South Texas Golf

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WINNER OF THE TEXAS PGA “2014 BEST MEDIA COVERAGE” AWARD

FREE! TAKE ONE

SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

TOP GIRLS RETURN NEXT YEAR

2015

3RD ANNUAL RGV GOLF COURSE GUIDE FORT BROWN SHUTS DOWN FOOT GOLF AT VICC

The Texas Sportsman & South Texas Golf PRESENT THE FIRST

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FEATURE NAME

Plus tax and delivery

4 [Southtexas Golf #1]

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 5

FEATURE NAME TABLE OF CONTENTS “...children who do not have new school supplies at

18

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the beginning of the academic year often skip the

FEATURE NAME

first several important weeks of class.”

-- Ricardo Lopez Mission CISD Superintendent The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Presents

FORE THE KIDS

All “FORE” The Kids Golf Tournament Tournament to benefit Mission CISD’s Back to School Bash It’s long been understood that many children start the school year late, victims of the long drive home from a summer of migrant work up North.

But there are more issues that families and children face as the new school year approaches purchasing school supplies, new clothes and even a new haircut are all expenses that many families struggle with as they send their children off to continue their education.

There are many who see and understand that need and are stepping forward to help.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host its All “Fore” The Kids Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2015 at at the Club at Cimarron located at 1200 S. Shary Road in Mission. The format is an 18-Hole, four-player scramble. Funds generated from the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s All “Fore” the Kids Golf Tournament will provide 2,000 backpacks for the Mission CISD Back to School Bash.

"Studies have shown that children who do not have new school supplies at the beginning of the academic year often skip the first several important weeks of class" said Ricardo Lopez, Mission CISD Superintendent. “Proper supplies will help prepare the children for school and make them more at ease so that they can concentrate on learning.” The Back to School Bash is about more than simply distributing back-

The All “FORE” THE KIDS GOLF TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 17 AT THE CLUB AT CIMARRON VISIT ALLFORETHEKIDS.COM FOR18MORE INFORMATION [Southtexas Golf #1]

2015 RGV GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

FEATURE NAME

Alamo

Country Club ADDRESS 920 North Tower Rd. Alamo, TX 78516

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WINNER OF THE TEXAS PGA “2014 BEST MEDIA COVERAGE” AWARD

FREE! TAKE ONE

PHONE (956) 787-0907

THE GREATER MISSION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS

ALL“FORE” THE

19th ANNUAL GOLF CUP TOURNAMENT PRESENTED BY :

KIDS

WEBSITE myalamocountryclub.com COURSE SUPERINTENDENT Pete Ledezma PRO SHOP MANAGER Lindsey Moravitz (956) 541-2582

GOLF TOURNAMENT

DOCTORS HOSPITAL AT RENAISSANCE

Weslaco’s Anika Hovda (left) and Sharyland’s Mariana Flores focus their most intense glare at the camera.

Henry Miller

The “intimidating” Julie Lucio

TOP GIRLS RETURN 2015 NEXT YEAR

3RD ANNUAL RGV GOLF COURSE GUIDE

ADDRESS 1800 San Marcelo, Brownsville, Texas

[Southtexas Golf #1] 1

FORT BROWN SHUTS DOWN FOOT GOLF AT VICC

On the cover: The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Presents: All “FORE” The Kids Golf Tournament. Photo by: Tiki Tillman

Format is an 18-Hole, Four (4) Player Florida Scramble. For more information, call (956)585-2727 or visit www.allforethekids.com

GOLF TOURNAMENT PRIZES Hole-in-one Prizes -- Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation and a -- Cadillac sponsored by Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley Team Prizes Worth: $1,200 for first place $800 for second place $400 for third place Closest to the Pin winner & Longest Drive winner -- Two tickets to one of the following: NFL, NBA, NASCAR, MLB, NHL or a PGA event of their choice Putting Contest winner -- 5 Day Carnival Cruise for two to the Caribbean, Mexico or the Bahamas

YARDAGE Blue – 6,144 White – 5,652 Red – 5,091

PHONE

GOLF COURSE SUPERVISOR Neale House

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda

PAR 70

ROUGHS Bermuda

ADDRESS 5500 El Camino Real Harlingen, Texas TYPE OF COURSE Private

Joey Dowden - Advertising Director joey@stexasgolf.com (956) 607-0853

ADDRESS 1910 Hole In One Dr.

Volume 3, Isssue 2. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of South Texas Golf or its publisher. Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy in the material published in this magazine. South Texas Golf reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. South Texas Golf shall be held harmless and indemnified against any third-party claims. Advertisements appearing in South Texas Golf present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. South Texas Golf is printed in the U.S.A. All correspondence to the publication become the property of South Texas Golf Magazine.

South Texas Golf Magazine is published by H&J Publications. Copyright 2015. To advertise in South Texas Golf call (956) 607-0853 or email southtexasgolf@gmail.com

8

GREAT GIRLS Next year should be very exciting in girls high school golf.

ARCHITECT Leon Howard

GENERAL MANAGER Jeff Murray, FMP

PAR 72

Mission TX 78572

PAR 71

EMAIL Howlingtrails@ lajoyaisd.net (formerly known as Martin Valley Ranch)

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Raul Gutierrez COURSE INFO 27 holes

ON THE GOLF COURSE

YARDAGE Black - 6,541 Blue - 6,261 White - 5,625 Red - 5,035 FAIRWAYS Bermuda

FACEBOOK/TWITTER Harlingen Country Club

PHONE (956) 585-6330

Tiki Tillman Photography Photographer

KICKIN’ IT

Jaime Rivera

Golf Pro Mike Fernuik

WEBSITE www.harlingencc.com

TYPE OF COURSE Public/Municipal

David DeLeon Henry Miller Designers

ROUGHS Bermuda

Sport is similar to traditional golf but with a bigger ball, bigger cup on the green - and your legs are your clubs

FAIRWAY GRASS Common Bermuda ROUGHS Common Bermuda

Special to South Texas Golf

The sport of Foot Golf began in Europe and then made its way to the Uniteds State via California.

Foot Golf has trickled down to the Rio Grande Valley and Valley International Country Club has the bragging rights of saying that they brought it down here.

Foot Golf is golf with a soccer ball and your legs are the only clubs. The idea is to kick the ball into larger holes on the greens. The game is similar to regular golf and is scored the same way.

Valley International Country Club is the first Foot Golf Course Accredited by the American FootGolf League (AFGL) in South Texas.

“Foot Golf is a very popular sport in California and we wanted to be the first course in the Rio Grande Valley to introduce it here,” VICC General Manager Kevin Sargent said.

GREENS Bermuda 328 and 419

“The game is played just like a regular game of golf and the only difference is you kick a soccer ball instead of hitting a golf ball with a club.”

“One of the main reasons we brought it here, besides introducing the sport to the people in the Valley, was to try and familiarize the sport of golf in general to everyone.

We want people to come out and enjoy golf.

This is a great way to get people out and onto the course.”

Foot Golf can be played by kids and adults and just like the real sport. VICC will help prepare participants for the sport before going out for the first time.

“We train the people on how to play the game before going out on the course,” Sargent said. “We go over the basic rules of the sport with them and once they have it down, we let them go out and play.”

“Pretty much, anyone can play the game

20

28

DIRECTORY Looking for a place to play? Look no further than our Golf Directory.

