OTL TEXAS SPRING ISSUE

CARLTON WOODS

Designed with Legends in Mind

Westlake Wine Bar

Familiar location, friendly vibe

The Bolders, Arizona Bring the camera

Contents Volume 19, Issue 3

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FEATURES 12

HOUSTON H-Town is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S.. Nearly 30 percent of Houstonians were born internationally and relocated to Texas. Katie Soltas

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WESTLAKE WINE BAR The food at Westlake Wine Bar is essentially Bistro favorites all in a familair space in Davenport Village. Richard Arebao

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CARLTON WOODS Gorgeous club with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio designed courses for members to play. It’s been quick 20 years. Mike Bailey

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MASTERS

A tradition like no other. There’s more to it than what you see on the broadcast. Mike Bailey

CARLTON WOODS

Designed with Legends in Mind

Westlake Wine Bar

Familiar location, friendly vibe

The Bolders, Arizona Bring the camera

ON THE COVER Carltom Woods is home to two amazing courses with legendary designers, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio.

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Contents Volume 19, Issue 3

66

44 54

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COLUMNS 18

FITNESS The hips don’t like. Improving your strength and flexiblity for a better hip-turn.

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YOGA FOR GOLFERS Yoga for golfers will make your entire body respond effortlessly to the demands of your golf swing.

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PUTT FOR DOUGH Do you need your parents long-term care insurance?

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DRIVE FOR SHOW 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Automotive excellence certainly did not come into existence overnight.

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HEALTH Footpain. Often the source of foot pain is located away from the area of discomfort.

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GOLF TECH Honma’s Newest BERES. Blending performance and luxury. Impress before you swing.

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BUCKS TIPS The education of the tournament junior golfer.

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ON YOUR GAME Former UT football star and Texas Businessman Corby Robertson.

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TRAVEL The Boulders, AZ. A luxury, five-star resort destination is named after the land formations found in its setting.

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WINE The art of wine tasting starts with a swish. A few tips and you’ll be ready.

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CIGARS Experienced cigar enthusiasts know the pleasures of a well-aged cigar.

Laid-Back Luxury

Golfweek’s #1 in Texas & #9 in the U.S. Schedule a tour with Bluejack National Realty today. www.bluejacknational.com | (281) 475-2166 | life@bluejacknational.com 4430 south fm 1486 | montgomery, texas 77316 Pricing, plans and specifications subject to change without notice. See sales consultant for details. © Copyright 2021 Bluejack National. All Rights Reserved.

From the Publisher There is the written word, the spoken word, and the typed word. Technology abounds. Typing and texting have become an essential part of communicating.

Back in the day, courses offered an opportunity to improve typing skills. In many cases jobs, proficiency tests were mandatory for employment.

Many people struggle to type as well as they speak often implementing the two-fingers technique. The struggle with the keys is real; not to mention attempting to playing the piano How many words does the average person type per minute compared to 30 years ago? An unscientific guess would say they have improved in general.

For the past few weeks, the letter “d” on my keyboard is typing double “dd” when the key is struck. It’s incredibly annoying. I now must go back and delete the extra ‘d’. As fate would have it, now the letter ‘T’ is not responding when tapped.

Here is how to remedy the problem. Clean the keyboard or take it to the Apple store for repair. Another option is ignoring it and hoping it would self-correct.

The latter option number is the worst choice, which is coincidentally the inspiration for this letter.

Why do we tend to live with something that is holding us back?

The best time to do something is now. If you wait until the perfect time, you may never do it. The past two years notwithstanding, the most predictable thing in this life is its unpredictability. Do it now while you still have the opportunity.

You will see the results immediately. You may fail. However, you will find satisfaction on the journey.

When I first started in business, traditional wisdom said you should have two years of operating costs banked to get off to a good start. My brash response was, “If I wait to have all that money, I’ll never start a business.” That belief is what led me to this point. There were challenges for sure, but all the challenges have led to valuable wisdom and experience.

OTL now has two publications with a plan in place to do more by the end of the year.

Football legend John Madden recently passed. Madden had one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. If you were placed on the cover, there was a chance you would be part of the “Madden Curse”. It meant you may suffer a season-ending injury or some other malady. I’d like to come up with something of an opposite meaning for OTL. The OTL blessing. The WM PGA event was held in Phoenix and Texas native Scottie Scheffler was featured in our last issue. He won the event. With no empirical evidence, we can conclude, OTL was a good luck charm on his way to victory.

If you missed it, go online and read the interview.

This seemingly small problem has crept its way into my letters, notes, and my written word. Not a good thing.

Now, in this issue. Carlton Woods is back in OTL. We last featured the club and course back in 2006. It’s still one of the best.

The symbolism of a temperamental key has been a revelation. STOP living with a faulty keyboard. Don’t walk around with a pebble in your shoe.

For dining, we visit the Westlake Wine Bar. It’s one of the best locations in town. The menu and wine provide an ideal atmosphere for any occasion.

Can you identify a small impediment in your life that with a little effort and time, can vastly improve the quality of your life?

If you’re in the market for a set of golf clubs that will be the envy of your friends well before you hit a shot, check out the Homna brand in our equipment feature.

What is stopping you right now from doing what you want to do?

Finally, Spring is just around the corner which means the year’s first major golf tournament, The Masters. We give you some insight into this timeless venue.

This is not necessarily referring to bucket list items. Recently, I had a conversation with an elder and they insisted they were going to do more when they felt better. Sound familiar?

It’s arguably the most wonderful time of the year.

Enjoy this issue of OTL.

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

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/OnTheLinks /OnTheLinks Magazine Magazine

@otl_golf @otl_golf

PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Sedric Walker Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson Carl Mickelson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tony Dean Tony Dean

FEATURES EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo Richard Arebalo

ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PROFESSIONAL Buck Mayers Buck Mayers

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Natalie Kalbas

CONTENT SPECIALIST Joel McColl

@otlgolf @otlgolf

otlgolf.com otlgolf.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Guillory, Chin, Felipe Telona Andon Loui ShayaJr. CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS WRITERS CONTRIBUTING Katie Soltas Nicole Pinter Michelle Keller, Leslie Stevenson, Leah Gruber, Art Stricklin, Art Stricklin, Tara Lee Maloney Dr. Jeff Luke, Mike Bailey, INTERNET DIGITAL INTERNET &&DIGITAL Mario Rossi Alexandria Moya, Karen Kreeps

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O T L G O L F. C O M 1 1 O T L G O L F. C O M 1 1

Discover Houston though History, Gastronomy and Luxury STORY BY KATIE SOLTAS

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As with any large city, it can be expected to encounter a diverse population of travelers. But it wasn’t until this recent trip I took to Houston to run the Chevron Houston Marathon that I appreciated the international presence everywhere, from race participants to a multicultural residential population. In fact, nearly 30 percent of Houstonians were born internationally and relocated to Texas. Mexico-born migrants lead, with Venezuela, Cuba and Nigeria gaining ground, according to a recent city census. Asian and European influence is growing as well.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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Hilton Americas exterior his melting pot of heritage brings delicious cuisine, innovative restaurant concepts with seasoned chefs who find appeal in Houston’s global landscape and newly renovated downtown hotels that aim to tell this narrative and share the city’s history with its international crowd. I had the pleasure of visiting two of them during this marathon trip that couldn’t be more different aside from their Hilton flags.

It is fitting that the largest hotel in the city, Hilton Americas-Houston, is named to reflect this global audience and welcome travelers to experience the city’s uniqueness coupled with the Southern hospitality of the Lonestar State. The 1,207-room, 24-story hotel opened in 2003 and recently completed a $54 million renovation of its contemporarydesigned rooms, meeting spaces and common areas. Guest room highlights include premium amenities such as multifunctional furniture, 65-inch high-resolution Samsung TV’s, new artwork and updated restrooms with sliding barn doors, while meeting spaces were revamped with flexibility and safety in mind in this new era.

