OTL PHX Summer 2022 Issue

Desert Ridge Resort & Spa A truly grand experience

Côte d’Azur

Mountain Shadows

Weft & Warp

Volume 1, Issue 4

FEATURES 12

FRENCH RIVIERA Poetically known in France as the Côte d’Azur—it has long been an aspirational destination for glamor-seekers. Scott Laird

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A HIDDEN GEM Tasty cuisine with international influence, local art and one-of-a-kind views at Weft & Warp at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows.

Teresa K. Traverse

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MOUNTAIN SHADOWS The perfect desert hideaway for recharging and developing a deeper appreciation for the nuance that make Scottsdale and Paradise Valley among the most sought-after places to live and recreate. Carl Mickelson

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DESERT RIDGE RESORT AND SPA Luxury, stellar restaurants, sparkling pools all come together to create a truly grand experience. Teresa K. Traverse

48 Desert Ridge Resort & Spa A truly grand experience

34 Côte d’Azur

Mountain Shadows

Weft & Warp

ON THE COVER

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JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a truly grand experience that’s fitting for the largest hotel in all of Arizona.

Contents COLUMNS 18

FITNESS Back to the basics. Don’t forget about the muscles you don’t see in the mirror.

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BUCKS TIPS The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. The grip could be the culprit.

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YOGA Yoga to improve your game and reduce risk of golf injuries.

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ON YOUR GAME

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

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TRAVEL Post Ranch Inn: A rustic getaway to unplug and rejuvenate.

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DRIVE FOR SHOW The 2022 Black-Badge Rolls Royce, sophisticated refinement without all the bling.

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WINE

GOLF TECH PXG keeps raising the bar with the GEN 5.

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Female golf legend Annika Sorenstam aka, Ms. 59.

Refreshing and exotic, Champagne has been for celebrations and much more.

CIGAR How to Pick’em and how to Puff’em.

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From the Publisher The Game is Changing Welcome to the summer of 2022. With a smile on my face, I have to ask, how’s it going?

Despite the pandemic and all of the negatives associated with it, there were things to enjoy about life in 2020 and 2021. During Covid, there was no traffic. The weather for the most part was mild. I can remember in March of 2020, there was a post on social media showing gas prices at $1.18 per gallon. Was that 50 years ago? No, it wasn’t even 50 months ago. A few months ago, Ukraine was at peace instead of at war.

There was only one professional golf tour. People celebrated freedoms and personal choices for themselves and their families. Phil Mickelson was a fan favorite. To be fair, he still is in some circles.

A lot of things have certainly changed in a short period of time.

Golf plays a huge role in our magazine. I grew up with the PGA Tour and all of its history. When you think of professional golf, you think of the gold standard, PGA Tour. It’s sad to see the reaction of many to the emergence of the LIV Golf Tour. No doubt the media gives us a sense of division in the country, but we still have more in common than what divides us. I really didn’t think golf would create such division.

Sure, golf in good-natured fun would make us pick from team Tiger or team Phil. Were you a Jack backer or a member of Ernie’s army? But that’s sports. On the 19th hole, we would still eat or drink together. Sports.

Why does this new league pose such a threat? Without a doubt, The PGA has always had the best players in the world. Their policy has never allowed an appearance fee or guaranteed money. I am reminded when Tiger would play golf in Dubai, he would get a huge appearance fee and then go win the tournament. That’s a good week.

The beauty of golf as a sport is you play and write down your score and the results speak for themselves. It’s a game of merit. Golf is a game of honor and respect. It’s a game competition. Those values have always been a part of our fabric and align with the principles of the country. Hard to argue. Why are things different with this new league? I don’t mind the competition element. Players should be given a choice and not be maligned for their decision. During the pandemic, this was never a platform to try to persuade anyone to do anything. We never mentioned the choice of getting vaccinated or not. It was always up to the individual to decide.

But I see players trying to decide and make a choice for what they believe is best for them and others, especially those in the media castigating them. Dare I say, hit-jobs. I always believed golf would rise above it. I was wrong, but I think in the long run whether the LIV Tour survives or not, players should have the right to work where they want. I’m sure no one wants to have a monopoly.

All of these major corporations believe in a strong bottom line. Profit is the driving factor so there’s nothing wrong with players wanting the make as much money as possible.

Notice, I didn’t bring up the country that’s putting up the money. It doesn’t matter in this case, if they were so bad, I’m sure they would be on the list of countries we don’t do business with. They are not, we do massive amounts of business with them.

The hypocrisy needs to stop. They are just playing golf. Let them play.

This is a great issue. The golf is great. The travel is spectacular. Enjoy the summer.

Sedric Walker • Publisher

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@otl_PHX

OTLPHX.com

@otlphx

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL Buck Mayers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Bailey, Teresa K. Traverse, Scott Laird, Jason Hill Allison Loots, Leslie Stevenson, Art Stricklin, Nicole Pinter

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Chin

INTERNET & DIGITAL Mario Rossi

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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.

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French Riviera STORY BY SCOTT LAIRD

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Turquoise waters kiss sandy beaches lined with vibrant beach clubs, languid terraces, and historic luxury hotels.

The French Riviera—poetically known in France as the Côte d’Azur—has long been an aspirational destination for glamorseekers. It’s been a playground for celebrities and other notables for over a century, from the bohemian scribes that came to be known as the Lost Generation to the globe’s movie makers each year for the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, and for countless legions of ordinary French citizens taking annual vacations in July and August.

THE SUMMER ISSUE 2022

PHOTO BY: MARCO RUBINO

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PHOTO BY: SCOTT LIARD

PHOTO BY: VENIAMIN KRASKOV

The Hotel Majestic Barriére in Cannes at Boulevard de la Croisette.

PHOTO BY: SCOTT LIARD

Hotel Negresco.

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urquoise waters kiss sandy beaches lined with vibrant beach clubs, languid terraces, and historic luxury hotels. The French Riviera— poetically known in France as the Côte d’Azur—has long been an aspirational destination for glamor-seekers. It’s been a playground for celebrities and other notables for over a century, from the bohemian scribes that came to be known as the Lost Generation to the globe’s movie makers each year for the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, and for countless legions of ordinary French citizens taking annual vacations in July and August.

This is a region with an ancient history, with place names rooted in the Ancient Greek and Latin spoken by its earliest community builders, who founded cities like Nikaia (Nice), Canua (Cannes), and Monoikos (Monaco). Even into the Modern Era, the region was just as often part of Italy as it was part of France, and even today many residents are Italian-speakers with Italian surnames.

Cannes, one of the best-known cities in the Riviera, is known for its eponymous film festival, drawing celebrities to the red carpeted steps of the brutalist concrete Palais des Festivals et des Congrès each May. Stars later drift to numerous after parties at the beach clubs of the palm-lined promenade known as La Croisette, or to glammy soirees at the numerous megayachts stacked up in the small harbor.

For the full film festival experience in the off season, visitors luxuriate at the bright white Hotel Barrière Le Majestic, just across the street.

The unofficial hotel for the celebrities attending the festival, many of its rooms and suites have catbird seat views of the red carpet, while others

destination

PHOTO BY: SCOTT LIARD

have sweeping views of the Mediterranean blue.

At this gorgeous hotel, first built in 1926, Parisian chic stays chic, but Parisian bustle melts into Riviera leisure.

There’s an outpost of the famed Parisian restaurant Fouquet’s, a see-and-be-seen pool, a private beach club, and public areas that seem to glitter from within. Many of the suites are custom designed for the film festival (one even has a beauty salon with barber’s chair permanently installed); many others pay homage to the stars of French film and fashion.

If Cannes is a place for sunbathing and posh digs, nearby Grasse is known for a refinement all its own— fragrance. Just a half hour on the train deposits travelers in this mountain town with noticeably crisper alpine air—but still coastal enough to catch glimpses of Mediterranean sheen in the distance and line the avenues with columns of palm trees. The windy, ancient roads give the town a distinct Old World feel, with rows of tidy storefronts belonging to perfumeries and patisseries with the

local orange flower-fragranced pastry Fougassette Venturini stacked in the windows.

