ISSUE 2 July - September
2013 $8.95
Complimentary COPY
Your Passion is Our Purpose
MARÍA TORRES
“THE MAKING OF A YOUNG CHAMPION” Learning from the Masters
To Putt or NOT to Putt
108 Holes of Golf History Awaits in Rio Grande Tourism:
Know Your Regions
Cover story pictures taken at: Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Director/Publisher Verónica Rosario-Bautista Editor, Proofreader, Translator Oscar Peñalber Art Director & Graphic Designer Laura Wood Photography Priscila T. Rivera José “Piti” Gutiérrez Leoneill Hernández Fernando J. Montano Writers and Collaborators Paul Stawinski Iván O. Puig Jorge López Andres Subira Chef Norma Llop Julio Soto Consultant Julio Soto Executive Director PRGA Sales and Marketing, tourism expert and Club Administrator Charlie Bautista Advertise your business Please contact us at:
787-360-2093 sales@golftourismpr.com
Find us in Facebook and Issuu Golf & Tourism Magazine All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Golf & Tourism Magazine Published by JVS Media Corporation. ©2013 JVS Media Corporation PO Box 9023856 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-3856
your passion is our purpose
CONTENTS
Golf & Special Features
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12
PRGA Players Tour 2013
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Our Concierge Recommends Know your Regions By Iván O. Puig
Regulars
6 39
Opening Shot Directors Letter Mixology Keep your Cool By Jorge López Albarrán
PRGA Championship 2013
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Cover Story María Torres: The Making of a Young Champion By Alberto C. Medina Gil
Tourism
Learning from the Masters To Putt or Not to Putt By Andres Subira
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36 Stay & Play 108 Holes of Golf History Awaits in Rio Grande By Julio Soto Golf Journal Golfing in Miami By Paul Stawinski
Golf Gusto Emerging Food Trends at Golf Courses By Chef Norma Llop
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Out of the Course Wine Tasting Wine Luncheon Casino Royal night Meeting on the Greens Golfing for a Good Cause Golf Humor 10 Fun Facts About Golf
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Tech & Gadgets
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G&T Restaurants Guide
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Golf Courses Guide
Opening Shot
Dear Reader Welcome to our new issue of Golf & Tourism Magazine, the most exciting, innovate and informational magazine in the Caribbean. It is our pride that now Puerto Rico has one of the most anticipated and enlightening magazines about golf and tourism on the island. This issue contains our first contribution recommending places to stay, play, enjoy a great authentic meal, shop, sightsee, have fun, be entertained and much more. We are committing ourselves to providing you with objective ideas and suggestions to make your visit to Puerto Rico a truly invigorating and memorable experience. We will dedicate this magazine to all those readers that have a full agenda and want to take advantage of every precious minute! As they say, all work and no play makes for a boring stay. We will provide you with some unique and fantastic options that we hope will foster a desire to keep coming back to the Enchanted Island of Puerto Rico. This edition is dedicated to the city of Rio Grande, located just 30 minutes away from San Juan. Rio Grande shares its name with the large flowing river that passes through the area. Rio Grande is endowed with the unique scenery characteristics and popular sights found in the Island’s eastern region, which is considered one of the prime locations for luxury tourism in Puerto Rico. Golf is king in Rio Grande, and the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open is hosted every year by the Trump International Golf Club. I hope you enjoy this edition and your stay in Puerto Rico, regardless the purpose of your trip.
Verónica Rosario Director and Publisher
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“Promoting and Developing championship golf at all levels since 1954�
We also wish to recognize Golf & Tourism Magazine, its Editor & Publishing Team for a Successful Drive into the golf fairways in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The Puerto Rico Golf Association, its Board of Directors and Staff congratulate our 2013 Champions, Max Alverio (Overall Champion) and Erick J. Morales (Amateur Champion) for their most recent accomplishments at the PRGA Championship presented by Johnnie Walker Black. (Read our articles on page 8 to 17 of this issue).
For more information, news & photos about Amateur Golf in Puerto Rico, visit
www.prga.org
A fantastic partner and collaborator in sharing the news about the game of golf and the tourism industry, the PRGA thanks YOU for providing US with your Insight and Strategy as a Great Caddie.
PUERTO RICO GOLF ASSOCIATION
Phone (787)793.3444 / E. info@prga.org Facebook: PuertoRicoGolfAssociation / Twitter: PRGA1954 Office Location: Paradise Commercial Center #264 * Suite 11 Ave. Matadero* San Juan, PR * 00920
PRGA Players Tour 2013
PRGA Player’s Tour Ranks Local Golf Players To help develop golfers into the athletes of the future, in 1996 the PRGA launched a number of initiatives and events under the name PRGA Player’s Tour Series.
These events are based on individual 18hole golfing games structured in different formats in which regular amateurs, midamateur, senior and super senior golfers, as well as professionals compete during the first part of the year to be ranked by the Golf Association.
The most recent version of the Tour yielded the following top rankings:
During the last two seasons, the Player’s Tour led by PRGA Tournament Director Francisco Rivera and with the support of the association staff and members, and the sponsorship of Cervecera de Puerto Rico and MAGNA Special Draft, transitioned into more serious and competitive 2-day/36 hole events at various golf courses and clubs in Puerto Rico.
Sr. & Super Senior Division Luis Elvin González, Sr. (496 / 556 pts. respectively)
Regular Am. Division Erick Morales (436 pts.) Mid-Am. Division Alvaro Talavera (438 pts.)
Ladies Division Kristina Ortiz (576 pts.) Professional Division Javier Morales (314 pts.) Overall Division Erick Morales (416 pts.) The position in the rankings is based in the number of events played by each competitor and the number of points awarded with respect to the points scored during a specific event. As the governing body of amateur golf in Puerto Rico, as recognized by the International Golf Federation (IGF) and the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee (COPUR), the PRGA congratulates Erick Morales as the Overall Top Ranked Player in Puerto Rico for its recent performance and average score of 70.6 (-2) strokes at the Player’s Tour presented by MAGNA Special Draft. We also thank Costa Caribe Golf Resort & Club, El Legado Golf Resort & Rio Mar Golf Club as the host sites of this year’s competitive rounds, along with Neutrogena as the Official Sunblock for serious golfers and golf athletes in Puerto Rico. More information about the ranking is available at www.prga.org under the Player’s Tour area.
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Photos by Leoniell Hernandez
PRGA Players Tour 2013
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Photos by Leoniell Hernandez
PRGA Players Tour 2013
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PRGA Players Tour 2013
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Photos by Leoniell Hernandez
PRGA Championship
Alverio Crowned Best Puerto Rican Player and Morales Wins Amateur Championship
After the 72 holes of the PRGA Championship 2013, organized to celebrate the institution’s 59th anniversary, where completed, the results favored the professional local player Max Alverio who won the Championship and the Johnnie Walker Cup for Best Overall Puerto Rican Player. After several months of inactivity and practice due to work commitments in the golf industry itself, Alverio decided to get serious about giving himself a chance to test his talents and skills. He completed the tournament using a total of 281 strokes, surpassing by seven shots the mark set for the Sugarcane Course in Dorado Beach due to the field’s challenges. “It’s been a great surprise for me to have been able to compete and also win the tournament again, since I barely had time to practice and prepare for
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a championship tournament,” said Alverio immediately after receiving his trophy and the applause and standing ovation from his fellow competitors, friends and public during the awards ceremony. “It is truly a great satisfaction to return to the winner’s circle and win the championship and the Johnnie Walker Cup for the second time.” No doubt it is a very clear and important message for me as professional player that I also have the chance to play the PR Open 2014.”
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PRGA Championship
“It’s been a great surprise for me to have been able to compete and also win the tournament again, since I barely had time to practice and prepare for a championship tournament,” said Alverio immediately after receiving his trophy and the applause and standing ovation from his fellow competitors, friends and public during the awards ceremony.”