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As for the art, the guest room and suite murals were painted by a hand-selected team of 11 local artists with diverse mediums from photography, painting and collage to enhance the living space with the vibrancy and flavor representing Houston. The lobby features a majestic art installation by Murano, Italy-based Barovier & Toso – the oldest glass blowing company in Italy. This style is reminiscent of American artist Chihuly, best known in the U.S. for his work in Chihuly Gardens and Glass below the Seattle Space Needle, who worked and observed in the same Italian region.

“It was important for us to include the various shapes, forms and artistry of this colorful city and what better way than through art?’ said Hilton America’s general manager, Jacques D’Rovencourt. “With its close proximity to world-class sports, cultural and entertainment areas, the Hilton AmericasHouston is at the center of Houston’s vibrant and diverse landscape.”

Hilton Americas’ location is tough to beat, situated at the edge of the 12-acre urban park, Discovery Green, and a connecting skywalk to the George R. Brown Convention Center. The

PHOTO COURTESY OF HILTON. PHOTO COURTESY OF HILTON.

Hilton Americas Pool.

H i l t o n A m e r i c a s L o b b y B a r.

PHOTO KATIE SOLTAS.

showing skywalk.

hotel is part of Avenida Houston, the city’s newest shopping and entertainment district, and is steps to the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets. All these attractions can be seen from sweeping arial views in the VIP executive rooftop lounge, R24, with a private concierge and a full bar.

Guests seeking rejuvenation and recreation during their Houston trip will find solitude at the Skyline Spa and Health Club, which boasts panoramas from twenty-three stories with floor to ceiling windows, while soaking in the oversized whirlpool or taking a dip in the 75-foot indoor lap pool. The spa includes treatments such as massages, facials, body scrubs and manicure services.

I had a positive experience with my deeptissue massage after the marathon.

The hotel has no shortage of dining outlets, led by signature restaurant 1600, featuring farm-fresh ingredients such as locally sourced produce, Certified Angus Beef and seafood dishes fresh-caught from the Gulf.

Hilton Americas also offers more casual dining at the Lobby Bar with American dishes and Pappasitos’s Cantina Mexican eatery.

Across town, we were encouraged to try the brunch at Rosalie, located in the C. Baldwin Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio boutique hotel collection. We were in the mood for a “boozy brunch” after a long morning, and Rosalie’s team delivered with our favorite round of drinks being the butterfly pea-infused mimosas with a striking fluorescent purple syrup. The cocktail list was also on point with an array of spirits crafted in compelling libations such as the Queen Bey with El Silencio Mezcal, Grand Marnier, pineapple, lemon and Hellfire Bitters.

We sampled a few delectable shared plates such as the “Dough Boys,” baked rolls with powdered sugar and maple syrup and the Meatballs, followed by the Bacon Sausage, large helpings of pork belly in the shape of Italian sausages. Another musthave item is the Breakfast Polenta, offered as sweet with seasonal berries and honey or savory with poached eggs, parmesan and spinach. If you have room for dessert, opt for the Nutella and Strawberry Pizza.

As for the hotel itself, what C. Baldwin lacks in size compared to Hilton Americas, it makes up for in character, with the hotel’s namesake Charlotte Baldwin as its muse.

Hilton Americas Entrance.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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PHOTOS KATIE SOLTAS.

Fiori Restaurant at the Montrose neighborhood.

Known as the “mother of Houston” according to city historical archives, Baldwin was a freethinker, ambitious real estate investor and philanthropist in the 1830’s who purchased and founded Houston’s original settlement on the Buffalo Bayou.

After Baldwin and her husband separated due to an estate dispute, she remained in Houston and went on to become one of the city’s best-known citizens, deeding her land toward the city’s military and municipal growth. Homage is paid to her throughout the C. Baldwin Hotel in its intricate, inspiring décor that exudes all the Victorian-chic vibes. It’s unapologetically feminine, so bring the fierce lady in your life for a Houston getaway.

The night prior to the race, we decided to “carb up” on some Italian at Fiori in the posh neighborhood of Montrose – a 10-minute Uber ride from Downtown Houston. We discovered that Fiori is not only some of the most authentic Italian food to be found in Texas, but it doubles as a beautiful and fragrant floral boutique, filled with rare orchids and tropical flora mixed throughout its marble interior. The owner and chef, Alessio Vitale, was an Italian native and chatted with us table side about his love of botanicals, culinary arts and shared passion for running, which added to the inviting ambiance of the quaint setting. The carbonara was incredible, the Spaghetti Nduja was spicy and flavorful, with a hand-selected wine list and knowledgeable recommended pairings from our server. Request upstairs seating on the open-air deck for views of the neighborhood overlooking the intimate garden.

Not only did I leave Houston with a sense of accomplishment from the Houston Marathon, but also took away a dose of Texas history, relaxation and satisfying culinary exploration.

F i o r i I n t e r i o r.

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OTL / FITNESS

Improving your Hip Mobility & Golf Swing STORY BY LEAH GRUBER

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FITNESS

PHOTOS BY DILLON WEISHUHN

Does your hip turn in your golf swing feel tight, maybe even painful? You may be lacking mobility in your hips. Lack of mobility in your swing can lead to pain, tight hips, and an uneven swing.

Mobility and flexibility in your hips will help you achieve more power, speed and a balanced golf swing.

Consistently stretching before and after your

golf rounds will help increase mobility and release tension that may cause pain.

Below are a few gentle hip stretches that are great to do after your round of golf. While doing these stretches it’s very important to breathe deeply to release your muscles and get deeper into the stretch. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You shouldn’t feel any sharp pain during these stretches.

Seated Twist Start by sitting tall, cross one leg over the other, and turn in the opposite direction. Hug your knee into your chest as you turn to get deeper in the stretch.

Pigeon Pose This is one of my favorite poses to release your hips.

Bend your front leg in at 90 degrees or less. (I tend to have mine at a 45 degree angle. Try to keep your hips level, try not to lean to one side. This position can be very intense, so you can always put a towel or block under your glute muscle for extra support. If you feel good in this position you can lean your torso over your front leg for more of a stretch.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Lunge

Remember to be consistent, patient, and breath! zz

Get in a lunge position with your back knee on the ground. Lean your hips forward and tilt your pelvis under until you start to feel a stretch in your hip flexor.

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / YOGA

Improve Your Flexibility, Strength and Golf Handicap with Yoga for golfers STORY BY NICOLE PINTER

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Flexibility is extremely important for golfers.

The golf swing requires a wide range of motion where the shoulders turn 90° and the hips turn 45° during the backswing. To accomplish this, you must have some sense of flexibility. Without that function, golfers are highly prone to injury when trying to get into the swing position without any liability.

Yoga for golfers will make your entire body respond effortlessly to the demands of your golf swing. Many golfers are playing with pain, don`t have enough flexibility, strength to uphold precise and repetitive movements. The golf swing is not a natural movement, so you need to build different muscles and mobility. The physical and mental factors are necessary for the game as well as to prevent injury and pain.

How can yoga help to improve your golf game?

Yoga can offer advantage by increasing flexibility, range of motion in the joints as well.

Flexibility is important for a fluid powerful golf swing and as well as for a continuously satisfying game of golf, staying fit and pain free. Adding yoga stretches into your training routine is a great way to increase your flexibility. Improving flexibility will not only make you feel better during everyday life, but it will also allow for greater ease during the golf swing. Many people that try yoga for golfers the first time are surprised about how simple and effective it is.

