AVID St. Louis
+
Golf
+
Lifestyle
ANNA RAWSON
+
The LPGA’s Most Alluring Golfer
*SAINT LOUIS’ OWN SCOTT LANGLEY COURSE OPINION: STONEWOLF GOLF CLUB
SOULARD >A HOT SPOT FOR GOLF CARTS GOLF IN THE UK >HIT THE LINKS AT BOVEY CASTLE SWING WITH STYLE >HOW TO LOOK SHARP ON AND OFF THE COURSE
fall 2010 Complimentary Issue
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 1
Value: $3.95
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 1
2 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 3
ARE
you interested in free golf? How about free golf balls?
Well, would
YOU
It's the perfect gift for yourself or the hard-to-shop-for man who's.
4 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
believe us if we said you'll get both by subscribing to this magazine?
AVID
about golf and the lifestyle that comes with it.
?
Want to know more
010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 5 Visit avidmagazine.com or call 314.677.2444 for more information on howFALL to 2subscribe.
avid contents COVER STORY
Anna
Anna Rawson, our very first cover girl, is the bombshell the LPGA’s been waiting for. The Australian native talks with AVID about how she balances golf and modeling, whose game she’s eyeing and how she wants to change women’s golf as we know it.
80 6 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
DESIGNED TO KEEP YOUR LONG SHOTS FROM BECOMING LONGSHOTS. Improving your odds from long range relies a lo ot on how well your club gets through the turf. Th hatt’s why we designed the new Baffler Rail Hybrids and F Fairway Woods around a four-way rail sole that slices through grass like a machete through a thicket. It’s a proven way to help you make solid contact for long, soft-landing approach shots. But we didn’t stop there. The Bafflers allso feature 9 Point Face Teechnology that keeps shots on target, e even if you catch them off-center. And with that kind of technology, you’ve got to like your chancees. Find a demo location near ne you at cobragolf.com m.
Real Technology. Unreal Performance.
®2010 Cobra Golf Incorporated. FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 7
avid contents 35
FEATURES
58 JET: God Save the Greens Bovey Castle in Southwest England is a golfing experience that’s hard to forget. Follow writer Fred Wright Jr. as he tours one of the top 100 golf courses in the world and stumbles upon a mystery in Sherlock Holmes country.
64 Course Opinion: Stonewolf Golf Club Stonewolf Golf Club is a hidden gem—a course designed by the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus— and it’s just across the river. Ryan Scott plays a round and gives us the scoop on what we should know about the course before we tee off.
68 Photo Essay: Cart Life Golf carts are emerging as the hottest new trend among Soulard residents. From lift kits to stereo systems, vintage rides to six-seaters, AVID hitches a ride to explore the area’s cart culture.
74 One of Our Own: Scott Langley St. Louis is long overdue for its next big athlete, and after this year’s U.S. Open, it appears Illini golfer Scott Langley is next in line. We spoke with the 21-year-old golf phenom about his inspirations, his aspirations and his place as one of this city’s most decorated young athletes.
8 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
68
54
Departments
13 Letter from the editor 14 Access 19 Bag Check Take a peek inside Steve Elkington’s golf bag to find out what he can’t live without on the course. 21 The Lab This fall’s hottest new gear: stylish outerwear, the latest irons from TaylorMade and Cleveland, the newest 3-D technology and five mobile apps you absolutely need. 28 Vice Every man has at least one vice... that he’s willing to admit. This fall, we can’t resist Spanish wines and fine cigars. (See the ultimate vice on page 80.) 32 Fuel Villa Farotto is a frequent haunt for golfers in West County. Food writer Kyle Harsha recently visited the Italian eatery and gives a few tasty recommendations. 35 Stitch Update your wardrobe with AVID’s guide on how to look your best on the course, at work, and out on the town.
47 The Cut The moody, acoustic sound of Iron & Wine, a playlist you’ll never pause and three fall movies you won’t want to miss. 50 Burn Our team of experts teaches you a few handy warm-up exercises to improve your game, how to shoot from the bunker, and how to play by the rules (for real). 56 Executive Profile Jim Nienhaus, owner of Precision Irrigation, has a passion for golf. Find out what he has to say about St. Louis amateurs. 88 AVIDDIVA Get to know the most charming cart girls the Gateway Area has to offer. 94 Caddy Shack AVID asks PGA Tour veteran Patrick “Cuz” Fitzgerald a few pointed questions about how he got his nickname and how many times he’s been fired (it’s more than once). 96 cease & desist Matt Mathison gives his not-sosubtle opinion on this year’s Ryder Cup.
sAKs FiFtH AVENuE MEN’s CollECtioN KNoW WHAt You’RE WEARiNG Our Italian-made pinstripe suit is crafted in luxurious super 120s wool
ST. LOUIS AT PLAZA FRONTENAC 314.567.9200 © SAKS FIFTH AVENUE 2010 ONLINE: SAKS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/SAKS TWITTER.COM/SAKS
because tO get ahead, a man can’t hang On hIs charm alOne...
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 9 st. louis
10 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
avid co-publisher Matt Mathison co-publisher Richard Riney
editor-in-chief Dan Michel contributing editors Margaret Bauer Michael Wilmering
design NITEWERK Chicago, Ill. hello@nitewerk.com design intern ALEXANDER VALENTINE III production assistant Richard Kearns illustrator DanIEL Elchert
contributing photographers Mark Christian Jamey Edgerton Peter Newcomb Ryan Scott contributing writers Bryan FaQuin Damon goddard Chris Hannis Kyle Harsha maria palozola Ryan Scott Michael Wilmering Fred W. Wright Jr.
account executives Brett Borgard David Drovetti
special thanks to: Cfx Inc. Jon Fogel Whitney Fogel Keith Van Gels Life time Fitness avidmagazine.com
AVID Magazine 520 Maryville Centre Drive, Suite 220 St. Louis, MO 63141 314.677.2444
AVID Magazine is published by Flagstick Media Co. and has no affiliation with any other media outlet or publication or any variation thereof. This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without expressed written consent of the publisher. For permission, please contact matt@ avidmagazine.com. For questions, comments or feedback, please contact feedback@avidmagazine.com. Back issues, reprints and PDFs are available for an additional charge. For more information, please contact info@avidmagazine.com.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 11
advertising visual communications photography
The fine art of communication. 12 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
cfx-inc.com
letter from the editor
TEEING OFF
As a kid, I took my fair share of golf lessons. I played in tournaments. I watched golf on TV. I even caddied for a short while, and truth be told, I found it pretty boring. I couldn’t understand why my father made such a big deal out of weekend rounds with his friends and golf retreats in the Ozarks. “How can he be so excited about a game that can make him so mad?” I thought. I’ve still never heard his off-course cursing match his inventive utterances on the green, even though he was close to scratch in his heyday. My perception of the golf world changed in my late teens, when I realized that my father—like most golfers—enjoys golf for two overarching reasons. The first has to do with the game itself: We enjoy spending time with friends on a beautiful course, refining our game and making precise, calculated shots in a grand tradition that started so many generations ago. The second concerns the lifestyle that comes with golf. This was the side of the game I didn’t see until I started accompanying my father throughout his golf outings, not just on the course. I discovered that golf’s more than just an age-old club-and-ball game. It’s an entire
culture that has its own rules, clothing, etiquette and slang. For the first time, I saw the game as a thread that connects people who might not otherwise meet. Take, for instance, our cover girl, Anna Rawson. The one thing that connected the Australian beauty with the United States, a country she so badly wanted to emigrate to, was a golf scholarship (read her story on page 80). St. Louis native Scott Langley has also had a phenomenal collegiate experience thanks to his golfing abilities, and he’s already generating buzz as the area’s next big athlete (read more on page 74). Golf even connects people who aren’t golfers. Soulard is teeming with residents who know one another because they love cruising their neighborhood in their golf carts (see page 68). Golf is a pervasive part of our culture that many don’t notice until they look for it. These two elements—golf and the lifestyle that come with it—are what we aim to capture in every issue of AVID. Whether we’re reviewing a local golf course (page 64), laying out a helpful exercise routine (page 50), or filling you in on a travel destination (page 58) or the latest in men’s fashion (page 35), we promise to make every issue as relevant, useful and entertaining as our first. Thanks for reading. —Dan Michel
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 13
ACCESS
AVID Magazine’s monthly round-up of facts and figures from the world of golf.
60 $25 MINUTES MILLION Amount of television time Augusta National will be adding for the early rounds of The Masters. Avid wonders if Martha Burk is as excited about this as we are.
1% Percentage of golfers who play to a single-digit handicap, according to the USGA. Let’s hope it doesn’t start auditing handicaps.
Sum a Chinese business allegedly offered No. 4– ranked LPGA player and Taiwanese national Yani Tseng to officially change her nationality to Chinese. Ms. Tseng declined the offer.
$39
1,492,782 Yards
FOUR DAYS
Total length of the longest golf course in the world, Nullarbor Links in Australia.
Approximate amount of time it would take to finish just one round at Nullarbor Links.
$350
Approximate value of each rain suit (of more than 20 total) purchased by the Ryder Cup American team from the Celtic Manor Resort pro shop.
13 1/2
14 1/2
Final score at the 2010 Ryder Cup. Here’s looking forward to the next Ryder Cup in Medinah, Ill., in 2012.
21st
Happy Birthday to Michelle Wie! The Korean golf phenomenon turned 21 on October 11. Does this mean she’ll finally stop using the word “like” in every sentence?
2 GAMES
Time that Nick O’Leary, grandson of Jack Nicklaus, was suspended for making an obscene gesture after a football game in Ohio with his high-school football team. O’Leary later apologized for the incident, but we have to wonder what his conversation with Grandpa Golden Bear was like.
21’ 11’’
ELEVEN Holes in one North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il sank in his first round of golf, according to the North Korean Ministry of Defense. Where do we sign up for lessons?
ZERO Number of players currently ranked in the world’s top 10 who are also ranked in the top 60 for greens hit in regulation. The highest-ranked top-10 player in that category is Steve Stricker (No. 5), who is tied for 58th.
SIX
Age at which Tiger Woods got his first hole in one. Michelle Wie got her first at 12.
Length of the world’s longest golf cart, which was built in Hong Kong. (See p. 68 for photos of golf-cart owners in Soulard.) 14 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Cost of the used Yes! Sophia putter Jim Furyk purchased at Joe and Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop in South Easton, Mass., and used to win the Tour Championship. Let’s see, $11.5 million won using a $39 putter? That’s a solid return on investment.
X $10 MILL = $630 MILLION Approximate amount of money spent each year on golf balls—and that’s just in the U.S.
1,138 $11.5 M Number of times Guinness World Record holder Kermit Dannehl of Phoenix has shot his age or below.
Total Jim Furyk won at the Tour Championship and the 2010 FedExCup.
Tweet of the Month: @IanJamesPoulter “Gmac drinking from the Ryder Cup.”
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 15
ACCESS This Month’s Mulligan
AVID Magazine’s monthly round-up of facts and figures from the world of golf.
Course: Old Warson Country Club Pro Since: 1989 Handicap: Scratch Holes in One: I have seven. One at Bellerive Country Club, the Country Club of Missouri, Sunset Country Club, Carmi Country Club, The Courses at Forest Park, and Old Warson Country Club—every club I’ve ever worked at, except the last one, which was at Tower Tee. Course You Learned On: I played at all the courses in Columbia, but I eventually started playing most of my golf at the Country Club of Missouri. Golf Mentor: Brian Allen at the Country Club of Missouri taught me a lot. He started giving me lessons and offered me a job. So, I started working for him there. What’s in Your Bag: I play almost all Callaway. I also use a Sonartec 3-wood. They don’t make that anymore. I just haven’t found another 3-wood I like as much. Most Notable Golf Partner: Jerry Tucker, one of the top senior players. We used to play all the time. Favorite Golfer to Watch: Tom Watson is my favorite. I really like his athletic swing. It doesn’t look like there’s any fear in any way he plays. I’ve watched him over the years, and I like how he just stays with his game and trusts it. Greatest On-Course Accomplishment: I shot a 65 at Old Warson, and that’s one of the lowest scores anyone’s shot there. I shot a 62 at a much smaller course in Illinois, but I regard that 65 as a better score. Best Tip: It’s so basic that it almost goes without saying, but in fact most people don’t know it. Practice sound fundamentals—grip, stance, posture and ball position—and have someone check them regularly. Everyone gets off kilter eventually, but if you build your game around those fundamentals, you can know how to put yourself back on track.
16 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
A Return to Our Roots
—John Daly, talking to a Charlotte Observer columnist in October regarding his, uh, fuzzier days on the course. Daly says he’s been sober for two years, since he was arrested at a Hooters in North Carolina for public drunkenness.
In perhaps the most sensible decision since doing away with tug of war, the International Olympic Committee has voted to reinstate golf and rugby sevens as official Olympic sports in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Coincidentally, the only time golf saw Olympic action was at the 1904 Games—in St. Louis at Glen Echo Country Club. Both the gold and silver medals from that year are, in fact, missing.
From the Links to the Clink An off-duty police officer in central England is being honored for his bravery for arresting two burglars while finishing a round at a local golf course, according to the Solihull News. Detective Constable David Feenan was eyeing his approach to the 17th green at Amington Golf Course when the two suspects appeared from nearby brush carrying a plasma TV they’d stolen from an adjoining business. After Feenan chased down the two suspects and detained them for approximately 20 minutes, Staffordshire police officers arrived to take them away—in commandeered golf carts, no less.
$
It’s a Hole in... Your Pocket!
In America, a hole in one is highly regarded, but in Japan (where it’s known as an “albatross”) aces are feared because players who get one are expected to buy the round of golf, dinner, drinks, and other expensive gifts for their golfing buddies, which can often cost thousands of dollars. To offset the cost, certain Japanese companies have begun selling hole-in-one insurance for anywhere from 1,600 to 8,000 yen ($20–$100) per year. And we were just getting used to chopsticks...
Photo: Courtesy of Old Warson Country Club
Know Your Pro: Garth Bayer
“...I was happy when I was a miserable drunk. I played better when I was drunk.”
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 17
18 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
BAG CHECK
Photos: Courtesy of Apple, Getty Images, Jamey Edgerton, Professional Coin Grading Service, Rife, TaylorMade, Titleist, Vokey
AVID peeks inside Steve Elkington’s golf bag to see what clubs he carries and what he can’t live without while out on the links.
