OTL June / July Issue

Jeffrey’s The legendary mystique is real

Barton Creek Fazio Foothills Visit Rancho Poquito, minutes away PGA Tour Superstore Opens in Austin

Contents Volume 16, Issue 6

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FEATURES 12

TAKE 3 Rancho Poquito offers a vacation getaway for couples and families.

JEFFREY’S The finest reputation dating back more than 30 years, Jeffrey’s stands the test of time.

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PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE The wait is finally over. The superstore is now open at the Arbor Walk in Austin.

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BARTON CREEK FAZIO FOOTHILLS Fazio Foothills has always been the standard for exceptional golf in Austin. It’s back and better than ever.

Jeffrey’s The legendary mystique is real

Barton Creek Fazio Foothills Visit Rancho Poquito, minutes away PGA Tour Superstore Opens in Austin

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PHOTO BY MATT HARRINGTON

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ON THE COVER Jeffrey’s has a stellar reputation for atmosphere, history and great food.

Richard Arebalo tells the story.

Contents 50

COLUMNS

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FITNESS Simplicity. Target legs, shoulders, glutes and more all in one move.

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PUTT FOR DOUGH Tax ideas for charitable contributions.

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DRIVE SHOW 2019 Ford Expedition. Massive SUV is considered top of its class.

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MIND GAME What is myelin and how you can use it?

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TRAVEL French Lick Resort. A buddy golf trip with modern and historic charm.

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BUCK’S TIPS Dance with the ball. Learning proper footwork.

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ON YOUR GAME One on one with instructor David Leadbetter.

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WINE & SPIRITS The Elliott family winemakers are creating excellence in small batches.

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CIGARS What to smoke when you don’t have a lot of time.

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THE SWEET SPOT Kayaking down the Colorado river. It’s a rush.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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From the Publisher Tiger, Snakes and a Dedication

H

e did it again. Tiger Woods once again did the impossible. Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters victory will go down in the annals of history as one of the greatest wins in sport. By all accounts, he was written off as being done. Woods, who said a year ago he might never walk again, roared back on the major championship scene by winning an event that he had not won since 2005.

After the finishing stroke on the 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, Woods and his fans let out a primal roar. It was an eruption of all the emotion, enduring struggle, and epic battle through injuries.

With all his fans, new and old, chants of “Tiger!

Tiger! Tiger!” filled the air. Just as he did back in ’97 with his first major historic victory, Tiger exceeded expectations and delivered a long-awaited win, his first major championship win since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torre Pines. It was a moment to savor for a lifetime. If you were watching, you felt the emotion.

It’s a story to which we all can relate. Hollywood films and storytelling love the message of redemption and a comeback.

Now, back to reality. As a watcher of social media, it’s incredibly annoying when people post pictures of encounters they have with snakes. I’ll be the first to say that everything has a purpose, and snakes’—is just being snakes; they are not out for the sole purpose of harming us well-meaning upright mammals.

I’ve always said, if I were to see a snake in my house, yard, or zip code, I would put the property on the market and move to Maui, Hawaii—land of (nearly)no snakes. Well, it finally happened. I found a snake on my property near the entrance to my ga-

rage. I can’t be certain, since as soon as I saw it in my periphery, I was sprinting up the street.

Here are a few questions that were asked: How big was it?

My initial answer: 25-30 feet Fact: 2-3 feet.

What type of snake was it?

My initial answer: King Cobra, Black Mamba, or maybe Anaconda.

Fact: Garden or rat snake.

Did he attack you?

My initial answer: Yes. He coiled and lunged at me. He spat his venom at me to tried to blind me or mortally wound me.

Fact: The snake didn’t react in any way. He eventually left on his own, doing no harm to anyone.

Thankfully, two neighboring ladies came to the rescue and quickly took control of the situation.

There was a lot screaming, yelling, and widespread panic, but they were able to calm me down and comfort me.

Finally, one of my closest and dearest friends in the world received a scary diagnosis. I wanted to let them know that I am thinking of them, even as I write this trivial story. I want to remind them that they are loved, not only by me but all who surround them. Get well soon. I will be with you every step of the way.

I will always continue to try my best to make you laugh forever. Love you DW. Without you, there would never been an On The Links/OTL.

Sedric Walker Publisher O T L G O L F. C O M

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/OnTheLinks Magazine

@otl_golf

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONALS Brech Spradley, Buck Mayers

@otlgolf

otlgolf.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Chin, Andrew Ferguson, Ornella Phillips CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Keller, Leslie Sosa, Kelly Vohnn, Tara Lee Maloney, Leonard Finkel, Marc Hall, Aleida Taddel-Elwell

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 12 4

JAU PN R IEL // JMUALY Y 2019

PHOTO BY BRIDGET DARHLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Glamping at Rancho Poquito STORY BY MICHELLE KELLER

O T L G O L F. C O M

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Finding a vacation that offers something for everyone can be challenging for couples and families. Dave wants to fish and build campfires.

Janet likes fishing, but she doesn’t want to stay in a tent in the wilderness with no access to modern necessities. Ladies and gentlemen, the solution can be found, along with so much more at Rancho Poquito.

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unique, private gated ranch home, Rancho Poquito is situated on 10 acres in the resort community of Lakeway, Texas. Located only 30 minutes from downtown Austin and mere miles from beautiful Lake Travis, this property provides the convenience of suburban living while remaining in touch with the great outdoors. Whether you stay in the main house or choose to “glamp” in their yurts, teepee or airstream, you will have an amazing experience.

There are many things that set Rancho Poquito apart from other glamping and event spaces, but the overwhelming favorite answer seems to be the Ranch’s amazing location. This property is a hidden gem located in the bustling heart of Lakeway. “The first comment from visitors who have never been to Rancho Poquito is “This place is amazing, I can’t believe it’s right here!” Property Manager Brittany Burris explained. The Ranch is right off of Flintrock Road and boasts easy access to Hwy 71 and Ranch Road 620. In 5 minutes you can be on Lake Travis, one of the five nearby golf courses, major grocery stores, or any of the delicious restaurants Lakeway has to offer.

Ladies this unique space is perfect for you.

We know the men can rough it and enjoy it, but the ladies don’t necessarily care to--ever.

Not many overnight rental properties boast two air conditioned/heated yurts, a teepee, an airstream trailer, stocked pond for fishing and a poker table for game night. Rancho Poquito

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provides a perfect retreat for both guys and gal’s trips.

When asked how the idea of this unique ranch was born, Burris offered, “The owner bought the property as an investment and personal retreat back in 2011. It was perfect for hosting poker games, watching football and doing a little fishing to unwind from his busy life. A few years ago he decided to share this luxurious and unique property with others that would enjoy it as much as he does.”

Any time of year is beautiful at Rancho Poquito, but because the property is located outside of Austin, Texas, many visitors find the most comfortable times to visit would be in the spring or the fall. During springtime, the property is covered in Bluebonnets and other native Texas wildflowers commonly found in the Texas Hill Country. In autumn, the Ranch experiences beautiful fall foliage, and has the perfect weather for huddling around a campfire and roasting marshmallows and making s’mores with loved ones. While these are the times when we enjoy cooler temperatures in the Austin area, summer can be a just as enjoyable to stay because of the close proximity to the Lake Travis, Austin, and LBJ. Rent a boat and come back to this awesome private parklike gated property with your entire group.

Rancho Poquito is also a wonderful space for bonding with the family; the kids can enjoy the teepee with five sleeping cots inside, and mom and dad can have the two-bedroom main house to themselves. Colleagues can use the property as a space for corporate team building retreats and exercises.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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PHOTO BY CHIP TAIT

PHOTO BY BRIDGET DARHLER PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY SHUTTERBUG STUDIOS

PHOTO BY LISA WOLNIEWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Additionally, the “glamping” experience is a huge draw to Rancho Poquito. Two Yurts with outdoor bathrooms and showers provide a glamp-ground like no other. You’ll enjoy the creature comforts of a plush bed while remaining in touch with the great outdoors. “We find showering among the trees can be quite liberating,” Burris offered.

The affordability of the Ranch is unprecedented.

Burris explained, “We do not rent out the yurts or other sleeping shelters on the property individually. When someone rents at Rancho Poquito, they are able to enjoy everything on the property for the set nightly fee.”

As for special events Burris said Rancho Poquito recently hosted a fundraiser for some dear friends in the Lakeway community. “The theme was a “cochon de lait,” also known as a Cajun Pig Roast, and we were able to roast three pigs underneath our outdoor pavilion near the fishing pond. We are so happy to be able to use this property to help others in need. During the silent auction portion of the event, over $40,000 was raised by the generosity of the Lake Travis community in attendance.”

Rancho Poquito is also a newly minted event venue.

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“We just hosted our first wedding in April 2019,” Burris said. “ The bride walked down the aisle of fresh wildflowers to the edge of the fishing dock overlooking the water, in her cowboy boots and beautiful white gown.

Perfect for a Texas wedding at the Ranch.”

All of the ranch’s previous guests would stay again and highly recommend the venue. One visitor said, “We had so much fun! We came here for a bachelor party with plans of going out to bars during the weekend, but never ended up leaving because the place was so fun! It’s a huge place, with plenty of space for outdoor activities.

Sleeping arrangements are comfortable; there’s a grill, fire pit, and a fishing pond. We would love to go back!”

“We had the best time at Rancho Poquito,” said Mo Brantley. “We rented for a “getaway” weekend for a 40th birthday party, even though we were only getting away from Austin. It felt like another world in the best possible way. The amenities were top-notch: heat and AC in the yurts, lush bedding, a party fridge twice as big as the one in my own home (no exaggeration), an ice maker, a Sonos sound system wired for the porch. lights

In addition to all that is offered at Rancho Poquito there are several golf courses nearby.

