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EDITOR

PUBLISHER

Reade Tilley

Matthew Squire

ART DIREC TOR

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Arnold Palmer

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DESIGNER

EXECUTIVE ADVISOR

Kieron Deen Halnan

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Meghan Glennon, Getty Images, Evan Schiller | golfshots.com, Shutterstock, Iain Struthers SPECIAL THANKS & CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Armstrong, Robin Barwick, Meghan Glennon, Anne-Sophie de Guigne, Butch Harmon, Andy Johnson, Catherine Lacoste, Sacha Lichine, Madison Lomas, Stephanie MacLeod, Gary Ross, Paul Stewart, Paul Trow, John H. Tyson, Ed Viesturs, Wilfred Zaha

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A R N O L D A N D W I N N I E PA L M E R

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Xiàhé, China, 1995

Travelers & Tourists “Whereas the tourist generally hurries back home at the end of a few weeks or months, the traveler belonging no more to one place than to the next, moves slowly over periods of years, from one part of the earth to another. Indeed, he would have found it difficult to tell, among the many places he had lived, precisely where it was he had felt most at home.” —Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky

I’d already motorcycled across Ukraine and Hungary, grown fond of mint tea in Morocco, and dined over campfires with Kurds in Eastern Turkey by the time I discovered Paul Bowles, and so I felt his writing a validation as much as an inspiration. Why are people moved to leave comfortable lives at home and go God-knows-where for God-knows-what purpose? I stopped asking myself that question somewhere between Tblisi and Xi’an, and I still find it difficult to tell precisely where I feel most at home. This issue celebrates the drive to explore via wanderlust, but it also celebrates exploration in terms of pushing limits or broadening one’s horizons. Consider Arnold Palmer, whose relentless pursuit of perfection opened the game of golf in ways never before imagined, to an audience that hadn’t dared to tread on course until Arnie took the first steps. Read about some of his groundbreaking play on p140. Off course—far off course, in fact—Ed Viesturs took a childhood fascination from Indiana to the top of the world and became a legend, climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. Read about him on p42. Those inclined toward warm sand can explore the Caribbean on p68, while travelers who like their sunshine

on vines can read on p60 about Sacha Lichine, who helps people to explore Provence from the comfort of their own homes via his Whispering Angel rosé and other incredible wines. There’s a lot to explore in this Kingdom, but one of my favorite journeys in helping to create the issue, certainly, was the transportive experience I had with the team from Santa Teresa rum. More than just a spirit, the rum connects Venezuelans around the world to their homeland. That it is a top shelf spirit is almost irrelevant (though it is absolutely world-class); its true value lies in its ability to bring people together across miles and across centuries. Harkening from Venezuela’s earliest days as a country and still making its way around the world, it proves that quality is at home everywhere, any time, and that people who appreciate quality, in some way all hail from the same place, no matter where they’re from—something Paul Bowles might have appreciated. See you on course,

Reade Tilley

SUMMER 2021

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Friends & heroes, old & new The 2021 U.S. Open was one of the most exciting golf championships I have seen in a long time. Lots of big names swapping places high on the leaderboard, and then a birdiebirdie finish from Jon Rahm to clinch his first major title. He did it the hard way, too, visiting bunkers on both of the last two holes; the Spaniard took a route to victory that would have made his childhood hero Seve Ballesteros smile. Rahm plays with passion and creativity that is reminiscent of Seve, who was one of my heroes as I grew up in the 1980s. (And I am fascinated to see if Rahm can bring some of Seve’s drive and leadership to the Ryder Cup in September.) When Rahm paid tribute to Seve in his winner’s speech at Torrey Pines, I raised my glass to both the late maestro and the young champion. Fittingly, I was drinking the superb Dewar’s 19-Year-Old that the famous Scottish distiller introduced this year to commemorate its own partnership with the U.S. Open. As Rahm wore his gold medal around his neck, I savored a golden dram and found it the perfect way to close a summer’s weekend. While Rahm was exploring the sand traps of Torrey Pines, we have been busy embracing the theme of exploration in our summer issue. Don’t miss our interview with peerless mountaineer Ed Viesturs, while far closer to sea level I am

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delighted to report that not only did our intrepid editor make a trip to the Everglades in the name of journalism, but he also returned to tell the tale. Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to a dear friend of Kingdom magazine who recently passed away, the inimitable Carolyn Giles. Carolyn and her husband Howdy were among Arnold Palmer’s closest friends and have been two of Kingdom’s most enthusiastic supporters. I send all best wishes to the Giles family. Thinking of friends around the world, the pandemic has prevented me from making my regular visits to and from Europe and further afield. I hope very much that global travel will open up widely soon, and when it does, I look forward to meeting up with old friends and forging new friendships along the way. Enjoy your summer while it lasts!

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CONTENTS

Kingdom Magazine Q UA R T E R LY

ISSUE 52

42 TRAVEL

FEATURES

32 42

Everglades

Audacious dreams and wild heat in one of the world’s most natural settings

Ed Viesturs

Mountaineering legend on what it’s like to live a wellearned life at the top

60 68

Catherine Lacoste

Still the only amateur to win the U.S. Women’s Open, she reminisces with us

Provence

Be instantly transported with sunshine and a glass from Château d’Esclans

Caribbean

Super-luxe or carefree fun in the sun, myriad custom adventures await GOLF

WGJ

SUMMER 2021

Winning Over 50

50 84

Butch

Collegiate Golf

100

Playing Partners

The coaching legend gives us tips on family legacies and a life in the game Top pure-game tournaments and kids with hopes, dreams, and full class schedules Ballroom dancing or threelegged race? Pairs aren’t always partners

Phil Mickelson and proof that age ain’t nothin’ but a number—mostly

SUMMER 2021

CONTENTS

Kingdom Magazine ISSUE 52

122 Art of Blending

Robin Barwick gains an appreciation for Dewar’s master blenders

Bold & Beautiful

Bentley’s new Bentayga Speed might be the best Bentley yet

122

131

CONNECTION

118

Santa Teresa

History, poetry, hope and a heartfelt connection in one of the world’s great rums

KINGDOM 52

150

CLUB

MOVE

112

SUMMER 2021

140

DRINK

106

Q UA R T E R LY

To & From the Sea

146

Choose Your Adventure

GIFT GUIDE

150

Cocktails

With the sea or with visions of it, these courses inspire a vast array of dreams

Liberating Finds

A freeing array of top options for enjoying a newly reopened world LEGACY

140

FOOD & DRINK

Mr. Ryder Cup

A storied individual player, Arnold Palmer was as formidable on teams

Simple proteins, complex sauces from around the world; get ready to travel A classic adventure from New York to Tokyo and beyond, all in a glass LAST PAGE

154

Wake Forest

Arnold Palmer’s alma mater dominates at this year’s Arnold Palmer Cup

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EXPLORE

Eight-Thousanders

ur Explorers Issue celebrates triumphs and bold ascents, whether they come on course, in business or in that ultimate setting for testing human limits: the mountains. Petrarch, the 14th century Italian poet, wrote of scaling Mont Ventoux in 1336, but many trace mountaineering’s emergence as a sport to 1786, when a French duo climbed Mont Blanc in response to an

offer of a reward for doing so. Since then a number of climbers have made a name for themselves, but few have done more than Ed Viesturs, who summited all 14 of the peaks in the world of 8,000 meters or more—without supplemental oxygen. He’s the only American (and one of only a very few climbers in history) to have achieved this, making it no wonder that’s he’s a Rolex Ambassador and the subject of a profile in our Explorers Issue. Breathe easy and enjoy his story even as you plan adventures of your own.

Feature on page 42

KINGDOM 52

The Annapurna Range, Nepal

SUMMER 2021

KINGDOM 52

TRAVEL

Provence

t has appeared in literature, in songs, in paintings by great masters and in countless movies, but the best way to see Provence (besides actually going there) is on the table or in a glass, preferably a glass of rosé from the famed Château d’Esclans. Home to Sacha Lichine’s family of wines, which includes the global phenomenon Whispering Angel and the

world’s best rosé, Garrus, the Château is but one of the region’s many wonders, which includes friendly cooking schools run by Michelin-starred chefs, antiques markets, fantastic bakeries and cheese stores and more, all of it set in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that’s so compelling it might inspire you to write a book or a song, or to paint a painting... Or just to pour a glass of rosé, slow down and, as the French say, Prenez les temps de vivre.

