tradition and the integrity the game was founded on.

I have included the Brownsville Golf Center’s Tournament Rules regarding handicaps. This is to let other courses know that players may require a letter from your golf course to enter one of our tournaments. I hope others will do their part to keep and promote the integrity of the game.

Respectfully, Jaime Rivera Brownsville Golf Center

Out of town players must submit a letter from their home course Golf Professional to verify their handicap. This must be submitted before the tournament date in order to be valid; otherwise it falls under the unverified handicap rule.

2. Single Digit Players.

Only One Single Digit Player allowed per Team.

If it is determined that there are (2) single digit players, then that team will play “scratch”. If the team has (3-4) single digit players- then the team is permitted to play and may compete for any hole prizes but will not be able to place for the event.

3. Teams playing with less than the required number of players.

No extra shots allowed.

No handicap points for missing players.

4. When Handicap Rules are not set by the Organization holding the Event.

If the organization having the golf tournament does not establish any handicap requirements- then the Brownsville Golf Center’s Club Rules will be in effect, and additionally the following point matrix will be applied to the teams handicaps and their totals deducted from the teams gross score.

Hcp. 0-5 = 0 points Hcp. 6-9 = 1 point Hcp. 10-18 = 1.5 points Hcp. 19-24 = 2 points Hcp. 25-36 = 2.5 points

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FeatureJAIME name PROFILE: RIVERA

miguel del angel McAllen Country Club golfer wins McAllen Amateur Golf Championship for third time

12th McALLEN AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE SPONSOR: INTER NATIONAL BANK

Miguel Del Angel, right, with his caddy Jaime Gomez.

Miguel Del Angel won the McAllen Amateur Championship this year at Palm View golf course.

And despite it being his third win since 2008 in the event, Angel said it was like no other round he’s ever played.

“I believe that was the biggest learning experience I’ve had in my golfing life,” said Angel, who won the event with a two-day 146 total, one stroke ahead of Edgar Valdez.

The reason is because his friend and coach, Jaime Gomez, caddied for him for the first time. Even though the two talk and play golf quite often, Angel said those times were nothing like the 36 holes at Palm View.

“I’ve never played golf the way he was taking me around that course,” Angel said. “If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have won the tournament. He was very positive and got my mind pointed in the right direction.

“I’ve never had him caddy for me and under that tournament pressure it was nice. He coaches a lot of mental side and I never had him around when it got to the mental aspect of it and hehelped out tremendously. I’m grateful for that.”

Angel held a 3-stroke lead over J.D. Clopton going into the final round and watched that dwindle to just one stroke 26 [Southtexas Golf #1]

over Valdez coming up to No.18.

Angel hit his drive down the left rough on No. 18 and decided to go for the green on the second shot but hit it behind the big tree that guards the green heading into 18. He still saved par, getting up and down from the second cut of rough following a long third shot and held on for the win.

“I guess I had some adrenaline and hit my approach to the green long,” Angel said. “Carlos (Espinosa, Palm View director of golf) does a great job out here.

The greens were fast and he places the pins like a U.S. Open and it dictates where you have to hit the golf ball.”

Angel, a McAllen Country Club member, has been playing golf seriously since he entered high school at McAllen High. After high school he played on the Texas A&M golf team.

“During the summers when I was in high school my mom would take me, J.C. Bazan, Jay Cortez and Charlie Hernandez to Shary when the sun came up in the morning and come pick us up at dark every day,” Angel said. “I obviously really enjoyed it. It was a great experience.”

Obviously Angel still enjoys it and still has great experiences when he’s on the golf course.