Grasse is known as a world capital of fragrance, and has been known for fragrance since the early Renaissance Period. The fields surrounding the city still brim with rose, mayrose, lavender and jasmine, but in those early days the city itself suffered from the unpleasant aroma of its multitude of leather tanneries. After an innovative batch of perfumed handbags became all the rage, Grasse was hence known for fragrance. Even in today’s globally interconnected marketplace, Grasse is the place where perfumers flock to learn their craft.

Three heritage fragrance companies—Galimard, Fragonard, and Molinard still operate factories in town, working to extract essences from raw materials that are then combined by a fragrance expert (known in France as a nez, or “nose”) into the end products marketed by luxury fashion houses.

Visitors can join workshops at many of the fragrance

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PHOTO BY: MICHAEL MULKENS

Cannes is located on the French Riviera and is known for its association with the rich and famous, luxury hotels and restaurants and the annual Cannes Film Festival.

houses. Lasting a few hours, these workshops put learners at the “organ” used by perfumers to try hundreds of fragrances and learn how to combine them into their own particular scent. Workshops range from the simple to the deluxe, and attendees will take a bottle of their creation home.

Another draw for perfume fans in Grasse is the International Fragrance Museum. The exhibits walk visitors through the history of fragrance—both in Grasse and around the world. Top attractions include Marie Antoinette’s travel toiletry case (it’s the size of a subcompact automobile) and an indoor-outdoor growing space with specimens of the botanicals that are extracted into fragrance notes.

Aside from the large fragrance houses in Grasse are also boutique fragrance houses like 1000 Flowers, a small-butbright studio where Jessica Buchanan sells her line of creations. A Canadian who came to Grasse to study fragrance and stayed to make it her home, she cheerily chats while guests sample her wares by sniffing martini-glass shaped flutes (for a sharper effect than the typical spritz on a paper strip).

There isn’t much lodging in Grasse, but the regional train line is efficient, with frequent departures on the line that runs all the way to Ventimiglia, just over the Italian border. Grasse

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is just under an hour on the train from Nice, the undisputed hub of the region.

Nice has long been an escape for foreigners. The primary oceanfront causeway is known as the Promenade des Anglais (The English Walkway) because it was funded by English expatriates in the early 20th Century. Smack in the middle of it is the gorgeous Hotel Negresco.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this 100-year-old palace hotel looms large in personality—just like the woman who owned and operated it for decades (she once told Bill Gates to purchase the hotel would be beyond his means). Each floor is decorated in a different style—design inspiration ranges from Napoleon to Salvador Dalí. Each room and suite also has a different bespoke design theme with bespoke furnishings created in partnership with a local workshop. Many of the rooms directly overlook the Promenade des Anglais; some even have balconies for guests to sit out to people watch and admire the distinctive milky turquoise coloring of the gentle surf breaking on the pebbly beach.

The promenade is lined with grand hotels, many with rooftop lounges. For one of the best views of the promenade, book a room at the Hôtel La Pérouse, built almost directly into

PHOTO BY: VLADIMIR DROZDIN

Destination

Luxury sport car Ferrari near the hotel Paris and casino in night.

the sheer cliff face of the Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill). The historic building nearly climbs up the cliffside, culminating in an unbeatable rooftop pool with a view right down the promenade—if you squint, it’s even possible to make out the hills surrounding Cannes in the distance.

For the true Riviera experience, travelers can rent a car and take one of three corniches, or winding mountain routes) east from Nice, ending in Menton on the Italian border. They don’t often converge, so be sure to plan the route carefully, selecting the coastal Lower Corniche (Corniche Inférieure) for access to Villefrance, St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze-sur-Mer and Monaco; the Middle Corniche (Moyenne Corniche) for access to Èze; and the Upper Corniche (Grande Corniche) for La Turbie and Roquebrune.

Monte-Carlo, the seat of the tiny Principality of Monaco on the Lower Corniche is a must-see. Dramatic rock cliffs rise above immaculate streets lined with orange trees and luxury high rises, sloping down toward yacht-strewn harbors.

At less than one mile square, Monaco is the world’s smallest sovereign microstate after Vatican City. Monte-Carlo has long been famous as a tax haven, for its dazzling casino and thrilling annual Grand Prix. Gamers should note that the Ca-

sino de Monte-Carlo has a dress code (shorts, sneakers, sandals, beach or sportswear are prohibited) and a passport or national identity card with photo is required for entry (Monaco citizens are prohibited from entering the gaming rooms).

Visitors can also check out the Princess Grace Rose Garden (Roseraie Princesse Grace), with over 4000 rose bushes and an impressive collection of varietals. Motor enthusiasts may Prince Rainier’s (the father of the current reigning Prince Albert) collection of over a hundred classic automobiles ranging from lumbering luxury limousines to sporty Formula 1 racing cars. Admission can be combined with a (limited access) tour of the gilded state apartments at the Prince’s Palace.

There’s plenty of luxury lodging in Monaco, but for many, the only option is the Hôtel de Paris. Right next door to the casino, this spectacular palace hotel dates back to 1864, making it as much a fixture in Monaco as the casino itself. Guests will also dine well—there are two Michelin-starred restaurants on site, including the three-star Alain Ducasse eatery.

Whether indulging in gastronomic dining, constructing as new fragrance, or enjoying the sun at a beach club with toes in the sand, the Cote d’Azur has much to offer travelers seeking French refinement on sunny shores.

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BACK TO THE BASICS STORY BY LESLIE STEVENSON I do not know many or any if that, who would say, “I don’t care how my abs look”. Most of us work diligently to sculpt our abdominal muscles, but what about the other side? A strong back not only helps prevent injury and promote bet-

ter posture, but it helps to pull in the abs for a flatter tummy.

While back work may not be as popular as abs and booty, it is equally important. The following exercises are nothing new to those who are familiar with exercise; basic isn’t always bad.

Parachuters While on your stomach, position your arms like goal posts, toes pointed, and your gaze is at your mat. Simultaneously lift your chest and your legs off of the ground, squeezing your shoulder blades together as well. The more you squeeze your butt and lower back, the higher your legs will come off the ground. With each repetition, hold for second to make sure you are activating all of the muscles in your back and butt. Start with three sets of 20 and adjust as needed.

OTLPHX /FITNESS

Deadlifts

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Form is critical when executing this exercise, so take your time with the set up and start with a comfortable weight to get a good feel of the movement before adding more. Dead lifts can be performed differently, depending on the weight and your flexibility. Regardless of the weight, a few things to keep in mind include foot positioning (typically hip width apart, toes forward), core tucked in, hipsback, shoulder blades back, and squeeze the glute before you straighten your body.

By squeezing the glutes before standing up, you will help protect the lower back from unnecessary strain. Deadlifts work the hamstrings, glutes, lower and middle back, so don’t overlook them.

Strengthening your back is beneficial to your everyday life. To the mom carrying kids all day, the office worker having better posture at the desk, or jobs which require lifting, having a strong back will help prevent injury and promotes better overall wellness.

The next time you want to skip back work, keep in mind all the benefits you are throwing away. Stand tall, sit upright and walk confidently.

Yoga to improve your game and reduce risk of golf injuries STORY BY NICOLE PINTER

The repetitive, one-sided nature of a golf swing means it’s common to see muscular injuries in the lower back, hips, shoulder, and elbow. Being one-sided also often means the other side of the body compensates for the pain, and often, golfers find their whole bodies become sore. Yoga for golfers helps prevent injuries. To protect yourself from these potential injuries you need to stretch regularly.

The most common golf injuries:

Golf and Low Back Pain

OTLPHX / YOGA

An estimated 75 to 85 percent of golfers will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime. These simple yoga poses will relieve tight muscles in your back to alleviate pain and discomfort.

1. Child’s Pose: Helps to release tension in the back, shoulders, and chest.

Stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles too.

2. Cobra Pose might help relieve chronic back pain. It’s a fab counteraction stretch for your spine and chest. It can help take pressure off the lower back and encourages better spinal alignment.

3. Camel pose: The camel is a great yoga pose for strengthening the muscles in the lower back. Stronger lower back muscles can also prevent future bouts of lower back pain.