FOOT GOLF You’ll get a “kick” out this sport at Valley International Country Club.

T

he perfect storm came in and the second siege of Fort Brown was under way.

This time, when the storm was over, Fort Brown couldn’t withstand the attack and after almost 28 years the Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course closed its doors. Fort Brown is the second golf course in the past year to close. The Palms at Mid-Valley, located in Mercedes, shut down in May 2014.

“It wasn’t just one thing that happened but many things over the last several years that led to us closing the course,” said Bob Lucio, who had leased and ran the course along with his family since July 1987. “We are so grateful for all these years people supported us. I raised family here in Brownsville, bought a home and did everything one hopes to do.”

The border wall, moving of the levy, an unusually large amount of rain over many days and much-needed repairs that Lucio said went ignored by landowner Texas Southmost College all culminated in Fort Brown’s closure.

“The last straw that really hurt us was TSC,” Lucio said. “We had major infrastructure problems with all the water

that, according to our contract, was supposed to be fixed by TSC. They failed from August 2014 to this last month to fix major lines in our driving range area. They either didn’t know how or didn’t want to fix it. We lost our range and that was part of our membership package.”

Chet Lewis, TSC’s Vice President of Finance and Administration, said it took significant time to isolate the leak on the driving range but it was repaired.

He continued to say that there were

10

VALLEY INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CLUB INTRODUCES FOOT GOLF TO THE RGV

GREENS Champion

YARDAGE FROM TEES Blue Tees - 6,175 Red Tees - 5,597 Yellow Tees - 4,881

20 [Southtexas Golf #1]

FEATURE NAME

What’s Inside

GREENS Mini Verde Grass

PHONE (956) 412-4100 (ext. 2) FAX (956) 412-4123

Staff Henry Miller - Publisher henry@stexasgolf.com (956) 607-9210

FEATURE NAME SECOND ANNUAL BLUE SUNDAY LEGENDS GOLF SCRAMBLE AT HARLINGEN COUNTRY CLUB

ROUGHS Bermuda

YARDAGE Blue – 2,332 (4,664 to play 18) White – 2,216 (4,432 to play 18)

(tikitillmanphotos.com)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, - Colossians 3:23

››

other leaks and problems on the golf course that were Lucio’s responsbility and were not repaired.

“Mr. Lucio has a contract with TSC to be manager and provide services at the course,” Lewis said. “He made decisions on his own to discontinue to provide those services. Until he decides to termintate the contract or the waiting period is up, we will work on determing what our options are.”

The weather also played havoc on Fort Brown.

“The recent rains have been really, really devastating to our business,” Lucio said. “We rely on the daily fees especially after losing so many memberships when the border wall went up. The loss of days were staggering – we’re talking 35-36 or more days with zero. That percentage of income loss hurt tremendously.”

Lucio said the course was recovering from the first issue that started hurting the course – the border wall. The wall, built with the intention of cutting back illegal immigration, is situated north of the golf course with Mexico adjacent to the course on the south side. When there were disturbances across the border (just a short walk away) Border

RIVERA AWARDED Former Weslaco High golfer Kassandra Rivera nominated for major NCAA award.

44 [Southtexas Golf #1]

44 TOURNAMENTS Seems like everyone has been playing golf lately.

››

FEATURE NAME

Opposite page top photo, front row left to right Carina Hernandez and Anika Hovda; Back row Ana Ana Jose Erna, Leah Lerma and Mariana Flores. Bottom photo, left to right, Briana Garza, Julie Lucio, Alejandra Rodriguez, Hannah Greer

T

BACK ‘FORE’ MORE

Nine of the top 10 girl golfers in the Rio Grande Valley will return next year, making it one of the most competitive - and possibly rewarding - years in recent memory.

Story and Photos by Henry Miller EYES ON LUCIO Brownsville Hanna freshman Julie Lucio, top photo in the yellow at far left and bottom photo in the middle led all girls high school golfers with a 74.50 scoring average. Certainly, all eyes will be on her.

A “Perfect Storm” Of Issues Shuts Down Historic Course Story/Photos By Henry Miller

he perfect storm came in and the second siege of Fort Brown was under way.

This time, when the storm was over, Fort Brown couldn’t withstand the attack and after almost 28 years the Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course closed its doors. Fort Brown is the second golf course in the past year to close. The Palms at Mid-Valley, located in Mercedes, shut down in May 2014.

“It wasn’t just one thing that happened but many things over the last several years that led to us closing the course,” said Bob Lucio, who had leased and ran the course along with his family since July 1987. “We are so grateful for all these years people supported us. I raised family here in Brownsville, bought a home and did everything one hopes to do.”

The border wall, moving of the levy, an unusually large amount of rain over many days and much-needed repairs that Lucio said went ignored by landowner Texas Southmost College all culminated in Fort Brown’s closure.

“The last straw that really hurt us was TSC,” Lucio said. “We had major infrastructure problems with all the water that, according to our contract, was supposed to be fixed by TSC. They failed from August 2014 to this last month to fix major lines in our driving range area. They either didn’t know how or didn’t want to fix it. We lost our range and that was part of our membership

Nine of the top 10 high school girls golfers in the Rio Grande Valley will return next season, making it potentially the most competitive seasons in recent memory:

ANOTHER SIEGE OF FORT BROWN 16 [Southtexas Golf #1]

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s All “Fore” The Kids Golf Tournament expected to raise money for 2,000 backpacks for back-to-school children.

Photo By Tiki Tillman www.tikitillmanphotos.com

What: All “Fore” The Kids Golf Tournament When: Friday, July 17, 2015, Registration at 6:30 a.m. Shotgun at 8:00 a.m.

Where: Club at Cimarron, 1200 S. Shary Rd, Mission, TX

FEATURE NAME

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda

COURSE INFO For residents only PAR 35 (9-hole course)

COURSE COORDINATOR Jaime Rivera

SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

Publisher/Executive Editor South Texas Golf & Texas Sportsman Magazines

EMAIL accfd@sbcglobal.net

MARCH 7 AT PALM VIEW GOLF COURSE

“Come on girls, look tough and intimidating,” I called out to two different sets of golfers preparing for the “BACK FORE MORE” story beginning on Page ___.

More smiles and giggles burst out each time I pleaded with them. Of Henry Miller is Publisher of South course, I have to admit, I was laughing Texas Golf. He has more than 25 years along with them. of publishing experience, has written The photos and stories are taking sports for more than 150 newspapers, a look at what’s to come in girls high covered the Olympics, NASCAR, Major school golf next year where nine of League Baseball and other sports. He the top 10 girls golfers in the RGV are has been syndicated on radio in more returning. It should make for an exciting than 70 markets and loves to golf.His year.

10-year-old daughter Camilla has a “Can we smile yet,” was a common wicked left-handed swing and also enjoys track, volleyball and fashion. response from these star athletes, who They live in McAllen, Texas. have known and played golf with one another since as far back as when they were 5 years old.

They’ve built a friendship over those years and they are more than happy to see, and help one another, succeed.

But don’t mistake their smiles and their laughs for weakness. When they are competing on the golf course they are as intense as anyone and has icewater running through their veins.

Next year should be one of the most exciting years in girls high school golf that the Rio Grande Valley - and maybe all of South Texas - has seen in a long time.