FALCONHEAD GOLF CLUB Public Course - 6515, 15201 Falcon Head Blvd (512) 402-1558 4.3 stars from 138 reviews 3.3 miles from Rancho Poquito

in the trees, a couple of big Yeti coolers, a couple of big warehouse-size fans, outdoor bar at the house, an outdoor kitchen (sink and grill) by the pond, several firepits, more than one grill, a dock, a rowboat, a water feature, and all the decking and seating and lounging you could possibly wish for. I don’t know how the management arranged this, but we didn’t even get sunburned or get bug bites. I was delighted with the property on Friday night before we had even explored the half of it. My dog had the time of her life in the fully fenced property just running, exploring, swimming, sunbathing and splashing in the muddy creek to her heart’s content. The property manager was extremely responsive and available for any questions I had while planning.”

Another said, “This is the perfect place to have an in town gathering. It’s close to local restaurants, golf course and grocery stores, but private enough to have a great family or company party. The lake has some nice fish to catch.... super hangout property.”

To plan your getaway contact Brittany Burris at www.ranchopoquito.com.

PHOTO BY LISA WOLNIEWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY MONICA VAN VALKENBURGH

YAUPON GOLF COURSE Public Course – 100 Clubhouse Dr. (512) 261-7200 Mon-Thurs 5-10pm Fri 5-8, Sat 7-8, Sun 8-8 4.3 stars from 21 reviews 3.5 miles from Rancho Poquito LIVE OAK GOLF COURSE Public Course – 510 Lakeway Drive (512) 261-7200 Mon-Thurs 5-10 Fri 5-8 Sat 7-8 Sun 8-8 4.7 stars from 9 reviews 3.9 miles from Rancho Poquito THIS HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Private Course – 26 Club Estates Parkway (512) 261-7200 Mon-Thurs 5-10pm Fri 7:30-8 Sat/Sun 8-8pm 4.6 stars from 59 reviews 3.8 miles from Rancho Poquito FLINTROCK FALLS GOLF COURSE Private Course – 401 Jack Nicklaus Drive (512) 261-7200 Mon-Thur 5am to 10pm Fri 5-8 Sat 7-8 Sun 8-8pm 4.6 stars from 23 reviews 1.6 miles from Rancho Poquito SPANISH OAKS GOLF CLUB Private Course – 13001 Spanish Oaks Club Dr. (512) 421-8530 4.9 stars - 35 reviews 5.0 miles from Rancho Poquito

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / FITNESS

Simplicity STORY BY LESLIE SOSA Life gets busy and it’s not always optimal to carve out an hour or more in the gym. Staying fit with a busy lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean working harder, but smarter. By super setting your exercises, doing a HIIT routine or combining several muscle groups into one exercise can help you save time and still get in a full workout. This exercise targets legs, glutes, shoulders, core, and cardio all in one simple move.

PHOTOS BY KEVIN CHIN

Set up for the Plie Squat by placing your feet double hip width apart and turn your toes to a 45-degree angle, with the dumbbell or plate above your head, keeping your chest lifted and shoulders open.

To increase difficulty, come onto the balls of your feet instead of having your feet flat on the ground. As you squat, keep your abs tight, and be sure your shoulders stay above your hips, not leaning forward. Allow your knees to follow the line of your toes, if they cave in, that could lead to injury. Pause at the bottom as if you were sitting in a chair, keeping your core engaged.

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Depending on if you are on the balls of your feet or have your heels on the floor, you will work different muscles. If you choose to keep your heels on the floor, as you rise, drive through the heels, squeezing your glutes and quads once you are back to your starting position. If you are up for a challenge and are on the balls of your feet, you will feel work in the calves and hamstrings as well.

This exercise targets multiple muscle groups in one simple move as well as provides a quick burst of cardio.

If the cardio is too much, instead of having the weight over your head, hold it at your chest.

Anytime your hands are above your heart, it will increase your heart rate. Weight is optional for this exercise as well, however, try using 25 percent of your bodyweight and do five sets with 10-15 repetitions.

Next time you find yourself overwhelmed by a hectic schedule or limited equipment on vacation, try combining muscle groups to save time and complexity, and remember to work smarter, not harder.

OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

Tax-Saving Ideas for Charitable Contributions STORY BY JIM KERR, CFP®, EA, CLU® WEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAM, AUSTIN ASSET Want to contribute to your favorite church or charity? If done correctly, your donations can save you significant taxes. Here are some strategies to consider, but make sure to discuss them with your tax advisor to make sure they are appropriate for you.

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DONATE APPRECIATED SECURITIES:

ITEMIZING DEDUCTIONS EVERY OTHER YEAR:

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS

(only for those age 70½ or older):

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS:

If you donate a stock that has appreciated, you can save taxes in two ways. First, you won’t be taxed on the appreciation of the stock, and second, you might be able to deduct the full value of the stock (if you itemize deductions on your tax return).

EXAMPLE: Ten years ago, Mary inherited 1,000 shares of stock in XYZ Company from her mom. At that time, the stock was valued at $75 per share. Today, the stock is valued at $200 per share. Mary wants

to donate $10,000 to her favorite charity and use the stock. If she sells the stock then donates the proceeds, she will realize capital gains and may owe capital gains taxes. A better idea would be for Mary to donate the 50 shares of XYZ Company stock directly to the charity. In this way, she will not realize any capital gains, and can still get a tax deduction of up to $10,000 (if she itemizes). The charity can then sell the stock with no tax consequences.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) dramatically increased the standard deduction amount.

Because of this, most taxpayers are better off taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing their deductions. This makes their tax preparation easier, but they lose any tax benefits from making charitable contributions if they don’t itemize. By grouping your charitable contributions every other year, taxpayers might be able to itemize (and save taxes) every other year.

EXAMPLE: John and Diane are married, so their standard deduction for 2019 is $24,400. Their deductible mortgage interest and property tax total

$19,300. They want to donate $5,000 to their church. Combined, the mortgage interest, property tax, and church contribution add up to $24,300, so they are still better off taking the standard deduction of $24,400. The $5,000 donation to their church does not save them any taxes. John and Mary decide that instead of donating $5,000 a year to their church, they will donate $10,000 to their church every other year. The $10,000 donation allows them to itemize their deductions every other year since they exceed the standard deduction amount in those years. Then they take the standard deduction in alternate years when they make no donation.

Taxpayers who have reached the age of 70½ must begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). These distributions are taxable, and must be taken even if the taxpayer does not need the money to live on. One way to reduce or eliminate the taxes is to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to your church or charity. The QCDs are not taxable and can satisfy part or all of the annual RMD requirement.

EXAMPLE: Fred and Barbara are both age 75

and must take RMDs from their IRAs in 2019. Fred has to take a $11,500 RMD, and Barbara has to take a $14,500 RMD, so their RMDs total $26,000. Fred and Barbara also have a pension and Social Security, and don’t need the RMDs to live on. They want to donate $14,500 to their favorite charity this year. Barbara requests that her IRA custodian (Fidelity) issue a QCD check from her IRA made payable to her favorite charity. The check is mailed to Barbara and she gives it to the charity. This reduces Fred and Barbara’s taxable income by $14,500 in 2019.

High income taxpayers who want to contribute significant amounts to their church or charity may want to consider a donor-advised fund. A donor-advised fund allows the taxpayer to make a large deductible contribution one year so they can itemize that year.

They can then instruct the donor-advised fund to pay out a certain amount to their church or charities in future years.

EXAMPLE: Hugh and Laurie have adjusted gross income of $300,000 per year, and want to give $10,000 per year total to their church over the next

10 years. Unfortunately, they don’t have enough deductions to itemize, so they get no tax benefit from the $10,000 per year donation. Instead, they decide to donate $100,000 to a donor-advised fund this year.

Since the $100,000 is greater than the standard deduction, they get to deduct most of the $100,000 this year. They can then direct the donor-advised fund to send their church $10,000 per year over the next 10 years.

Talk to your tax advisor to see if any of these strategies make sense for you.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / DRIVE FOR SHOW

2019 FORD 22

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The 2019 Ford Expedition is considered by many industry professionals as the best in its class. This massive Sport Utility Vehicle offers up a wide range of big features that can also include a hefty price tag when fully loaded.

Ford offers up the 2019 Expedition with three different editions, starting with the entry level XLT, then the Limited and for those who want everything there is the Platinum.

Exterior styling is well done giving this supersized SUV a sportier less massive appearance.

Ford equipped all 2019 Expeditions with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This set up makes 375 horsepower and 470 poundfeet of torque, except the Platinum edition with premium fuel produces 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.

The 2019 Expedition boasts impressive gas mileage stats with an EPA-estimated of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Behind the wheel this mammoth drive like a vehicle half the size. There is no major body roll to remind you that this is one of the largest SUVs on the road. Acceleration is crisp enough to make you crack a smile when you hit the gas. There is no hesitation whatsoever only a smooth power curve that catapults this big rig forward to pass, merge and tow.

Inside the 2019 Expedition has the Ford famous cabin that has lots of room and third-row seating that reclines. The infotainment system is seamless with a big home screen and hassle-free connectivity via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Cargo space out back is some of the best in class with one touch seats that fold up to increase storage capacity.

The 2019 Ford Expedition starts in the low $50,000 range and tops out with a fully loaded Platinum Edition at around $85,000.

DRIVERSIDE VEHICLE REVIEWS

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

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OTL / MIND GAME

Myelin Highway STORY BY BRECH SPRADLEY, PGA DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION BARTON CREEK GOLF ACADEMY

A

round ten years ago, I read the book

by Daniel Coyle, “The Talent Code.”