PAST CHAMPIONS: 2012 GENARO DAVILA, San Antonio 2011 ERNIE GARZA, McAllen 2010 MIGUEL DEL ANGEL JR, Mission 2009 KYLE MARBURGER, McAllen 2008 MIGUEL DEL ANGEL JR, Mission 2007 RON KILBY, McAllen 2006 KYLE MARBURGER, Mission 2005 RON KILBY, McAllen 2004 ROSS LEDESMA, Harlingen 2003 RON KILBY, McAllen 2002 VIVIANO VILLARREAL, Monterrey,Mexico MULTIPLE WINNER(S): RON KILBY (2007, 2005 & 2003) KYLE MARBURGER (2009, 2006) MIGUEL DEL ANGEL JR (2010, 2008) LOWEST WINING SCORE: 102 Viviano Villarreal 2002 (6-UNDER; EVENT SHORTENED TO 27 HOLES DUE TO RAIN) LARGEST WINNING MARGIN: 6 SHOTS VIVIANO VILLARREAL, 2002 LOWEST ROUND: 66 VIVIANO VILLARREAL, 2002 HOLE IN ONES: 2002 JERRY FARIAS (Hole No. 8) 2004 JERRY BRUCE (Hole No. 5) VENUE:

PALM VIEW GOLF

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2014 VAMOS CUP Feature name

NEW TO THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE Plains Capital Bank to be presenting sponsor for 18th Annual VAMOS Cup

By Henry Miller When Plains Capital Bank made its appearance in the Rio Grande Valley earlier this year, they claimed they wanted to play a role in the community.

They've already made good on that promise.

Plains Capital Bank will be the presenting sponsor this year for the 18th annual VAMOS Cup Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 1 at Palm View Golf Course.

The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) was founded in 1996 in response to an urgent need to improve educational opportunities for Hispanics. The organization's mission is to assist commendable Hispanic students of Hidalgo, Starr, and Cameron Counties in completing a post-secondary education.

Thus far, VAMOS has awarded more than $3.5 million dollars in scholarships to 300 students.

“We're really excited and proud to be the presenting sponsor for VAMOS,” said Larry Gonzalez, Market President for Plains Capital Bank. “We appreciate the opportunity to support this organization and the endeavors of this scholarship program.

Last year, More than 200 golfers descended on Palm View Golf Course for the 17th annual VAMOS Cup in search of birdies, eagles and low scores. At the same time, students across the country – from UTPA to UT and Harvard to Stanford – were acing tests and scoring high grades because of that tournament.

“This is an organization where a few of us wanted to go back and help other kids to get educated and go to college,” said Alonzo Cantu, VAMOS founder.

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“The first event we had was with director Robert Rodriguez. He came here and we did a fundraiser and for that very first event. I think we raised something like $200,000.”

“After that first event we got together to figure out what was the best way to raise money to give full scholarships to kids to go anywhere in the country,” Cantu said. “Golf was the biggest one.”

It's that commitment and dedication that attracted Plains Capital to VAMOS. “When we joined this community we wanted to show that we too were committed to the community and the people of the Rio Grande Valley,” Gonzalez said.

“VAMOS is a great organization that touches so many lives in a positive way.

We really are looking forward to this.

“An organization like this thrives on community support and we felt that their endeavor was just tremendous to help students earn a higher education. Hats off to them to establish this and being around as long as they have.”

Gonzalez said.

Plains Capital acquired First National Bank earlier this year and now operate close to 30 locations from Starr County to Cameron County.

“Plains Capital wanted to demonstrate their support to the Rio Grande Valley and let them know we are part of the Valley’s family now,” Gonzalez said.

“There's no doubt that education has played a big impact in our family.

Because of education we're able to do what we do now and we want to give other kids the opportunities to do the same.

“Education is the great equalizer. It helps you get to the next level. Then you can better help future generations.”

“It's a lot of the same people working

and volunteering today as it was the first event,” Cantu said. “They work all week and get up early on the weekends to try and give more opportunities for kids.”

Dr. Armando Moncada is director of the Golf Committee and a board member. Cantu said it's Moncada's drive that keeps pushing the goal higher each year.

“We keep improving - not only the golf but we are also able to improve the selection of kids and make sure they succeed with our mentoring program,” Cantu said.

“Some of our past winners are engineers, some are in medical school.

They graduate from UTPA, UT, Yale, Harvard, MIT, Stanford... just by giving an opportunity. A lot of people put in a lot of time because they all believe in the same thing. It's special when you can change someone's life.

“We in South Texas don't want handouts. We want opportunities. VAMOS does that.

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Feature name

RGV GOLF GRUB

THE LOS LAGOS BURGER A monster burger filled with flavor and made even better with a grilled jalapeno-cheddar bun.

