THE PHOENICIAN A Fountain in the Desert
THE BOULDERS COURSE BOLD MEETS BEAUTIFUL
THE KOHALA COAST BIG ISLAND’S GEM
PXG
EXPLORING GOLF’S LIMITS
Volume 1, Issue 1
FEATURES 12
THE KAHALA COAST
28
MAESTRO’S RESTAURANT
The Big Island of Hawaii has everything. Often overlooked by tourists, the Big Island has some of the best beaches in the world. K. Soltas The dinner menu leans towards the opulent and decadent. R. Arebalo
38
THE BOULDER SOUTH COURSE The five-star resort named after the land formations delivers a healthy share of eye candy. M. Hall
46
THE PHOENICIAN RESORT & SPA
Still evocative today, landscapers were brought in from Tonga to create a romantic tropical look for the grounds of the resort. R. Arebalo
28
58
HARD ROCK CAFE
It’s a no-brainer. Some of the best golf in the Caribbean resides in the Dominican Republic. M. Bailey
46 THE PHOENICIAN A Fountain in the Desert
12 THE BOULDERS COURSE BOLD MEETS BEAUTIFUL
4 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
THE KOHALA COAST BIG ISLAND’S GEM
PXG
EXPLORING GOLF’S LIMITS
ON THE COVER The view from the Casitas at The Phoenician will blow you away every day of your stay.
Contents COLUMNS 18
FITNESS
44
20
YOGA
54
PUTT FOR DOUGH
62
DRIVE FOR SHOW
66
HEALTH
68
2022 McClaren GT: Designed for comfort, style, and speed.
32
WINE
Nothing better than sharing a bottle with friends.
CIGAR
Is it art, skill, experience? What makes a hand rolled cigar great.
Addressing shoulder pain. The answer could be in tissue health.
34
TRAVEL Heal you mind and body in Sedona, AZ.
Why you should consider freezing your credit.
24
ON YOUR GAME
Golf’s Texas star is shinning bright.
Yoga improves your body. Here are the best poses to help your game.
22
BUCKS TIPS
Stop overthinking the golf swing. Use your instincts to get better.
The hips play a critical role in the golf swing. Get your hips involved.
GOLF TEC
PXG is a trailblazing brand. Is your game up to the task?
62
24 5 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
From the Publisher ello Phoenix. This is OTL_PHX Magazine. This is our first issue in the area, and we are excited to be here. Please take a look at the magazine, then come back here and we will try to answer a few of your questions live. We’ll wait… Okay, what do you think? What does OTL mean? OTL stands for On The Links, referring to golf. I won’t get into details but was changed to letters due to marketing people saying, “we don’t advertise in golf magazines. Then we would have to spend hours explaining how we were more than just golf. We are a lifestyle magazine with golf being the best way to reach our readers. Golf is a passion we share, but there is so much to living than just by hitting the ball for a few hours. OTL is about living your life to the fullest in all areas. You can see what we are about simply by reading the magazine. Now that you have read it, I ask for your patience. We are new to the area and we view that as a good thing. We will see things here with an open mind. If you’re a longtime resident, this is a chance to see it from a new perspective. There’s nothing like moving to a new place and discovering the best places to eat, explore and even learning traffic patterns and routes. A few weeks ago I found a great breakfast place on the ASU campus. I didn’t realize they had a location off-campus only minutes away from my hotel. It was literally on the Camelback Road.
It wasn’t frustrating, I chalked it up to a learning experience. This will be a fun, amazing journey of discovery. If you’re a local, we are not tour guides, you know more about your city than we will ever know. Don’t get upset when we misuse “The Valley of the Sun. I don’t know where is starts an where it finishes. I’m not exactly sure how to pronounce “Prescott or ‘Preskit”. I’m Texan. All that I ask is that you don’t treat me like a ‘Californian.’ I’m here to create great content on life, leisure, luxury and travel. I’m not here to buy up all your land and pay cash for it and run you out of town. I’m not going to tell you that we will be here forever. I can’t say that just yet, I hear it can get pretty hot out here in the summer. When does y’all’s humidity set in? I can tell you that back in the 90s when I lived in El Paso, I would come out here and play golf and I’ve been drawn back here ever since. The people here have been fantastic. Too many to list here, but that list is increasing by the day. Arizona and Texas seem to have a great deal in common. We have been successful in Texas by doing things a certain way, and I expect that to continue our here. With your patience and time, I know we can build something special here. This is OTL_PHX.
Sedric Walker • Publisher
9 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
@otl_PHX
@otlphx
PUBLISHER Sedric Walker
GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson
ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza
TEACHING PROFESSIONAL Buck Mayers
FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo
PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Chin, Andon Guillory
OTLPHX.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Soltas Leah Gruber, Mike Bailey, Art Stricklin, Marc Hall, Nicole Pinter INTERNET & DIGITAL LeMans Whifield
FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
512.777.9879
OTL_PHX magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located in Round Rock, Texas. 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. ©2022 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.
11 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
The Kohala Coast
Mauna Lani 15th. Hole South Course.
12 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
The Royal Gem of Hawaii Island STORY BY KATIE SOLTAS
I’ve heard many tourists who have visited the Island of Hawaii, say it has the least impressive beaches out of the main Hawaiian Islands. As a former resident, this is not only laughable, but I would go as far as to say that the Island of Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the island chain. Like Maui, the Island of Hawaii’s volcanic activity has created a variety of interesting and colorful coastlines, from pristine white sand to black and even a green sand beach. Its green sheen comes from the olivine rock-forming mineral, commonly known as peridot in gem form.
13 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
F a i r m o n t O r c h i d A e r i a l V i e w.
collection of white sand beaches lines the Kohala Coast on the Northwestern shore, approximately one hour north of Kailua-Kona. This famed region not only attracts modern-day elite crowds but was the home of choice to many of Hawaii’s alii, or royals, including King Kamehameha I (the Great) who is revered for uniting the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. His birthplace can be visited in North Kohala near the ruins of Mookini Heiau, a sacred site. Thanks to this rich history, coupled with the Island of Hawaii boasting the largest population of Polynesian descendants (12 percent of its residents according to a recent state census), the culture seems to be more preserved and perpetuated on the Island of Hawaii than the rest – and this authenticity is showcased in some of the Island of Hawaii’s most esteemed resorts.
14 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
Resort Relaxation Situated in the alluring Mauna Lani area, the fourstar Fairmont Orchid is flanked by its own private beach and lagoon perfect for snorkeling, relaxing in cabanas and marine activities like stand-up paddling and kayaking. Its tranquil guest rooms and suites all have private lanais with views of the ocean, gardens or Hualalai Volcano toward “mauka,” or up toward the mountains. Upgrade to the Fairmont Gold level for a personal concierge, VIP access to the exclusive lounge serving deluxe breakfast, afternoon tea and evening craft cocktails. While the amenities are magnificent, the cultural activities are second to none with the Fairmont’s aim to share the Aloha Spirit by connecting guests to the “aina” (land) through culinary adventures in the new Ulu Pono Garden Experience. The resort’s director of Hawaiian culture Kaiulani Blankenfield guides guests through the Chef’s Garden that features native plants and trees and invites them to harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs while
destination learning about the importance of specific plants to the Hawaiian culture and the culinary landscape, plus a keepsake collection of Hawaiian chili pepper seeds. If you’re looking to hit the links, Fairmont has a partnership with the Mauna Lani Resort and a 45-hole award-winning championship golf course designed to capture the unique characteristics of Big Island from lava fields to its lush valleys. When you book the “Golf Fore Free in Hawaii” resort package, you’ll have a complimentary tee time for two, a $50 spa credit and a five-night minimum. “Fairmont Orchid has a rich history of sharing aloha with visitors from all over the world and we feel it’s our kuleana (responsibility) to invite our guests to care for the land as it cares for us,” said General Manager Charles Head. “This practice of malama (caring for) Hawaii is not only integral in the Hawaiian cul-
ture—it’s reflected in our culinary offerings. We take great care to source a majority of our seafood and produce from local purveyors, so our guests may indulge in authentic Hawaii regional cuisine while dining at our signature oceanfront restaurant, Brown’s Beach House.” As its name suggests, Brown’s is a beachfront venue with unique menu items such as Kona Prawns, Big Island Kau Coffee Venison or the Filet Mignon with tempura Maui onion, cheddar ulu mash broccolini and wasabi crème fraiche. Book a private beach dinner at sunset to commemorate a special occasion (or just because the view is incredible!). A thirty-minute drive south toward Kailua-Kona, will take you across ancient and fresh lava fields to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, named for the dormant volcano perched about the western side of the Island
Fair mont Orchid Sunset Dining.
King’s Pond.