Nine of the top 10 girls return to the greens next year - and if you look at the final scoring averages from this past season and some coaches are talking about upcoming freshman that will give these nifty nine girls more competition.

But that is good. Competition brings excellence to the field. The ones who want to be the best have to work just that much more - or be left behind.

Congratulations to these girls - Brownsville Hannah’s Julie Lucio and Alejandra Rodriguez, Sharyland’s Ana Erana and Mariana Flores, Los Fresnos’ Briana Garza, Harlingen’s Hannah Greer, Weslaco’s Anika Hovda, Sharyland Pioneer’s Carina Hernandez and Mission’s Leah Lerma for a great season and what should be a stupendous next year.

And yes, you can smile now.

QUICK FACTS:

[Southtexas Golf #1] 19

FEATURE NAME FROM THE PUBLISHER

Don’t mistake their smiles for weakness

packs however, the festive atmosphere is designed to get children excited to return to their classrooms. "This event provides a positive experience for the whole family while playing a crucial role in the academic and personal lives of these children," Lopez said.

Sponsors for this event include: Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley, Texas Border Business, Mega Doctor News, Star Properties Real Estate, Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Mission and Hacienda Del Patron.

“When (Mission Chamber of Commerce President) George Meyers first mentioned the idea of holding a golf tournament in support of our Back to School Bash, I was estatic,” Mission CISD Director of Public Relations Craig Verley said. “We wanted our back to school efforts to be a true community-oriented event and that support goes a long way in stretching the donated dollars we get from other organizations.

“Now I can focus on stretching those dollars to putting toward supplies we will put into those backpacks. With the support we are given and upon commitments I’ve received we should be able to provide quite a few more backpacks with some of the school supplies needed. If it can lessen the burden of a family a little bit, that’s helping everybody.”

The Mission CISD Back to School Bash will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mission High School Neuhaus Gym. Workers will be passing out backpacks with supplies to students.

For more information on the golf tournament call (956) 585-2727 or visit www.allforethekids.com.

For information on the Mission CISD Back to School Bash call Craig Verley at (956) 323-5530 or email him at cverley@ mcisd.org.

Receive 50% Off Our Power Whitening Service With The Mention Of This Ad! FREE C

l ti

SCHOOL

YEAR RANK DISTRICT

Julie Lucio Ana Jose Erana Anika Hovda Briana Garza Hannah Greer Alejandra Rodriguez Mariana Flores Carina Hernandez Leah Lerma

Brownsville Hanna Sharyland Weslaco Los Fresnos Harlingen Brownsville Hanna Sharyland Pioneer Mission

Fr. Jr. Soph.

Soph.

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Soph.

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

32-6A 31-5A 31-6A 32-6A 32-6A 32-6A 31-5A 31-5A 30-6A

AVG. THRU DISTRICT 74.50 74.69 77.13 78.07 78.58 80.29 81.15 81.73 83.14

BEST ROUND 68 70 68 71 74 70 72 74 76

Statistics courtesy www.rgvgca.com

[Southtexas Golf #1] 17

F

NAME

30 [Southtexas Golf #1]

package.”

Chet Lewis, TSC’s Vice President of Finance and Administration, said it took significant time to isolate the leak on the driving range but it was repaired.

He continued to say that there were other leaks and problems on the golf course that were Lucio’s responsbility and were not repaired.

“Mr. Lucio has a contract with TSC to be manager and provide services at the course,” Lewis said. “He made decisions on his own to discontinue to provide those services. Until he decides to termintate the contract or the waiting period is up, we will work on determing what our options are.”

The weather also played havoc on Fort Brown.

“The recent rains have been really, really devastating to our business,” Lucio said. “We rely on the daily fees especially after losing so many memberships when the border wall went up. The loss of days were staggering – we’re talking 35-36 or more days with zero. That percentage of income loss hurt tremendously.”

Lucio said the course was recovering from the first issue that started hurting the course – the border wall. The wall, built with the intention of cutting back illegal immigration, is situated north of the golf course with Mexico adjacent to the course on the south side. When there were disturbances across the border (just a short walk away) Border Patrol would be stationed along the wall, protecting the border – but not necessarily the golf course.

“We lost a lot of our members when that happened,” Lucio said. “They were worried and believed they would have access going into the course. There were also reports of a gate being installed at the entrance. We lost members there as well.”

To complete the perfect storm the levy

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 [Southtexas Golf #1] 31

C ll 956 688 6000

16

30

BROWN IS DOWN

BEST OF THE BEST

Historic Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course shuts down.

Nine of the top 10 girls will return to compete in the high school golf season next year.

6 [Southtexas Golf #1]

12 SCHEDULES AND STATS Check out the upcoming pro golf schedules and Fed-Ex Cup stats.

20-26 PLENTY OF CHOICES Don’t know where to play this weekend? Check out our directory.

48 FINANCE Here’s how to clear financial hurdles on the road to retirement.

››

[Southtexas Golf #1] 7

FEATURE NAME FROM THE PUBLISHER

Don’t mistake their smiles for weakness

››

WINNER OF THE TEXAS PGA “2014 BEST MEDIA COVERAGE” AWARD

FREE! TAKE ONE

THE GREATER MISSION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS

ALL“FORE” THE

19th ANNUAL GOLF CUP TOURNAMENT

KIDS GOLF TOURNAMENT

PRESENTED BY :

DOCTORS HOSPITAL AT RENAISSANCE MARCH 7 AT PALM VIEW GOLF COURSE SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

“Come on girls, look tough and intimidating,” I called out to two different sets of golfers preparing for the “BACK FORE MORE” story beginning on Page 30.

More smiles and giggles burst out each time I pleaded with them. Of Henry Miller is Publisher of South course, I have to admit, I was laughing Texas Golf. He has more than 25 years along with them. of publishing experience, has written The photos and stories are taking sports for more than 150 newspapers, a look at what’s to come in girls high covered the Olympics, NASCAR, Major school golf next year where nine of the League Baseball and other sports. He top 10 girl golfers in the RGV are returnhas been syndicated on radio in more ing. It should make for an exciting year. than 70 markets and loves to golf.His “Can we smile yet,” was a common 10-year-old daughter Camilla has a response from these star athletes, who wicked left-handed swing and also enjoys track, volleyball and fashion. have known and played golf with one They live in McAllen, Texas. another since as far back as when they were 5 years old.

They’ve built a friendship over those years and they are more than happy to see, and help one another, succeed.

But don’t mistake their smiles and their laughs for weakness. When they are competing on the golf course they are as intense as anyone and have icewater running through their veins.

Next year should be one of the most exciting years in girls high school golf that the Rio Grande Valley - and maybe all of South Texas - has seen in a long time.

Nine of the top 10 girls return to the greens next year. Even more, some coaches are talking about upcoming freshmen that will give these nifty nine girls more competition.

But that is good. Competition brings excellence to the field. The ones who want to be the best have to work just that much more - or be left behind.

Congratulations to these girls - Brownsville Hanna’s Julie Lucio and Alejandra Rodriguez, Sharyland’s Ana Erana and Mariana Flores, Los Fresnos’ Briana Garza, Harlingen’s Hannah Greer, Weslaco’s Anika Hovda, Sharyland Pioneer’s Carina Hernandez and Mission’s Leah Lerma for a great season and what should be a stupendous next year.