Feature on page 60

Château d’Esclans

SUMMER 2021

COVER

Palmer

s our cover photo confirms, Arnold Palmer proudly returned to America with the Claret Jug in 1961 and 1962. His first appearance in the Open Championship, however, in 1960, ended with two frustrations: A loss, and a “non.” Despite playing incredibly well in his Open debut, Palmer lost to Kel Nagle by a single shot. Regardless, because of his strong showing, the two-time Masters winner was urged by several European pros and journalists to continue on to Paris to play in the French Open. Assured that his entry was sorted, Arnold and Winnie did just that, checked into their hotel and went for lunch. It was there an American acquaintance mused whether Palmer

would actually be allowed to play, a comment that, as Palmer wrote in A Golfer’s Life, “did not sit well with me at all.” Arnie marched to the tournament office where, as he wrote, a young woman—looking not at all sorry—told him: “I am sorry Monsieur Palmer, your entry has been... declined.” Having won that year’s Masters and U.S. Open, Palmer was understandably incensed. He stormed back to the dining room and told a startled Winnie to get her jacket, and the two caught a flight that same day back to America. “I swore to her I’d be dead before I came back to the French Open!” he wrote, and in fact he never played in the event and wouldn’t have, not “for all the Champagne and cheese in Paris.” Other European forays were more successful—as Palmer’s Ryder Cups indicate.

Palmer Ryder Cup feature on page 140

KINGDOM 52

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SHORT GAME

Lifting You know what they say: size isn’t everything. The Ryder Cup is only 17 inches tall, from the bottom of its base to the top of the cap of the golfer standing on its lid, yet what this gold cup represents is beyond monetary value. In keeping with many of sports’ finest historic trophies, the Ryder Cup has a shining intrigue all of its own

the Lid .

the essentials

The Ryder Cup was presented to the British PGA in 1927 by Samuel Ryder, an English seed merchant and fanatical golfer. It is made of gold, stands 17 inches tall and spans nine inches from handle to handle. It weighs four pounds and carries a hallmark for 1926, when it was commissioned from Mappin & Webb in London at a cost of £250 (which converts to around $20,000 in today’s money).

KINGDOM 52

Samuel Ryder presents the Ryder Cup to the victorious British team captain, George Duncan, at Moortown Golf Club in Leeds, England, 1929

the midas touch

A figure of a golfer stands on top of the Ryder Cup’s lid, and according to frequently reported wisdom this figure is modelled on Abe Mitchell, who was among Britain’s finest golfers during the inter-war era. The esteemed English journalist Henry Longhurst rated Mitchell as “the finest golfer not to have won The Open” (like so many before and since, it has been said that Mitchell’s putting was his downfall). Mitchell, who grew up working on the greenkeeping staff and caddying at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in Sussex, would eventually become the personal golf coach for Ryder. Mitchell was appointed captain of Great Britain and Ireland’s first Ryder Cup team in 1927, but he was taken ill with appendicitis on the eve of the team setting sail from Southampton to the US, and so was forced to miss the voyage and the first Ryder Cup at Worcester CC, Massachusetts. Mitchell would play in the next three Ryder Cups, in 1929, ’31 and ’33.

is it a myth?

In researching his 2014 book, “Ryder Cup revealed”, English writer Ross Biddiscombe cast doubt over the widely believed story that the figure on the Ryder Cup lid was Mitchell. Biddiscombe argues that Ryder agreed to provide the trophy at a meeting with the British PGA in July 1926, and that it is unlikely there would have been time for a bespoke trophy to have been designed, approved and manufactured in time for the inaugural Ryder Cup in June, 1927. His research turned up no evidence of a bespoke design. Biddiscombe writes: “As a Hollywood storyline, to have Samuel Ryder’s great friend as the model for the trophy golfer is faultless, but the cold reality is probably the more prosaic version of events. Or maybe it is best that no one still knows the truth for sure.” But then again, if the trophy did cost £250 at the time, this is an extremely steep bill for a trophy bought off the shelf in 1926 or ’27.

m i t c h e l l’s b i g m i s s

Abe Mitchell posted eight top-10 finishes in 17 appearances in The Open, and the closest he came to major glory was in 1920 at Royal Cinque Ports in Kent, just around the coastal corner from this year’s venue, Royal St. George’s. After a steady opening round of 74, Mitchell scored the low round of the second day, 73, to take the halfway lead. However, he let the chance slip with a torrid third round of 84, while his compatriot George Duncan—who had opened with a pair of 80s—shot 71, 72 over the final two rounds to win, with Mitchell fourth. Nine years later, in 1929, Mitchell’s friend and rival Duncan was named captain of the GB&I team for the first Ryder Cup matches played on British soil, at Moortown GC near Leeds.

Abe Mitchell, winner of the Golf Illustrated Gold Vase at Walton Heath, circa June 1913

SUMMER 2021

FEATURE Explore

E V E R G

KINGDOM 52

You never heard a paddle like at sunrise here, cutting a line across the glass of it, a soft blue seam healing behind the kayak, the water’s weight stifling any trace. There’s only the drip drops falling from the high blade’s tip as the low end dips into the shallows, teases the drowning grass below and sometimes gets tugged, jarring the boat left or right. A breath ago that grass seemed a fearsome grey hungry stuff, but with the gold pouring out up top, light spreading over the plate between earth and sky, it’s a brassy life-affirming green; life everywhere, just under the surface, and maybe that’s what pulls you in. I hear a bird and Jenny says it’s a heron of some kind;

L A D E S I miss her details, just catch a rattle as it leaves the branch and then the hush hush hush of its lumbering wings. Before the heron, nothing, nothing but the paddle in the water and a damp buzz from the banks. But now the sun arrives, joining the old heat that’s too lazy or mean to retreat when darkness falls, and so other sounds will soon come, and the alligators will keep watching, just as they’ve done every day forever in the Everglades

SUMMER 2021

THE STORY OF THE EVERGLADES is an ancient one, unless you’re not descended from Native peoples, in which case your Everglades might begin in the late 19th century, and roughly where they end. But we’ll get to that shortly. The marshland created by flooding from Florida’s Lake Okeechobee during the Pleistocene era, roughly 17,000 years ago, has been inhabited for most of its history, with the native Calusa and Tequestra people living there some 15,000 years ago. Due mostly to non-native disease, they were gone by the time Muscogee Creek tribal members arrived in the 17th century, displaced from Georgia and Alabama by European settlers. The new arrivals became known as “Seminole,” from the Muscogee word simanó-li, potentially derived from the Spanish cimarrón, meaning “runaway” or “wild one.” I didn’t get there until the 1980s, and my earliest memories of the Everglades include a toy alligator (which I kept into my high school years) and a sunburn, which thankfully disappeared more quickly. During my childhood on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Everglades wasn’t a destination, it was something to be crossed, a morass on the way to somewhere, either Miami, or the Florida Keys, or home. And that perspective was not without precedent: U.S. Army troops stationed in Florida in the 1830s found most of the state “hideous,” “loathesome,” and “God-abandoned,” as they wrote in their journals, according to historian Michael Grunwald, who pointed out that future U.S. President Zachary Taylor, in command of some of those troops, had declared that he wouldn’t trade a square foot of Michigan or Ohio for a square mile of Florida. This was America’s last frontier, not the red rock West. Consider that in 1860, when San Francisco was bursting with 60,000 people who were fine dining, dedicating music halls and reading news about turmoil back east, the Census listed only 28 people in the greater Miami area, and some of those would have been living in “chickees,” open-walled thatched huts. Pioneer life in South Florida was tough, with oppressively hot summers, alligators, cougars and bears, tangles of mangroves and sharp palmettoes, and swarms of mosquitoes so thick that as you were swatting away one handful, another was stinging the back of your hand. All of that is still here (albeit with fewer bears and cougars) and so the idea of stopping anywhere along U.S. Hwy 41, aka the Tamiami Trail, aka Alligator Alley, which crosses the

KINGDOM 52

Everglades and connects Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Miami to Naples and then up to Tampa, never occurred to my parents; why would it. And yet... In so many hours spent staring out of our family car’s backseat window, I remember feeling that, on the other side of the air conditioning and glass, the Everglades held adventure. I imagined Natives and dangerous and romantic characters living unfettered lives out of sight of the highway, with camps on stands of hardwood trees (such islands are called “hammocks”) hidden amidst the 50-mile-wide waters that sneak by at a sly three feet per hour. This summer I was faster, and hotter, pulling into Miami in my small convertible with its broken air conditioner. Thanks to Bentley (and to another story in this magazine) I quickly transitioned to a new Bentayga Speed SUV, air conditioning fully intact, and set about tracing the path of those who wrote the Everglades’ modern history, the one that began in the 19th century. My destination was one part of that story’s beginning: Everglades City. The surviving part of a grand dream has maintained some aspect of its appeal, if not its potential, in that it still holds families, fishermen, tourists, dreamers, entrepreneurs, adventure-seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, descendants of pioneers, cast-offs, rogues and those who simply are lost in one way or another. For a few days this summer it held at least one writer, and it’s likely to hold him again.

