OTL December 2019 / January 2020

OTL’s Christmas Gift List

Holiday Vino

Houston is Calling Dining in Paris, Le Train Bleu

Spanish Oaks Golf Club

Contents

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Volume 17, Issue 3

FEATURES 12

TAKE 3: HOUSTON, TEXAS Houston is calling. This savvy city has an extensive list of things to do. Michelle Keller.

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LE TRAIN BLEU The perfect intersection of history and fine food. Richard Arebalo.

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A CHRISTMAS EXTRAORDINAIRE Let your heart be full and your eyes gaze upon this year’s extraordinary gift list. Michelle Keller.

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SPANISH OAKS GOLF CLUB World class golf course surrounded by a luxury residential community. Marc Hall.

OTL’s Christmas Gift List

Holiday Vino

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Houston is Calling Dining in Paris, Le Train Bleu

Spanish Oaks Golf Club

ON THE COVER Get ready for the holidays with family and friends. It wouldn’t be complete without wonderful wine.

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Contents Volume 17, Issue 3

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COLUMNS 18

FITNESS A quick squeeze can keep your fitness goals on track.

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PUTT FOR DOUGH 2019, a year for strong bond returns?

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DRIVE FOR SHOW 2020 Aston Martin DBX: Aston Martin spared no expense.

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MIND GAME Short game blend, technique and mental.

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BUCK’S TIPS Buck’s Philosophy. Golf can not be taught, but it can be learned.

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TRAVEL Grand Canyon provides the perfect getaway during the cold months.

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ON YOUR GAME Barney Adams. A Texas original and golf business pioneer.

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WINE Holiday vino is on the menu. Straight talk from Tony.

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THE SWEET SPOT Anthony Cools has the coolest show on the Las Vegas Strip.

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CIGARS There are no stupid questions when is comes to cigar choices.

From the Publisher he last issue of the year is also the first issue of the new year. When I was much younger, I paid a great deal of attention to the calendar. I was keenly aware if it was an odd or even year. My favorite years ended in five or zero. It wasn’t until the other day that someone said we are ending a decade and are about to move into the 20s. Wow. It’s a new decade. Where were you back in 2009. The time seemingly has rocketed. What does it mean and how to shape it into perspective? It’s an opportunity to reflect.

How about a real-life scenario of a person in politics saying, “Wait, I offered a bribe,” etc.

The game of golf not only relies on the player self-policing but it requires our playing partner to say something if they see something. It’s their responsibility to protect the field.

Realistically, any 10-year period will show significant change good or bad. Time moves forward but it’s up to us to decide what direction we take our lives. This is the time of year, when most make proclamations or resolutions. It’s always good to have a plan. The most important component is to decide, plan and dedicate yourself to the process.

His teammates are in a precarious position.

They love the game of golf but if they were completely candid it would look as if they are not supportive of their teammate. It’s a complex dilemma.

It’s never too late to decide or revise your goals no matter how many decades you have accumulated. Your choices may change and your direction may waiver, but no matter, you will end up somewhere.

There was a big story this week involving a PGA Tour player breaking a rule. It’s common on tour to break a rule and receive a penalty. What stood out uncommonly was the response of fellow players and golf fans. The overwhelming sentiment was not that the player broke the rule but it was that most felt he cheated. Golf, unlike any other sport, relies on the integrity of the player. We as golfers are tasked with the responsibility of calling a penalty on ourselves. As I watch the NFL or NBA, I try to imagine the player saying, “Yes, I’m guilty of holding.” “Yes, I traveled.” It wouldn’t happen.

It all comes down to integrity. This is President’s Cup week. Since the player at the center of the story is taking part in the event, not only does he have to answer questions about the incident, but his teammates have to answer questions.

What does that mean in our lives? Integrity. We must ask ourselves, how honest are we in our lives?

Are we living a life of integrity or are we using situational ethics?

There is no right or wrong answer, but it is a great barometer to use to check ourselves.

We have an ongoing column in the magazine called “Mind Game”. You’ll play better golf with a better mental game. It translates into life. As you continue on your path, you will have to make choices, club selection, relationships, finance and more.

If you can live maintaining your integrity you will score better in life.

It’s more than doing the right thing when everyone is looking. It’s about doing the right thing and following the rules when no one is looking.

May 2020 bring you joy and the vision to dream and prosper. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sedric Walker • Publisher

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/OnTheLinks Magazine

@otl_golf

@otlgolf

otlgolf.com

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Chin, Andrew Ferguson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONALS Brech Spradley, Buck Mayers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Keller, Leslie Sosa, Kelly Vohnn, Tara Lee Maloney, Tony Schlotzhauer, Art Stricklin

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Natalie Kalbas

CONTENT SPECIALISTS Joel McColl, Stephanie Hawley,

INTERNET & DIGITAL Karen Kreeps

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

512.657.7533 pr@otlgolf.com

OTL magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located at 210 Grand Isle Drive. Round Rock, TX 78665. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions and depictions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. OTL reserves the right to refuse any ad for anyreason whatsoever. Š2019 by OTL. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or part without the express written consent of OTL is strictly prohibited. Editorial queries and manuscripts should be directed to the editor via email, editor@otlgolf.com. All letters and their contents sent to OTL are sole property of OTL and may be used, printed, and published in any matter whatsoever without limit, obligation and liability to the author thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and artists and not necessarily those of OTL or its advertisers. Manuscripts should be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. OTL assumes no responsibility or liability for the return of unsolicited artwork, manuscripts or pictures. Printed in the USA.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / TAKE 3

Low-Key Romantic or HighEnergy Fanatic, 12 4

A DP ER CIELM/ BM EA R Y2 0 21 09 1 9/ J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

HOUSTON IS CALLING STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

A new year is close and perhaps more significant, a new decade is on the horizon. Starting a new year always reminds us that change, while inevitable and sometimes difficult, is also very fulfilling. A new decade signals a chance to begin again, get a fresh start and live life with new vigor and a fresh perspective. t’s time to make new plans for exciting experiences. Houston is a savvy city with an extensive list of things to see and do. From world-class arts, pro sports and award-winning cuisine, you’ll leave Houston a bit more cultivated, and delighted that you came.

The nation’s fourth-largest city, Houston is ready and able to accommodate beyond your expectations. For the ultimate high-end experience arrive in style by chartered helicopter from either of Houston’s airports to a private helipad on top of The Post Oak Hotel. Provided by Paradigm Helicopters LLC, this opportunity allows for an aerial view of the city before you experience it.

The Post Oak Hotel accommodates a world of unsurpassed luxury. At 5,000-square-feet, the Presidential

Suite is one of the largest of its kind. With stunning designs and brilliant views of the Houston skyline, you’ll relish every moment of your stay at The Post Oak. The Presidential Suite, which at 5,000 square feet is one of the largest of its kind in Houston, offers extra privacy and discretion with private elevator access, media room, exercise room, and a secluded terrace.

Transformative healing is at the heart of each lavish treatment at the Post Oak on-site Spa. Inspired by the diverse international heritage of Houston and the ceremonial anti-aging rituals of ancient cultures, the ethos follows a holistic approach to authentic well-being and lasting beauty using the latest innovations in skincare techniques. Cultivated from the world’s most unspoiled regions, exclusive products are a mélange of purity and efficacy.

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Take a sensory journey with essential oils from Aromatherapy Associates, rituals and treatments from Cinq Mondes, and anti-aging A balance of healing, wellness and beauty that exceeds expectations. You’ll be transported the latest in technology, the “In-Skin” facial machine. An evolutionary treatment that integrates six high-performance functions, provides the ultimate in facial experience. We are always in a rush; be sure you take time to enjoy this feature at its peak with the co-ed lounge before or after your treatment. You’ll have the opportunity to relax, hydrate, meditate and recline in a zero-gravity chair.

Twenty-five companies on the Fortune 500 list call Houston home. Often called the energy capital

NASA EXHIBIT

NASA EXHIBIT

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of the world, it is also home to NASA headquarters.

Aeronautic research is unsurpassed in the central nerve center of NASA, where the facility responsible for putting the first man on the moon is located.

For an insider look at the real world of NASA, get behind the scenes in an exclusive Level 9 Tour.

Only 12 guests are allowed on the daily tour, which includes a four to five-hour exploration showcasing the areas astronauts train, along with historic and ISS Mission Control.

In the heart of Houston, you’ll find the Houston Polo Club. Weekly club tournaments are held with club members and top-tier international players.

The Houston Polo Club has showcased the best in the sport of polo for the better part of a century. Between the third and fourth chukkers, toast with a glass of champagne for the traditional divot stomp.

With two courses to choose from the Wildcat Golf Club is your spot to hit the links. The Highlands Course offers a links golf experience, but you’ll discover the open tumbling fairways and impressive elevations are more typical of a Texas Hill Country course. Throughout your round, 6,954 yards from the tips, drop backs are panoramic views of the city that include Houston’s Galleria area to the Medical Center, to NRG Stadium, and to Downtown. Players beware, stay focused, every hole on the Highlands course offers a challenge.

Protected by well-placed bunkers lying beyond deep ravines, each tee shot demands your full attention.