He dives deep into how “Talent Grows in the Brain, and how you can make more of it.” As a teacher and coach of many competitive high-performance players, I knew his research would help me become a better coach. He traveled the world to hotbeds of talents in different fields from sports, art, music, and academia and researched

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their performance skills. One of his many studies focused on myelin. What is Myelin?

Myelin is a lipid-rich substance formed in the central nervous system by glial cells called oligodendrocytes, and in the peripheral nervous system by Schwann cells. Myelin insulates nerve cell axons to increase the speed at which information travels from one nerve cell body to another or, for example, from a nerve cell body to a muscle. The myelinated axon can be likened to an electrical wire

with insulating material around it. (Wikipedia). In a nutshell, Skill is myelin insulation that wraps neural circuits and that grows according to certain signals.

“The story of skill and talent is the story of myelin.”

Coyle helped explain three important questions that I found very important as a coach: Q: Why is targeted, mistake-focused practice so effective?

A: Because the best way to build a good circuit is to fire it, attend to mistakes, then fire it again over and over. Struggle is not an option it’s a biological requirement.

Q: Why are passion and persistence key ingredients of talent?

A: Because wrapping myelin around a big circuit requires immense energy and time. If you don’t love it, you’ll never work hard enough to be great.

Q: What’s the best way to Carnegie Hall? Or the PGA or LPGA Tour? Or to YOUR better golf?

A: Go straight down the Myelin Highway.

So, building skill is building myelin. One important thing to understand is that Myelin wraps, it doesn’t unwrap. It is basically a highway of nerve fibers formed through repetitive actions (practice) and once it is insulated you cannot un-insulate it except through disease or age. This is why habits are so hard to break. It requires repeating new behaviors. Building a new myelin highway.

So, what could you as a recreational golfer do to play better golf? Professional golfers’ practice and play all day like a normal job for most folks. They are building high performance highways of Myelin. Most of us do not have that much time to devote to the game. It is even more important that your practice is very focused, and you do not become too experimental day in and day out. When you find something that works STAY with it. The more you can practice and repeat it, the stronger your skill becomes. Remember this works both ways. You can also develop bad habits if you focus on the wrong things.

If we took ball flight as an example, many golfers slice the ball…. I’d say 85-90%. Many amateurs think that they want to hit draws. In most cases, this shot is easy to teach and can be performed fairly quickly. But this doesn’t mean they will play their best golf hitting a draw. If someone has been slicing a ball for 20-30 years and is limited in practice time, then they will play their better golf learning to soften the slice into a fade. Remember that to build the new skill of a draw, it requires lots of myelin and that requires a lot of practice. You need time! Consider this when you are tempted to continually change the way you putt. Always changing putters and or styles will

keep you always searching. The greatest putters of all time have tended to stick with it!

Instead of consistently changing what you are working on, I recommend that you take inventory of all the aspects of your game, full swing with different clubs, wedge, and putting techniques and write down on a notecard what you are going to commit to over the next 6 months, without experimenting with change.

If you aren’t quite sure where your tendencies and strengths are and you have a chance to do this type of analysis with a golf instructor, then I would highly recommend you do it. Here are five basic areas that I want you to commit to in order to start scoring better.

1. Commit to a shot shape of the tee box…

Fade, Draw, Straight. Remember straight is not easy and generally not the best choice, but if you consistently do not curve it much at all than stick with it.

Pick One!

2. Commit to a shot shape with your irons.

This is probably the same as the driver, but in some cases maybe not. Pick your targets according to the shot shape and stick with it!

3. Commit to a low shot and a high shot technique around the greens and stay with the same set-up and routine for each one.

4. Commit to a putting set-up and technique.

5. Commit to the same pre-shot routine on each shot.

This seems logical, but people tend to fiddle with change. Do these five things for six months and I bet you start playing your best golf. Go out and build YOUR Myelin highways!

O T L G O L F. C O M

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THREE TIPS TO BUYING A BETTER GAME STORY BY LEONARD FINKEL

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If new clubs meant you’d drive the ball 20 yards longer and drop strokes, would you reach for your credit card? Golf Magazine published a study conducted with Club Champion, the nation’s #1 premium club fitter.

According to equipment editor Rob Sauerhaft, “Fitting matters! Based on data along with tester interviews, it’s clear that correctly matched clubs can help golfers of all kinds—you actually can buy a better game with properly fit clubs.” The study found golfers gained 22 yards off the tee, 15 yards with their irons and lowered their scores by an average of three strokes per round.

I went to Nick Sherburne, founder of Club Champion, for things you should look for when buying new equipment. Club Champion is the highly regarded expert in the field, ranked by Golf Digest among the 100 best club fitters year after year. They offer more than 35,000 hittable head and shaft combinations, the best-trained master fitters, nearly every brand in golf, plus unrivaled, in-house club building.

Here are three tips Nick had to share.

BUY THE RIGHT SHAFT The industry taught us the head is the engine because that’s what hits the ball, but it’s the shaft that’s most important. Using this analogy, the tires would be the most important part of a car.

Here the shaft powers the clubhead. In a golf shaft, flex can mean something different for every manufacturer. Manufacturers don’t use the same measurement scale. Sherburne tells customers, whether it’s stiff, regular or senior, it’s important to find the shaft that performs best for you. This makes it important to not just buy clubs off the rack. Find a skilled fitter with a launch monitor to show you how the right shaft will maximize your swing to its fullest potential.

Club Champion starts all fittings by looking at the shaft. It’s critical to identify not just the proper shaft flex but also the proper shaft weight.

The shaft is what’s going to deliver the clubhead to the ball. To facilitate finding the right components, Club Champion has a unique coupling system that allows golfers to hit any head and shaft combination. They deliver combinations that address a golfer’s problems and fix them. Most fitters use fitting carts provided by club manufacturers. While they offer options, golfers are unable to mix-and-match across carts to determine their ideal combinations. Club Champion offers hundreds of shafts, many not available through most other fitters and retailers.

BUY THE RIGHT CLUBHEAD Each brand or model of clubhead has distinctive characteristics that affect launch angle, spin rate and ball speed. Buy a driver that has the right launch, spin and forgiveness for your swing. Be sure use a launch monitor and look for the highest smash factor, ball speed and spin that generates the greatest distance.

Iron heads are more complex.

Design features like offset, non-offset, blade or cavity back impact ease of playability and whether you hit a draw or fade; whether you hit it high or low.

Most people overlook turf interaction, which comes from having the right lie angle, grind or camber on the sole.

It affects squareness at impact, the speed you move through the ball and overall consistency. Club Champion fitters will find you the best equipment options for your swing.

BUY THE RIGHT SWINGWEIGHT

Swingweight is a measurement of the weight distribution of the club or how your driver feels when you’re swinging. With widely variable shaft, grip and clubhead weighting, swingweight is more important than ever. It affects how a player swings the club and ultimately how they deliver it at impact. A heavier swingweight will make a shaft play looser; a lighter swingweight will make it play stiffer. The key application of swingweight is matching clubs within a set. If your clubs aren’t matched properly, they may feel different as you swing them.

For these reasons and more, buying clubs off the rack or at a demo day is a bad idea. Finding a premium custom club fitter will buy you a better game. Worldrenowned golf instructor David Leadbetter says, “It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they’re right for them. Whether you’re a great golfer or a casual one, getting a Club Champion club fitting is one of the quickest ways to improve your game.”

Club Champion’s approach is unbiased; no specific vendor is promoted. The only goal – find the best combination of components to lower your scores. They deliver a Tour-quality fitting producing longer, more accurate shots with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate. Whether you’re looking to buy new clubs or just fix your current set, premium club fitting is the answer.

Club Champion has more than 60 studios across the country. Don’t just buy clubs, buy guaranteed improvement. For more information visit clubchampiongolf.com or call 888-842-1370.

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Jeffrey’s Austin STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO FEATURES EDITOR / OTL MAGAZINE

When I was in college in the mid-’80s in Austin, Jeffrey’s was the restaurant you wanted to afford someday. It was one of just a handful of fine dining restaurants at the time and the one whose name seemed to have the most clout. Some of its reputation was the stratospheric prices, but stories about it being the place where powerful politicians brokered deals and or rich celebrities could be seen in then-sleepy Austin also gave the restaurant a bit of extra notoriety.

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Josephine Perrone whose Italian parents operated a grocery store in East Austin at the time. The young Viscardi family lived on the upper floor of the building for many years. Through the decades the site has hosted; grocery stores, liquor stores, beauty shops, florists and even an ice cream shop in its three sections, though interestingly, the structure is little changed from its look in old vintage photographs.

It’s surprising to note that in 1975, Clarksville still had the odd dirt road, and was not considered an ideal location for a new restaurant. But, drawn by good rental rates, Ron and Peggy Weiss (together with operating partners Jeffrey Weinberger and Nancy Seewald) opened Jeffrey’s as one of the city’s first “chef-driven” restaurants in the small, storied building, taking just one of the three spaces at the time.

The Weisses’ travels had led them to the idea that

PHOTO BY CASEY DUNN

effrey’s opened in 1975 in the West Austin neighborhood of Clarksville, whose history stretches back to 1871 when it was established as a settlement for freed slaves by Charles Clark. To this day though so many things have changed in the now affluent neighborhood, the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church (founded in the same year) just two blocks from the restaurant is still a thriving gospel church and is a reminder of the original origins of the old neighborhood.

In the early 1900s, Italian immigrants started to move to the neighborhood and began to open businesses. The structure on the corner of West 12th and West Lynn was built in the early 1930s by New Yorker Andrew Viscardi. He had married Austinite

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PHOTOS BY MATT HARRINGTON

a small food-centric café / restaurant would be perfect for Austin.