+ A small cooler containing chicken and peanut butter–and–jelly sandwiches; an iPhone 4 for texting; yellow-striped tees; ball markers—coins from the 1960s; 10 spare gloves to get the perfect feel; nine spare balls—just numbers 1, 2 and 3. He won’t play 4’s in competition.
Clubs, from top to bottom: Driver: TaylorMade Burner Superfast TP, 10.5degree loft; 3-Wood: TaylorMade Burner Superfast TP ; Hybrid: Titleist 909H 21degree, nicknamed “Babydoll”; Irons 3–9: Titleist MB 710s; Wedges: Titleist Vokey 48-degree, 54-degree and 60-degree; Putter: Rife Aussie-edition
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 19
Connect with your doctor and your health online With MyMercy, get lab results, see your health history and medications, schedule appointments and even contact your doctor, whenever and wherever you want.
Sign up or find a Mercy doctor at mercy.net
Schedule appointments
Renew prescriptions
Check your chart and lab results
Receive health reminders
Taking your health with you is a work of Mercy 20 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
St. John’s Mercy is Mercy
MyMercy
THE LAB
The Season’s Coolest Outerwear Outerwear to Keep You Warm
If you’re a weekend warrior who’s not afraid All outerwear is from Fairway Styles, to play late in the year, fairwaystyles.com try on these designer wares to keep you looking good and feeling toasty all the way through the back nine. Avid Approved
Playing golf at the end of the season requires more than just layers to keep warm and dry. It requires technology. These jackets are all made by wellknown designers you won’t find everywhere, and they’re built from synthetic materials that are made to expel moisture and retain heat. Lucky for us, they’re stylish, too.
Hollas Block Jacket, $110
J. Lindeberg Soft Shell Pullover, $175
Travis Mathew Make It Rain Jacket, $140
Sligo Golf Track Jacket, $65 FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 21
THE LAB Golf
The Hottest New Irons to Improve Your Strike
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just starting, a set of reliable irons is essential on the golf course. These new releases can help you enhance your game.
Club Lingo
Cleveland Golf CG7 Tour Irons Handicap Level: 10 and under
TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons Handicap Level: All Levels TaylorMade’s Burner 2.0 Irons have two main new features that will help players of every handicap. The first is the progressively longer shafts, which have their own kick point based on the club length. The other is the irons’ thinner faces, which allow for increased speed and distance. The longer irons have a larger, more forgiving head with a thicker top line and more toe/heel weighting. The shorter irons have a more closed face with a thinner top line shaped for accuracy and control. Each of the irons has its own center of gravity, which works with the shape of the club face to optimize the ball’s trajectory and distance. $700 (with steel shafts); $900 (with graphite shafts) Pro-Am Golf, 3174 S. Brentwood Boulevard, 314.781.7775 www.proamgolfctr.com
22/ AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Cleveland Golf’s newest set of irons is designed for more seasoned golfers who want to increase their distance and accuracy. The CG7 Tour series positions the cavity-backed clubs’ center of gravity lower and deeper to allow for higher curve and increased distance. The irons’ MOI (moment of inertia) ratings are slightly higher than typical irons to increase forgiveness, and the irons also have a Gelback Technology that provides built-in vibration dampening and gives the club a smoother feel upon impact. $700 (with steel shafts) $900 (with graphite shafts) Golf Galaxy, 90 Brentwood Promenade, 314.962.9100 golfgalaxy.com
CG = Center of Gravity: The spot in the club face at which all balance points converge. A lower center of gravity makes for a higher trajectory, and the closer the CG is to the shaft of the club, the lower the MOI will be.
G
MOI = Moment of Inertia: The measure of how difficult it is to set the ball into rotational motion. A club with a higher moment of inertia requires more force to move around an axis and vice versa.
F
d ( mv ) dt
COR = Coefficient of Restitution: The measure of energy lost or retained when the club hits the ball, a.k.a. the “bounciness” of the club. The higher the COR, the more energy will be retained and transferred in the swing. Photos: Courtesy of TaylorMade and Cleveland
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 23
THE LAB
Six Apps You Need Lifestyle Right Now
If you’re like us, you’ve got to be mobile at all times. And although many of us inevitably end up with dozens of apps on our mobile devices, these few stand out as AVID-approved must-haves.
GolfCard Pro, iPhone, $19.99 Why use two gadgets when just one will do? It’s not often we spring for the pro version of a free app, but who can resist when GolfCard Pro can calculate your handicap, track your scores, find distances to different points on any hole and even tell you which club to use. Now, if it could only haul your bag for 18 holes...
24 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Have you ever desperately needed a document when you weren't near a computer? Dropbox lets you access up to 2 GB’s worth of files on your mobile device at any time for free. You can also upload files from your device and send links to them while you're on the road.
Best Business Tool
Hardest to Put Down
WorldCard Mobile, iPhone, $5.99
Flipboard, iPad, Free
Ever kicked yourself for losing a business card, only to find it weeks later? WorldCard is the answer to your businessnetworking prayers. Snap a picture of any business card, and this intuitive app automatically translates it into a contact on your phone. So long, Rolodex.
Flipboard takes all your news, social media, blogs and favorite websites and transforms them into a beautifully animated magazine version of your digital life. Browse trending websites or respond to your friends’ posts right from the app. It even has its own “like” button.
Most Entertaining
Most Informative
Rdio, iPhone, Android and Blackberry, Free
Google Finance, Android, Free
Rdio is like Facebook for music. Create a profile, link to your friends and discover new music from your phone. You can also sync songs, albums and playlists, so you can listen to them when you're offline. Let the music snobbery commence.
Google's finance app gives users real-time quotes and up-to-the-minute finance news. It also syncs with your Google Finance account, so you can manage your assets from anywhere. Dow Jones defibrillator not included.
Photos: Courtesy of Penpower Inc.; Senygma, Inc.; Dropbox, Inc.; Flipboard, Inc.; Rdio, Inc.; Google
MOST LIKELY TO IMPRESS YOUR FOURSOME
Dropbox, iPhone, iPad and Android, Free
Most Likely to Save the Day
LOU FUSZ MAZDA
Follow Your Inner Driver... 2011 Mazda 2
2010 Mazda CX-9
2010 Mazda Tribute
2010 Mazda 6
2010 Mazda CX-7 2010 Mazda RX-8
2010 Mazda MX-5
2010 Mazda 3
And come in for a test drive today! # 1 in St. Louis
1025 N. Lindbergh, St Louis, MO 63132
314.994.1500
fusz.com
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 25
3-D TV
The Newest Home Theater Craze—in 3-D!
It’s been a hit on the silver screen, but is this latest wave of 3-D technology ready for your home theater?
LED-Backlit LCD: This is an LCD TV that uses white or colored LEDs (lightemitting diodes), rather than CCFLs, to illuminate the screen from behind. Because LEDs are energy-efficient, powerful and longlasting, some favor them over CCFLs.
Many of us recall our first experience with 3-D in a movie theater, strapping on flimsy red-and-blue–tinted glasses—a now-outdated system that seems almost gimmicky in hindsight. Back then, it was all the rage, and since the days of anaglyph films in the 1950s, 3-D technology has been reborn in several ways, albeit almost exclusively in movie theaters. In the past 15 years, several children’s films brought on a small resurgence, but the near-ubiquitous hype behind the latest 3-D formats—which use stereoscopic images to create the illusion of depth—was largely ushered in by last year’s biggest blockbuster, Avatar. With confidence behind the technology and buzz increasing, manufacturers did what they do best—market the technology to the masses. But is the 3-D format welcome in today’s marketplace? Those who have recently upgraded to HDTVs aren’t itching to buy new again, let alone rebuild their film libraries after the advent of Blu-ray (and don’t get us started on the whole HD DVD debacle). Let’s start with the facts: 3-D TVs are cool. They’re very cool. And what makes them so cool is not that the images jump out at you (though that certainly helps). It’s that they jump out at you in full HD. This newest generation of 3-D images is sharper and more realistic compared to the distorted colors and jumbly effects of its now-defunct ancestors. The first lines of 3-D TVs to hit the market, like Panasonic’s VIERA VT25 Series plasma screens (pictured), can operate in both 2-D and 3-D modes and create bold, clear pictures that really pop—don’t be surprised to find yourself flinching. This is thanks to Panasonic’s shutter-system 3-D technology, which consistently puts out 120 frames per second—60 for each 26 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Panasonic VIERA® 65-inch 1080p 3-D Plasma HDTV | $4,300 Panasonic 3D/Wi-Fi Built-In Blu-Ray Player | $430 Panasonic Active Shutter Eyewear | $150 Available at Best Buy, multiple area locations, 888.237.8289, bestbuy.com
eye—which are then reassembled in the brain to create the 3-D effect. It’s a far cry from the 30 frames per second of standard-definition video, to be sure. Picture one of your favorite action flicks in full high-definition 3-D on a 65-inch TV, and you’re talking some serious visual effects. One stipulation of the 3-D format is that it requires not only a 3-D–compatible TV, but also compatible content. Several dozen titles are currently offered in 3-D on Blu-ray, with more on the way, and DirecTV currently offers three 3-D channels, including ESPN 3D. Sony, IMAX, and The Discovery Channel are also joining forces on an all3-D channel set to launch in early 2011. The 3-D TV revolution is no doubt alluring. For those who haven’t hopped on the HD bandwagon, these new tubes are an attractive option. For those who have recently upgraded, more advanced models are sure to follow. Until then, we’re counting down to next year’s Shark Week—hopefully in full 3-D. —D.M.
TV TERMS
LCD: Liquid-crystal display TVs are the most popular TVs on the market, making traditional, bulky CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs obsolete. They work by filtering white light from CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) through red, green and blue subpixels to reveal a precise combination of colors.
Plasma: Plasma TVs comprise many individual pixel cells containing electrified gases that make phosphors glow, much like tiny fluorescent lights, to display the proper shades of red, green and blue to create a cohesive image. Early plasma TVs got a bad rep, as their image sometimes faded over time, but the displays’ overall quality now is considered high compared to other TVs. DLP: Digital light processing chips, which are exclusive to Texas Instruments, use more than a million micro mirrors, each a fraction of the width of a human hair, to reflect or block light emitted from an internal color wheel. The wheel rotates more than 120 times per second to create the correct hues. These displays have a long life span, but some complain that they can see red, green, and blue shadows following images on-screen.
Photo: Courtesy of Panasonic
THE LAB
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 27 速
速
VICE WINE
Quick Picks Try these Spanish wines from local retailers to get you started before the trend hits
VS Ipsum 33 Wine Shop & Tasting Bar, 1913 Park Avenue This blend of Verdejo and Viura, both white grapes from the Rueda region, exhibits a clean, citrus snap with a touch of minerality. $11.
MOVE OVER MALBEC words: kyle harsha photos: jamey edgerton
Wine trends aren’t exactly elusive. You need look no further than display racks in your local retail store. But today’s price-sensitive wine aficionados are more often turning to wines that deliver both taste and value. Starting this holiday season, look for reasonably priced, delicious wines from Spain to take the spotlight. Spain is not a newcomer to the wine market by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, the country actually has the most land planted with vineyards of any wine-producing country in the world. In the past, however, many casual wine drinkers have been intimidated by Spanish wines. First, there was a lot of terminology on the labels, such as Rioja—which described the type of wine, its relative age and the area where it is produced—and crianza, another descriptor of the wine’s aging process, that was difficult to translate. Second, the wines of the past were old-world in style, tasting very earthy and not exhibiting the fruit notes that many American consumers desire. Producers have rectified these issues; labels have become much more user-friendly, and the general public has shown more appreciation toward Spain’s modern flavors.
28 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
“What about Argentina?” some might ask. Wine trends are cyclical in nature. Some believe that wines from Argentina—Malbec in particular—will suffer the same fate as pinot noir, Shiraz, merlot, and chardonnay. These varietals became very popular, and as a result, a large number of producers started making them. When that happened, mediocre wines flooded the market, with few quality wines rising to the top. Eventually the current “it” wine will give way to another must-have varietal. When the weather turns cold, don’t be afraid to give wines from La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, or Priorat a try. You just might find a new favorite wine. A
Bodegas Viña Magaña Dignus Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine, 1722 Clarkson Road This delicious blend of Tempranillo, merlot, and cabernet from the Navarra region has flavors of dried cherries and cassis, with enough earthiness to keep it interesting. $16.
Celler Ardèvol Anjoli Lukas Liquor 15921 Manchester Road This stunning wine comes from the Priorat area, where wines easily hit the $50 to $200 range. The Garnachabased blend is strong and powerful, with notes of blackberry and truffle. $25.
Di Gregorio’s
5200 DAGGET AVENUE 314-776-1062
MONDAY—SATURDAY 8:00am—5:00pm
Family Owned & Operated Since 1971 Full line of Italian Foods Homemade Salsiccia Imported Cheeses Choice Meats Variety of Italian Sauces Imported Olive Oils Pasta Ravioli Spedini Kitchenware Specialty Baskets Italian Novelties
VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE!