And yes, you can smile now.

Weslaco’s Anika Hovda (left) and Sharyland’s Mariana Flores focus their most intense glare at the camera.

Henry Miller Publisher/Executive Editor South Texas Golf & Texas Sportsman Magazines

The “intimidating” Julie Lucio

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, - Colossians 3:23 8 [Southtexas Golf #1]

TOP GIRLS RETURN 2015 NEXT YEAR

3RD ANNUAL RGV GOLF COURSE GUIDE

[Southtexas Golf #1] 1

FORT BROWN SHUTS DOWN FOOT GOLF AT VICC

On the cover: The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Presents: All “FORE” The Kids Golf Tournament. Photo by: Tiki Tillman

(tikitillmanphotos.com)

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

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of South Texas Golf or its publisher.

Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy in the material published in this magazine. South Texas Golf reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. South Texas Golf shall be held harmless and indemnified against any third-party claims. Advertisements appearing in South Texas Golf present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. South Texas Golf is printed in the U.S.A. All correspondence to the publication become the property of South Texas Golf Magazine.

South Texas Golf Magazine is published by H&J Publications. Copyright 2015. To advertise in South Texas Golf call (956) 607-0853 or email southtexasgolf@gmail.com

››

[Southtexas Golf #1] 9

FEATURE NAME SHORT SHOTS

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

facebook.com/southtexasgolf

WIZARD’S WORD Here is the third, and final, installment on tips to consider when buying golf clubs.

Match Hybrids The trick to buying hybrids is to match them exactly to the irons they are replacing. The idea here is to replace your long irons with easierto-hit hybrids that go the same distance—not longer or shorter. Make sure to replace your long irons with similar hybrids to avoid distance gaps.

What Hybrids Aren’t Don’t confuse hybrids with fairway woods. They are separate animals.

To me, hybrids should be iron replacements, but there are hybrids out there that have the same lofts and lengths as fairway woods, which

can be confusing. After all, fairway woods are just as easy to hit as hybrids, so what’s the point? But here’s a rule of thumb: If you sweep shots cleanly off the turf, fairway woods are for you. If you have a steeper swing (you tend to take divots), you’ll be better off with hybrids.

Clubs, Golfers Vary There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all golf clubs. You don’t buy suits

off a one-size-fits-all rack, so why do the same with clubs? Golfers come in all shapes, sizes and swing skills, necessitating clubs with different lengths, weights, lofts and lie angles. If a club is too long, too light or too heavy, you will not consistently deliver the clubhead so it is square at impact. If the lie angle is wrong, the heel or toe will be up, leading to a push or a pull even if you make a perfect swing.

Bill Hayter - Golf Headquarters owner, has been helping RGV Golfers improve their game and their equipment for more than 37 years. Golf Headquarters is recognized as one ot the top 100 club fitters in the United State

by Golf Digest

MOROLES SIGNS WITH UT-RGV

TORRES OFF TO LINDENWOOD

Sharyland High School Golf Team member and 2015 graduate Michelle Moroles, signed a Letter of Intent to attend and play golf at the University of Texas-RGV. The signing was held at KoKo's in Mission.

Front Row (l-r), Mike Moroles (brother), Lily Moroles (mother), Michelle Moroles (signee), Joe Moroles (father) Back Row, Pepe Garcia (Sharyland ISD Board Member), Susan Lopez (golf coach), Fernando Rodriguez (golf coach), Santiago Larrea (golf instructor).

Edinburg Vela’s John Torres, the two-time District 31-5A individual medalist, has signed a full scholarship to play golf at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri.

The Lindenwood Lions play in the NAIA. Torres led the Rio Grande Valley boy golfers in scoring average with a 75.8 during his senior year.

Torres fired two rounds under par this season. scoring a 71 at Palm View in McAllen and a 70 at Tierra Santa in Weslaco.

Send your high school golfer’s college signing information and photos to: southtexasgolf@gmail.com. We love to share great news when sports helps pave the way for continuing education.

Weslaco’s Rivera nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year Texas Southern Lady Tigers golfer Kassandra Rivera has been named the NCAA Woman of the Year nominee for the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Rivera, a Weslaco High School graduate, most recently capped on an amazing senior campaign in which she helped lead the Lady Tigers golf team to a second place finish at the SWAC Championships. This past April Rivera was also named the 2014-15 TSU Women's Presidential Award Winner which is awarded to the top female student10 [Southtexas Golf #1]

athlete within the athletics program.

"Kassandra has consistently displayed excellence inside the classroom and on the golf course," said TSU Senior Woman Administrator Dr. Dwalah Fisher. "Her significant contributions extend well beyond the realm of academics and athletics as she has also been instrumental in giving back to the local community."

The 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year winner will be announced, and the Top 30 honorees celebrated, at the annual

award ceremony Oct. 18 in Indianapolis.

D DOR N CO UMI E S A IN H H IT ALK W W W NO IZE -S L L FU

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 11

FED-EX CUP STANDINGS SCHEDULES Schedules/stats FEATURE NAME brought to you by:

PGA SCHEDULE July 16-19 July 23-26 July 30-Aug. 2 Aug. 6-9

The Open Championship, St. Andrews GC RBC Canadian Open, Ontario, Canada Quicken Loand National, Gainesvilla, VA. Bridgestone Invitational, Akron, Ohio

LPGA SCHEDULE July 16-19 Marathon Classic, Sylvania, Ohio July 23-26 Meijer Classic, Belmont, Mich.

July 30-Aug. 2 Ricoh Women’s British Open, Ayrshire, Scot.

CHAMPIONS SCHEDULE July 23-26 Senior Open Championship, Berkshire, Eng. July 31-Aug. 2 3M Championship, Blaine, MN Aug. 7-9 Shaw Charity Classic, Calgary, Alberta, Can. LEGENDS SCHEDULE Aug. 9-10 Wendy’s Charity Classic, Jackson, Mich.

Aug. 28-30 Legends Championship, French Lick, Ind. Sept. 17 BJ’s Charity Pro-AM, Plymouth, Mass.

Jordan Spieth 3,128 points 1 win 4 top 10s

Brandt Snedeker 1,410 points 1 win 8 top 10s

Jimmy Walker

1,915 points 2 wins 6 top 10s

Patrick Reed 1,409 points 1 win 3 top 10s

Bubba Watson 1,688 points 2 wins 5 top 10s

Charley Hoffman 1,390 points 1 win 5 top 10s

Dustin Johnson 1,589 points 1 win 7 top 10s

J.B. Holmes 1,358 points 1 win 5 top 10s

Rory McIlroy 1,510 points 2 wins 6 top 10s

Hideki Matsuyama 1,257 points 0 wins 8 top 10s

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

12

[Southtexas Golf #1]

››

AUGUST 22, 2015 Boggus Ford Events Center 3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Tx. (956) 402-4500

[Southtexas Golf #1] 13

FEATURE NAME

The All “FORE” THE KIDS GOLF TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 17 AT THE CLUB AT CIMARRON VISIT ALLFORETHEKIDS.COM FOR14MORE INFORMATION [Southtexas Golf #1]

“...children who do not have new school supplies at the beginning of the academic year often skip the first several important weeks of class.”