Name: The Los Lagos Burger Where: Los Lagos Golf Club, Edinburg Price: $6.99, comes with fries, tomato, lettuce, onion Description (with the works): Two patties that weigh a combined 2/3 pound, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, grilled sliced jalapenos, american, cheddar and pepperjack cheese, and a slice of cooked ham - all between a grilled jalapeno-cheddar bun.

Grubber’s Comments: Amazing! I love food and especially good burgers. One of my biggest complaints is that there aren’t enough choices to go and get a real - I mean a real - good burger. The Los Lagos Burger - loaded with everything - took me to taste bud wonderland. Rumor has it they’ll even put a fried egg on top if you want. The slight crunchiness in the jalapeno cheddar bun (which held together terrific with all those ingredients piled on) made this burger one of the best I’ve had in 10 years in the Rio Grande Valley.

You don’t have to have “the works” on it but it sure was tasty.

Cook Tessa: Last year we added the jalapeno cheddar bun as an option for our sandwiches. Its not spicy, but sweet tasting and really good. People love it on the burgers and our chicken sandwiches, too.

Eddie Anderson, Los Lagos Golf Pro: Most of the golfers who walk through our door don’t even bother to ask for a menu. A “burger and fries” is the first thing that comes out, and ours have developed a reputation that doesn’t disappoint. Nearly half of the people who eat here aren’t even playing golf. The word has gotten out, and we even have some that eat here once or twice a day, every day.

Bet You Didn’t Know This: A lot of people don’t know we serve breakfast seven days per week, as well. The Winter Texans found out last year and with specials starting at $2.49 for a plate, we quickly became a gathering spot for sunny side up and hot coffee before the round.

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1720 S. Raul Longoria Rd., Edinburg (956) 316-0444 Facebook: Golf Edinburg

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Feature name HIGH SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

SHARYLAND SIBLINGS Jose, Sabina Pena lead talented Rattler teams as 2013-2014 golf season gets into full swing

Jose Pena

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Jose Pena remembers when his younger sister Sabina would come up to him and ask if she could go play golf with him and his friends.

The response usually ended up being a kind but firm “no.”

“She really wasn’t interested in golf when she was like 11 or 12,” said Jose, a senior on the Sharyland Rattlers boys golf team.

“She always had an awesome swing. She’s pure talent, but she wasn’t practicing it that much as an 11- or 12-year old.

“Then she got into it and just got really, really good. She pushes me quite a bit.”

Sabina, a junior for the Sharyland girls golf team, and her brother each won the individual titles at the first two high school tournaments during the fall season and led their respective Rattlers to huge victories in each. That’s a far cry from where Sabina was just a few

years ago.

“Before, I couldn’t care less about his golf,” she said. “My mom and dad would tell me that I have a lot of talent and they could see I was going to be good and I finally realized it.”

Sabina would still play, despite not being as passionate or committed as her brother, and shoot in the low 80s.

Now she and her brother both have a daily regimen that is focused on golf and grades – both do well in school and Jose was scheduled to sign with Division II Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania on a golf scholarship.

“Now every day is really long – and really fast,” Sabina said. “We have golf after school at Shary Golf Course then go practice at Cimarron.

Then we work out and then go and do our homework.”

To top it off, Sabina will work out at 5:30 in the morning with a trainer “so my days are a little longer – plus Jose can just wake up and put on

Sabina Pena

whatever clothes he finds and he’s ready for the day,” Sabina jokes.

While Sabina is the newest of the Pena clan to have golf in her blood, Jose has been playing since he was a little boy.

“I started playing seriously like when I was 8 or so,” Jose said. “My dad used to play a lot so I would go the range and hit a lot of balls – not all of them were good but I really like hitting them.

Getting older and constantly working on his mechanics made a difference to Jose, especially about two years ago when his game improved to a new level.

“Jose has played four years with me. He started with his freshman year and he has been to state twice, his sophomore year and last year as an individual,” said Sharyland boys head coach Fernando Rodriguez. “He’s improved in a sense mentally and has learned to keep his composure under pressure – he showed that at Regionals and at the State Tournament.

He’s come a long way and we are expecting great things from him this year as the team captain.”