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yoga

Shoulder injuries in golf Golfers also experience a lot of soreness around the head and neck, as well as in between the shoulder blades. This is usually caused as the body tightens for the swing.

1. Shoulder Stretch Pose gives a stretch to the shoulder with one side of the front shoulder on the floor and the other off the floor.

2. Upward-Facing Dog. Upward-facing dog pose stretches the front of the body, chest and spine, while strengthening the wrists, arms, and shoulders.

Recovery with Recovapro massage gun

There are plenty of injuries a golfer can sustain, and massage can help heal and prevention of these issues. Massage guns encourage healing and recovery and increase blood flow to the sore muscles in your shin. For recovery, it is a good idea to use a massage gun as soon after golf as you can. It should be used for around two to three minutes on muscles that you usually have problems with after a round of golf.

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STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

OTLPHX / PUTT FOR DOUGH

We live in an age of medical miracles. People live longer than ever before, and life expectancies are increasing at a steady rate. This means that many of us will be fortunate enough to still have our parents with us as we ourselves reach retirement age. As our parents age, however, their health may decline, and the greater the chance becomes that they will require home care, nursing home care, or other assisted-living arrangements.

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Long-term care: the odds against it aren’t long at all Maybe you think that you’ll be the lucky one, that your parents won’t need long-term care, but the statistics indicate that we’re living longer and the need for long-term care is more likely.

Also, parents living alone (especially women, who have a longer life expectancy then men), are more likely to need long-term care without a spouse or partner available to help out.

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

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

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

Help is on the way Generally, LTCI helps pay for the care of an individual who can no longer independently perform the basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, due to a cognitive disorder, illness, or injury.

A comprehensive policy will cover skilled, intermediate, and custodial care in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, adult day-care centers, or the insured’s own home.

Who most likely needs the help?

Deciding whether to purchase LTCI will take some careful consideration. LTCI might be right for a parent if at least some of the following criteria apply: • He or she is between the ages of 40 and 84 • There’s a family history of Alzheimer’s disease

• He or she has significant assets to preserve as an inheritance or to gift to charity • He or she has an income from employment or investments in addition to Social Security • The cost of the premiums will not exceed 5 to 7 percent of your parent’s annual income (or yours, if you’re paying the premiums) • He or she is healthy enough to be insurable The cost of LTCI policies can vary widely, depending on many factors, including the coverage selected and the age and health of your parents. The younger and healthier they are, the less expensive the insurance will be-but the longer they might pay for it before they really need it. Regardless of what stage you or your parents are in, it is a conversation worth having.

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

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

23 OTLPHX.COM

R OTLPHX / DRIVE FOR SHOW

olls-Royce takes owning a Ghost to the next level with the BlackBadge edition. The 2022 BlackBadge adds a sophisticated refinement by muting all the bling.

How do you set a Rolls-Royce Ghost apart from other super sedans including other Ghosts? Well, Rolls-Royce designers took a line from a popular Batman movie to answer that question. “You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it.” And that’s what RollsRoyce decided to do for the 2022 Black Badge, give buyers an option to have a Ghost elegantly blacked-out directly from the start of its existence. The 2022 BlackBadge is more that just an option, adding $44,000 to the Ghost’s $398,850 price tag. This sexy edition provides an edge of sophistication that only a select few can enjoy.

To achieve this level of uniqueness

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designers added darken chrome trim, the result of a chemical process done during the chroming. The Black-Badge also includes a dark mirror gloss on the grille, emblems, and retractable Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and Rolls-Royce says the finish will not chip or peel. The carbon wheels, composite barrels around a forged aluminum hub reduce the overall weight of this hefty but nimble vehicle.

The performance of the Black-Badge was also tweaked offering a 28-hp increase to the already impressive output of the Ghost. The turbocharged 6.7-liter V-12 now produces 664-hp that launches this super-sedan from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds.

Inside the dark carbon fiber continues throughout providing a rich backdrop for the dashboard instrument cluster. Buyers do have options to choose from a wide variety of colors for the leather seats.

Of course, to complete the Black Badge overall theme the choice of a black leather interior would be most appropriate.

The 2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge offers all the comforts, safety features and options you would expect from Rolls-Royce.

Those who choose the Black Badge are looking to be seen without being seen. In person this vehicle is impressive both inside and out. If you are looking for an understatement that packs a punch, then the 2022 RollsRoyce Black Badge is certainly worth a look.

Driverside Vehicle Reviews

2022 ROLLS ROYCE BLACK BADGE

drive for show

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Find tasty cuisine with international influence, local art and one-of-a-kind views at Weft & Warp at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

H

STORY BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE

idden gem Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is centrally located but also somehow manages to feel secluded. The resort is a quiet space off of bustling Scottsdale Road that’s just a short drive from many of the Valley’s top restaurants and shopping areas. Drive on winding Rose Lane, and leave your car with the valet.

Enter the hotel’s main one-story building, and you’ll find yourself in the lobby. Walk down a hallway on your left to find a kitchen on your far right. The resort’s restaurant Weft & Warp lies in front of you and features whimsical, colorful modern art—the resort has a partnership with nearby Cattle Track Arts Compound artists—displayed on the walls and on shelves that line one of the walls. But whatever you do, be sure to look straight ahead and take in a fantastic view of Camelback Mountain—one of Phoenix’s most iconic sites—that’s seemingly above the resort’s sparkling pool surrounded by tall palm trees. When the weather’s good, enjoy your meal outside on the terrace. When it’s too hot to dine alfresco, expansive glass windows wrap around the entire restaurant—giving diners ample opportunities to gaze at the gorgeous site. Those captivating views are what drew chef Dushyant Singh to the resort.

terranean region,” he says. “But I wanted to focus on the Northern Italian, Southern French region, a little bit of Spanish influence as well.”

One outstanding example of the restaurant’s great cuisine: All of the pastas are made fresh and in-house. The Lobster Campanelle features butter poached lobster tail, heirloom tomatoes, tarragon, lobster jus and Grana Padano cheese.

“It’s very simple, but it’s very aromatic,” says Singh.

The Bolognese Rigatoni is made with ground veal and pork and cooked for about four hours. The dish is made with just six ingredients. Singh told us that he focuses on technique and high- quality products that don’t need to be masked with a ton of ingredients. Singh intends to create food that is crave-able and provides comfort.

After seeing diners coming in and ordering avocado toast at 1 p.m., Weft & Warp has recently launched an everyday brunch menu.

This menu features items like a spicy shrimp salad dressed with a pineapple jalapeno vinaigrette and hot honey chicken sandwich, a grilled chicken with hot honey sandwiched in between a hoagie roll.

“I was on the patio having a glass of wine.

I sat down and took it all in. I was looking at Camelback, and I was like, ‘I want to be here,’” he says. “I didn’t know about it, and I want people to know about this beautiful resort.”

Purple Energy Bowl.

PHOTOS BY: DEBBY WOLVOS

“The idea behind the menu was that we wanted to focus a little bit more on the Medi-

PHOTO BY: CARLEY RUDD PHOTOGRAPHY

Singh, director of food and beverage and culinary and event operations, oversees the front and back of the house. Singh has over two decades of experience in the industry and has worked at other top Valley hotels like The Camby and Hotel Palomar. He started at Weft & Warp in September of 2021.

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Brunch items aside, Andaz also has an emphasis on wellness.

Emblematic of that intention is the Super Bowl, an antioxidantrich mix of roasted red grapes, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut, cardamom agave, roasted coconut and goji berries.

Another dish with a healthy focus is the Fennel Coriander Alaskan Halibut that’s served with a lemon pea puree, white asparagus and confit heirloom tomatoes.

“All of those components, bringing it together, creates a very well balanced dish,” he says of the fish dish that’s light and seasonal.

“It’s really good for you.”

And then there’s the drinks menu. The wine program has two pillars: wines that are natural and made with no preservatives and small production wines. The resort also has a craft cocktail program. One of the most popular drinks is This Little Piggy… that features WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry heering liqueur, cherry bark, vanilla bitter and vanilla Madagascar.