15 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
16 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
Hualalai Golf Course Credit
Destination over Kona. This fall, the five-star resort completed a highly anticipated $100 million property-wide transformation, taking its already luxurious offerings and accommodations to the next level. The renovation was culminated with the unveiling of its top three villas: the Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, Makaloa Villa and the Hoonanea Villa, which Four Seasons claims are the largest and most luxurious villa accommodations in Hawaii. In addition to the secluded villas, the revitalization included a new infinity pool and lounge deck at the King’s Pond, Hualalai’s 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium ideal for snorkeling without the worry of the open ocean’s threats, as well as an enhancement of all guest rooms and suites, a transformation of the Signature Hualalai golf course and the addition of the Golf Hale, a 3,000-sq. ft. instruction, practice and entertainment facility. The course is the first designed by Jack Nicklaus on the island, and the facelift introduced an enhanced look with the reshaping of the greens and bunkers, among a modern new Platinum Paspalum turf, enhancing the yearround playing conditions. “With the conclusion of our renovation, we are proud to begin this iconic Resort’s next chapter by defining a new level of luxury in Hawaii,” says General Manager Charlie Parker. “The most dramatic update was to our villas, responding to our guests’ increased demand for this caliber of accommodations in Hawaii. These distinctly designed villas truly serve as a home-away-from-home for our guests and their extended families and friends.”
turnaround site for the annual IRONMAN World Championship 112-mile bike route. In the town center, you’ll encounter eclectic boutiques, charming restaurants and art galleries with authentic souvenirs difficult to find anywhere else in the Islands. Kohala is just one region to explore, but the Island of Hawaii is massive – six times the size of Oahu to the north. If time allows, I highly recommend exploring the entire island by helicopter. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is located in the Waikoloa area of Kohala and can easily be accessed from any of the resorts. Guests can experience the current Kilauea Volcano lava flow from the air, the green valleys and waterfalls often only accessible by foot. To get more involved and immerse yourself in true Hawaiian culture during your visit, the state just launched “Malama Hawaii,” a voluntourism program that facilitates myriad opportunities for visitors to “take a trip that gives back” through sustainable efforts such as beach clean-ups, planting native trees or helping to restore a Hawaiian fishpond. We’ve all heard the cliché phrase, “Take only memories; leave only footsteps,” when we travel, but this initiative allows Hawaii’s visitors to leave a lasting, positive footprint on the Islands.
Dining at one of the resort’s top restaurants, Ulu and Beach Tree, could arguably be the most opulent experience at Hualalai. Executive Chef Richard Polhemus sources 75 percent of the resort’s ingredients from a collection of 160 farms throughout the Island of Hawaii along with the resort’s herb garden and ponds to comprise his surf and turf creations. “My entire career has been grounded in a farm-to-table approach. I’ve always let nature and seasonality guide the creation of my menus,” said Polhemus, who joined the Hualalai team recently in 2020. Using local ingredients, curating relationships with purveyors, and embracing the skill of butchery and the nose-to-tail approach has been key to my culinary philosophy.”
Exploring Kohala After visiting the aforementioned cultural sites, a visit to Kohala isn’t complete without a day trip up north to the town of Hawi and Pololu Valley. When you reach the end of the road, a breathtaking view awaits with lush greenery, tropical flora and a magical black sand beach at Pololu Valley Lookout. If you’re game for climbing back up the 500 feet of elevation on a moderately difficult trail, then hiking down the switchbacks to the beach is highly encouraged. According to the visitors bureau, there are guides available to provide hiking information and history about the valley. En route back to the resorts, stop for lunch and peruse the shops in the quaint town of Hawi, nestled on the edge of the rainforest and best known for being the previous epicenter of Island of Hawaii’s sugar mill industry and the current
17 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
STORY BY LEAH GRUBER PHOTOS BY PAUL BUCETA
OTLPHX / FITNESS
A golfer’s hip turn is one of the most important components to golf, so it’s important that we keep our hips strong and stable. Stronger hips can create a more powerful golf swing, better lower body stability, and can help prevent injuries. There also may be a correlation between strong hips and a lower handicap, says research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine
18 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
conference. I work on my hip strength and stability a few times a week. One of my favorite ways is to incorporate resistance loop into my exercises. It’s an easy way to add extra tension to any workout without hindering mobility. These bands are cheap and you can use them at your home or gym. For stronger, more stable hips try the exercises below. You can start without a band and as you find your balance and need more of a challenge add a band in.
fitness
BANDED HIP EXERCISES 3 rounds of 10 reps each.
1
Squat - Knees Out & In
With the band just above your knees, squat down and hold. Your squat should have your feet hips distance apart, chest up, and more weight in your heels than toes. Once holding a squat in a slow rhythmic pattern knees go out (creating more resistance on the band) and in.
2
Side Leg Lift Place the band around your ankles. Shift your weight to one side until your foot comes off the ground. Make sure there is a little tension on the band with your feet hip width apart. Then lift your leg out to the side without rotating your hips. Go slow and steady, trying to lift your leg as high as you can.
3
Plank with a Back Leg Lift With the band around your ankles get into a plank position. Hands should be shoulder distance apart and keep your core tight. Lift one leg at a time as high as you can straight back. As you’re lifting your leg up make sure your low back does not arch.
4
Bridge - Knees Out and In Place the band just above your knees. Then lay on your back with your hands on the ground, squeeze your glutes up and off the ground. Keep your hips lifted and level push against the band as your knees go out and keep tension on the band as your knees go in. For more of a challenge take your hands off the ground for less stability.
19
O T L G O L F. C O M OTLGOLFPHX.COM
13
Best balance yoga poses for golfers
OTLPHX / YOGA
STORY BY NICOLE PINTER
20 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
yoga
Balance, whether good or bad, affects your golf swing. Improving your balance and posture with yoga for golfer exercises can help you with many swing flaws. The only way you can make a repeatable swing is to stay in balance consistently. If you improve your balance, you will hit a higher percentage of straighter golf shots. Balance can improve when practiced regularly. Here are a few yoga poses you can practice before or after your golf game. One-Legged Chair Pose Golf benefits
Eagle pose Golf benefits
Improves core strength and balance, opens the hips. Begin with both feet grounded into the floor. Make sure your thighs are low, your weight is back in your heels. Feel all four corners of your left foot on the floor as you start to peel your right foot off the ground. Keep your left knee bent as you cross your other leg. Flex your right foot. If you look down, you should see a triangle shape formed by your legs. Hold for 5-10 breaths and switch sides.
Stretch the shoulders and upper back. It builds balance, calm focus, and concentration. Stand tall with hands beside the thighs. Raise the right leg and twist it around the left leg. Now fold the two arms at the elbows. Hold for 5-10 breaths and switch sides.
Standing One-leg pose (modified beginner version) Golf benefits Balance and improves your posture. It also works to strengthen your shoulders and the muscles of your back. Improve your level of concentration too. Start in a High Lunge with your right foot forward. Gently draw together and lift your pelvic floor muscles, then activate the lower abdominals by drawing in the lower belly, navel to spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths and switch sides.
Visit our website for more tips at www.nicolegolf.com Yoga for golfers.
21
O T L G O L F. C O M OTLGOLFPHX.COM
13
OTLPHX / PUTT FOR DOUGH
Why You Should Consider Freezing Your Credit STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET
22 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
putt for dough
If the latest massive data breach has you wondering if there’s something you can do to protect yourself — there is. The first option is to take the reactive approach and simply monitor your credit. The second is to be more proactive and freeze your credit, making it very difficult for anyone other than you to take out credit in your name. This means even if a criminal obtains enough information to open an account, they’ll have a number of obstacles preventing them from using it.
Under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act—effective since September 2018—you can freeze your credit free of charge. This began in 2017 when consumer advocates called on Congress to provide free access as, previously, each of the three credit bureaus could charge for the service and to unfreeze or “thaw” credit (useful for anything requiring a credit check).
WHAT DOES FREEZING MY CREDIT DO? When you freeze your credit, the credit reporting bureaus can’t give any information to anyone who makes an inquiry about you. Typically, businesses inquire about your credit when you, or someone posing as you, attempts to open a new credit card, buy a car, or rent an apartment. The credit check helps the business determine if they want to lend or rent to you and can help set your rates and lending terms for loans and credit cards. If your credit is frozen, the business can’t get any information about you which typically stops the process and means a fraudster can’t open an account while using your identity.
WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE FREEZE THEIR CREDIT? Though freezing your credit won’t guarantee safety, it’s a pretty strong defense against identity theft. You still need to unfreeze your credit if you legitimately want to apply for a loan or line of credit. While this is not a heavy burden, it does add
extra steps anytime you do something that requires a credit check. While reactive, credit monitoring is a viable alternative to a full freeze. When you pay for a credit-monitoring service, you’ll get alerts about any activity involving your credit report. This can quickly bring a potential problem to your attention—but you won’t know if someone has used your identity until after it happens. You can always request a free copy of your credit report annually from each of the major credit bureaus and check it for any activity you don’t recognize. If you do find anything suspicious, report it immediately and take steps to lock down your credit through a fraud alert or credit freeze.
HOW DO I FREEZE MY CREDIT? If you want to freeze your credit, you need to do it at each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (1-800-349-9960), TransUnion (1-888-909-8872) and Experian (1-888-397-3742). If you request a freeze, be sure to store the passwords needed to thaw your credit in a safe place. Whether or not you choose to freeze your credit, fraudsters can still take advantage by obtaining information like your credit card number(s) or passwords to online accounts. Make sure you’re taking the proper steps to secure your information and keep it from falling into the wrong hands. 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.