Driving on the Tamiami Trail and alligator two ways: from a kayak and then fried in a basket at Joanie’s Blue Crab

In 1860, when there were 60,000 people in San Francisco, there were only 28 in the greater Miami area EVERGLADES CITY In 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union, but aside from one notable battle and a few minor skirmishes, Florida’s Civil War largely was uneventful. After the war, Union sympathizers and others who wanted to live on their own terms began to settle the area around Chokoloskee, off the southwest Gulf Coast in the “Ten Thousand Islands” region, where the Everglades slowly pours its fresh water into the sea. On the mainland just across from Chokoloskee, W.S. Allen established himself with a dock and trading post in what was then “Everglade.” Charles McKinney was commissioned as the area’s first postmaster in 1892, and was quickly followed by George Storter, who set up his own trading post and bought most of the town from Allen. Charles “Ted” Smallwood joined the community in 1906 with his Smallwood Store on Chokoloskee island, and became known for dealing fairly with the local Miccosukee Indians, settlers, out-of-towners and everyone else. (His store remained open until 1982,

and now operates as a museum and gift shop, still run by his family.) By 1910, among the area’s 29 households and 144 residents, there was a carpenter, a mail carrier, a “wash woman,” a sailor and a school teacher. Adventurous sportsmen from up north began visting the area, some liking the fishing and remoteness enough to build winter homes and stick around, but that remoteness was about to change, thanks to Barron Gift Collier. Collier had made his money covering New York City’s streetcars and subways with advertising placards, and by the early 1920s he was Florida’s single largest individual landowner, with nearly 2 million acres across the state, including thousands of acres in South Florida. When a planned road project to connect the newly burgeoning City of Miami with the Gulf Coast stalled due to a lack of funding, Collier, who also helped to found Interpol, stepped in. He promised to fund completion of the road on a few conditions, one of them being the creation of a new county named for him. The State agreed, and in October of 1923, some 2,000 men arrived in Collier County to begin hacking out what eventually became the Tamiami Trail. They worked in 12-hour shifts, cutting through the mangroves and cypress and using fill dirt from a canal they blasted to build the 76 miles of elevated roadway. Despite the heat, the wildlife, the mosquitoes, and the explosives, not a single man was lost during the five-year project, incredible at the time.

SUMMER 2021

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Everglades City then and now: City Hall; Everglade Community Church

Henis necus iurerum sinvelendae simin re pe re aut doluptaepe aces ratur magnienem

Whatever its original vision, Everglades City endures as a strong community with a role in the future When the road opened on April 26, 1928, national media likened it to the building of the Panama Canal, and certainly Collier believed the cross-state connection would boost business in his county. To support the workers building the road, Collier had invested heavily in the town of Everglade, which he’d renamed “Everglades.” He essentially owned the town, and set about creating a planned community of sorts, with a hospital; a courthouse; a town laundry; hotels; shops; and even a streetcar, complete with advertising placards. All of his workers lived here and scheduled their lives around the town’s whistle, which signaled the start of work, lunch, and quitting time. What’s more, workers were paid in the town’s own script, which could only be spent in Everglades at Collier’s stores, barbershop, gas station, and so on. Envisioning it as a future Miami of the Gulf Coast, Collier also set Everglades as his county seat, ensured the new railroad stopped there, built a formidable courthouse and established the Bank of Everglades, which remained Collier County’s sole financial institution until 1949. There was a Shakespearean Club, a library, newspapers and more, but it wasn’t to last.

A land boom Florida had enjoyed in the 1920s finally busted, and then the Great Depression hit. Collier died in 1939, and the town’s future was uncertain. It grew more uncertain still when, in 1947, Everglades National Park was created, the first National Park established not for an area’s beauty, but for its ecological importance. Development across South Florida, including the Trail, which inadvertantly had dammed the Everglades, was beginning to have a major impact on the ecosystem, and conservationists were taking note. President Truman himself came into the town of Everglades to dedicate the park, saying, “Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country.” Meanwhile, nearby Naples was growing fast, and by the late 1950s it was obvious that the two towns were headed in different directions. Hurricane Donna in 1960 dealt the final blow, devastating much of Everglades and Chokoloskee, which had been joined via a causeway during the mid-1950s. Late in 1960 Collier County’s seat relocated to Naples, as did the Collier Corporation headquarters. The bank left in 1962 and much of the population followed. But Everglades wasn’t done. Re-named “Everglades City” in 1965, the community’s first transformation was into a commercial fishing hub, but when Everglades National Park officials began seeing impacts on the local ecosystem, they closed the park to commercial fishing, effectively killing that industry.

SUMMER 2021

The Rod & Gun Club is a national treasure, a frontier landmark to rival any Old West destination The city’s next move was to become a kind of hub for drug smuggling, and this was not without precedent; it had long been a haven for outlaws. It was to Chokoloskee that Edgar Watson had fled from Oklahoma after reportedly killing Belle Star (an outlaw herself ). Locals tolerated him, but then he cut a man’s throat during a trip to Key West, two men he didn’t like turned up murdered, and employees on his sugar cane farm kept disappearing. Locals suspected he was kiling off workers so he wouldn’t have to pay them, and so one day in 1910 the town had finally had enough. In front of the Smallwood Store, a crowd confronted Watson, who drew his pistol—which misfired. The crowd fired back, and by the time the smoke cleared he was dead on the ground, shot 33 times, killed by the town. The incident was turned into a book by Peter Matthiessen, Killing Mr. Watson. Al Capone reportedly had a place nearby supplying moonshine to local bars during Prohibition, a time that

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The Rod & Gun Club lobby, and a reason to think twice about not paying your bill [left]. The Smallwood Store, est. 1906, now a museum and gift shop owned/operated by the original family; the counter fronts were angled to accommodate ladies’ hoop skirts while they were shopping [right]

also saw rum runners from the Caribbean sneaking their product in through the Everglades. In the 1970s and ’80s it was marijuana, and it became a big business, with the largest haul from the local sheriff ’s department coming in at 102,000 lbs of baled weed, seized right there in Everglades City. As Totch Brown—local legend and town founder Charles McKinney’s grandson—said in a documentary, “Our way of life just simply came to an end, so we had to do something... We just finally all joined in, there wasn’t much else to do. It’s just the way the cookie crumbled. I’m certainly not proud of it, but if I was back again under the same circumstances, I’d crawl aboard a boat load of [marijuana] right now.” Crackdowns and arrests in the 1980s impacted the local drugs trade, and so Everglades City transformed again. Now known more for sport fishing, airboat rides and the Everglades Seafood Festival (which sees some 50,000 people descend on the town of 400 every February), the city seems to have arrived a balance of character and accessibility. Driving around, Collier’s dream is less visible than its decline, but unlike many boom towns gone bust, Everglades City still feels vibrant, especially in conversations with locals—people like Trish, who runs her family’s Win-Car Gifts and Hardware (a general store that has everything you need; wincarinc.com). Through economic ups and downs, hurricanes and the rest of it, Everglades City endures.