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PHOTO BY: CARLEY RUDD PHOTOGRAPHY

“You have one sip, and then you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh. I want another one.’ It’s not overpowering. It’s not straight in your face, but very well balanced,” he says.

Diners looking for a private and intimate experience can book a reservation at the Chef’s Table. At the Chef’s Table, up to 10 guests dine inside of glasswrapped enclosure just outside of the kitchen that gives guests an up-close look as chefs prepare six courses that

Dirty Hash.

are all off menu. I’ve enjoyed this experience once, and it was truly incredible. Guests also have the option of enjoying a meal outdoors in the property’s garden. Many of the herbs incorporated into dishes—like rosemary and sage—are cultivated here.

When it comes time to end your meal on a sweet note, Executive Pasty Chef of Andaz, Morgan Malzahn, has designed a creative dessert menu. She’s also worked at acclaimed Sedona resorts Enchantment and L’Auberge de Sedona. Malzahn says she uses familiar ingredients in unexpected ways. She also uses local ingredients whenever possible.

says she likes changing people’s minds. She’s had people tell her they don’t like cake until they try one that she has whipped up.

Every day, Malzahn creates a cake that’s showcased on the counter. See striking creations like a s’mores cake, chocolate and vanilla cake made with homemade marshmallows and graham cracker that was filled with malted milk chocolate mousse. In the mornings, guests can indulge in one of her signature brown butter brioche cinnamon roll topped with cream cheese mascarpone and made fresh every morning. They can also find croissant muffins filled with raspberry jam, dark chocolate espresso ganache or Nutella.

PHOTO BY: STEPHANIE RUSSO

Her creations are playful. For example, she’s about to debut an upscale version of a Drumstick. The cone will be black sesame seed that’s topped with toasted salted cashew semifreddo. A staff member will then pour Valrhona dark chocolate over the semifreddo and it will harden, much like a Magic Shell.

“You won’t be disappointed,” she says. She

PHOTO BY: CARLEY RUDD PHOTOGRAPHY

“When you use local ingredients, it gives the dessert an identity and a sense of place,” she says.

After devouring your dessert, but before you leave, be sure to take one long look at those only-in-Phoenix views from the restaurant.

They’re meant to savored, just like every item on the menu at Weft & Warp.

31 Weft and Warp Indoor Space

OTLPHX.COM

PXG keeps setting the bar higher New GEN5 driver, fairway woods, hybrids and irons hit the mark once again STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

Parsons Xtreme Golf has spared no expense or resource since the company debuted some nine years ago. Company founder and CEO Bob Parsons hired the best club designers in the business and let them do their thing. The result has been a better product with each generation, and the new GEN5 drivers, woods, hybrids and irons are no exception.

OTLPHX / GOLF TECH

Of course, the same could be said for the GEN4s, and those are still available, for a little less than you would have paid for them a few months ago. So, golfers more on a budget would certainly be advised to give those a look.

But if you really want the best that PXG has to offer, you might want to give the latest a try, and those would be the PXG 0311 GEN5 golf clubs. Fortunately,

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PXG also has been on a mission to open more PXG retail stores (there are currently more than a dozen in the country, with the new one in Houston as the latest), and there are hundreds of fitting locations, so there’s more opportunity to do just that. Of course, if you happen to be in Arizona, you might want to stop by PXG’s headquarters in Scottsdale. Because the club fitting experience is a big part of what makes these sticks special.

“We absolutely killed it with these clubs,” said Parsons, who also founded GoDaddy and started PXG with the goal to build the industry’s best golf equipment.

“GEN5 is better in every way possible. From explosive distance to tight dispersion, to the oh-so-sweet feel of forgiveness on every shot, these clubs are a master class in performance.”

golf tech

Let’s start with the driver.

The new 0311 GEN5 ($499 MSRP) drivers come in two models -- the standard driver that promises “jaw-dropping distance,” and the XF, which stands for “extreme forgiveness.” Most good players will probably opt for the standard driver, which is pretty forgiving in its own right.

The company talks about the incredible feel of these drivers and the sound it makes, which is probably more important than you think. A gratifying sound at impact certainly adds to confidence, but when you see how far the ball goes, that doesn’t hurt either. As far as the technology goes, the standard model

0311 GEN5 ($499 MSRP)* boasts a 25 percent increase in MOI (moment of inertia) over the GEN4 driver, which is pretty impressive since the GEN4 driver is pretty solid and long. And the XF GEN5 has an MOI 6 percent better than the standard model (seems like everyone would want to give this one a try, right?). But remember, be-

cause it is a mid-spin design, it’s probably not the right driver for golfers with high swing speeds since the standard GEN5 is a low-spin driver. Also, the XF has a flatter, larger crown and deep front-to-back shape for maximum forgiveness, which the accomplished player doesn’t need as much.

GEN5 fairway woods ($379)* PXG’s new GEN5 fairway woods ($379) and hybrids are pretty sweet, too. Like the drivers, the fairways come in two different models -- standard and XF. The 0311 GEN5 Fairways are made entirely from high carbon fiber, a very lightweight material that saves mass in the crown, allowing it to be redistributed low and to the perimeter of the clubhead. There’s other technology, too, like the “vapor deposition process conducted in a vacuum-sealed chamber to reinforce the face.” Bottom line: easy to hit and high COR (coefficient of restitution). The *Reflects press time prices

XF fairway woods offer more forgiveness for off-center hits and sooth turf interaction thanks to a large square face and “Railed Sole Geometry.” Weights and hosels are adjustable on both. The hybrids ($379) share much of the same technology with adjustable sole weights and adjustable hosels. Again, rails on the XF model make them extremely easy to hit.

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Now to the irons ($349 each), which are certainly among the most aesthetically pleasing and easiest to hit on the market. They features a new proprietary XCOR2 and Power Channel behind the face. This new core was the result of years of development of a polymer specifically engineered to make PXG irons lighter and faster. And the Power Channel increases the COR to transfer more energy into the ball for more faster ball speeds and more distance. Combined with the thinnest face in golf, the overall result is impressive, to say the least. The GEN5 irons also integrate Precision Weighting Technology, which features a sizable adjustable weight located near the center of gravity on the back of the clubhead. A fitting can dial in different head weight combinations for each golfers. These new irons also have a remarkably complex, five-times forged body geometry. And each clubhead is also CNC milled.

The irons are also available in Chrome, and now

an exclusive Xtreme Dark finish as part of a new Black Label Elite offering.

The GEN5 irons come in three different configurations -the T (Tour), P (Players) and XP (Extreme Performance). The Ts, as you might expect, are for high level players who like to work the ball, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have technology.

But for the majority of players -- midsingle digit to perhaps mid double-digit, the 0311 P GEN5s are probably the best choice. These provide the best of both worlds, a mid-size clubhead so you can work shots, clean top line and are “brilliantly balanced,” according to PXG.

the irons ($349 each)* All in all, PXG has come up with another generation that may be better than the last. And the last was excellent. It’ll be interesting to see how the company outdoes itself with its next rollout.

And finally, there’s the 0311 XPs, which as far as game-improvement clubs go, have a very good look to them. A larger clubhead and more distribution of weight makes these very forgiving for off-center hits, but better players will probably want something that looks a little sleeker. Still, it’s a great way for the higher handicapper to get into PXG.

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*Reflects press time prices

PHOTOS BY:COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

Mountain 38

Shadows

THE SUMMER ISSUE 2022

Still Swings in an Iconic Setting STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

39 OTLPHX.COM

Sometimes in this busy life, it’s healthy – on occasion - to just pull a disappearing act, to travel like we did before being “connected” meant practically being handcuffed. It’s refreshing, occasionally, to not be that guy who brings his laptop and all three cell phones on a golf trip. ecently, I found the understated, yet pleasingly posh Mountain Shadows – a resort with a deep history and vibrant present – the perfect desert hideaway for recharging the battery and developing a deeper appreciation for the special nuances that make Scottsdale and Paradise Valley among the most sought-after places to live and recreate.