23 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
2022 McLaren GT review
OTLPHX / DRIVE FOR SHOW
McLaren’s mission was to create an exciting eye-catching superride that also has enough creature comforts to make it reasonable to use as a daily driver. The 2022 McLaren GT hits the mark with its exotic design and super luxurious interior features. The McLaren GT sits on a staggered wheel set-up staring 20 inchrims in the front and 21-inch rims in the rear. The exterior is wrapped with LED headlamps, LED sequential indicators and LED taillights. Out-back a stylish fixed rear wing, a large rear diffuser and some substantial exhaust tail-pipes provide clues that this ride is no ordinary grocery-
24 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
getter.The 2022 McLaren performance comes by way of an obvious exotic car exterior design powered by way of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 612 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This beast of a motor, according to McLaren, launches the GT from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds. These results are most likely accomplished by using the standard launch control feature that provides a controlled and efficient standing start. Gas milage is estimated at 15 mile-per-gallon in the city and 22 milesper-gallon on the highway. The interior of the 2022 McLaren GT is well-suited for daily driving. Standard nappa leather upholstery seating or optional cashmere or microfiber provide support and comfort no matter how long the journey. The dash is home to knurled-aluminum controls along with an array of tech features including navigation, driver assist and a back-up camera. The rear privacy window is a nice accent to the panoramic glass roof. The upgraded sound system and cargo space add to the daily drivability of the 2022 McLaren GT. If you are in the market for an exotic daily driver that turns heads and provides plenty of fun performance and functional features than the 2022 McLaren GT priced in the mid to high $200,000 range needs to be on your list of test drives. Driverside Vehicle Reviews
drive for show
25 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
S e a f o o d To w e r.
Mastro’s City Hall STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR
The name “Mastro” had already been associated with great steak for years before the first Mastro’s Steakhouse opened on Pinnacle Peak Rd. in 1999. Founder Dennis Mastro started in the restaurant business in the early 1970s in Las Vegas, eventually landing in Scottsdale and opening What’s Your Beef in 1978. The “pick your own steak” concept paired with great live music was a hit and made the restaurant very popular in the area.
28 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
O
ver time with son Mike and close collaborators like Scotty Troilo, the group launched some of the country’s most successful steak houses and eventually some fine seafood restaurants as well. Mastro’s was sold to a private firm in 2007, expanded, and was eventually bought by Landry’s, which owns steak powerhouses like Morton’s, The Palm, and Vic & Anthony’s. Mastro’s City Hall, opened in 2002, was the third Mastro’s restaurant behind the phenomenally successful Beverly Hills location. Part of the great strength of the brand is that they all share the original Mastro’s template of great atmosphere, on-point service, and above all, some the best beef and seafood available (albeit at a handsome price). In 2019, the storied restaurant on the steps of Scottdale’s Fashion Square received a complete renovation yielding the tony venue we have today.
As you walk in the front door, you’re struck with an impression of art gallery meets speakeasy. A twisting, red glass chandelier greets you, followed by a long picture-filled corridor that runs the length of the dining room. The combination of pristine white tablecloths and vintage-styled chrome table lights contrasts beautifully with the gray chairs and the wood and black trim throughout the room. The new mid-century style chandeliers complete the modern, sophisticated look. Though typical of a steakhouse, the dinner menu definitely leans towards the opulent and even decadent. Ubiquitous appetizers like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and oysters on the half shell are offered alongside rarer lobster cocktail, Alaskan Red King Crab Claws, and Caviar. Classic Lobster Bisque is offered, as is French Onion Soup. Various salads are on the menu and are far larger than average by all accounts. About a dozen different steaks are available,
C l e a r L o b s t e r Ro l l , J a l a p e n o B i g E y e Tu n a S a s h i m i , B i g E ye A h i Tu n a To s t a d a , B i g E ye Tu n a M a g u r o L i m e Ro l l .
29 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
Lobster Mashed Potatoes.
ranging from a 6oz standard fillet to a monster 40oz Tomahawk. New York strips, Kanas City strips, Ribeyes, and Porterhouse cuts are available in 8, 10, 12, 20, 22, and 32oz sizes. Most steaks are wet-aged for 28 days, but Ribeyes are occasionally offered dry-aged (a personal favorite). The steaks are broiled under an astounding 1,500-degree flame and are brought to table on 400-degree platters. Rack of Lamb, Pork Chops, and Roast Chicken dutifully round out the meat selections. New Zealand Salmon and Chilian Sea Bass are all in-demand items for seafood lovers, but the restaurant’s signature seafood towers showed up on several tables on our night out. Four sushi rolls; Tuna Jalapeño, Lime Maguro, Clear Lobster, and Wagyu are also an exclusive menu option developed for Mastro’s by Chef Angel Carbajal of “Nicksan” in Cabo San Lucas.
30 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
An incredible eighteen different sides are available, including stand-outs like Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Wild Mushroom, and Black Truffle Gnocchi. Given the choice of a 40oz Tomahawk, why not add a “1-pound baked potato.” Our table went fairly diverse. I started with fresh Violet Cove oysters and a 2017 BillaudSimon 1er Cru Chablis. I followed with a mediumrare petit fillet, and two of our guests tried the Seabass and New York Strip, respectively. A 2015 Petit Cantenac Grand Cru was a soft, flavorful option for the steaks while the fish paired well with the earlier Chablis. For sides, we opted for the perfectly done steamed asparagus and the garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes were whipped to a fantastic silkiness, and the garlic level was just right. Curiosity got the better of one in our party and was soundly defeated by the 1-pound baked potato.
PHOTOS BY LANDRY’S
I got to talk with General Manager Armando Meza about the current wine list. Like many restaurants during Covid, supply can be tight, but the restaurant is still comfortably stocked with about eight hundred plus labels. About seventy percent of the cellar is devoted to California, including greats like 100 Acre, Schafer, and Opus One. Excellent selections of Trefethen Halo and Daou, including Private Reserve and Soul of a Lion, are popular sellers. (Large format bottles of Opus One and even a Paul Hobbs Jeroboam are still on hand.) The remaining thirty percent are curated selections from Champagne, Chablis, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italian Super Tuscans, and a few labels of interesting South African wines. Thirty-six labels are available by the glass, including a $95 glass of Dom Perignon. The vast overhead gallery of spirits at the bar underlines the very popular cocktail nature of Mastro’s as well. Expert bartenders can concoct any number of bespoke cocktails on the menu or by preference and request. With the likes of a 1-pound potato with your meal, skipping dessert might seem like a good idea, but missing Mastro’s Signature Warm Butter Cake would be a mistake. A quick google search confirms that this dessert does indeed have a cult following. The recipe starts with a yellow cake batter topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting added before it’s baked. The cream cheese basically melts into the cake. The baked cake is then flipped upside down and given a torched sugar top creating a slightly crunchy layer. The final product is served with fresh fruit and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert can certainly be shared, but it shouldn’t be missed. As the evening got later, a younger though very well-dressed crowd began to arrive at the restaurant. Like any manager will tell you, great energy in a restaurant is always a plus regardless of its other charms. Thoroughly sated, we promptly received our cars from the valet but just a little less content as we watched the Lamborghini pull up behind. Its owners surely in for a less than a typical night at Mastro’s.
War m Butter Cake.
Por terhouse.
31 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
O T L P H X / H E A LT H
Reaching Past Shoulder Pain STORY BY DR. JEFF LUKE
32 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
In practice I see and treat many shoulders issues. However, a large portion of clients never mention their shoulder pain and dysfunction as they believe it cannot be resolved. Understanding that structure and function are interrelated empowers us to see that there is hope for complete recovery. Only addressing connective tissue health with surgical procedures creates temporary relief and stagnation of rehabilitation progress. Addressing the tissue health and correcting muscular imbalance will allow for complete recovery. The importance of the scapula in normal shoulder motion cannot be overstated. The scapula, with the glenoid as its contact point, forms the platform for humeral head articulation and motion. A stable platform is essential for normal shoulder biomechanics in everyday activities and is crucial for high-demand activities like overhead sports or work. The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that all originate from the scapula (shoulder blade) and insert on the superior aspect of the humerus or upper arm. They assist in internal and external rotation of the arm. Think about throwing motions and reaching the arm behind the back. The area where the shoulder blade, collar bone, and upper arm meet is compact, and friction from excessive unsupported movement wears down the connection of muscle and bone. Weakness or insufficiency of the rotator cuff muscles results in increasing demands on the static stabilizers. If these demands are long term or recurrent, static stabilizers may begin to fail. The body will respond by shifting muscular work to healthier tissues and start the inflammatory processes. These muscles then fatigue, go into spasm, and form trigger points to support the area. Left untreated the tissue frays and tears away from the bone resulting pain and limited function. Pain may inhibit
rotator cuff muscle firing, leading to disuse and further weakening of the dynamic stabilizers with greater demands placed on the static stabilizers. Only addressing tissue health creates temporary relief and stagnation of progress. Addressing the tissue health after correcting muscular imbalance will allow complete recovery. Essentially you want to correct the cause of the tissue damage, not just repair it. Otherwise, we are left with incomplete healing at best, and setting ourselves up for reinjury at worse. Partnering with a healthcare provider well versed in muscle evaluation and activation technique is crucial for permanent recovery from shoulder pain and dysfunction – pre or post operative.
If you would like more specific information on lifestyle choices and activities that help you heal and make your chiropractic adjustments more effective, contact out @mpoweredchiro on social media, along with my website – www. mpoweredchiro.com.