Yoga is one of the best stretch exercises for golf, which will considerably improve your flexibility. This way, you will have a full range of motion and long, elastic, and powerful muscles that can transfer energy efficiently throughout the swing. Flexibility is a big part, but muscle control, balance, breathing, and focus are all areas that will be improved due to yoga conditioning.

Play better golf, improve physical performance Regardless of age, physical state, or flexibility, Yoga for golfers offers the tools to begin, maintain, and advance one’s yoga practice to achieving results both on and off the golf course.

YOGA

Yoga for golfers can help you to upgrade your most important golf equipment – Your body and mind. Improve physical performance, sharpen your mental game, and play pain free golf. Work on your physical performance will help to lower your score too.

Check out and download the new Yoga for golfer’s eBook. This program will show you step by step the best yoga poses for golfers. www.nicolegolf.com O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / PUTT FOR DOUGH

Do Your Parents Need Long-Term Care Insurance?

STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

We live in an age of medical miracles.

People live longer than ever before, and life expectancies are increasing at a steady rate.

This means that many of us will be fortunate enough to still have our parents with us as we ourselves reach retirement age. As our parents age, however, their health may decline, and the greater the chance becomes that they will require home care, nursing home care, or other assisted-living arrangements.

Long-term care: the odds against it aren't long at all Maybe you think that you'll be the lucky one, that your parents won't need long-term care, but the statistics indicate that we're living longer and the need for long-term care is more likely. Also, parents living alone (especially women, who have a longer life expectancy then men), are more likely to need long-term care without a spouse or partner available to help out.

The cost of long-term care isn't low, either Long-term care can also be expensive.

What's more, Medicare, Medigap, managed-

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care programs like health maintenance organizations, and indemnity medical insurance plans don't pay for long-term nursing home care or for assisted living. Although Medicaid, a state-administered federal welfare program, will cover the costs of long-term care, your parents must be legitimately impoverished to be eligible for it.

If they're not prepared, your parents might find their lifetime savings and their assets quickly depleted by the cost of paying for long-term health care. As their child, you'll want to help them protect those assets from being eroded by long-term care costs. One solution to this dilemma might be long-term care insurance (LTCI).

Help is on the way Generally, LTCI helps pay for the care of an individual who can no longer independently perform the basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, due to a cognitive disorder, illness, or injury. A comprehensive policy will cover skilled, intermediate, and custodial care in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, adult day-care centers, or the insured's own home.

PUTT FOR DOUGH

Who most likely needs the help?

Deciding whether to purchase LTCI will take some careful consideration. LTCI might be right for a parent if at least some of the following criteria apply: • He or she is between the ages of 40 and 84 • There's a family history of Alzheimer's disease • He or she has significant assets to preserve as an inheritance or to gift to charity • He or she has an income from employment or investments in addition to Social Security • The cost of the premiums will not exceed 5 to 7 percent of your parent's annual

income (or yours, if you're paying the premiums) • He or she is healthy enough to be insurable The cost of LTCI policies can vary widely, depending on many factors, including the coverage selected and the age and health of your parents. The younger and healthier they are, the less expensive the insurance will be-but the longer they might pay for it before they really need it. Regardless of what stage you or your parents are in, it is a conversation worth having.

At Austin Asset, we are Fee-Only Financial Advisors.

We seek to bring clarity and purpose to wealth through authentic and enduring relationships. For Life

O T L G O L F. C O M

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OTL / DRIVE FOR SHOW

2022 Porsche 718

Cayman GT4 RS

The 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents automotive excellence and certainly did not come into existence overnight. The protection bubble around Porsche’s 911 series has kept the 718 Cayman, a mid-mounted engine sports car from reaching its full potential until now. Porsche’s 718 Cayman line-up offers enthusiasts several different choices from the entry level to the extreme with the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS representing the later part of the line-up.

This year is exciting for Porsche and its fans because the 718 Cayman GT4 RS takes the Porsche experience to the next level with more power, performance and vehicular sexiness. The GT4 RS is equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.0 liter flat-six engine, the same that powers the 911 GT3. Porsche says this power plant makes 493 hp and slingshots The GT4 RS from zero-to-60-mph in an estimated 3.2 seconds with a top speed just shy of 200 mph.

Weighing in at an estimated 3227 pounds the GT4 RS is light, agile and attractive. The front design is low, wide and equipped with fenders made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic with functional lower side cooling ducts. Out back there is a super clean rear wing that really is as functional as it is pleasing to the eye. This exotic sports car package sits on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with gigantic cast-iron brake rotors and a suspension set-up that will take you around corners with little to no body roll. Porsche claims the exhaust note will not disappoint. GT4 RS engineers say it is the most intense quality sounding GT car ever made.

Inside the 2022 GT4 RS occupants are embraced in comfy racing style seats and plenty of carbon fiber and alacantara suede, the upholstery of choice for the interiors of racing cars. There is also an infotainment screen and other techy features that keep this ride’s interior simple yet elegant. There are several optional packages available that will take this already extreme ride to yet another level of performance and comfort.

This Porsche is a perfect blend to enjoy as a daily driver as well as on the track with fellow enthusiasts. Price point for the 2022 GT4 RS starts at $143,000 and is expected in dealerships this summer so now is the time to get your order in.

Driverside Vehicle Reviews

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O T L G O L F. C O M

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Westlake Wine Bar STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO

To the many people who shop at Davenport Village in Westlake, Pierre Leitgib will already be a familiar face. His former café/patisserie, Paris in a Bite, was a mainstay in the neighborhood and popular throughout the city because of their luxury macaron selections. But in addition to the beautiful French pastries and exclusive Swiss chocolates, Pierre’s love of wine brought many memorable wine tastings to the shop as well. Periodically, he and his sommelier Tim Wood would host winemakers or knowledgeable distributors to teach a small group about specific wines or sample various wines from selected regions.

Last September, together with his son Leonard, Pierre launched Westlake Wine Bar in a large space just across the parking lot from his old café.

Where the wine tastings before may have had wonderful bread and cheeses along with the wine, the new venture allows for some French comfort food to be had before or after.

As you enter the restaurant, the first thing you notice is the large glass wine cellar with large, well-stocked bins. Above the compartments on both sides are wooden wine crates with some pretty impressive names.

(Sassicaia caught my eye my first time out.)

The wine list has grown to some two hundred labels in just a few months with thirty very nice options by the glass.

The list features eleven Champagnes including; Barons de Rothschild in standard bottles and magnums, bottles of Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc, a few Laurent-Perrier selections, plus a favorite Philipponnat NV and a few others. Seven sparkling wines round out the list with labels from France, Italy, 28

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Spain, the US, and even two Jansz selections from Tasmania!

White wines like much of the list (happily) lean toward French, with several highlights from Burgundy and the Loire, but good options from Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sardinia, and the US. I recently enjoyed a Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc (with onion soup) from a vineyard in California that Pierre visited and liked quite well.

The wine list shines with a generous selection of reds from Bordeaux and Piedmont. Some twenty Bordeaux labels are featured, including some well-known second labels like Alter-Ego (Palmer) and Blason d’Issan (Château d’Issan.) The vertical of 2016-2018 Amiral de Beychevelle is on my shortlist to try, while the 2016 Château Beychevelle is listed as “Pierre’s favorite.” I had the Château Beychevelle a few months ago with the Steak Frites and can definitely see why.

Burgundy and the Rhone Valley are smaller selections but have several excellent options like a Chambertin Premier Cru, a Vosne-Romanée, and Nuit St Georges. I recently surprised a friend with the 2016 Maison Harbour, Gevrey-Chambertin Pressonier. It’s from a newer house, but the young couple that own the vineyard are passionate about representing traditional Burgundy wines.

