14 minute read
See GOLF
Champion Lakes (previously Palm View) Golf Course - First Place Upper Valley Golf Course Valley)
Champion Lakes (formerly Palm View Golf Course) was named the Upper Valley Favorite, Tierra Santa earned the Mid-Valley Favorite, and River Bend secured the Lower Valley Favorite. Cheryl, who is from Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, said that the people at Long Island Village Golf Course are what makes the difference. She remembers her first year at the park, getting involved with other activities such as painting and stained-glass. Then she decided to take up golf.
Advertisement
“I told one lady the next year I came that I would like to learn to play,” she said. “We would go out with a group of ladies every morning, walking the course and they would help me out. You don’t get better unless you play so I would go out every day practicing. I took it serious and am always trying to better myself.”
Fitzgerald says she can see that the course is getting busier all the time, adding that since the COVID-19 scare has lessened, there are more new golfers who probably took up the sport as a way to get exercise and get out of the house.
She also said that golf is more than just an activity at Long Island Village, but a way to support others in need. The course recently had a night-golf event that raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude Hospital, she said.
The course is an 18-hole par-3 but can play as long as the more traditional golf courses with a merciless wind that seems to always be in your face. Club selection is critical here and you may need to go up or down a club or two based on pin placement, strength of wind – and its direction.
UPPER VALLEY
Champion Lakes – First Place
A few years back, when the Winter Texan numbers were shrinking, City of McAllen Golf Director Carlos Espinosa went in search of, “Why.”
His reaching out to golfers has made a huge difference and Espinosa said it was important to see what the golfers wanted and what he and his staff could do to appeal to the Winter visitors.
It has worked. Champion Lakes continues to be a favorite among all golfers – even the new ones who took up the sport due to COVID-19.
TONY BUTLER GOLF COURSE
Serving the RGV since 1929
Come Experience Our Groundkeeping Improvements
Enjoy A Faster, Smoother & Well
Manicured Course!
Play 18 holes for $28 or 9 holes for $21 - Includes Cart
On Site Café With Breakfast and Lunch Options Along With Your Favorite Snacks and Beverages
Magnificent Golf Superb Amenities Outstanding Service
come forth here,” she said. “It’s one health benefits of playing golf,” Esof those communities that you just pinosa said. “Even my doctor has been telling me I need to go out and
The course is an 18-hole par-3 play more. The Winter Texans are but can play as long as the more so important to the economy in the -Valley, and we have made so many ciless wind that seems to always be good relationships with many of -them.” cal here and you may need to go up Of course, it helps that the course or down a club or two based on pin is always in amazing condition with placement, strength of wind – and a layout that is visually enchanting but both challenging and unique. It also boasts the biggest lighted driving range in the Valley. - It also has a fully stocked pro ter Texan numbers were shrinking, shop with all the new – and impresCity of McAllen Golf Director sive looking -- Champion Lakes Carlos Espinosa went in search of, gear. And don’t forget to grab a burger while you’re there.
His reaching out to golfers has Tierra Del Sol – Second place - With several parks nearby, many sa said it was important to see what Winter Texans went home one year the golfers wanted and what he and and came back to find a new and his staff could do to appeal to the improved Tierra Del Sol. Greens were restructured. Grass
It has worked. Champion Lakes went from tee to green, drainage continues to be a favorite among all was improved and Tierra Del Sol golfers – even the new ones who became a completely new golfing took up the sport due to COVID-19.experience. Some holes are still
“People don’t often realize the in the “grip it and rip it” category,
Tierra Santa Golf Course - First Place Mid-Valley Golf Course
but other holes require a deft touch. Large greens are nice and roll true – but large greens also can lead to really long putts. Sometimes laying up and pitching onto the green here is more beneficial than being on the farthest point from the green.
The course also has amazing breakfast tacos.
Los Lagos – Third Place
This course is a unique experience that can be frustrating or super rewarding. Moguls, elevation changes and, of course, Valley wind are the triple crown of golf and Los Lagos has them all.
There’s just something about this course that calls out to golfers at all levels. It’s visually appealing, incredibly challenging but a course that has to be played at least once – but once you play it, you’ll be struck with the Lagos bug and want to keep returning.