33 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
PXG: Still Exploring Golf’s Extreme Limits STORY BY MARC HALL
OTLPHX / GOLF TECH
If you’re an avid viewer of professional golf on TV, there’s reasonable chance you’ve already got PXG founder Bob Parsons’ voice in your head. In the flashy, Floyd-Mayweather-pummeling-the-speed-bag-paced ads for the premium direct-to-consumer golf equipment company’s coveted club line, Parsons’ enthusiastic, bravado-fueled growl catches viewers up on PXG’s latest offerings with reminders that no other company in the industry builds clubs quite like the Scottsdaleheadquartered juggernaut. To fully appreciate just how different PXG’s approach to designing, building, marketing and selling is from those of the golf industry establishment, it’s important to recall how PXG came to be. To hear the trailblazing Parsons – a United States Marine who served in the Vietnam War, an accountant, self-taught computer programmer, domain hosting trailblazer and ordained minister – tell it, PXG was founded as a “research, engineering and innovation company.” The mission was to answer the question,
34 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
“Can we make a better golf club if we take a different approach?” Parson’s approach? No hard deadlines based on one-year or two-year launch cycles and – thanks to billionaire Parsons’ unfettered commitment – limitless investment in time and resources. The sole objective was creating a better golf club with the best R&D team and engineers. Once he and his team were convinced they could make groundbreaking golf equipment, they brought it to market. And, at a premium price point, due to the upfront costs of developing the line. And, also with a strict director to consumer (no retail accounts) model and early-adapting brand ambassadors on the PGA TOUR like Ryan Moore and two-time major winner Zach Johnson. The cost associated with PXG’s (which stands for Parsons Extreme Golf) first offerings worked in two ways. The earliest adapters, in addition to a growing base
golf tech
of pros on major tours, were consumers comfortable paying luxury prices who fell for PXG’s performance, aesthetics and feel at a fitting experience. Meanwhile, the rest of the golf consumer market began to accept PXG as a trusted and performance driven line based on word of mouth, tour acceptance as well as consistently favorable consumer and media reviews. The experiment was bearing results. While a handful of other brands abide exclusively in the ultrapremium stratum, that’s just part of the PXG evolution. “Initially, we had to be able to establish ourselves as a brand of significance and integrity, an engineering and innovation brand, and show that our approach results in a high-quality, high, performance product. And, over the years we’ve been able to expand our product offerings to meet the needs of more golfers and make the game more fun for everyone through the delivery of product that performs,” Parsons says. As the brand grew and became profitable and startup costs were recouped, PXG could buy materials and components in larger quantities, which meant savings. Parsons, to grow PXG’s reach to a wider multitude of players, made the decision to pass on those savings and offer clubs at variety of price points, including extremely competitive costs, like premium drivers at or below the $300 mark. The net result? More happy and loyal consumers with options on what they’re willing to pay to play the industry’s fastestgrowing brand. Then, along came the pandemic, which, again, accelerated PXG’s expansion with more product and a growing number of brick-and-mortar retail experiences. It’s important to note that Parsons is no stranger finding
success in times of economic downturn. He started Parsons Technology amid recession in the early-mid 80s from his basement after teaching himself how to write computer programs. Parsons Technology was sold to Intuit in 1994 for $64 million. Three years later, Parsons launched Jomax Technologies which would later become GoDaddy – the world’s largest domain name registrar. He sold a majority stake in 2011 in a deal that valued the company at $2.3 billion. So, when the earliest signs of supply chain disruption appeared in 2020, Parsons saw opportunity and stocked up multiple years’ worth of materials necessary to build and ship PXG’s full range of products. While, it’s not uncommon for other major OEMs to promise shipment on consumer orders in terms of weeks and months, PXG is promising about a one-week fulfillment on orders from its website, retail spaces and fitting experiences. The company’s equipment sales have more than doubled since the start of the pandemic. It helps that PXG offers a full range of equipment options for players of essentially every skill level, from beginner to professional. The flagship iron lines, like the PXG 0311 Gen 4 line maintain premium price points due to the amount of technology and performance factors built into the clubs. The current-model 0311 Gen 4 irons have retailed between $275 to $375 per club. Meanwhile other lines and previousgeneration models can be purchased for a more industrystandard range between $133 and $249 per club. To give a sense of how reasonably quality PXG irons can be purchased for currently, the 2021 0211 ST Blades are listed $88 per club.
35 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
Currently, PXG’s fairway wood, hybrid, wedge and putter prices are in-line with other top brands in the industry and the brand’s prices on several driver models have taken “passing on the savings” to unprecedented levels. The ultimate way to get acquainted with PXG is at a custom fitting by one of the company’s expert mobile fitters or at a PXG store. Ever fitter is a PXG employee and trained to match golfers with clubs optimized for their skill set and goals. “Our employees all come from a shared understanding and mission so there is continuity at every touch point, from your fitting to your Player Support experience and across the way. That’s where a lot of the PXG brand loyalty and sense of belonging our team and brand foster.” Currently, there are 12 PXG brick-and-mortar stores, including three in greater Phoenix/Scottsdale, with plans to open one store per month and have 24 locations by 2023. Each location features large fitting bays with guest seating and state-of-the-art golf simulators powered by Trackman technology, an expansive retail showroom with PXG’s latest apparel, accessories, bags and hats, plus a spacious lounge area for events or relaxing after a fitting experience. At the PXG’s Scottsdale headquarters, golfers make themselves at home picking up orders, browsing the latest apparel and accessory lines or going through fitting sessions. Military, veterans and first responders are given the company’s best pricing through the PXG for Heroes program that Parsons makes a priority for the brand. “I owe everything I’ve ever accomplished to my service in the United States Marine Corps. You can feel the military presence across PXG and all 14 companies we currently oversee,” Parsons says. “Golf is incredibly healing. There are incredible therapeutic qualities within golf. Veterans find great opportunities for camaraderie and competition and that feeds some of their needs as service members, especially those who might suffer from PTSD. It’s just a small ‘Thank you’ to help get more veterans into high-quality fitted equipment that allows them to play better and enjoy the game more.” Top touring professionals who currently play and endorse PXG include Lydia Ko, Zach Johnson, Pat Perez, Wyndham Clark, Jason Kokrak, Joel Dahmen and Kyle Stanley, Danny Lee, Henrik Norlander, Hudson Swafford, Luke List, Sung Kang, Jim Herman
36 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
and Paul Barjon plus another dozen LPGA stars and dozens of players on other pro tours. Where Parsons, whose business portfolio also includes Scottsdale National Golf Club and multiple Harley Davidson dealerships, might take PXG in the future is anyone’s guess, but definitely expect the brand to continue to grow and become even more inclusive of every type of golfer. “How we do things looks a little bit different than what other companies do, and that’s okay. There is a place for everyone, and clearly what we do works and it resonates because we are growing at exponential pace, and we’re having a really good time along the way,” he says.
37 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
THE BOULDERS SOUTH 38 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
Where the Bold Meets the Beautiful STORY BY CARL MICKELSON
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?
W
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,
39 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
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, 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
40 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
desert golf and great example of a three-shot 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 bunker
41 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
42 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
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 back-to-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 to the maintenance standards upheld at all Troon Golf-managed 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.
43 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
Instinctive Knowledge STORY BY BUCK MAYERS
OTLPHX / BUCKS TIPS
If you can skip a rock on the lake, lop dandelions from a meadow with a cycle, swing a bat, throw a ball or swing a racket, you can swing a golf club well enough to play golf. The problem with much of the learning and instructional process is we all have a tendency to over think, over do and over emphasize mechanics and positions of the golf swing. If you’re trying to consciously put the club in all those “perfect” positions, you will experience paralysis by analysis. The majority of golfers strive to just hit it solid, up in the air and relatively close to the target. A small percentage of players can hit it a certain height and distance and curve it at will consistently. Let’s imagine for a second the skipping of the rock. Did you think about shifting your weight back, turning your shoulders, cocking your wrist, folding your elbow, stepping toward the lake, unwinding your hips, dropping your arm, snapping your wrist and turn your body at the target all in a balanced finish. If you did, the rock sunk to the bottom just like your golf swing will do if you think too much. We all instinctively know how to propel an object in the most efficient way possible. When filming my students throwing a club at the tar-
44 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
get without preconceived ideas of right and wrong, they inevitably make a correct motion. Then I’ll film them hitting a ball and disaster strikes. All of a sudden, the ball becomes the target versus the flag. While looking and comparing the two vastly different swings on video, there is one glaring divergence. When throwing the club, the eyes look toward the target much sooner. When hitting the ball, the focus was on the ball. As the video shows, the mind, body and club respond to the target. The breakthrough or revelation is this – practice more by removing the ball and the results of a shot until you can repeat from a “new” point of view. Therefore, instincts (with trust) change naturally. There is no question that the squareness of the clubface, the path of the club, the angle it approaches, speed and hitting it solid are all important. The detailed process of piecing together all of those analytical positions takes a lot of time, can be erratic and may or may not produce good results. Find your best swing with instinctive knowledge. Buck Mayers is the Director of Instruction at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX and can be reached at buckmayersgolf.com.
The Phoenician Spa.
46 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PHOENICIAN HOTEL
Athletic Club centercour t.
Mother Of Pear l.