Three and a half decades saw accolades for both food and wine and a steady following of both neighborhood and visiting patrons alike. Outside of its fame for celebrities, Jeffrey’s has been loved by most as a place for special occasions. Countless proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and graduations have been celebrated at Jeffrey’s over so many years.

Eventually, even the finest of restaurants come to transition, and luckily some have happy endings.

In 2011, after 36 years, the Weisses and original operating partner Jeffrey Weinberger decided to sell Jeffrey’s to chef Larry McGuire and his Austin hospitality group. The sale was a good fit as McGuire expressed a desire to continue the spirit of the neighborhood restaurant and to maintain its fine food legacy.

Like several of the McGuire Moorman restaurants, Jeffrey’s considers itself a neighborhood restaurant. Its drive for a comfortable, intimate space continues beautifully after the nearly two-year refurbishment started after the purchase.

Although Jeffrey’s is undeniably the prestige property, the McGuire Moorman Group spans eleven restaurants with several Austin favorites like Clark’s Austin (also in Aspen), Elizabeth St. Café, Perla’s Oyster Bar, and Lamberts Downtown Barbecue.

Today, Jeffrey’s has managed to maintain its clout

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in a dining scene that has changed much over the years. It still has the most expensive steak in town (a dinner special recently was a massive tomahawk steak at $182), and its wine cellar is arguably the best in the city. Political or celebrity sightings notwithstanding, the thread throughout the last several decades of success, has been the solid combination of comfortable atmosphere, careful curation of the wine cellar, keen professional service and a string of notable chefs that guaranteed the food and experience are worth the price.

In January of 2017, Austin native chef Mark McCain joined the team at Jeffrey’s as executive chef taking over from chef Rebecca Meeker who had worked with McGuire Moorman to revitalize the menu in 2013.

Chef McCain got his early training in Germany followed by a stint in a prestigious restaurant in Dayton Ohio, ultimately spending nine years at the highly regarded, Michelin starred restaurant NAHA in Chicago.

Since taking over at Jeffrey’s, Chef McCain has been featured in Wine Spectator articles for his transition and most recently for his amazing Shellfish Risotto.

In addition to its wonderful food, Jeffrey’s has long been known for its prestigious wine selections. Today, a team of prestigious MMH directors, along with the many sommeliers at the restaurant, manage the impressive wine list which spans 700 labels and has been recognized with a Wine Spectator - ‘Best of Award of

Excellence.’

Service Director Mark Sayer (Awarded, Advanced Sommelier), Ryan Arnold (Wine Director / named “40 Under 40 Tastemaker” by Wine Enthusiast), Alex Holder (MMH Beverage Director), and Patrick Olds (Jeffrey’s - Wine Director / Advanced Sommelier) now carry the legacy that Ron Weiss started so long ago.

The attractive cellar housing nearly 2,000 bottles is strongest in California and France with broad selections for each punctuated by some stunning options.

Surprising finds include Napa cult favorites like ‘Colgin Cellars,’ which recently sold a majority share to French luxury giant LVMH, and Abreu Vineyards which has had six 100-point scores from Robert Parker since 1997.

The Bordeaux section features various excellent vintages of Chateau Latour, Mouton Rothschild, and many of Cos d’Estournel and Chateau Palmer.

The Burgundy selection includes various Montrachets, Chambertins, Morey-St-Denis and a breathtaking variety of rare Domaine de la Ro-

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manée Conti (Flagey-Echézeaux commune and appellation Vosne Romanée).

In Champagne, Jeffrey’s wine list features fine selections from Krug, Philipponnat and Salon but also has a special section of “Grower” Champagne labels. These are producers where the family that grows the grapes also produces the Champagne. Reportedly, only 5% of the Champagne imported into the U.S. is grower Champagne.

To round out the cellar, numerous fine offerings from Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, and even Lebanon are available among others.

Always eye-catching, the cellar hosts more than two dozen large-format bottles; while these are primarily magnums, there is a four bottle, ‘double magnum’ of Jean Foillard “Côte du Py” on the list.

Though the featured selections come with some very heady prices, the cellar has a large number of labels at or below the $250 range and a few options in some categories at or below $100.

There are about 30 selections ‘by the glass’ with options from various world regions and styles. These are especially convenient for pairing with multiple courses.

In addition to the many Wine Spectator distinctions, Jeffrey’s won the ‘World of Fine Wine’ (magazine) - Best Medium-Size Wine List in North America in 2018. They had been awarded a three-star designation for the first time in 2017.

In the last few weeks, I visited Jeffrey’s twice, once with friends and once alone for dinner in the bar. Both experiences were excellent.

Our first evening opened with a welcome from our sharply dressed table captain Tony S. Like many of the staff

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at Jeffrey’s, Tony is a (distinguished) certified sommelier with a long history in fine dining and the wine business.

He competed in the Texsom competition in 2017 and even worked for a vineyard in Australia briefly in 2018. As would be expected, he knows the menu well and has a great ability to guide you to the right wines.

For dinner with friends, we went classic and started with truffled deviled eggs topped with large slices of white summer truffle. We followed with the Petrossian Imperial white caviar presented under a classic silver dome with horn spoons for serving. Warm blinis and a small ramekin of sour cream, plus a plate of finely diced egg whites, diced egg yolks, diced shallot, and chopped chive completed the elegant appetizer.

We paired the first courses with Louis Roederer “Premier” Brut Champagne.

We followed the caviar with Jeffrey’s take on beef tartare. Each tartare ‘tart’ was about the size of a wine cork and was filled with minced raw beef, horseradish cream and garnished with smoked trout roe. They were very light and quite literally a perfect bite.

A Jeffrey’s appetizer that changes periodically is the seared Hudson Valley foie gras. The most recent incarnation pairs pineapple on a small pastry shell glazed with a rich duck jus. The pineapple is topped with delicately seared foie gras, then finished with pink peppercorns, various herbs and served with a side of dressed watercress. At Tony’s suggestion, we paired the tart with a 2005 Château Suduiraut, Sauternes. The sweet notes of pear and orange blossom complemented the pineapple and foie gras perfectly.

(In all honesty, the second trip to the restaurant was mainly to have the stellar foie gras again.)

Just before our main courses, we were served another Jeffrey’s favorite; fresh and light popovers served with a side of house-made ricotta cheese drizzled with local honey.

These had a very delicate crisp outside and a warm, soft interior.

Though various wonderful seafood and game options are available, Jeffrey’s main focus is the steaks provided by the famous Niman Ranch network and closer to home, the Beeman Ranch in Yoakum Texas. The steaks are aged to various degrees (32 days for the larger Beeman cuts) and

PHOTOS BY MATT HARRINGTON

come in a wide array of sizes from a 6-ounce Petit filet to staggering a 42-ounce porterhouse.

For variety’s sake, each of us ordered a different main – I chose an 8 oz center cut tenderloin from Beeman’s with a side of roasted baby carrots, and seared mushrooms with garlic, white wine, and a demiglace.

My companions ordered the Rohan Duck “Au Poivre” and the smoked & braised short ribs.

My steak was expertly seared and very properly medium-rare. The texture and flavor were both on point. Though the duck and the short ribs were very good, textures again being quite memorable, the consensus was on the steak.

As a middle ground between our main courses, Tony suggested a 2009 Lopez de Heredia “Cubillo” Rioja that was “drinking very well.” A Robert Parker 92 rating for this moderately priced wine was a nice surprise.

As we wound down our mains, we got a little gem Caesar salad to cleanse the palate.

Our final course was a trio of desserts. Though the Chocolate soufflé with espresso crème anglaise and the Raspberry Mille Feuille were both very well executed, hands down, the winner was the Praline soufflé served with praline ice cream. The consistency was amazingly uniform, and the caramelized brown sugar flavor was subtle but extraordinary.

On my last trip to the restaurant, I opted to sit in the popular bar area. Though a fairly small space, the bar carries hundreds of fine labels in bourbons, scotches, whiskeys and virtually any spirit you could want.

Add to that, ten signature cocktails and a sampling of classic Manhattans and Martinis.

Unlike many restaurants, Jeffrey’s makes its entire dinner menu available in the bar area. I wanted to sample some of the seafood having read about both the Hamachi Carpaccio and even finding the recipe for Chef McCain’s Shellfish Risotto in Wine Spectator.

Both dishes were quite innovative; the Hamachi carpaccio’s combination of sushi-grade yellowtail with pear, hearts of palm and horseradish, and the Risotto’s inclusion of uni butter, citrus, and baby greens made them both delicious and unique.

Both were accompanied very well by a Schramsberg “J. Schram” 2009 Brut.

As per my original plan, I did satisfy the need for another sampling of the foie gras tart and most certainly finished with a Praline Soufflé.

I had recently lamented the fact that although we now have several acclaimed Sushi restaurants in Austin and some great new hotel restaurant options, we had lost so many of the small intimate and romantic places along the way.

Jeffrey’s reminded me that thankfully they’re not all gone.

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The Anticipation is Over:

PGA Tour Superstore Opens in Austin STORY BY MARC HALL

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It was a stroke of genius. It had to be to get 250-plus eager golfers to line up in front of a shopping center hours before (days before, for some dedicated souls) Austin’s new PGA Tour Superstore’s grand opening on May 25. By the time the doors opened at 9 AM, the crowds had swelled to well over 500. “Kendall” from Lakeway was the first in line, having camped in front of the entrance for 48 hours with two Yeti ice chests, a queen-size camping cot and, as it turns out, just enough Vanilla Coke to make it to the finish line. A 12-pack.

foot putting green, six simulator-focused hitting bays, two teaching and practice bays with simulators, equipment by every manufacturer you could name and some you couldn’t plus a huge selection of men’s and women’s apparel and shoes and balls, golf bags, travel bags, learning aids, accessories at every turn. One lady looked right at home in the apparel section. “These are golf clothes I would actually wear. I mean, this is all really cute!”