To pair with desserts or just for fans of sweet wines, excellent Canadian Inniskillin Icewine, Hungarian Tokaji, and French Sauternes are available by the bottle.

To pair with all the outstanding wine, Pierre and Leonard hired Chef Kyle Dahl to run their kitchen.

Though Chef Kyle (a native of Minnesota) has worked primarily in high-

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end Japanese restaurants, he is passionate about technique and ingredient quality, which are two strong principles in Japanese and French cooking. If his book collection (visible from the dining room) is a good indication of his direction, I’m very much looking forward to his coming menus.

The food at Westlake Wine Bar is essentially Bistro favorites. Appetizers range from the popular Charcuterie board and traditional mussels cooked in wine to a delicious Terrine de Foie Gras. The latter is a generous serving of pâté with a drizzle of sweet/tart Lingonberry and toasted bread. Though the menu is planned to change seasonally, I hope the pâté stays for a while.

A friend and I recently tried the (Niman Ranch) Filet Mignon Bordelaise and the Beef Bourguignon served with silky, duck fat potatoes. Both make for terrific comfort food on a cold evening.

Though not exactly a French standard, the kitchen offers a very well-made burger served with hand-cut fries cooked to a nice crisp and topped with tiny curls of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Desserts are limited, but the Tiramisu, Lemon Tart, and Chocolate Cake have been winners each time.

The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides and has a bright, cool feel.

Tables in the room are topped with white tablecloths and polished flatware, a rare and welcomed sight these days. On some of Austin’s rare comfortable weather days, a lengthy patio along the restaurant’s west side is a great option.

Pierre has hosted just a few wine tastings in the last few months but is planning to host them more regularly, and my understanding is that wine dinners could also be on the way.

West Lake Wine Bar is open every day of the week from 11:30 for lunch, closing at 10:30 pm most nights.

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O T L / H E A LT H

Foot Pain STORY BY DR. JEFF LUKE

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Unless you are experiencing foot pain you probably don’t pay much attention to your feet. Plantar Fasciitis is common but not the only contributor to foot pain.

Often the source of foot pain located away from the area of discomfort. Acute injury or chronic wear and tear can inflame ligaments or tendons in the foot and cause foot pain. Arthritis and injury to the nerves of the feet may be experienced as intense burning, numbness or tingling.

Your foot is formed by 26 bones that create two crossing arches held together by ligaments

and supported by muscle and the plantar fascia. Fat pads help decrease impact and assist in weight-bearing. The ankle is formed by the interaction of the foot and your lower leg. Foot pain and discomfort during use or rest is a sign that something might be wrong. The type of discomfort and when it occurs can help determine the cause and potential severity of your foot condition.

Common Conditions of the Foot: Plantar Fasciitis

Metatarsalgia

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Plantar Fasciitis is a thick band of connective tissue that links the heel bone to the toes that provides supports and shock absorption.

Wearing shoes will poor arch support or soft soles can contribute to inflammation of the plantar fascia where it connects to the heel. Pain is usually worse in the morning during the first couple of steps of the day and improves with movement, however a dull pain often remains.

Metatarsalgia – is any type of pain experienced at the ball or forefoot. Pain can be felt as burning, aching, or electrical shooting into the toes. Discomfort is aggravated with use and is often attributed to altered weight distribution. Metatarsalgia can be caused by increased pressure to the metatarsal heads due to changes in the structure of the foot, or from pressure sources outside of the foot. Structural issues can be from prior injury or degenerative changes such as arthritis.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Is experienced as aching, burning, numbness, or shooting pain from the inside of the foot into the arch or sole of the foot. Pain is commonly worse at night and can occasionally travel up the calf. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can be worse with activity or standing and usually develops as a result of prior injury. Entrapment or pinching of the nerve that travels the tarsal tunnel is pathognomonic.

Arthritis Arthritis – Physical wear and tear can break down the cartilage within a joint and ultimate alter structure and function. The joint damage results in decreased joint space, irregularly worn cartilage, and spurring of the bone. Pain and decreased mobility are often experienced at the ankle and big toe.

Almost all the above conditions are caused by muscle imbalance. Poor posture, acute injury, and repetitive movements overload muscles causing them to “shut off” into a protective state. This protective state is both tight and weak. Subsequent load on the muscle is transferred to surrounding tissue and joints leading to inflammation and pain. Unaddressed over time and the involved joint progressively degenerates. Without correcting

the cause of the muscle imbalance results in chronic pain.

See your local muscle centered therapist to address the root cause of your foot pain and dysfunction.

Between pharmaceuticals, surgeries, ice, heat, patches, supplements, herbs, stretching, and foam rolling, one this is clear, your options to address your foot pain are endless. However, most people have tried these therapies with little lasting improvement.

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Carlton Woods

Fantastic Club with Sensational Choices

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STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

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Since its opening, of course, The Club at Carlton Woods has added another stellar golf course. In 2005, the Fazio Creekside Course a few miles away -- it has its own clubhouse and practice facilities -- gave the members another option.

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t was quite a scene at The Club at Carlton Woods nearly 21 years ago when the Golden Bear made a special appearance in The Woodlands. Just 61 years old at the time, the great Jack Nicklaus still had plenty of golf skills to impress the gallery of members and special guests on hand. But it wasn’t just Nicklaus’ golf skills on display that day; it was also his golf course designer chops as one of the Houston area’s best courses made its debut.

What we’re talking about is the original course at The Club at Carlton Woods, the Nicklaus Course. The winner of a record 18 majors arrived that day to showcase his creation, which is still regarded as one of the finest private country clubs in the state. He and then director of golf, Mark Steinbauer, a fine player himself, put on a show as they piped drives down the long fairways and drained birdie putts on the perfect greens of this beautiful layout that will test every part of your game.

The gallery of members and guests loved the exhibition, and they loved the course.

When it opened, it was named the Best New Course in Texas and third-best new private course in the country by Golf Digest. There are lakes and streams and magnificent pine trees as well as perfect conditioning on this gorgeous parkland layout. Sand-capped fairways means it can rain, and it’s still likely to not be cart-path only because of its incredible drainage.

Since its opening, of course, The Club at Carlton Woods has added another stellar golf course. In 2005, the Fazio Creekside Course a few miles away -- it has its own clubhouse and practice facilities -- gave the members another option. The two layouts are in sharp

contrast to one another. Fazio’s bunkers and undulations are more dramatic; Nicklaus is more subtle. The grasses on the two courses are different, too. Fazio has zoysia varieties in the fairways and around the greens, while Nicklaus is tight Bermuda, including lightning quick Tif-Eagle greens.

The members of Carlton Woods are split on which one they prefer, though most of them, of course, love the variety of being able to play two different courses.

The better player, however, does seem to gravitate toward the Nicklaus Course, which stretches to more than 7,400 yards and has a slope/rating of 144/76.8. Fortunately, there are six sets of tees, starting around 4,500 yards, so most players can find a yardage that’s suitable for their game.

But make no mistake, this is a championship layout worthy of the highest level of play. And while it has yet to play host to a PGA Tour event -- and the members may prefer it that way -- the Nicklaus Course has been the site of many important events over the years.

The biggest was probably the 2014 U.S. Junior Championship, which featured a few players golf fans are familiar with today, especially the final two contestants.

Director of Golf Emile Asous remembers it well, in particular a shot on the 14th hole, a 440-yard par-4 that’s fairly straight but has a narrow fairway. In the final 36-hole match, Will Zalatoris of Plano was leading 3-up over Davis Riley of Hattiesburg, Miss., with five holes to play. (Zalatoris and Riley are both prominent PGA Tour players now.)