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
Erick Morales (-1) finally claimed the always-wanted amateur championship title over defending champion Edward Figueroa (+7), after finishing tied on 5th place at the Overall Division. His steady play throughout all four rounds kept him atop the Regular Amateur Division. “Finally I achieved it, after so many attempts and efforts in all these years,” said the new Puerto Rico amateur champion, who in turn obtained a direct pass to the national team that will represent the Island in the Caribbean Amateur Team Championships.
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Photos by Leoniell Hernandez
PRGA Championship
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PRGA Championship
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Photos by Leoniell Hernandez
PRGA Juniors Golf
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PRGA Juniors Golf
Learning from the
By Andres Subira
It’s interesting that in every practice facility and driving range the great majority of golfers concentrate their practice efforts on their long game and regard putting as only an afterthought. Peter Jacobsen said that when he was young and played with his father they would disregard the putting because they thought part of the game did not really measure a golfer’s ability. Bobby Locke, a1940’s South African golfing champion coined the phrase “You drive for show but putt for dough,” indeed, the game is not over until the ball hits the bottom of the cup.
Andres Subira is a Master Golf Coach with the United Golf Teachers Federation. Currently, he is the Director of Instruction, Master Club Fitter and Club Maker at Rio Bayamon Golf Course.
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If you examine the way the game of golf was structured, you will see that in relation to PAR (the average score a player should shoot in a specific hole), an average of two putting strokes per hole should be the norm, giving the player a total of 36 putts on a PAR 72 course. This means that 50% of the strokes are taken on the putting surface. Of course this even PAR score is reserved for only the very best players, so the percentage varies from a scratch player to an average golfer.
Distance control is the name of the game. If a player can’t control the distance, then there is no need to learn to read putts. Distance control can become a mathematical equation. A ten foot putt on a green that measures ten on the stimpmeter will require a precise stroke. If we repeat the same stroke with the same tempo the ball will roll ten feet every time.
“A client once asked me for the fastest and easiest way to improve his score. I told him to practice his putting.”
It’s a fact that the average weekend golfer shoots a score of around 100 on a PAR 72 course. If you were to ask an average player how many three-putts he makes on an average round he would probably say about seven, if not more. A client once asked me for the fastest and easiest way to improve his score. I told him to practice his putting. In a short time he improved his score by seven shots just by eliminating the three-putts. One positive side effect of becoming a better putter was that the pressure to “hit it close” went away and the approach shots improved.
Not everyone can learn to hit the ball three hundred yards like Tiger, but everyone can learn to hit the ball consistently. Finding the correct putter for you and having it Fitted or adjusted to your posture is a great way to start on the road to smart putting. With sufficient practice and dedication anyone can become a great putter.
After creating a reliable stroke, hours of practice must be spent with verifiable feedback mechanisms to ensure that distance and accuracy can be measured, so the process can be verified and repeated.
You do not need a God-given talent to be a great putter, all you need is practice. Going to the putting green and hitting a few putts here and there will not do it. It requires hours of practice applying specific and methodic drills. A few basics are critical, among them, a stable posture, since any unnecessary movement will create inconsistency. The correct posture will mainly be determined by the type of putter in use. A long putter will require a different posture than a short putter. Since everyone is built differently, there is no set way for a perfect posture, however good balance is crucial. Standard, cross hand, baseball, overlap, under lap, split, strong, weak or the claw are just some of the different grips used to hold the putter. My advice is to try them all until you find the most appealing and comfortable to you, and then to stick with it. While there is no set posture or grip, there are some aspects to putting that must be adhered to without exception. The stroke must be repeatable to the point of perfection. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Photos by Priscila T. Rivera
Cover Story
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Cover Story
he making
of a young champion
By Alberto C. Medina Gil
Mention María Torres’ name to anyone in Puerto Rico’s golf community and you’re likely to hear a lot of words that begin with T, as in tough, tenacious, talented and terrific.
B “I owe everything to my team...they’ve helped me achieve so much in this sport,” she says. “I had my high school graduation and I invited all of them because they’ve been with me for eight or nine years and they’re like my uncles now...I have so much affection and respect for all of them.”
ut perhaps the most important descriptor starts with the letter Y: young. At 18, and just a few months away from her high school graduation, Torres already is the best female golfer in Puerto Rico, and one of the best female amateurs in Latin America. Now, as she heads into her freshman year as a student athlete at the University of Florida’s prestigious Division I golf program, Torres seems poised to achieve what few, if any Puerto Rican women has ever accomplished on the golf course. In many ways, Torres’ story mirrors that of so many other talented young athletes; but in other respects it’s quite different. While children —girls, especially— often first approach a sport because of a parent or older sibling, that wasn’t the case when sevenyear-old María became interested in golf. “Nobody in our family plays golf,” says her mother, Lisandra Martínez. “Her father (‘Papo’) always liked golf and had taken a class or two, but no more than that.”
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
However, an off-the-cuff suggestion that young María try the game at the old driving range in Luis Muñoz Marín Park quickly turned into much more than that. “First it was one class,” recalls Martínez. “Then twice a week, three times a week, until it was every day!” Torres remembers feeling immediately drawn to golf. “When I started I really loved it, I liked it a lot. It’s an interesting sport, a quiet sport, and I feel like it has the same qualities that I have as a person,” she says. “It just clicked.” Practice soon led to competitive play, and at the age of nine María played her first tournament. Incredibly, it wasn’t even a local event, it was the Doral Publix Junior Classic, a renowned international tournament played in Florida. Veteran Puerto Rican pro Wilfredo Morales, one of her coaches at the time, traveled with her and still recalls the poise shown by this young girl in such a nerve-wrecking situation.
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Cover Story
“I
remember that the first day she didn’t have a good round because she didn’t do well on the greens, which was what gave her the most trouble when she started playing,” says Morales. “But the second day she shot a 38 or 39 over the nine holes that we played and we finished playing late into the night.” Torres also remembers that first tournament; not so much her performance on the course, but how the thrill of competition revealed her growing competitive spirit. “It was exciting and I think it was at that point when I felt like, OK, this is what Iwant to do,” comments María.
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Her parents, seeing María’s undeniable talent and growing resolve, set about the task of assembling a team of professionals to help her develop on and off the course. A trainer, nutritionist, massage therapist, and others joined a cadre of golf instructors that eventually included Mariano Bartolomé at the world famous Jim McLean Golf School. Perhaps, sports psychologist Rafael Lind, who has worked with local Olympic athletes, has been the most important cog in that machine, not just helping Torres develop mentally but ensuring that her training was never overwhelming.
“He’s the one who would structure everything,” says Martínez. “He would meet with her coaches and was always very mindful of her workload; he has really been a key person in her life.” Torres agrees with her mother’s assessment and attributes much of her success to those dedicated professionals who have so ably guided her throughout the years. “I owe everything to my team... they’ve helped me achieve so much in this sport,” María says. “I had my high school graduation and I invited all of them because they’ve been with me for eight or nine years and they’re like my uncles now...I have so much affection and respect for all of them.”
veryone in my class is always going out on weekends, and they might look at me a little funny, but everybody knows golf is my thing and I don’t really care how they look at me,” she says. “I’ve always thought that if you have a goal and you want to go far, you have to leave everything else behind.”
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Cover Story
The result of all this structured and mindful preparation has been an extraordinary junior career, whether it be as a member of the Puerto Rico Golf Association’s Junior Program, the Island’s national teams, or as an individual competitor around the world. Torres is a four-time junior national champion and has been Caribbean champion at the junior and adult levels. She has played in three World Amateur Team Championships, helping Puerto Rico to its best finish ever and most recently placing 26th, the highest individual finisher of any Latin American golfer.