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 29
www.digregoriofoods.com
VICE CIGARS
Here are a few cigars that are par for the course, as recommended by St. Louis’ finest purveyors: Arturo Fuente Double Chateau Sun Grown I’ve always said “You can’t go wrong with a Fuente Sun Grown,” and this cigar once again reminded me why. Featuring an Ecuadorian, sungrown wrapper, its construction is a bit rustic with a solid feel that cuts and lights well. The cigar starts wonderfully with rich, earthy flavors and a complex, lingering aftertaste of nuts and spice. About halfway down, the flavors start to meld into one, and some complexity is lost. This is a cigar that pleases in many ways, however, and offends in none. $6.90, Town & Country Tobacco, 13933 Manchester Road, 636.227.0707
Fall’s Finest Leaves words and photos: ryan scott
Golfing for men has always been about escape. Escape from the office, escape from home and escape from stress. Maybe that’s why cigars and golf pair like cabernet and filet mignon. However, choosing the proper smoke for the course has a few minor, but noteworthy caveats. A cigar should burn well consistently, or the wind will turn your stogie into a smoking canoe. Fortunately these problems can be spotted with a quick prepurchase inspection. Cigars with irregular or uneven density along their length are rolled improperly and should be avoided. Look for cigars that burn long enough to get you off a few tee boxes and that will stay lit during extended three-putt green visits. Cigars that feel light in weight for their size will likely burn faster, and aren’t the best choice for the course. Densely packed cigars are the best for golfing, because they
30 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
burn long and slow. It takes a skilled roller to pull off a compact, long-burning cigar, so avoid inexpensive or no-name cigars that are unusually firm. You also want to avoid getting a massive nicotine rush when standing over your birdie putt. A couple of accidental inhales, and a strong cigar will hit you like something you can only buy in dark alleys. These days, cigar packaging will most often hint at the strength of what’s inside, if not list it plainly. When in doubt, consult your local merchant for a stogie that’s right for you. A
La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso Don Pepin Garcia has been on a roll lately, producing a slew of cigars that compete with the best in the world. The Mi Amor is one of his latest. This is a gorgeous cigar in both look and feel, with a solid box press and an oily, Mexican maduro wrapper. Its initial light was a bit uneven, but quickly stabilized. Its
flavor is distinctly sweet, giving way to a creamy mocha finish. Some complexity develops past the halfway point, while retaining the same balance. This cigar burns incredibly long. $9.40, Alcorn Cigars, 8984 Watson Road, 314.843.3355 Oliva Connecticut Reserve Torpedo This isn’t the kind of cigar I’d purchase on sight. The light Connecticut shade wrapper denotes a mild strength, but don’t let that dissuade you. It immediately raised my eyebrows with rich, complex flavor and a perfect light and draw. Its strength was mild, and it tasted of nuts, toast, and a hint of spice clearly discernable on the tongue. I smoked mine to the nub. $7.99, The Hill Cigar Company, 5360 Southwest Avenue, 314.776.4455
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 31
FUEL : VILLA FAROTTO
Big Appetites Slain Tuscan-Style at Villa Farotto
words: kyle harsha
We’ve all been there. Fresh off the links, you’re driving through Chesterfield and want a decent meal. You don’t want a burger or a chicken sandwich, and you aren’t in the mood to battle screaming kids and multicolored balloons. You want a stiff drink and a plate full of food, served in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The solution just might be Tuscan-inspired Villa Farotto.
In the Vineyards, the dark hues of the velvet drapes, rich hardwood tables, and preset wine glasses denote an atmosphere appropriate for a quiet, romantic dinner with your significant other. With patrons wearing khakis and polos, or even shorts and sandals, however, the din of the room is friendly and relaxing, regardless of your level of dress. Premeal cocktails are served swiftly and in ample proportions for the reasonable price. The bread (sourced from Fazio’s) is served warm and comes with the requisite olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
32 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Photos: courtesy of Villa Farotto
Originally established in 1956 as Farotto’s on Manchester Road, the restaurant opened its upscale Chesterfield Valley location in 2004. Villa Farotto is broken into five different areas: the Café, where you can get a quick sandwich, salad or bowl of soup; the Market, a source for to-go gourmet foods, wine, cheeses and gift baskets; the Cellar, the bar section that features alfresco dining on the patio and live music six nights a week; the Vineyards, the fine-dining portion of the restaurant; and its outdoor extension, called the Terrace.
The menu is expansive, covering the expected Italian pastas, risotto, gourmet pizzas, steaks, and Osso bucco. Among appetizers, which range in price from $8 to $12, familiar dishes like the artichoke-and-crab dip triumph over some of the more tempting, complex items, such as the stuffed risotto cakes. The menu also includes a risky, wasabi-infused tuna carpaccio that strays from a traditional Italian menu. Basil oil drizzled over the oven-roasted tomato–and–pepper soup gives it a nice herbal snap. There is no need to season this soup, as it has a very healthy dose of black pepper. An L&G’s Salad is served topped with enough salami, cheese and olives to make it a small meal in itself. Doused in dressing, it is a hefty start to a filling meal. One notable characteristic of the food served at Villa Farotto is the sheer volume you get for your money. The entrees are flat-out enormous. The nightly beef special when we visited was a 12-ounce tenderloin, served with a shrimp, cream and cognac sauce; crispy bacon; and roasted potatoes. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare, and the combination of flavors and textures from the sauce, tender beef, and bacon was pleasantly satisfying. The baked cheese tortellini was just right—a large
bowl of made-in-house pasta, served with enough mushrooms and spinach to keep it intriguing, and elevated by the garlic-tomato cream sauce and accompanying tomato concasse. Both dishes are large enough for ample leftovers. The wine list at Villa Farotto is appropriately heavy on Italian selections, particularly from Tuscany. The earthiness and restrained cherry notes of a 2006 La Spinetta Il Nero di Casanova made it the perfect accompaniment to our rustic steak dish.
17417 Chesterfield Airport Road 636-519-0048, villafarotto.com Hours: Mon–Thu: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri–Sat: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Pricing: $$$$$ Style: Casually elegant (leave the spikes at home) Cuisine: Tuscaninspired, with an American flair Chef: Gerard LaRuffa Jr.
Desserts covered the usual suspects. Villa’s version of tiramisu includes a layer of firm dark chocolate running though the middle, and makes an unctuous, filling end to a meal. Overall, service is adequate and friendly, but felt a bit rushed. Villa Farotto stands out for its expansive portions and comfortable dining space. While there are certainly places where you can find Italian cuisine for a bit less, those seeking a delicious, filling meal in a cozy atmosphere will find that Villa Farotto nicely fits the bill. A
Kyle Harsha is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 33
34 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
AVID’s guide on how to look cool, feel great, and most importantly, turn heads
Shirt: Ike Behar, $55 Nordstrom Rack, 314.785.1030, nordstrom.com Tie: Express Design Studio, $5 | TJ MAXX, Creve Coeur, 314.542.8300, tjmaxx.com Watch: Victorinox Swiss Army, $625 | Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-9200, saksfifthavenue.com Pants: Hugo Boss, $155 Saks Fifth Avenue Belt: Penguin, $20 Nordstrom Rack Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue, $298
stitch
photographs by Jamey Edgerton
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 35
36 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
STITCH Bring your golf wardrobe up to par
Shirt: Saks Fifth Avenue, $135 | Saks Fifth Avenue, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com Sweater: Saks Fifth Avenue, $298 Pants: H&M, $30 | West County Center, 314.726. 0677, hm.com/us Shoes: FootJoy DryJoys, $120 | Dick’s Sporting Goods, Chesterfield Valley, 636.536.3718, dickssportinggoods.com Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, $145
Colorfully Casual Color, like a cart girl, is a man’s best friend on the golf course, and orange is a great way to complement the changing shades of fall (imagine a toned-down version of Rickie Fowler). Pair a plaid shirt with a solid sweater to make the shirt pop, and match them with tailored cotton or tweed trousers for a preppy-yetrelaxed look. As cooler weather approaches, layer it all with some fine outerwear (see more on p. 21).
These Ray-Ban Club Masters are a cooler, more nostalgic take on the now-ubiquitous Wayfarer. Saks Fifth Avenue, $145.
before
Being on a golf course changes a man’s mentality. He thinks differently, he acts differently, he walks differently, and he even dresses differently. Something about the competitive atmosphere and scenic backdrop allows guys to express themselves through their wardrobes in ways they might not otherwise. And while some players go way out with their style (we’re looking at you, John Daly wannabes), many settle for the predictable golf-course uniform: a dowdy, oversized shirt with dark, ill-fitting pants and functionalyet-unsightly golf shoes. This fall, break the cycle of sartorial apathy and upgrade your wardrobe to reflect your golf game (or at least the one you strive for).
golf
No need for a full wardrobe change after your round. Swap out your spikes for a pair of Gucci loafers, and head to the patio. Saks Fifth Avenue, $395.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 37
STITCH
golf
Dapper Yet Demure Remember the days when men wore ties on the golf course? Well, they’re back. Except now, they don’t always have to be worn with a long-sleeve button-up. Pair one with a matching polo shirt and a neutral sweater vest for a casually modish look. Throw in a pair of similarly colored slacks and a patterned, throwback flat cap for a touch of nostalgia, and you’re ready to tee off.
Ditch your rainbow-tinted performance shades for a look befitting a gentleman’s game. Metalframed, polarized Ray-Ban aviators are one of the essential pairs of sunglasses every guy needs to own. Saks Fifth Avenue, $130.
These Hugo Boss loafers will give you the style you want and the comfort you need after playing 18. Slip these on, and you’re ready for the 19th hole. Saks Fifth Avenue, $195.
38 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Shirt: Michael Kors, $95 Sweater: Saks Fifth Avenue, $98 Pants: Calvin Klein, $350 Belt: Gucci, $310 Tie: Calvin Klein, $95 Above items from Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, 314.567.9200, saksfifthavenue.com Flat Cap: H&M, $8 | West County Center, 314.726. 0677, hm.com/us Shoes: Adidas Tour 360, $180 | Golf Galaxy, Chesterfield Valley, 636. 537.8400, golfgalaxy.com
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 39
STITCH Business on the Outside, Party on the Inside Make the transition from work to play a snap. →If you’re hitting the town
straight from the office this fall, you don’t want to show up to the party looking all buttonedup in your work attire—but you don’t want to waste your time picking out two separate outfits, either. For the gentleman on the run, switching quickly from work clothes to evening clothes is a necessity, but it should look (and actually be) effortless. Find a look that will transform you with just a few tweaks, and enjoy looking like a million bucks all day long.
Shirt: Toscano, $40 | Nordstrom Rack, 314.785.1030, nordstrom.com Tie: Calvin Klein, $55 | Macy’s Saint Louis Galleria, 314.726.1810, macys.com Coat: H&M, $50 | H&M, 314.821.7767, hm.com/us Pants: Michael Kors, $145 | Saks Fifth Avenue, 314.567.9200, saks.com Belt: Penguin, $20 | Nordstrom Rack Watch: Michael Kors | Macy’s West County Center, 314.966.0017, macys.com Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue, $298
40 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
lifestyle
Sharp and Understated The challenge of making one outfit work in multiple settings lies in finding a balance. Start with a colorful patterned shirt and pair it with a tie that complements (but doesn’t match) the color of your plain-front pants. Throw on a medium or dark sport coat to bring the look together and make the color of your shirt pop. Last, balance the look with a pair of classic black oxfords.
A TOUCH OF FLAIR
After work, lose the tie and replace it with a pocket square. If you’re wearing predominantly dark colors, contrast them with a bright square that plays off your shirt. Fold a straight edge to keep things clean and sharp, or pinch the square in the middle and tuck it in loosely to add flair.
Family Owned for Over 35 Years
3174 Brentwood Blvd. St Louis MO 63119
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 41
314-647-8054
STITCH Bold and Confident Black means business, whether it’s the color of a shirt, a tie or, in this case, a blazer. It can be serious and formal, but you can also break it up with a brightly colored tie and a subtle, asymmetrically patterned shirt to create a look that’s both classic and playful.
Shirt: Hugo Boss, $155 Tie: Saks Fifth Avenue, $135 Coat: Hugo Boss, $695 Pants: Hugo Boss, $155 Belt: Salvatore Ferragamo, $270 Watch: Victorinox Swiss Army, $625 Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue, $298 All from Saks Fifth Avenue
lifestyle
Scent of a New Man A person’s smell can be pleasant, memorable—even intoxicating. So what does your scent say about you? “Elegance is attention to detail,” says perfumer Kilian Hennessy, whose new line, By Kilian, recently launched at Saks Fifth Avenue. “You take a few moments to pick a shirt, a jacket and then a fragrance. It’s a very powerful tool to emphasize your mood.” Hennessy’s rich, refined scents are the epitome of elegance. It runs in the family: He is the heir to the men who helped create such brands as Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy cognac, and Parfums Christian Dior, among others. He learned much of what he knows about the power of scent from his long family history of cognac making. Hennessy is also a golfer. His favorite fragrance for the golf course is one of his own: A Taste of Heaven, an absinthe-inspired scent that also has hints of patchouli, lavendar, and vanilla bourbon. But Hennessy’s choice of fragrance varies greatly with his mood. “There’s no right or wrong scent,” says Hennessy. “In the end, it’s most important that a man feel comfortable.” Aside from practicing moderation, he notes, there’s also no right way to apply a fragrance. “I say put it wherever you want to be kissed,” he says. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
42 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
YEAR OF THE WEDGE
THE ULTIMATE WEDGE
IT’S NOW OR NEVER. Dear Fellow Golfer, If you know Cleveland® Golf you probably know us for our wedge, the #1 wedge in golf. Lately there’s been a lot of talk about wedge grooves…and rules. There’s also been a lot of talk about our new CG15™ wedge with its Laser Milled™ face and patented ZIP Grooves™. These grooves have the maximum dimensions allowed under the rules of golf and can be played legally by the vast majority of golfers until 2024. Yet, at the end of this year, we will be required to stop producing the CG15 with these grooves. These truly are the ultimate grooves, and this truly is your last chance to get them. You can visit yearofthewedge.com for more information. But whether you think you need them or not, I encourage you to replace your current wedge set for maximum legal performance. This is the year, and this is the wedge.
Greg Hopkins President / CEO Cleveland Golf
GROOVES, BIGGER IS BETTER. Grooves function like tread on a tire to channel moisture and debris away from the face to improve contact and spin. Wedges are frequently used from poor lies so they require larger and more effective grooves to channel the most debris possible.
CURRENT ZIP GROOVES
FUTURE GROOVES
YEAROFTHEWEDGE.COM FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 43 Cleveland, and the CG logo are registered trademarks of Cleveland Golf / Srixon. CG15, Laser Milled, and Zip Grooves are trademarks of Cleveland Golf / Srixon.
STITCH
watch
D4-8 $1,295 DeFoor Designs 404.822.7257 defoordesigns.com
When investing in a watch, lots of guys look for just
two things: performance and personality. The D4-8 by DeFoor Designs has both. Its high-performance, brushed stainless-steel exterior, bold carbon-fiber face, and signature D—which provides a peek inside the timepiece’s inner workings—makes the D4-8 a staple of the DeFoor collection and some nice arm candy, too. “The D4-8 was designed after the rear end of a Ferrari,” says owner and designer Clayton DeFoor. “I was blown away by how the car was designed to show off the engine, so I incorporated that into the back cases of my watches. I liked it so much, I eventually started using it for the face, as well.”