Riley hooked his tee shot into the left rough, then hit a wonderful approach to 10feet of the hole. Zalatoris had a sand wedge in his hand from 114 yards. His shot soared O T L G O L F. C O M

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high and landed just short of the hole, then took one hop and went in for an eagle-2, leaving Zalatoris dormie.

Asous recalled that they set the pin position in a particularly difficult spot after superintendent J.C. Childree convinced the USGA tournament committee that it was being too kind.

“Childree suggested they put it on top of the ridge that divides the back third of the green. And that’s where the hole was cut,” Asous said, “right on top of that spine.”

Which meant going right at the hole was risky, but

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that’s exactly what Zalatoris did.

“That’s the shot I’ll never forget,” Zalatoris said after the match that he won 5-and-3 on the very next hole. “That hole has been giving me fits all week. To see that go in and not have to deal with putting on that green was great satisfaction.”

Another memorable event was the 2010 U.S. Open qualifier at Carlton Woods. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo played in that event, though he didn’t qualify. It ended in a playoff with former Texas A&M golfer Bobby Gates holding off Roland Thatcher for the last spot in that year’s U.S. Open. Thatcher, a longtime PGA Tour member, is now the director of golf at The Woodlands Country Club.

And more than once, the Nicklaus Course has hosted the 3M Greats of Golf in conjunction with the Insperity Invitational on the PGA Tour Champions. That group usually included Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino, which of course provided great entertainment and a chance to see the best who ever played tackle this layout.

In short, the Nicklaus Course is simply a fantastically maintained, great test of golf. Every hole is interesting, especially the finishing stretch that starts with the course’s signature hole, the 15th, a difficult par 4 that plays over and around a creek to a shallow green

protected by a pond and bunkers. Nicklaus ends with a terrific risk-reward par 5 that plays around a lake to a wide green on the other side of the water.

But really this is just the first few chapters of the story for the Nicklaus Course at Carlton Woods. Next year, the course is set to get a facelift in part to restore the greens to their original sizes and update the bunkers. And most recently, the practice areas have been undergoing vast improvements.

According to Steve Salzman, general manager and chief operating officer at The Club at Carlton Woods, the practice area work is being done in three phases with the first phase having been completed. It included an expansion of the range tee to allow more turf rotation so members and guests are always hitting off fresh grass. A new chipping green, which is a smaller version of the fourth green, was also added. And the putting green was expanded when it was moved to make more room for the range tee. There are also two practice bunkers that offer different depths and shot variety.

practice bays for members and include pretty much all the available technology (I.e., launch monitors, etc.)

The landing areas in the range will also be enhanced to more resemble what you see on the golf course. And the flower bed behind the Nicklaus (back) tees on the first hole will be converted into a 4,000-square-foot practice green.

As for the course changes in 2023, bunker renovations and the rebuilding of the greens are the main objectives. After it’s all over, the Nicklaus will undoubtedly be flawless, ready for more events and set for another 20 years and beyond.

The next two phases, to be completed over the next couple of years as part of the overall $11 renovation of the Nicklaus Course, include a new teaching center between the new chipping green and range tee. It will be equipped with two teaching/fitting bays as well as two

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OTL / GOLF TECH

Honma’s Newest BERES Offerings Blend Performance and Luxury STORY BY MARC HALL

Honma Golf has been making some of the world’s finest golf equipment for more than 60 years. From precision performance players’ clubs preferred

by Asian touring professionals to their renowned BERES line which typically contains precious metals, the Sakata, Japan-based brand has maintained the highest standards in club making for decades, with a recent push to grow its footprint in North America.

The new BERES Aizu and Black collections are visually stunning and expertly crafted game-enhancing golf equipment. Promoting straighter, longer ball flight and increased ball speed, these lines debut bold twists on clubhead aesthetics.

BERES Aizu (named after an ancient Japanese artistic practice of ornate, floral painting) is a visual leap forward from previous BERES lines that focused on gold aesthetics and themes.

Dating back to 1590, Aizu paintings represent Honma’s Japanese heritage and tradition. With Aizu’s signature red and ornate gold accents, BERES Aizu encompasses Takumi (Honma’s master craftspeople) expertise with advanced construction techniques.

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The BERES Black line offers sleek elegance that stands out on the course, plus Honma’s timeless design. Its beautifully shaped drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons efficiently transfer energy and generate consistent ball flight.

Each clubhead is coated with a jet-black PVD process for a striking finish. Black presents more of a “players” look to a line that has long been known for ultragame-improvement.

“Aizu appeals to players with an artistic flair and respect for Japanese craftsmanship,” says Honma’s COO JaneAnn Lanning, “while Black brings a modern, refined look for players who value performance and style without compromise – perhaps attracting younger golfers who might never have previously tried BERES. A Statement Driver if there ever was one…

The Aizu and Black clubhead designs feature identical technology; the Aizu line also adheres to traditional BERES 2-to-5 Star grading, with more advanced shaft technology as the grades progress).

The price tag on Honma’s BERES offerings is for aficionados and those who appreciate the finer things.

For those who’ve hit them, though, there’s no price tag you can put on piercing, corrective ball flight and a few precious extra yards with effortless swings. BERES is known for its luxury aesthetics and pricing, but it’s the performance that has made the premier brand within a brand a mainstay in the game improvement category.

Each driver features triple sole slots and an L-Cup face for powerful initial ball speed. Optimal center of gravity (CG) design enables high trajectory, low spin, forgiveness, and distance.

The draw bias helps correct fade tendencies associated with modest swing speeds.

The triple slots bend at impact and rebound to increase ball speed, even on mishits. The L-CUP face produces high repulsion across the face, maintaining an elevated CT value by not needing to weld the face. An evolved radial Ti6-4 face expands the toe and heel’s repulsive area, boosting mishit forgiveness. An ultra-low specific gravity titanium alloy, Ti811, thin-walled crown with varying thinness optimizes impact deflection.

IRONS Honma’s Takumi sought to create a high trajectory ball flight with the irons, along with forgiveness and stability on every hit – even misses. A wide 3D L-Cup structure has a new ultra-thin face with vertical slits that improve the face insert strength – maximizing speed and forgiveness. Coupled with one external and two internal sole slots, plus a low-deep CG, the irons are easy to launch high with strong carry distance. An 8620 Forged Body delivers Honma’s hallmark feel. The 5-9 irons feature an L-Cup two-piece structure; 10-iron-SW have a flat face two-piece structure.

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OTL / BUCK’S TIPS

Education of the Tournament Junior Golfer STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

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For more than 30 years now, I still experience something new and educational with each student I work with. The objectives of the game are universal and the results always reflect the effort, preparation and skill level attained.

Learning style, physical ability, coordination, work ethic, mental strengths and weaknesses all play a role in the proper approach. It is equally valuable to understand why the junior plays and what his/her goals are.

Proper parental support can promote or destroy the learning process and success of the tournament junior. The successful parents of today are those who remember the past, understand the present and prepare for the future. As a teacher, I must first listen and observe the many variables before implementing a strategy. Teeing it up in a pressure-packed event can be fun and exciting, yet nerve-racking and the preparation for tournament play must be well thought out and planned. Every junior is unique and special in the educational process.

As parents, teachers, or supporters of golf, we have the responsibility to teach etiquette & respect to ensure passion and love for the game.

All too often, I find that the student puts far too much emphasis on the full swing and the progress in the short game, mental game, course management, fitness & nutrition takes a backseat and are neglected. Without question, ball-striking consistency is important. However, balancing the other areas is crucial for success.

Missing a fairway or green may be traced to your mindset, picking the proper club, or even nutrition, before targeting improper mechanics. In evaluating every student, it’s imperative to understand and target the specific needs to maximize progress.