On the Lakes course, you start high. Its highest

take 3

seasonal beers and a few exclusives create a wellrounded lineup.

Seasonal stouts can be found at Eureka Heights Brewing Co. With a lower ABV%, more flavors can be experienced to their fullest. Take your time and join in a game of cornhole, foosball and whichever brews are in season.

Named after the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome, 8th Wonder is a champion for Houston sports, music and beer. The 8th offers five year-round beers, four seasonal beers and many limited releases. The brewery also showcases local bands, an Eatsie Boys food truck and many annual events.

With five year-round beers, you are sure to

POST OAK HOTEL elevations (up to 100 feet) provide breathtaking views of Houston’s major sports complex – NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans. As you work your way down, you’ll see the water and acres of countless lakes. The Lakes’ dramatic elevation changes can be rivaled by no other course in Houston. Playing 7,016 from the tips, the Lakes is a bit longer than the Highlands. You’ll enjoy navigating around the water, managing the Lakes rolling fairways and experiencing its fast greens.

Visit the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals at the Houston Museum of Natural Science by day, but an after-hours party there may be just what you need. Seated dinners are available for host in the space, among 750 of the world’s finest gems and minerals, from a crystallized gold cluster to an emerald crystal weighing nearly 2,000 carats.

Houston Rockets fans can’t miss courtside seats to a game at the Toyota Center. You’ll get a chance to check out Harden tearing it up on the court, with included access to the Lexus Lounge. This VIP space features a private bar, plush furniture and pool tables and plays frequent host to celebrities including Oprah, Beyoncé and Shaq.

In recent years, Houston has become well known for its craft beer industry. A beer-lovers utopia, it’s easier than ever to experience all of the one-of-a-kind blends in Houston.

Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Texas’ oldest craft brewery is one of the most popular breweries with some of the best beer in Texas. A Germanstyle Kölsch named Lawnmower is Saint Arnold’s most popular of 12 year-round beers, while seven

A S T RO D O M E, 8T H WO N D E R

H O U S TO N M U S E U M O F N AT U RA L S C I E N C E O T L G O L F. C O M

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T H E WA U G H D R I V E B R I D G E. Bats emerge at dusk from under the bridge.

satisfy your taste at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. Flavorful beers like the 1836 copper ale, offer oneof-a-kind flavor experiences. Buffalo Bayou is also open for brewery tours.

Located on one city acre of land, City Acre Brewing is known for its hops. With an extensive on-site garden, locals say it is the place to be when the weather is nice. IPA and blonde beer fans will relish the flavorful beer named Hitchcock.

If bats have ever captivated you, you can watch in awe as 250,000 bats emerge at dusk from under the Waugh Drive Bridge, located over Buffalo Bayou between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive. There is a special sightseeing deck beside the bridge where you can view them. If you’re really fascinated, Waugh Bridge Bat Colony Pontoon offers daily boat tours.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is a must-see. Situated on 35-acres, this coastal getaway features themed restaurants, retail shops and amusements, just a

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short drive away.

A 500,000-gallon under-water adventure can be found in Houston’s Downtown Aquarium.

You’ll want to carve out time for this complex that includes a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage and a restaurant.

Wrap up your trip with a quiet, romantic dinner at the famous Rainbow Lodge. This 100-year-old log cabin is minutes from downtown Houston. Among the most romantic dining spots, the decades-old spot is charming and intimate. Cozy fireplaces and a meandering deck that looks out on a nearby creek make this gem an excellent choice for finer fare such as the cast iron-seared red snapper or braised buffalo short ribs.

Bursting with attractions with Easter-egg surprises around every corner, we couldn’t possibly cover them all. With options suited for the low-key romantic, to the high-energy fanatic, Houston is the spot to kick-off your new decade.

OTL / FITNESS

A Quick Squeeze STORY BY LESLIE SOSA

During the Holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the business of traveling, work parties and shopping, and often come up with excuses not to make time to exercise. An easy way to make sure to not fall too much out of your routine during busier times of the year, consider some in-home exercises that require little to no equipment just in case you are in a pinch for time. Resistance bands are lightweight, compact for storage or tossing into your suitcase, and can be used for countless exercises. Resistance bands are superb for toning and developing your slow-twitch fiber muscles, the ones that give you the ability to carry groceries to the fifth floor without experiencing muscle fatigue. Slow-twitch fibers are used for endurance, not speed, which is important in your everyday activities.

With a resistance hoop band, you can place it above the knee around both thighs and from a bridge position, keep your feet and knees hip-width apart.

By using a band and keeping the knees and feet apart, you are forcing better glute activation and isolation by adding some resistance. This exercise is a great way to work on stability muscles and muscle activation, isolating the muscle group more intensely. Since there is 18

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

no weight added during this exercise, high repetition is required to tone and build strength, so try three to five sets of 20-30 repetitions when you integrate this into a routine.

Resistance bands come in various forms and levels of resistance, which is why having a variety of bands is a plus. With a single band, make a strap to loop around your foot and hold the other end around your hand or under your palm. Bring your knee towards your chest and kick back in a curve motion for a donkey kick. This exercise targets the muscles on the underside of your glute for a nice lift. After 20-30 kicks, hold your leg in the extended position and pulse upwards for another 20 repetitions.

Staying healthy and active doesn’t have to take two hours out of each day. Consistently exercising and being intentional about what kinds of workouts you do is key to seeing results and staying on track during the Holidays. We all get busy and are not going to have time to make it to the gym as often as we would have liked, which is why having some resistance bands handy is an excellent way to make sure you can squeeze in some movement because if you don’t squeeze that booty, no one will.

OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

2019: A Year of Strong Bond Returns?

STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

Bonds are often a significant part of a diversified portfolio. Bonds generate returns by earning interest but also fluctuate in value based on changes in interest rates. For example, if an investor buys a two-year bond earning 2.00%, and soon afterwards investors demand 2.25% for a similar bond, then its price must fall.

What were recent concerns for bonds?

During 2018 and 2019, many in the financial press assumed that interest rates would rise. The reasons seemed obvious: years of historically low interest rates and a strong economy could result in higher in-

Two-Year Treasury Yield Source: treasury.gov

3.0

Percent

flation and lending rates. Accordingly, the Federal Reserve, who seeks to influence short-term rates to control inflation, signaled their intent to raise their target interest rates. In February 2019, the Wall Street Journal surveyed 62 economists at banks with only one forecasting an interest rate decrease.1 Some investors felt it was obvious that interest rates were rising and that they would see losses on their bond portfolios.

What happened?

As many forecasted, interest rates increased during 2018, but then rates significantly decreased again in 2019.

2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0

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3/6/2022

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How could so many people have been incorrect?

Perhaps because forecasts are only estimates? Perhaps because stocks steeply declined in late 2018, signaling the potential for a recession? Considering more skeptical views, perhaps the financial press sensationalizes stories to keep audience’s attention, or perhaps banks forecast interest rate changes simply to give their clients confidence in their knowledge?

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1/8/2023

3/9/2023

5/9/2023

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9/7/2023

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What should investors do?

Another group of investors employ evidence-based investing. They rely on researchers who for decades have analyzed data seeking systematic and repeatable strategies. So far, the research has uncovered valuable insights, but a reliable method to profit from forecasted interest rate changes has been elusive. These investors proactively build portfolios addressing the uncertainty regarding interest rates and other unpredictable changes. This keeps them seated so they can capture the returns of the broad US bond market. As an example, the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund has returned 11.48% over the last year ending 10/31/2019.

As a result, investors can tune out the anxiety caused by financial press, have greater confidence in their investment decisions, and capture the returns that markets offer.

1Timiraos, Nick. “Meet the Economist Who Predicted the Fed’s Rate Cut.” Wall Street Journal August 2019. WSJ.com

OTL / DRIVE FOR SHOW

2020 Aston Martin DBX

PHOTOS: SOURCED FROM ASTON MARTIN WEBSITE

2020 marks Aston Martin’s entry into the super luxury sport utility vehicle market with the all new DBX. Aston Martin spares no expensive to ensure the DBX hits the market keeping pace or exceeding its competition in performance and styling.

The DBX exterior is smooth, stout and sporty with lots of Aston Martin attitude. The iconic front grill, cat like headlights and sultry lines are

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all reminiscent of the James bond adventures that provided this brand with a global reputation of excitement and elegance.

Performance centers around the DBX’s 4.0-liter twin turbo V-8 engine that produces 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Getting the power to the pavement is handled by a nine-speed automatic transmission that catapults this super luxury SIV from zero-60 mph in 4.3 seconds with a top speed potential of 181 mph. There are five driving modes ranging from performance to offroad that adjusts the ride height of the vehicle.

The DBX provides more than just speed it has a towing capacity of 5940 pounds and can support 220 pounds of cargo on the roof rack that sits above the standard full-length panoramic glass roof.

The interior is influenced by the other super star vehicles in the Aston Martin stable. So, the DBX will feel just like any other Aston Martin despite it being an SUV. Stitched leather a mix of wood and metal finish outs are nothing less than you would expect in an Aston Martin. The legroom and passenger comforts are all perfect for a vehicle in this class and the cabin technology is on point with a fully digital gauge cluster, four

drive for show

zone climate control and heated rear seats. There is also 22 cubic feet of trunk capacity with the second row in place, or 54 cubic feet with it folded.