››

-- Ricardo Lopez Mission CISD Superintendent The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Presents

All “FORE” The Kids Golf Tournament Tournament to benefit Mission CISD’s Back to School Bash It’s long been understood that many children start the school year late, victims of the long drive home from a summer of migrant work up North.

But there are more issues that families and children face as the new school year approaches purchasing school supplies, new clothes and even a new haircut are all expenses that many families struggle with as they send their children off to continue their education.

There are many who see and understand that need and are stepping forward to help.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host its All “Fore” The Kids Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2015 at at the Club at Cimarron located at 1200 S. Shary Road in Mission. The format is an 18-Hole, four-player scramble. Funds generated from the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s All “Fore” the Kids Golf Tournament will provide 2,000 backpacks for the Mission CISD Back to School Bash.

"Studies have shown that children who do not have new school supplies at the beginning of the academic year often skip the first several important weeks of class" said Ricardo Lopez, Mission CISD Superintendent. “Proper supplies will help prepare the children for school and make them more at ease so that they can concentrate on learning.” The Back to School Bash is about more than simply distributing back-

packs however, the festive atmosphere is designed to get children excited to return to their classrooms. "This event provides a positive experience for the whole family while playing a crucial role in the academic and personal lives of these children," Lopez said.

Sponsors for this event include: Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley, Texas Border Business, Mega Doctor News, Star Properties Real Estate, Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Mission and Hacienda Del Patron.

“When (Mission Chamber of Commerce President) George Meyers first mentioned the idea of holding a golf tournament in support of our Back to School Bash, I was estatic,” Mission CISD Director of Public Relations Craig Verley said. “We wanted our back to school efforts to be a true community-oriented event and that support goes a long way in stretching the donated dollars we get from other organizations.

“Now I can focus on stretching those dollars to putting toward supplies we will put into those backpacks. With the support we are given and upon commitments I’ve received we should be able to provide quite a few more backpacks with some of the school supplies needed. If it can lessen the burden of a family a little bit, that’s helping everybody.”

The Mission CISD Back to School Bash will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mission High School Neuhaus Gym. Workers will be passing out backpacks with supplies to students.

For more information on the golf tournament call (956) 585-2727 or visit www.allforethekids.com.

For information on the Mission CISD Back to School Bash call Craig Verley at (956) 323-5530 or email him at cverley@ mcisd.org.

QUICK FACTS: What: All “Fore” The Kids Golf Tournament When: Friday, July 17, 2015, Registration at 6:30 a.m. Shotgun at 8:00 a.m.

Where: Club at Cimarron, 1200 S. Shary Rd, Mission, TX Format is an 18-Hole, Four (4) Player Florida Scramble. For more information, call (956)585-2727 or visit www.allforethekids.com

GOLF TOURNAMENT PRIZES Hole-in-one Prizes -- Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation and a -- Cadillac sponsored by Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley Team Prizes Worth: $1,200 for first place $800 for second place $400 for third place Closest to the Pin winner & Longest Drive winner -- Two tickets to one of the following: NFL, NBA, NASCAR, MLB, NHL or a PGA event of their choice Putting Contest winner -- 5 Day Carnival Cruise for two to the Caribbean, Mexico or the Bahamas

[Southtexas Golf #1] 15

FEATURE NAME

ANOTHER SIEGE OF FORT BROWN A “Perfect Storm” Of Issues Shuts Down Historic Course 16 [Southtexas Golf #1]

Story/Photos By Henry Miller

T

he perfect storm came in and the second siege of Fort Brown was under way.

This time, when the storm was over, Fort Brown couldn’t withstand the attack and after almost 28 years the Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course closed its doors. Fort Brown is the second golf course in the past year to close. The Palms at Mid-Valley, located in Mercedes, shut down in May 2014.

“It wasn’t just one thing that happened but many things over the last several years that led to us closing the course,” said Bob Lucio, who had leased and ran the course along with his family since July 1987. “We are so grateful for all these years people supported us. I raised family here in Brownsville, bought a home and did everything one hopes to do.”

The border wall, moving of the levy, an unusually large amount of rain over many days and much-needed repairs that Lucio said went ignored by landowner Texas Southmost College all culminated in Fort Brown’s closure.

“The last straw that really hurt us was TSC,” Lucio said. “We had major infrastructure problems with all the water

that, according to our contract, was supposed to be fixed by TSC. They failed from August 2014 to this last month to fix major lines in our driving range area. They either didn’t know how or didn’t want to fix it. We lost our range and that was part of our membership package.”

Chet Lewis, TSC’s Vice President of Finance and Administration, said it took significant time to isolate the leak on the driving range but it was repaired.

He continued to say that there were

››

other leaks and problems on the golf course that were Lucio’s responsbility and were not repaired.

“Mr. Lucio has a contract with TSC to be manager and provide services at the course,” Lewis said. “He made decisions on his own to discontinue to provide those services. Until he decides to termintate the contract or the waiting period is up, we will work on determing what our options are.”

The weather also played havoc on Fort Brown.

“The recent rains have been really, really devastating to our business,” Lucio said. “We rely on the daily fees especially after losing so many memberships when the border wall went up. The loss of days were staggering – we’re talking 35-36 or more days with zero. That percentage of income loss hurt tremendously.”

Lucio said the course was recovering from the first issue that started hurting the course – the border wall. The wall, built with the intention of cutting back illegal immigration, is situated north of the golf course with Mexico adjacent to the course on the south side. When there were disturbances across the border (just a short walk away) Border

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For FREE Consulation Call: 956.688.6000

FORT BROWN NAME FEATURE Patrol would be stationed along the wall, protecting the border – but not necessarily the golf course.

“We lost a lot of our members when that happened,” Lucio said. “They were worried and believed they would have access going onto the course.

There were also reports of a gate being installed at the entrance. We lost members there as well.”

To complete the perfect storm the levy was repositioned, placing Fort Brown in the flood plain on the south side.

“We were at the mercy of anything in the flood plain,” Lucio said. “Our hands were tied.”

Lucio said he still has an option to open the golf course with a sub-leaser and is entertaining a couple of people who have shown interest in subleasing and reopening the course.

“That is incorrect,” Lewis said. “To my knowledge there is no option for Mr. Lucio to sublease in the contract.”

18 [Southtexas Golf #1]

Lucio said International Bank of Commerce holds the bank note on the course. IBC also held the leases on South Padre Island Golf Club and VICC and hired Touchstone Management to run both courses.

Of all the aspects of the golf industry that Lucio has BOB LUCIO been a part of, the one part that concerns him the most regarding the course’s closure is that Fort Brown was home to The First Tee junior golf program.

“Our course was the headquarters

for junior golf in the lower RGV – and there’s been a tremendous outcry since we closed,” Lucio said. “We did the First Tee for 10 years and it was free for them. The only money we made is when kids would buy chips and soft drinks.

We are are extremely proud of that. I fear now that those kids don’t have a really good place to go.”

As far as future dealings with Texas Southmost College, Lucio said he’s not sure what route that may take.

“I just feel that they do not care,” Lucio said. “If you see the baseball field, it’s abandoned and now the golf course that we leased for many, many years, is no longer. They are just ghost towns.”

Lewis said that Lucio can still return to run the course based on the contract and has a certain amount of time to do so. He added that if that doesn’t happen that TSC will more than likely work with the city on re-opening the area still as a golf course.