“Torres, however, isn’t interested in having the “pleasure” of being coached by Olivencia; she wants the “pressure” of being coached by her. “I know Janice, and I know she’s going to help me be better...I hope she makes things even harder for me so that I can achieve more things.”
WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
Last year alone, she won the AJGA’s TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Junior at Innisbrook and the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship, and played well in other prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and the Duke of York Champions Trophy. Currently Torres is the 127th ranked female amateur in the world, by far the highest ranking Caribbean golfer, and 7th among all Latin American women. Of course, that level of success has been a source of great pride for Torres’ parents, and a vindication of their efforts —and sacrifices— on her behalf. “Financially, we’ve had to cut back spending on a lot of things to provide for her classes and trips and everything” says Martínez. “But we’ve always seen her work for it.
Now, Torres will be leaving home behind as she starts the next stage of her career as a member of the Division I Florida Gators golf team. Torres drew interest from over 50 universities but chose the familiar tropical climate and welcoming environment of the University of Florida, where she’ll have the additional pleasure of being coached by a woman she hopes to emulate: UF assistant coach Janice Olivencia, the first Puerto Rican to play in the Women’s U.S. Open. Torres, however, isn’t interested in having the “pleasure” of being coached by Olivencia; she wants the “pressure” of being coached by her. “I know Janice, and I know she’s going to help me be better...I hope she makes things even harder for me so
We’ve seen her with her coaches, go out to the course at six in the morning and come back by nightfall.” Torres also recognizes that 12-hour days on the course and the myriad of other obligations of a high-performance athlete have led her to have an atypical teenager life and has meant many sacrifices. “Everyone in my class is always going out on weekends, and they might look at me a little funny, but everybody knows golf is my thing and I don’t really care how they look at me,” she says. “I’ve always thought that if you have a goal and you want to go far, you have to leave everything else behind.”
that I can achieve more things,” says Torres. “That’s what makes you a better person and a better athlete, and the people who really care about you are the ones who push you to your limits.” Perhaps nothing better encapsulates the mentality that has made Torres a winner like her goals, collegiate wins, an NCAA championship, a pro career, goals that surely are well within reach. “I have faith that María will be Puerto Rico’s next representative on the LPGA TOUR,” says her former coach, Morales. “She has the talent, she has the drive, and I’m very proud of her.”
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Stay & Play
108 Holes of Golf History awaits in
Río Grande By Julio Soto
The history of golf courses in Río Grande begins back in the 60’s when Berwind Country Club and Rio Mar Golf Club were developed and built in the area to serve as country clubs to provide recreation and attract business professionals to buy vacation homes.
Berwind Country Club The original Berwind Country Club was built in 1930 in the Las Monjas neighborhood, in Hato Rey. It was a private 18-hole golf club that featured the first grass-greens course in Puerto Rico. In need of a bigger property and also to serve as a retreat close to the beach for its founding members, the construction of the new champion course designed by Bob Holoman began in 1965. Today Berwind is known and recognized by many of the players who once where the “competitive amateurs” in Puerto Rico, like baseball legend Luis Rodríguez Olmo, PRGA Hall-of-Fame members Jim Teale, Cesar Rivera and Elvyn Cordova, as well as Luis Elvin Gonzalez, Sr., among others, as one of the longest and more competitive courses in Puerto Rico. It also became home to many of the caddies than once worked at El Morro Golf Course and other golf courses in the Island. Due to its grass-greens feature, Berwind became the host of important amateur and professional golf events, including the PRGA Island Championships and the Players’ Series, which started in 1996. “Wachy” Marquez is remembered as one of the iconic golf professionals at the club who provided jobs and income opportunities for many families in Río Grande and Loiza.
Rio Mar Golf Club The 18-hole Rio Mar Golf Club was originally developed as an amenity for its members, along with a tennis center and a private pool and beach area. Among the first golf professionals at the club, Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez and his brother Jesus could be named the original club staff pros. They managed the pro shop, golf lessons and access to the Ocean Course that was designed by Tom and George Fazio. Later, Tom McCoy and a group of up-and-coming golf professionals like Alberto Rios, Paul Veneziano, Brian Shaver and Javier Cordova ran the club and made it possible for many juniors to be introduced to the game of golf.
Rio Mar Golf Club
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With the growth in membership and other opportunities related to the arrival of a hotel under the Westin flag, Rio Mar added another 18 holes that were designed by Australian Tour Pro Greg Norman. This incredible setup allowed the property to host the 2002 Caribbean Amateur Team Championships, where Puerto Rico won all six trophies awarded by the CGA, the 2003 Americas Cup, and the 2004 World Amateur Team Championships, conducted by the ISSUE 2 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013
Stay & Play Rio Mar Golf Club
International Golf Federation and hosted by the PRGA during its 50th Anniversary, in which more than 70 countries participated.
Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club was developed after the new holes were added at Rio Mar (River Course) and before the latest development of Coco Beach Resort facilities and took over the market of golf beginners. This sand-based 18-hole golf course originally set between the palm trees and mangroves that surround the Herrera River in Río Grande and recently manicured and pampered by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., quickly became a favorite for amateur golfers. Known as “the course that has never been closed due to rain” it was managed by Jerry Hesby and run by a great and friendly staff which included teaching professionals Julio Martinez and Hector Matos (known by many as “Blanco”).
Bahía Beach Resort & Golf Club
Bahia Beach became the place where many people were introduced to golf in Río Grande. Originally planned as a community-based course when it first opened in 1991 as a J.Burton Gold design, Bahia Beach property experienced its full development and growth as a high-end facility in 2008. Bahia has always been challenging and a true test to anyone wanting to tee-it up at its long tee pads, tight fairways and bunker surrounded greens.
Coco Beach Resort Coco Beach Resort and its award-winning Trump International Golf Club is a dream come true of Puerto Rican businessman and entrepreneur Arturo Diaz and sons Jorge Luis and Arturo., who in the 1970’s added a residential complex, a water treatment plant and a solid-recycling plant to the site. They turned this 36-hole Tom Kite design golf property with championship and international courses, and the residential complex Trump Residences, and the Gran Melia Hotel into a magnet for local golfers when it hosted the Puerto Rico Open, an official PGA Tour event.
Coco Beach Resort Trump International Golf Club
During its years of operation the golf course Trump has hosted most of the PRGA Championships, like those sponsored by Johnnie Walker Black; the Golf Summit, and the Puerto Rico Junior Open, one of the very few events in the world that awards a juvenile golfer with a spot into a PGA TOUR event. WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Stay & Play
The blooming of championship golf events in Rio Grande
2001
The Tiger Woods Foundation and the United States Golf Association chose Río Grande as the site for their activities. The TWF ran one of the activities for their “In the City” Junior Golf Clinics at the driving range at Bahia Beach Golf Club. Kids from local schools, nearby cities and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico where introduced to golf by the staff and volunteers of the TWF. Later that year the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort and Golf Club was chosen by the USGA to host the GHIN User’s Meeting, an annual reunion that gathered representatives of many of the golf associations in the US that use the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system, developed by the USGA in the 1970’s and introduced in Puerto Rico in 1996.
2002
The Caribbean Golf Association along with the PRGA chose again Rio Mar Golf Club to host the 46th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, in which the Puerto Rico national team, formed by 14 players of all ages, won all six championships contested during the event, and for the first time, the Arthur Ziadie Trophy awarded by the CGA, for the best overall performance of all participating teams.
2003
The America Golf Association that had been formed recently by representatives of four major golfing nations in the Americas Region (Argentina, Canada, USA and Puerto Rico) selected the RMGC’s Ocean and River Course to host the inaugural Americas Cup.