Construction will use the same technique of bonded aluminum panels and extrusions that Aston Martin uses for its other models, but the DBX will be built in an all-new factory at Saint Athan in Wales.

The DBX is available to order now with the first customer cars scheduled to arrive in May 2020. U.S. pricing begins at:

$192,086

Driverside Vehicle reviews O T L G O L F. C O M

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PHOTOS: RICHARD AREBALO

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Steamed Cod and French Whelks with spring vegetables aioli.

– Paris STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / OTL MAGAZINE

s a kid, I was fascinated by old ships. I would carve small wooden versions of Viking longboats, constructed a pretty detailed little paddle wheeler, and even made a small ocean liner complete with construction paper funnels. I also had that crazy, intense childhood love of trains.

As an adult (for a few years now), I’ve been an avid collector of vintage European travel memorabilia, particularly items from the 1920s and 30s.

I’ve bought rare menus, silver, and other beautiful items from many ocean liners and trains, but my most prized possession is a 1926 bronze Wagons-Lits monogram from an actual Orient Express sleeping car. (think “Murder on the Orient Express”) So, on my last trip to Paris, I was delighted to

find the perfect intersection of history and fine food at the historic restaurant Le Train Bleu.

This stunning restaurant, originally created in 1900 for the Paris Exposition, is prominently located on the upper floor in the hall of the Gare de Lyon train station.

The station today serves nearly ninety million passengers per year and is the third busiest in France, so it seems unusual that an ornate belleepoch restaurant shares its space; however, its museum-quality decoration is definitely with purpose.

Original to its construction, the restaurant’s vast ceilings and walls are studded with fine paintings of the destinations that the train station has served via its many routes. The famous Orient Express to Istanbul, and the elegant Paris-Ventimiglia, “Blue Train” routes to the French and Italian

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PHOTO: SOURCED FROM LE TRAIN BLUE WEBSITE

PHOTO: RICHARD AREBALO PHOTO: RICHARD AREBALO

PHOTO: RICHARD AREBALO

Baba au Rhum desser t.

Espresso with Meringue and chocolate Petit fours.

In 1972, the restaurant was classified as a “Monument Historique” and is now protected as a national heritage site.

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Rivieras passed through or originated at the Gare de Lyon.

Forty-plus paintings grace the restaurant with scenes ranging from domed palaces and churches to idyllic French countryside moments. There are beautiful cliffside towns, many scenic harbors, and even an Arabic desert town. Many of these works were created by some of the best French artists of the time and would be considered important paintings on their own.

In 1972, the restaurant was classified as a “Monument Historique” and is now protected as a national heritage site.

In the current decade, wonderful things have happened to the restaurant. In 2014, the restaurant was renovated and restored; paintings and sculptures were cleaned and

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

repaired (so much re-gilding), and the kitchens were modernized.

Most importantly, in 2018, two-star Michelin chef Michel Rostang of Paris’s Maison Rostang joined Le Train Bleu’s Chef Jean Pierre Hocquet in collaboration to elevate the menu to match its phenomenal surroundings.

Echoing the many regions of France in the restaurant’s paintings, Chef Rostang focused on traditional French cuisine, making use of marvelous seafood from the many coasts, excellent meats from its plentiful farms, and its wonderful regional cheeses.

For most of its life, the restaurant was known as the “Buffet de la Gare de Lyon,” however, in 1963, the restaurant was renamed “Le Train Bleu” in honor of the luxu-

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PHOTO: RICHARD AREBALO

ry train route.

Though its origins go back to the mid-1880s, the Calais-Méditerrannée Express had its heyday between the early 1920s and the mid-1930s, shuttling the rich and famous to the beautiful coastal cities of Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Menton and Ventimiglia (Italy).

From 1922 on, the train was composed exclusively of first-class steel carriages (S-Cars) with the sleeping cars painted a dark blue with gold details. A British advertisement is actually credited with furthering the name of the train with a poster that promoted taking ‘A New Blue Train to the Côte d’Azur.’ (The train route officially became Le Train Bleu only after WW II) Because of its destinations, the route had always attracted a wealthier clientele; Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Winston Churchill, and (Edward) The Prince of Wales were frequent guests on the train.

Like its famous cousin, Le Train Bleu has also been featured in novels, including Agatha Christie’s 1928, “The Mystery of the Blue Train,” and another popular detective story, “Mon Ami Maigret” by Georges Simenon. Interestingly, there is even a Ballets Russes ballet – Le Train Bleu.

Because of its unique splendor, the current restaurant has been featured in many movies, including the crime thriller “Nikita” by Luc Besson and Place Vendôme, which starred Catherine Deneuve.

(And, though it pains me to say it, it was featured in Mr. Bean’s Holiday.)

Very much unlike Mr. Bean’s holiday, I was in Paris to visit friends, eat to excess, and see an amazing ‘Ile de France’ ocean liner exhibit.

We met our friend Arnaud (who’s perfect idea this was) in the busy concourse of Gare de

sea snails - different from escargot, but no less delicious with the garlic in the sauce.

I requested a favorite Sancerre to accompany the Cod and was told (happily) that it was a good choice.

White one of my companions selected the Cod entrée as well, the other opted for the Guinea hen. His entrée was served with an artful array of carrots and tiny tomatoes in a perfect looking sauce.

My dessert selection was a house specialty – a Baba au Rhum. A large popover shaped cake was placed before me, and with a quick motion, the waiter split it neatly down the middle. He then proceeded to flood the cake with half the rum from a decanter, which he then left on the table. Together with the whipped cream on the side of the plate, it was a challenge, but eventually, all gone.

Nearly three blissful hours later, we sat and enjoyed strong coffee and little tiny sweets from the chef until it was time to say goodbye.

In an article I did a few years ago on the wonderful Austin restaurant, Chez Nous, I lamented that after such an iconic French meal, it was a great pity that Paris itself was not waiting just outside.

Happily, this time, it was.

PHOTO: RICHARD AREBALO

Lyon at mid-day, and we went up the stairs into the jaw-dropping place.

The scale of the restaurant is the first thing that hits you – its ceilings are twenty-four feet high created by ornate arches in both directions. There’s a vast array of carvings – muses, cherubs, and cartouches all embellished with a profusion of gilded leaves and swags. The several one-ton bronze chandeliers look like golden trees hanging from the ceiling.

We were initially greeted by a porter dressed in vintage train livery and then presented to the hostess to confirm our reservation and preferred language of menus.

The restaurant is oddly very busy and calm at the same time. It’s an ocean of tables in pristine white linens, broken by long rows of banquettes and chairs upholstered in a beautiful blue. Natural light pours in from the massive arched windows along the full length of the restaurant’s main rooms.

We were seated and again greeted professionally by an extremely dapper waiter in a dark suit.

A few options were discussed, and a menu in French was retrieved for Arnaud.

As would be expected, the choices on the full menu made the decision very difficult. Starters of Scottish salmon, Burgundy-style escargot with parsley butter, Duck foie gras terrine, “Cushions of scallops,” entrees of Pike, Turbot, Roasted leg of lamb – carved table-side, Duckling Roannaise, Chicken and veal sweetbread vol-au-vent were available – basically, a list for a foodie died and gone to heaven…

I elected to get the PLM fixed menu – 3 courses paired with wine. The menu options featuring regional produce from the southwest of France along the PLM (Paris-Lyon-Marseille) route.

As a starter, I received a gorgeous duck and duck foie gras pâté en croûte accompanied by a Provence fig chutney, and toasted hazelnuts. The pâté slice was large, earthy good, and the best one in a week of many to compare. The sweet notes from the fig and nutty hazelnuts were a joy. It was well paired with a mildly sweet Gewürztraminer.

The main course was a cloud-white piece of steamed cod served with tiny carrots, broccoli fleurettes, and haricot vert. It was served with a dish of bright saffron aioli on the side.

The surprise here was the addition of “bulots,” or

Arnaud Gaudry – Les Amis de French Lines

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OTL / MIND GAME

The Short Game Blend

(Technique and Mental) STORY BY BRECH SPRADLEY, PGA DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION BARTON CREEK GOLF ACADEMY Everyone can improve scoring inside 100 yards. This area of the golf game can be played well by most amateurs because we are not talking about smashing a 330-yard drive which requires a certain unique physical ability. The short game is an area that doesn’t require the speed and strength but much more of the technique and touch. To improve your game inside 100 yards you need a good understanding of the technical part of the game as well as men-

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tal strategy for the shot. This is an area of low hanging fruit for most golfers to knock some strokes off the handicap.

It starts with technique. The short game including chipping, pitching, greenside bunker, along with the wedge game can be a frustrating area of the game if technique is poor. Many amateur players do not have a good system of distance control and their technique suffers.

When the technique is poor then it spirals

mind game into a lack of trust and confidence and confidence is, without a doubt, important for an effective short game. Amateurs often swing back too far for the required distance and hinge the club too much with the wrists resulting in poor distance control and inconsistent contact of the shot. Your best short game players and distance wedge players are very skilled at making a backswing that has an appropriate energy level.