A Fountain in the Desert STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR
47 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
I’ve been traveling to the Phoenix / Scottsdale area for the better part of 40 years. I started my career with Motorola, which had its semiconductor headquarters in the heart of Phoenix and its roots in the area back to the late 1940s. On most business trips, we visited Scottsdale for great dining, bars, high-end shopping, and the charm of its “Old Town.” Though Motorola was generous with business travel in the early days, the lavish Phoenician resort, perched high against Camelback Mountain and featured on “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous,” was definitely not on the list for young expense accounts. For a little extra context, nearby Scottsdale Road for a time hosted two Rolls Royce dealerships.
T
he Phoenician, which opened in 1988, was the brainchild of Charles Keating, who wanted the hotel to be an “8th wonder of the world.” Carrera marble was imported from Italy for the vast lobby, and the wide dome just above the entrance was detailed with 24-carat gold. Still evocative today, landscapers were brought in from Tonga to create a romantic tropical look for the grounds of the resort. The Phoenician was estimated to have cost over $300 million to build, with the ‘mother of pearl’ pool costing a cool million on its own. Through a succession of buyouts over the decades, The Phoenician is now a Host Hotels & Resorts property, managed by Marriott International under its spectacular ‘The Luxury Collection’ brand. A bit of research shows The Phoenician in the same family of hotels as the famed Gritti Place in Venice, the Prince de Galle in Paris, and 120 other gleaming sister properties in the US, South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and most of the capitals of Europe. As you enter the nearly 300-acre property off Camelback Road, you drive past the beautifully manicured Phoenician Golf Club. In 2018, course architect Phil Smith combined the three previous 9-hole courses into one 18-hole Championship golf course melding pristine fairways with stunning Sonoran Desert vistas. A striking feature at the front of the property is the historic Jokake Inn. Originally a private home
48 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
built in 1926, the tall mission-like building eventually became a guest inn and now its grounds are used for events by The Phoenician. “Raising Arizona” fans will recognize the structure as the home featured in the dark comedy. The large, new building just behind the Inn is The Phoenician Athletic Club. A very generous 4,600 sq. ft. fitness center offers cardio machines, weights, and a movement studio. Outside, the facility features a basketball half-court, seven tennis courts and two Pickleball courts. As you drive to the main lobby, the first thing you notice is the large fountain in the circular porte cochere. Dozens of closely spaced jets produce a beautiful fluted effect and, together with the mountain backdrop, give the unmistakable sense of an opulent oasis. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the property by PR Director Denise Seomin. We used one of the small fleet of golf carts to make quick time around the property. (The chauffeured carts are available by request anytime by calling the front desk). The resort is really more of a campus, with the main building providing the bulk of the large rooms and suites, followed by the stand-alone “Casitas,” which some suites at 1,700 sq. ft. feel more like a comfortable home than a hotel. To the west of the main complex is the over-the-top Canyon Suites, a resort within a resort. The concentric semi-circular plan of the main building allows for discrete though limited mountain
Adult Only Reser ved Seating with Cabanas. views on the backside, while the front building provides grand vistas of the pool facilities, golf course, and the Phoenix valley. The semi-circular arrangement of the Casitas facing the main building has stunning views of Camelback Mountain, while the back units focus more on large intimate patios. The main building hosts a variety of rooms and suites, ranging from a well-above-average 600 sq. ft. superior room to 1,200 sq. ft. suites topping out at the enormous 4,000 sq. ft. Presidential Suite. All the rooms, including The Canyon Suites, were completely remodeled in 2016. The rooms are primarily done in earth tones, and some have large expanses of natural quartz on dressers and tabletops. The interiors are a mixture of modern design, retro lighting, and subtle Sonoran influences in the furnishings, with work from Arizona artists adorning the walls. Oversized bathrooms are decorated with Italian marble and have separate baths and showers. Full-width sliding glass doors lead to a private terrace or balcony with lounge chairs and tables. On this stay, I was in one of the outer casitas. The collection of 12, two-story buildings features 119 guestrooms and suites. Some inner casitas feature outdoor fire tables with romantic views of Necklace Lake and the hotel beyond. Doorstep parking at the casitas is a plus for quick trips offcampus. The Casitas come in various configurations, from 530 sq. ft. guestrooms to 1,200 sq.ft. suites, to grand 1,700 sq.
ft. 2-bedroom suites. Our two-bedroom suite had three amazing full baths and a very functional kitchenette. The large parlor focused on an oversized travertine fireplace surrounded by a sleek modular sofa. The suite contained a full-sized dining table that could easily accommodate six guests. A modern metal chandelier over the table was a nice touch. Sliding glass doors across the width of the suite led to two large, separate terraces, which are great amenities on quiet mornings and late evenings. Regardless of room configuration, the bathrooms feel like mini spas on their own, with unusually deep soaking tubs, large showers, and louvered doors separating water closets. Fragrant Byredo bath products and plush bathrobes continue the spa feel throughout the room. I briefly visited the boutique Canyon Suites, the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel in the greater Phoenix area. The facility hosts a separate welcome/ reception area from the main hotel with in-room checkin, and has its own waterfall, a serene, desert-themed swimming pool and a suite of storybook cabanas serviced by their own bar & grill. As you walk in the lobby, you notice a beautiful fragrance called “golden bamboo,” exclusive to the hotel and providing a hint of its glorious past. The Canyon Suites site was previously home to the Elizabeth Arden, Maine Chance Day Spa, which opened the doors to its first facility in 1946, and was famous for its glittering Hollywood clientele. The 60-room Canyon Suites, freshly renovated in 2016,
Family Friendly Reser ved Seating.
49 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
G r a n d D e l u x e K i n g P o o l V i e w.
J&G Patio at Dusk.
50 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
offers a variety of exclusive services, including a daily executive breakfast and a chauffeur-driven luxury car to and from Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Guests here also have access to all of the amenities of the main Phoenician resort. The Phoenician, like many resorts, offers a host of restaurants, but the spectacular views and romance of J&G Steakhouse are unique. The elegant indoor/outdoor venue whose concept was a collaboration with legendary, Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten features a menu that focuses on a variety of steaks, from flavorful filets to fine, dry-aged New York strips to an astounding 30oz Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye. That said, several seafood selections like SlowCooked Salmon with Truffle Vinaigrette, Dover Sole Grenobloise, and fresh Alaskan King Crab Legs are available for those not inclined towards 30oz steaks. The Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Spicy Radish Ginger Marinade created by Chef Jacques Qualin was one of the nicest things I’ve had anywhere. Nearly a dozen sides like classic Mac & Cheese (Lobster version available), Potato Gratin with Comté and a terrific Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with pecans and aged balsamic, allow for a multitude of great combinations. Though most are typical of high-end steak houses, each seemed to have a refinement that made them stand out against other examples. We found that as good as our steaks were, we were blown away by the flavor of the Smoked Chili Glaze, the J&G steak sauce, and a beautifully crafted Bearnaise. If possible, leave room for the J&G cheesecake, topped with a diced pear compote and an excellent pear sorbet. J&G’s wine selection is strongest from California and France but still benefits from decades of curation by the resort’s late Master Sommelier Greg Tresner. A beautiful 2001 Chateau Pape Clément certainly elevated our meal. F&B Operations Manager Taylor Chandler, now in charge of the venerable wine cellar, looks forward to expanding its collection, starting with Champagne. Considering the celebratory nature of J&G, I think that is a great place to start. The Phoenician also hosts a variety of more casual dining locations like the popular Mowry & Cotton. Its location directly above the main pool allows for incredible views while dining throughout the day. The menu here focuses on a variety of flatbreads, unique grains, fresh salads, and many wood-grilled items. Mowry & Cotton’s selections hint at carefully selected, healthy items, but outstanding burgers, chicken sandwiches, and even tacos are also available. A little bit of excitement happened as we were
Ta v e r n B o o t h s .
having lunch one afternoon. As guests abandoned their tables, a small band of grackles moved in to finish the leftovers. The hotel’s elegant remedy is a hawk patrol. We got to meet one member, called “Hitman.” The hawks roam the property with their handlers and either dispatch the birds or at least convey the lack of welcome. Interestingly in flight over the main pool, Hitman was absolutely silent as it swooped from one side of the cabanas to the other. Rounding out the 2019 renovation was the premiere of The Phoenician Tavern, located above the golf clubhouse. The traditional club-like restaurant features a great menu of polished pub favorites. On one visit, my guest was craving a simple grilled cheese sandwich and was delighted by a deftly made classic served with French fries. Though not on the menu, the staff found a simple way to make the lady happy. Great burgers, large salads, and craft beers make this a comfortable dining spot. The next day allowed us to spend some time at the main swimming area arranged on several levels. The middle level has a pool and cabanas reserved for adults only, while a separate area complete with a treehouse, splash pad and water slide is a kid favorite. We booked one of the cabanas on the lower level and loved the amenities. The generously sized cabanas came complete with flat-screen televisions and wait-service from Kalio Kabobery. The restaurant has a full menu of light Mediterranean specialties and a wide assortment of cocktails and beer available poolside. Large palms surround the pool area, and the views make you want to linger the whole afternoon.