Situated uncannily close to Camelback Mountain, literally in its shadows, and only a couple of Cameron Champ driver swings from the equally stunning Mummy Mountain, Mountain Shadows makes you feel like there might not be a more ideal address in the en-

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tire Valley of the Sun. The original 1959 iteration of this chic resort predates the official 1961 founding of Paradise Valley and survived nearly five decades as an iconic destination for honeymoons, fancy getaways, swinging jazz, epic soirees and visits by Hollywood icons and political dignitaries. In its heyday, Mountain Shadows was the sort of place where the Rat Pack would blend in perfectly and well-heeled revelers would go to see and be seen.

During my visit, person after person would tell me about their personal connections to the resort. From prom celebrations to special anniversary dinners and unforgettable Jazz Nights, so many people hold a special fondness for this charming boutique resort.

By the 2000s, the Mountain Shadows of the 60s and 70s had lost its luster and sat in limbo before a visionary team brought the historic property back from the ashes. Where else but in a place called Phoenix can place rise to new heights and embark on a new history that still pay homage to its swinging roots?

Today’s Mountain Shadows, which debuted in 2017, is a Mid-Century Modern playground that maintains its hipster credibility while appealing to the guest who prefers luxury touches throughout the property. Mountain Shadows showcases a “desert modern” design throughout its common areas and 183 guestrooms. The inviting Hearth ’61 restaurant offers a lively open design with show-stopping exhibition kitchen, sunken living room lounge and expansive, retro-luxe bar area. Retractable floor-ceiling glass doors invite remarkable views of the desert landscape and the comfortingly ubiquitous Camelback Mountain.

Two luxurious and well-staffed pools, a cutting-edge fitness facility stay active day and night while the completely renovated 18-hole par-three short course is a full-scale golf op-

eration with manicured fairways, greens and roughs, golf cars or push carts, and a full-service al fresco golf grill and lounge.

To wake up literally in the shadows of Camelback is a rejuvenating feeling. The property has such a simple yet elegant flow that I quickly developed morning ritual that consisted of grabbing a putter and two balls and walking on my way out of my stylish guest room, admiring the original works at the Gallery at Mountain Shadows then grabbing a coffee at Rusty’s bar, which is just a few steps from the practice green. I’d follow that with a walk around the neighborhood, which included the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn which is just across Lincoln Drive from Mountain Shadows. I met a friend there for brunch one day and, one night, tagged

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Hole 11.

Hole 16.

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along with golfing partners I met that day for dinner at the beloved El Chorro, a fine-dining landmark since 1937.

Back at the bar at Hearth ’61, I ended up next to a couple in the bar who had to be in their late 70s who had been coming there to listen and dance to jazz all the way back to the early 1960s. It was their spot there and it still is today when they want to come enjoy a cocktail and the sunset.

Then there are the younger generations.

During my stay mountain shadows hosted two weddings and a bachelorette party that seem to fill up a good half of the property. Bountiful energy and nonstop action all around Mountain Shadows made the visit even more unique. Everything at this property feels like an invite-only affair thanks to the intimate setting.

The par-three Short Course at Mountain Shadows is an expertly manicured creation with endlessly interesting green complexes a delightfully walkable routing. The incomparable setting makes you feel like you’re literally going wind into and out of the Camelback Mountain. I never realized the natural formation actually includes the camel’s face as well as his famous back.

Also, throw out any notion you have a par three course offered as an “afterthought” or squeezed-in amenity. Mountain Shadows is every bit the type of expertly run golf operation you’ll find throughout Scottsdale. Every detail is presented to the scale you would find at the highest tier of resort golf. The course itself, designed over a previous Jack Snyder design, is pure fun with ample creativity and shot values for days. You’ll face double greens, Redan, Biarritz, Thumbprint and Punch Bowl greens that will challenge your trajectory and angles of attack.

And, you might as well bring your entire bag (probably minus driver and 3-wood) as holes range from lob wedge distances all the way up to 200 yards. The first time playing the course is a treat as you don’t know how you’re going to be tested next. I pured a gap wedge on the first tee and thought the fivefoot downhill birdie putt would just pour in.

It streaked by the hole and I can’t remember the last time I was that relieved to jar a sixfoot par save. The variety of holes is a blast, including the Forrest Wager hole, the penultimate experience on this Short Course. It’s mini Himalayas-style putting hole that seems to break 5 different ways depending on where the flag is set. Our group was so flummoxed

– and thrilled - by it, we played it four times.

Director of Golf and Club Operations Tom McCahan says the variety of the clientele is another good indicator of the quality of the golfing experience on the Short Course. “You’ll see everything from beginners to couples to large guys’ trip groups and even your fair share of professional players from developmental tours come tackle this golf course and walk away with a genuine appreciation for the shot values and the fun,” McCahan says. “We’ve even had Bubba Watson come out here and play the course.

He’s been working on a video series where goes to different courses and tries to break the course record. He got it going for a little while but ending up finishing one-under.

The course record is nine under and you need some local knowledge to chase that.

He really enjoyed the golf course, though, and when he came in, he was vividly recalling holes he liked and the design features you just don’t see at most places. That was amazing feedback.”

The Short Course is one you could play every day. In fact, I can think of few better ways to start a day. What’s equally cool is how well Mountain Shadows works as a home base for other adventures. I worked in rounds at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, Talking Stick and even a quick nine at Gainey Ranch during my stay.

They were all short drives from my launching pad and I still had plenty of time on Mountain Shadow’s Short Course.

As the visitor’s guide in my room states, Mountain Shadows is also an easily place to travel from to see some of Phoenix-Scottsdale’s best sites, just four miles to Scottsdale Fashion Square, half a mile to Camelback Mountain, seven miles to the Desert Botanical Garden and five miles to Cosanti art gallery and studio. It’s the kind of thoughtfully appointed boutique hotel that you never have to leave, but if you want to, you’ll find you’re never far from the heart of the action.

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ $100 million investment in revitalizing this property seems to be paying off brilliantly. Between the hotel, golf course, food and beverage operations, health club and attached residences, this destination provides a quintessential desert vacation that’s as low key or as thrilling as you want it to be. If you want to see Scottsdale and surrounding attractions in a whole new way, booking a stay at Mountain Shadows is a fantastic way to start. Learn more at mountainshadows.com.

You might as well bring your entire bag (probably minus driver and 3-wood) as holes range from lob wedge distances all the way up to 200 yards.

Hole 1.

The Short Course.

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The Dreaded Slice

CHECK LIST

OTLPHX / BUCKS TIPS

STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

(Part 1) 44 THE SUMMER ISSUE 2022

buck’s tips

If you slice the golf ball, there is rarely one thing causing you to put excessive sidespin and curve on your shots. I am sure many of you have been told that you “come over the top” or have an “outside to inside swing path”.

Although this may be true, it is not the number one cause.

The most common cause of a slice is an open club face, and the number one cause of an open clubface is a weak or incorrect grip. Your hands to the club are a direct correlation to the clubface.

Therefore, it is imperative to learn the proper grip first and most amateurs would be better served if it were stronger, not weaker.

Whenever the clubface is too open during the golf swing, you will intuitively try to square it on the way back to the ball. This will result in an outside to inside path and the dreaded slice.

The next 3 causes are also directly tied to your set-up. For a right-handed golfer, if you aim too far to the right of the target, your eyes tell you to swing to the left and will result in a pull or slice. If you aim too far left of the target to play your slice, it will slice even more. Many times, your ball position can get too far left or right, which in turn can affect

your aim with your arms and shoulders. Lastly, in your set up, check your posture. If you stand too upright without the proper bend from your hips and knees, this will affect your balance and backswing from your weight being too far back on your heels.

However, if you overbend with too much weight on your toes, this will also affect your balance and swinging patterns. While all golfers are built differently and postures may vary, getting in a balanced and athletic posture position will encourage the proper sequencing in your back and forward swing.

I find from over 30+ years of teaching golf, the most neglected part of learning to improve are in your fundamentals. Yes, it’s boring but it’s critical to correcting your ball flight and impact to the golf ball. Remember “GAP B” – Grip, Aim, Posture, Ball Position!

The next “lesson” will be Part 2 – Correcting your Slice with Proper Sequencing.

Buck Mayers is an Emeritus Professional at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX and can be reached at 512-695-2270 or buck@buckmayersgolf.com.