While the overall length of the swing is a big part of short game technique, there is much more. Think of the golf swing as being 3 gears. Gear 1 (body pivot) is the master gear. It is the rotation of the body back and through. Gear 2 is the bending of the trail arm in the backswing (no more than 90 degrees) and then the straightening of the trail arm, ideally not fully extending until after impact. And gear 3 is the wrist hinge. Gear 3 is the biggest supplier of speed and acts more like a whip unloading into a ball. Many great players hit short shots with a lot of wrist hinge especially when they need more height, speed, or maybe more of a steepened angle into the ball for a certain lie (such as deep rough). But for the most part, if we can leave out the 3rd gear until we absolutely need it, we will tend to do much better with less than full shots. Steve Stricker, Jason Day, and Tom Kite - to name a few - are great examples of wedge players with this type of technique.

Short chips can normally be done in gear 1. Then, some trail arm fold (gear 2) is generally required for longer pitches. Most players do better in gear 2 up to about 75-80 yards. Longer distances generally require players to change to a pitching wedge- and stay in this swing length or add some wrist 3rd gear.

Players with slower swing speeds need more wrist hinge at closer yardages because they need more speed. Green side bunker shots normally require all three gears because we need close to three times the speed from the sand than the grass When an appropriate energy level is put into the backswing, you can make a positive and committed forward swing without the common deceleration and poor contact issues that come from an over hinged backswing. The change of speed that is required for different distances is then created by rotating the body through a little faster. Think of the gear system like the old standard cars with a stick shift. You start to accelerate the body faster but when it becomes too fast and not comfortable then you are “redlining” and need to add some wrist hinge (the next gear) or change to a longer club and stay in gear 2.

Let’s now focus on the next step, which is mental strategy. In the short game, lets call it LTD (Lie, Trajectory and Distance). These are the three steps we need to analyze in our pre-shot routine. First examine the lie of the ball to determine what strike angle and set-up are needed. Lie is not only the way

the ball is sitting on the grass, but also the slope of the ground. Next, look at the height of the shot (trajectory) that is needed. Then, review the distance required which will translate into the amount of energy (gears) needed to go the distance. With all of this in mind, the technique is established.

The next step in the mental routine is to visualize the shot vividly (trajectory, spin, roll out, and yes even holing the shot). Most players don’t visualize a certain shot, but you should. As the great teacher Harvey Penick says, “Take Dead Aim,” Which requires you to visualize yourself taking dead aim.

Seems simple, but when our mind is wrapped up in other things or negative thoughts, “taking dead aim” seems impossible.

Improving your short game will require practice to gain an understanding of your gear system and the required energy differences. When practicing, try to simulate real golf as much as possible. One thing I have my players do is complete full pre-shot routines and execution of shots with target scoring goals. For example, hit five pitch shots in a row with similar pre-shot routine and timing (cadence) with the goal of getting each shot inside six feet from the hole. This “play style” practice is the best way to prepare yourself for the golf course.

In summary, the full routine would go like this….

Examine the LTD of the ball and flight required on approach. Next, choose the appropriate club then go through the visualization and feel phase. In this phase, you will visualize the shot in your mind, take a practice swing or swings based on your routine, step in and execute the set-up and swing. With good technique and a solid mental approach, you may just make the shot. “Take Dead Aim”! I hope everyone has a great 2020 and start shooting lower scores.

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OTL / BUCK’S TIPS

My Philosophy on Learning the Game of Golf STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

Occasionally I am asked to describe my teaching method, system, or approach to teaching golf.

For over 30+ years now, I’ve been fortunate to witness, learn, and experience some of the best coaches in the game. My conclusion is that golf cannot be taught; only learned. Golf is a physical activity…a motor skill and instruction are supposed to support the learning process. My goal is to improve the way the student plays the game and why, plant seeds for growth, understand simple concepts that fit their needs, and ultimately have more fun. The first critical element and concept; the mind controls the body, the body controls the swing, and the swing controls the ball.

Unfortunately, many golfers are “in search of the perfect swing“. Golf is a creative process. Every ball flight has a picture; every movement has memory and recall. Real progress must include imagery, awareness, commitment, trust, patience, knowledge, understanding, experience, and lastly failure.

Buck Mayers is the Director of Instruction at Escondido Golf & Lake Club located in Horseshoe Bay, TX

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The perception exists that all bad shots, rounds, and tournaments are directly tied to poor swings and mechanics. While this may certainly play a role, I believe a smaller one than beliefs, preparation, emotional control, and mental game management. Most golfers will improve faster by incorporating and blending mental game strategies on how to play the game.

Golf is a terrific game that can be cruel and punishing. Confidence is elusive when the putts don’t fall, and the fairways get narrower. Players often use their scorecard as a personal identity; absorb selfpity, a failure, a choke. The coach and student must identify the cause of poor mental preparation in all areas of their game. The goal is to understand the power of choice and to replace doubt or fear with wisdom and confidence. Teachers must blend the learning of physical skill sets with mental game training to truly improve scoring and success. We all miss shots in golf. Forgive yourself first, then discover the root cause of why. Discovery.

STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, let your heart be light,” the familiar Frank Sinatra song plays in the background. We invite you to change the verse a little this year, something like, “Have yourself an extraordinary Christmas, let your heart be full.”

Let your heart be full and let your eyes be stunned as we share this year’s extraordinary gift list from OTL. 36

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icon headlights. Don’t let the size of this tight package fool you, the 7 has muscle where it counts. Featuring a 750i xDrive, a redesigned V-8 delivers a powerful 523hp.

How does, “Hey BMW, find a coffee shop.

I’m tired,” sound? With a voice-activated BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, your driving experience receives a much-needed upgrade.

What’s more, it gets smarter with every interaction. As it learns your regular routes and travel itineraries, you’ll have a perfect drive before you even ask.

PHOTO: SOURCED FROM WEBSITE

ew things are as impressive and indulgent as a new car. Remember the thrill and excitement from Bob Barker’s announcer on the Price is Right, “A brand new car!”? We can’t think of a better way to head into a new decade than in the 2020 BMW7. Designed for the driven, this car exudes luxury, performance and technology in a whiskey neat package. Pushing the limits of new territory, the 7 has a revitalized exterior with a larger kidney grill, redesigned bumpers and standard adaptive LED

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PHOTOS: SOURCED FROM WEBSITE

As busy and stressful as the holiday season can be, there is no better gift for the gentlemen than a true-blue whiskey.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare will not disappoint. In fact, this one you may want to buy two of (one to keep). With a muscular flavor that is deeper than the regular, un-haunted Blue Label, it delivers a multitude of distinction—butter toffee, sweet smoke, citrus peel, and dry spices—tantalizingly peeling off layer after layer, building a slow crescendo to a peak of spices and bitter citrus. With caramel, apple, pear, and sherbet, a mid-palate of zesty orange and baking spices collide before topping out with bitter peels, grapefruit, smoke, and sour hard candy. Ghost and Rare is a limited-edition series for Johnnie Walker Blue, the price tends to keep this blend, which includes whiskeys from shuttered distilleries, including Brora, Pittyvaich, and Cambus-on shelves. At 46 percent alcohol by volume, it drinks a bit bolder, offering a luscious mouthfeel.

Accomplished women like two things in a gift-class and tradition. There is nothing more traditional or classy than a fine piece of jewelry. With 123 different models to fit the desire of every woman of any age from aspiring to perfected, Cartier’s LOVE collection is choice in elegant gifting.

A child of 1970s New York, Cartier’s birth of the LOVE collection remains an iconic symbol of love that transgresses convention. With screw motifs and an oval shape, these pieces are established as a timeless tribute to passionate romance. Available in a multitude of styles, 18K white gold, set with 216 brilliant-cut diamonds (3.16 carats) is a bold statement of how far one is willing to go for love.

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There isn’t a lady on your (or anyone else’s) list that can’t appreciate a timeless Louis Vuitton handbag.

The Alma PM is known as the most structured of the iconic Louis Vuitton handbags. The original was the creation of Gaston Vuitton, who named it for the Alma Bridge, a span that connects two fashionable Paris neighborhoods. This contemporary version of the iconic silhouette, crafted of Epi leather, comes in bright, bracing colors.

Saving the best for last, the finale of our gifting experience is a getaway trip. If a fifth season existed, you’d find it at the heart of a Colorado Rocky Mountain adventure. A trip to Aspen is a gift the entire family will remember for years to come.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort is in close proximity to local ski lifts, and the resort offers the perfect luxury retreat from which to explore Aspen’s family-friendly outdoor

activities such as horseback riding, rafting and fly fishing. Indulge with warm service and luxury amenities, including fine on-site dining, the award-winning Remède Spa and a heated outdoor pool.

This resort is steeped in the history of the St. Regis brand, reflected in the opulent exterior comprised of over 800,000 Colorado red bricks.