FEATURE NAME

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 19

MKT-06061-0410 Tracking #641747

2015 RGV GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

FEATURE NAME

Alamo

Country Club ADDRESS 920 North Tower Rd. Alamo, TX 78516 PHONE (956) 787-0907

EMAIL accfd@sbcglobal.net WEBSITE myalamocountryclub.com COURSE SUPERINTENDENT Pete Ledezma PRO SHOP MANAGER Lindsey Moravitz (956) 541-2582

ADDRESS 1800 San Marcelo, Brownsville, Texas PHONE

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda

COURSE INFO For residents only

ROUGHS Bermuda

PAR 35 (9-hole course)

GREENS Mini Verde Grass

YARDAGE Blue – 2,332 (4,664 to play 18) White – 2,216 (4,432 to play 18)

COURSE COORDINATOR Jaime Rivera

YARDAGE Blue – 6,144 White – 5,652 Red – 5,091

GOLF COURSE SUPERVISOR Neale House

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda

PAR 70

ROUGHS Bermuda

Jaime Rivera

PHONE (956) 412-4100 (ext. 2) Golf Pro Mike Fernuik

FAX (956) 412-4123

ADDRESS 5500 El Camino Real Harlingen, Texas TYPE OF COURSE Private

FACEBOOK/TWITTER Harlingen Country Club

ARCHITECT Leon Howard

GENERAL MANAGER Jeff Murray, FMP

PAR 72

Mission TX 78572

PAR 71

PHONE (956) 585-6330 EMAIL Howlingtrails@ lajoyaisd.net (formerly known as Martin Valley Ranch)

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Raul Gutierrez

ADDRESS 1910 Hole In One Dr.

COURSE INFO 27 holes

20 [Southtexas Golf #1]

FAIRWAYS Bermuda

WEBSITE www.harlingencc.com

TYPE OF COURSE Public/Municipal

YARDAGE Black - 6,541 Blue - 6,261 White - 5,625 Red - 5,035

YARDAGE FROM TEES Blue Tees - 6,175 Red Tees - 5,597 Yellow Tees - 4,881 FAIRWAY GRASS Common Bermuda ROUGHS Common Bermuda GREENS Bermuda 328 and 419

ROUGHS Bermuda GREENS Champion

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 21

2015 RGV GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

FEATURE NAME

PHONE (956) 316-0444 FAX (956) 289-8275 COURSE NAME Los Lagos Golf Club (Municipal Course) ADDRESS 1720 South Raul Longoria Edinburg, Texas, 78540

WEBSITE Edinburggolf.com ARCHITECT Von Hagge PAR 72 ADDRESS: 615 Wichita Ave., McAllen, TX 78503 PHONE: (956) 686-0923

COURSE NAME: McAllen Country Club Private Course

WEBSITE: mcallencountryclub.com GENERAL MANAGER: Jeff Lowder ADDRESS: 1300 Circle Drive Mission, Texas 78592 PHONE: (956) 581-6267 WEBSITE: meadowcreekinthevalley.net

ADDRESS 2919 N. Kenyon Rd, Edinburg TX PHONE (956) 381-0965 COURSE NAME Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club

COURSE NAME Palm View Golf Course (public/Municipal Course)

FAX (956) 318-0201 WEBSITE www.montecristogcc.com/

YARDAGE Black - 7,188 Blue – 6,789 White – 6,211 Red – 5,561 FAIRWAY GRASS TifDwarf 419 ROUGHS Bermuda GREENS TifEagle GOLF PRO Mike Perez

White 5,628 Red 5,164

ARCHITECT Jay Riviere

FAIRWAY GRASS Tifsport

PAR: 71 / 72

ROUGHS: Common Bermuda

YARDAGE: Gold 6,454 Blue 5,946

GREENS Mini Verde

EMAIL: Meadowcreekinthevalley@yahoo.com GOLF DIRECTOR Otis Hesteness PAR: 70 FAIRWAY GRASS DIRECTOR OF GOLF Harvey Lopez GOLF PRO Harvey Lopez PAR 71 FAIRWAY GRASS

(956) 618-3444

72

FAX (956) 681-3447

YARDAGE Blue – 6,771 White – 5,779 Red – 4,816

WEBSITE palmviewgolf.com GOLF PRO Rex Flores

ADDRESS 2701 S. Ware Road Edinburg, Texas, 78540

ARCHITECT Charles Howard

PHONE 22 [Southtexas Golf #1]

PAR

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Tony Garcia

Bermuda YARDAGE: Blue 6,059 White 5,488 Red 4,747 GREENS Bermuda 419 Bermuda GREENS Tiff Dwarf YARDAGE Gold 6,392 Blue 6,014 White 5,373 Red 4,521

FAIRWAY GRASS 419 Bermuda ROUGHS Common Bermuda GREENS Tiff Dwarf

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Carlos Espinosa

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 23

2015 RGV GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

FEATURE NAME

Don Arpp FAX (956) 350-5696 COURSE NAME Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club / El Diablo ADDRESS 1 Rancho Viejo Drive Rancho Viejo, Texas 78575 PHONE (956) 350-4000

WEBSITE WWW.RVRCC.COM FACEBOOK/TWITTER Facebook “Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club” Twitter @RVRCC DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION Wendy Werley Bullock, Class A LPGA Professional ARCHITECT

PAR 70 YARDAGE Gold – 6821 Blue -6315 White – 5979 Red - 5556 FAIRWAY GRASS Common Bermuda ROUGHS Common Bermuda

COURSE NAME Shary Municipal Golf Course Public/Municipal

sharygc@yahoo.com

ADDRESS 2201 Mayberry, Mission, Texas

COURSE INFO 27-hole facility

PHONE (956) 580-8770 Snack Bar - (956) 580-8774

PAR 71 on holes 1-18, 36 on holes 19-27

ROUGHS Common Bermuda

EMAIL

YARDAGE

GREENS Tif Dwarf

ARCHITECT George Williams

Blue - 5,950 While – 5,575 Yellow – 5,350 Red – 4,700 FAIRWAY GRASS Common Bermuda

(956) 943-GOLF FAX (956) 943-2070 WEBSITE www.spigolf.com ADDRESS 1 Golf House Rd. Laguna Vista, Texas 78578 PHONE

FACEBOOK/TWITTER www.facebook.com/spigc GENERAL MANAGER Chris Meade

PHONE (956) 402-4545 FAX (956) 702.2536 WEBSITE www.PharrGolf.com COURSE NAME Tierra Del Sol Golf Club Public/Municipal ADDRESS 700 E Hall Acres Rd, Pharr, TX / 78577

24 [Southtexas Golf #1]

ARCHITECT Dave Bennet PAR 72 YARDAGE FROM TEES Blue - 6,827

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Joe Powell

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Mario Flores

GOLF PRO Chris Meade

Blue – 6,291 Black – 6,420 Gold – 6,931

ARCHITECT Chris Cole and Stephen Caplinger

FAIRWAY GRASS 328 Bermuda

PAR 72

GREENS Champions Dwarf Bermuda

YARDAGE FROM TEES Red – 5,406 White – 5,542

ROUGHS 328 Bermuda

White - 6,266 Gold - 5,820 Red - 5,252

Kitchen and Dining Area, Banquet Reception Hall

FAIRWAY GRASS 419 Bermuda ROUGHS 419 Bermuda GREENS Tift Dwarf OTHER FACILITIES Pro Shop, Lighted Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Green; Full