Sharyland boys have won 10 straight district titles and are looking for an 11th straight this year in Rodriguez’s 14th year at the helm.

Talking with other coaches throughout the Valley and the feeling is it’s all Sharyland once again. Rodriguez, however, said that it’s going to be a battle this year against Edinburg Vela. The boys team also has plenty of depth, recently winning the Mission Veterans Memorial Inviational by 72 strokes. Stevan Hinojosa led the team with a two day 147, beating out Harlingen’s Colin Eubanks by eight strokes.

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Danny Lee (159), Matt Gonzalez (160) and Robert Pulido (164) – all from Sharyland – rounded out the top five.

Rodriguez said having someone like Jose on the team definitely has a trickle down effect.

The other kids look at his work habits usually once practice is done they go home – he does the opposite.” Rodriguez. “He may go home and grab a bite to eat then end up at Cimarron, working out at the gym and then he hits the books – he’s very good academically. Teammates see this and take notice and will ask him how he does it. They are picking it up.”

Both sibling have high goals set for themselves – and you can see them reaching them based on their work habits.

“When I finally realized what my parents were telling me was true, I also realized hard work would pay off,” Sabina said. “When I don’t play I feel like I’m useless.”

But now, when she wants to play, Jose won’t say “no” anymore. Soon, however, that part will end as Jose treks to Mercyhurst next year.

“It’s gonna be a lot quieter around here,” said Sabina, who was in contention last year for the girls individual state title.

“But I know that I’ll be able to call him and send him videos of my swing and rounds if I need help. But next year will be my senior year and I need to keep it together.”

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HIGH SCHOOL PROFILES

EDCOUCH-ELSA YELLOWJACKETS

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Boys Left to Right: Head Coach Bobby Hernandez, Justin Martinez, Tony Garcia, Aaron Garza, Asst. Coach Jaime Alvarado 2nd Row: Canaan Vasquez, Joshua Garcia 3rd Row: Michael Reyes, Louie Segovia Not pictured: Zeke Nino Accolades: Justin Martinez, Tony Garcia, Michael Reyes, Zeke Nino and Louie Segovia are all 1st team all District in 32-4A

Girls top Left to Right: Alyssa Lopez, Catherine Carreon, Miranda Medrano bottom two left to right Ryann Gonzalez and Abbigail Silva.

Accolades: Alyssa Lopez 2nd team all district 32-4A, Miranda Medrano 2nd team all district 32-4A, Ryann Gonzalez 1st team All District 32-4A and 2nd team All Valley

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MISSION VETERANS PATRIOTS

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WANT TO GET YOUR SCHOOL PROFILE IN SOUTH TEXAS GOLF MAGAZINE? CALL JOEY AT (956) 607-0853.

Front Row Left to Right: Jeselle Farias, Kimberly Calderon, Marco Urive. Middle Row Left to Right: James Elliott, Aaron Martinez, Henry Davis. Back Row Left to Right: Jose Davila, Rene Saldana, Cristian Lea.

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A HISTORICAL GLANCE AT TIERRA DEL SOL Feature name

MARTIN VALLEY RANCH

Jack Martin, right, and his grandson Nigel Carter point out to where 77,000 trees were removed following the frost of 1983 that led to the 27-hole Martin Valley Ranch Golf Course.

Story and Photos By Henry Miller

J

ack Martin’s 16-foot trailer was stuffed with nothing but cabbage and ice.

He had made the long trip from Mission back to Sioux City, Iowa, - 1,300 miles straight north - stopping only once in Waco to fill the truck with ice again. The entire trip – way back in 1949 - was a financial gamble. But that’s how the Martins rolled – make a decision and go with it. It’s worked for nearly 65 years.

That’s how Martin Valley Ranch began.

“We had been coming down to the Valley and trade some pianos for some western goods – saddles and things like that,” said Martin, now 87. “We would take those back and go around to these sale barns and sell that stuff. It worked real well.”

But then the price on the goods Martin wanted went up – and the trade was no longer a viable revenue maker.

“I pulled into a field out here by Mis-

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sion and what happened is really unbelievable,” Martin said. “We lined that truck with moving pads and just put bulk cabbage in it. We filled it full of ice in McAllen at an old icehouse and made only one stop to do it again. We put a tarp over it and went back to Iowa.”