44 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
DeFoor Designs is an Atlanta-based boutique watch– and outdoor equipment–maker started by DeFoor in 2004. “We make all our watches [in Atlanta] with Swiss movements,” he says. “We’re a small brand, but our approach is that our watches are meant to be more of a piece of equipment than just a time instrument.” Although DeFoor designs for rock climbers and deep-sea divers, among other adventurers, his watches are popular on the PGA Tour, too. Carl Pettersson, Charley Hoffman, and Steve Elkington all own DeFoor watches.“Those guys say they get lots of compliments and always remark on my watches’ durability,” says DeFoor. “They come with a lifetime warranty. I tell people we’ll repair our watches for free. They just have to give us the story of how they broke it.” —D.M.
Photo: courtesy of Defoor Designs
Put Your Best Face Forward
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 45
When they are called away to serve our country... We will EMBRACE their loved ones left behind
Little Patriots
EMBRACED Serving the Families of Our Deployed Military
Humane Society of Missouri
Helping Missouri Animals Every Day Adoption Centers More than 20,000 animals aided annually at 3 area locations. Full service adoptions of dogs, cats and critters (such as rabbits).
Rescues Our Animal Cruelty Task Force is the only organization in Missouri rescuing abused or neglected animals from puppy mills, animal hoarders, dog fighting rings and other acts of cruelty.
The spouses and children of our American troops are heroes. They sacrifice so much for our country and our freedom. Please support our efforts to make a difference in their lives. To continue to serve these families, we need your help! Even a small contribution will help put our package in the hands of military children. To learn more or make a donation, please visit our web site:
www.littlepatriotsembraced.org or email: littlepatriotsembraced@yahoo.com
To donate your time, please call our office at (636) 825-3338.
Last year, the ACTF conducted more than 4,400 investigations of possible animal abuse involving more than 25,000 animals.
Veterinary Medical Centers Open to the public and certified by the American Animal Hospital Association —our 3 full-service veterinary medical centers see 47,000 patients annually.
How You Can Help Make a gift. Become a Humane Hero. Volunteer. Call 314-951-1542.
www.hsmo.org www.longmeadowrescueranch.org
THE CUT
Photos: Courtesy of Sub Pop Records
Iron & WiNE
Sam Beam’s folk-inspired sound comes to St. Louis
PLAYLIST
10 Songs to Boost Your Street Cred 1 “Floating Vibes” Surfer Blood 2 “Big Wave” Jenny and Johnny 3 “Golden State” Delta Spirit 4 “Bang Pop” Free Energy 5 “Twenty Miles” Deer Tick 6 “The Only One” The Black Keys 7 “When My Time Comes” Dawes 8 “City With No Children” Arcade Fire 9 “Boyfriend” Best Coast 10 “King of Spain” The Tallest Man on Earth
words: dan michel
In a time when erratic synth-pop and stylized show-choir music tops the charts, there is Sam Beam (a.k.a. Iron & Wine), a South Carolina– born crooner who harkens back to a day when the singer-songwriter was the apex of musical articulation. Beam brought his brooding, acoustic sound (and his follicularly gifted visage) to The Pageant earlier this month after returning from his European tour. Iron & Wine’s folk-inspired, thoughtfully layered songs are sometimes playful, sometimes twangy, yet always lyrically stirring. His moody, often distorted vocals are reminiscent of Nick Drake—if Drake had been influenced by the American South. For some time, making music was just a hobby to Beam, who was working as a film professor in Miami prior to landing a contract with Sub Pop Records. He debuted his soft, melancholy sound with The Creek Drank the Cradle in 2002. His 2007 album, The Shepherd’s Dog, received the best reviews to date, including inclusion in Paste Magazine’s top 10 albums of the year.
Although the now-Austin-based singer-songwriter enjoys plenty of street cred as an indie artist, Beam’s music has remained fairly visible. Singles from his albums Our Endless Numbered Days (2004) and The Shepherd’s Dog (2007) have landed on soundtracks to films such as Garden State, In Good Company and Twilight. His latest album, Around the Well, released in 2009, is a collection of outtakes, B-sides and soundtrack tunes. It includes covers of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” and The Flaming Lips’ “Waitin’ on a Superman,” for a compilation of tracks that will entice new and seasoned listeners alike. Beam’s spectrum of quiet, understated tracks with soft accompaniment and the occasional guitar slide are represented well on this album. Its series of unpretentious songs that translates beautifully into a live performance.
If you missed the concert, the tracks below are sure to get you hooked for his next pass through the city.
Tracks To Get You Started: “Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car;” “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 47
THE CUT
SEX, MURDER & CANYONS • 127 Hours is the true story of Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) an adventurous mountain climber who finds himself pinned beneath a boulder at the bottom of a canyon without anyone knowing his whereabouts. What ensues is a five-and-a-half-day struggle to survive by any means necessary—which, if you’ve heard the story, can be a bit gut-wrenching. Without giving away the climax, let’s just say it caused some audience members to faint at the film’s Toronto premiere. We thought that might get your attention.
127 HOURS Director: Danny Boyle Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire
TALES FROM Q SCHOOL
CLIENT 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer Director: Alex Gibney Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room Limited Release Date: November 5 (currently available on video on-demand through select cable providers and on iTunes)
• Client 9 is centered around sex, money and scandal. What else could you ask for? The best part is that it’s all true. We’re speaking, of course, of the infamous tale of former New York governor Eliot Spitzer. This documentary by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney questions who the real culprit was: Governor Spitzer and his wandering eye or the Wall Street bigwigs who exposed him to advance their own agendas. This film is being released in theaters on a limited basis, but Magnolia Pictures has already released it on-demand through various cable providers.
48 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
THE NEXT THREE DAYS Director: Paul Haggis Million Dollar Baby, Crash Release Date: November 19
• What would you do if your wife were thrown in jail? All jokes aside, that is the question behind The Next Three Days, a thriller that shows the lengths that John Brennan, played by Russell Crowe, will go to in order to break his wife (Elizabeth Banks) out of prison. His journey will include learning to use a gun, studying prison blueprints and a crash course from jailbreaker Damon, played by tried-and-true action star Liam Neeson. And of course, no action movie would be complete without an intense, fate-tempting car chase. A
If you’ve never flipped through Tales from Q School: Inside Golf ’s Fifth Major, now is the time, because Q School, or the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, is going on now through the beginning of December. John Feinstein’s 2007 book takes a candid look inside the often-insurmountable challenges PGA Tour hopefuls must try to overcome during the tournament’s final six days to realize their dreams. It’s a mustread for anyone who’s ever imagined life on tour or felt the sting of a game lost by inches.
Photos: Courtesy of Amazon.com, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Lionsgate
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release Date: November 5
Still worrying about your payroll? Stop. Relax.
We’ll handle your: • Payroll • Retirement Services • Health & Benefits • Full Human Resource Outsorcing For more information visit our website www.paychex.com or call 636-519-0340 ext 3.
Over 35 years of helping businesses do business.
PAYCHEX
®
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 49
BURN FITNESS
THE FOOLPROOF PRE-ROUND WARM-UP Improve your golf performance and spare your lower back with these basic warm-up exercises. Words: Damon Goddard, CPT, PES
If you’ve experienced tightness or pain in your lower back, try this test: Stand in your normal golf setup position, cross your arms on your chest, and turn your shoulders into a full take-away position, keeping your hips completely still. Next, try rotating your hips and lower body without letting your shoulders move. If you found that you couldn’t move your hips and shoulders independently, you may have a flexibility issue. This may be a symptom of core instability, as well. Use this simple test to gauge how well you’re creating separation between your hips and your shoulders. To create this independent movement, start with this quick warm-up, which allows your brain to make connections with the muscles you’re about to recruit in your golf swing. You can do this in the clubhouse, and it should only take about five minutes. A five- to 10-minute warm-up on the treadmill or bicycle beforehand will yield even better results.
These “Take Five” exercises are a dynamic way to increase your flexibility and warm up your muscles before hitting the links. 1. Elbow Cs | Two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side In a hands-and-knees position, take your right hand and place your fingertips by your right ear. Keep your eyes on your left thumb throughout the entire movement, and begin by taking your right elbow to your left thumb and then rotating your elbow, shoulders and spine, to 50 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
drive your right elbow toward the sky, effectively drawing a large “C” with your elbow. Repeat this movement for the left side. 2. Alligators | Two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side Start out lying on your right side with your arms straight out in front of your chest and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
Keeping your right arm and both knees on the ground, rotate your left arm, shoulders and spine until they are flush on the ground on the opposite side (keeping your eyes on the left hand), and return to starting position. Repeat on your left side. 3. Windshield Wipers | Two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side Start out lying on your back with your knees bent and feet set just beyond shoulder width on the floor. Keeping your shoulders and feet on the ground, rotate your knees and hips to your left and right. The goal is to drive the inside of one knee toward the opposite ankle.
elbow cs
4. Kneeling Shoulder Turns | Two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side Kneeling on one knee with the opposite foot pointed forward, place a club across your shoulders with your arms extended across it. Rotate left and right with your spine and shoulders. Keep your hips still and your eyes fixed forward throughout the movement. 5. Look-Aways | Two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side In standing position, put your right arm straight out in front of you with your palm down. Rotate your arm palm side up and to your side on a horizontal plane. While your arm is rotating, rotate your head looking to the opposite shoulder, and then come back to the starting position. Repeat with the left arm, looking at right shoulder.
Trainer: Courtesy of Life Time Fitness
I always enjoy going to the driving range and observing the “warm-up” routines that golfers go through. One person bounces up and down trying his hardest to touch his toes. The next guy will grab a fist full of clubs and do a full Hank Aaron swing. Then there are guys who skip the warm-up altogether and start hammering their drivers at full force. The one thing these golfers have in common is they all grab their lower back afterward, wondering why it has totally locked up on them.
windsheild wipers
Damon Goddard is a certified personal trainer and a performance enhancement specialist who trains several PGA, Nationwide and Canadian Tour players.
the best STEAK
These“Take Five” exercises are a dynamic way to increase your flexibility and warm up your muscles before hitting the links.
I always enjoy going to the driving range and observing the “warm-up” routines that golfers go through. One person bounces up and down trying his hardest to touch his toes. The next guy will grab a fist full of clubs and do a full Hank Aaron swing. Then there are guys who skip the warm-up all together and start hammering their drivers at full force. The one thing these golfers have in common is they all grab their lower backs afterward, wondering why it has totally locked up on them.
If you’ve experienced tightness or pain in your lower back, try this test: Stand in your normal golf setup position, cross your arms on your chest, and turn your shoulders into a full takeaway position, keeping your hips completely still. Next, try rotating your hips and lower body without letting your shoulders move. If you found that you couldn’t move your hips and shoulders independently, you may have a flexibility issue. It may be a symptom of instability, as well. Use this simple test to gauge how well you’re creating separation between your hips and shoulders.
Anywhere!
treadmill or bicycle beforehand will yield even better results. 1. Elbow Cs | Two sets of 15–20 repetitions on both sides In a hands-and-knees position, take your right hand and place your fingertips by your ear. Keep your eyes on your left thumb throughout the entire movement, and begin by taking your right elbow to your left thumb and then rotating your elbow, shoulders and spine, to drive your right elbow toward the sky, effectively drawing a large “C” with your elbow. Repeat this movement for the left side.
2. Alligators | Two sets of 15-20 repetitions on both sides Start our lying on your right side with your arms straight out in front of your chest and your knees bent 90-degree angles. Keeping your right arm and both knees on the ground, rotate your left arm, shoulders and spine until they are flush on the ground on the opposite side (keeping your eyes on the left hand), and return to starting position. Repeat on your left side.
Great Steak. award-winninG wine LiSt. Private dininG avaiLabLe.
To create this independent movement, start with this quick warm-up, which allows your brain to make connections with the muscles you’re about to recruit in your golf swing. You can do this in the clubhouse, and it should only take about five minutes. A fiveto ten-minute warm-up on the
3. Windshield Wipers | Two sets of 15-20 repetitions on both sides Start out lying on your back with your knees bent and feet set just beyond shoulder width on the floor. Keeping your shoulders and feet on the ground, rotate your knees and hips to your left and right. The goal is to drive the inside of one knee toward
CLayton 7822 bonhomme ave. 314-725-4008 • mortons.com/clayton
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 51
BURN INSTRUCTION
BUNKER SHOTS
swing The size of your swing will influence how far the ball goes. For most shots, swing from your 10 o’clock to your 2 o’clock.
Tired of hearing that a shot from the sand is one of the easiest in golf ? How the pros would rather be in a bunker than in the rough around the green? Here’s the truth: Shooting from the sand can be easy, if you understand the dynamics of it. Here are a few tips to help you the next time your ball is bunker-bound.
Distance Control This is the tough part. To master bunker shots, you have to control the ball’s distance. These factors will influence distance: 1 The size and speed of your swing. 2 The club face—if it’s open, it will go farther, because there will be less dig.
WORDS: Maria Palozola Photos: Jamey Edgerton
3 Impact In any regular shot, your club hits the ball and then the ground. On a bunker shot, however, your club should hit the sand, which then moves the ball. But how much sand do you move? That depends on the shot. Many good players move a lot of sand on explosion shots close to the green. Some enter as much as 4 inches behind the ball. Less sand means more spin, but that’s risky for golfers with high handicaps. Visualize your club hitting the sand and sliding under the ball, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your bunker shots.
Stay aggressive, and accelerate all the way through your finish. Slowing down will kill your shot in the sand.
4 Ball position—if it’s back in your stance, you’ll hit down and dig more, so it will be a shorter shot in the air. If it’s forward in your stance, you’ll have a shallower angle of impact, and the ball will fly farther.
Setup Technique for bunker shots has evolved over the years. Old-school methods taught right-handed golfers to aim way left and swing from the outside in to cut across the ball, but this results in shanked, bladed, and pulled shots. Here is an easy fix for your setup in the sand: Set up square or very slightly open in your stance. Hitting with an open face doesn’t mean you have to stand wide open, too. In fact, the ball will go where the sand goes. The direction the sand flies has more influence on the ball than the club face. Lay the club face fairly open to use the club’s back edge or “bounce.” This helps you cut
through the sand and prevents you from digging or getting stuck, so you can control your distance. Play the ball forward in your stance. This will ensure you hit the sand first. Keep your weight forward. This will prevent you from backing up, digging too deep and leaving your shots in the bunker.
Maria Palozola is the director of instruction for Midwest GolfLab in St. Louis and is a co-founder of the Naked Golf Academy. She is ranked as one of The 50 Best Teachers by the LPGA. 52 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Sand texture—if it’s firm, the ball will go farther.
5
Finish with all of your weight forward. Plan on the ball going half the distance it would if you were pitching it off the grass with the same swing.