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PHOTO: ST. REGIS HOTEL WEBSITE

PHOTO: SOURCED FROM LEXUS WEBSITE

Allow the staff to drive you anywhere within the city limits of Aspen in an LX 570 SUV; you’ll arrive at your dinner reservation stress-free and in style. Lexus models are available to reserve complimentary, which will allow you to take a scenic half-day drive or explore the town of Aspen.

John Jacob Astor IV founded The St. Regis New York as a place to pursue his passions in the company of the city’s luminaries. More than a century later, the St. Regis brand is renowned for its tradition of innovation and commitment to impeccable service at more than 40 hotels and resorts around the world. Learn how they celebrate legacy at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, from a Champagne Sabering tradition and live music events in bars, to Summer S’mores, and a signature Bloody Mary cocktail, When John Jacob Astor IV founded the first St. Regis Hotel in New York, circa 1904, he started a tradition where guests would gather for a glass of ceremonial champagne sabering to celebrate the transition from the day into night. This time-honored tradition is still honored daily with champagne sabering, at approximately 4:45 pm during the winter season and 5:15 pm during the summer season.

World-class skiing is at your fingertips in Aspen, Colorado. With four world-class mountains within reach (Snowmass, Aspen, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Mountain) there is terrain available for every age and ability. The St. Regis Aspen Resort is located at the base of Aspen Mountain, which puts you in great proximity to the town and the mountain.

Indulge in Aspen skiing or snowboarding

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PHOTOS: ST. REGIS HOTEL WEBSITE

from approximately Thanksgiving weekend to the first few weeks in April. Ski Valet makes the transition from the guest room to ski slope seamless. They assist with ski and snowboard equipment as well as offer local knowledge of terrain and conditions.

Explore the high country, propelled past frozen blue crystal waterfalls and over snowy vistas in the peak of the morning. Then enjoy a delightful hot lunch in a rustic cabin before riding back to The St. Regis Aspen Resort for Après ski at Shadow Mountain Lounge.

Enjoy the exquisitely prepared game and fresh fish at Krabloonik Fine Dining & Dog Sledding. Paired with an awardwinning wine list and amazing mountain views, dinner is followed by a guided dog sled tour through the Snowmass and Aspen wilderness. Each sled is pulled by 10 dogs and experienced mushers handle the sleds during 1.5-2-hour sessions.

Activities are endless and in arms reach of St. Regis. Learn the fundamentals of snowshoeing as you visit scenic trails with a naturalist guide. Or enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a log cabin for lunch or dinner.

The Silver Circle Ice Rink is adjacent to the hotel. Aspen’s only outdoor ice rink offers rentals and skating open daily from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If you prefer indoor ice skating, the City of Aspen Ice Garden offers daily public ice skating for all ages.

End your evening back at the hotel in Mountain Social Bar & Lounge where live music and sweeping views of Aspen Mountain are the backdrop for your fireside cocktails.

We hope you’ve received you some fabulous ideas for a terrific gifting season. Wishing you the best of the best this season, from all of us at OTL to your front door.

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Spanish Oaks Golf Club 44

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Born at the Right Time STORY BY MARC HALL

It’s rare to drive past the entrance to Spanish Oaks Golf Club and not marvel at how much, and in how many ways, Austin has developed in the past two decades. The club, its acclaimed 18-hole Bobby Weeddesigned golf course and surrounding luxury residential community opened in 2001, just before the droves of retail, dining other businesses transformed the rugged Hill Country-- on all sides Highway 71 near RR 620 and the western endpoint of Bee Cave Road-- into one of Texas’ most flourishing enclaves.

town” when the property first opened. From the front gates of Spanish Oaks, it’s an easy trip into Austin down Southwest Parkway (especially on weekends and evenings), a short drive to Lake Travis and a straight shot into the Highland Lakes region of the Hill Country. It can be argued, but it’s hard to imagine a better situated residential community in greater Austin.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SPANISH OAKS GOLF CLUB

’m often hit with mini-waves of nostalgia as I harken back to laughterpacked lunches at long-gone countrycooking haven Barbara Ellen’s and epic concerts at The Backyard in the 90s and early 2000s (the venue has since moved a mile or two west, down Highway 71).

From shows by Dwight Yoakum to the Gypsy Kings and Brian Wilson and Ziggy Marley to equally-great ones that somehow escape the recesses of my blissfully-aging brain, one constant remains. That location, now home to the flourishing Spanish Oaks community, is still one of the best places to admire the stars over the brawny Central Texas hilltops.

Today, one can’t help but chuckle remembering how this now-prime (ideal, in many respects) locale was considered “way out of

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Spanish Oaks founder and chairman Daniel Porter’s vision was to create a private golf course that would take advantage of the exceptional views and create thrilling shot values from the sweeping topography while employing the highest standards of environmental sensitivity.

Further, the course was to be surrounded by a low-density residential development, “leaving much of the land preserved in a natural state.” Sorry for the spoiler, but today you can see that Porter and his team, after high times and rocky times, has realized that vision. Spanish Oaks was recently reported as having the Austin area’s highest median home prices.

Course architect Weed’s routing honored the existing topography and brought back native vegetation that erosion had washed away over time. The entire property is irrigated with reclaimed water.

“With a combination of the routing and step-riser topography, we routed and laid the golf course over the existing topography. This way, the golf course just rumbles and tumbles over the existing terrain and makes it feel like it’s always been there,” Weed said.

The 7,155-yard, par-71 design takes full advantage of the quintessential Hill Country terrain. Exhilarating elevation shifts, babbling natural creeks, the contrast between manicured fairways and scrubby native grasses and mature hardwoods define a memorable routing.

The round opens pleasingly with a 575-yard, three-shot par 5. Two strong pops, favoring the left and then the right, set up a fun uphill approach to a twotiered green. The lower tier, on the left side, is the easier option but demands distance control. Shots to an upper-tier will give you a good idea of how well your warm up your short-iron and wedge game on Spanish Oaks’ state-of-the-art and expansive practice area.

The ensuing holes climb through the Hill Country and test every club in the bag. Interestingly, it’s the 176-yard par-

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SPANISH OAKS GOLF CLUB

three third hole (not #9) that brings you back to the clubhouse, which should tell you that following the best routing took priority overfitting the course into design tropes or forced directions. The course fits the land and truly is an outstanding walk in nature. Literally. Spanish Oaks has a terrific team of caddies and forecaddies who know every step of the course.

On most golf courses, the smart miss is often short of the green, obviously away from sand traps and nearby native grasses. That’s the case at Spanish Oaks, but with a twist. The day I played the course, I missed MANY greens just short of the putting surface and on the tightly-mown aprons surrounding the lush greens. Almost invariably, our forecaddie insisted I putt them in from there. Stubborn in my craftiness (honed by a nerdy level of backyard and on-course practice) on a 10- to 40-yard pitches with a lob wedge, I (hopefully, politely) declined his advice on the first couple of tries. Man, those lies are extremely tight. Augusta tight. Matt Kuchar (allegedly) when the check hits the table at Mastro’s tight. After some “almost-perfectly-clean” nips of the turf that traveled only halfway to the hole, I learned to trust the Texas wedge (and a good forecaddie) on these delicately manicured surrounds.

The short par-4 sixth hole stretches to just 318 yards from the tips presents a classic risk-reward scenario, with ample room down the left side and a treacherously-treed fall-off right of the fairway.

Here you’ll find another small, but outstanding green complex. Seven, an uphill 189-yard par 3, starts a stretch of holes with really exciting approaches. This hole has great character and a location all to itself. It’s another, but not the last, funbut-challenging par 3 at Spanish Oaks.

The eighth hole brings us to another excellent par five. With a yardage of 562 and fairly-sharp dogleg on the last 125 yards, or so, of the approach over a creek, most will attack this brilliant hole

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SPANISH OAKS GOLF CLUB

as a three-shotter. The shots into this green are a blast and it’s fun just to spend time on the green, taking in the pleasing natural setting.

The round at Spanish Oaks builds to an engaging, beautiful final stretch of holes that can either make or break a scorecard. You immediately see what a tremendous tournament course Weed has created. The Club hosted the 2013 and 2019 Trans-Miss Golf Association Four-Ball Championship and 2016 Texas MidAmateur.

The par-three 14th is a beautiful hole with a cascading water hazard framing the left side.

It’s another chance to appreciate the intelligence and simplicity of this routing that plays through terrain that’s anything but simple. At 173 yards from the tips, and just 139 yards from the next set of tees, it pays to be dialed

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in and to be wary of front-left pin placements.

Admittedly, the par three left a strong impression, so I’d be remiss in not mentioning, the 234-yard 16th that requires a king- or queensized smack off the tee to set up a reasonable putt. I recall needing to pull out driver into the wind the first time I played the course. It was daunting while bringing back fond memories of the lengthy 11th hole at Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course and the famed 16th at Oakmont Country Club.

The 17th is one of the course’s most fun and picturesque holes. With a hazard down the left side that gets more scenic as you get nearer the green, you’re beckoned to hit toward a fairway bunker on the right or challenge the left. A smart second shot toward the middleright sets up a fun approach on another great

PHOTO: SOURCED FROM SPANISH OAKS WEBSITE PHOTO: SOURCED FROM SPANISH OAKS WEBSITE

dogleg left hole. The water hazards frame the left and back sides of the green, setting up a finish that’s as fun as it is serene. Speaking of finishes, the long par-4 18th is a demanding close hole that requires a solid tee shot that threads a needle between fairway bunkers right and trees left.