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THE SUMMER ISSUE 2022

OTLPHX / ON YOUR GAME

Annika Sorenstam Q&A

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on your game

Female golf legend Annika Sorenstam will forever be linked to Arizona and Texas. She was a standout player at the University of Arizona. She recently returned for Texas for the ClubCorp Classic, the PGA Champions Tour event at Las Colinas Country Club where she turned in a top 10 finish. But it was in the Lone Star State in 2003 when she became the first female in nearly 50 years to tee it up in PGA Tour event, playing in the Colonial Tournament as the No. 1 female player in the world.

W

hile missing the cut that sunny week in Fort Worth, Sorenstam credits the time for spurring her career which ended in her first retirement in 2008 as one of the most dominate female players in history. The winner of 3 US Open titles, 90 professional golf events, 72 LPGA Events, 10 majors and induction in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

It’s certainly come a long way from purposely tanking golf tournaments as a junior in Sweden so she wouldn’t have to give a victory speech But now, she is back, sorta. After Sorenstam retired from golf totally in ‘08, saying she didn’t play more than a handful of times a year, she returned to the Champions Tour Legends of Golf one-day exhibition at The Woodlands in 2018.

She began to get interested in the game again when her kids, especially son William got hooked on the game his mom once dominated like few others.

Annika won the U.S. Women’s Senior Open at famed Chicago Golf Club in 2021 by eight shots, a very familiar victory pattern from the past, which led her to play in the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles, where she missed the cut.

But while in Irving for the Champions ClubCorp event, Sorenstam was happy to talk to OTL Senior Writer Art Stricklin about her golfing return, her new life as mom and businesswoman, her remarkable golf career and every lasting links to Texas.

OTL: When we talked at The Woodlands before the Legends of Golf event during the Saturday Champions Tour event there, you told me you played golf so rarely, you got blisters on our hand for any practicing.

Now you’re playing three days at the ClubCorp Senior Event here at Las Colinas Country Club, the US Women’s Open and more.

What happened?

ANNIKA SORENSTAM: While that’s a great question. I was really done with golf after I retired

(in 2008) and felt like golf was in a great place when I left. I had my businesses, my golf academy, to look after and my husband (Mike McGee) and my new family and golf was not really a part of the picture.

OTL: What changed?

AS: While my little guy (son William), got interested in golf and I became his practice buddy. He started playing good and liking it and I figured I’d better practice and play as well with him OTL: What happened next?

AS: I played some charity events and exhibitions like the one in the Woodlands and enjoyed it and the USGA was starting the Senior Women’s Open and I thought that is something I should support and help, so I entered and won by eight shots.

OTL: Just like old times?

AS: Not totally. I was only practicing and playing 1-2 hours a day on top of my other business and family duties, not the 8 hours I used to have regularly.

OTL: Is that what led you to play in the U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles, North Carolina this summer.

AS: After I won the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, they (USGA) said I qualified for a spot at the Women’s Open this year at Pine Needles. I thought I might give it a shot. I have good memories there (winning one of three U.S. Women’s Open there), and I knew the Peggy Kirk Bell family which owned the facility.

OTL: Playing against players less than half your age (51), you shot an opening 74 and missed the 36-hole cut, but was it still an enjoyable experience.

AS: It’s certainly not the same as it used to be.

The ball doesn’t go as far as I used to hit it and not always in the same direction as I want it to go.

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OTL: What was it like to have your family there and your husband Mike as your caddy?

AS: It was a great to have them there, but different than when I playing all the time. My son William would tell me where to hit it and then I don’t hit it there and he would get mad and I’d say, ‘sorry son, it’s not lack of listening, it’s lack of talent and practice.’

OTL: You’re good friends with Tiger Woods and once played with him in an exhibition match. How did watching Tiger come back from his many injuries to make the 36-hole cut at the Masters and the PGA Championship this year inspire you in your limited return to golf.

AS: I think anybody who watched Tiger at the Masters and the PGA had to be inspired by seeing that. Once a competitor always a competitor. I know Tiger feels that way and so do I. To see the work and the competitive fire from him this year was just amazing and something I can take a great deal of encouragement from.

OTL: We’re sitting here in Irving at the ClubCorp Champions Tour event, less than 30 miles from Colonial and Fort Worth where you played in the PGA Tournament in 2003. What memories come back when you get this close to this area?

AS: I think it was the support, by far. It was amazing really, the people who supported me.

OTL Were you expecting something different?

AS: I didn’t know what to expect really, but it was fantastic. When people ask what the best moment of my career was, it’s easy to go back to Colonial for all those reasons.

OTL: Take us back to the first round where you stood before thousands of people on the 10th box at Colonial ready for your first shot of the tournament.

AS: I just remember, I was so keyed up and ready to go. I usually get out there a little more than an hour before my tee time, but I was there two hours before time because I was so ready. I saw my playing partners.

I remember Aaron Barber said we were going to do this thing together, so I just got to the tee and tried to focus.

OTL: What was the pressure like?

AS: I was so nervous, I didn’t know if I could get the ball airborne. I just tried to think I had hit that shot so many times before and the ball didn’t know about all those people surrounding me. Somehow I hit it and it was one of the best 4-woods of my life. I had pressure before in playoffs or the Solheim Cup, but nothing to that extent. It was an amazing day.

OTL: After you played at Colonial (missing the cut), you never played against men again,

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even though you had other chances. Why? AS: I just wanted to challenge myself and I never felt the need to do it again. I had smelled the blood of competition and knew what I needed to work on. I improved with my best years after 2003 and I give the credit for that to Colonial.

OTL: Why is that?

AS: Now I saw the path where I wanted to go. It’s easier to go somewhere when you know where to go.

That’s why it’s a highlight for me.

OTL: When you played and certainly more so now, Koreans and other great players from Asia, dominate the LPGA game, having won the U.S. Women’s Open you recently played in.

What do you think that is?

AS: They put in hours and hours of work. They’re here 7 in the morning putting and when would leave at 7 at night they’re still there putting. I could never do that.

I needed more variety. If you can putt for 12 hours every day, good for you, but I never could.

OTL: What about junior golfers coming up?

AS: People ask me how to get their kids interested in golf. I think they need to be interested themselves. When I was a junior, golf was in my blood so that’s what I did.

OTL: What else did you do as a junior?

AS: My family was into sports so I did a lot of things.

I played a lot of tennis until that kind of wore me out. I played soccer for a while until that faded away and I also skied a lot. But eventually it was golf full-time.

OTL: What are some of your other outside interests?

AS: I like to cook. I like stocks and investing, probably not as much as I used to. I like wine, I have my teaching academy in Orlando. I have golf architecture and we’ve run some tournaments and would like to do more in the future.

OTL: You once said your goal was to shoot a 54. Is that still possible?

AS: Absolutely it is.

OTL Annika, thanks for the time.

AS: You’re welcome.

P o s t Ranch Inn S TORY BY LESLIE STEVENSON

PHOTOS BY: KODIAK GREENWOOD

UPPER PACIFIC SUITE INTERIOR

PEAK HOUSE DECK.

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TREE HOUSE EXTERIOR.

If you are looking for a rustic getaway to unplug and rejuvenate, look no further than the Post Ranch Inn. Located high above the cliffs of Big Sur, 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, a haven set amongst majestic state parks, beaches and waterfalls await. Noted as one of the top luxury resorts in the country and the only hotel in Big Sur with a spectacular ocean view, Post Ranch offers the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and renewal.

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POST RANCH INN AT SUNSET

ncompassed in an intimate setting, Post Ranch has 40 architecturally innovative guest rooms and suites situated along the ridge parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Mountain scenery or ocean views, each room is designed uniquely to help you relax with its earth tones, emphasizing natural and sustainable materials, custom furniture, hand-woven rugs by indigenous weavers, and reclaimed wood.