Not knowing how the cabbage would respond to all the ice, Martin pulled into his one gas pump filling stations and went to one of his reliable buyers – not

with leather goods, but with cabbage. It was 20-below zero that day.

“He said there was no way those cabbage would survive – that they would be frozen through,” Martin said.

“I convinced him to take a look and it was amazing. There wasn't even three bushel baskets of bad cabbage.

“We did it all on a whim.”

That whim led to a 50-truck operation pulling produce out of the Rio Grande Valley.

In 1978 Martin purchased a 1,188 acre citrus grove with the plan to gradually turn the grove into residential, RV and mobile home properties. However, on Christmas Eve in 1983 the temperature reached 17 degrees for 31 hours, wiping out citrus groves all throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including the 1,188 acres Martin purchased.

The development had already begun with the first parks built and completed

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in 1980. The freeze, however, drastically changed the plans.

“It hurried our plan of operation, that's for sure,” Martin said. “We had already built one RV park before the freeze and knew that the citrus orchard business would carry itself but planned on doing the development in stages. But that freeze gave us no choice but to speed up and go.”

It took 18 months to remove 77,000 trees from the land. Since then the Martins have built eight RV, mobile home and home parks; more than 3,400 residences and when the park's guests are all in their Winter homes, the population rises to more than 6,000 people.

As the development continued to grow, Martin responded to what he was hearing from residents. Though he never had played golf in his life, he decided to build the first nine holes in 1986. But it wouldn't stop there.

“We tried to run it as a large residential area with nine holes and saw it wasn't working,” Martin said. “So we decided to give it another nine. That went along fine and we kept building and then put up the final nine about 15 years ago to give us a 27-hole golf course.”

And since then, hundreds of Winter Texans have flooded the pro shop on a daily basis. With 15 miles of roads attaching all the of the parks, most residents have their own golf carts and can get to anywhere they want without driving – even though not all are golfers.

“I have more golf carts our here that

aren't used for golf than I have golf members,” Martin said.

And even though he said that tongue-incheek, there is a bit of sad truth to it. The Winter Texan population is slowly dropping and the next set of Winter Texans – the baby boomers – are a very transient group.

“They will spend some time in Arizona and some time in Florida and some time in Texas during the Winters,” said Nigel Carter, Jack's grandson and golf course manager.

“They aren't ready to settle at one place yet and want to make the best choice. And they are not playing as much golf and this fastmoving bunch of baby boomers – they don't want to take too much time to play 18 holes of golf .”

That transition period means a little more creativity for the Martins as they search out ways to attract the local community to their course.

“We cater to the Winter Texan market but in summer it's very, very quite – we have never cultivated the local market,” Martin said. “We are seeing a drastic reduction in rounds and like everyone else we are going to have to get the tournament type of activities and other things to make up for what we are losing with the Winter Texans.”

Martin admitted that he didn't know what the answer was but based on his resume – and that gambling itch that has brought the Martins much success - chances are he'll find an answer and Martin Valley Ranch, albeit maybe with a different mission, will continue to grow, be a Winter Park haven and very busy golf course.

Martin Valley Ranch is located at 7400 W. Expressway 83 in Mission Phone: (956) 585-2131; Web: martinvalleyranch.com Director of Golf: Nigel Carter [Southtexas Golf #1] 39

Feature name ON THE LINKS: SOUTH TEXAS GOLF ASSOC./LOVE THY NEIGHBOR CHARITY SCRAMBLE

The Miller Lite/Coors Light South Texas Golf Association Charity Scramble benefiting Love Thy Neighbor Service Organization

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Feature name ON THE LINKS: EDDIE CANTU SCRAMBLE AT TIERRA DEL SOL

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Sergio Garcia ››

“Sacando Mis Trapitos Al Sol” “Airing out my Dirty Laundry” Opening Reception Thursday Nov 7th 6:30PM - 9:30 PM Exhibition runs Nov,7th - Dec 31st.

eyond Arts Gallery

114 North A. Street, Harlingen, TX 78550 956-230-2859 Gallery Hours Tues - Fri 9:00 -5:00 Sat 10:00 - 5:00 www.beyondartsgallery.com

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Feature name ON THE LINKS: GRAND OPENING TIERRA DEL SOL GOLF COURSE

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Feature name ON THE LINKS: RALLY FOR THE CURE AT MCALLEN COUNTRY CLUB

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature name

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature name

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature name

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature name

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GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY Feature name

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THE ART OF

“Swing your swing, I know, I did.”