A pond left of the green and bunkers on both sides await wayward approaches. It’s a fitting last chapter to a satisfying round.

After your round, you’ll find an accommodating and friendly staff and world-class food in an intimate clubhouse that offers pleasing indoor and outdoor dining, a private dining room, bar and golf shop. Golf amenities include extensive practice grounds, a short game area, putting green, comfort stations and a beautiful pavilion serving food and beverages at the midpoint of the course.

You don’t have to be all that nosy to notice some recognizable surnames on the lockers. Tennis legend Andy Roddick has proudly called the club home along with pros like Nick Watney, Andrew Landry, Sergio Garcia and Beau Hossler.

Spanish Oaks is also known for having one of the finest practice areas in the state and top-level instruction. Director of Instruction Christy Longfield was recently named to Golf Digest’s coveted “Best Teachers

By State” list and a host of talented players use Longfield and the club’s instruction staff to stay finely-tuned.

Spanish Oaks is currently ranked the #7 golf course in the state by Golf Digest and #3 by Golfweek. If and when you get the chance, jump on the opportunity to see where it ranks in your opinion.

To learn more about, the course, club, community and lifestyle at Spanish Oaks, visit www.spanishoaksgc.com.

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OTL / TRAVEL

A Grand Getaway STORY BY LESLIE SOSA

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travel

When considering a family vacation or a weekend trip with friends, the majority of us tend to think of big cities, exciting shows or fun-filled days of activities. All of those options are wonderful and often create great memories; however, contemplating a vacation with nature is often overlooked. It’s easy to get swallowed up in the crowds of big cities and parties during the Holidays, so why not take a step back from the hustle and bustle and spend some time reconnecting with nature. The Grand Canyon is a perfect trip to take in the cooler months of the year and a fantastic way to spend time bonding with friends and family while slowing down to enjoy the breathtaking views of nature.

older temperatures, shorter days, and snow slow down the pace to one of the nation’s most visited national parks. Winter visitors find paths less traveled throughout the park, and those prepared for ice and snow will find the Bright Angel Trail a bit quieter and scenic drives less congested.

Not only is it less crowded, but it is quieter and securing lodging and restaurant reservations should not be a worry during the cooler season, except for Christmas. Another plus is overnight rates tend to be lower, so you can splurge on other things.

Although the days are shorter from sunrise to sunset, the colors are most spectacular during the winter months due to the sun being lower in the sky, it doesn’t sit directly over the canyon, but instead cloaks the rocky peaks and crevasses in a lovely purple, pink, and orange hues. Because of clear skies, visibility is highest in this season. Mountain peaks some 200 miles away

can be seen from some viewpoints on a clear winter day.

After a fresh snowfall, the sun glimmering over the cliffs and peaks lends new color and dimension to an already-amazing landscape. Gazing out on the canyon the day after a snowfall can be a surreal experience. Clear, crisp days full of sunshine highlight the trees, rocks, and cliffs against the brilliant blue sky. Wildlife is easier to spot against the frosted snow as you may see mule deer, elk, ravens, rock squirrels, and other creatures foraging among the ponderosa pine forests and soaring overhead on the rim. Just as the animals grow extra fur to keep warm during the cold winters, visitors should also keep in mind the cooler temperatures and bundle be sure to bundle up for their day out in the cold desert. Depending on where you choose to go, temperatures vary from lows in the 20’s and highs in the 50’s during the winter months of December through February.

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While the Grand Canyon may seem like an overwhelming task, there are plenty of sites to see without having to hike a marathon.

Before entering the national park, Lees Ferry marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon and is a sight you will not want to overlook. Lees Ferry is 43 miles west of Page, Arizona, on US Highway 89A, off of the Colorado River. Mormon leaders established a ferry here because it was one of the few places where wagons could be driven to the Colorado River. Today, it is the put-in spot for Grand Canyon rafting trips. Visitors can hike a handful of scenic trails, explore the picturesque ruins of an old fort and wander back to the oasis of Lonely Dell Ranch, the original Mormon homestead, where the orchards are heavy with fruit. If you are a fan of flyfishing, this is a remarkable spot you cannot miss.

The Grand Canyon’s Rim trail is one of the most popular places to hike for incredible views. The Rim trail stretches along the edge of the South Rim from Hermits Rest to South Kaibab trailhead, and this gem hides in plain sight. The 13-mile long path is mostly paved, ideal for a days hike. Away from the hubbub of Grand Canyon Village, hikers enjoy soothing solitude and find a shady spot to take in your persnal overlook as you savor the epic panoramas.

If you are trying to stay away from large crowds, perhaps consider the From Roosevelt Point a view of Kwagunt Creek shows it wandering down to the Colorado River.

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travel

Grand Canyon view near sundown from the Grandview Trail about halfway between Horseshoe Mesa and Grandview Point. The trail is 3 miles long and rated as difficult.

Grandview trail, an advanced hike that plunges below the rim. Compared to over 790,000 visitors in August, only 270,000 adventurers visit in December, and there are even fewer in January and February. Grandview is inside the park; the trail begins at Grandview Point along Desert View Drive. Experienced hikers who want to dip below the rim without encountering a stream of mules and people: try Grandview Trail.

Built-in 1892 by the miner Pete Berry, this engineering marvel features upper sections still braced by logs and steel rods. The trail plunges three miles in a series of cruelly steep switchbacks to the top of Horseshoe Mesa, where remnants of Berry’s Last Chance Mine can still be found.

If you are looking for some greenery within the desert, Roosevelt Point maybe a spot you want to check out.

Located on the North Rim, Roosevelt Point is inside the park, located on Cape Royal Road, about halfway between Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal. The whole North Rim is a hidden gem, as only 10% of Grand Can-

yon visitors make the long spectacular drive to reach this side of the Big Ditch, (The North Rim is only open 15 May through 15 October). Those who do are rewarded with lush forests and green meadows. Cape Royal Road makes a winding scenic drive along the canyon edge. At Roosevelt Point viewpoint, folks enjoy vistas from the parking area but for the more adventurous, a slender path skirts the rim, then drops to a saddle before scrambling up to a rocky ledge. It’s a narrow neck of land, a quiet place where the canyon sprawls beneath your feet.

This winter, carve out some time to unwind and reconnect with nature as you explore the dazzling views of the Grand Canyon as winter storms, bringing several inches of snow, are contrasted with sunny days, perfect for walking along the rim or into the canyon. Enjoy the crisp air while a dusting of snow brings a new perspective to the temples and buttes emerging from the canyon floor and provides a perfect backdrop to view the canyon’s flora and fauna as you make memories with loved ones.

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OTL / ON YOUR GAME

Barney Adams The Lone Star golf equipment legend STORY BY ART STRICKLIN

A Texas original, a pioneer in the golf business and a self-described dinosaur is one Barney Adams, better known to Barnyard to friends and foes. ut over his 80 eventful years, Adams still with a new putter company is still loving, observing and shaping every moment of the golf business.

He used the PGA show in the late 1990s to launch one of the most successful single golf products of all time, the Adams Tight Lies club, and used that as the springboard for the Adams Golf Company product. Now he is having similar success with Breakthrough Golf Technology and its new Dallas made and produced thick stability shafted putter Adams, who moved to Dallas full-time in 1991 after selling storm doors in North Texas in the 1970s, came with two truckloads of self-described golf junk from a failed golf equipment partnership with fellow Texas golf legend Dave Pelz in Abilene.

He worked out of a small Richardson office, pursuing his golf dream of making a better club for golfers which they had to purchase. Adams teamed with then little-known teacher Hank Haney to promote the club to the North Texas masses and then used the early days of the Golf Channel infomercials to showcase it nationally, succeeding more than he or anyone else in the traditional golf business could ever have imagined.

Now, Adams spends several months a year in North Texas where he still maintains an active membership at Preston Trail Golf Club, plus some months in Santa Barbara and six months in the Palm Springs, California area plus a month in where he plays at The Palms Golf Club, still maintaining a low handicap and still pursuing his next great golf invention.

He was happy to talk with OTL Senior Writer Art Stricklin about his unmatched Texas golf career, his thoughts on the golf industry and what’s next for the game he loves and for which he has contributed so much.

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OTL: The Annual PGA Show is coming up soon in Orlando, what’s your view of the golf industry these days at age 80?

BARNEY ADAMS: Well, I had no real reason to be there other than see great people and tell great stories, but I certainly had a great run. The golf business today is a huge marketing business masquerading as a technical business. When the USGA put a cap on the ability for clubs to make the ball go farther in 2008, it took away the ability for companies to innovate for the regular player and let’s face it, distance sells. It always has and it always will.

OTL: What you did with Adams Tight Lies and the Adams Golf Company is the stuff of legends, taking a homemade North Texas product into a national must-have club and later using that as a springboard to your own company. Is it still possible for someone to do that today?