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Raul Garza

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 25

2015 RGV GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

FEATURE NAME

WEBSITE tierrasantaweslaco.com ADDRESS 1901 Club de Amistad Weslaco Texas 78596 PHONE (956) 973-1811 FAX (956) 973-2565

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Joey Rios ARCHITECT Jeff Brauer, Steve Elkington PAR 72

(956) 216-5970

ADDRESS 2640 South “M” Street Harlingen, Texas PHONE

COURSE INFO 27 Hole Facility

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda

PAR 1-18/71 19-27/35

ROUGHS Bermuda

YARDAGE 1-18

WEBSITE treasurehillsgc@aol.com

TYPE OF COURSE Semi-Private PHONE (956) 365-3100

GOLF PRO Skip Cisneros ARCHITECT Robert Trent Jones Senior PAR 72

(956) 546-5331 Office (956) 548-9199

ADDRESS 95 Country Club Brownsville, Texas 78520 PHONE

26 [Southtexas Golf #1]

ROUGHS Bermuda 419 Greens: Champion

ARCHITECT John Bredemus

FAX (956) 365-3101

ADDRESS 3009 N. Augusta Nat’l Drive Harlingen, Texas 78550

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda 419

Red/5113 White/5837 Blue/6320 19-27 Red/2467 White/2881

WEBSITE http://myharlingen.us

COURSE NAME Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course

YARDAGE FROM TEES Black - 7,139 Blue - 6,601 White - 6,045 Red - 5,283

GREENS 1-18/Champions Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda 19-27/Emerald Zoysia YARDAGE FROM TEES Blue - 6,960 White - 6,424 Yellow - 5,422 Red - 5,230 FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda 419 ROUGHS Bermuda 419 GREENS Bermuda 328

WEBSITE www.Viccgolf.com

YARDAGE White - 4,924 Black - 5,517 Blue - 6,130 Orange - 6,538

GENERAL MANAGER Kevin Sargent

FAIRWAY GRASS Bermuda Grass

ARCHITECT Opened in 1910

OTHER 47 sand bunkers around the greens

PAR 70

DIRECTOR OF GOLF/ GOLF PRO Eddie Medlin

DIRECTOR OF GOLF Joe Cardenas

SUPERINTENDENT Eddie Serrano

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[Southtexas Golf #1] 27

FEATURE NAME

KICKIN’ IT ON THE GOLF COURSE

VALLEY INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CLUB INTRODUCES FOOT GOLF TO THE RGV

Sport is similar to traditional golf but with a bigger ball, bigger cup on the green - and your legs are your clubs Special to South Texas Golf

The sport of Foot Golf began in Europe and then made its way to the Uniteds State via California.

Foot Golf has trickled down to the Rio Grande Valley and Valley International Country Club has the bragging rights of saying that they brought it down here.

Foot Golf is golf with a soccer ball and your legs are the only clubs. The idea is to kick the ball into larger holes on the greens. The game is similar to regular golf and is scored the same way.

Valley International Country Club is the first Foot Golf Course Accredited by the American FootGolf League (AFGL) in South Texas.

“Foot Golf is a very popular sport in California and we wanted to be the first course in the Rio Grande Valley to introduce it here,” VICC General Manager Kevin Sargent said.

28 [Southtexas Golf #1]

“The game is played just like a regular game of golf and the only difference is you kick a soccer ball instead of hitting a golf ball with a club.”

“One of the main reasons we brought it here, besides introducing the sport to the people in the Valley, was to try and familiarize the sport of golf in general to everyone.

We want people to come out and enjoy golf.

This is a great way to get people out and onto the course.”

Foot Golf can be played by kids and adults and just like the real sport. VICC will help prepare participants for the sport before going out for the first time.

“We train the people on how to play the game before going out on the course,” Sargent said. “We go over the basic rules of the sport with them and once they have it down, we let them go out and play.”

“Pretty much, anyone can play the game

››

INTERESTED IN FOOT GOLF? If you want to check out playing Foot Golf, call Valley International Country Club at 956-546-5331 and set a tee time.

and we allow kids to join the adults and play. The only thing we really try to do is set a time for them to play when our regular golfers aren’t playing. We don’t like to intertwine them together and like to spread out the foot golfers and the regular golfers.”

The Foot Golf course at the Valley International Country Club is played on the regular 18-hole course and Sargent gets into more detail as to how the course is laid out.

“The course goes along the regular front nine and in a whole is a par-four course,” said Sargent. “Each hole takes about 15 minutes to play, which is similar to a regular hole played in a golf game.”

Sargent said that the response for Foot Golf has been good and hopes more people come out and participate in the fun.

“Lately, the numbers have gotten a little better since school is out,” Sargent said. “Last year we noticed that July was our best month numbers wise and are kind of hoping for the same.”

“We want to personally invite everyone from the entire Rio Grande Valley to come out and enjoy the game of Foot Golf.”

Photos Courtesy David Montemayor / Valley International Country Club [Southtexas Golf #1] 29

FEATURE NAME

BACK ‘FORE’ MORE

Nine of the top 10 girl golfers in the Rio Grande Valley will return next year, making it one of the most competitive - and possibly rewarding - years in recent memory.

Story and Photos by Henry Miller

30 [Southtexas Golf #1]

›› Opposite page top photo, front row left to right Carina Hernandez and Anika Hovda; Back row Ana Ana Jose Erna, Leah Lerma and Mariana Flores. Bottom photo, left to right, Briana Garza, Julie Lucio, Alejandra Rodriguez, Hannah Greer

J

EYES ON LUCIO Brownsville Hanna freshman Julie Lucio, top photo in the yellow at far left and bottom photo in the middle, led all girls high school golfers with a 74.50 scoring average. Certainly, all eyes will be on her.

ulie Lucio was devastated.

She had just shot an 81 – her first 80 of the year – at the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association Tournament.

Forgotten in her mind was that the freshman (yes, freshman) had registered below 80 in all 10 previous tournaments during the year – including a 69 and 68. She would go on to finish the 2013-2014 season as the top girl golfer in the Valley with a 74.50 scoring average.

“She didn’t know what to do with herself,” said her Brownsville Hanna coach Adrian Garcia. “So I pulled out an old Tiger Woods quote and said ‘mom said I’d have days like this.”

Lucio wasn’t the only girl golfer who performed this past season at an extremely high level. In fact, nine of the top 10 girls in scoring from last season will be back next year. Only missing from the top 10 is Harlingen High School’s Morgan McClaugherty, who finished third in the Valley in scoring average with a 75.08. McClaugherty signed to play college golf at Division I Winthrop University in South Carolina.

Two schools have the pleasure of having two of the top 10 golfers returning. Joining Lucio at Brownsville Hanna is Alejandra Hernandez, coming off her junior year with an 80.29 average.

Sharyland, a perennial power on the golf course, has two top 10 returners with rising seniors Ana Jose Erana and

Nine of the top 10 high school girls golfers in the Rio Grande Valley will return next season, making it potentially the most competitive seasons in recent memory: NAME

SCHOOL

YEAR RANK DISTRICT

Julie Lucio Ana Jose Erana Anika Hovda Briana Garza Hannah Greer Alejandra Rodriguez Mariana Flores Carina Hernandez Leah Lerma

Brownsville Hanna Sharyland Weslaco Los Fresnos Harlingen Brownsville Hanna Sharyland Pioneer Mission

Fr. Jr. Soph.