T O DAY When I call to make a reservation for a room at the Rod & Gun Club, the man on the phone takes my first name and says, “OK, see you Saturday.” “Don’t you want my last name and a credit card,” I ask? He replies, “‘Reade’s’ good enough, and don’t forget to bring cash; we don’t take credit cards.” The area’s finest accommodation, and one of the most satisfying I’ve visited anywhere, the Rod & Gun Club (rodandguneverglades.com) was created in 1928 by Collier, building onto the Storter family residence. It’s hosted U.S. Presidents, including Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Hoover and Nixon, along with John Wayne, Ernest Hemingway, Burt Reynolds, Sean Connery and Mick Jagger, among other notables. It’s been owned by the Bowen family since 1972, and the Victorian-tinged main building, with its pine and cypress interior, taxidermy, billiards table and art, is joined by a number of standalone cabin accommodations, which are modern, clean and quite a step up from what one might define as a typical fishing lodge. I enjoyed one of the best-prepared groupers I’d had in years in the club’s dining room, and struck up a conversation with a couple of guys at the next table, who were staying in a chickee in a local campground, complete with mosquito netting, public toilets and public shower. It was the off-season, hot, and I asked if they were comfortable. “We thought it would be an experience, and that it made sense dollar-wise,” one replied, his face falling

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Jenny from Jenny’s Eco Tours navigates a mangrove tunnel at low water

when he found they were paying more than I was for my air-conditioned cabin with a private bath and modern shower. Hours later, on a walk, I saw them coming out of a local quick-mart with a few six packs of beer. “Hey! You going to join us at the chickee,” they asked? “Not a chance,” I replied, and there was no mistaking their look for anything but envy. I slept wonderfully.

FINALLY We were scheduled to meet at 6 a.m. but Jenny offered to meet earlier if I wanted to photograph the night sky. She explained that the area’s Big Cypress National Preserve is an International Dark Sky Place, meaning that there’s no light pollution, and so the Milky Way and stars should be vibrantly visible. But it’s been cloudy since I arrived, and so 6 a.m. is fine with me. It’s just past dark when I get to the boat ramp, and Jenny and her son are there, kayaks already on the small beach at the launch point, everything ready to go. “Jenny” is the owner of Jenny’s Eco Everglades Tours (ecoeverglades.com), a former U.S. Park Ranger and a trained naturalist with a USCG Master Captain’s License. The quietly immersive sunrise (and sunset) kayak tours she offers are in stark contrast to the numerous high-speed “ear protection provided” local airboat options. Not judging those, but I was looking to get into the Everglades, not to fly over them, and so I reached out to Jenny, and I’m ever so glad that I did.

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Jenny’s knowledge and careful guidance revealed a privileged view of the Everglades It was quiet on the pre-dawn water, paddling in the half light. Breathing-in the silver-green morning, pushing down a canal before turning into a mangrove tunnel, the adventure I’d sensed as a child seemed to lie before me, but still I was only at the precipice of what the Everglades held. There’s an education and knowledge here that cannot be gathered in a short trip, and my conversation with Jenny confirmed as much. We discussed California otters, the local Miccosukee Natives, the future of the Everglades and more, but at the end of it we, too, were quiet, sitting on the water as the sun came up over the grasslands, mangroves silhouetted against the orange-gold sky, grasses in the shallow water under our kayaks shifting from grey to green, herons taking flight and the world along the banks beginning to buzz. Whether or not you trace your roots to ancient peoples, the story of the Everglades and the individuals who live here persists, a study in survival, adaptability, and strength. For all of its dynamic history and all of its changes, the Everglades’ greatest lesson might lie in the pace of its flow: three feet per hour, constant over centuries. There is wisdom in that, the weight of forward motion and the inevitability of progress, whatever may come. That, and the alligators, is certain, and it’s the reason I’ll return.

I’M TAKING THE GOLF CART. At The Landings Club, 6 championship golf courses, 7 restaurants, 31 tennis courts and a 52,000 sq. ft. wellness center are included in my club membership. And it’s all just a short cart ride away from my front door.

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FEATURE Explore

SURVIVING Maurice Herzog’s Annapurna, the epic account of a French team’s ascent of one of the highest and most dangerous mountains on Earth, didn’t just inspire Ed Viesturs to become a mountaineer—it pointed him toward greatness. Here, the lauded climber gets to ground level with Robin Barwick

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ANNAPURNA I

IN 1950, Frenchman Maurice Herzog led a team up the mighty Himalayan mountain of Annapurna. One of only 14 peaks on Earth to rise above 8,000 meters (its summit reaches 8,091 meters above sea level), Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world—but it is among the most dangerous and difficult to climb. It is named after the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment, who is said to live on the Nepalese mountain, yet the beguiling name belies a ruthless, forbidding, and unforgiving nature.

Herzog and his team defied staggering odds to reach the summit of Annapurna on their first attempt in 1950—a remarkable feat. Beyond just the climb, however, they were the first men in history to reach any mountain summit of over 8,000 meters. Accurate maps of the Himalayas were yet to be produced and so they could not even plan their ascent in any detail. Until they stood upon the peak of Annapurna in June 1950, it was widely considered impossible for man to reach such heights, literally, let alone make it back down to tell the tale. Herzog did make it back down, but at a heavy price. At one point on the descent, he removed his mittens so he could get into his backpack, except that his mittens slid away from him and down a precipice. Gone. This moment’s lapse rendered severe frostbite in Herzog’s fingers inevitable

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and he would later have all 10 fingers amputated. Due to inadequate insulation provided by his leather boots, he lost all his toes as well. Herzog may have escaped the frozen clutches of Annapurna, but still, she brought his mountaineering career to a sudden end. Herzog wrote a book, simply entitled Annapurna, which he dictated during his months of painful convalescing. It became totemic of a golden age of exploration and mountaineering in the 1950s and ’60s. Three years later, New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first men to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest. It was another monumental achievement for mankind and it proved to an entire generation that they could realise their ambitions with some imagination, determination, teamwork, and an iron will. As Hillary later declared: “With practice and focus, you can extend yourself far more than you ever believed possible.” That message, and Herzog’s inspiring climb, reached Ed Viesturs, a teenager growing up in the flatlands of Illinois in the 1970s. Reading Annapurna, he said, inspired him to become a mountaineer—and so much more. “It’s the achievement on Annapurna that inspires, not the aftermath,” Viesturs would later write in his own captivating book, No Shortcuts to the Top. “Everybody helped everybody else down, carrying each other almost like victims from a battlefield. It’s a story of a band of brothers, of bonding and friendship and camaraderie… the complex mixture of hardship and perseverance that Annapurna elicited from those gutsy French climbers fired my imagination.” From teaching himself to climb, to becoming a guide on the 4,392-meter Mount Rainier in Washington State, Viesturs would eventually realize his teenage ambition of becoming a Himalayan mountaineer. More than that, at the end of an arduous and treacherous 18-year campaign called “Endeavor 8,000”, he would become the first American to reach the summit of all 14 of the world’s “eightthousanders.” The achievement is made more awe-inspiring by the fact Viesturs reached all 14 peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen. This matched the legendary achievement of Italian climber Reinhold Messner, who in 1986 became the very first person to climb all 14 eightthousanders, doing so without oxygen. Viesturs is the model mountaineer and a longstanding Testimonee for Rolex, the Swiss watchmaker that has been synonymous with mountaineering and exploration for nearly 100 years. Viesturs is a naturally gifted endurance athlete, with the mental fortitude to train hard and to push himself to his physical limits, yet what separates him from many other talented mountaineers is his clear thinking and decision-making at high altitude. On the mountain base camps they talk about summit fever, when climbers get close to reaching a

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Maurice Herzog [above] before the Annapurna expedition, c.1950; Ed Viesturs [below] in Himali clothing, where he is a partner/designer; The company invests 5% of net proceeds into the Himalaya region

peak—tantalizingly close to completing what is probably a lifetime’s ambition—and despite time running out for a safe descent, or weather conditions worsening, or despite injury or illness, they continue upwards to the peak when reason dictates they should abort the attempt. Many mountaineers have lost their lives—experienced, talented, intelligent, courageous climbers—when they have continued upwards instead of turning around. Viesturs has lost many friends, but it is his insistence on sticking to clear rules that means he is still alive today. Of Viesturs’ quotes, this is perhaps his most telling: “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” It would make a good mountaineers’ tattoo, but it also illustrates a stark reality of his sport. “I define risk in two different ways,” explains Viesturs, 62, speaking with us. “There are the objective dangers like avalanches, storms and rock falls, the things that can happen around you, and they can cause injury and death, and those are risks you just need to accept. But in my opinion, the majority of risk, from reading and watching and listening, comes from the decision-making, the subjective part. There are so many people who are willing to push for a summit no matter what the cost, whether it’s frostbite, needing to be rescued, running out of oxygen; they are not willing to turn around when they should, and that is what causes most of the problems on mountains.”