- Arnold Palmer

Tim Elliott is the owner of Elliott’s Custom Golf.

Visit him at 712 N 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen Call him at (956) 428-5448 www.customclubs.net

F

CUSTOM I TTING›› S ome of you old timers remember the days prior to the 1980s, where there was little to no fitting of golf equipment. You walked into your local course golf shop or the Pro Shop at your local Muni or Country Club and checked out the goodies on the rack. You found a set of irons that looked pretty cool and BAM! you were in business. You’d belly up to the counter with your new sticks in hand and pay the man. There was no fitting.

Custom Club building really got started in the mid- to late-80s. This is our entry into the golf industry. After many months of reading and several more weeks of training at Golfsmith, Elliott’s Custom Golf opened. I felt golfers needed an alternative to the “Pro Line Goods” being offered by existing golf shops. I felt the key to success was to put the golfer (our customer) in a set of clubs that were fit to him or her and not just what was on the rack. Look around you, none of us are the same. We come in all shapes and sizes. Short, tall, big, small and average.

We also come in many strengths and coordinations. This is the reason “custom fitting” is so important.

In an effort to properly fit our customer, we prefer to do a pre-fitting interview.

We need to understand what the customer wants. It may be distance, accuracy or feel. This helps us eliminate options.

After the interview, the fitting begins.

First we determine which length of iron best fits the golfer with the “golf ruler.” This is only a guide, nothing in golf fitting is etched in stone. The guide gives us a great starting point. We normally have irons in many lengths and flexes.

The pre-fitting interview gives us starting points as well.

Once we have the first club, we will ask our custome to get loose and he begins hitting golf balls. While our golfer is hitting balls into the net, our computer is compiling swing data. We normally like to see a golfer hit between 12 to 20 golf balls. This really helps if you are not a PGA Pro. Many “club fitters” are not PGA Professionals but have the ability, with the help of computers, to solve many swing mysteries.

I always use my friend and PGA Professional, Joe Powell, from The Palms at Mid Valley, to help solve unusual swing issues. The first thing we look at on the computer is the golfer’s “club head speed.” A combination of head speed and swing tempo will determine the material and flex of shaft you should be using. FYI, I always suggest you stay with steel shafts unless you’re hurt or have lost distance. Normally, women in general, and older guys should gravitate to graphite; younger bucks should stick to steel. If our golfer is comfortable with the length, we move forward.

We now have determined the length of your club, material of your clubs (steel or graphite) and flex of your clubs.

Next is checking what lie of the club head would work best. We normally use a 7-iron, apply lie tape to the sole of the iron, pull out our lie matt and have him hit a few balls off the matt. We change the lie tape after each shot, normally six shots or less will give us enough information to evaluate. This will determine whether you need a flat, upright or standard lie angle. Now we have added another aspect of the club.

We all know that grip size is important.

Many of our older golfers with a little arthritis prefer larger grips. We always ask about the hands, the grip is so important.

Your grip should be sized: undersize, standard, mid size, or oversize. The real key is comfort, you have to like the way it feels. There are other sub factors that we look to finalize the fitting.

Once the fitting is completed, the golfer has many choices. We are able to order most “Pro Line” products custom made to our golfer’s individual specs. The other option is to allow us to build a custom set using our after market club heads.

Look at all the variations of golf clubs that can be played. Why would you buy clubs off the rack when you can have them customized for the same price. Do yourself a favor, get fitted before you buy.

I would love to discuss with you the further advantages of hitting clubs that are actually fitted to your swing. Kind of like Arnie’s Ad “swing your swing, I know, I did.” What a great quote.

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WINTER TEXANS Feature name

WELCOME HOME There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.

There’s no place like home.