Soph.

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Soph.

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

32-6A 31-5A 31-6A 32-6A 32-6A 32-6A 31-5A 31-5A 30-6A

AVG. THRU DISTRICT 74.50 74.69 77.13 78.07 78.58 80.29 81.15 81.73 83.14

BEST ROUND 68 70 68 71 74 70 72 74 76

Statistics courtesy www.rgvgca.com

Mariana Flores. Erana finished second in scoring average at 74.69 and Flores was eighth at 81.15. Erana won the 315A District title and the Region IV Class 5A championship and advanced to the state tournament for the third straight year. Like many of the top golfers she spends a lot of time traveling to tournaments all over Texas and outside of the state as well.

The other returning girls from this past season’s top 10 include rising seniors Hannah Greer from Harlingen, Carina Hernandez from Sharyland Pioneer and rising juniors Briana Garza from Los Fresnos, Leah Lerma from Mission High and Anika Hovda from Weslaco.

“Girls are putting so much more into their game nowadays,” said Sharyland Coach Fernando Rodriguez. “They are traveling to other parts of the state and all over the place in these bigger tournaments to get exposure.

“Take Anika (Hovda) for example. Her parents are 100 percent supportive of her and taking her to big tournaments like the Texas Legends or the Texas Junior Tours. I believe Ana (Erana) is even going to attempt to qualify for the women’s amateur in the summer – Hopefully she will do well.”

Carlos Espinosa, the director of golf at Palm View Golf Course in McAllen, said that he can’t remember having this many girls with as much talent as the Valley is seeing right now.

“Without a doubt girls golf has tremendously improved here. We’ve always had good girls but just not as many as we have today,” Espinosa said.

“Girls are starting to realize that golf is cool. It’s a constant challenge. I don’t know of any sport that challenges you as much or as often as golf. The commitment to their game today – espe-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 [Southtexas Golf #1] 31

FEATURE NAME HIGH SCHOOL GOLF HANNAH JO GREER School: Harlingen Year: Junior Average Score: 78.58 RGV Rank: 6th Best Round: 74 Hannah advanced to the Class 6A Girls State Tournament last season

Ana Jose Erana School: Sharyland Year: Junior Average Score: 74.69 RGV Rank: 2nd Best Round: 70 Ana won the Region IV 5A championship this past season.

JULIE LUCIO School: Brownsville Hanna Year: Freshman Average Score: 74.50 RGV Rank: 1st Best Round: 68 Julie shot three rounds under par this past season.

ALEJANDRA RODRIGUEZ School: Brownsville Hanna Year: Junior Average Score: 80.29 RGV Rank: 7th Best Round: 70 Alejandra shot a seasonbest 2-under par 70 at the Edcouch Invitational

BRIANA GARZA School: Los Fresnos Year: Sophomore Average Score: 78.07 RGV Rank: 5th Best Round: 68 Briana registered a 71 at the La Joya Invitational

MARIANA FLORES School: Sharyland Year: Junior Average Score: 81.15 RGV Rank: 8th Best Round: 72 Mariana shot par at the 32 [Southtexas Golf #1] La Joye Invitational.

ANIKA HOVDA School: Weslaco Year: Sophomore Average Score: 77.13 RGV Rank: 4th Best Round: 68 Anika was the District 31-6A girls champion.

CARINA HERNANDEZ School: Sharyland Pioneer Year: Junior Average Score: 81.73 RGV Rank: 9th Best Round: 74 Carina advanced to the Class 5A State Championship Tournament last season.

LEAH LERMA School: Mission Year: Sophomore Average Score: 83.14 RGV Rank: 10th Best Round: 76 Leah scored her best round - a 76 - at the pre-district tournament

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HIGH SCHOOL GOLF FEATURE NAME cially these girls – is so incredible.”

Some former star golfers from the Rio Grande Valley include McClaugherty, Sharyland’s Sabina Pena, who will be playing golf for TCU next year, Edinburg North’s Felicia Espericueta, who starred at SMU, Ana Lemus, former Sharyland and LSU golfer and Kassandra Rivera, a Weslaco High graduate who starred at Texas Southern University, was recently nominated as NCAA women of the year and plans to go pro later this summer.

“Usually we have two or three outstanding golfers but I don’t recall having this many who were just so good – and so young,” Rodriguez said.

The expectations are high for those girls, maybe none higher than for Lucio, whose family has a tradition of great golfers. Her dad was a high school and college coach, her uncle Bob ran Fort Brown Golf Course for more than two decades and Espinosa remembers how competitive all the

34 [Southtexas Golf #1]

“It’s going to be a real interesting next couple of years for girls golf in the Rio Grande Valley” -- Adrian Garcia Brownsville Hanna Coach Lucios were even 40 years ago, playing with Bob in high school.

“Julie came in with all the expectations on her,” Garcia said. “The toughest thing is knowing that – and she fulfilled them. She’s very consistent, her dad (Jesse) has her with a very simple swing. She makes a lot of pars, an occasional birdie and she’s a very smart player.”

Of course, that resume is pretty similar amongst those top golfers. Phrases like “she volunteers,” or “she’s a good student” seem to run hand-in-hand with this group.

Also, these girls have known and competed with each other for many

years. Some girls playing with each other from when they were as young as 6 years old.

That doesn’t lessen their competitive nature, however.

“It’s interesting to go and watch them on the golf course,” Garcia said, whose son was ranked third among Valley boys last seaon with a 77 average and is the top returner next season. “There’s all this hugging and smiles and kisses before and after the match. But when the tournament starts it’s all back to business and very competitive.”

“It’s going to be a real interesting next couple of years for High School girls golf in the Rio Grande Valley”

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LIVING: FINANCENAME FEATURE

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When friends and loved ones finally raise their glasses to bid you a long and healthy retirement, you do not want to be worrying about how your bills will get paid. That is why it is so important to participate in your company's retirement plan now.

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water heater or car radiator.

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Medicare offers limited coverage in such cases, and state-provided Medicaid kicks in only if you meet certain asset and income requirements, which vary by state. People who qualify for Medicaid generally live near the poverty level.

One way to protect your assets during a health-related crisis is by purchasing long-term care insurance, which covers costs typically not paid by Medicare, such as nursing home care. The policies can be a bit pricey, but in the long run, they may prove worth the expense. A trusted insurance agent can help you investigate long-term care insurance options.

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so that your family's current and future needs are met -- including everyday living expenses, short- and long-term debts, education for your children, and retirement for your spouse.

4. Develop a Budget That Meets All Needs Last but not least, develop a budget that will meet your needs, including insurance and emergency savings.

Start by tracking your spending for one month to see where the money goes.

Then develop a written budget of necessary expenses, which should include debt obligations, mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance, and personal savings.

Live on a set allowance each week to make sure you do not spend more than you can afford.

By following these four simple strategies, you may be able to overcome most financial challenges that lie ahead. Most important, these strategies will help you keep your commitment to saving for retirement.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber's or others' use of the content. © 2015 Wealth Management Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

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