MID-VALLEY
Tierra Santa – First Place
The course with the most wellknown finishing hole is undergoing major changes – including flip-flopping its front and back nine, meaning No. 18 will now by No. 9. The good side is that even if you have a bad No. 9, you still have nine more holes to recover – and can make a stop at the clubhouse along the way.
The pro shop is being remodeled as well as the restaurant. The course has been in immaculate shape for several years and the layout is fabulous. You could play this course over and over and never get tired of the challenges, or the beauty of several holes. It’s no wonder this continually ranks among the most favorite golf courses in the Valley.
It has 14 lakes, strategically placed sand traps and provides
See GOLF pg. 14
Download App For Online Offers & Our Loyalty Program
Book Online Thru App or Website www.golf.pharr-tx.gov
Download Our App: TDS GOLF
No Coupon Copies Allowed 18-HOLE GREEN FEE with CART, $33.00 (includes tax)
• Includes 18-hole green fee with 1/2 cart. • Must present this coupon to redeem offer. • Two days in advance teetime reservation. • Valid Anytime Mon-Fri and after 10am on weekends and holidays • Not valid for League or Tournament Play • Offer expires 4/1/2022.
NO REFUNDS OR RAINCHECKS ONCE PLAY BEGINS! No Coupon Copies Allowed
That is the feeling you will have after you leave our optical.
FREE TINT With Ad
•Eye Exam $35 / $25 with Eye Glasses Purchase •Contact Eye Exam $60 / $50 with Contact Lens Purchase •1 Pair Single Vision - $40 •1 Pair with Line Bi-focal - $60 •1 Pair No-Line Progressive - $100
Chase Bank Tower Chicago Ave.
Dallas Ave.
Fresno Ave.
N.
Exp. 83
521 S. 10th St., McAllen
631-3002
Lic# TACLB00114391E Rio Grande Valley
Call 830-399-0177 Text 956-304-8110
2022 Winter Promotion A/C Replacement 2 Ton - $3,500 3 Ton - $3,800 4 Ton - $4,500 5 Ton - $4,700 Free Installation 10 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
Mobile Home Installations
Go...With Jo! Tours & Travel
Safe Travels!
U.S. TOURS
Eagle Pass Gambling
(2 Days) April 5, 19..............................................................................................$195 (2 Days) May 3, 17..............................................................................................$195 (Prices are per person, double occupancy)
MEXICO BUS TOURS
San Miguel de Allende
(6 Days) July 2 Incl. Daily Breakfast...............................................................$779 (Prices are per person, double occupancy)
ONE DAY BUS TOURS
By Group Request.......................................Call for Options & Cost
multiple shot selections for almost every hole. Par 3s are easily reached but where they land – even if on the green – can make the difference between a birdie and a bogey, or something else.
It’s definitely a risk and reward type of course and clearly a favorite all across the Valley.
Stuart Place Country Club – Second Place
This golf course continues to make a meteoric rise in popularity. It’s a refreshing and enjoyable course to play (don’t confuse that with easy though).
It has the look and feel of a country club from the moment you drive in, but it is public for play – as nice as the course is, it also has one of the premiere golf pros in LPGA Class A pro Wendy Werley Bullock, founder of Mind Body Golf Training and a Master Kids Teacher.
Then, when you hit the clubhouse, you’ve discovered the pot at the end of the rainbow. Open arms, smiling faces and a great time awaits you, whether you had a spectacular round, or one you want to forget. It makes the entire experience an A-plus.
Village Executive Golf Course – Third Place
You get what you see at this Weslaco tucked-away gem. It’s flat, it’s open and it’s a perfect place to play when you decide you just want to go and hit some balls.
While this course is perfect for beginners, it’s also ideal for those who want to challenge themselves by going for every pin. It provides golfers with challenges but is also forgiving enough to drop some low scores. The par-3 course is a little more than 1,350 yards from the farthest tees, making it a shot-makers, and apparently a Winter Texan’s, favorite course.
LOWER VALLEY River Bend – First Place
Ever since River Bend opened itself up to let golfers know they were open, the course has sky-rocketed to a perennial favorite among Winter Texans, and across the Valley. It’s situated along the banks of the Rio Grande and was once considered one of the best-kept golf secrets in the Valley
The Rio Grande Valley is renowned for its climate, flora and fauna, friendly people and economical lifestyle and River Bend worked to bring it together in one location. The name is derived from the huge bend in the Rio Grande that borders the resort and provides the property with a lush tropical setting. Plants and birds not seen elsewhere in the U.S. are common throughout River Bend Resort & Golf Club.