With several different options to accommodate your needs, Post Ranch will have the ultimate room or suite that will not disappoint. A popular choice is The Cliff House, situated on a deck suspended over the western edge of the ridge, the extensive ocean views of the exquisite housing can be fully appreciated from the outdoor spa tub and secluded glass-walled bedroom. If you are looking for more indoor space, the two-bed-

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room South Coast House provides spacious accommodations and ample space for entertaining or unwinding. The South Coast House offers two master bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and eating area, a spacious outdoor patio, and a hot tub, allowing you to fully take in the nature that surrounds you. Each guest room is generously stocked with a complimentary mini-bar, spring water from the property on-site in reusable glass bottles, and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a half-bottle of both red and white wine. Noted for being the destination to reconnect and unwind, guestrooms do not include televisions, and alarm clocks and are all non-smoking. Whether you say in The Cliff Houses, a Tree House set on ninefoot-high stilts, or the Butterfly room designed to look like a butterfly with outstretched wings, each room has a king-sized bed, wood-burning fireplace, indoor spa tub and deluxe shower, and a private deck, sure to leave you wanting to extend your stay.

UPPER PACIFIC SUITE PRIVATE DECK

PHOTOS BY: KODIAK GREENWOOD

Post Ranch’s history extends back generations. The inn opened in 1992 on the site of the Post family’s cattle ranch, which was homesteaded in the 1860s by William Brainard Post and his Native American wife, Anselma. Decades later, the inn was built with the assistance of Bill Post, the great-grandson of the original homesteaders, and his partners. The hotel’s organic architecture captivates the striking beauty of the coastline.

Each structure on the 100-acre property reflects climatic lines and contemporary styling while blending into the natural landscape. The property is well aware of how imperative it is to take care of the world around us and has specifically designed green initiatives. Some of the features include the bio-structure architects’ design that was intended to make onlookers feel as if they are not just an observer, but more like a part of nature. Another environmental aspect that was taken into consideration is the earth-sheltered guesthouses that capture passive heating and

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SIERRA MAR DECK

U P P E R M O U N TA I N H O U S E.

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S I E R R A M A R W I N E C E L LA R.

cooling, and the small footprint of the stilts which support the tree houses, protecting the delicate roots of the ancient redwood and oak trees. In addition, the premises provide a habitat for the endangered Smith’s Blue Butterfly, California Red-Legged Frog, Western Pond Turtle, and California Condor.

Located along the Big Sur coast, between San Luis Obispo and Monterey, the hour drive from the airport is well worth your time for this phenomenal sanctuary.

Not only will you thoroughly enjoy the luxurious accommodations, moreover, but you will take part in a unique culinary experience as well. Overlooking a warm sunset, the Sierra Mar Restaurant has one of the largest wine selections in North America, with over 17,000 bottles. The wine team places a strong emphasis on wine not only from the California regions but also worldwide, earning them a prestigious Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Under Executive Chef Reylon Agustin, Sierra Mar presents guests with dishes and flavors intricately prepared with herbs and produce from the Chef’s Garden along with locally foraged ingredients discovered along the plush coastline and nearby mountains.

One aspect that brings a unique experience to Post Ranch is their approach to how they entertain their guests. Many come to the resort seeking rest and reconnection which is often found in nature. Complimentary activities include yoga and meditation classes, guided nature hikes and garden tours, and nightly stargazing on the deck and Sierra Mar using a computerized 12-inch Meade telescope. With one of the largest hotel telescopes in the U.S. and an exceptional view of Big Sur, Post Ranch bids some of the clearest atmospheric conditions for viewing the stars, nebulas, and even the rings of Saturn.

Other activities available include therapeutic heated basking pools, each with an infinity-edge overlooking the Pacific, and spa treatments catered to meet your relaxation needs and rejuvenation using the most natural healing properties.

Whether you enjoy a spa treatment in a suite amidst a fireplace or in the comfort of your suite, the goal is to help create lasting changes for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In addition to exceptional culinary options and spa treatments, guests are invited to visit the Post Gallery which showcases a range of art including sculptures, photography, and fine jewelry. The exhibits change throughout the year, providing opportunities to display the art of various talented artists around the Big Sur community, giving a fresh and thought-provoking perspective to the world around us. Prepare to make yourself at home this sizzling summer and cool off while you savor each moment at Post Ranch Inn.

The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa 60 THE SUMMER ISSUE 2022

E X T E R I O R P O O L C O M P L E X.

Offers luxury, stellar restaurants, sparkling pools and a truly grand experience.

STORY BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE

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riving up to the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a truly grand experience that’s fitting for the largest hotel in all of Arizona. An expansive water feature and tall palm trees are situated in front of the hotel’s entrance.

Leave your car with the valet and then head inside to the lobby featuring expansive windows that frame the green, lush grounds, the hotel’s pool and golf course and mountains in the distance. Head down to the staircase in front of you to find two of the resort’s restaurants on the ground floor. Pause here to take in the site. Tall columns frame the entrance to Roy’s—a Hawaiian fusion restaurant—and Tia Carmen, the property’s newest restaurant that is of some note. Helmed by “Top Chef” star Angelo Sosa, the name refers to his Aunt Carmen that inspired him to become a professional cook. Tia Carmen is a contemporary Southwestern restaurant.

CA B A N A S.

“The menu at Tia Carmen is the inspiration through my travels,” says Sosa. “As the menu changes and evolves, it’s really going to be this unveiling of my discovery of the Southwest.”

For example, when Sosa was traveling to Benson, Arizona—where the restaurant sources its chicken—he pulled over and saw mesquite trees during the high heat of the summer. At that moment, he knew he was going to incorporate mesquite into his cuisine. He came up with Wagyu kebabs made with sesame leaf, pickled onions, serrano chile and thai basil that he says are a conduit for smoke and Southwest spices. The drink menu was made to pair with the food. A cocktail made with sherry is intended to pair with a whole trout brushed with regional spices. The sweet sherry is complemented by the herbaceous notes.

“It’s almost like a euphoric experience,” says Sosa.

My personal favorite dish was the Tuna Crudo. Served in an oversized bowl handcrafted by local company Blue Door Ceramics, a yellow corn coconut brought was poured over the bright pink tuna accented by smoked chile oil and dill. The tasty broth is intended to be drunk straight from the bowl. The crudo is

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T I A C A R M E N E X T E R I O R.

T I A CA R M E N I N T E R I O R. paying homage to the bowl’s creator, Christiane Barbato.

“When you eat the tuna, you want to eat it with a spoon, and then you want to pick up the bowl, really feel the texture and the beauty behind the plate,” he says. “We want it to be an experience. We want you to feel just like an overwhelming sense of just love and kindness and authenticity of who we are.”

Lastly, the design of the restaurant is elegant. Think high ceilings, neutral and soft cream colors on the walls and floors and hanging round chandeliers. Sosa described it as where “art meets earth.”

Tia Carmen is part of the hotel’s $60 million renovation that also coincides with the property’s 20th anniversary. The hotel’s 869 guest rooms and 81 suites were given a modern update. All rooms incorporate floor-to-ceiling windows featuring views of the scenic surroundings. Designed by Looney & Associates, all rooms feature either balconies or firepits for rooms on the ground floor. Rooms feature modern monochromatic design elements including gray curtains, modern art and headboards flanked by floating bedside tables. Spacious bathrooms include deep soaking tubs, marble vanities and a separate shower.

Bathrooms are stocked with products from Aromatherapy Associates. On my most recent stay, the scent was soothing lavender ylang ylang. Eco-friendly features abound.

Lights automatically shut off after 30 minutes of no movement detected. The air conditioning will also turn off if

the door to the exterior is left open for too long. For a truly opulent experience, consider the outstanding Presidential Suite. This includes a luxe bedroom, a separate living room and a conference room—both outfitted with a fireplace. The open-air balcony offers views of the mountains and the hotel’s so-called Isle of Capri. The circular space that’s surrounded by water and can be accessed via a picturesque bridge—giving the space its island name— is a popular spot for weddings.

When you’re ready to leave your room, the property’s five heated pools are a great place to spend a few hours.