2004
Along with the International Golf Federation, formerly known as the WAGC, Puerto Rico and Río Grande welcomed the entire world and over 70 countries for the World Amateur Team Championships, a three-week event known as the Olympics of amateur golf.
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2005
Based on the success of the international golf events hosted at Rio Mar the Caribbean Golf Association returned to Río Grande to celebrate the 19th Caribbean Junior Amateur Golf Championships played by eight teams.
f o s d r a c t s o P
2007
Gran Melia Resort hosted the Golf Summit organized by the PRGA, in conjunction with CGA, PGA of America South Florida Section – Island Chapter, the USGA and the RandA. Following the Golf Summit, Coco Beach Golf and Country Club hosted the Caribbean Cup, a Ryder-Cup Style Friendly match between 24 players representing the East and West regions of the Caribbean Islands.
2008-2013 During this period span the Puerto Rico Open has been broadcasted through the Golf Channel around the world. The fairways and greens of the Trump International Golf Club, has been hosting the Puerto Rico Open, an event awarded special prizes by the PGA Tour and other golf publications.
2011-2013 American Junior Golf Association players and players from places far away as SouthAfrica, Argentina, Venezuela, Canada and the Caribbean have joined PGA Tour players to play the annual Puerto Rico Junior Open at the Trump International and the Championship Course.
From top to bottom: 1- Panoramic of “El Yunque” Rain Forest 2- The newly inaugurated “Plaza del Recreo” restores public coexistence. 3- New Athletic Track 4- Coat of arms
ISSUE 2 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013
Stay & Play
e d n a r G Rio UNFORGETTABLE ITALIAN CUISINE, PRIVATE DINNING, AND EXQUISITE CATERING AT EVERY LEVEL.
AT THE RITZ CARLTON HOTEL, ISLA VERDE WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
TEL 787.791.8632
Golf Journal
GOLFING IN By Paul Stawinski
“The famous Blue Monster Course, home of the World Golf Cadillac Championship, is one that you should play at least once in your lifetime. It is a difficult 6,800 yard par 72 golf course.”
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’m sure many of you have travelled to Miami for business or pleasure and thought about playing golf but wondered where to play. Miami offers a wide variety of options, from good municipal courses to championship-level courses. The best part of golfing in Miami is that you can play year-round, but just like weather and seasons change, so do rates. Miami rates range from $20 to $250 a round, and winter tends to be more expensive than summer.
Championship Courses at Doral
Photos provided by Cari Farinas Marketing Manager Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami
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If you have ever flown in or out of Miami you have seen this course, as it is right on the arrival flight path of Miami. At Doral you will find five very well maintained golf courses to choose from: the Blue Monster Course, Great White Course, Gold Course, Red Course and Jim McLean Signature Course. The famous Blue Monster Course, home of the World Golf Cadillac Championship, is one that you should play at least once
in your lifetime. It is a difficult 6,800 yard par 72 golf course. The course is long and on a windy day you are in for a challenge. The rough is what you would expect from a PGA level course and it is easier to just chip out of it than try to advance the ball more than 100 yards. You will feel like someone is grabbing your golf club as you hit out of it. Unfortunately if you are planning to play at the Blue Monster you will have to wait as the course is being fully renovated and will be closed until December 2013. Depending on the time of year, rates at the Blue Monster range from $130 to $300. This course provides club rental options. The Great White Course, a Greg Norman design, is my favorite course at Doral. The layout is visually stunning because is all coquina sand, which is crushed shells. The course is also long, at 7,100 yards and a par 72. Rates at the Great White range from $130 to $250. I would highly recommend you play it. The Gold Course is a 6,200 yard course with a lot of water; it has water on 16 of the 18 holes, which makes it a very challenging course. You will have to be creative of the tee as driver will not be the best option all the time. A strategically placed 3 wood or hybrid will be very helpful to keep you out of trouble. Rates at the Gold Course range from $100 to $190. ISSUE 2 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013
Golf Journal
Hole #10 Blue Monster
The Red Course is a 6,000 yard course, not long by any means but also very challenging as it curves around many lakes. You are looking at water pretty much in every shot you try to make. This course will also challenge your shot-making ability off the tee and on the fairways. Rates at the Red Course range from $75 to $150. The Jim McLean Signature course is a 6,600 yard course. It is a very challenging course known as the “Bermuda Triangle� because of holes 13, 14 and 15. While all the other four courses are located on site at the Doral Resort, the Jim McLean is just a little further away from the Resort. Rates at Jim McLean range from $100 to $190.
Red Course WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
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Golf Journal
Melreese Country Club
Biltmore Golf Course
If you’ve been to Miami you must have seen the golf course located right next to the airport. You might think this is your typical airport executive course but it is not. First time I played it I was thinking it was going to be another small executive golf course, but to my surprise it is a very well laid out course and a challenging one as well.
Another great option for golfing in Miami is the Biltmore Golf Course, located at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. This is a golf course you would expect to be attached to a property like the Biltmore. Service at the Biltmore is impeccable, from the moment you arrive to the on-course service. The course is a par 71, 6,800 yards layout. Rates at the Biltmore range from $65 to $175, club rental and locker rental are available.
You will be surprised to know that it is a 7,100 yard golf course. It just went through a huge renovation in which the club house was rebuilt and the driving range expanded. This golf course has become one of my favorite courses when I don’t have all day to play a round, but still want to get in a quality round of golf. If you are one of those golfers that gets distracted or annoyed by noise when you are trying to play, then this is not a course for you. You will have planes taking off next to you along with cars and trucks’ honking their horns, as the course is surrounded by busy streets, hotels and the entrance to the rental car return facility at MIA. If those things don’t bother you, then give this course a chance, you will enjoy it. Rates at Melreese range from $60 to $130, depending on day and time. Club rentals also available.
Fine dining As many golfers, I enjoy a nice dinner after a good round of golf, so here are some of my personal favorites dining places in Miami, a city with as many different restaurants as golf courses. If you like Ceviche and Peruvian food, Ceviche 105 is one of my favorite restaurants serving authentic Peruvian food and amazing ceviche.
Joe’s Stone Crab is a must if you are in Miami and love crabs; stone crabs are seasonal, so if you plan to go call ahead as they do close once stone crab season is over. Another favorite of mine is Nobu, a very trendy Japanese-Peruvian restaurant which serves a great dinner menu with a nice atmosphere. Lastly for the steak lovers I would recommend Prime One Twelve, a very good steakhouse located in Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. Make reservations, otherwise the wait could be very long or worst yet, they may not have tables available. In our next edition we will talk about golfing in Orlando.
Crandon Golf Course Another course I recommend is the Crandon Golf, one of my favorite courses in Miami. It’s inside the beautiful island of Key Biscayne, which is about 15 minutes away from Miami. Crandon is a 7200 yard golf, course par 72. This course was the home of the Senior PGA for years and it is beautiful, as many holes border Key Biscayne. You’ll catch beautiful views not only of the bay, but also of the Miami skyline. The 7th hole is a par 4 that has been listed as “One of the Greatest Holes in Golf”. The 18th hole is a long par 5 that borders Biscayne Bay and a great spot to take some beautiful pictures. Rates in Crandon will vary from $60 to $90, while the rate for twilight play (after 3pm) is $50. Club rentals are also available.
Biltmore Golf Course Photo: www.biltmorehotel.com
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Golf Course Showcase
River Course
OCEAN COURSE
THE CARIBBEAN’S PREMIER COUNTRY CLUB The Río Mar Country Club features a magnificent clubhouse overlooking our picturesque golf courses. Enjoy all the amenities you’d expect and more. CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF |
Improve the view on your morning drive.
. Ocean Course – 18 hole 6,782 yard course designed by Tom & George Fazio . River Course – 18 hole 6,945 yard course designed by Greg Norman . Driving range with chipping and putting areas . Golf Academy– resident PGA Golf Pro clinics & private lessons . Golf Shop offering pro-line equipment, accessories, and attire WORLD RENOWNED TENNIS |
The ball’s in your court.