The PGA Tour Superstore secret seems to be not just having merchandise that yields a quick and tidy margin, but curating the shopping experience for serious golfers who live and breathe the game and have nuanced brand loyalties as well as educated opinions on shaft types, particular brands and product lines.

PHOTOS BY ORNELA PHILLIPS

P

GA Tour Superstore had been advertising for weeks that the first entrants through the door would be receiving free golf merchandise until the store had given away $30,000 worth of iron sets, drivers, putters, range finders, apparel and gift certificates. So, Austin showed up and showed up big to the Arbor Walk Shopping Center, oddly enough, on the same land Highway 183 that was once home to the Hank Haney Driving Range.

Many had heard that this was a store unlike any they’d seen and certainly unlike anything Austin has had since the closing of the venerable homegrown Golfsmith vanished earlier this decade.

Inside was a veritable Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for golfers. A giant 1,600-square-

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“

The simulator, launch monitor and fitting technology used in this store is state of the art and our people are the best-trained and most knowledgeable in the business.

This store is as close as you can get to walking into the Tour van out on the PGA TOUR.”

“So much of the experience for customers in a PGA Tour Superstore is technology-driven. We don’t want there to be any doubt in a customer’s mind when he comes into be fit for a driver, a set of irons, a wedge, a putter or even shoes. All of our staff our trained with goal in mind of that customer being perfectly-fit and ultimately very happy with their golf purchase their putting in their bag or on their back,” says PGA Tour Superstore director of marketing and events Ralph Stokes. “The simulator, launch monitor and fitting technology used in this store is state of the art and our people are the best-trained and most knowledgeable in the business. This store is as close as you can get to walking into the Tour van out on the PGA TOUR.” One staffer let the line “if it’s in the game, it’s in the store” roll off of his tongue quite easily as he was showing off the array of fairway woods and hybrids to a dad and his teenage son. “We invest in our people to have the greatest knowledge and expertise to fit your game. We’re trying to make you the best golfer you can be with the best equipment for YOU and your game,” Stokes adds.

To learn more, visit the store at North Mopac and Braker Lane or check out www.pgatoursuperstore. com.

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Barton Creek’s Fazio Foothills More Scenic Than Ever

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PHOTOS BY KEVIN CHIN

Hearing another great Austin institution is undergoing an major construction project is the sort of news that stops locals in their tracks. So much in this city has changed during the past two decade’s unstoppable surge of growth, it’s easy for older and newer Austinites to wax achingly nostalgic for the Austin they first fell for however-many years ago.

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In the case of the ambitious and expansive $150-milllion-plus renovation of the ultra-luxe Barton Creek Resort & Spa in the city’s hilly and posh Westlake Hills community, all the changes are refreshing and welcome. One of the city’s great escapes has simply found ways to become greater.

The new additions to the resort include a new hotel tower (pushing the room-and-suite count to 403) with a wraparound porch housing 180 new luxury guestrooms (including 50 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows), a focalpoint fireplace, casual lobby bar lounge and a new multi-tiered pool deck with an infinity pool overlooking the Fazio Foothills golf course.

Guests and members won’t go hungry as seven new dining experiences have been added throughout the resort. A new conference center, ballroom and outdoor events pavilion puts Barton Creek in the same playing field as some of the country’s largest conference hosts. The spacious, new Mokara Spa, expanded “poolscapes”

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and a new tennis complex also highlight the expansion. All existing guestrooms and meeting spaces had their décor and design updated.

On the golf side, the Crenshaw Cliffside and Fazio Foothills courses underwent major restorations and the newer Fazio Canyons Course saw an extensive tree-trimming project and the construction of a new clubhouse. It’s the same footprint and the same basic arrangement but a decidedly new day for Austin’s most-decorated golf property.

The 7,125-yard, par-72 Fazio Foothills course has new Tif 419 Hybrid Bermuda fairways, renovated white-sand bunkers and newly-shaped but still relatively-small TifEagle putting surfaces. The stroke of genius in this renovation was a large-scale tree-thinning and removal project which has provided the turf with improved airflow and overall health while re-exposing large portions of the course’s beautiful natural Hill Country terrain and wider views of the surrounding landscapes.

PHOTOS BY KEVIN CHIN

“It’s funny because these great, natural features were always here, but with the tree-clearing makes some of these areas look like entirely different golf holes,” says director of golf Phillip Marburger. “It’s just a testament to what a tremendous setting this is for golf, or anything, really.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit of thinning back the tree growth on this 33-year-old course is that it has improved the layout’s playability. Holes that once looked intimidatingly snug off the tee or left little margin for missed fairways are now much more manageable and inviting for the average player.

The first glimpse of the Foothills’ new openness comes with the view beyond the first green where the picturesque setting of the green on the par-five eighth hole is now in full view with its rushing creek and limestone ledges. The same holes still shine opening nine, like the upper-lower split-fairway par-5 fifth and the post-card-perfect ninth where a short-iron, all-carry approach plays over a natural limestone cliff punctuated by babbling waterfalls.

“The feedback on the course renovation has been overwhelmingly positive from the members and the resort guests are consistently blown away,” says director of golf operations Spencer Cody.

“Frankly, I was blown away when I first saw the elevation changes. Coming from some great but pretty flat sites in Palm Springs and the Tucson area, this thrilling setting.”

The par-4 10th hole starts from an elevated teeing ground some 70 feet above the landing area. Clearing on this hole makes the pond left of the fairway more visible. Creeks running along fairways and dramatic cliffsides overlooking the surrounding canyons make this closing stretch one of the best in Texas. One of the most improved holes is the winding 537-yard par-5 15th where more ample landing areas allows players of every skill swing a little more freely and the tree-grooming around the ground now reveals outstanding views of the nearby canyonlands.

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The closing three holes are just as memorable and thoroughly demanding. The forced-carry approach over another brilliant limestone-ledged creek at the par-4 16th is an exhilarating lateround challenge. The long-iron approach at the par- 17th might be a big ask late in the round, but save a good swing for this demanding one-shotter if you plan on keeping a round score intact.

The uphill, 560-yard, par-5 18th still requires you to place a solid tee shot then navigate the limestone cave (once dubbed the Spelunker Bunker) in the center of the rising fairway. Once you’re on the green, you might find the addition of the infinity-edge pool overlooking the hole will create a gallery effect. Put on a good short game and putting show if you want the right kind of 46

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cheers raining down on you to close the round.

Top-tier competitive golf presented by the PGA of America will be coming to Barton Creek later this year and in 2020. The PGA Cup, which matches 10-member United States and Great Britain & Ireland Teams in a Ryder Cup-style format, will be contested Sept. 23-29, 2019. The Inaugural Women’s PGA Cup, Oct. 22-26, is a 54hole stroke play event that is anticipated to attract five-member teams from Australia, Canada, Great Britain & Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. Also this fall, the 31st Senior PGA Professional Championship presented

by Golf Advisor will be played October 3 – 6 with a 264-member field taking on the Fazio Foothills and Crenshaw Cliffside Courses.

The 53rd PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car and OMEGA in April 2020 will feature a 312-member nationwide field and conducted on the Fazio Foothills course. The top 20 finishers will earn a spot in the 2020 PGA Championship.

“We’re looking forward to having these incredible professionals experience this unique brand of golf here at Barton Creek and our staff is excited to give the contestants a special stay and healthy sampling of Texas Hill Country hospitality,” says Cody.

You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy any of Barton Creek Resort & Spa four championship courses.

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PHOTOS BY KEVIN CHIN

To book your next adventure at the new and splendidly-improved property, visit https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-barton-creek.

OTL / TRAVEL

FRENCH LICK RESORT A Buddy Trip Golf Destination with Modern and Historic Charm STORY BY MARC HALL

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C

ircle the item that best defines great golf buddy trip destinations: 1. Quantity of golf 2. Quality of golf 3. Great dining and lodging venues as well as activities to do in addition to golf 4. All of the above Write us down for a 4, and note that destinations like French Lick Resort in southern Indiana, Bandon Dunes, Pinehurst, Streamsong, Kiawah and Kohler fit that profile and have earned reputations as satisfying trip destinations for golfers.

Regarded as one of the Best Golf Resorts in the America’s

by Golf Digest Magazine, French Lick Resort is a top resort in the Midwest and a destination that circles all the items.

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Situated atop the rolling hills overlooking the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana, this historic resort is located in the small town of French Lick, where for over two centuries the Pluto Mineral Springs has attracted visitors. (It is also known as the hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird.)

For quantity and quality of golf it features 45-holes of championship golf designed by Donald Ross, Pete Dye, and Tom Bendelow.

For dining, lodging and activities there is a choice between a pair of historic and iconic hotel destinations with great restaurants, a casino and many other amenities, as well as short, quick trip access to restaurants and activities like fishing and hunting in the welcoming resort community around French Lick.

Since the early 1900s, golf has been an integral part of this resort area. Tom Bendelow designed the first course in the area in 1907, and the great Donald Ross designed a course 10 years later that has withstood the test of time. Speaking of time, in 2009 Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye designed a visually stunning masterpiece on timeless property, and it has quickly become one of the most highly acclaimed courses in the country.

The Pete Dye course achieved a rare double honor in 2009 by being selected as America’s best new course by both Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. It is located

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on a dramatic hilltop, which is one of the highest points in the state of Indiana, and offers panoramic views of the Hoosier National Forest that stretch as far as 40 miles.

“I have spent over five decades designing golf courses all over the world, including courses on great coastal sites, and this course at French Lick is on arguably the best inland site I have ever worked on,” Dye has proclaimed.