Just three clicks of the heel will get you there. Well, not really, but you know what I mean. Yes, our Winter Texan friends are coming home. After a long Spring and Summer our Valley golf courses will be frequented by our friends from up North.

A much-anticipated wait says Jaime Rivera from Brownsville Golf Center. “It’s great that they’re back. We absolutely love them and they make up a large part of our day during the Winter and this year we plan a Winter Texan day after the New Year.”

Joe Powell said there are already signs hinting that our friends from up North are back. “You see the parks start to fill up but it seems this time around our friends from Canada are going to trickle in a little later than usual and I can’t wait because they really are half our Winter Texan population.”

All the parks I’ve spoken with are really excited about the return of our friends from the north as am I. This coming year South Texas Golf Magazine wants to hit the links and get even more involved. After all, the Winter Texans are a big part of the RGV. Yes, there truly is no place like home…So click those heels and TEE it up.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.

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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 am in 8th grade. 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

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Feature name LEISURE: BEER

Short Straw

Farmhouse Red Ale From the Blue Moon Brewing Company Expressionist Collection The Art Behind Short Straw Farmhouse Ales were brewed for the diligent farmhands who drew the short straw and had to work the arudous harvest.

The brewmaster’s

expression blends the spiciness of a Farmhouse Ale with the tartness of a Flanders Red for a remarkably refreshing finish.

Appearance: Reddish amber-colored ale with brilliant clarity capped by a rich white head.

Aroma: Distinctive spice notes balanced by caramel malts and hibiscus.

Taste: White pepper notes blended with a caramel maltiness that leads to a pleasant tartness.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a pleasant tart character.

Finish: Pleasantly tart finish with spice that gradually fades.

Did You Know?

The hint of spice pairs well with spicy meats, and the tartness of the beer goes well with fresh, seasonal fruit desserts.

From Blue Moon Brewmaster Keith Villa:

Farmhouse Red Ale was inspired by travels across Belgium. While living there to study brewing, I enjoyed visiting the regional breweries that dotted the Belgian landscape. Perfected by centuries of beermaking, the ales I tasted at old-world brewhouses were some of the best I’ve had. They inspired me to brew some of those traditional styles, but, of course, I had to put my own spin on them.

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LEISURE: FeatureLUXURY name

Another Masterpiece: When Time Becomes Music L

uxury Watch Manufacturer Ulysse Nardin presented a stunning musical "Wearable Masterpiece." Limited to 99 Pieces this spectacular timepiece plays the first 20 seconds of the melody "Strangers in The Night" every hour or on command.

Crafted from precious 18K rose gold, it is a 45mm case, with a Ulysse Nardin Caliber UN-690 incorporating the latest technology featuring their 64 jewel, escapement, anchor and balance spring in silicium. It features a date indicator, 48 hour power reserve, automatic movement, and comes on a leather strap with a rose gold folding buckle.

Ulysse Nardin is known for presenting some of the world's finest and most complicated timepieces such as Perpetual Calendars, The Freak, Award-Winning Gengis Khan, and "Alexander The Great Westminister" being a Tourbillon Minute Repeater. While they produce truly exceptional works of art, they also produce timepieces for everyday wear and Limited Editions for those watch collectors who demand "Exclusivity."

Exclusive Timepieces “Luxury Watches” in McAllen, Tx is the OFFICIAL AGENT for Ulysse Nardin.

Visit them at 1217 South 10th Street (next to Lubys on South 10th St by the expressway)

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Phone: (956) 687-2981.

Visit them online at: www.exclusivetimepieces.net

ON THE LINKS

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LEISURE: FeatureFINANCE name

ARE YOU READY TO RETIRE? Prepare today for a more comfortable tomorrow Retirement used to conjure up images of lazy days spent in a rocking chair. Today’s retirement is very different. You might plan to open a business of your own. Or perhaps you’ll return to school for that degree you never had the chance to complete. So what does this redefined retirement mean to you?

There is no one answer. In the coming decades, “retirement” will mean something different to each of us. Regardless of your decision, you’ll need to design a financial plan suited to your specific vision of the future.

Income Is Key A good starting point might be to examine your sources of retirement income. If you pay attention to the financial press, you’ve probably come across at least a few commentators who speak in gloom-and-doom terms about the future for American retirees, decrying a lack of savings and warning of the imminent growth of the elderly population.