Footing—if you dig your feet in deep, you will hit the sand deeper and get less distance. Be sure to choose the right wedge for each course you play. If you’re on hard, compact sand, use a wedge with little bounce. If you’re on soft, beachlike sand, you’ll need a wedge with more bounce. As in other areas of the short game, good players have two things in common: They experiment, and they practice.
Premier Health Care, LLC Dr. Sean Branham 7411 Manchester Rd. Maplewood, MO 63143
314-647-1384 www.stlouisfunctionalmedicine.com
Back pain hindering your swing? Leg pain? Numbness and tingling? Can't sleep? We can help! My non-surgical spinal decompression treatment will get you back on the course in one to two weeks, and has a success rate of over 98%.
Low Thyroid & Women St. Louis Doctor Sounds The Alarm For All Women Taking Thyroid Hormones If you are a woman who has recently been prescribed thyroid hormones or have been taking thyroid hormones for years and still have the same thyroid symptoms then you may be afflicted with a devastating disease process… that is going on inside your body right now… UNDIAGNOSED. To receive a free report chronicling how women on thyroid medication are one by one being mis-diagnosed and how this health care flaw is having devastating effects on women’s health day after day…year after year. Call toll free 1-800-416-7550 or visit www.thyroidreportforyou.com Dr. Sean Branham D.C.
Reversing Diabetes New recently released health information showing extraordinary promise for reversing Type II Diabetes In The U.S. A new (and FREE to the general public) report has just been released that reveals remarkable progress in the quest to reverse Type II Diabetes. Report also includes why current therapy may make your condition worse. To receive your free report entitled “Type II Diabetes: Reversing an American Epidemic” call toll free 1-800-565-7306 or go to www.diabetesreportasap.com Dr. Sean Branham D.C. FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 53
BURN RULES
CAN’T GET NO RELIEF
What to do when you find yourself in too deep (not that you ever do) WORDS: MATT MATHISON PHOTO: MARK CHRISTIAN
As a golfer, we’ve all seen something like this before: the embedded ball. Most of us shrug it off and think that it’s no big deal. You’ll just lift, clean and place the ball somewhere in the immediate vicinity of you found it. But that approach is all wrong. There are several dos and don’ts in this situation, and Avid is here to help.
The next time you find yourself in this precarious position, follow these simple rules: Identify your ball. In the event you can’t identify your ball, be sure to mark it first. Don’t attempt to clean the ball, because you may or may not be entitled to clean it. You may only clean the ball when you can verify that it is indeed yours. Consider your position on the course. If you’re embedded in a closely mown area (except the green and hazards), you can clean the ball and get relief without penalty. If you are in the rough and not playing with the local rule, then you either play the ball as it lies or take an unplayable lie and incur a penalty. If you’re unsure of something, ask. Ask for a rules official, or if you’re playing with buddies with some of Benjamins on the line, consult the course pro. They’ll have a USGA Rules of Golf book on hand. There is no stupid question as it relates to the rules of golf. Not asking could cost you big. Just ask Dustin Johnson.
54 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Rule 25-2: Embedded Ball “A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground in any closely mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole. The ball, when dropped, must first strike a part of the course through the green.” “Closely mown area” means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.” Take, for instance, a ball that lies in the rough (see left). You get relief right? Au contraire. Being the by-the-book golfer you are, under USGA Rule 25-2, you don’t get any relief. However, if you were playing in, say, a Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association (MAGA) event, you would, because its local rule allows for relief through the green.
AUTOMOTIVE NETWORK
We’ll Beat Any Deal By 500 Even Our Own! $
Bring us any competitor’s written offer US andTHIS we’llCOUPON beat their deal by $500 on any NEW CAR! BRING
500
500
500
500
FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
Present this coupon for another $500 OFF any NEW CAR BRING US THIS COUPON
SIMPLE. EASY. FAST.
Make your best deal, on any NEW CAR, at any Lou Fusz Auto Network Dealership. Then present this coupon for another $500 OFF!
BUYING POWER OF 16 DEALERSHIPS #2 Caprice Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63305
636-532-9955
Buick 10950 Page Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132
314-595-2700
10950 Page Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132
Chevrolet 5120 North Service Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
636-397-2000
636-442-8100
3480 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
314-595-2700
3480 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Mitsubishi 5130 North Service Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
Mazda 1025 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132
925 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141
Subaru 4220 North Service Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
636-397-2012
636-442-8100
Toyota 10725 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122
10725 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122
KIA 10964 Page Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141
Subaru 10329 Old Olive Street Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141
3480 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
636-397-2005
314-966-5404
636-288-5626
314-966-5404
314-997-3400
314-595-4900
314-994-1500
636-442-8100
FUSZ.COM #1 in St. Louis
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 55
[ E xecut ive ]
Jim Nienhaus
The owner of Precision Irrigation shares how he got his start, why he admires St. Louis’ golf scene and why he looks to the game for some of life’s most valuable lessons. 56 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
“There is fine, fine amateur golf in St. Louis. It’s rich with talent.” words: Dan Michel
S
photo: Peter Newcomb
ports fans are not all created equal. Some simply like to watch. Others like to play them. And still others like to play them, watch them, collect memorabilia of them, and incorporate them into the design of their homes. Jim Nienhaus, owner of Precision Irrigation and Precision Land Maintenance, falls into the last category. Nienhaus has played a number of sports throughout his life—football, golf, baseball, hockey and basketball, among others—but the St. Louis native now turns to golf to get his sports fix. “After getting out of traditional sports, golf gave me a way to continue to compete,” says Nienhaus, who is a member at the Country Club of St. Albans. “Golf’s a game you play for the rest of your life. It’s a lifetime of learning. There’s never a point where you can’t play it anymore.” It was during his time at Lafayette High School, where he played football, that Nienhaus got involved in the irrigation industry. “My father was working on a project at one point back in the middle ’80s, when no one really did irrigation,” says Nienhaus. “He needed a lawn sprinkler system. So I got together with a buddy of mine, and we decided to figure out how to do it. Of course, we had no idea what we were doing. We did a few more the next summer and started to learn quite a bit more about it. But during college, I played football, and that took all my time and effort.” Nienhaus was a quarterback for the University of Central Missouri Mules. After college, he signed as a free agent in the NFL, but didn’t make it past training camp. He tried his luck in the Canadian Football League and signed on with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but within weeks of joining, Nienhaus blew out his knee, an injury that ended his football career. After college, Nienhaus met John Loveless, and the two decided to go into business together. After debating which line of work to enter, the duo resumed Nienhaus’ work in
irrigation, which was a then-undeveloped line of business in St. Louis. “We were both attracted to real estate,” says Nienhaus. “We decided we could do irrigation and do it better than anyone else.” Making service and maintenance the focus of his business made all the difference in the world, he says. “By the late ’90s, we had put in probably five times more irrigation systems than anyone else in St. Louis, and from there, it just grew and grew and grew.” In 2004, Precision Irrigation built its facility in the Chesterfield Valley and expanded its operations into commercial real estate, as well as custom home construction. “We only do one or two homes at a time,” he says. “And we never build a house unless the lot is special. It’s kind of like a great golf course. You don’t create a golf course—you find a golf course.” Nienhaus lives with his wife and three children in their home atop a bluff overlooking St. Albans. Not only did Nienhaus build his home, he and his wife designed each accessory and piece of furniture—including intricately hand-carved armchairs, antler-lined mirrors and 250-year-old exposed structural beams salvaged from a farm in New England—to create a one-of-a-kind home that is nothing short of amazing. “My father was a home builder, and he was very creative. I think that rubbed off,” says Nienhaus, who also has a home in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he golfs in the winter. He says you can always count on the weather out west, but he truly admires St. Louis’ excellent local golf scene. “The Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, which was started by Tom O’Toole, is here in St. Louis, and it hosts the Metropolitan Open at St. Albans every year. That has some of the best amateurs in the Midwest, as well as the best pros,” he says. “There is fine, fine amateur golf in St. Louis. It’s rich with talent.” Nienhaus says he can’t think of a better place to live or a better game to pass on to his children. “It teaches you etiquette, honesty and integrity,” he says. “I don’t know if there are any better life lessons than that in sports.” A
Quickfire What’s your handicap? It fluctuates. At the beginning of the year, it’s up at a 10 index, but it drops back down to a seven by the fall. What are your favorite courses? [St. Albans’ courses] are certainly my favorites in the Midwest. I also love Old Warson and Bellerive country clubs. In other parts of the country, some of my favorite places to play are Pine Valley Golf Club [in Pine Valley, N.J.], the Country Club at Muirfield Village [in Dublin, Ohio], Bandon Dunes Golf Resort [in Bandon, Ore.] and Pinehurst Resort [in Pinehurst, N.C.]. Ever had a hole in one? I had one at the Missouri Bluffs. I also had a double eagle at The Country Club at The Legends. I like to tell my friends that I was three under after the first hole. Not even Tiger Woods has done that. What clubs do you play with? I’m kind of a club geek. I love the technology aspect of it. For my irons, I have Mizuno MP68s. I just got the new Nike Victory Red STR8-FIT Tour Driver. It’s the best driver they’ve ever made. I have Nike wedges, and a Scotty Cameron putter, too. I collect Cameron putters. I have probably 10 of those. I also play a Mizuno 2-iron instead of a hybrid. I love it. I could never get used to the hybrids. Which is your most valuable? My 60-degree wedge. I play it in lots of different ways. That’s my scoring club. Who are your favorite players to watch? I like so many of them. The world’s riddled with people who can hit it long. What you should look for is these kids who can putt. Scott Langley is the real deal.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 57
JET
God Save The Greens Play Golf Like a King at Bovey Castle Words: Fred W. Wright Jr. 58 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Photos: Jeremy Rata
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 59
JET This is a wild land of myths, where ancient standing stones and cairns abound, and shaggy ponies still roam the hills.
he road approaching Bovey Castle winds gently through the surrounding course, allowing glimpses of the River Bovey, the castle’s namesake, amid the trees. Driving through one of the top 100 golf courses of the world, you approach a castle that sits appropriately atop a hill. Bovey Castle has a classic look: stone parapets, tall windows of leaded glass, and an exterior that is gray even in the sunlight. It has all the elements a castle should, except perhaps a moat. The castle and its world-class course lie in southwest England’s Devon county, part of the Dartmoor National Park. This is a wild land of myths, where ancient standing stones and cairns abound, and shaggy ponies still roam the hills. The 18-hole, par-70 course has a distinct design, thanks to the creative mind of John F. Abercromby, a renowned British architect who also designed the famed courses at Worplesdon and Addington. Designed in 1906, the course opened for play in 1926. The 6,600-yard course, divided in half by the River Bovey, spills out over the hillsides with a multitude of water hazards, in addition to the river itself (which often looks more like a stream than a river). The surrounding landscape can appear brackish in color compared to the brighter green of the course, but such natural elements just add flavor to the experience of golfing in England. Bovey Castle itself was built in 1907 for the second Viscount Hambleden, W.F.D. Smith, whose late father had purchased the land in 1880. In addition to serving as a residence, the 60 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Manor House saw use as a convalescent home during World War I and a military hospital in World War II. From 1946 to 1983, the mansion was run as a hotel by the Great Western Railway. The golf course was renovated extensively in 1991, when the property again changed owners. In 2003, the Manor House Hotel was renamed Bovey Castle. Since that time, there have been more additions, including the construction of 22 lodges, a spa and a pool. The Old Course at Bovey Castle proves challenging; even famed designer Abercromby couldn’t entirely tame its spectacular moors, where Britons once made their homes in stone huts. The occasional wild pony or fox wanders into view, providing distractions for golfers trying to play through.
The course also challenges golfers with its design and play. The par-4, 360-yard seventh hole is perhaps the most difficult, with an exceedingly narrow tee shot leading to a fairway and slim green surrounded by water on both sides. The fairway on the 400-yard 11th hole is lined with trees that run over a water-filled gully. Once cleared, players must then shoot onto the elevated green. The 17th hole has possibly the best view of the course. Its elevation allows golfers to see for miles over the moors. In fact, bringing a pair of binoculars to the course isn’t a bad idea—as long as you don’t hold up players behind you. Golfers may spot the odd free-roaming
JET
Sherlock Holmes Country Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author who brought master detective Sherlock Holmes to life, spent some time in the Dartmoor area while researching and writing The Hound of the Baskervilles. Local guides don’t agree on whether landmarks remain in the Devon area that Doyle visited and researched, but a Sherlock Holmes experience can still be had. A small troupe of actors and chefs offer The Baskerville Dining Experience. The venue is the appropriately named Laughter Hole House, just 3 miles from the infamous HM Prison Dartmoor. Guests are invited to take on Victorian-era characters— lords, ladies, villains and scullery maids. They then enjoy a five-course British meal with wine while a mystery unfolds around them. A hound is heard howling as prison sirens blare outside announcing the escape of a prisoner. By the time dessert arrives, an escaped prisoner, who is heard but never seen, is recaptured, and the latest Baskervilles hound is no longer howling. Guests are then driven back to Bovey Castle for a safe night’s sleep. »»»For more information, call +44 1822 880386. (Parties of eight to ten only)
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 61
JET EXPLORE
One of the joys of spending time at Bovey Castle is that the resort offers a wide range of activities for golfers and their families who want a break from the water hazards. For those who like to be pampered, the castle’s spa offers a variety of soothing treatments. Bovey also has many activities more appropriate for a British country estate, including archery, fly-fishing, clay-pigeon shooting and guided tours of Dartmoor National Park. Guests can also learn how to make cider and sloe gin in the Long Barn.
In addition to serving as a residence, the Manor House saw use as a convalescent home during World War I and a military hospital in World War II. mountain goat. Deer also populate the park and move into view from time to time. Even for someone who plays the course regularly, there are always challenges. “The lower nine are so different from the top nine,” says assistant pro Frank Cornish. “They created the holes to fit in with the River Bovey. The first eight holes are next to the river. A lot of people come in [the pro shop] for supplies,” he says with a laugh. The Old Course at Bovey Castle has quickly gained respect among the golfing experts. Its accolades include the title of England’s Finest Golf Resort for 2008 and 2009 from the World Travel Awards and and the No. 8 spot on Golf Monthly’s “Where to Stay and Play” list in 2008. This may partly account for the fact that the annual PGA Europro Tour plays at the Old 62 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Course at Bovey Castle each year. Scotland’s Craig Lee won the Dunlop Masters at Bovey Castle this June, taking home the trophy and a check for £10,000 with rounds of 68, 63 and 61 for an 18-under-par score of 192. Lee birdied seven of the first eight holes on the final round. The Old Course at Bovey Castle is open yearround, weather permitting, and the course is maintained throughout. The best times to play are in late spring, summer and early fall.