This course has gained national recognition already hosting major golf events. The PGA of America played its PGA Professional National Championship on the new Pete Dye course in 2010. Then in 2015, they hosted the Senior PGA Championship presented

by KitchenAid. In addition, the Big Ten held both the men’s and women’s golf championships at French Lick, as well as the LPGA Legends have made it an annual stop on their tour. In 2017 the resort hosted the first ever Senior LPGA Championship presented

by Old National Bank and televised on Golf channel.

It will return again October 14-16, 2019. In addition, the Symetra Tour also returns to the Donald Ross Course (July 12-14).

As for the historic Donald Ross course, it underwent a $4.6 million restoration project in recent years that brought the course back to Ross’s original genius plans. If the Ross course could talk, what stories it

could tell from a rich history. It was site of the 1924 PGA Championship won by the legendary Walter Hagen, and has hosted other golf greats and celebrities including Gene Sarazen, Chick Evans, and Bing Crosby.

It is a parkland gem that meanders up and down the rolling hills a few miles from the main resort. The wonderful routing of the holes takes full advantage of the many elevation points for classic Ross green sites, which are sloped dramatically and in classic form from back to front.

French Lick is the only resort in the world that combines the classic historic work of Ross with the extraordinary modern-day work of Dye providing a spectacular opportunity for golfers to experience two of the best designers in golf history on one trip.

A trip that scores a perfect 4 for buddies can be best experienced through French Lick Resort’s Hall of Fame Golf Package. It provides opportunities to play both the Ross and Dye courses all day over a two-day period.

Golfers can opt to stay at either the French Lick Springs Hotel, which is connected to the 51,000-square foot casino, or the elegant West Baden Springs Hotel. Both hotels underwent a $600 million historic restoration back in the mid-2,000’s bringing the resort back to national prominence and both hotels back to their original sophistication and luxury.

Whether the group opts to play 27 or 36 or more in one day, the value can’t be beat with an all-day one-price option. On the arrival day, golfers also receive a 9-hole welcome warmup round on the Bendelow course, which is a classic, fun parkland design.

If all-day golf is not everybody’s option, then beckoning are the spa, pool area or area activities such as private hunting and fishing experiences, a shooting range, or testing luck in the casino.

In the evenings the group can experience a variety of fine dining options at each hotel, or head into the town of French Lick and check out the likes of Brick 33, which is named after its beloved basketball son, Larry Bird.

Write us down for a 4: All of the above.

Visit www.frenchlick.com.

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OTL / BUCK’S TIPS

Dance with the Ball STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

One of the most neglected aspects of the golf swing is learning proper footwork. The timing, tempo & rhythm of how your body moves in harmony with the golf club is critical for solid contact, hitting the ball straight and with good distance. Sam Snead once wrote, “golf should be played in a state of grace” and “your feet are the keys to the engine“.

When watching tour players, notice the effortless and unhurried movements throughout the golf swing in its entirety. Ernie Els and Fred couples come to mind and how smooth they look hitting a golf shot. Observe the freedom in their feet, knees, and legs. Resisting anything in the lower body is a no-no and will rob all speed and tempo in an efficient swinging motion as well as lead to hip and back injuries.

Here are some tips to improve your footwork: 1. Allow your heels to roll inward and up both ways.

2. Allow your knees to bend, flex, and extend both ways.

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3. Allow your hips to load, coil, and unwind both ways.

Remember, your balance is dictated from good set-up and a stable, yet free movement from using the ground. Imagine yourself in the seat of the swing set and flowing backand-forth. The pause or stall when getting to the top is not rushed but smooth. As the momentum builds, the seat swishes through the bottom to a full high finish. Your golf swing should feel the same way. The seat is the club, the chain is your body, and the bar is the ground.

The bottom line is that in all stick sports hockey, tennis, baseball, and golf, the proper sequence starts from the ground. Therefore; your feet, which are attached to the ground, must have freedom to move. You too can learn to dance with the ball.

Buck Mayers is the Director of Instruction at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. He can be reached at www.buckmayersgolf.com

OTL / ON YOUR GAME

STORY BY LEONARD FINKEL

During a film shoot, I had the opportunity to sit down with David Leadbetter.

In this interview, David shares his insights on teaching, his passions outside of golf, a focus on club fitting and stories about Nick Faldo, Nick Price and Michelle Wie.

Finkel: You’re one of the top golf instructors in the world. Why do you think you’re so successful?

Leadbetter: There are a couple reasons.

I started coaching when I was 18. When I left college after about six months, I got into teaching as a young assistant professional and I always loved it. I happened to be at the right place at the right time.

I’m here with Hank Haney today and he would be the first to admit that Mark O’Meara really helped his career.

And I’m the first to admit I’ve had Nick Price and Nick Faldo, Sir Nick Faldo they call him now, who helped me along the way.

There weren’t really any celebrity golf instructors in the past. We had people like Jack Grout who was Jack Nicklaus’s teacher. He never got the recognition he should have. Today or even back in the eighties and nineties, we got a lot of notoriety and a lot of press in the fact that people like Nick Faldo win majors and his coach, David Leadbetter, helped him. This really set you apart.

Not that I would say I was better than anybody else, but with the right player, at the right time. It’s all about timing and from there I started writing books, doing videos, opening golf academies and

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creating teaching aids. In many ways, you make your own luck. Some skill, some luck and good people that you associate with along the way and all of sudden you’ve created a reputation.

Finkel: A few years ago I had a chance to interview Nick, and we talked about his total focus and determination to be the number one player in the world. Why do you think he was so successful?

Leadbetter: He was very determined. We always got along fabulously well. In his mindset, it was like nobody else existed. I always remember the story working with Ian Baker Finch back in 1990 at St. Andrews when Faldo won it. He was playing with Finch in the last round. I said Ian, don’t expect him to acknowledge the shot, or say good shot, or even talk to you during the round of golf. Sure enough, he came up and said, boy, you were dead right. He said he was so single-minded. He focused on what he was doing. I think he had the talent; he had the work ethic, he had the golf swing, he had control over the ball and put all those factors together. And he had a very good short game back in the day with a really good putter. He had a lot of great attributes, and when you have the strength of mind that he had, nothing was going to deter him from reaching his goals. That’s what happened. He won six majors.

Finkel: How were you able to help him achieve his goals?

Leadbetter: When we first started, he was definitely lacking from a technique standpoint. I think I gave him confidence. He was able to flight the ball better. His major goal initially was to win the British Open. In the wind, he was not a very good player because he puts so much spin on the ball. Then he started to get confidence with his ball striking. I was able to help him understand his own swing, understand his own technique and help him with understanding the formula for success. He relied on me a lot and together we came up with a master plan. It took a couple years to get there, but he was able to achieve it. As much as I did for his career, he certainly did the same for mine. It was a win-win situation. I helped him from the standpoint of being a sounding board, giving him a better basic understanding of his own swing. Because that’s a big part of confidence with these great players. Having the confidence in your own swing and technique and the fact that you’ve got control of the ball.

Finkel: What was your favorite win for a student on Tour?

Leadbetter: I think because of my personal relationship with him, it was Nick Price when he won the open at Turnberry in 1994. I sort of grew up with him in Africa and that was a very special moment. He really wanted to win an Open.

He won a couple of PGAs, but he never won the Open. He was going head to head with Jesper Parnevik and Nick holed

a long putt on 17 for eagle and that changed everything. It was very exciting to be there to see him win it and pick up the Claret Jug. Finkel: You also worked with Michelle Wie when she was young - what do you think about her career?

Leadbetter: Unfortunately, there’s no rule book there, how to guide a prodigy, and that’s what she was when she was young. She was a prodigy. When you’re a 13-year-old girl and can hit over 300 yards, that’s a little different. How do you handle it? There was so much thrown at her. In the end, and I’m sure her parents and management group will probably agree, she may not have been handled quite correctly. But there was nothing to go by. Who else has there been like that, at that age? A lot of things happened. She went to college.

She didn’t go the normal route where she just said I’m going to play every week. Then she’s had a lot of injuries. Her confidence got hit off the injuries and all the negativity that was thrown around. She wasn’t quite the same player afterwards, just from a confidence standpoint. She’s had bursts and when you’re 14 or 15 you think you could beat the world. Some people said she should have played more small tournaments and became more of a winner, which in my mind is nonsense.

She was based in Hawaii. She couldn’t travel all over like some of these other kids could, so she beat up on everybody over there and played in the men’s Pub Links Championship and got to the semifinals of that.

She’s one of my favorite people. She’s had a very successful career. She won I think five tournaments, including the U.S. Open and she’s not done yet. I still think she’s got some really good golf left ahead of her. Now she’s got a degree from Stanford. She’s a very wealthy young woman. How do you determine success? That’s the thing and so maybe she hasn’t lived up to everybody’s expectations; in the beginning it looked like she was going to win every tournament and blow everybody away every time she teed it up. But that wasn’t the case. We know golf is a great equalizer and a it doesn’t always pan out the way that you think it should. She really enjoys playing golf. She’s one of those people that will probably play for quite a while, into her thirties. She does love the game.

Finkel: Is there anything you can do through instruction to help golfers gain back some of their distance that they’ve lost as a result of getting older?