True, there is widespread concern about at least one traditional source of income for retirees -- Social Security. Under current conditions, Social Security funds could fall short of needs by 2033.1 This shift makes it even more important for individuals to understand their goals and have a well-thought-out financial plan that focuses on the key source of retirement income: personal savings and investments. Given the potential duration and changing nature of retirement, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional financial planner who can help you assess your needs and develop appropriate investment strategies.

As you move through the various stages of the new retirement, perhaps working at times and resting at others, your plan may require adjustments along the way. A professional advisor can help you monitor your plan and make changes when necessary. Among the factors you’ll need to consider: Time: You can project periods of

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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 retirement, reeducation, and full employment. Then concentrate on a plan to fund each of the separate periods.

The number of years until you retire will influence the types of investments you include in your portfolio. If retirement is a short-term goal, investments that provide liquidity and help preserve your principal may be most suitable. On the other hand, if retirement is many years away, you may be able to include more aggressive investments in your portfolio.

Inflation: While lower-risk fixedincome and money market investments may play an important role in your investment portfolio, if used alone they may leave you susceptible to the

erosive effects of inflation. To help your portfolio keep pace with inflation, you may need to maintain some growth-oriented investments. Over the long-term, stocks have provided returns superior to other asset classes.2 But also keep in mind that stocks generally involve greater short-term volatility.

Taxes: Even after you retire, taxes will remain an important factor in your overall financial plan. If you return to work or open a business, for example, your tax bracket could change. In addition, should you move from one state to another, state or local taxes could affect your bottom line. Tax-advantaged investments, such as annuities and tax-free mutual funds, may be effective tools for meeting your retirement goals.

Tax deferral offered by workplace plans -- such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans -and IRAs may also help your retirement savings grow.

To ensure that retirement lives up to your expectations, begin establishing your plan as early as possible and consider consulting with a professional.

With proper planning, you may be able to make your retirement whatever you want it to be.

Source/Disclaimer: 1Source: Social Security Administration, Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2012.

2Past performance is no guarantee of future results. © 2012 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

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(956) 720-4476 * WWW.ADESSOPROMOTIONS.COM [Southtexas Golf #1] 65

Feature name LEISURE: TRAVEL

Try something new for New Year E njoy your New Year’s 2014 a completely different way. Go skiing to Ruidoso, New Mexico and then go spend New Year’s at Disneyland with RGV Tours. The luxury coaches they use leaves families having more fun, less worries (no driving on the snowy roads!) and building amazing memories.

You spend more time with your loved ones and share the experience.

The buses leave at 9 p.m. Dec. 26 and arrive at Ruidoso, N.M. At 11 a.m. the next day. You'll enjoy 4 days/3 nights in Ruidoso and can go skiing (not done in the RGV!) for 2 days at Ski Apache.

Then it's off to Anaheim, Calif. for 4 days/3 nights. We will spend New Year’s at Disneyland and go to California Adventure.

The Disney Characters already know we're on our way.

We will finalize your trip like a star at Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and – of courseshop at Rodeo Drive.

Our motor coaches are extremely comfortable. Enjoy movies while on the go;

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cuddled up with your blanket and pillow.

Have chips and drinks on the way. All the motor coaches have a restroom. Carry as many suitcases as you want since we have a lot of storage room. Spend nights in 4 – star hotels and enjoy warm breakfast every morning.

RGV Tours will have another tour to Disneyworld during Spring Break 2014! Enjoy 6 day/5 nights at Orlando, Fla., and visit Disneyworld and Universal Studios!

We are also visiting New York next summer - two weeks traveling to New Orleans, Atlanta, Baltimore, New York, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Nashville and finish in Dallas.

Also, are you a Cowboys or Spurs fan?

We have the best game tours! You may reserve your seat with $100 deposit and pay it off a month before your exciting family vacation!

Visit www.rgvtours.com or call us at 1.800.RGVTOUR!

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 67

SALES Feature name & REPAIR

SERVICE & RENTAL

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

BUSINESS 68 [Southtexas GolfADDRESS: #1]

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

www.rgvcarts.clubcardealer.com