Play tennis amid the spectacular vistas of our award-winning International Tennis Center Facilities – 11 Har-Tru® courts and 2 Laykold hard courts (4 evening play courts) Player matching program for single and double players without a partner Pre-arranged tournaments and clinics Complete men’s and women’s locker facilities Tennis Shop – retail attire, accessories and equipment rental, and stringing services
18 Hole Championship Course, designed by Tom & George Fazio in 1974 SIGNATURE HOLE #16 YARDAGES
Gold Tees Blue Tees White Tees Red Tees
6,716 6,297 5,946 5,327
RIVER COURSE 18 Hole Championship Course, designed by Greg Norman in 1995. SIGNATURE HOLE #7 YARDAGES
Gold Tees Blue Tees White Tees Red Tees
6,931 6,343 5,826 5,119
. . . . .
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Please contact Rafael Prestamo, Head Golf Professional at 787.888.7060 for detailed information. 6000 Rio Mar Boulevard Rio Grande, PR 00745 Toll-Free: 800.474.6627 Direct: 787.888.7060
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Tourism
Know your
Regions By Prof. Ivรกn O. Puig Gonzรกlez, Dean of the International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Universidad del Este (UNE).
A
new strategic vision for economic development in Puerto Rico focuses on promoting initiatives that strengthen the socio-economic and industrial infrastructure in specific geographic areas through the integrated efforts of local government, public and private business, academia and citizens to fulfill the needs and develop the regions they represent. These initiatives include the creation of a decisional empowerment process and a commitment to enhance production and increase the competitive aspects of all sectors. In Puerto Rico the concept of regionalization was introduced and developed by the President of Ana G. Mendez University System and certain municipalities of the Island whom together established different regional economic development initiatives depending on the core areas of strength or industries, namely:
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Tourism
The Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company - PRIDCO later developed PRTEC (Puerto Rico Technoeconomic Corridor), which strengths and industries include the aerospace sector and activities related to information technology.
Tourism Initiatives The Puerto Rico Tourism Company - PRTC has also designed and developed a similar regionalization concept, with a focus on generating a Regional Destination Brand Strategic Program. Porta del Sol was the first region launched and was designed specifically to promote the western area of the island. The PRTC later introduced Porta Caribe with a focus on the southern region, and other regional marketing initiatives have been developed for the north, east and central regions of the island. Regionby-region promotional efforts to expand the island’s tourism are in place and the Regional Destination Brands initiatives include public relations, advertising and marketing strategies to promote the regions as a destination for vacationers seeking authentic Latin culture and diverse tourist activities.
If you are planning an escape from the normal routine and considering a vacation or adventure, I would highly recommend visiting the Northeast Region of Puerto Rico. Currently this region is experiencing a significant tourism boom with hotel chains such as, among others, Wyndham, Melia, Hilton and Starwood. The region has many touristic attractions, including spectacular and breathtaking golf courses. One of the great benefits of visiting the area is that people living in the local rural areas are very friendly, hospitable, and fluent in Spanish and English. They will gladly provide guidance, assistance and recommendations on where to go and what to visit during your stay in the region.
N PRTEC INTENOR 0 0
INTENE
10 mi
INTECO
10 km
Rafael Hernández Airport
DISUR Luis Muñoz Marin Int’l Airport
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Our Concierge Recommends
RECOMMENDATIONS Journey to the Northeast Region and make a quick stop at the Luquillo Kiosks. Located on Route No.3, along the beach in Luquillo, the kiosks represent a true and unique Puerto Rican experience. With many fun and casual alternatives to choose from you will be able to eat, drink and buy a souvenir in an open air dining experience. You can stop by for a simple snack or drink, or spend more time and enjoy a nice and relax sit-down meal with live music in the evenings, especially on weekend nights. All kiosks are different and range in style, taste and price. You will be able to enjoy a variety of Puerto Rican authentic foods such as bacalaitos, alcapurrias, empanadillas, rice & beans, gourmet hamburgers and many other cuisines such as Local Caribbean, Thai, Mexican or Peruvian. With regards to accommodations the region has many hotels to choose from but, if you are near the Luquillo area and looking for a true golf experience, I recommend staying at the Wyndham
Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, located at Rio Grande. The beautiful property is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and El Yunque Caribbean National Forest and has breathtaking ocean views, miles of a secluded beach and everything you dream of when you escape to the Caribbean. The Resort offers a variety of water sports, entertainment, recreation, casino, spa, fitness and tennis center, as well as golf courses designed by champions Tom and George Fazio and Greg Norman. Without a doubt everyone has a different dream vacation or escape in mind. The great thing about the Northeast Region is that the options are limitless. There is something for everyone within the ten municipalities comprising the region and it is the perfect example why people call Puerto Rico the Island of Enchantment.
Following is a list of things to do by municipality region and the suggested average time required:
Carolina Piñones Nature Boardwalk & Restaurants (Walk or Bike) – 4 hours or less
Canovanas The Outlets at Route 66 (Shopping, Food & Theaters) – 4 hours or less
Rio Grande Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort (Golf, Shopping, Food & Drinks) – 4 hours or less Bahia Beach Resort & Golf (Golf, Shopping, Food & Drinks) – 4 hours or less Trump International Golf Club (Golf, Shopping, Food & Drinks) – 4 hours or less Berwind Country Club (Golf, Food & Drinks) – 4 hours or less El Yunque National Forest (Hike, Swim or Relax) – 1 day or less Rain Forest Zip Line (5 or 8 Line Tours) – 2 hours or less Carabali Rainforest Park (Horseback Riding, Go Karts, Bike, Food & Drinks) – 1 day
Luquillo Luquillo Kiosks (Food & Drinks) – 4 hours or less
Fajardo El Conquistador Resort (Golf, Shopping, Food & Drinks) – 4 hours or less Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve (Educational Tour) – 4 hours or less Seven Seas, Playa Colora or Playa Escondida (Public Beaches) – at least 4 hours Bioluminescent Bay (Eco-Tour) – 4 hours or less (must go at night)
Culebra & Vieques Aquafari Culebra Island (All-Inclusive Day of Kayaking and Snorkeling) – 1 day Visit Culebra or Vieques for a day (Ferry or Flights Available) – 1 day Vieques Island Adventures Biobay (Eco-Tour) – 4 hours or more (must go at night)
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Our Concierge Recommends Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
Bioluminescent Bay (Eco-Tour) Bahia Beach Resort
Rain Forest Zip Line
Aquafari Culebra Island
Fajardo
El Yunque National Forest
El Conquistador Resort
Trump International Golf Club
Pi単ones Nature Boardwalk & Restaurants (Walk or Bike)
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Golf Gusto
Emerging Food
Trends at Golf Courses Golfer’s appetites in high demand By Chef Norma Llop
Photos by José “Piti” Gutiérrez
Golf is more than a sport, it’s a social event. And no social affair is complete without food and beverage!
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Golf Gusto
M
ost public courses offer a standard American fast food menu: hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches with a side of chips. Private courses usually have full service restaurants as part of their facilities and offer standard menus of breakfast, steaks, sandwiches and other Western dishes. Today’s golf courses are becoming safe and open-aired entertainment centers and Puerto Rico is catching up! The menu you offer and your dining facilities have a large impact on the overall image and reputation of your golf course. Staying on top of current trends and adjusting your menu offerings is definitively a must, especially to meet the expectations of the type of guests you want to keep as regular customer. How can you set yourself apart from the competition? All it takes is a few simple changes to the way you operate your golf course’s kitchen. Offer unique healthy and interesting items, this will surely widen your appeal and make your establishment a major attraction for all members of the family, you will attract a new crowd of golfers and charm them to stay for a dining experience rather than going somewhere else.