Leadbetter: It’s a combination, not just instruction. You have to make sure the equipment fits the individual, and make sure that if somebody is having a hard time making any sort of rotation in the swing, maybe have some sort of physical work done. Some soft tissue work, some chiropractic work. From an instructional standpoint, you can do things like get them to take the ball more right to left. They’re going to get more distance that way. You create more of a draw, and you can see that on your launch monitor. You can determine if the club is coming a little more from the inside, if somebody is swinging it two degrees from the outside, then see if we can get three or four from the inside. Technically you can look at a player and in order to complete their rotation, they have to lift the left heel off the ground. Going back to Jack

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Nicklaus’s days, compared to the modern swing, there’s not a lot of foot movement yet. For a lot of older golfers, especially males, raising the left heel can really increase their rotation and actually help their rhythm. Those are little things. I’d strengthen the grip a little bit. I think there are a couple things you can tweak to help a player get back the distance they’ve lost.

Finkel: Can you recommend anything else?

Leadbetter: Maybe go on a fitness program as an anti-aging approach. Looking at your golf equipment, coming to Club Champion, and making sure that the equipment fits you. If you’re using a driver that’s 10 years old, you may want to upgrade considering the technology and the equipment we’ve got today. At Callaway, I know what they bring out every year and the fascinating thing is, it is a little better than the previous equipment they brought out.

Finkel: What kind of player benefits most from club fitting?

Leadbetter: I don’t think there’s any player that wouldn’t benefit from club fitting. In fact, the top players, Tour players, obviously are very much into fitting, but they can adjust. They can make anything work. The average player would probably benefit far more than even the Tour player would. Because to get a club fitted and have a club that suits their length, lie, shaft, flex, material, grip...those factors make a huge difference for the average golfer to be able to reach their potential.

Finkel: A lot of golfers think they’re not

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good enough to be fitted. What do you think?

Leadbetter: If you’re playing once every six months, there’s no reason to even think about club fitting. If you’re somewhat serious about the game, everybody wants to improve. People can say I’m just out there for the exercise. Baloney! That’s just not true. When people play good golf, they’re in a good mood. It’s a feel-good fact of golf. You play lousy golf and you don’t walk off with the best of attitudes. You play good golf and it’s like everything is right with the world. For the average golfer, it’s like going to the shoe store and saying give me a pair of shoes please. You might be a size 12 and they give you a size 9. Just walk. Limp a little bit but you’ll be okay. It’s the same thing with golf clubs. What’s the point of going to the store, paying a lot of money and just picking a set of clubs up off the shelf? This is what it was like in the past. There was no sort of fitting expertise. But now you have people like Club Champion in particular who are experts in their field and will know within a relatively short space of time what club is going to actually suit you. They’re going to maximize your distance and your accuracy, which is really what it’s all about. If you can do that, you can feel very comfortable and very confident when you go to the golf course. That’s one element you can take out of the equation. It’s not the clubs. You take a few lessons and put the two together, and you’re going to play some good golf that you can enjoy and get what everybody is looking for, consistency.

Finkel: So why do you think custom club fitting so important today?

Leadbetter: With all the technology we have, TrackMan, etc., we’re able to see how certain clubs fit certain people. In the old days, it was very much hit or miss, try this, try that. But now you’ve got the ability to actually fit a club to an individual to maximize their potential. That’s important. We’ve seen this time and time again with Tour players through the years and now it’s filtering down into the amateur game. And today, there’s far more technology involved and the ability for a player to have a golf club that suits their swing. I think the other key is that players don’t have a lot of time to work on their golf swing these days, so they can actually fit a club to their particular swing and get really great results from it. And it’s only going to help their game. Obviously, Club Champion fitters are the best at it, and all their stores around the country give people access to all this information.

Finkel: Do you see custom club fitting working hand-in-hand with golf instruction?

Leadbetter: It’s very important that you tie fitting in with instruction. Do we leave a player where he is and fit the swing to the club or do we get somebody swinging the way we want them to and then get the club to fit the swing? That’s always the challenge. So, in my opinion, obviously long-term progress is always going to be better off if somebody proves their technique and has the club to match the technique. We’re always working hand-inhand with that. To me one has to work with the other.

Finkel: What are you working on these days besides teaching? Are there any projects we

should be aware of?

Leadbetter: We’ve got 40 golf academies worldwide. We just opened a new one in Dubai in November of 2018. For the longest time I was involved with IMG, running the day to day of their junior golf academy and then we went our separate ways. I’ve now started my own Junior Academy which is down in Orlando, Florida. It’s a sort of boutique school for kids who come there and go to school, work on their games, mental, physical, technical, spiritual, you name it. It’s a lot of fun working with these kids from all over the world. That’s something we’re really looking at and we’re expanding the academies worldwide.

We’ve just come to an arrangement with a company called GOLFZON out of Korea who’s the biggest simulator company in the world. They’ve become part of our business. We’re going to be involved in putting instructional programs into all their simulators around the world. We have some exciting things going on. At my advanced age now, I’m trying to slow down a little but it’s not always easy. I still work for a number of Tour players, which I still enjoy doing. And a couple players on the Web.com tour and also in Europe. I still keep my name out there, and I enjoy working for Golf Digest and writing the odd book and doing some corporate stuff. I keep pretty busy. As I always say, I’ve never worked a day in my life. It’s always nice to get up knowing that there’s probably something different today than there was yesterday.

Finkel: Where do you see instruction going in the future?

Leadbetter: I think when you look at instruction, there is so much today through the internet. It’s not always the easiest way to learn. I do think there

are certain things, a program that people can get on, whether it be from a fitness standpoint or just a swing drill exercise. A taught program that people can do, like going back the old Jane Fonda workout tapes. You just do this you do that on a regular basis and there’s somebody there with you doing it. I think in the future you are you going to probably see things like holograms where you step into something and you can actually feel what your swing is all about. Because in the end, golf is all about feel. And if you can feel what your coach or instructor is trying and tell you to do, then you’re more than halfway there. You will be able to program the hologram to fit a particular individual and say, okay, here’s your swing. I think we’re going to see things like that in the years to come.

Finkel: What are your passions outside of golf?

Leadbetter: I’m sort of a self-confessed health nut, and I work out. I love the healthy side of life.

I’m really into foods and vitamins. I extoll that virtue sometimes to my players. I like to ski; I like to fish. I love watching other sports. Actually, I love watching baseball. One of my favorite sports, which is unfamiliar to most Americans, is cricket. I’m a great tennis follower, too. I go to the U.S. Open and Wimbledon quite frequently. I’m going to the French Open next year. Tennis is a passion of mine. I enjoy other sports.

When you have a family too, you do things with them.

I enjoy sometimes just completely relaxing and doing stuff that maybe you don’t have time to do normally in this hectic world we live in.

Leonard: David, you have a pretty interesting life. Thanks for sharing.

Leadbetter: Thank you, Leonard.

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OTL / WINE & SPIRITS

Austin has some new ‘Bad Habits’ STORY BY ALEIDA TADDEI - ELWELL

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Nestled among 140 oak barrels in a wine cellar off South Congress and St Elmo are six barrels the Elliott Family Winemakers use for producing their small-batch wines. When I visited in March, Travis Elliott, winemaker and co-owner of the business, had a 155-case batch of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon he had just finished bottling by hand and was in the process of labeling.

T

hese wines had been aging in oak barrels for about 16 months alongside others made by the Austin Winery at 440 East Saint Elmo Road, A1, Austin, Texas 78745.

The Austin Winery is not your traditional winery. They don’t close their doors at 5 p.m. Their facility is not located down a country road, and the owner’s house isn’t next door. In fact, they are located in a warehouse district that has a brewery, distillery and recording studio in it. They are open Tuesday-Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon-7 p.m.

Travis is a part owner of the Austin Winery as well as Elliott Family Winemakers, and together with his father, Sam Elliott – no, not the actor – he is working to broaden his winemaking creativity and has developed some elegant, bold red wines.

Travis, just 27, first worked for the Austin Winery as an intern in 2014. At the time, he was studying anthropology at the University of Texas with a focus on food and wine. It didn’t take long for him to become a coowner, and now he is branching out to a new endeavor with his father.

Travis’ mantra is simple: “Apply honest principles and do not adulterate the grape. The wine-tasting experience starts and ends in your palate, and is a completely a personal experience.”

He and his father have produced only two vintages, a 2016 and 2017. The 2016 batch made only 55 cases, and it took 1.3 tons of grapes from the Texas High Plains region to produce it. “Growing good grapes is a hard job, because you have to deal with many factors all at once, like sun exposure, the soil, irrigation, and keeping the grapes healthy using the right techniques to deal with pests and insects.”

Travis said he pays close attention to the raw materials he uses for his wines as well as the entire fermentation process. Finding the right grape and choosing which type of barrel he uses is paramount to the process. But just as important is the continuous monitoring of the PH balance and sugar levels.

He learned on his first batch that you can over-check your wine. “So much of winemaking comes down to delayed gratification,” he said. “I think I probably men-

tioned it a dozen times. I have had to learn so much patience, something that I really didn’t have before.”

The family has three wines available currently; Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and a 50-50 blend of the same two grapes. They are considering making a white wine such as a skin-contact Pinot Gris, meaning the skins of the grapes are left in the tanks longer, usually about 14 days. As a comparison, most of their reds have skin contact for 5-12 days.

Travis prefers wines with a long finish, good body, and smooth tannins. “If you don’t love it when you drink it, it’s not a good wine.”

Of the wines he has made, the 2017 Tempranillo, called Bad Habits, is his favorite. This wine is well balanced and agreeable to those who like fruit and spice.

It’s smooth to the palate and has a lasting finish. This wine is extremely versatile for pairings and is good with white and red meats, cold cuts, grilled vegetables, hard and semi-hard cheese like mozzarella, feta and pecorino. This wine is shiny red with shades of purple. It has strong aromas of black fruits, notes of lavender and violets, all of which blend well with the tannins to provide a rich, balanced flavor.