THE EIGHT - THOUSANDERS

“Getting to the top is optional; Getting down is mandatory”

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

Everest K2 Kangchenjunga Lhotse Makalu Cho Oyu Dhaulagiri Manaslu Nanga Parbat Annapurna Gasherbrum Board Peak Gasherbrum II Shishapangma

8,848 8,611 8,586 8,516 8,463 8,201 8,167 8,163 8,126 8,091 8,068 8,047 8,035 8,027

There are 14 mountains on Earth that reach an altitude of 8,000 meters, all within the two mountain ranges of the Himalaya in Nepal and Tibet, and the Karakoram of Pakistan. They are as follows:

Ed Viesturs climbing Lhotse in 1994 [top] and on the summit of Manaslu in 1999 [above]

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Images: Rolex Hillary and Norgay at the summit of Everest [far right]

MOUNTAIN TIME

Ed Viesturs, a long-standing Rolex Testimonee, has had a career at the top: “When I was up-and-coming, a friend asked: ‘If you could have one more sponsor who would it be?’ Rolex came to mind because of its long association with exploration, with excellence, and the legacy of people associated with Rolex. It is an iconic brand of quality and endurance and the things I try to convey in the climbing world. Rolex sponsorship is a stamp of approval.” After the momentous, first successful campaign to reach the summit of Everest in 1953, Rolex launched the original version of its Explorer watch. It remains an emblem of the close ties between Rolex and exploration, since the Swiss watchmaker had equipped Himalayan expeditions with its legendary Oyster watches since the 1930s. The Himalaya mountains even served as a real-life laboratory for Rolex development. The innovative Explorer II timepiece was introduced in 1971, complete with a 24-hour hand. It quickly became an essential tool for those exploring Earth’s most extreme conditions. This year Rolex has extended its legacy in exploration with the launch of new generation Explorer and Explorer II timepieces, illustrating Rolex’s perpetual drive to improve. Viesturs has worn a Rolex Explorer II ever since he received one as a gift. He says: “I still wear the same Explorer II that I got in 1994. It’s taken some bumps as it’s the watch I wore on all those climbs since then. It is part of me now. I have some other, newer watches that I wear occasionally, but I always gravitate back to my original Explorer II. My watch has that perfect patina, and there are memories there.”

“I still wear the same Explorer II that I got in 1994; it’s taken some bumps as it’s the watch I wore on all those climbs since then— it is part of me now” “On a climb, if you sense fear and trepidation internally, something is going on. You can’t always define what it is, but you have to listen to it. For me, having a more conservative attitude is something that kept me alive. It might have taken me longer to succeed eventually but so what? I am happy to be sitting here today.” It was Viesturs’ ability to fend off summit fever that meant he required three attempts to reach the summit of Annapurna. The first attempt in 2000 failed due to mild weather and the resulting treacherous melting conditions on the north face, punctuated by avalanches. In 2002, Viesturs and his group attempted the east ridge, but he turned around when faced with more precarious conditions. For the next three years Annapurna haunted Viesturs. It had become his nemesis. When setting out to climb the eight-thousanders, it was not Viesturs’ intention to leave the ascent of Annapurna until last, but ultimately that is how it unfolded, with Viesturs finally, patiently reaching its summit on May 12, 2005, with his close friend and trusted mountaineering

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©Rolex/Alexandre de Brabant Ed Viesturs’ Annapurna book, with the personal message from Herzog

partner Veikka Gustafsson. Annapurna would keep him awake at night no more. “Annapurna was a really hard nut to crack,” admits Viesturs with a hint of understatement. “I had kept asking myself if I could I ever do it safely. I was almost convinced, on that third trip, that if the conditions were just as bad as I knew they probably would be, I might have walked away and never gone back. Then I would still be thinking about it today. Thankfully we got there, the conditions were phenomenal, and I remember sitting on the summit, just elated that somehow we had pulled it off, but even then I had to contain that elation because we knew we still needed to go down. “It was when I finally stepped off the mountain and took my boots off—that’s when I kind of let everything go, when I could think, ‘Wow, look at what happened over these 18 years.’ Somehow I survived it, somehow I stayed motivated. It was my greatest achievement. On Annapurna, everything came full circle.”

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Herzog wrote a personal message to Viesturs in the book, from one mountaineer to another Herzog, the first to climb Annapurna, and whose book sold 11 million copies, died in 2012 at the age of 93. Back in 1996 he was at an event in Seattle with Sir Edmund Hillary. Sitting next to him was a 37-year-old Viesturs, then in the midst of Endeavor 8,000. “I felt like a nobody sitting between two kings,” remembers Viesturs, who took along his copy of Annapurna in hopes that Herzog would sign it. Holding the pen between his palms, Herzog did just that—the acknowledgement from one pioneer of the Himalaya to another.

WGJ Lacoste

A delighted Catherine Lacoste captured shortly after winning the 1967 U.S. Women’s Open

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THE CROCODILE KID

THOUGH THE FRENCH MONARCHY FELL IN 1789, it’s

Fifty-four years ago, Catherine Lacoste won the U.S. Women’s Open as a young amateur golfer. That unique achievement is only part of the story of a remarkable individual and her esteemed sporting family. Paul Trow “Zoomed” in on the lady at her Madrid apartment

not as if France has lacked for royal families exactly, ones that have had—and which continue to have—a role in guiding European fashion, politics, culture and sport. Among those families, certainly, there can be few throughout the Gallic Republic with a bluer bloodline than the one that produced Catherine Lacoste, the youngest child of a champion golfer and a champion tennis player who changed the game forever. Catherine was born to René and Simone Lacoste on 27 June, 1945, the youngest of four children, and from the get-go it was clear that she was destined to be somebody. First things first, though: René wasn’t any old René, certainly not of the “walk away” variety. He won seven Grand Slam tournaments: the French Open in 1925, 1927, and 1929; Wimbledon in 1925 and 1928; and the U.S. Open in 1926 and 1927. During that time he was celebrated across the globe as one of the Four Musketeers (along with compatriots Henri Cochet, Jean Borotra, and Jacques Brugnon). In addition to all their individual honors, their formidable alliance won the Davis Cup for France in 1927 and 1928. Although not a natural tennis player, René’s drive, discipline and strategic intelligence more than compensated. His knack of noting the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents, and varying his play accordingly, made him a formidable opponent—and one easily identifiable, thanks to the mark singularly associated with him: the crocodile. As René explained: “The American press nicknamed me ‘Le Crocodile’ after a bet I made with Alan Muhr, the captain of the French Davis Cup team, in 1927. At the airport in Boston, he noticed me gazing at a suitcase made from crocodile skin. There and then, he promised to buy me one if I won a match that was important for our team. The American public stuck to this nickname, which highlighted my tenacity on the tennis courts, never giving up my prey! Afterwards my friend Robert George drew me a crocodile which was embroidered on the blazer I wore when I went on court.”