“Staying on top of current trends and adjusting your menu offerings is definitively a must, especially to meet the expectations of the type of guests you want to keep as regular customer.” TOP UPCOMING
TRENDS Food and beverage sales account for approximately 25% of revenues of an average golf course income. It is essential to stay informed on the latest trends and incorporate them into your organization’s food and beverage menu. To attract and maintain your clients interested you should try to reinvent yourself and establish a seasonal or rotating schedule of on-site activities. You must be proactive in order to attract new players and keep the regular crowd returning. You should be constantly promoting new amenities and menu options, while maintaining excellent quality service standards cost-effectively. Costs considerations are especially important if you operate a WWW.GOLFTOURISMPR.COM
public course that caters to a wide range of golfers with different lifestyles and budgets. When it comes to private courses, a large percentage of visitors and players are outof-state golfers, convention attendees, and vacationers. Most of Puerto Rico’s golf courses are within or near resort facilities, which encourages players to stay on the course. But as green fees increase due to maintenance and utilities costs, it becomes an ongoing challenge for courses to maintain revenue increases. In addition to administrative challenges, food and beverage prices keep rising. Controlling costs and the lifestyle changes in an average person’s diet is a challenge for restaurant operators who have to constantly update their menu. Three important trends in these menu changes are: offering a wider variety of healthy and low-fat food, including locally grown produce in food preparation, and catering to more educated palates. In the last ten years we have seen a more refined menu development under classically trained and better paid chefs at the fairgrounds facilities. The basic “standard” golf course menu, offerings and marketing methods have evolved to include:
. . . . . . .
Signature Sandwiches, with unique twists or flavors, sauces, marinades, cheeses and breads Smaller-sized hamburgers with towering veggies mixes and spicier ketchups Breakfast/Juice Bar options that offer on-the-go snacks for game or offpremises munchies Ethnic Foods Buffets on a weekly rotation calendar A Dessert Bar for late night grand finale High-tech marketing apps for preordering and avoiding waiting time E-blasts with changes in offerings to encourage repeat visits
Also, the new mouth-watering menus are getting even better with menus that not only incorporate well known comfort foods, but also local cuisine entrees and native produce to cater to onsite visitors looking for a whole package, not just playing 18 holes.
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Golf Gusto These new alternatives include:
. . . . . . .
Gluten-free foods, artisanal bakery, ice cream, and cheeses Local fresh or cooked produce in salad bars New grilled meats and sausage cuts More seafood and fancy fowl options Less expensive mixed drinks and high spirits Low-sugar local beers and fruit-based cocktails New flavored waters and malts for non-alcohol drinkers and younger guests
STAY CURRENT An old saying goes “when in doubt, ask.” Most guests will gladly write comments on a Review or Comment Card. Maintain a tally of these comments, keep your staff informed about it, and use these comments to adjust your operation accordingly. The cards are an excellent tool to monitor developing trends, especially among your golfer clientele. Many golfers are well
travelled “foodies” and have checked out other golf courses and their facilities. If you ask them, they will tell you where they usually like to play, what their likes and dislikes are, as well as their demographic data. They should also be encouraged to comment on your operation’s service and entertainment option preferences. Always keep in mind that each golf course is unique in its location, layout, and nearby attractions, and that entertainment options are of high importance when you have a Puerto Rican client base. The more varied the entertainment activity schedule, the more your demand will grow, so will your repeat visitors. Perhaps you should consider expanding com-
Offer unique healthy and interesting items. This will surely widen your appeal and make your establishment a major attraction for all members of the family. You will attract a new crowd of golfers and charm them to stay for a dining experience rather than going somewhere else.
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mon areas space and decks or building shaded terraces. Develop garden attractions for kids and take them into account when creating your menu. Carefully select music, sculpture, paintings and murals that reflect your consumers’ interests and tastes as conversation pieces. Organize social events such as golf clinics by visiting and resident pros, hire chefs for cooking classes, and schedule wine-tasting activities. Do research on options to attract new group profiles such as weddings, anniversaries, business meetings, class reunions and design exhibits. The time and money you invest on selecting alternatives to encourage your guests to spend more time onsite will pay off handsomely.
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Mixology
Keep your
cool During summer everyone is looking for ways to beat the heat and cool off. The best summer drinks are full of flavor — they can be subtle, fruity, or just plain refreshing. Our Master Mixologist Jorge Lopez Albarrán recommends blends of sparkling drinks, like a refreshing champagne cocktail.
WILD PEACH BELLINI
¼ oz Le Fruit of MONIN Peach ¼ oz MONIN Hibiscus ¼ oz Fresh squeeze lime juice 4 oz Dry Sparkling Wine (white) PROCEDURE Pour the Monin Le Fruit Puree de Melocotón directly in cold champagne flute. Then in the glass mixing console add the hibiscus «Amapola» sirope with the juice from a fresh lemon, beat them well and serve with a double cast creating a layer on the peach. Add champagne delicately creating a third level of champagne. Stir graciously before tasting to balance the flavors. DECORATION: Peach & edible Wild Hibiscus Flower METHOD: Built Glassware: 6 oz Champagne Flute or Stemware
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Photo Provided by www.monin.com
Mixology
Strawberry cucumber champagne 120ml Champagne 40ml Strawberry Puree 30ml Cucumber Juice PROCEDURE Pour all the ingredients into a Boston glass or Martini jug and stir well. Once the ingredients are well mixed pour into a chilled champagne glass. Deliciously simple.
Jorge A. López Albarrán, mixologist and cocktail acrobat has received many awards, among them first place in the Best New York Cocktail competition with his “Subway to Paradise”. Through his creations the author has promoted the use of natural, tropical antioxidant juices, which are considered to be beneficial to our health. He is also president of GBS Group and the Puerto Rico Bartenders Association (PRBA).
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Off the Course
Wine
Couto, Rias Baixa Tasting Winery Winery Ebano, Ribera del Duero La Cava de Serralles hosted a tasting of a selection of 6 fine wines headed by Carlos Gómez, owner of the Couto and Ebano Wineries located in the Rias Baixa and Ribera del Duero regions of Spain. Reinaldo Crespo, Gloria Dávila
Photos by Fernando J. Montano
Ramón Quiñones, Myrna Padilla, Mercedes González
Geraldo Martínez, Carlos Gómez, Orlando Jeannot
Farid Saker, Félix Aponte, Edgardo Cancel
Ricky Cortez, Jesus Pagán, Kellynee Martínez
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Off the Course
Wine Luncheon
with Carmelo Rodero at Ruth Chris hosted By El Horreo
Edwin Torres owner of Ruth’s Chris taking a moment to talk to Andrés Lugo and José Chemike Figueroa
El Horreo from V.Suarez & Co. invited Golf & Tourism Magazine to a luncheon-tasting with Carmelo Rodero, a renowned winemaker from Spain. Rodero presented and explained the elaboration process of the wine tasted during the afternoon. After the last prizes awarded to Bodegas Rodero, various newspapers have published articles about the winery’s excellent trajectory, which has become the quality standard in Ribera del Duero. Rodero also entertained the group with his unique anecdotes. Pairing Ruth Chris’s menu with Carmelo Rodero’s exclusive wines made for a memorable lunch. For more information about the winery visit www.BodegasRodero.com.
Photos by Leoneill Hernández
Edwin Alfonso, Dennis Matos, Ferdisack Márquez, Diego Suárez Sánchez, Chairman of V. Suarez & Co., Carmelo Rodero, owner of Rodero Winery and José Chemike Figueroa
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Off the Course
Casino Royal Night
Patrick Tracy, Dr. Jorge Manrique, Carmen Manrique, Veronica Rosario and Erick Jimenez - Food & Beverage Director
Fun Tournament at the Palmas Athletic Club Golf & Tourism Magazine was present at the members-only Casino Royal Night Fun Tournament at The Club House with Black Jack & Poker Tables. Chef Gabriel Acosta presented the new menu items along with a wine tasting and live music.