Bad Habits is the personification of Travis’ growing pains as a young winemaker. “I know I’ve made big strides and grown my understanding, but there’s still so much to learn.” He identifies with a bonsai professional who said his pursuit was a lifetime of learning, and by starting earlier in life only means there’s more to learn and ultimately more to master.

Travis also designs his own labels and uses them as an artistic expression. The Bad Habits label symbolizes the intense environment the grapes endure. The sun bakes the West Texas flat-lands until the soil is arid and dusty. The deep roots of the grapevines dig their way to water far below the surface and provide the moisture needed to produce these grapes. An old adage is that happy vines produce leaves, stressed vines produce grapes.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and fullbodied with a punch of cherry and plums, with hints of pepper, mint dark chocolate, and olives. It has juicy tannins that glide across the palate while delivering richness and concentration. The wine has a deep opaque ruby/purple hue. To the nose, it has aromas of violets,

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cherries, and bacon. It pairs well with roasted pork, rosemary-braised lamb shanks, blue cheese burgers, beef stew and short ribs braised with mushrooms.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, called Daydream, is deep, dark purple with intriguing aromas of black cherry, balsamic herbs, coffee, and lightly toasted oak. Harmonious flavors of dried flowers, chocolate, and vanilla fill the palate. It has an exotic, complex character, full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long smooth finish. With this young Cab, you can pair it with almost any red meat served rare, grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted or grilled lamb, blue cheese like gorgonzola, and cheddar or gouda.

The name Daydream represents the time Travis spends pondering whether he’s made the right choices while making his wines. “You make your decisions and essentially daydream about their consequences and impacts. You make your moves, have an idea of how they’ll turn out, but at the end of the day, you wait to see what happens.”

The Tempranillo-Cabernet blend is called ‘Say Goodbye.’ It is juicy and velvety smooth with rich fruit flavors and has a deliciously soft finish. A quick whiff reminds me of black currants with hints of tobacco. On the tongue, there is blackberry, black pepper, blueberries, spice, and licorice. It has medium tannins and acidity and has a firm mouthfeel. This inky, dark ruby-colored wine pairs well with spicy barbecue sauces, tomato-based sauces, and pasta, rich cheesy dishes and recipes that have mushrooms and truffles.

Say Goodbye is the wine he will save and open as he bids farewell to the last of his single varietals as they are sold to his patrons. “This was my farewell to the vintage. It’s the wine I’ll expect to hold on to the longest.” The wine’s label represents two types of grapes and two points in time. Circles moving forward and backward represent the past and future while the wine serves as a bridge between them in the present.

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In Travis’ future, he and his father are planning to release white single-varieties, and Travis has plans to start his own wine club, where he can gradually grow as a winemaker and producer.

“Winemaking is an amazing artistic endeavor,” Travis proclaims as he describes his journey and passion. “The goal is to follow your creative intentions and produce excellent wine. It’s important to be critical of your work.”

During harvest season, Travis works up to 80 hours a week without a day off for up to two months. He will check his wine every week during the fermentation process and tastes samples monthly after about three months in the barrel.

With the current facility at near capacity, Travis’ plans for expansion are modest. On any given weekend the 5,000 square-foot building is teeming with patrons. Travis has considered opening his own winery, but right now he is content with a gradual expansion. He says he would prefer to increase production about 10-25 percent a year.

“That’s a manageable increase. Right now, we’re selling everything we have and even running out of some of our most popular wines.”

“When people ask when will the wine be available again, I tell them, it’s a long process.”

“As with any small business owner, finding a place for yourself is difficult.” For now, you can enjoy his wines at the Austin Winery, but don’t wait too long to visit. When he’s out of wine, it’s a long wait until the next batch.

OTL / CIGARS

What to smoke when you don’t have a lot of time STORY BY TARA LEE MALONEY Do you start every summer thinking the same as I do? I thought as soon as school was over, I would have more time to myself. Which means cigars and whiskey time for me. Now, my life seems busier than ever. Summer started a week ago and my children have had 3 nights of sleepovers, I am signing my daughter up for tennis lessons, I have taken them to the library and the pool, started an exercise schedule with my son and am preparing for summer trips. Let’s not forget that in Texas you cannot sit outside for too long; you won’t melt but you will just feel like it.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE “ME” TIME? AND WHY IS IT SO HOT ALREADY? I have only a short amount of time to smoke a cigar each day during the summer. While waiting for the tennis/golf lesson to be over or waiting for a meeting to start, I might have about 10 to 30 minutes to smoke. What do you do then?

Start a robusto and just put it out when they are done? Wasteful. Maybe save it and re-light it later when you can sit outside in the evening? I can do that and have done it; however, the cigar is usually not as good as when I first started it due to the tar and ash taste. So, what to do?

I would like to suggest a cigarillo (3 ¾ inches by 26 ring gauge) or a Rothschild cigar (4 ½ inches by 52 ring gauge) as a better solution. I

know there may be some hesitation about smoking such a small cigar. But these small cigars are complex, some pack a lot of flavor and others have a lot of power. Many of the major manufacturers make these smaller cigars; so, you are getting a well-made cigar with premium tobacco. Drew Estates Papas Fritas is a cigar with a lot of power and complexity. I smoke this in the car on the way to one of my offices; it helps me to have less anger at the traffic. Illusione Rothschildes cigar has such a great draw and I pick up raisin notes from it. I like to smoke this one when waiting for the kids to finish activities or when on the way to a meeting-- it has a light smoke that does not sit on my clothing. Tatuaje Cracker Crumbs has a smooth spice that smokes nicely when I have a few minutes to sit outside.

I also enjoy the Ashton Cigarillo anytime. This cigarillo represents the Ashton line as well as any of their Toros.

The next time you are in your local shop, take a look at cigarillos or other short cigars. I have added them as a regular rotation to my smoking week. There are those that I smoke when I have 30 minutes and others when I have 10 minutes.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the complexity of these little gems while you enjoy your summer.

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OTL / THE SWEET SPOT

Kayaking and Camping Down The Colorado River 66

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I

was a gondolier at the Venetian a few years ago and really enjoyed that job. Yes, the gondolier actually controls the boat, the boats are not running on a track. Although it’s been a few years since I’ve maneuvered a gondola, the training has aided with adventures kayaking and participating in an outrigger canoe to small islands throughout Hawaii.

So when I saw the Facebook post that a bunch of Gondoliers were planning to kayak down the Colorado River, I jumped at the chance to join the crew. Mike Larson organizes this annual outing and I was so ready for a new adventure.

We had a date set for early April. Everyone had to submit their legal names and were told we had to bring photo I. D. Black Canyon is just south of the Hoover Dam which has security cameras located over the entire area. You do need to have an outfitter take you to the point of entry. You can not go down in a private vehicle. We used Desert River Outfitters and if you get the chance to ride the shuttle with Helen, be prepared to fall in love with this fascinating lady. The shuttle takes you close to the point of entry onto the river but not all the way, you do have to carry your gear a little distance down to launch.

Winds were 75 miles an hour the day we planned to go. We were a little concerned that we might have to cancel. Luckily for us the rock barriers on each side of the river blocked quite a bit of the wind in the early hours of the day. Knowing this situation ahead of time, Mike planned for us to just do over 3 of the 11.7

miles for our first day due to fighting head winds.

Then we planned to enjoy tail winds on our second day where we would meet our Outfitters down at Willow Beach to pick us up.

There aren’t any white water rapids on this section of the river but in the summer months you can get caught up in fast moving currents and whirlpools due to the dam releasing water for the surrounding states who depend on the energy in these hot months. It’s also extremely hot in the summer with virtually no shading available. If you were to ask my opinion, I would suggest not to go in the summer because of these two factors. You also have to consider all the gear you need to bring in your canoe or kayak. There are no amenities of any kind.

Shortly after starting your trip you will see the Sauna Cave on your right. This will be the first hot springs you encounter with the water temperatures around 132 degrees. The other hot springs are Goldstrike, Boyscout and White Rock Canyon, also known as Arizona Hot Springs. This is where we chose to camp for the night.

The pool of hot water was refreshing after fighting winds for a few hours. Something to keep in mind, you shouldn’t start a fire in high winds and you shouldn’t start a fire too close to your tent or shrubs. We noticed a lot of inexperienced campers out there. You also want to be careful not to submerge your head in the hot springs because it may contain an amoeba called Naeglera Fowleri. It’s rare to contract but you should be aware of this.

The trip was adventurous and relaxing. Will I go again? Yes indeed. If you have an adventurous spirit, then I highly recommend this outing. We did the trip in two days. You can do one long day but I think that you might miss some exploring. Some folks like to do it in three days. Two was perfect for me.

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Cedar Park

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Steiner Ranch

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Round Rock

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Austin

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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

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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

11 Cimarron Hills 512-763-8700 www.cimarronhills.com/golfcourse

23 Lake Cliff Golf Club 830-798-0695 www.lakecliff.com

12 Balcones Country Club 512-258-1621 www.balconescountryclub.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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OTL / ADVERTIZER INDEX

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

La Cantera 210.558.6500 lacanteraresort.com

Cascata 702.294.2005 golfcascata.com

PGA Superstore 512.382.4000 PGAsuperstore.com/Austin

City of Bryan 979-776-0133 bryantx.gov/visit Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830.598.7800 escondidotexas.com Garrison Brothers garrisonbros.com

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 9

Kapalua 1.877.kapalua golfkapalua.com

Austin Subaru 512.323.2837 austinsubaru.co

Club Champion 888.842.1370 clubchampiongolf.com

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Habana House 512.996.8706 www.habanahousecigarlounge.com

Rancho Poquito ranchopoquito.com Rio Secco 702.777.2400 riosecco.net Schlitterbahn 830.625.2351 schlitterbahn.com The George 979.485.5590 thegeorgetexas.com