BA: Let’s face it, there are the 4 major companies of golf, TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping and Titleist. They will always be there and the rest of us will be fighting for the leftovers. I think it’s still possible to do something like I did if you have a product that is technically different, that works like you say it will work. If it doesn’t perform better for the average golfer, forget about it.

OTL: You once said what a thrill and a kick it was to go into golf stores anywhere and see the Adams clubs lining the wall and know you were the Adams they were referring to. Does that still happen?

BA: My manner is to look forward, not backwards, but when I stop and think about it, there is certainly a sense of accomplishment with what we did. Every company started with a single product, the Callaway Big Bertha, the Ping Zing irons, the Titleist golf ball and evolved from there. That’s what we wanted to do OTL: What do you feel is your legacy in the

on your game

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golf business?

BA: I don’t look back on my career as much as I look forward which is why I have a new company at age 80.

I think I have helped help some people enjoy golf more with my clubs. I always said I didn’t make clubs for professional players, I made them for amateurs who need the help. I feel good about what we were able to do helping people OTL: Some people might think you’re a little crazy heading up a new putter company at age 80. Why are you doing it?

BA: I have a friend who recently lectured me for 20 minutes. Shaking his finger at me saying I shouldn’t be doing this, I should be retired, he said I have a great lifestyle in the desert and I should be doing this, I should take it easy and retire, but I can’t help it, it’s in my bones, I want to help out.

OTL: You were born in the Northeast, but as the saying goes you got here as fast as you could. Talk about your Texas background?

BA: I started out working the ranges in Abilene as a club-fitter, selling my product to people and I have a lot of respect for people on the range because I know how tough it can be. I want people to know we have a lot of golf innovation in Texas. Golf equipment wasn’t invented in Carlsbad, California. (home of several golf companies).

OTL: Do you get overlooked sometimes as a true Texas original?

BA: It’s always bothered me some that people don’t realize we were a full-sized Texas company here. Some people may have part of their club making operations here, but we had our whole operations in Texas. We were the first sponsor of the Tight Lies mini-tour here and have deep Texas ties.

OTL: You still live in Dallas half of the year and still keep abreast of the professional golf scene. Do you think Texas golf is still in good shape?

BA: I certainly do. I’m a huge Jordan Spieth fan. I watched him from a distance. We used to work out in the same gym in Dallas where his trainer was located.

I watched how he treated people and watched how he greeted people who came up to meet him. The future is very bright for golf.

OTL: Did you ever meet him in person or tell him about Adams clubs?

BA: He doesn’t need me to tell him anything about golf. Hell, I’ve got grandkids older than him. One day, somebody introduced us and Jordan was very pleasant and nice. It was a brief conversation. It never went any further than that. He doesn’t need me as a best friend. I doubt he knows anything about what I did.

OTL: While you were active at Adams Golf, you got to play with some of the greatest players in your generation and have many of them as Adams endorsers including good friend Tom Watson. Do you see any of the specials on him and his near-win at the British Open 10 years ago?

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DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

BA: Are you kidding. I’m still not over that. It killed me to watch that open.

OTL: Every golfer has certain sponsors or logos they are associated with, Jordan with Under Armour, Tiger Woods with Nike and Bubba Watson with Ping. How much of a difference does that make to the average golfer?

BA: I think it can make a big difference. But you don’t need just one golfer, because what if he has an off week and is never in contention and never on TV. You need a stable of players who are there week in and week out and then you need to tell people how great they are and how much it will help their games.

OTL: One thing most people may not know about you is your one of the longest-tenured members of Pine Valley Golf Club, the most exclusive and highest-ranked private club in America, having been a member for more than 30 years.

BA: Well back then I could play a bit, it was certainly a different era. When I joined, I filled out an application at the bar. I’m too old to play there now, but I still enjoy going.

OTL: Is there one more golf invention out there that hasn’t been developed yet, that could be another big success for something?

BA: It won’t surface unless it’s proven to help people’s game, but hopefully, it will manifest itself in a club. You know there’s a fine line between entrepreneurship and insanity and that’s what we’re straddling.

OTL / WINE

Holiday Vino STORY BY TONY SCHLOTZHAUER

So, it looks like it’s time to fire up the oven, the grill, the smoker, or the fryer again. Yes, folks, it’s the holidays, and a sommelier’s repertoire would not be complete without the obligatory list of holiday wines.

What are holiday wines, you may ask? Well, I’m here to clear all that up for you. So, throw some logs on the fire, grab your favorite blanket, sit back and

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DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

relax while I expand on that.

If your family is anything like mine, the holidays would hardly be complete without a large dinner table full of various flavors, aromas and, colors. Choosing a really versatile wine can be daunting, but with a little basic knowledge of wine pairings, it’s certainly possible.

Yes, you could get a six-pack of various varieties and colors to correspond with every course, but is anyone going to leave the buffet with anything less than a full plate?

And, what goes with; salty ham, turkey with gravy, sweet cranberry sauce, rich creamed corn, and yams, etc.; and, is Grandma really going to have more than a half glass of a 14.6% Napa Cabernet?

Around Christmas or other big food holidays, everyone needs a bottle or two that’s going to be a crowd-pleaser across the board. Something that will impress, but also won’t break the bank for that brother-inlaw that would much rather have an IPA or six, anyway.

So, let’s go over some options that will have your hipster nephew (who just turned 25), nodding in approval.

Because you’re asking me. (And you are asking me, right?), the key to a good food wine is structure. Something that has body, yet won’t leave a film, something that has just enough fruit to match the sweet in the cranberry and counteract the ham’s salinity. And of course, something that has enough acidity to cleanse the palate, but without being too tart.

Lastly, we definitely do not want the bottle from the middle to bottom shelves at the local corner grocery store, compromising your amazing spread.

You may need to do a little work to find these... but I’m sure there’s a decent bottle shop somewhere close by.

You may be surprised at the great variety in this category... choices run from super pricey Blanc de Blancs Champagne the four-dollar Lambrusco (remember “Reunite on ice?”)

For me, however, the value lies in specific styles. Crémant is something that you may not know, but your wallet and taste buds will thank you. A Crémant is any traditional champagnemethod sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region with the locally

mandated grape varietals.

Wonderful options here are; Crémant de Bourgogne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc.), Crémant de Alsace (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, etc.), and Crémant de Bordeaux (Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Merlot, Cabernet, etc.)

The ‘traditional method’ is key due to the level of richness and body the secondary bottle fermentation adds to the final wine.

SPARKLING: Most folks will reflexively go to a Chardonnay; however, this is a tricky category because the wine selection has to stand up to a range of massive flavors. We need something with both body and finesse.

While a white Burgundy or Viura from Rioja is a solid, conventional choice, my favorite white for versatility is sherry. Yes, SHERRY. If your family and friends are open-minded, you can try a light, fino style to let the food shine. Al-

ternatively, you could go with a semi-rich (dry) amontillado that will show a little more body and power.

If you’re new to sherry, keep in mind that these are oxidized wines that can be strange for some. The dark, oloroso styles can take some getting used to.

For later in the meal, some sherry styles can range from a bit of sweetness, all the way to a thicker dessert style.

WHITE: We all know the Provençal rosé wines that grace our local grocery and liquor stores with funky bottle shapes and over-the-top labels. These are usually light, grenache-based wines that are made for pounding during the summer months. – So, unless you live in Southern California or Florida, where winter means a frigid sixty degrees Fahrenheit, you need something with a bit of girth to hit the mark.

For Rosé, may I suggest an Austrian, Spanish, or even Lebanese Pink wine? Austrian rosés are lovely and

fruity, with racy acidity from varieties such as Zweigelt, St Laurent and Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder).

Rioja pinks are from the delicious Tempranillo grape that often spends time in American oak for some weight.

Lebanese rosés will be quite a bit harder to find, but I love the ones from the Bekaa valley. These are made from grapes such as Obaideh, Merwah (said to be relatives of Chardonnay and Semillon), and Cinsault.

You can often find these with a bit of age for extra character.

ROSÉ: O T L G O L F. C O M

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At this time of year, the options for red wines can be overwhelming, as the shelves are filled with very young, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, peppery Malbec, and big jammy Zinfandel blends.

While there are good examples of each, these wines are mainly meant to fly off the shelves for the masses to guzzle as soon as they get it home or take last-minute to a party.

For something with a bit of elegance that’ll go with a wide variety of things, Somms will almost always choose Beaujolais. This is the small region just south of Burgundy that is known for the Gamay grape variety. (and no, not the Beaujolais Nouveau that’s left over from the previous month on sale for three dollars per bottle. - Stay away from that juice, unless you plan on making a sauce for the steak, you’re making tomorrow after work.)

With Beaujolais, look for

the ‘village styles’ only if you are looking for ultra-value.

For a lasting impression, Cru Beaujolais is a better option. In the finer category, seek out the ten “crus” that signify the best appellations within this region.

On the label, look for Morgon, Fleurie, St-Amour, Moulin-AVent, Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Julienas, Regnie, Chiroubles or Chénas.

While these are well-respected and delicious wines, they tend to lie within the 15-30-dollar plus range. They will, however, deliver so much more.

I sincerely hope you all enjoy your holidays and look forward to finding out what you want to read about in the coming year. Feel free to send feedback on previous articles, and/or any ideas you may have for future topics.