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Erick Jimenez, Rosa Menager, Juan Viera, Consuelo Carrero, Patrick Tracy
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Photos provided by Flavia Fernández of Perfect Partners.
Meeting on the Greens
Golfing for a
Good Cause 5th Annual Ricky Martin Foundation Golf Tournament The Ricky Martin Foundation held the fifth edition of its flagship golf tournament at Dorado Beach Resort & Club on June 7.
Fernando Fernández, President of Golf Committee, thanked Junior Golfers.
Luis Raúl, Carlos Villaro, Executive Vice President and Main Officer of Reliable Auto, the tournament main sponsor, confirms his solidarity with the cause on stage with Bibiana Ferraiuoli, Executive Director of RMF.
The popular tournament, sponsored by Reliable Auto, attracted hundreds of golf fans to raise funds to combat human trafficking, the main mission of the Ricky Martin Foundation. Proceeds from the tournament will be invested in all Foundation initiatives, including the Tau Center, which began construction in Loiza, where children and young people at high risk may enjoy their right to education, social justice and health. “We thank all corporations, friends, golfers and volunteers for making this fifth tournament a memorable event. Thanks to each of you who struggle to maintain and strengthen the protection of our children and youth,” expressed Fernando Fernandez, Chairman of Golf Committee who was accompanied by Bibiana Ferraiuoli, Executive Director of RMF.
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Meeting on the Greens Fernando Fernandez and Luis Raul present awards to Frederick and Francisco Millán. Luis Raul, ceremony host, along with Bibiana Ferraiuoli, Carlos Gonzalez, Fernando Fernandez and Eric Juan Morales, who won the gross prize. Fernando Fernández presents awards to Payo and Jean Piwinsky.
Photos provided by Flavia Fernández of Perfect Partners.
Photo by Leoneill Hernández
Luis Raúl and Bibiana Ferraiuoli present the award to Julio Rivera and Nolo Calvo.
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Humor
1 2 3
Golf balls are like eggs. They’re white. They’re sold by the dozen and a week later you have to buy more.
It’s amazing how a golfer who never helps out around the house will replace his divots, repair his ball marks, and rake his sand traps.
When you stop to think about it, did you ever notice that it’s a lot easier to get up at 6:00 a.m. to play golf than at 10:00 to go to church?
6 7 8
4 5 46
Golf is the perfect thing to do on Sunday because you always end up praying a lot.
A good golf partner is one who’s always slightly worse than you.
9 10
That rake by the sand trap is there for golfers who feel guilty about skipping out on lawn work.
If there’s a big storm rolling in, you’ll be in the middle of having the game of your life. If your opponent has trouble remembering whether he shot a six or a seven, he probably shot an eight.
The game of golf is 90% mental and 10% mental.
In charity tournaments golfers who claim they don’t cheat also lie.
ISSUE 2 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013
Tech & Gadgets
Don’t miss
Putts If you want to improve your putting performance, you need to start with golf putter technology, check out these two new putters.
Odyssey Versa Putters Offers a new visionary high contrast alignment technology that accentuates the face angle at address, through the stroke and at impact, allowing you to align your putter more accurately to the target. A new and improved white hot insert improves feel and performance. Tour-proven head shapes provide options for players of all skill levels.
Ping Scottsdale TR ZB S Putter Ping has created an exceptional range of putters in the Ping Scottsdale TR series, as they have variable-depth grooves that are designed to give more consistent distance control when hit anywhere across the whole putter face. Ideal for players with a strong arc to their putting stroke, the Ping Scottsdale TR ZB S Putter is a compact blade shaped putter that has the latest in putter technology.
RESTAURANT GUIDE SELECTION METRO AREA ALFREDO Ristorante and Wine Bar Lovers of authentic and faithful Italian cuisine will enjoy a delightful dinner in an inviting ambiance that could only be experienced within the beauty of days and nights of San Juan, artistically combined with the mixture of carefully selected ingredients, in order to put together a delightful menu that will take your senses to the historic city of Rome You will enjoy among other typical dishes, the original Fettuccine Alfredo prepared by professionals right at your table, with gold set of cutlery to recreate the extraordinary dining experience of its artificer Alfredo di Lelio. Located at the lower level InterContinental San Juan Hotel & Casino 5961 Isla Verde Ave., Isla Verde, San Juan, PR 00979 787.791.6100
INARU Located in downtown San Juan, Inaru Restaurant is renowned for its culinary excellence and internationally inspired dishes. We invite you to discover the Inaru Restaurant experience, menu and wine list. “Their contemporary dining room, modern facilities and welcoming atmosphere offer an exceptional dining experience. Their menu offers a unique mix of classic dishes and seasonal specialties that are guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate.” 311 Calle Recinto Sur San Juan, PR 00901 787.724.7384
DI PARMA Mediterranean food with a view Di Parma serves Mediterranean-style tapas, seafood and pizza in a comfortable yet classy setting. The lunch menu features delicately crafted sandwiches, soups, salads and stone-baked pizza. Dinner offerings include tapas, escargot, pasta and pizza. 311 Calle Recinto Sur San Juan, PR 00901 787.724.7384
RUTH’S CHRIS Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef. Broiled in a trademark 1,800° oven & served on a plate heated to 500 degrees, your steak is presented sizzling hot at your table. Additionally, the menu includes select fresh
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seafood & other meat entrees, including seasonal specialties like foie gras, buffalo strip & scallops. A variety of fresh-cooked vegetables, including seven kinds of potatoes, salads, homemade desserts & an extensive selection of over 100 domestic & imported wines complete your dining experience. Ruth’s Chris never fails to please! Located at the InterContinental San Juan - Lobby Level 5961 Isla Verde Ave., Isla Verde, San Juan, PR 00979
NORTH AREA LENEL Chef Andy Torres Toledo has his creative stage: The Lenel Tower, a stellar appetizer; skirt steak with plantain strips in the shape of a volcano; La Vasca: fish, mussels, scallops and shrimp; and Cosa Nostra, pork cutlet in haw sauce and a starchy vegetable mash. 51 Palma, Arecibo 787.815.8400 lenelrestaurant.com
SOFIA Italian Ristorante and Pizzeria located on San Francisco Street. The space evokes the personality of the mega star Sofia Loren beautiful, glamorous, colorful and perfumed in passion, perfectly complementing the variety of Italian dishes which are the restaurant’s main attraction. Adding to this experience is a generous list of wines and specialty cocktails. All dishes are served with passion by an extremely knowledgable team. 355 San Francisco, Old San Juan, San Juan, PR 00901 787.721.0396
IL MULINO NEW YORK Il Mulino New York offers a one-of-akind experience: authentic Italian cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients and techniques, served with impeccable attention amidst the lushness of a tropical island resort. Renowned for its opulence, the Ritz Carlton San Juan offers the perfect setting for an unparalleled meal, whether it be the island bounty of freshly caught langostinos or the Old World Il Mulino tradition of the perfect veal chop. Located at the Ritz Carlton San Juan 6961 Avenue of the Governors Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979 787.791.8632