For travelers, the Bovey Castle website provides a summary of the local weather—not only for that day, but also for the week ahead. The course fees reflect the seasons. A round of golf, for those not staying at Bovey Castle, is £70 ($110) April through October and £49 ($77) November through March. Golf carts rent for £35 ($55), and soft-tip spikes are required. A
Humane Society of Missouri
Helping Missouri Animals Every Day
Adoption Centers
Rescues
More than 20,000 animals aided annually at 3 area locations.
Our Animal Cruelty Task Force is the only organization in Missouri rescuing abused or neglected animals from puppy mills, animal hoarders, dog fighting rings and other acts of cruelty.
Full service adoptions of dogs, cats and critters (such as rabbits).
How You Can Help Make a gift. Become a Humane Hero. Volunteer. Call 314-951-1542
Veterinary Medical Centers Open to the public and certified by the American Animal Hospital Association—our 3 full-service veterinary medical centers see 47,000 patients annually.
Last year, the ACTF conducted more than 4,400 investigations of possible animal abuse involving more than 25,000 animals.
Adoption and Veterinary Medical Center Locations: Headquarters/St. Louis City Center – 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110 Westport Area Center – 2400 Drilling Service Dr., Maryland Heights, Mo. 63043 Chesterfield Valley Center – 17357 Edison Ave., Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 Longmeadow Rescue Ranch – 480 Josephs Rd., Union, Mo. 64084 Veterinary Medical Center Appointments 314-951-1534 Report Animal Abuse and Neglect 314-647-4400
FALL 2010 AVIDMAGAZINE.COM 63 www.hsmo.org | www.longmeadowrescueranch.org /
/
co u rs e opinion
STONEWOLF Just across the river lies a hidden gem—a course designed and built by the most prolific man in golf. Words: Ryan Scott 64 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
course opinion
T
here are few sporting figures as iconic as Jack Nicklaus. Even those who have never swung a club immediately recognize his name. His accomplishments on the course are legendary. Even now, with his days of competition behind him, the Golden Bear has continued to bolster his name by designing some of the world’s finest courses. And as if having the name Nicklaus associated with a course isn’t reason enough to put it on your must-play list, there’s a designation that makes some Nicklaus Design courses even more elite: Nicklaus Signature. The signature moniker means Nicklaus himself was personally involved in every aspect of the course design and construction, fine-tuning even the smallest details. Playing such an upper-echelon course can be one of life’s rare experiences. Luckily, since 1996, St. Louis has been home to one of its own: Stonewolf Golf Club.
This summer was brutal on all courses in the area, with many days at or above 100 degrees. That oppressive heat forces grass into dormancy and turns once-lush courses into dog tracks. Playing the course, though, it’s clear the Stonewolf grounds crew has been through this before. I could see no ill effects. Nava says the zoysia fairways are as lush now as they’ve ever been, and from my time on the course, I’d have to agree. Stonewolf is in prime shape, and with zoysia’s ability to hold up to the cold months, I’d imagine the course will be a refuge for winter golfers. Although not as immaculate as the fairways, the bent-grass greens were as good as any I’ve seen in St. Louis since the beginning of the season. So the rates are good, the course is an easy drive, and it’s in great shape. The question is, how does it play? Stonewolf is a course
the d e ta i l s Year Opened: 1996 Course Length: 6,943 Yards Designer: Nicklaus Design Head Pro: Chris Nava Grass: Zoysia Rates: $43.50–$62.50 (including cart fee) Other Info: 1195 Stonewolf Trail Fairview Heights, Ill. 62208 618.624.4653
stonewolfgolfclub.com
that requires accuracy and club selection. It doesn’t often let you get away with mistakes, and that’s as apparent on the first three holes as anywhere on the course. You don’t want to hit the first tee cold, thinking, “I’ll loosen up as I go.” Hitting a warm-up bucket is highly recommended. For double-digit cappers such as myself, it can sound daunting, but Stonewolf is about playing smart golf. After hooking my first tee shot into the left hazard, I learned quickly. Keep your tee shot in play, even if it means sacrificing some distance, and pull enough club for approaches to the well-protected greens. After surviving the first three holes, I found my first real scoring opportunity on the fifth hole—a par-5. This hole was also the first driver of the day, and my increased focus on tempo and accuracy rewarded me with a birdie opportunity. Before my round, Nava told me about hole No. 6, which is Stonewolf’s signature hole, a mid-distance par-3 with a dramatic elevation drop and a green protected by water to
Photos: Courtesy of Walters Golf Management
Just a mile or so north of I-64 in Fairview Heights, Stonewolf is easily accessible from anywhere in the St. Louis metro area. Speaking with head pro Chris Nava, I was surprised to learn that Stonewolf is financially accessible as well, with a yearly membership costing $2,600 and daily rates that were lowered significantly after the recession. And because Walters Golf Management owns the course, membership at Stonewolf also gives you access to the seven other Walters public
courses, including Gateway National Golf Links and Pevely Farms Golf Club, for $17.50 per round.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 65
course opinion
the golden to u c h
I reached 16 at the golden hour, when the low angle of the sun casts orange across the landscape. Add to that the elevated tee box, and you have a truly picturesque setting. the front left and a deep bunker behind it. Pin placement here can greatly affect the difficulty. Choose your shot wisely, and take a deep breath afterward, because holes seven through 11 offer something of a reprieve. I was feeling pretty good about my round upon reaching the turn at the clubhouse, which Walters Golf Management renovated in 2006 to the tune of $300,000. My renewed focus on pace seemed to fix the hook I’ve been fighting lately, and even after being faced with numerous challenging shots, I was playing under my handicap. Bunkers are always tense moments for me, but at Stonewolf I found myself enjoying time in the beach. After hitting the front right bunker again on 10, I was pleased to see smooth play wasn’t a front-nine phenomenon. Kudos to the grounds crew. These bunkers were easily the most consistent and playable I’ve encountered, even in areas where you expect water to pool. With 69 bunkers peppering the course, that’s a good thing, because you’ll certainly be visiting them more than once. Accuracy and club selection are also paramount on Stonewolf’s back nine, albeit slightly less so than on the front end. After a pair of birdie opportunities on 10 and 11, I found myself in trouble on 12. The right 66 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
fringe is not where you want to end up here. Holes 14 through 16 play narrow, but fairway slope can be used to your advantage. I reached 16 at the golden hour, when the low angle of the sun casts orange across the landscape. Add to that the elevated tee box, and you have a truly picturesque setting. The short, par-3 17th hole offers a great birdie opportunity, so take advantage. The final hole is a long, uphill par 4 that plays longer than you think, thanks to an elevated green, which requires a full carry. During my final putt, I was happy to relax after the challenge, but my thoughts turned quickly to planning my next Stonewolf outing. Living in west St. Louis County, I don’t often cross the river for a round of golf, but Stonewolf will change that. While it may not be a hidden gem, Stonewolf is a gem nonetheless and should be on your list of must-play courses. A
Jack Nicklaus left his mark on the 20th century by capturing 20 majors. His mark on the 21st century will surely be his contributions to golf-course design and the global network of stunning championship courses he has built. Nicklaus’ beginnings in course design date back to the mid’60s, when he collaborated with fellow designer Pete Dye. Today, Nicklaus Design has nearly 350 courses open for play in 34 countries. More than a decade ago, Golf Digest named Nicklaus the world’s foremost active course designer, and that momentum has showed no signs of slowing; his company has more than 40 new courses currently under construction. Nicklaus Design courses are consistently playing host to countless professional and amateur tournaments, and have garnered recognition as some of the finest in the world. Today, the company employs nearly 20 design associates, among which are Nicklaus’ four sons, Jack, Steve, Gary and Michael. The company has also elevated the golf world’s connection to luxury-home communities. Homes built around Nicklaus courses enjoy some of the highest values and speediest sales of any in the United States. Nicklaus Design has produced courses like the famed Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, and Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C.
AUTOMOTIVE NETWORK
We purchase Used Golf Carts and Customize Them for You! GOLF CARTS - NEW
2010 EZGO ST Sport 2x2 Gas Golf Cart
2010 EZGO ST Sport 2x2 Gas Golf Cart
2010 EZGO ST P Sport 2x2 Gas Golf Cart
2010 EZGO ST Express Shuttle Gas Golf Cart
Custom options include: 22 Inch Tire & Polished Spoke Wheel Upgrade, installed taillights, tan 80” top assembly, premium color upgrade, white upholstery upgrade. Patriot Blue / White
Custom options include: 22 Inch Tire & Polished Spoke Wheel Upgrade, installed taillights, tan 80” top assembly, premium color upgrade. Inferno Red / Tan
Custom options include: 22 Inch Tire & Polished Spoke Wheel Upgrade, installed taillights, Outback Sport Cage, and Rear Clays Basket. Flame Red / Tan
Custom options include: White Suntop. Flame Red / Red-White
MSRP $8634.00 Our Price $8195.00
MSRP $8493.00 Our Price $7995.00
MSRP $9130.00 Our Price $8395.00
MSRP $10,085.00 Our Price $9395.00
GOLF CARTS - USED - 21 MODELS IN STOCK!
2006 EZGO TXT-$5995.00 Gas Golf Cart
2006 EZGO TXT-$4695.00 Gas Golf Cart
2006 EZGO TXT-$4795.00 Gas Golf Cart
2007 EZGO TXT PDS-$4795.00 Electric Golf Cart
Custom options include: Electric Blue Workhorse body, Headlight/ taillight kit, 4 inch lift, Black canopy, Rear cargo bed, Workhorse front brush guard, Disc brake upgrade, Tinted split windshield, EZGO Diamond wheel & tire package, black seat.
Custom options include: Metallic Charcoal body, 2 inch lift, Black canopy, Rear flip seat, Tinted split windshield, Custom wheel & tire package, black upholstery.
Custom options include: Electric Blue TXT body, Extended Black canopy, Rear flip seat, Black diamond plate rocker panels, Tinted split windshield, Custom wheel & tire package, black seat.
Custom options include: Black Line-X body, 6 inch spindle lift, fender flares, Nivel steering wheel, MP3 sound system, rear flip seat, black tubular sidesteps, tinted sport windshield, 23 inch wheel & tire package.
VIP DISTRIBUTING INC. SOUTH
314 835 5101 1085 N. Kirkwood Rd. , Kirkwood, Missouri 63122
missourigolfcart.com
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 67
E F I L T R CA 68 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
Ben Trehy has only owned his gas-powered Club Car golf cart for three months, but it’s already become his main mode of transportation. “Ever since I’ve lived here, I’ve always thought they looked like fun,” Trehy says turning up the stereo, which can get impressively loud. “I work from home, so I spend more time in this than I do in my truck.” When the opportunity to buy one through a friend of a friend arose, Trehy hopped on it. But he wasn’t the only one cruising the area that day. In Soulard, if you sit long enough on the right street corner on the right weekend, you’ll see dozens of them. So that’s what we did. And what better weekend than that of Soulard Oktoberfest? >>> words: Dan Michel • photos: Mark Christian FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 69
1
70 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
2 3 1. Danny and Linda Stover of Centralia, Ill., pull away from Llywelyn’s Pub with their dog Minnie in their early ’60s Cushman golf cart, which they keep at their apartment in Soulard. “It beats getting the car out,” says Linda. “It’s really nice they let us drive these around here.” Danny Stover installed the roof—which fell off the back of a truck—himself with a metal frame he had fabricated. 2. Cory Gallagher and friends pull away from Molly’s in Soulard in his six-seater, electric Ruff & Tuff golf cart, which he bought to promote his bar, DB’s. “I can drive this thing in all 48 lower states,” he says, adding that the windshield wiper, turn signal, headlights, brake lights and seat belts were the elements that made his ride road-ready. 3. Mike Finnegan and friend Josh Lundak cruise around north Soulard near Lundak’s bar, Sonny’s, in his gas-powered Club Cart. “I get by on about three tanks a year,” says Finnegan. “It costs me five or six bucks for a tank.” He says time has taken its toll on his cart. “I’ve had so many people on here. We’ve popped wheelies. I’ve got scratches from people trying to steal it.” 4. Jay Morris and his dog, Walter, zoom down Ann Avenue in his vintage powder-blue electric E-Z-GO, which he owns with a neighbor. “In the last year, so many people have gotten them,” says Morris. “The coolest thing is taking people around, because you see so much more. It makes you appreciate the neighborhood.” >>>
44
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 71
5
6
7
5. Patty Pernod leaves the Soulard Farmer’s Market with visiting friends in her gas-powered E-Z-GO. She says it’s perfect for getting between local businesses and the market, as long as you observe the rules of the road. “There’s golf-cart etiquette,” she says. “You have to be careful of other drivers. They can be aggressive.” 6. Neighbors ( from left) Jay Dinkelmann, Vicki and Jay Morris (with their dog, Walter) and Ben Trehy chat near their homes in Soulard. “Going to events and not having to worry about parking is the best,” says Vicki Morris. Dinkelmann and Jay Morris own the center golf cart together, but Dinkelmann borrowed this larger, gas-powered E-Z-GO for 72 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
the Oktoberfest weekend from the Gateway Grizzlies baseball team, of which he is a part owner. Trehy, who’s had his cart for three months, says within weeks of having it, a friend parked it around the block as a prank. “E-Z-GOs all have the same key,” Trehy explains. “I was freaking out.” 7. Two carts owned by Cory Gallagher and Mike Finnegan sit outside Molly’s in Soulard, as an employee takes a smoke break. While most cart drivers park on the street, it’s not uncommon to see carts parked on sidewalks and in unconventional spaces. “Tight spaces are fine,” says Finnegan. “We’re not supposed to park on the sidewalks, but some people do anyway.” A
Raymond Walsh Jr. takes in the scenery in his red electric Club Car, which has a lift kit Walsh installed himself. He says he has plans to add a stereo and two rear-facing seats. Walsh owns Marv’s Auto Repair in Soulard, where he works on everything from stock cars to street cars, and yes, even golf carts.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 73
74 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
one of our own Meet St. Louis’ newest star athlete WORDS: CHRIS HANNIS
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 75
I
got a text message from Scott Langley at 6:07 a.m. “What college student replies to text messages this early?” I thought. I shot back a message asking the University of Illinois standout golfer why he was replying to interview requests at such an early hour. His reply: “6:30 a.m. workouts! The golf team works out every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 a.m. before 8 a.m. class.” Such is the life of a Ping First-Team All-American.