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The crocodile logo took on its commercial life in the early 1930s, after René’s retirement as a player, with the founding of his eponymous sports apparel brand, but Catherine tempers the praise for her father in creating this global phenomenon. “It was Bernard, my brother, who played the biggest part in building up the business,” she explained. “He was a wonderful man.” Bernard passed away in 2006, two years after Lacoste was sold to Maus Freres, which now is known as the soulless MF Brands Group. Catherine’s mother, Simone Thion de la Chaume, established herself as one of the leading amateur golfers of her time when she won the British Girls Championship as a 15-year-old in 1924. Her well-off family backed up their enthusiasm for the game by opening (in 1928) and owning (to this day) a beautiful parkland course designed by Harry Colt called “Chantaco,” just inland from the charming port of St Jean de Luz in the Basque southwest of France, less than three miles from the border with Spain. “My mother was a great champion before I was born,” Catherine said. “She married my father in Paris in 1930. I didn’t come along until 15 years later. How did they meet? My mother went to the U.S. for some reason and, while she was there, she saw him play at a tournament. Then she arranged to sail back to Europe and it happened to be on the same boat that he was on.” Catherine’s journey into the history books began on a plane going the other direction, from Paris to the lauded Homestead Resort in Virginia, and if the trip presented some logisitical difficulties it nonetheless proved fruitful. The Cascades course at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia—now part of a luxury Omni resort (see sidebar)— opened in 1923 with a design by William S. Flynn, of Shinnecock Hills, The Country Club at Brookline, and Merion fame. Before the arrival of golf, this glorious setting in the Allegheny Mountains had long been a spa retreat for U.S. Presidents, starting with Thomas Jefferson in 1818. Sam Snead launched his professional career here in 1929 as a 17-year-old, and by the time Lacoste showed up the Cascades had established its credentials by hosting the 1928 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship (the first of three in a row won by the iconic Glenna Collette-Vare) and the 1966 Curtis Cup, which saw the U.S. team win with what was then the event’s largest margin of victory (13 to 5). Lacoste, who turned 22 just two days before the 1967 U.S. Women’s Open, travelled alone from Europe to The Homestead to play in the USGA event: “I flew from Paris to JFK in New York,” she said, “and then got a helicopter to La Guardia for my connecting flight to Virginia. “When I first went there, the head professional, Herman Perry, played a practice round with me and showed me the lines off the tees and the slopes on the greens. He

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also fixed me up with a local caddie, Calvin Lloyd, who knew the course well. “My first U.S. Women’s Open was actually in 1965 at Atlantic City Country Club in New Jersey, where I finished 14th. I didn’t go in 1966 but when I went in 1967, it meant that I missed the European Ladies’ team championship, but I think the result showed it was worth it! “I took a five-stroke lead into the final round and shot a very nervous 79, but I hung on to win the title by two shots from Susie Maxwell and Beth Stone. If I’d been a professional, my prize would have been $5,000. “The course was very hard, as you’d expect of the U.S. Women’s Open, and the weather was rough. My winning total for four rounds was 10 over par. I think the only person who thought I might win that U.S. Open was my father because he’d won the U.S. Open in tennis and obviously he had the spirit to think, why can’t she do it in golf? “I’ve only been back to The Homestead once since, on the 40th anniversary of my win in 2007.” No amateur has since matched Lacoste’s feat, though four others have finished second—Nancy Lopez in 1975, Jenny Chuasiriporn, who lost in a playoff in 1998, and Morgan

Simone Lacoste in action in 1935; Catherine Lacoste, of the French golf team that just won the women’s golf world championship, with her parents René Lacoste and Simone Thion de la Chaume in 1964

THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT

By the time Catherine Lacoste won the 1967 U.S. Women’s Open here, the property’s famed Cascades Course had hosted three national championships, including the 1928 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Historic in every way, the course—which opened in 1923—is just one part of a resort that has hosted 23 U.S. presidents and more than 250 years’ worth of unforgettable moments. Founded in 1766, The Homestead has been impeccably refined by Omni as one of America’s premier resort experiences. The Cascades is joined by its elder sibling, the Old Course (1892), which features the nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use. Together they comprise only a small portion of an amazing visit. Archery, sporting clays, horseback riding, hiking, falconry and more join a worldclass spa and luxurious accommodations and dining, while in winter The Omni Homestead is a family-friendly ski resort. The resort’s Octagon Pool, fed by two natural hot springs—the very feature that drew people to the area more than two and a half centuries ago—is now available to soothe and engage modern travelers, and when combined with the area’s beauty and The Omni Homestead’s legendary service, it’s no wonder the resort endures. To stay here is to participate in a tradition of American travel that is older than the country itself—highly recommended. Omnihotels.com/TheHomestead

Pressel and Brittany Lang, who were joint runners-up in 2005. “My title defense the following year was respectable —I tied 13th [at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania]—but I never played again in the championship after that. It was pretty much for the same reason as my decision to stay amateur: I was about to get married and have a family. “I didn’t really want life to change and [turning professional] would have been a big change. In fact, funnily enough, I don’t remember anyone asking me if I wanted to turn pro or ever thinking I wanted it. “Of course, I carried on playing amateur golf throughout 1969 which was a great year for me. I won the amateur championship finals of both the U.S. [at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, TX, where she beat Shelley Hamlin 3&2] and the British Isles [at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where she beat England’s Ann Irvin by one hole].” In the case of the latter, she was following in the footsteps of her mother who won the same title at the other great Ulster course, Royal County Down, in 1927.

No amateur has matched Catherine Lacoste’s feat of winning the U.S. Women’s Open

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René Lacoste in 1927 with the tennis ball launcher he invented; and receiving the Championship Cup for winning that year’s US Open, in Forest Hills, NY

René, whose tennis days were ended by tuberculosis at the age of 25 in 1929, when penicillin was not available as a treatment, took up golf instead and got down to a 6 handicap. “The pro at Chantaco at the time, Raymond Garaialde, was his teacher,” Catherine said. “Raymond’s son Jean, who became one of France’s best ever tournament professionals, learned his golf there and played a lot with my older brothers. He is now 86. He taught me when I was growing up and I played in many pro-ams with him. At 13 I don’t think I was any better than a 24 handicap, but I improved a bit after that.” Indeed—and perhaps inevitable, given her parents’ sporting achievements. Still, there’s much to her family beyond fashion and sport. René was a prolific inventor, for example, who registered more than 20 patents. He created the first tennis-ball delivery machine, a hand-cranked device that launched tennis balls skyward for him to return overhead smashes during extended practice sessions. He also invented the tubular steel-framed tennis racket while working as a consultant for Wilson during the 1960s— around the time Arnold Palmer was contracted to Wilson. Catherine said: “I think my father got to know Mr. Palmer quite well through Wilson, also Billie Jean King. In the 1970s and ’80s he was designing Wilson rackets for Jimmy Connors who would often call him up personally.”

Catherine’s youngest daughter attended Wake Forest, Palmer’s alma mater, on a golf scholarship Among Catherine’s many abilities is her fluency in Spanish and English. She studied languages for two years at the Sorbonne, “but I dropped out because taking exams clashed with the time I needed to play in tournaments.” Afterwards, she says she worked as an interpreter in her early 20s before family life beckoned. In 1970, she married a Spaniard with a substantial name—Jaime Prado y Colón de Carvajal—and the couple had four children: three daughters and a son. (They now have eight granddaughters.) Three of her four children had college educations in the U.S., with her youngest daughter, Veronique Smondack, attending Palmer’s alma mater, Wake Forest, on a golf scholarship in the late 1990s. She has gone on to play a leading part in the management of French junior teams while her older sister, Caroline Devaux, also took up the game but did not pursue it to the same degree or seriousness as Catherine.

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Catherine Lacoste as a putt lips the cup on the 7th hole during the final round in the 1967 U.S. Women's Open at The Homestead; and with Arnold Palmer during the Canada Cup ProAm, 1963

“I was raised in Paris, and on our vacations growing up we would always stay in St. Jean de Luz,” Catherine said. “Naturally, we would play golf at Chantaco because it was owned by my mother’s family. It is very much a parkland course even though it is only a mile from the sea—pretty yet not too long. My mother was president for 40 years, then me for 35 years, then Veronique for five years. The current president is my nephew Jean-Marie Lacoste, so the family tradition is still going strong. “To this day, I always go there in the summer, from July to September, and sometimes for Christmas. Two of my children still live close by and one is married to Miguel Prada who runs a renowned equestrian centre and teaches many of the local children to ride horses. Unfortunately, various injuries over time have prevented Catherine from keeping up with her golf game, and she never really took to her father’s sport. “I did play socially in the winter, when I couldn’t play golf so much,” she explained. “It was very good physical training—good for my feet but not my movement. I had a tendency to draw not slice in golf, but tennis at the time required you to play the other way round.” After her first marriage, she became friends with the classical Spanish guitarist Angel Pinero: “I met him in the 1980s—at the time I wanted my children to learn music and he was a very good teacher,” she said. “He specializes in flamenco, and we eventually got married. I help him organize his performances. We live together most of our time in an apartment in Madrid.”