Teachers must have a vast education and expanded knowledge in every area for the junior to be given an opportunity to accomplish their goals. The involvement of a mental game coach, nutritionist, or fitness trainer may also be revealing and lead to dramatic improvement. The mentoring and motivation supplied by the teacher in balancing the game may very well be the difference.

The debated topic of swing technique is a chal-

lenge that requires sound information, good communication, a great eye and adaptability to the student. Keeping the learning process fun is mandatory but implementing change often creates discomfort and frustration. Patience and perseverance are a requirement in mastering any endeavor. A great teacher understands the many ways to swing a club that best suits the student’s instinctiveness & natural tendencies that will repeat under pressure. However, he must also understand the even more wrong ways that expose compensations and inconsistencies. Dr. Gary Wiren, Master Teaching Professional wrote, “above all, we must recognize that the golf swing is simple in theory, but the machine that performs it is very complicated. The great challenge to the teacher becomes the recognition and treatment of the individual differences in the machine”. Simply put, a great teacher must recognize the effect, communicate the cause, and manifest the solution or change in a simple, practical and easily understood way.

Fundamentals and swing philosophies are often misunderstood to create a preferred ball flight that repeats under pressure.

Strong or weak grips, open or closed stances, forward or back ball positions, draws and fades, low and high ball flights all have won major championships. The teacher and student must have a common understanding of why their misses happen, whether it’s a clubface issue, shaft plane problem, angle of attack dilemma, speed enigma, or solidity difficulty, the solution is more often tied to the set-up. One of the commonalities of all great ball strikers and champions is to target one change at a time. It’s important that what’s so-called “orthodox” or what looks right may not be correct for you. There is no perfect swing, just one that fits you! Remember, Harvey Penick said it best, “Simple solutions with one success at a time is the best way for change. Learning the skills of golf is no different from any other sport. You must start with mastering the basics”.

The education and maturation of the tournament junior are original and special. The timeline to reach his/her goals are unique and different. It is very much a team effort and self-esteem, confidence, and pride cannot be on the line. The truth in golf, as well in life, is that the only limitations we encounter are those that we impose upon ourselves. Golf has a time-tested code of ethics and is steeped in tradition.

In summary, we as parents and teachers are one in the same – Only guides and support systems to our junior’s journey.

But be sure it’s their goals!

Our children are sponges just waiting for us to fill them with knowledge and understanding.

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Masters THE BEST TIME IN GOLF

We’ve heard it over and over again for the past 35plus years: “A tradition unlike any other.” That’s CBS’ Jim Nantz, of course, talking about the Masters tournament from Augusta National. What that phrase means is probably different for everyone who hears it. If you’ve never been to the Masters in person, your experience is relegated to what you’ve seen on TV, which is about as good a broadcast sporting event as there is.

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T h e c l u b h o u s e a t t h e A u g u s t a N a t i o n a l G o l f C l u b d u r i n g t h e M a s t e r s G o l f To u r n a m e n t .

STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

would rather watch the Masters than a Super Bowl that doesn’t involve my team (which has been the case for several decades now). And, of course, it’s the only major that’s played on the same course year after year after year. So we know every hole, at least on the back nine, even if we’ve never been there.

And we know the lore. The “shot heard ‘round the world,” when Gene Sarazen holed out his 4-wood for double eagle on 15 in 1935, put the Masters on the map in just the second year of this invitational event. And then there was Jack Nicklaus’ winning at age 46 in ‘86; Ben Crenshaw’s improbable victory

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in 1995 after serving as a pallbearer days earlier for his mentor, Harvey Penick; and Tiger Woods’ incredible hole-out chip from behind the green on 16 to win his fourth green jacket in 2005. Except for Sarazen, we could watch all of this live on TV. I hardly missed a minute of it.

But you’ve been to Magnolia Lane in person, the Masters takes on many more layers.

And if you’re a golf nut like most of us who are reading this, you need to figure out a way to get there if you haven’t made this holy golf pilgrimage (The other journey every golfer needs to make is to St. Andrews.).

It’s a tough ticket, of course. The waiting list is years long, Badge holders are actually forbidden from reselling their tickets for fearing of

losing those privileges for life. Nevertheless, you can buy badges through the secondary market. They are expensive, but it can be done, either in advance through packages or even by showing up in Augusta during tournament week and finding scalpers.

But honestly, for any first-timer, I say forget about the regular tournament rounds.

The easier and less expensive ticket is for the practice rounds. For most of us, the point of going in person to the Masters is really more about walking around at these incredible green grounds (and I do mean green; everything is green, wrappers, trash cans, etc.) more than anything. Seeing Augusta National in person -- TV really doesn’t portray the true elevation change and slopes of the greens -- and taking in the peripherals are what it’s all about. And the best day for that is Wednesday, when they play also the par-3 tournament.

This is also when you can bring a camera.

One year, I toured the entire 18-hole course, which was pretty much empty, while they played the par-3 event. I was able to photograph every hole, including the par-5 13th, when I got someone to take a picture of me with the famous green and its bunkers in the background. Then, I headed over to the par-3 course and watched both current and legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino try to hit aces in the par-3 tournament. The short course isn’t bad eye candy either, but more than that, this is when you get to see the players up close. They often have family members caddying for them, and this is when they are more likely to interact with the patrons.

The same goes for those practice rounds on the big course, too. One time, I exchanged a few words of small talk with Bernhard Langer during a wait on the 11th tee on a Tuesday (auf Deutsch, believe it or not since I speak a little German).

Most of the other Masters traditions are also available during practice rounds and the par-3s. You’ll be able to take a stroll through the merchandise tent, which I

guarantee is unlike any other you’ll find at any other major. There’s nothing like going through the orderly procession and loading up on Masters memorabilia. One year I brought home green coffee cups, a commemorative putter, art work, golf balls, hats, logo balls, and everything else I could pack in my checked luggage. Needless to say, they made great gifts for many of my golf friends and relatives.

Then there’s the food and beverages, which is like going back in time. Because even though tickets will probably set you back, the price of a sandwich and a coke or a beer won’t. Pimento cheese or egg salad sandwiches (wrapped in green cellophane) are about a buck and a half, soft drinks are a dollar, and a beer is around $3. You’re not getting those prices at The PLAYERS Championship or any other sporting event, for that matter.

So, again, if you’ve never been, find a way. Those practice round tickets are much easier to come by and cheaper, of course.

In fact, if you go to Masters.com (albeit you want to do this a year in advance), you might be able to score some through its online allocation. Because getting inside the gates at Augusta National really is an experience unlike any other.

Hole #16.

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OTL / ON YOUR GAME

OTL Corby Robertson Q&A STORY BY ART STRCIKLIN

Former UT football star and Texas Businessman Corby Robertson has made millions in the energy business and comes from a Lone Star Legacy family which founded the University of Houston, built the current Austin Country Club and play college football under legendary coach Darrell Royal.

But Robertson, along with former UT teammate and good friend Chris Gilbert, is determined to make one of his longest lasting legacies in the realm of Texas Golf.

Robertson and Gilbert founded Camp Olympia, a youth activities camp in the 1968 on land Robertson’s family had outside of tiny Trinity, Texas, on the banks of Lake Livingston. They later added the Whispering Pines Golf Club, a Texas architect Chet Williams design which opened in March, 2000, and is annually ranked as one of the best courses in Texas.

The Spirit International golf tournament followed in 2001 and has since drawn the greatest amateur players from around the world to Texas biannually in two-person male and female teams in what is known as the Olympics of Golf.