Cheers!

RED:

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ABOUT TONY SCHLOTZHAUER, ORIGINALLY FROM ORANGE COUNTY/LOS ANGELES,TONY HAS BEEN A SOMMELIER FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS. HE CURRENTLY WORKS FOR JEFFREY’S IN CLARKSVILLE.

OTL / THE SWEET SPOT

Anthony Cools 64

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

the sweet spot

The coolest show on the strip STORY BY KELLY VOHNN

When you think of Las Vegas, you might think of bright lights, lots of gambling, tons of restaurants and lots of “Cool” shows. I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with and see many great shows on the Las Vegas Strip and I have to say that Anthony Cools has a sweet thing going on over at the Paris Hotel and Casino. It’s so sweet that he has his name on the doors to his theatre right in the thick of the heaviest foot traffic of the Las Vegas Strip and it’s been going on nightly for over 15 years.

The Anthony Cools Hypnosis Experience is exactly what it implies, an experience. My very first exposure to hypnotism was when I was asked to fill in as an assistant in another show which unveiled a whole different world of entertainment to me. Hypnosis can be used to lose weight or quit smoking or can be used for pure comedy pleasure which Anthony has

mastered with his quick wit. Anthony has quite the debonair demeanor on stage which draws the audience in, wondering what will happen next. Then people start to rush to the stage to be hypnotized and the game begins.

Cools describes what happens by saying that your body feels very relaxed and the part of your brain that says right and wrong stops working. When he tells you to do something, it just makes sense. Anthony likes to go for the shock factor and totally has fun with his audience.

Anthony Cools has the longest-running hypnotist show in Las Vegas. The show is ideal for couples and date nights. The showroom is located in the Paris Hotel and Casino and showtime is 9 PM. Be prepared to participate and or observe an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / CIGARS 66

Can I help you?

STORY BY TARA LEE MALONEY

I was standing in my lounge recently talking to Mark (a great friend of the store) about customer service. We spoke of how important it is to say hello and offer help to those who walk in the store. I explained that on a recent trip I went into a cigar bar and was not greeted or offered help, so I just looked around for a brief moment and then left. They did not know if I was an expert or someone new to cigars.

This led to him speaking about how so many people come for the first time and are intimidated by the large selection of cigars. Mark likes to walk through the humidor to see what is new or what has moved, and he often starts up a conversation with those inside looking around. He told me a story of when he helped someone in the humidor; a woman who came in with her son and looked scared and confused. She commented on her son wanting to do this and she just did not know how she felt about it. He asked her if she liked wine and she told him that she did. He then explained to her about his first venture into wine.

He told her that he remembered the first time that he walked in a wine store and was overwhelmed. He did not know anything about wine and did not know where to start. Luckily, a gentleman that worked in the store asked him if he needed some help? After affirming that he did, he was asked a series of questions. What are you going to eat with it? Was he just going to have a glass in the evening? He asked if he like citrus notes or more of sweet wine? What did he want to spend? After answering these questions, they picked out a glass of wine. He went back many times and tried a few more similar ones. He finally wanted to try one that had a little more complexity to it. One which was a little brighter, stronger or had a different flavor profile. This continued for some time; he is not an expert but he has tried many wines and found what he likes.

We agreed cigars are the same as wine. When you help someone in the humidor you should ask them what they like to eat or drink? What are they drinking that night with the cigar? This helps you

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

to choose a cigar for them. There are several light, smooth and toasty cigars you might start smoking at first. As you smoke more, you then may want to branch out and try something with pepper notes or one that has more cocoa notes. This helps you to discover what you like and what you don’t. Your profile will change over time. Once he went through this explanation, the woman relaxed and decided she wanted to try a cigar with her son as well.

A lot of people think that if they ask a question they will be labeled as stupid. I own a business and have for 20 years; I still go to seminars and continue to learn. My mother always quoted the Chinese proverb, “He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever”. There are no stupid questions. Jim, manager at Habana House Cigars, where I work part-time, tells people to go have me help them pick out a cigar because it is like listening to a baking show. Everyone has a different way of telling you about a cigar. So even if you think you know a lot (and you may know more than your store employee), asking for help may open your eyes to a new description of a cigar. People tell me that after I explain what flavor profile the cigar they are looking for has, they realize something their taste buds and nose were picking up. They now have a description and a new cigar to try; maybe they will even be comfortable enough to pass that newfound knowledge on to another who asks.

OTL / DIRECTORY

1 Avery Ranch Golf Club 512-248-2442 www.averyranchgolf.com 2 Harvey Penick Golf Campus www.harveypenickgc.com 512-926-1100 3 River Place Country Club www.riverplaceclub.com 512-346-1114 4 The University of Texas Golf Club www.utgolfclub.com 512-266-6464 5 Barton Creek Country Club 512-329-7999 www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ austin-barton-creek/golf 6 The Hills of Lakeway 512-261-7200 www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/ The-Hills-of-Lakeway 7 Falconhead Golf Course 512-402-1558 www.falconheadaustin.com 8 Grey Rock Golf Club 512-288-4297 www.greyrockgolfandtennis.com 9 Austin Country Club 512-328-0090 www.austincountryclub.com 10 Onion Creek Club 512-282-2150 www.onioncreekclub.com 11 Cimarron Hills 512-763-8700 www.cimarronhills.com/golfcourse 12 Balcones Country Club 512-258-1621 www.balconescountryclub.com

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13 Jimmy Clay & Roy Kizer Golf Course 512-974-4653 www.austintexas.gov/golfatx 14 Morris Williams Golf Course 512- 974-8333 www.austintexas.gov/golfatx 15 Lions Municipal Golf Course 512- 477-6963 www.austintexas.gov/golfatx 16 Great Hills Country Club 512-345-6940 www.greathillscc.org 17 Spanish Oaks Golf Club 512-421-8530 www.spanishoaksgc.com 18 Blackhawk Golf Club 512-251-9000 www.blackhawkgolf.com 19 Forest Creek Golf Club 512-388-2874 www.forestcreek.com 20 Teravista Golf Club 512-651-9850 www.teravistagolf.com 21 Twin Creeks Country Club 512-331-5900 www.twincreeksclub.com 22 Georgetown Country Club 512-930-4577 www.georgetowncountryclub. net 23 Lake Cliff Golf Club 830-798-0695 www.lakecliff.com 24 Boot Ranch Golf Club 830-997-6200 www.bootranch.com/golf

25 Wolfdancer Golf Club 512-308-4770 www.wolfdancergolfclub.com 26. Landa Park Golf Course 830-221-4350 landaparkgolfcourse.com 27 La Cantera Golf Club www.lacanteragolfclub.com 210-558-4653 28 The Quarry Golf Club 210-824-4500 www.quarrygolf.com 29 Golf Club at Briggs Ranch 210-670-9400 www.briggsgolf.com 30 Dominion Country Club 210-698-3364 www.the-dominion.com 31 Canyon Springs Golf Club 210-497-1770 www.canyonspringsgc.com 32 TPC San Antonio 210-491-5800 www.tpc.com/sanantonio 33 Cordillera Ranch Golf Club 830-336-3571 www.cordilleraranch.com/ cordillera-golf-club 34 Tapatio Springs Resort & Conference Center 830-443-9681 www.tapatioresort.com 35 Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830-598-7800 www.escondidotexas.com 36 Horseshoe Bay Resort 877-611-0112 www.hsbresort.com/activities/ golf

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Cedar Park

36

183A

45

OTL / DIRECTRY MAP

Pflugerville 1

12 4

Steiner Ranch

360

3

130

45

45

183

6

79

Round Rock

1

21

18

19

35

183

35

20

11

183A

1

16 183

130

35

9 7 23

1

71

Austin

360

17 5

2 14 183

15

71

1

130

35

290 290

71

8

183

46

24 35

1604

33

30 27

32

281

26

31 35

35

410

San Antonio 37

410 35

35

10

35

130

10

28 29

Bluff Springs

Manchaca

281

10

25

13

10

34

71

410

10 183

87

410

Lorem ipsum

281

Buda O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / ADVERTIZER INDEX

Austin Asset 512.453.6622 austinasset.com Austin Infiniti 512.220.0920 austininfiniti.com

La Cantera 210.558.6500 lacanteraresort.com

Boot Ranch 830.997.6200 bootranch.com

Lajitas Golf Resort 877.525.4827 lajitasgolfresort.com

Cascata 702.294.2005 golfcascata.com

Rancho Poquito 512.767.9536 ranchopoquito.com

City of Bryan 979-776-0133 bryantx.gov/visit

Rio Secco 702.777.2400 riosecco.net

Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830.598.7800 escondidotexas.com Garrison Brothers garrisonbros.com

DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020

Kapalua 1.877.kapalua golfkapalua.com

Austin Subaru 512.323.2837 austinsubaru.co

Covert Cardillac 512.583.3000 covertcadillac.com

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Hyatt Regency 800.233.1234 hyatthillcountrygolf.com

South Padre sopadre.com The George 979.485.5590 thegeorgetexas.com UT Golf Club utgolfclub.com