Despite all of the luxurious amenities at The Phoenician, one three-story, stand-alone building across Necklace Lake from the main pool is a must-visit. Debuted in 2018, the entirely new three-level Phoenician Spa offers 24 treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, a fitness center with movement studio, a rooftop pool with incredible mountain vistas, a retail shop, a nail lounge, and the Drybar blow-dry salon. I took advantage of the Forbes Five Star-rated facility on two separate days, indulging in an 80- min. ‘Phoenix Rising Scrub & Massage’ and a very relaxing 50-min. ‘Gentleman’s Personal Remedy’ facial treatment. Both were soothing and amazing in their results. Beyond the soaring atrium, which sports a modern Phoenix sculpture suspended from the ceiling, the spa has a very hushed and soothing interior. Once checked in and settled into lockers, you change into a thick robe to wait for your masseuse or aesthetician. The public rooms have a palpable calm, with a pre-treatment lounge and a post-treatment Quiet Relaxation Room for a little nap. Indeed, wandering the halls with a glass of Champagne from treatment to treatment is not as terrible a life as it would seem. Like most of the facilities, a focus on delicate fragrance adds to the calm of the environment. I got two versions of Neroli to bring the beautiful calm closer to home. There are many resorts in the Phoenix, Scottsdale area from which to choose; however, one small note mentioned by Denise stayed in my mind… How many have had a Church ask to film there as a stand-in for Heaven.
Athletic Club Exterior Above.
51 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
Such Great Heights: The Phoenician Golf Club A pure example of the power of the location-location-location dictum is the second nine at The Phoenician Golf Club, an eclectic yet cohesive stretch of holes that affords golfers dazzling panoramic views of the greater Scottsdale, the faraway Phoenix skyline, the surrounding deserts and mountain peaks as the golf course traverses the edge of the iconic Camelback Mountain. From the vantage point of the 13th tee, the first of two welcomed short par 4s that scoot alongside Camelback Mountain, you can take a satisfying glimpse of everything that makes this urban paradise in the Sonoran Desert special, then turn back to the fairway and use that inspiration get some momentum going in your round. Not only are these holes picturesque, 12, 13 and 14 follow a shortish downhill par 3 with a thumbprint depression adding character to the green, and precede the gorgeous and gettable 491-yard par 5 15th that plays along the top of the course’s highest ridge. While playing in the lower grounds near the resort and golf clubhouse, the opening nine on the Phoenician is far from afterthought. In fact, these beginning holes demand high-quality ball striking in a brawny and often-narrow setting of “desert golf meets parkland sensibilities.” The front nine plays 200 yards longer than the back and on holes like the 430-yard fourth (a stout par 4 with water short-left of the green), the exposed, uphill 223-yard par-3 fifth and mighty and nicely framed 435-yard ninth, your precision will need to measure up to your might. While tipping out at only 6,518 yards, the Phoenician puts a premium on direction and taking advantage of opportunities while they’re hot. While the desert is full of great golfing experiences, The Phoenician Golf Club is one you’ll want to return to time and again.
52 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
Scottie Scheffler Texas through & through STORY BY ART STRICKLIN
OTLPHX / ON YOUR GAME
Anyone who attended the 2021 Ryder Cup Matches at Whistling Straits Golf Resort in Kohler, Wisconsin can remember the soundtrack of the largest U.S. Victory in Ryder Cup history and an American blowout of unexpected proportions.
54 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
T
he fans who followed former University of Texas golf star and Dallas native Scottie Scheffler also remember a vivid soundtrack as well. ‘Scottie, Scottie, Scottie,’ Tens of thousands of American fans chanted his name on Sunday afternoon during his epic takedown of undefeated, World Number 1, Spain’s Jon Rahm, in the Sunday singles matches, where he sprinted to a four hole lead after the first four holes at Whistling Straits and delivered a 4&3 beatdown. The cheers for the Dallas native and Highland Park High School grad, most national golf fans could hardly recognize when the week started, brought tears to his mom Diane’s eyes who was following the match. It even coaxed a brief smile from the normally stoic Scheffler in recalling it during the fall’s Houston Open, his first home state appearance since the Ryder Cup. The low key, down home Scheffler has been targeted for success since he was a teenager, coached by famed Dallas pro Randy Smith who helped lift Justin Leonard to a British Open title and a dozen PGA Tour victories. Scheffler won three Texas high school state titles, just like former UT golfing great Jordan Spieth, won a U.S. Junior Amateur title, just like Spieth, and multiple college wins and honors at Texas, just like Spieth. So playing with his fellow Dallas resident golfer, Spieth, on the U.S. Ryder Cup
on your game team this fall was certainly a level of comfort for Scheffler, but could not have prepared him for his starring role as the first American Singles Point on Sunday and the emphatic victory lap he took over unbeaten Rahm. The Ryder Cup flags he signed for fans during the Houston Open pro-am and selfies he took between holes were just another American victory reminder for him. Not to mention, his runner-up finish in the WGC Dell Match Play at Austin Country Club in March with another victory over Rahm, six straight 18 finishes in 2020-21 golf majors and a 59 score in PGA Tour competition, which lead to the 2020 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors. He has 17 top 10 finishes in his brief career, four top 3s, with a runner up in the World Match Play in March, along with a 2nd at this fall’s Houston Open, but still no elusive individual Tour victory. At his Lone Star pro golf return at Houston’s Memorial Park before Texas friends, fans and family, Scheffler was happy to talk with OTL Senior Writer Art Stricklin. He gave his behind the scenes view of his Ryder Cup experience, what it’s like to be considered the next great Texas golfer and the one thing he must achieve to validate his hot PGA Tour start. OTL: You were the youngest and most inexperienced player on the US Ryder Cup team when captain Steve Stricker picked you as a captain’s choice. Did you think you would get picked? Where you surprised or ready to go? Scottie Scheffler: “I know what I can bring to the team. I was waiting on the call (from U.S. team captain Stricker) and I can understand if he didn’t pick me, but I was ready to go.” OTL: You have a pretty stoic on-course personality, so how did you react to getting the call from Stricker? SS: I shed a few tears of joy when I got the call to play that week and added more with my wife Meredith. OTL: You paired successfully with Dallas’ Byron DeChambeau, and helped the American team take a six point lead going to Sunday singles with World No. 1 Jon Rahm. Did you ask for that pairing? SS: No, nobody really asks for pairings. You just get when you are going to play and the Europeans release their teams and you are just paired together. OTL: You got off to an incredible start, winning the first four holes against Rahm, and five of the first six. He looked
55 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
shell-shocked at the course. Were you a little surprised as well? SS: It was just match play, you’re trying to do your best. He definitely was not happy I was up 4. I wouldn’t say it was very expected. I have not spoken to or seen him since. OTL: What is it like to have tens of thousands of golf fans chant your name during the match like Tiger or Rory have heard in the past? SS: It was really cool and definitely not something I expected to happen. I heard it clearly on the final hole when I finished it off and all during the match. It’s nice to have people cheering for you and have them on our side. OTL: Do you ever remember anything like that in your brief golf career? SS: . No. It’s just a really great feeling, the fan environment is just off the chart. OTL: You have already achieved lot as a player in your brief time as a pro to even be selected to the Ryder Cup, but did your dominating performance lift you to another level with your fellow PGA Tour pros? SS: I know how I perceive me as a player, I don’t know how other players perceive me. I guess you would have to ask them what they think. I don’t know if that changes people’s perceptions of me or not.
56 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
OTL: You have a lot of confidence in yourself to get to where you are today, but what’s it like to be compared to fellow UT golf great Jordan Spieth and some of the best Lone Star players in golf history? SS: “It’s not a bad thing to be compared to them. I don’t mind. There are a lot worse persons to be compared to than Jordan (Spieth). It’s never a bad thing to be thought of well. We used to play a lot together, but we don’t anymore. We’re too busy. OTL: I know the one thing you’re still looking to achieve for 2022 is a win on the PGA Tour. With all you’ve already done, do you feel like you’ve almost already won? SS: I feel like I’m off to a good start to my career, with the Ryder Cup and Rookie of the Year, but all that other stuff still doesn’t add up to one PGA tour win. It doesn’t feel like I’ve won out here, but I feel like I 100% belong. OTL: Is there a secret to taking the Ryder Cup success to the PGA Tour victory platform? SS: The biggest thing I got was, it was just nice to be able to perform on what I think is the biggest stage in golf. The most watched event on TV. To perform in the team format in match play, which I really, really love. OTL: Anything you need to change to finally get the PGA Tour win? SS: No. just keep playing, executing and striving, and one day it will happen. My family has always been there for me and is a big part of my success. They will always be there. OTL: Thanks for a recap of an incredible 2021 season and good luck in 2022. SS: Thanks.