From the beginning, the US team at The Spirit has been dominated by Texas players including Dallas’ UT stars Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, Will Zalatoris plus US Captain Rob Addington and many others. This year’s tournament included the World No. 1

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Female Amateur Rose Zhang, a freshman at Stanford along with Texas A&M golfer Sam Bennett, part of the overall winning American team.

Before the tournament got underway this year at Whispering Pines, Robertson took time to talk with OTL Senior Writer Art Stricklin in his clubhouse office about why he has invested millions of his own money in bringing the best to Texas, if it’s helped his own game, and should he sue the International Olympic Committee for copyright violation?

OTL: Corby, this is the second decade of Spirit International Golf at Whispering Pines. This must be an exciting time of the year for you?

CORBY ROBERTSON We’re really excited to have invited the whole (golf) world to Texas, once again. We have the No. 1 Course in marvelous condition, and we have the best amateurs golfers in the world on all six continents. We’re excited to bring the world together with the great game of golf which is doing so much for charity OTL: Looking at the great list of players you invited here from Jordan Spieth to Scottie Scheffler to Lorena Ochoa to Nelly Korda and many others, do you ever look down that list and say, ‘wow, I can’t believe we’ve had some many great players at The Spirit?’

CR: I have put a challenge to the players who are here today saying when you play here and then turn pro, you have to go and win a tournament either, LPGA, PGA or European tour if you want to get you name on this board.

There are 4 boards with all the pro winners listed. I think it represents 60 women, 55 men who have won pro tournaments as Spirit alumni. They have won in total more than 650 tournaments and probably by more than 30 majors.

There are so many good players who were amateurs here and now have won and played in some great tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and Olympics OTL: Does it amaze you when you first started you were able to get all of these players from when you first begin this Texas-sized amateur golf dream?

CR: Well, I had some really good advice from (TV Executive) Terry Jastrow, so we said upfront were going to pay (travel) for the players to come over here. It took us a year with the NCAA to set it all up so it wouldn’t affect their eligibility and to set it up with the IRS so it would all be legal. It certainly took some effect to get the best players. Since we’re paying for it, though, we ask the national golf federation to send their national amateur champions and we’re taking care of it. Since they have room, board and flight, it makes a big difference. In the past, we’ve had 80 amateur champions. The World Team Cup makes you pay to compete

of my time and resources. To establish something for a global golf impact is very fulfilling.

OTL: What about your personal family history here?

CR: My father built 3 holes at Camp Olympia which was originally located 20 minutes from here, then opened the camp here in the early 1970s. The original three hole golf design was very cleaver with (former ACC teacher) Jackson Bradley as a pro and helper OTL: When you first started, did you get some strange stares or people think you were a little crazy for wanted to do this Olympics of golf idea?

CR: We started this with 68 (Whispering Pines) members, but it’s something you don’t get immediately. Let’s go in the middle of nowhere and do something with golf. Whispering Pines is not the end of the world, but we can see it from here. It’s certainly not in the middle of the metro area, but nice get away from the city. My grandfather helped found the University the Houston and gave the first donation to Methodist Hospital, we have always given back and loved this area and want to do what we can do to grow golf in Texas.

OTL: Four years ago, the International Olympic Committee restarted golf as an Olympic sport after a nearly 90 year absence. Is that something you to need to sue them for as copyright infringement?

OTL: How much have you spent over the year to get this done?

CR: Well, We’ve raised $14 million in sponsorships, and raised more money for charity.

We’ve a big player in everything we do. We help out ourselves. We’re founders of this so we chip in on everything. We have pride and accomplishment of the reaching around the world and the people we have interacted with.

They catch the Spirit and carry it everywhere.

OTL: Why did you do this with the Spirit at Whispering Pines?

CR: I feel good this is a very worthwhile use

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CR: Well, when we started the Spirit, there was no golf in the Olympics. So who knows, maybe we gave them the idea it could be successful, seeing what we had done. We are still the Olympics of Amateur golf, that is the purest form of sport. We only want to showcase the amateurs.

OTL: Everybody wants to give back to golf, like you did at the current Austin Country Club, is this your way to do it?

CR: This is my personal contribution to golf. Our family helped build Austin Country Club, on the old Davenport Ranch site and did it with (architect) Pete Dye. It’s a lovely spot and that gave us the confidence we could do another course here and be successful (with Texas architect Chet Williams).

It vindicates your thoughts you could be impactful with The Spirit tournament OTL: As far as playing golf yourself, has being around all these great amateur players and people helped your game?

CR: Doing this golf tournament has not helped my game at all. (laughs) It’s hurt it because I used to play a lot more than I do

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now. I played all over the world, but this has no helped me, but it has helped golf. I’m still strictly an amateur player. This hasn’t increased my swing speed either. I not getting better being around these people. It might have something to do with being 70 and have arthrosis from playing football at Texas.

OTL: What’s one thing from playing football at Texas with Coach Royal, you can use for golf at The Spirit?

CR: Always be prepared, always be ready for every situation. Practice, prepare and be the best you can be every week.

OTL: Any players really stand a lot to be able to meet and get to know?

CR: I like to meet them all, because they have all gone on to do great things. We’ve got three No. 1 women (pros) to play here and 3 No. 1 men. Great people, Jordan Spieth, from Dallas and the University of Texas, Scottie Scheffler. We’ve had Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, what a great person she is. All kinds of people doing great things and spreading the Spirit all over the world. That’s always been my goal.

OTL: Thanks for the time and what you’re doing for Texas golf.

CR: You’re welcome.

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Where Meets the

Few things reinforce the fact that you’re playing a special golf course more than seeing non-golfers on nearby trails taking photo after photo of the surrounding setting. So, when our threesome pulled up to the eighth tee on the South Course at The Boulders (a brawny and majestic hole that can play either as a par 4 or a 5 depending on your tee of choice), it was refreshing to see two ladies with digital SLR cameras (with lenses as big as their arms) composing shots of the enormous and distinctive rock formations in the warm afternoon sun. Who could blame them?

the Bold Beautiful STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

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hen a luxury, five-star resort destination is named after the land formations found in its setting, you can expect a healthy share of eye candy, and The Boulders delivers.

One of two 18-hole hole championship designs by the impeccable Jay Morrish, the 6,917-yard, par-71 (or 72 if you play #8 as a par 5) South Course fits seamlessly with the landscape and makes sure those namesake Boulders are framed prominently enough that every group - no matter how serious the golfers - will be reaching for their cameras at some point.

I have heard the debate on whether the South course is an example of target golf disguised as desert golf, or if it’s a golf course that blends naturally into the Sonoran Desert foothills. To me, there’s no question, it’s the latter. What Morrish does, though, is use the natural features and strategic encroachment of the desert to make it look like some of the landing areas and lines into the hole are tighter and more pinched by desert than they really are.

The first hole is a great example of this.

From the middle-right side of the fairway, I felt like I really had to carve in a shot that could only favor the left side of the green.

When I got to my ball, which I had shoved dangerously near the left-side cart path, it became clear that there was ample green to use on us both sides of the pin placement and probably a Charlie Woods-inspired butter cut would’ve been a much more sensible play. Looking back down the fairway from the green, it dawned on me how generous the hole was versus how tight it looked.

By the second hole, you’re just bathing in desert. You’re really enveloped in it. When my playing partner, part of a San Antonio, TX duo who has been making a month-long boondoggle to Scottsdale every winter for the past quarter century, stuffed his tee shot on the 150-yard par three to four feet, we were off and running.