Not only one of the most scenic and relaxing courses to play, River Bend gives golfers wide open holes, tight fairways, elevation changes and a chance to use every club in your bag. They have also removed some trees to where a beautiful view of the River emerges and it could make you forget that you’re golfing and not just sight-seeing.
South Padre Island Golf Course - Third Place
The expectations are high when you play a course named after one of the most exhilarating vacation destinations in the country.
This course has been working furiously to meet those expectations. Clearly that work – and some TLC – is paying off as once again SPI is among the Winter Texans’ favorite courses.
It’s easy to take in some of the breathtaking views this course has to offer. Those same views can also lull you into too much relaxation on a course that is filled with challenges, and the amazingly crazy South Texas winds, especially on the coast.
Whether you come to South Texas on vacation or are a winter visitor – or a full-time resident, you need to play this course at least once. There will be stories to tell, especially after playing the par-4 No. 18. A hole where being conservative is probably the best bet, even though the rewards of a long ball are at their maximum.
WINTER TEXAN SPECIAL FREE FRIES
1/2 Basket
With Park Badge
Weslaco 1015 S. Inter. Blvd. • Weslaco, TX 78596 • 956-520-8783 Mission 409 N. Bryan RD. STE 104 • Mission, TX 78572 • 956-205-2940
FREE
CONE
OR DISH
WITH PURCHASE OF ANY COMBO MEAL
Not valid with any other offers. Limited to one single cone or dish per guest. Additional toppings and/or waffle cone available at an additional cost. Must present coupon to redeem. Dine-in-only. VALID AT PHARR, MCALLEN, HARLINGEN AND BROWNSVILLE, TX LOCATIONS ONLY. EXPIRES 04/30/2022
Ranch House Burgers: Come Hungry
I arrived at Ranch House Burgers in Mission recently extremely hungry.
This was the right place at the right time.
The host and my server both highly recommended the fajita fries so that easily became a no-brainer. Ordering a burger wasn’t so easy. The choices are plentiful, and the creative options and descriptions not only can make your mouth water but can make you forget you already ordered a large appetizer.
I chose the 420 burger – chorizo, bacon, fried egg, Swiss cheese, refried beans and avocado – sounded like a perfect combination to remove the extremeness from my hunger. The specialty burgers are fun just to read from the menu – the John Wayne, the Pancho Villa, the Fire in the Hole – are just some of the names for these mega-size burgers.
I dug into a deep bowl of fries smothered with tiny, tender pieces of fajita mixed in with pico de gallo, melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream. It was a flavor-filled journey. The fries were fresh, seasoned to perfection and it wasn’t served with all the toppings just sitting on top. They were all spread throughout the dish, so every bite had a smorgasbord of tantalizing tongue and taste appeal.
The burger was everything I expected. The creamy flavors of the avocado, melted cheese and egg combined with the crispy bacon, and beef patty complemented one another and it wasn’t long before I knew I had a challenge as my extreme hunger dissipated and the fear of not finishing displaced it.
Don’t let the lunch crowd scare you away. The kitchen operation must run as smooth as melted butter. I arrived at noon, placed my order, ate and then ordered to go for my daughter, and I was still out before the typical one-hour work lunch was over.
I walked in extremely hungry, left extremely happy and then took an extreme nap when I got home, thinking about what burger I would get when I visit the Weslaco location.
711 N 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen • (956) 230-5050
Do Your Mouth A Flavor! Winter Texan
20% Off
All Food Items
Drinks Not Included Expires March 31, 2022
New Weslaco Location Opening Soon!
Family Owned & Operated Any Entree All Day
20% OFF
Open Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Expires: June 1, 2022
(956)772-7256 • www.lobodelmarcafe.com 204 W. Palm Street • South Padre Island, TX Home of “The Brooklyn” 30” Pizza
WINTER TEXAN
APPRECIATION DISCOUNT 10% OFF
With This Coupon. Expires April 30, 2022
• Newly Remodeled • Indoor and Outdoor Dining
STEFANO’s
PIZZA EXPRESS • Sanitized Daily www.StefanosBrooklynPizza.com
(956) 884-7715 • 500 N. Jackson Rd N-3, Pharr, TX 78577
Victoria Palms Restaurant ASIAN CUISINE