Rockin’ the Caribbean in the
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC STORY BY MIKE BAILEY
58 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
T
he best golf in the Caribbean? That’s a no-brainer. The Dominican Republic. With about two dozen courses -- the majority of which have deep blue sea views -- it’s hard to go wrong. So the question as a golfer shouldn’t be about whether or not to travel to the DR, but more a matter of when and what will be the itinerary. There are many options, of course, from playing just a few courses to trying to tackle a dozen or so. You can stay at a smaller resort or hotel or find yourself at large, iconic property like Casa de Campo. But perhaps the most talked about area as late in this small country on the island Hispaniola east of Haiti is Punta Cana, an area filled with some of the best golf courses and beaches. And one of the most unique resorts there is the allinclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Punta Cana. This massive property has 1,774 rooms and is adding an additional 210 rooms. The resort has been undergoing an extensive renovation in the last year and will be fully renovated by November. With 10 restaurants mostly centered around the diverse Market Food Hall, an incredible beach, nine pools, the country’s largest casino and big name entertainment in its ballroom and outdoor concert venues, even if you didn’t play golf or want to go snorkeling or fishing, you could just stay here and have a blast. Get up each day, when you want, eat a long breakfast, then head over to the beach or the pool where the DJ is working up the crowd. Try some Caribbean chicken off the grill, relax in the sun, then head back to the main resort for a little shopping at the resort’s many retail outlets. That’s followed by dinner and entertainment, perhaps at the casino, or in a sports bar, maybe, catching a game or bowling. And then there’s the Rock Spa, arguably the best in the D.R. There’s no shortage of activities in what they at the Hard Rock characterize as a “mini-city.” But, of course, if you’re a golfer, you will want to do more, and the Hard Rock does have its own golf course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay doesn’t have the spectacular ocean views of the some of the other courses in the area, but it is scenic in its own right and plenty challenging. The course plays 7,253 yards from the back tees, so it’s plenty difficult for the better players. The holes meander through through a tropical setting of flora and fauna, with dozens of bunkers and waste areas, plenty of water features and doglegs both left and right. The course has a slope/rating of 135/76.1, but play it from the right tees, which can be as short as
59 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
60 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
5,368, and you have a chance to manage this course. Each hole, by the way, is named after a famous rock song, like Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” and the logo features a golfer swinging a guitar. The layout features some particularly difficult par 3s and par 5s. Three of the par3 holes are 197 yards or longer with No. 8 playing at 235 yards. The par-5s are pretty hard too, with three of them at 570 yards or longer. And the no. 1 handicap hole is the ninth, a 453-yard par 4 dogleg right that plays over a waste area and lake. The best way to play this course is part of a package. As of press time, the Hard Rock Punta Cana was offering two green fees for $99 if you stay three nights or longer. Of course, if you’ve come all this way, you should definitely a couple more in the area, and there is none better than another Nicklaus design, Punta Espada. Opened in 2007, this former home of a PGA Tour Champions event is as picturesque and enjoyable as it gets. The ocean is so close to many of these holes that you can feel the sea spray. Also, the sea is visible from almost all points on the course, and eight holes play right along the rocky shores with some of the shots carrying portions of it, like the iconic 250-yard par-3 13th.
A couple of other courses to consider are Corales Golf Club (limited tee times are available to the public) and La Cana, both at the Puntacana Resort & Club. Corales, home of the PGA Tour’s Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship, is a stellar Tom Fazio design with some more stunning ocean holes. La Cana, which was designed by P.B. Dye (one of Pete Dye’s sons) is more affordable and perhaps not quite as lush as Corales, but it’s still spectacular golf with plenty of mounding and a few ocean holes. If you do wind up playing that much golf, though, perhaps there’s nothing better than following it with a spa treatment, and the Hard Rock has one of the best in the D.R. The Rock Spa is 60,000 square feet of pure bliss with 42 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy circuit, lagoons, two whirlpools, steam room, sauna, food creek pathway, hydroreflexology, sensory expertise pool, and an ice room. While the spa is a can’t miss, the Hard Rock offers some other unique experiences as well. You can order a complimentary Fender guitar and amp to be brought to your room. Lessons on the TV will guide you to playing power chords in no time. Or you check out a Crossly record player with a few vinyls to enjoy. Another unique activity is the Paint and Sip experience of creating your own oil painting as an instructor guides you through your work with a little inspiration from a red or white glass of vino. And you can, of course, book off-resort activities like catamaran rides to enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming and fishing. And while the resort’s all-you-can-eat inclusive restaurants offers great variety (including a great ice cream shop) one of the most special experiences can be had at Montserrat Manor, Montserrat, located in the casino, is the only restaurant that isn’t included in the price of staying at the Hard Rock, but it is well worth it. This high-end modern American steakhouse serves the highest prime flown in from Chicago, local fish, lobsters and incredible sides, desserts and cocktails. Unless you win a jackpot, Montserrat will probably be the best money you spend in the casino.
61 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
OTLPHX / TRAVEL
62 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
travel
Heal Your Mind and Body in Red Rock Country STORY BY KATIE SOLTAS nce you arrive in Sedona, there is a magnetic energy among the natural rust chimney rocks, open blue skies and green vegetation that beckons you to find renewal in nature. It’s a well-known fact that Sedona’s luxury spa and wellness industry has grown within the last 20 years, but many are not familiar with the metaphysical and scientific explanations behind this development. Sedona’s New Age movement began in the 1970s as the theory of the healing vortex meditation sites was introduced, bringing in psychics, spiritual healers and natural medicine practitioners from all over the world. The four major vortexes in Sedona are Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Airport Mesa, and all are accessible by hiking and mountain biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. Vortex sites are defined as enhanced energy locations that facilitate prayer, meditation, mind/body healing and exploring the relationship with your soul and your divine, according to Pete A. Sanders, Jr., founding board member of the Sedona Metaphysical and Spiritual Association. A naval veteran and Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate in BioMedical Chemistry and Brain Science, Sanders moved to Sedona in 1980 and founded the nonprofit, Free Soul, which shares skills to help people be their own best teachers and harness self-discovery. For skeptics of the New Age theology, scientific theory behind Sedona’s healing qualities is more relatable and lies within its color palette. Sanders explains that the neuro-stimulating red rocks enhances creative thinking and problem solving; the green cacti, agave and pines provoke a sense of hope and renewal; and the vast blue skies and winding creeks of the region incites a soothing feeling of serenity and purpose. The luminescence of Sedona’s night sky rivals its vibrant daytime color phenomenon. “You can actually see the Milky Way at night, as Sedona is part of International Dark Sky Cities,” said Sanders. “All the streetlights point down, which reduces the light pollution and allows people to have that sense of timeless wonder seeing the heavens.” Although the vortex theories are relatively modern, the idea of Sedona as a sacred setting is literally carved in ancient history in cliff dwellings, dating back to the sixteenth century by indigenous people of the Sedona region including the Hopi, Navajo, Western Apache, Havasupai and Yavapai nations. There is evidence in local petroglyphs to show that natives would perform religious ceremonies in the Sedona region and its vortex sites but lived in a ring-like pattern around the area out of respect for its spiritual power, as told to OTL by local cultural specialists.
To view cliff dwellings and rock art, Sedona guests can visit Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District Heritage Sites such as the Palatki Red Cliffs Heritage Site and the Honanki Heritage Site Cliff, and Verde Valley National Monuments including Montezuma’s Castle. Modern day resorts, destination spas and golf clubs aim to share the beauty and benefits from these natural landscapes in Sedona. From the creeks to the canyons, Sedona’s top resorts take guests to the source of the healing energy, beginning with Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon, one of the most powerful vortex sites. Enchantment Resort is about a 15-minute drive into the town of Sedona. Built in 1987, Enchantment recently completed a refresh to its 218 guest rooms and well-appointed suites with private decks and fireplaces with new furnishings and décor to embody an authentic Southwestern flair. The resort’s signature restaurant, Che Ah Chi, translates to “red rocks” with panoramic vistas of the canyon with floor-toceiling windows. The Southwestern and indigenous-inspired menu created by Executive Chef José Martinez features regional game options and local produce from Native American farms with flavors of the Verde Valley such as bison with heirloom carrot dumplings and corn fritters. Che Ah Chi pairs these plates with an advanced sommelier-crafted wine list and cocktails like the Pink Cadillac, a Sedona twist on a prickly pear margarita. This summer, Enchantment also finished construction on a 4,000 square-foot Trail House within its Adventure Center where guests can take advantage of the resort’s location nestled in the Coconino National Forest. With guides on hand to act as adventure concierges or private tour guides by request, guests can first learn about the history of Boynton Canyon, its terrain and wildlife, and then hit the trails via mountain bike or on foot. A full bike shop is equipped to prepare athletes of every level. For golfers in pursuit of their version of self-renewing greenery, Enchantment has a relationship with Seven Canyons Golf Course – exclusive to resort guests and its high-end community residences. Founded in 1961 and designed by PGA champion and noted golf course architect Weiskopf, the red rock views are unrivaled on this award-winning 200-acre course. Travelers who seek a luxurious and relaxing exprience after a long day on the trails or fairways will relish the crown jewel of Enchantment: its destination spa, Mii amo, which translates to “one’s path or journey.” For utmost privacy, this wellbeing center is only open to Enchantment guests and those who book a “journey,” or a three-night minimum stay in one of the center’s casitas. Mii Amo interweaves the cultural importance of Boynton
63 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