Arriving at the serpentine par-5 hole is one of those cool moments you get as a golfer where you feel like you are playing your favorite sport inside a postcard or one of those Evan Schiller Instagram shots the gets 20,000 likes. The hole plays 540 yards,

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requiring a shot that needs to land in the fairway, ideally a little right of center and short of the dry creek bed that runs across the width of the fairway. And as you blast your second shot at the elevated landing area, you can’t help but start to appreciate the large signature boulder formation that sits behind the green. It’s massive and awe inspiring it reminds you why you’d rather be playing here then some course back in Toledo. The hole represents quintessential desert golf and great example of a threeshot par 5 that can be birdied, parred or bogeyed in an endless number of ways.

The elevated tee at the 355-yard, par-four sixth offers another opportunity to reach for the camera and enjoy

the full panorama of this incomparable setting. Certain rock formations look like statues while others appear almost too round and symmetrical to have been placed by nature. Ancient and towering saguaros add depth and wonder to the views.

There’s a great continuity of character as the course winds from the front nine to the back. The 10th and eleventh holes underscore just how much variety Morrish was able to put into these holes. The lengthy par-three 10th requires strong shot making and a deft short game should you miss the green. It’s an occasion for brawn plus brains. The same can be said for the par-five 11th, which stretches to just over 600 yards from the back tee. A cross

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bunker in the middle of the landing area for your second shot will dictate which angle you take while a rippling, sloping green makes stealing birdie or saving par a chore.

The second nine delivers a tasty menu of three par threes, three par fours and three par fives. Even stevens.

The 12th is a fun short par 4 that plays between 254 and 348, depending on which tees you’re playing and backto-back par threes at 15 and 16 grab your focus while fitting perfectly into the serene desert setting. We shared our round with rabbits, roadrunners and even a bobcat who was more interested in what might have been rustling in the high grass than our alternating bogeys and pars.

The 18th is a heroic par-five finishing hole that stretches to 583 yards from the tips, but just a tantalizing 514 from the blue and white tees. A generously and gently uphill fairway sets up an approach that must take the pond fronting the front-right side of the green into consideration. The 18th is a fitting end to a collection of holes each beautifully framed by the rugged desert foothills and namesake boulders all around. The posh clubhouse complex looks down on the 18th green and always affords a picturesque view of the wild desert landscape.

A consistent takeaway is that the course is impeccable condition from tee to green. The various cuts of grass are well defined and well-placed shots are routinely rewarded with quality lies. Greens take some education before they can be tamed, but roll true, another testament

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to the maintenance standards upheld at all Troon Golfmanaged properties. Playing conditions never disappoint at a Troon property.

As you would expect at a 36-hole property that’s part of an award-winning luxury resort, the practice facilities are ample and impeccable for working on every phase of your game. The Boulders Golf Academy features lessons from talented PGA and LPGA instructors including Donald Crawley, a Class A member of both the British and United States PGA. Ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 Teachers in America, he is also recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Best Teachers in Arizona. Crawley’s “Golf Simplified” system of simple yet practical hands-on instruction is combined with digital video analysis and on-course playing lessons, all personalized to the golfer’s individual needs.

The bottom line is the Boulders South and North courses remain Scottsdale essentials, among the top experiences in a community and destination teeming with great golf. The South Course is a must play for the vistas and the sneaky, persistent challenges the course offers hole after hole. Morrish finds a way to make you use every club in the bag and pushes you to hit heroic shots or scramble nimbly to shoot the score you’d like to post along with all those snapshots you took along the way.

To book your next round on the South Course at The Boulders, maybe even with a caddie for you or the group, visit www.theboulders.com.

OTL / WINE

The Art of Wine Tasting STORY BY JONES ANSON

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Even though many just assume that wine tasting is sipping, swishing, and swallowing many are amazed to find that it is a bit more. Wine tasting is more of an art, an art that is used to distinguish the taste of fine wines. Wine can be a tasty and refreshing drink if the bottle was stored correctly and aged properly.

Wine tasting begins with the swishing. The reason why wine tasters swish the wine around in their mouths is to get the taste.

Both the front and the back areas of the tongue contain taste buds, although neither one has any distinct sensation in taste. Taste buds can detect food and liquid that is bitter, salty, or sweet, without a problem.

To get the proper taste from wine, however, you need to swish it around in your mouth and allow your taste buds and sense of smell to bring out the unique and fine flavors in the wine.

When you have a cold, however, the wine can taste very different. When tasting your wine, your sense of smell has a major impact on the taste.

What many fail to realize, is that over 75% of our taste is due to our sense of smell. When we have a cold, our sense of smell is affected. Therefore, when eating or tasting wine with a cold, the taste will appear different. Wine tasters all over the world will tell you that tasting wine is more about a sense of smell than the actual taste buds.

The art of wine tasting is indeed an art. Wine tasters do, however, follow some general guidelines and rules that judge how great a wine is. These techniques can help you bring the most out of your wine, providing you follow them and know how to bring out the taste.

The first thing to do with wine is to look. With wine, you can tell quite a bit about it by looking at it. You should always start by pouring the wine into a clear glass, then taking a few minutes to look at the color. As far as the color goes, white wines aren’t white, but yellow, green, or brown. Red wines on the other hand are normally a pale red or dark brown color. Red wine gets better with age, while white wines get staler with age.

Next, is the smell of the wine, which you should do in two steps. You should start with a brief smell to get a general idea of the wine, then take a deep, long smell.

This deeper smell should allow you to take the flavor of the wine. The more experienced wine tasters prefer to sit back a bit and think about the smell before they taste the wine.

Finally, it’s time to taste the wine. To properly taste the wine, you should first take a sip, swish it around in your mouth, and then swallow. Once you swish the wine around in your mouth, you’ll bring out the rich and bold flavors of the wine. After swallowing, you’ll be able to distinguish the after-taste of the wine and the overall flavor.

Once you have looked at the wine, smelled it, and finally tasted it, you’ll be able to evaluate the wine from a taster’s standpoint. This is the easiest way to determine the quality of the wine, and whether it has been properly stored and aged. As with all things in life - the more you taste wine - the better you will get at distinguishing the unique flavors.

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OTL / CIGARS

How to Properly Age a Cigar Experienced cigar enthusiasts know well the pleasures of a well-aged cigar. The subtle flavors and complex constitution of a well-aged cigar are indescribably and unforgettable. Like wine, many cigar aficionados swear by the process of aging.

A great cigar, the argument goes, is an aged one.

How can you attain a well-aged cigar that provides the mellow, complex flavors you crave?

You can always fork over a good deal of your money and purchase a box of expensive vintage cigars. If you would rather save money and experiment with aging on your own, here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, know that you will have to be patient if you want a properly aged cigar. You will have to age your cigars for about a year to achieve the flavors and complex subtleties of a well-aged cigar. Also, know that to achieve the rewards of a well-aged cigar; you must begin the process with a high-quality cigar. If you try to age a lower quality cigar, chances are any amount of aging won’t improve their flavor significantly. Many high-quality cigars that you find too strong or odorous are perfect candidates for aging. Almost all high-quality cigars can

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be improved through the process of aging.

To age your cigars, purchase a good quality humidor.

Cigars must be stored in a constant and stable environment. Follow the 70-70 rules. That means the humidity must be at a constant humidity of 70%, and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, the environment in which they are stored is crucial. Follow the usual 70-70 rules for temperature and humidity. Any more and your cigars will get moldy; any less and the aging process begins to be stunted. Maintaining a stable environment for your cigars is key - a constant fluctuation environment can be disastrous. Swings in temperature and humidity cause cigars to expand and contract, cracking their wrappers and it may disrupt the aging process. Ideally, the space in the humidor should be about twice the volume of cigars. The lining should be cedar - cedar wood is highly aromatic wood, full of its own oils. Over time, the interaction of the tobacco oils amongst themselves, and with the cedar oil of the wood, it leads to a mellowing and blending of flavors resulting in that subtle complexity you can only get from proper aging.