LA CASONA Housed in a turn-of-the-20th-century mansion, La Casona is all Old World Spanish charm, with a tiled courtyard, blooming gardens, tropical birds and strolling guitarists. You can’t go wrong with the classics: Grilled red snapper is a specialty, and you can order it with almost any sauce you want. The cuisine here has both flair and flavor 609 San Jorge St., Santurce, San Juan, PR 00907 787.727.2717
MADE IN PUERTO RICO Great cook Alexis Torres opens this ‘funfonda’ in Dorado. It’s a revival of 1940’s rural living in PR. The greeter welcomes you with rollers in her hair: “Hey, Jíbaro! You look like you’re starving, come and sit down while I get you a table.” You wait in the “living room” where a TV is playing Puerto Rican shows & commercials of the beloved era. The phonetically-perfectyet-mispelled sayings on the wall and the traditional food transport you to another period of island living. Great menu: just like Abuela’s cooking! Rd. 693, Bo. Higuillar, Dorado 787.626.6666
WEST AREA NOVECENTO ITALIAN BISTRO Italian Bistro and Pizza Place Its modern décor and fully stocked bar features a semi-private VIP lounge area that invites guests to relax and enjoy the ambiance with their choice of cocktails. Food styles: American (Traditional), Burgers Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Steakhouses, Tapas Bars, Vegetarian Calle Agustan Stahl #61, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 00603 787.882.7475
ONE TEN THAI Located in Aguadilla this restaurant had its beginning in the kitchen of Chef Andrew, who started selling food to friends on weekends. Southeast Asian Inspired Cuisine, Craft Beer, Fine Wines. Rd. 110, Old Ramey Base, Aguadilla 787.890.0113
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RESTAURANT GUIDE SELECTION VENDIMIA 305 Creative Caribbean Cuisine Recently opened, this creative Caribbean cuisine venue takes Puerto Rican dishes to a new level. Cocktails here are original, refreshing and fun. Variety of domestic and imported beer. A superb wine list. Chic, relaxed atmosphere. 100 Antonio Pérez, Isabela 787.830.6622
ZAFRA Zafra is a unique culinary concept located amid The Plantation golf course, in West Dorado Beach Resort & Club. Among the bestsellers in their delicious dinner menu: glacéed pork chops in tamarind sauce, and from the sea, the fresh catch of the day sautéed in butter, garlic and lemon and served with rice, beans and tostones; garlic shrimp or Mahi Mahi Casserole with a side of chickpeas and chorizo. For meat lovers: Grilled Rib Eye steak and Rack of Lamb in its own juices, garlic, mashed potato and seasonal vegetables. “Cook with your heart and respect the nature of your ingredients. This will infuse your food with flavor,” says Chef Cedeño. Dorado Beach Plantation Rd. 696; 500 Plantation Dr., Dorado 787. 626.1054 / 787. 626.1031
CENTER AREA EL OTOAO Leyend tells us that Cacique Otoao (in Taíno, “between mountains”), was the highest chief where Lagos Dos Bocas lies today. In his honor, this beautiful inn with a paradisiacal view serves dishes made with fresh produce, gifts of this sacred soil. 140 Rd., Km 31.2, Utuado 787.894.5511
RANCHO MARINA Unique! : Rabbit à l’Orange Forty-five years ago, Don Harry Marrero founded this place on what used to be a bus stop. His son, Harry, and his wife, Vivian, created a spectacular menu with tropical flavors. Best sellers: Rabbit à l’Orange, with touches of papaya. 123 Rd., km. 68.0 Embarcadero Lago Dos Bocas 787.894.8034 ranchomarina.com
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SOUTH AREA LOLA’S Just spectacular! Within the colorful Ramada Hotel. Eclectic and creative cuisine. From sushi to traditional mofongo. Reina St., at the Square (Plaza) Ponce 787.813.5050
ARCHIPIÉLAGO The best mojito in the Caribbean. Veal chop breaded in onion jelly and served with mushroom risotto…it’ll drive you wild! Pair it with a delicious mojito -- they are the house specialty. All this in one place with the best panoramic view of beautiful Ponce. 76 Cristina Ponce 787.812.8822
EAST AREA: RIO GRANDE BARBAKOA RESTAURANT “Fantastic Rainforest dining experience by the river” Tiki umbrella picnic tables, fantastic interactive waiters, ambience, great food. It is located right along the river on your way to El Yunque. If you visit the restaurant after dark, tiki torches are on, creating a picturesque ambience. Fun music is playing. Fun location!!! Carr. 191 km. 1.1, Barrio Mameyes, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787.415.2317
RICHIE’S CAFÉ Spectacular view situated high on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This would be a great place to grab a drink and enjoy authentic Puerto Rican dinning. Pineapple rice with chicken is excellent as well as the pineapple rice with shrimp. Carr 968 Km 2.0 Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787.887.1435
PASIÓN POR EL FOGÓN Officially qualified as “MESON GASTRONOMICO” or Gastronomic Inn with an exceptional creative menu. Fishermen in the area are responsible for bringing the freshest seafood to your table. Famous for its fish stuffed with shrimp, conch or lobster. Malanga soup and shrimp are classic communal meal. The three chocolate flavored milk, banana and almond is famous. Assorted children’s menu. The name refers to Chef Myrta Perez Toledo passion to turn traditional Puerto Rican cuisine into an experience for the palate. Hotel Gran Melia Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787.315.9820 / 787.615.9820
FERN A stylish indoor/outdoor restaurant in a lush environment at St. Regis Bahia Beach Hotel. With a Caribbean-Latin inspired menu and impeccable service and extensive wine list. St. Regis Bahia Beach Rd 187 Km 4.2 Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 787.809.8000
LLUVIA DELI BAR & ARTEFACTO Lovely family run café close to El Yunque Rainforest. It has a fantastic atmosphere with a contemporary setting including an outside terrace to enjoy the cool breeze. The staff is extremely friendly; they make you feel like family. The food is fantastic with top notch bacon, organic eggs, bread made on-site. Must try their famous coconut balls covered in chocolate with a great cup of coffee. Perfect for large groups. Offers free WiFi. 52 Principal Street Palmer, Puerto Rico 00721 787.657.5186
Note: Information subject to change without notice during the course of the year. 49
GOLF COURSES GUIDE Aguirre Golf Club Road 705, Km 3, Aguirre, Salinas Type: Public
Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club $125 - $225
$125 - $275
PUERTO RICO Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort 201 Dorado Del Mar Boulevard, Dorado
Fort Buchanan Golf Course Building 171, Fort Buchanan
Las Bambuas Golf Course Route 187 Kilometer 4.2, Rio Grande Phone: (866) 529-3996
Berwind Country Club Road 187 Km 4.7, Rio Grande
Caguas Real Golf & Country Club 700 Alhambra Blvd., Caguas
Club Deportivo Del Oeste Carr. 102 KM 15.4 Int., Joyudas, Cabo Rojo
Coamo Springs Golf & Tennis Club Road 546 KM 1, Coamo
Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club Ponce, Porta Caribe
Dorado Beach Resort & Club
Road 189 Km. 10.1 Jardin, Gurabo
Palmas Athletic Club The Flamboyan Course The Palm Course $145.00 Non members / $28.00 Members - 7 days a week 1 Academy Drive, Palmas del Mar, Humacao P.R. Phone: (787) 656-3020
Punta Borinquen Golf and Country Club Base Ramey, Aguadilla
Rio Bayamon Golf Course $25
$25
Verdes Carr. 177, Bayamon Type: Public Phone: (787) 740-1419
East Course $100 - $210
$100 - $210
100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado Phone: (787) 626-1010
Dorado Beach Resort & Club West Course $70 - $160
$70 - $160
100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado Phone: (787) 626-1010
El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa
Trump International Golf Club 100 Clubhouse Drive, Rio Grande
The Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort Ocean Course River Course $150
$200
6000 Rio Mar Blvd., Rio Grande Phone: (877) 636-0636
1000 Conquistador Avenue, Fajardo
El Legado Golf Resort Carr. PR-713, KM. 2.5 Bo. Jobos y Pozo Hondo, Guayama 50
Note: Fees subject to change without notice during the course of the year. ISSUE 2 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013
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