But what does Holtgrieve think of Langley’s plans?
Langley is a born and bred St. Louisan and a lifelong golfer. Like many children of sports-oriented families, Langley had plastic clubs as a 2-year-old, and graduated to cut-down, metal-shafted junior clubs at 5. During his middle-school years, he spent time at Riverside Golf Club, a rite-of-passage track every child golfer in the county inevitably plays.
If Langley had gone professional before this past U.S. Open—where he finished in a six-way tie for 16th place that included Sweden’s Peter Hanson, England’s Lee Westwood and the U.S.’s Jim Furyk (a former U.S. Open winner)—he would have won more than $100,000.
But Langley’s true home away from home reminds us that golf can still be an everyman sport. He practices not at a fancy country club or with a private instructor, but at the Family Golf Center in Kirkwood. “Family Golf Center provided a place for me to work on my short game and hit balls all year round,” says the 21year-old college senior. Is there any other course in St. Louis he would call his own? He pauses. “I guess Pevely Farms [Golf Club] or the old Ballwin 9-hole. But more than anywhere else, I spent most of my time at the range in Kirkwood,” he says. (Somewhere, Tower Tee instructor—and non–country club pro—Bob Gaus is smiling.) Langley, as a Big Ten Conference student-athlete, takes both of his roles at the University of Illinois seriously, as evidenced by his 3.2 GPA as an accounting major. His mother, Carol Haas, says she never had to remind her son to get his homework done when he attended Parkway South High School—in fact, she says, he wanted to take as many Advanced Placement courses as possible. Langley never earned anything less than an A in high school, graduating with a 4.3 GPA and a 30 on his ACT. “I just always did my schoolwork when I had to,” says Langley. “I never thought of not doing it.” Langley applies the same work ethic on the course. He hopes to culminate his amateur career next September by making the U.S. Walker Cup team—helmed by captain (and fellow St. Louisan) Jim Holtgrieve—at Scotland’s Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. But between now and a potential Walker Cup team invitation lies another hurdle: “Above anything else, my No. 1 goal this upcoming golf season is for our team to win the Big Ten Championship and the NCAA [in June].” He’s won the NCAA Championship as an individual, but that’s not enough. He wants his team to taste victory, too. In addition to being a team player, Langley is intent on finishing his amateur career properly. His dedication is notable, especially given the multitude of teenage pro athletes today. 76 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
“I think Scott Langley is a very mature young man with a great talent on his shoulders,” says Holtgrieve. “His course management is superior, but most importantly, he looks like he’s having fun. I think he’d be a fine candidate for the 2011 Walker Cup team. He’ll be great for the United States of America. I just hope he doesn’t turn pro in September.”
“I looked at what I would have won, but I looked more at my performance and accomplishment to know that I can be right there and compete with the best,” he says. “I just look at the money as the fun part that will come with this hopefully in the future.” Fun can only begin to describe the dizzying five-month span from May to September of this year in which Langley made a mark for himself. It’s a streak that’s worth mentioning even without his U.S. Open performance. Yet Langley calls his spring season this year “mediocre,” despite being named 2009–10 Big Ten Player of the Year. At the Big Ten championships in Minneapolis in late April and early May, with an increasing number of dedicated onlookers, Langley struggled and shot an 80 in
[Langley’s] course management is superior, but most importantly, he looks like he’s having fun. I think he’d be a fine candidate for the 2011 Walker Cup team. —Jim Holtgrieve the final round. Luckily, his Fighting Illini teammates pulled through, and the team went on to win the championship. After some conversations with his coach, Mike Small, about “constantly staying in the present” and eliminating distractions, Langley’s tear through the competition commenced. He first had to come back to St. Louis in May to play in the local U.S. Open qualifier at WingHaven Country Club. It proved to be a trip worth taking. Langley shot 68, besting the field by three strokes to gain entry to the sectional qualifier in June at the Country Club of St. Albans. Two days later, Langley played in the 15th annual Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association (MAGA) Match Play Championship at Old Warson Country Club. He smoothly advanced to the finals, where he took on eight-time MAGA Player of the Year Skip Berkmeyer.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 77
Photos: Getty Images; courtesy of the University of Illinois
If Langley had gone professional before this past U.S. Open—where he tied Peter Hanson, Lee Westwood and Jim Furyk for 16th place—he would have won more than $100,000.
The match went to the 18th hole, where Langley sank a 6-foot putt for the win. With solid success at two tournaments here at home, Langley still had the NCAA competition ahead of him. On May 18, the U of I golf team traveled to the Seattle area for the NCAA Regional competition. There, Langley had an impressive game, shooting rounds of 75, 70 and 69 to place seventh overall to win the individual competition and help his team advance to the NCAA championships the following week. That event was held in Chattanooga, Tenn., at The Honors Course, which also hosted it in 1996, when Tiger Woods took home the individual championship. Langley shot rounds of 70-68-68 on the par-72 course, clinching the individual championship and joining Jay Haas as one of only two St. Louisans to win the NCAA individual championship. This honor was magnified when Langley was named a first-team All-American. And his momentum didn’t slow at his next event—the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Tournament on June 7. Held at St. Albans’ Lewis & Clark Course, this event would mark the second consecutive year Langley had made it to the sectional round of the U.S. Open qualification. In 2009, Langley qualified for the sectional round, but fell short of qualifying for the U.S. Open at Illini Country Club.
It would go unnoticed if an amateur in his position were to quietly post another nonthreatening score and then enjoy the weekend following his favorite golfers. But true to his work ethic, Langley came to play, posting a 2-under-par 69 to make the cut comfortably. His third round went south after an eagle on the sixth hole, and he posted a 77. He responded by shooting par that Sunday to outplay former major winners Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington and tying Russell Henley for low amateur.
Langley is the No. 6 amateur in the world
The Summer of Scott didn’t end there. Langley made it to the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Amateur Championship in August, with match play held at the brutal 7,700-yard course at Chambers Bay outside of Seattle. Langley came into the championship, which consists of stroke-play competition followed by match play, as the 56th seed, so making it to the final eight against the world’s best amateurs further illustrates the growth of his game. The imprint that Langley has begun to make in collegiate, amateur and professional golf is remarkable. Langley’s achievements thus far compare favorably to other notable St. Louis–area athletes at this point in their careers. Jimmy Connors and Jackie Joyner-Kersee won individual NCAA championships at the University of California, Los Angeles in tennis and track and field, respectively. Kristin Folkl won multiple championships at Stanford University in volleyball.
This year, in a confident showing, Langley shot a 66 and 66 over two rounds to be the only player of the 18 qualifiers to advance to the U.S. Open. As his mother recalls, Langley’s celebratory dinner that night in St. Louis was abruptly cut short when he realized that he needed to book a ticket and hotel accommodations—the first round at California’s Pebble Beach Golf Links was a mere 10 days away.
All of these athletes, like Langley, earned status as first-team All-Americans and national champions. So why don’t we have regular sports-page splashes on this young man? He’s already the reigning NCAA individual champion—one of two St. Louisans ever to claim that title—and low amateur at the 2010 U.S. Open. It’s high time we recognized Langley as among the strongest, most ambitious (and most modest ) athletes ever to come out of St. Louis.
Five days later, Langley got on a flight to Pebble Beach, eager to begin practice rounds. He shot a 75 in his first round.
“It’s an indescribable honor,” he says. “To be considered on the same level as those tremendous people is amazing and humbling.”
78 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
A
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 79
80 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
anna Australia’s most stunning, multitalented export on crossing over, going pro and how she wants to change women’s golf as we know it words: michael wilmering
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 81
In 2008, eight-time LPGA Player of the Year and golf superstar Annika Sorenstam announced her retirement from the tour. Then, in April of this year, 28-year-old Lorena Ochoa, the No. 1 female golfer in the world and LPGA Player of the Year four years running, announced her early retirement as well. While the likes of Michelle Wie, Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer have brought some much-needed buzz to the tour, both the total number of LPGA events and total prize money available have steadily decreased. For this season, there were only 24 official money events announced, down from 31 in 2009. A struggling economy has left potential event sponsors strapped, and LPGA organizers are looking for ways to leverage the skills, personalities and talents of their best and brightest to attract more interest to the once-burgeoning tour. Enter Anna Rawson. Born in Adelaide, Australia, Rawson, now 29, moved to the U.S. after receiving a golf scholarship from the University of Southern California (USC). Although she officially joined the LPGA tour in 2008, Rawson has gained most of her notoriety from her work as a professional model, gracing the pages of Vogue, GQ, Maxim, Men’s Health and myriad other international publications. Unforgettable golden tresses and a friendly, alluring smile complement her slim-yet-toned, 5-foot-10-inch frame. Her smooth and graceful swing seems to be a natural extension of her persona. It’s not hard to understand why tournament organizers would jump at the opportunity to welcome her to the fold. Rawson’s best finish thus far was a tie for 41st place at the P&G NW Arkansas Championship in September. Although she’s had a less-than-stellar 2010 season thus far, David Higdon, the LPGA’s chief communications officer, describes Rawson as a finesse player, one whose game and overall presence can command attention when she’s locked in and playing her best.
82 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
In addition to having a full-time LPGA career, Rawson is also a syndicated golf columnist, a runway and magazine model and a spokeswoman for a number of charities and philanthropic organizations. She even helped design the women’s golf line for standout Swedish fashion house J. Lindeberg. Higdon calls Rawson one of his go-to players, one who understands the importance of establishing a personal connection with fans and using all of her interests to generate more awareness for her sport. “She’s an engaging personality—a model for what needs to be done,” says Higdon. When she was just 16, Rawson was named a finalist in a cover model contest for the Australian magazine Dolly. This helped boost her career in the modeling industry, which had captivated her as a young girl. But even at an early age, she maintained a wide variety of interests, including golf, which she first started playing at a neighborhood course when she was 13. Balancing modeling gigs for Chanel and Escada with trips to the driving range and putting green, Rawson continued to develop her two emerging passions. Just a few years later, and without any formal coaching, Rawson started making a lot of noise on the Australian golf scene. In 1999, she won the South Australian Amateur Championship, the Victorian Junior Championship and the Jack Newton International Junior Classic, ultimately securing a spot on the South Australian Senior State team. It appeared Rawson was turning heads for an entirely different reason, and after she qualified for the Australian Open in 2000, USC women’s golf head coach Andrea Gaston also took notice. After receiving correspondence and video footage from Rawson’s father, Gaston booked a flight to Australia to see the budding talent in person. Although Rawson didn’t make the cut, Gaston says, she was still impressed with what she saw and offered her a scholarship. “One of her greatest strengths was her mind,” recalls Gaston. “She had incredible mental strength and determination.” Rawson was a member of the team that brought home USC’s first-ever national championship for women’s golf in May 2003. The victory was especially sweet because golf was the only sport in which USC hadn’t secured a national title.
Photos: Courtesy annarawson.com
The LPGA Tour could use a face-lift. And we’re not just talking about a minor collagen injection or a Botox booster; we’re talking about a full-on Joan Rivers/Bruce Jenner overhaul.
“The LPGA’s biggest strength is the diversity and versatility of its players,” says Higdon. “Anna Rawson is a perfect example of somebody who has come to this sport, is very dedicated, is very eager to improve and make her mark as an athlete. But at the same time, she has other interests.”
“I always thought that Australia and the U.S. were so similar, but it was a total culture shock when I moved.”
“Golf helps me develop discipline and precision, which is important in the fashion world, and modeling and fashion help me nurture my creative side, which I use while playing golf.”
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 83
“I’m disappointed when people are surprised by the level of my game because of the way I look. Unfortunately, in life there are always stereotypes, but I have fun proving them wrong.”
Although Rawson was never the team’s No. 1 golfer, Gaston says she was always a team player who demonstrated leadership through her tremendous work ethic and drive to improve. Rawson graduated from USC in 2004 with a degree in communications. While at school, Gaston says Rawson maintained a well-rounded schedule. She was actively involved in student life and was a member of a sorority, while still keeping up with the demands of playing a collegiate sport. Rawson received Pac-10 All-Academic recognition three straight years. “That’s the one thing that I really admire about her, that she’s a diverse person. She wants balance in her life, and I think that’s a very healthy approach, because the sport is certainly very demanding,” says Gaston. “I think it’s great that she has other interests and other talents. She can go out and market herself extremely well and be a great voice for the LPGA, as well as any other opportunities, philanthropic or otherwise, that she wants to participate in.” Since graduating from USC, Rawson has continued to strike a harmonious accord between these two seemingly divergent career paths. She says being a model and a pro athlete at the same time actually helps her improve on both fronts. “Golf helps me develop discipline and precision, which is important in the fashion world, and modeling and fashion help me nurture my creative side, which I use while playing golf,” says Rawson. “But both require motivation and taking care of your health and body.” Rawson turned pro in August 2004, then played a full year on the Futures Tour in 2005, where she notched two top-
84 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
10 finishes in 17 events. She then progressed to the Ladies European Tour in 2006, where she managed a 10th-place finish at the Deutsche Bank Ladies’ Swiss Open and a second-place finish at the same tournament the following year. Rawson then tied for 18th at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn a spot on the 2008 LPGA tour. In September 2008, Rawson scored a career-best tie for 10th place at the Bell Micro LPGA Classic in Mobile, Ala., a win that earned her $24,000. “I’m disappointed when people are surprised by the level of my game because of the way I look,” says Rawson. “Unfortunately, in life there are always stereotypes, but I have fun proving them wrong. I am very committed to golf, and hope to show people that being a model or in fashion does not mean that you are one-dimensional. Great athletes can pursue other interests and still be dedicated and excel at their sport.”
Rawson was kind enough to take time out of her schedule to answer a few questions for Avid and its readers. You started modeling at a young age. What attracted you to that line of work? When I was younger, I became very obsessed with fashion. I saw modeling as a way to get closer to fashion. I was also terribly skinny and 5-foot-10, so no one was attracted to me in high school. Modeling gave me confidence. Nowadays, modeling gives me another platform on which to raise the profile of women’s golf. I try to combine the two whenever I can, like writing magazine columns that have golf and fashion tips.