Canyon and its tale of the mystical Kacina Woman into its treatments and ambiance. According to Yavapai-Apache legend, a daughter of a tribesman was placed in a hollowed out log to protect her from a prophesied destructive flood. Her log stopped in Boynton Canyon, where is where life is said to begin again. “The Canyon walls reflect an unwavering sense of strength that is the same strength found in all of us,” said Jim Root, general manager at Mii amo. “Sometimes we misplace or let people borrow that strength, and the Canyon can be a place of renewal.” He continued, “Mii amo welcomes people who desire to seek inward and explore some of these feelings and emotions of uncertainty and receive all that is here for them.” Enchantment’s rates range from $565 to $625 throughout the year. Visit Enchantmentresort.com for more information. Situated on the shores of meandering Oak Creek is L’Auberge de Sedona, within walking distance to Sedona’s famed shopping and dining district, Uptown. This creekside haven is ideal for the epicurean traveler to escape in quiet reprieve with luxurious amenities and life-enriching experiences including in-house artist viewing, daily yoga and wildlife feedings. “Designed to enhance guest interaction with nature instead of detracting from it, our property seeks to honor and accentuate natural beauty in every possible way,” said Tobby Rau, general manager at L’Auberge. The resort was originally built in 1984 with a
64 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
travel
dozen cottages on the creek banks that were once home to an apple orchard, with some of the trees still intact today. L’Auberge’s signature restaurant, Cress on Oak Creek, sits upon property that was adjacent to Sedona’s first homestead started by Frank and Nancy Owenby in 1893 – talk about farm to table! The elegant waterfront eatery, led by Executive Chef Frank Desplechin, offers a romantic and peaceful atmosphere with wine-forward, Southern-European cuisine. While the acclaimed sommelier-composed wine list pulls diverse, high-quality wines from all over the world, Cress also supports Arizona’s evergrowing wine scene from wineries in Verde Valley (just 25 minutes away) and the state’s southern wine regions in Cochise County and Sononita. The resort has grown over time, now home to 62 free-standing suites and cottages throughout 11 acres with private soaking tubs, outdoor showers, expansive decks and private entrances. A main lodge houses 21 guest rooms all with their own private deck or balcony, plus a shared pool with a jetted hot tub and an art gallery for guests to enjoy, curated by the Goldenstein Gallery. L’Apothecary Spa at L’Auberge offers an assortment of spa services, with the most intriguing being the Quiet Mind treatment, in which the therapist works with the guest to learn breathing exercises that will allow the guest to truly quiet their mind and focus on relaxation. In the past, L’Auberge has also hosted geologists and vortex experts on-hand at the resort to grace guests with their knowledge, but this has paused at press time to focus on guest safety following the pandemic. Resort leaders hope to resume these activities in the future. Nightly rates range at L’Auberge from $300 to $1,600 depending on the season and type of accommodation. L’Auberge does not have an official golf partnership but works with top golf courses in the area such as aforementioned Seven Canyons and the Sedona Golf Resort, located just minutes away from Oak Creek. With a sweeping backdrop of two vortex points, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, the par 71 course is as challenging as it
is stunning. The championship Troon course is widely considered one of the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. “Our signature hole is number 10 and is considered ‘the most photographed par-3 in the Southwest’ but my personal favorite is (hole) number six,” said Jeremy Hayman, general manager at Sedona Golf Resort. “It is an unassuming uphill par-4, but when you get to the green, turn around and look back toward the tee box, it is one of the greatest views in Sedona. Period.” In contrast to its visitor numbers, Sedona hasn’t grown much in population over the last several decades, as the protected forestlands encompassing the town limit suburban sprawl. But Sedona has undergone major self-improvement and has built upon its foundation. The town’s economy capitalizes on its strengths including art, culinary experiences and unique boutique concepts. Small, independent businesses thrive here, from art galleries, spiritual healing services and fine jewelry stores to breweries, wine bars and souvenir shops. Although locals are happy to welcome guests back after the pandemic slowed the tourism business down, they encourage everyone to show stewardship for the land. Over-tourism, especially among the vortex sites, can create challenges. To take the path less traveled, check out sedonasecret7.com for a list of local favorite hiking and biking trails, compiled by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau (SCC&TB). The community is in the process of connecting 420 miles of trails in the rugged landscape surrounding Sedona as well as enhancing transit and multi-modal access around the town – including access to public art. Sedona touts an impressive number of resident artists, according to Jennifer Wesselhoff, president of the SCC&TB. “People are drawn to Sedona for the beauty and that emanates through their art including performance, visual art, creative writing and more,” said Wesselhoff. “The wellness and artistic side of Sedona are so intertwined, and began with the native tribes who left their artwork on the sandstone formations surrounding us.”
65 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
OTLPHX / WINE
66 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
A Legacy in Wine STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR
On a recent trip to Scottsdale, AZ, I had the privilege of visiting the wine cellar at the famed Phoenician Resort. The hotel and spa tucked high against Camelback Mountain have played host to executives, celebrities, and almost every US President back to its opening in 1988. Though its famous Mary Elaine’s Restaurant is now just a memory, the current J&G Steakhouse offers wonder food, the same gorgeous views, and some (though not all) of the collection in the cellar expertly curated by Master Sommelier Greg Tresner. Tresner, who sadly passed last year, had become the first Master Sommelier in Arizona in 2000 and was one of only 172 in the world at the time. The MS title is earned after a process that can take several years of extensive preparation, with the final exam being invitation only. Manager Taylor Chandler, now in charge of the collection, kindly guided us through layers of security to the chilly venue. A wine cellar in the desert could be tricky, but the location on a lower level deep in the hotel helps keep the room at an ideal temperature between the upper 40s for white wines and low 50s for reds. Even though the day outside was relatively cool, a thirty-five-degree change in temperature is hard to ignore. I noticed a jacket or two for folks that need to work in the room for longer than a few minutes. The cellar is a warren of wooden bins with a touch of cement bunker and a bit of metal cage here and there. The wines closest to the door were nice, in some cases very nice, but as you went farther, the contents of the bins became more unusual. In no particular order I found a bin of 1969 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, a bin of ‘81 Château Haut-Brion, a bin of ‘70 Clos d’Estournel, and even a few bottles of 1953 Château Cantemerle, and 1955 Taylor Flatgate Port.
Taylor pointed out some 1972 Tokaji Essencia as I was trying to figure how I could smuggle out a few bottles of ’89 Château Beychevelle. Like any good cellar, new and impressive makers are added every day – Bins of Penfolds and Sassicaia were within eyeshot, and Taylor explained their next push would be to build up their stocks of fine Champagnes. Our evening meal called for something special, and I was happy to share a 2001 Château Pape Clément with some OTL staff and Manager Denise Seomin who put together the exclusive look behind the cellar door.
67 OTLGOLFPHX.COM
Great cigars start with the hands STORY BY ANDON GUILLORY
OTLPHX / CIGARS
Christopher Columbus landed on Cuba’s Bahia de Gibara on Oct. 29, 1492. Native Americans on the island were smoking raw twists of leaves and introduced the practice to Columbus’s crew. This method would later be fashioned into what we know as the cigar today. Because of Columbus’s findings, cigar smoking first became popular in Spain and then the rest of the world. In 1890 Cubans began to immigrate to the United States. Among these immigrants were Cuban master rollers, and the country became a prominent producer of quality cigars. The United States still produces great cigars and the rolling tradition has been passed along through generations. It is important to note master rollers in the United States can make as much money as a certified nurse. Private companies have hired rollers and begun to roll their own cigars. The process is quite extensive and requires, among other things, the growing, harvesting and leaf selection. The actual rolling process begins with the preparation of the fillers. The Cuban filler “entubar” method achieves superior airflow through the cigar. During this process the leaves are evenly distributed and folded individually, which will later affect the way a cigar burns. Make sure to pay attention to your cigar the next time you light up. “If a cigar is poorly rolled, it will not burn evenly, causing it to become hot, go out and most importantly, the full flavor of the tobacco cannot be enjoyed,” Pablo Caballero, expert tobacconist, says. A binder leaf will then hold the tobacco together and complete the filler part of the process. A cedar mold will then hold the tobacco bunch for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. After this, the tobacco is transferred to a cedar-rolling platform where the wrapper will be
68 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
applied. The process is quite delicate because wrapper leaves are very expensive. This particular process can also be quite sentimental for rollers because platforms are usually passed on from generation to generation. Inspection of the leaves will allow the roller to choose the best part of the leaf and use his “chaveta” (roller’s knife), which is usually another family heirloom, to sculpt the wrapper leaf into optimum shape. The roller then applies vegetable glue to secure the wrapper. A tobacco bunch from the cedar mold is then taken and cut to perfect length and the wrapper is carefully applied from foot to head. After the cigar is wrapped, the cap is applied by punching a circle out of the wrapper leaf and applying the circle to the head of the cigar. Only after this process is complete is the band applied with vegetable glue. So when paying a hefty price for a box of cigars, you might not only be paying for the quality of a roll but for the tradition and patience that comes with the art. One of the few places in Austin that offers handrolled cigars is Bobalu Cigar Company. They have two locations, 6th Steet and in North Austin. You don’t have to wait to get your cigar rolled, you can stop in and buy directly from the shelf. If you can’t wait to get home, you may smoke it there.
SUBSCRIBE
$25/Year Home Delivery. Don’t miss an issue. OTLGOLF.com/Subscribe
Boulders 480.488.9009 theboulders.com
Mastros 480.941.4700 mastros.com
Cascata 702.294.2005 golfcascata.com
Rio Secco 702.777.2400 riosecco.net
Escondido Golf & Lake Club 830.598.7800 escondidotexas.com Garrison Brothers garrisonbros.com Henderson Park 888.853.9050
OTLPHX / ADVERTIZER INDEX
Kapalua 1.877.kapalua golfkapalua.com
70 THE WINTER ISSUE 2022
Royal Albartross albartross.com Visit Tucson VisitTucson.org/Golf Veneno Tequila 281.727.0944 venenotequila.com The Phoenician 480.941.8200 thephoenician.com