Appreciate the tropical plants that line the entrance to the hotel’s main pools that are only accessible via a guest room card. Soak up the sun as you float along at a leisurely pace inside yellow inner tubes at the 1,600-foot-long Lazy River. If you’re searching for a quieter experience, consider the Griffin Bay. The by reservation only pool features plush chaise lounges and Cabana Cottages where you can relax when you’re not taking a dip in the pool. I enjoyed reading and shrimp tacos along with a heaping plate of chips in the covered 120-square-foot space that came complete with a beautiful sectional sofa. The cabana with an overhead misting fan and an oversized flat panel television was a comfortable cocoon where I could retreat from the blazing Arizona sun and when I wasn’t cooling off in the pool. Behind Griffin Bay are two other pools if you’d prefer a livelier environment. On some days, a live DJ performs to the delight of the crowd.

Guests looking for an even quieter experience can

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T I A C A R M E N D I S H.

venture to the Revive Spa’s Sanctuary pool. Flanked by palm trees, the outdoor lap pool features a Jacuzzi and seven private cabanas. I enjoyed a light and texture-rich quinoa and shrimp salad for lunch. The pool feels serene and soothing—in keeping with the spa’s overall vibe.

When you head inside the 28,000 square-foot spa, walk down a long hallway to find the lobby. The lobby comes complete with an overhead skylight and a water feature that constantly trickles. An attendant lead me to the locker room, where I changed into a plush provided robe. About 10 minutes prior to your treatment, head upstairs to the dimly lit lounge to relax. I headed to one of 41 treatment rooms where an attendant used a refreshing yet soothing lavender oil—the lavender is cultivated on the property’s on-site herb garden that’s right next to the spa’s adjacent fitness center--to work out muscle tension during a 50-minute Swedish massage. The window of the room was open and let in light and the sounds of birds chirping outside—making me feel immersed in the nature around me. The spa menu is rounded out by salon services, facials, a peel, body treatments like the Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub and a variety of massages including cupping, bamboo, hot stone and an aromatherapy option.

After the massage, I headed back downstairs to enjoy the spa amenities. I first headed to the hot tub, then steam room and sauna before cooling off with a refreshing shower and then repeating the experience all over again. The spa is also connected with the 3,500-square-foot fitness

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LA Z Y R I V E R P O O L S U I T E S.

center. The expansive space features free weights, treadmills, a TRX and a variety of cardio equipment including a handful of stationary bike Pelotons.

If you’re looking to work up a sweat outdoors, the resort features five hard tennis courts, a pro shop and 12 pickleball courts—making it the resort with the most number of pickleball courts in the country. Work on your serve at the Racquet Center that also offers private lessons, ball machine rentals and daily in-season clinics.

Located a stone’s throw from the courts are the resort’s enormous ballrooms. This includes the 120,000-squarefoot Grand Canyon Ballroom, the largest banquet hall in Arizona. Given the overall grand nature of the resort, it’s no surprise that the hotel’s ballrooms host some of the Valley’s top charitable events. I’ve attended a handful of events here, and the hallway in front of the ballrooms is typically used for the cocktail hour prior to the main event.

Perhaps the most prominent is Celebrity Fight Night. The very first Celebrity Fight Night featured Phoenix Suns Charles Barkley, Dan Majerle and boxing champion Michael Carbajal all playfully boxing as guests watched and raised money for charities. During the third year, legendary boxer Muhammed Ali was the featured guest. He attended the event for two decades as the guest of honor.

Performers like Jennifer Lopez, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks have all taken the stage at Celebrity Fight Night.

In April, the Wildfire Golf Club hosts the Children’s Mir-

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acle Network golf tournament. The hotel also features a total of 240,000 square feet of meeting space and frequently hosts meetings and gatherings.

When I drove away from the resort, I came away feeling refreshed and glad to have fully experienced one of Phoenix’s top resorts.

Golf Courses The hotel’s on-site Wildfire Golf Club includes two championship courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. Each course seeks to showcase Arizona’s incredible natural beauty. The Nick Faldo-designed 6,846-yard 71 par Faldo Championship Course offers generous fairways, large greens, 108 sand bunkers and multiple tee boxes. The Arnold Palmerdesigned 7,145-yard Palmer Signature Course has flashed bunkering and putting greens with plenty of undulation that offer golfers plenty of challenges. The club’s practicing facility includes a driving range, putting and chipping greens and a greenside practice bunker. Each golf cart is equipped with a GPS.

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Located by the Wildfire Golf Course, Meritage, an Urban Tavern, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meritage has an upscale sports bar vibe that includes dark wood tables, lights hanging from the ceiling and a variety of craft beers on tap.

Golfers can look forward to heartier menu options including the Meatball Sub and the Tavern Burger.

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Champagne Traditionally, Champagne has always a way to celebrate milestones or toast the bride and groom on their marriage. Considered to be a flexible beverage, Champagne can be served with a meal or with dessert. For many years, this truly refreshing and exotic drink has been used as a way of celebration and just enjoying the times that lie ahead.

OTLPHX / WINE

Champagne comes from the vineyards of the French region. If you get a bottle and notice Champagne imprinted on the label, you can rest assured that the bottle was produced in the vineyards of France. If you don’t get Champagne that was produced in the infamous French regions, you are pretty much just buying the standard sparkling wine. You should also make sure that the bottle is spelled Champagne, with a capital C. French manufacturers are very protective of this very name, and therefore are the only ones that are authorized to use it.

Champagne is made using three different types of grapes - Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

Noir and Meunier are types of black grapes, while the

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well-known Chardonnay is a type of white grape. The label on the bottle will signify what type of Champagne you are buying, so you’ll know what flavor to expect.

There are also types of this wine that are a blend of different grapes, providing quite an exquisite taste to say the least.

Much like sparkling wine, Champagne is very common with celebrations and such. Although it is considered to be a type of sparkling wine, Champagne is much better. You must be careful where you buy it though, as a lot of manufacturers like to use cheaper grapes, which don’t taste the same. If you have ever tasted this wine before - you’ll know first-hand what quality tastes like.

A lot of people prefer Champagne because of the bubbles that are known to spew forth once a bottle has been uncorked. The bubbles that spew from this wine are the result of tiny drops of liquid that are disturbed by the carbonic acid gas. Once the liquid is disturbed, the bubbles form and short out of the bottle.

This is a natural reaction of the double fermentation process that can only be found with a bottle of Champagne.

The next time you have a celebration and need something to make the celebration a bit more interesting, you should grab a bottle of Champagne.

Few things compliment a celebration like the bursting bubbles of a fine bottle. You can find quality Champagne at ABC stores or other stores that sell alcoholic beverages. Even though it may cost you a bit of money - when you pop the top you’ll be glad you bought it.

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How to Pick and Puff Wondering how to choose the perfect cigar?

If you’re a newcomer to the world of cigar smoking, here are a few tips to choosing the best cigar.

First, note the texture of the cigar. Squeeze it gently. Is very soft, or rigid? Ideally, the cigar should give slightly, but not too much. Very gently, squeeze the length of the cigar to check for lumps. A good cigar will have a consistent texture.

Next, inspect the cigar for flaws. Any cracks or discolorations are the signs of a lower qual-

ity cigar. The cigar’s wrapper should be wrapped smoothly.

Finally, look at the ends of the cigar. Pay particular attention to the exposed end where cigar is lit. If you’re new to cigars, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the tobacco. The simplest way to judge the tobacco quality of a cigar is to inspect the color of the tobacco. If you note any abrupt color changes, this may indicate that the tobacco leaves were not laid out properly. Look for a cigar with a smooth blend of tobacco.

Tips for Lighting a Cigar For new smokers, lighting a cigar can seem as daunting as learning to choose a good single. Here are four tips to guide you in lighting a cigar for the first time.

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Use cedar matches, if possible. If you prefer to use a lighter, make sure it’s butane lighter to avoid strong odors.

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Warm the open end of the cigar (aka ‘the foot’ of the cigar) slowly over the flame, without touching it to the fire. Let a black ring form around the end.

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Place the cigar in your mouth and draw in slowly. Hold the ci-

gar over the flame, about half an inch above it, again without touching. Continue to draw in until the cigar draws the flame. Turn the cigar slowly, spinning it to establish an even burn.

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Once your cigar is lit, take it out of your mouth and observe the burn you have established. If the burn appears to be uneven, simply blow on the unlit sections to draw the burn, and then take one or two draws from the cigar to reestablish an even burn.