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 85
Rapid-Fire Favorite junk food? Lindt chocolate in light or dark. For some reason, it always makes me feel better. Drink of choice? Champagne Last movie you watched? Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Song you can't get out of your head? “DJ Got Us Falling in Love” by Usher Lay up or go for it? Go for it.
86 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
What are some of your earliest memories of the U.S.?
Well, that and a hole in one. Have you ever had one?
My earliest memories of America were American TV shows, such as Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Baywatch and Seinfield. I wanted to go to America, so I could live like Brenda and Brandon on 90210!
Yes! I had a hole in one at an LPGA International practice round!
What made you consider going to school in the States?
Putting. They say you spell win P-U-T-T. Also, I want to be more consistent and have a much quieter mind.
I had a few friends that went to college in the States, and they all told me it was awesome. I had been to the States prior to moving here to go to school. I always thought that Australia and the U.S. were so similar, but it was a total culture shock when I moved. The food was different. What was in or considered cool was different. It took me four months to really adjust. You were on the team when USC won the national championship. Tell us about that experience. It’s an experience I’m extremely proud and glad to have been a part of. It was the first time USC had ever won a golf national championship, so it was a big deal for the school. Our national championship ring has “History Made” engraved on the inside of it. It was the only sport USC had not won a national championship in, so it was really exciting and fun for the school and our team. What are your feelings about the recent NCAA sanctions against USC? It is unfortunate that some people made bad decisions. There always end up being repercussions. I also feel they were tough on us and used us as an example, which is unfortunate. In the past, you’ve talked about athletes as entertainers. Tell me a little more about that concept and how it shapes your professional life. As an athlete, we’re in the spotlight. Besides winning tournaments, competitions, games or matches, we are in the public’s eye, so in essence, we’re similar to entertainers, such as actors and musicians. I think that makes it important to send a good message to our fans, who follow us and our careers. That’s why I became a spokesperson for Inspire USA Foundation, an organization that helps teens and young adults going through mental-health issues and tough times. I lost my mom to suicide when I was 5, so it’s a cause that’s important to me. I also devote myself to raising the profile of women’s golf. What are some of the advantages to being a public figure in the U.S.? Like any athlete, I draw so much energy from the fans. Being a figure in the public also has given me some amazing opportunities, like Inspire USA. I’m thankful to be able to give back to the community in some way, especially with a cause that is so dear to my heart. But yes, there are some downsides. What would a win on the LPGA Tour mean to you today? It would be phenomenal! A win is every golfer’s dream.
What do you most want to improve in your game?
What’’s something you can’t live without on the course? On the course, I always wear 60-plus SPF sunscreen from La Roche-Posay, called Anthelios XL Creme. It’s fantastic, and I have gotten so many golfers to start using it. Off the course? Off the course, I use my BlackBerry to keep in touch with friends and family. I travel nine months out of the year, so I don’t get to spend as much time with them as I would like. Along those lines, you’re very active in social networking. You have more than 12,000 Twitter followers. Which sites do you enjoy the most? How can I choose? It’s important to stay in touch with our supporters, through Facebook, Twitter, SayNow and our own websites. When you play a sport and you go out to perform, you want to keep in touch often with the people rooting for you. Their encouragement helps us succeed, and for that, I feel we athletes should stay in touch with them. Tell us briefly about your diet and exercise routine. I love to eat healthy. I’m all about fresh, organic produce. I believe everything is great in moderation. For me, a diet rich in full-fat foods works. Sugar is the enemy, and I try to avoid it at all costs. I love to work out and exercise whenever I can. I’ve always been an active person, and I love to walk everywhere. I’m the person that always takes the stairs instead of the escalator. What else helps you stay in peak condition? I drink two to three liters of water a day, and even more if I have caffeine. Sleep is really important to me. When I sleep well, everything works better. I try and get to bed before 10:30 p.m., but it doesn’t always happen. I swear by fish-oil tablets, especially if you’re trying to grow your hair long. If you were in charge of the LPGA tomorrow, what would you change? I would change all our tournaments to three-day events with two day pro-ams and only 100 players—more like the Champions Tour format, which I believe is much better for the sponsors. The only exception would be the Majors, which would be four rounds. Which players do you enjoy watching today and why? I like watching Rickie Fowler, Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan. I guess I like the young guys! A FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 87
AVIDDIVA
[
Ellen Shaw, Cart Girl Stonewolf Golf Club
88 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
The Gateway Area’s most charming cart girls sit down with AVID to answer some of life’s less important (fun) questions.
]
The World’s Greatest Players Use The Best.
Now You Can Too! Let us treat you like a Pro
Ask about our Winter Range Club Limited spots Available!
13347 Manchester Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131 PH: 314.965.3488
• Top rated LPGA and PGA instruction by Maria Palozola featured in Avid Magazine’s Burn Section • Custom club fitting by Master Club Fitter John M. Kelly • Golf fitness • State-of-the-art golf technology The holidays are just around the corner. Great gift ideas for that special someone.
midwestgolflab.com FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 89
AVIDDIVA
Q+A How old are you? 25. You look young for your age. I get that a lot. Usually, people think I’m like 17, so they’ll ask me what high school I go to. How long have you been a cart girl? A year and a half. What are you currently studying? Elementary education. I student-teach third graders, and I love it. They’re hilarious. What’s your dream job? I would love to teach third graders in Edwardsville, Ill., where I’m from. Do you play golf? I have clubs, and I’m not too bad for a beginner. What’s the funniest pickup line you’ve heard on the course? This guy was telling his friends he knew me and that I was from Tennessee. I said, “No, I’m not.” And he said, “Oh really? Because you're the only 10 I see.” His whole setup was pretty classic, actually. What are some of the funnier moments on the course? During tournaments when some of the guys drink a bit more, they’ll hop in my cart and ride along with me. I actually had a guy offer me 200 bucks to drive him and his friends home because they were too drunk. What’s your drink of choice? Red wine. I like pinot noir. What music are you listening to right now? Country. I really like Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker, but I also like some pop music. Do you have any tattoos? One butterfly on my foot, a butterfly with stars on my lower back and a flower on my right hip. A
90 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
peter millar Great Clothing
Should Evoke Feelings... ...feelings of comfort and unspoken familiarity. A feeling of confidence that only comes from a nod to
peter millar
modern trends with a foundation in timeless classics.
Lifetime of style. peter millar petermillar.com
do you know a cart girl who could be the next AVIDDIVA? e-mail us at aviddivas@avidmagazine.com
peter millar
*Entries from Missouri and Illinois only. Please include a name, age, course, brief bio and several head shots. FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 91
AVIDDIVA
“I like to make connections with people. It makes my job feel less like work.”
92 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 93
you after a while, really. The only thing the pro can do is fire the caddy. Their hands are tied with everything else.
PATRICK “CUZ” FITZGERALD The PGA veteran caddie shares how he got his start and why he loves his job. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR NICKNAME? I’m from a town in Connecticut with a lot of Turks and Syrians. When they don’t know someone, they say, “Hey, cousin.” Cousin this. Cousin that. And that’s the way I grew up. [As a beginner], I didn’t know where caddy registration or even where the first tee was, so I asked around: “Hey cuz, where’s caddy registration?” “Hey cuz, where’s the putting green?” People started asking, “Who’s this guy calling everyone cousin?” So that’s what they started calling me, and it stuck. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? When I went out on tour in 1980, I didn’t know a soul except for Billy Harmon and one other guy. They told me, “Come on out, we can help you.” So I just stood at the front door at the Congressional Country Club, where the first job was, and I picked up Don January. He said, “You ever caddy before?” I said, “Oh yeah.” He said, “Let me see you pick up that bag.” So I picked up his bag and took it to the putting green. So he figured, “He’s got my bag. I guess he’s got me.” WHO ELSE HAVE YOU CARRIED FOR OVER THE YEARS? It’s a long list. I’ve worked
94 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
for Jerry Kelly. He’s fired me three times. [Laughs.] I worked for Howard Twitty for a little over a year. When I started, there weren’t enough caddies. After Tiger [Woods] came, it all changed. Everyone wanted to be a caddy. WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON REASON CADDIES GET FIRED ON THE PGA TOUR? I don’t know, man. Basically, they just get tired of looking at
WHAT’S THE EASIEST COURSE TO CADDY ON TOUR? The Classic Club Golf Course in Palm Springs, Fla. WHAT’S THE HARDEST? La Cantera [Golf Club]. I swore I’d never go back there again. After I won with J.L. Lewis in ’03, I had to go there to collect my check. When I got there, I said, “J.L., take a good look at me on this tee here, because you’ll never see me here again. I don’t care who I’m caddying for.” Do you get to play often, and do you carry a handicap? Oh, I carry a big handicap. I’ve been working lately. Yeah, you gotta stay in shape, brother. Ever had a hole in one? Never. It’s the only thing the golf gods have kept away from me. The only thing. Ever been on the bag for someone when they’ve had one? Oh yeah. Mike Hulbert, at the
U.S. Open [in 1993], hit a shot on a par 3 where you just want to hit on the front of the green, and it will get there. It rolled about 80 feet down the hill. There was one guy in the top left corner of the bleachers by himself... Just before we got to the other tee, this guy stands up with his arms in the air, and I said, “Touchdown!” That’s when I knew it went in the hole. What’s the best part about being a PGA Tour caddy? If you’re into the game, there’s nothing better than being inside the ropes with the best players in the world, as far as I’m concerned. They ain’t foolin’ around out here. This is the big leagues. This is the “Real Deal” Holyfield. What’s the worst part? The worst part is probably sitting around waiting. One good thing about Elk [Steve Elkington] is that he’s been around for so long, there’s no time wasted. He’s quick. But the young guys who are walking around with their mouths open looking at all the pros, seeing stuff they’ve been reading about their whole lives, they’re out there for the whole day. —M.M. AGE: 57 HOMETOWN: DANBURY, CONN. CADDY FOR: STEVE ELKINGTON
Photos by Getty Images
CADDY SHACK
WANT TO SEE YOUR EVENT IN THE AVID CALENDAR? Email us at listings@avidmagazine.com. FALL 2010 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / 95
All entries must be submitted by the 15th of the month to be included in the subsequent issue.
cease & desist
The 2010 Ryder Cup
The Good, The Sad and the Downright Moronic WORDS: Matt Mathison ILLUSTRATION: DANIEL ELCHERT
OK, so the Ryder Cup is behind us, but it’s not forgotten. At least not to me. The end result of this year’s Ryder Cup was no surprise. Honestly, I expected the Euros to drum us. No drumming took place, and for the better part of that Monday-morning finish, I found myself on the edge of my seat pulling for an American comeback. This was an outstanding Ryder Cup and one that probably will go down in history as one of the best yet. The fact is, however, that the Americans were the underdogs going into the event, and anyone who favored them needs to get in touch with me ASAP and explain their logic. Lee Westwood is now the No. 1–ranked player in the world. Surprised? Not me. The man is on fire, playing great golf with consistency and coming off a near win in China. Of course, I would much rather had seen Mickelson take over the reins, but when you’re given more lives than a cat to take over the top spot, you either need to do it or simply step aside. In this case, Mickelson didn’t have to step aside—Westwood simply played through. When the tournament commenced, the Europeans occupied five slots in the world’s top 10 to the Americans’ four. Take the stats out to the top 15, and the Europeans have the Americans beat eight to six. (The lone nonEuropean/non-American in that number being Ernie Els.) Today, the Euros have six in the top ten to the Americans’ four, and Els has since fallen out of the Top 10. The Europeans have two majors under their belt this year, while the Americans only have one. More interesting was the absence of Paul Casey, the world’s No. 7 player, which has to be one of the 96 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / FALL 2010
biggest boneheaded decisions— by Colin Montgomerie—in Ryder Cup history. I can critique him all day long, but in the end, the Euros won and did so on their home turf. Monty managed them well, just as if he were managing a World Series baseball team. Final Score: Euros 14 1/2, Americans 13 1/2. Despite the fantastic array of golf displayed at Celtic Manor Resort, there are a few things I believe would make for an even more exciting Ryder Cup.
1
Make it more of an event. Make it big. Blow it out. Show us the opening ceremonies. Let us into the dinner and hear the captains speak. Let’s hear the banter. Let them use Twitter, for crying out loud.
2
Televise the pairings. Let us see the pairings as they are being drawn. Let us see the “war rooms,” so to speak, of the capThe Ryder Cup teams came together, competed well, and wore their colors with great pride. The level of respect that these teams have for each other is something we should all notice. One can only hope that other professional athletes outside of golf took notice as well.
tains and their assistants talking strategy. Show us the behindthe-scenes.
3
Place microphones on every captain, assistant captain, player, caddy and rules official. Open the airwaves, and let us inside the ropes so we get to see—or should I say, hear—the communication that goes on at the Ryder Cup. Include the practice rounds, and include the action on the driving range, as well as the practice green. Give us an all-access pass to one of the greatest sporting events on the planet.
4
Change networks. Or at the very least get rid of Johnny Miller. Listening to his jabber is like nails on a chalkboard.
5
Change the timing of the event. The week after the PGA Tour Championship, along with having to travel over the pond, is not ideal for anyone— including us. A
Avid Awards for the 2010 Ryder Cup
Most Valuable Euro: Ian Poulter Something tells me we will be seeing a lot more of Poulter in the coming years. Most Valuable American: Tiger Woods/Steve Stricker No one expected Tiger to perform this well. He did. And he did it with his boy Stricker by his side. Biggest Surprise: Rickie Fowler Fowler is fun to watch, and without question a fierce competitor. He made the Ryder Cup even more exciting with four birdies down the stretch to earn a pivotal half point. Most Moronic Moment: Rain Gear You can’t be serious. Whoever is responsible for ordering rain gear (and we aren’t naming names) needs their head examined. News flash: You’re playing golf in Wales. In case you didn’t know, it rains there from time to time. Biggest Disappointment: Jim Furyk Although if I had just won 10 million smackers the week before, I’m not sure I’d be very motivated either. Hottest WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends): Team USA Team Player Award: Phil Mickelson In case you missed it, Hunter Mahan broke down and wore his emotions on his sleeves (both of them, to be sure) after his loss to Graeme McDowell. Mickelson, being the class act that he is, stepped in and took the microphone for his teammate. Best Tweet: @4caddie “Sign of the times: US beaten in the Ryder Cup by a guy who lives in Orlando, Fla.”