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Once known as the “Crocodile Kid” in recognition of her family’s clothing brand, today Catherine is part of a sporting legacy that, if not exactly born of a monarchy, still comprises a sort of royalty. For the world of sport, for France, and for the timeless amateur game in particular, hers is a legacy well worth celebrating—in any language.

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INCLUDES UNLIMITED GOLF, USE OF THE DRIVING RANGE AND PARKING.

TURKISH AIRLINES: READY TO TAKE TRAVELERS AROUND THE WORLD AGAIN

Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries than any other airline in the world, invites travelers to once again seek the destinations they’ve dreamt about this past year. With 321 destinations to choose from, in 127 countries spanning five continents, the oppo unities for exploration are endless. Success in Unce ain Times Despite the pandemic, Turkish Airlines was able to maintain a robust route network, closing 2020 as Europe’s busiest in flight numbers. Building on this success, the global carrier continues to provide connectivity and add new flights: most recently, the carrier launched service from its 10th U.S. Gateway, Newark Libe y International Airpo . Turkish Airlines Premium Travel Experience Travelers can look forward to world-class services and amenities, award-winning cuisine and world-famous Turkish hospitality whenever they board a Turkish Airlines flight. The airline is known for a rare dining service offered to Business Class passengers: Flying Chefs who prepare gourmet meals on board using only the highest quality and freshest ingredients, which have earned the airline many awards, including the title of the “World’s Best In-flight Catering Service” on numerous occasions. New Amenity Kits Let You Travel In Style This year, in collaboration with one of Turkey’s most prestigious a ists, designer Devrim Erbil, Turkish Airlines launched an exclusive new line of travel kits. Provided to all Business Class passengers on five to eight-hour flights, they feature an eye mask, earplugs, non-slip socks, a dental care set with toothpaste, hand cream and lip moisturizer by New Zealand brand Antipodes, known for its premium all-natural ingredients. Offered in eight different a work designs, each one features a different iconic Istanbul landmark.

Health & Safety at the Forefront While added routes and onboard services resume, health and safety continues to be Turkish Airlines’ top priority, and has been since the pandemic began, when the airline introduced new in-flight health protocols: “Hygiene Kits” containing a face mask, disinfectant and antiseptic tissue, as well as “Hygiene Expe ” cabin crews, appointed to flights to enforce all on-board hygiene and social distancing measures. Turkish Airlines was awarded the highest “Diamond” level status by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, for the airline’s continued effo s in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation, which was deemed wo hy of less than 10 airlines. Istanbul Airpo ’s Innovative Travel Experience The airline’s hub at Turkey’s new, state-of-the-a Istanbul Airpo , which is the biggest built-from-scratch airpo terminal in the world, also offers an incredibly sma and innovative travel experience. Next-level precautions, from sma screening helmets measuring passengers body temperatures to sanitizing luggage during the X-ray screening process and terminal cleaning via UV autonomous robotic cleaners, continue to keep travelers safe during their journeys. Travelers in search of a flight experience that offers world-class amenities and reassurance that health and safety are top of mind, as well as an experience that reminds them exactly why they love to travel in the first place can seize the oppo unity to widen their worlds in style with Turkish Airlines.

TRAVEL France

Provence Always Once visited, it is never completely left behind; prepare a meal, open a wine, and Provence will always be there for you

Château d’Esclans

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there are times when the light is just right, and the air feels just so, that for the briefest of moments I’m transported completely to Provence. Visceral and fleeting, the moment passes before I can fully grasp it, and so I’m left once again with just memories—but what memories they are. Like a recipe that combines simple, spare ingredients to make something beautiful, Provence seems comprised of life’s essential bests. The food, the landscape, the architecture, the wine… The wine. Grapes, sun, wind, rain and time, the same anywhere wine is made. Yet here, somehow, so much more, as if the very essence of the place gets bottled, sunshine and all, and exported as beauty to the rest of the world. And it is the wine that proves it, really: more than a region on a map, more than a terroir or a gourmand’s playground, Provence is a state of mind. “Provence is the oldest wine-producing region in the world, and for that matter, rosé, where it was first made, the oldest type of wine in the world,” says Sacha Lichine, and he would know. The man behind Château d’Esclans and the world’s most highly regarded family of Provençal rosés, including the global phenomenon Whispering Angel, says that rosé is at the heart of any Provence experience, no matter where it takes place. “Some have said that a glass of rosé from this region serves as an ‘ambassador to Provence’ and, as our wines play an integral role here, that proposition goes a long way towards Provence being a state of mind.” Thanks to Lichine, quite a lot of the world enjoys that state. Launched in 2007, Whispering Angel is now sold in more than 100 countries and comprises roughly 20 percent of all rosés consumed in the United States each year— Lichine’s goal from the start, he says. “As the idea was to make a global marque, we wanted to reach well-traveled Americans who, in particular, visit select destinations around the world and would see the

wines in such locales,” he affirms. “Beyond that, opening up distribution in excess of 100 countries clearly put our marques on the global map. So essentially, the vision became a reality.” The reasons for that include the technical brilliance of wines from Château d’Esclans, their near-perfect balance of fruit, minerality and appealing color, but they also offer a formidable note of je ne sais quoi, and it is this that makes the wines so transportive. Sitting poolside at home in Florida enjoying a glass of Rock Angel, a more complex sibling to Whispering, I’m immediately returned to the South of France and to a moment that would have been ordinary anywhere else: Looking out the open window of our suite at the auberge (inn), the moment is pure Provence: vines soaked in sunshine, the dry smell of summer earth drifting in through the open window, and the pleasant crunch of tires moving over crushed gravel. My husband has returned from the market with a bounty, and we feast on a small stone terrace overlooking trees and fountains in a charming courtyard. The bottle of rosé we enjoy is pure light, even though we’re sitting in the shade. Wandering out front we take in some of the sculptures placed around the auberge, and then head to the pool to float and frolic by ourselves. No other guests in sight, just the vines and passing clouds in the bluest sky. We’d traveled to Avignon with our then 2-year-old daughter and rented a quirky Renault to explore the wines, but also to discover the region’s food, and thankfully there was plenty of both. The westernmost part of the region, comprised of Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhone, is known for Arles, where Van Gogh often painted, for its medieval towns, and for the coast, of course, which includes Marseille and Cassis. On the eastern border there are the Alps and Cannes, while much of the wines are found in the central regions, from Haute-Alpes in the north to the Var in the south. It is in Var that Château d’Esclans is found, along with most of Provence’s rosé production. The property dates to before the 12th century and was acquired by Lachine in 2006, who moved from Bordeaux to get it and its on-site old Grenache vines, some dating back 90 years. Visitors are given a tour of the estate’s original 12th-century cellar and invited

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to taste the Château’s line, which includes six wines, all of which benefit from the climate and soil—and from Lichine’s expertise. “We are steadfastly dedicated to craftsmanship,” he explains, “something initiated by my vision and precise execution by our founding Consulting Oenologist, the late Patrick Leon who, since the beginning of 2019 has been succeeded by his son and our Technical Director beginning with the 2011 vintage, Bertrand Leon. The approach both men practiced and continue to, father in spirit and son in the Cellars, is to what you can attribute our ability to balance consistency and quality with formidable production.” As amazing as Esclans is, we spent most of our time closer to Avignon, staying at various local auberges in a few different towns. While Gordes with its incredible hillside setting and charmingly tight streets was memorable, we began our trip at the lovely Domaine Des Peyre, run by former Gault & Millau guide director Patricia Alexandre and her partner, hotelier and entrepreneur Georges Antoun. Using the auberge as a home base, we explored local villages, took a day trip to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and posed for pictures in the ruins of a 14th century castle frequented by Pope John XXII. Sampling the local markets and cooking for ourselves in our suite’s kitchenette was great, but the trip didn’t find its pace until we began discovering local restaurants. Among them, anyone visiting the area should find time for a meal at L’auberge de Carriers in Robion, which we found despite the Renault’s navigation system. Though the car spoke English, its directions were more like poorly translated suggestions than useful navigation, and so we mostly had to find our own way, which in the end meant that we saw more and a far richer experience. The food at L’auberge de Carriers was incredible, as was much of what we ate during our trip, and it inspired me to move from the table to the kitchen, a shift that was possible at our next stop: Auberge La Fenière. La Fenière lay at the end of a beautiful drive past fields of sunflowers and Pont Royal Golf Club, France’s only course designed by the great Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. Passing that and its brutally difficult greens, we drove on through the idyllic hillside village of Bonnieux and eventually arrived at our destination. This auberge is run by Chef Reine Sammut, a Michelinstarred chef twice voted “Best Woman Chef in France,” who hosts a cooking school in her elegant inn. Though I’d hoped to study French cuisine, the theme during our visit was “Italian,” and when I walked into her kitchen—late—the class was already in full, exuberant swing. Without so much as a bonjour I was handed an apron and ushered to a spot between two other women. Heads down, they were engaged in the task at hand—a task I soon discovered was nearly impossible. In front of me: a tiny knife and, next to it, a tiny pile of tiny sardines, which I was supposed to filet. I had

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Gordes [above], a divine lunch and pool at Auberge la Fenière; a small part of a local shop’s offerings in Chateauneufdu-Pape

never fileted a sardine, and it seemed a job more suited to a doll than to a full-size human. To make things worse, Reine was giving instructions in French, and if I’m being very generous with myself I caught maybe 20 percent of what she was saying. I tried to dive in, gripping the tiny blade, but I made a mess of my first fish, and then I mauled my second. Reine noticed as I floundered (forgive that), using too much pressure on the knife at first, and then too little, and she was immediately by my side. Smiling, she patiently tried to walk me through it. Someone was translating, but it didn’t help. Normally this would have been the end—I tend towards fury in the face of frustration. But this time, with Reine’s gentle voice encouraging me on, I took a breath and tried again. As I began yet another attempt to filet the tiniest fish I’d ever seen with the tiniest knife I’d ever held, Reine stopped my hand, looked at me, and said two words I finally understood: “Avec confiance.” With confidence. So the class went, and by the end I’d embraced the spirit of the place and confidently contributed to the creation of some fantastic food—with full credit going

to Reine. Watching her flit around the kitchen was like a master course in life: grace under pressure. So many pans on the burners and nothing burnt. And the whole time, stress-free and quick to laugh. No ego. No frenzy. Confiance. Her class got me out of my head, and before I knew what was happening I was laughing, too, at jokes I didn’t understand because they were told in French, and cooking beautiful food as if I’d been doing it my entire life. Later we shared a table and conversation with the other students and family outside, dining on our creations (and some of Reine’s) under vines. As another bottle of wine was opened, and then another, and so on, and as the afternoon turned into evening and finally night with the stars overhead, the warmth of the meal and new friends settled in and I knew that I would never leave this place, not really. And I haven’t. California, New York, Florida… There are times when the light is just right, and the air feels just so, and I open a bottle of something beautiful from Château d’Esclans, and for a moment I’m transported back to Provence and to my memories—but what memories they are.

As much as it is a place, Provence is a state of mind— easily rediscovered with a nice rosé

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THE WINE Château d’Esclans offers six glorious rosé wines, each with its own personality, and each with enormous appeal whether you’re in Provence or just imagining that you are

A word from Château d’Esclans owner, Sacha Lichine: “As you taste through the range, different taste profiles present themselves. Those profiles are linked to complexity and intensity amongst other characteristics, which are subjective to expert tasters and consumers alike. In terms of reflecting the different dynamics of one’s personality, the most meaningful correlation that can be made to this idea is to

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realize that the range conceived as it was is intended to provide choice relative to what may be an agreeable aperitif drink up to wine that is more complex, structured and food-driven (the latter of which was not really heard of relative to rosé at large until we launched the range in 2006). We also worked a lot on salinity in the wine-making process, which is a sign of minerality—a key distinguishing factor to our wines.”

The Palm

Grape: Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan Fresh, clean and playful, expect gentle fruit and a crisp finish.

Whispering Angel

Grape: Grenache, Cinsault, Vermentino The versatile icon that’s as lush as it is refreshing. Perfect with everything, anywhere, any time.

Rock Angel

Grape: Grenache, Cinsault, Vermentino Partially barrel fermented in oak, this is richer and more complex than its Whispering sibling; Sancerre lovers take note.

Château d’Esclans

Grape: Grenache, Vermentino Utilizes both stainless steel and barrel fermentation; creamy texture, structured, with a long finish.

Les Clans

Grape: Grenache, Vermentino Entirely fermented and aged in oak; fullbodied and quite complex, a top-end rosé that complements beautiful moments.

Garrus

Grape: Made from a single vineyard of nearly 100-year-old Grenache vines and from Vermentino The Château’s flagship. Expect epic character, spice, balance, and a sublime creamy finish. No rosé is better.

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Stunning golf and the incredible landscape of Provence— mais oui

Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort

Offering the chic style of the Côte d’Azur gilded by lavender fields and vineyards, Terre Blanche resort in Tourrettes, just 35 minutes from Cannes, offers the best of la vie Provençal. The region already has a five-star designation as one of the world’s loveliest destinations, and the resort only adds to the appeal, with a range of amenities and options to satisfy the most discerning of travelers. Certainly the appeal begins with the golf, two 18-hole courses offering serious challenges—in beautiful settings— to travelers from all over the world. The Le Château Course is an award-winning track that favors precision play among its numerous water hazards, while the resort’s Le Riou Course is a technical challenge and the annual host of the Terre Blanche Ladies Open, part of the Ladies European Tour Access Series (open to pros and to top-ranked amateurs alike). Le Riou overlooks the hilltop villages of the Pays de Fayence, giving players as charming a French experience as they could want even as they enjoy one of Continental Europe’s best golf courses. There’s the Albatros Golf Performance Center as well, with a sophisticated Biomecaswing analysis system (for the dedicated), an academy, two-level driving range and clubfitting performance center. And for when the golf is done, the Terre Blanche Spa is one of Europe’s best, with a heated indoor pool reminiscent of ancient classical baths and a number of private rooms and suites hosting numerous muscle-soothing treatment options. For those who’d rather not relax, the fitness center is cutting edge and there are high-energy training classes available, while on the other end of the spectrum there’s a dedicated Zen Space garden with relaxation chairs

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and umbrellas set out under the healing Provence sun. Equestrian activities, cycling and hiking in the pastoral countryside, a range of amazing area tours and experiences and a host of top dining opportunities on site confirm 5-star status, while the helipad makes access easy (it’s also easy to reach via car, for those who prefer to drive). Bonjour, indeed. en.terre-blanche.com

Made of the

Photograph taken at the Hacienda Santa Teresa in Venezuela.

Unexpected

Discover our rich, refi finned rum with an unexpectedly dry fi finnish. @SANTATERESARUM WWW.SANTATERESARUM.COM

TRAVEL Caribbean

ISLAND LIFE

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There is no shortage of adventure stories that take place in the Caribbean, each conjuring romantic notions of a rich life, azure waters, golden treasures and sunsplashed beaches. All of that is accessible to those who have an appetite for finer escapes, which now are more accessible than ever in the form of luxury properties, casual resorts, and modern private jet services that make both the journey and the destination worth writing about. Consider the following for inclusion in your own adventure novel, whether you actually put pen to paper or just write it in your head, preferably from the comfort of a patio hammock, cool beverage in hand…

RARE OPPORTUNIT Y ON SAINT LUCIA

For many, Saint Lucia defines the luxury Caribbean lifestyle, with its wealth of natural features and modern touches alike. The iconic Pitons, the pair of mountains that define Saint Lucia’s west coast, and the Toraille waterfall, which pours some 50 feet over a volcanic rock cliff down into a garden pool, are the stuff of tropical postcards and movies, while Saint Lucia fans such as Matt Damon and Oprah Winfrey underline the island’s VIP appeal. Soon, Saint Lucia’s luxury lifestyle will get a new setting when the exclusive Cabot Saint Lucia opens. A stunning resort and residential community that offers Coore & Crenshaw’s first Caribbean golf course and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own real estate in one of the world’s most storied destinations. The hotel will be comprised of 40 suites, all infused with equal shares of tropical beauty and modern amenities. An upscale Beach Club will define beachside life here, with refined design and five-star service at every turn. Luxury towels, chairs and umbrellas will be available, while three restaurants around the property will offer the coolest top-shelf drinks and freshest locally caught seafood available, as elegant or as laid-back as you like.

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A vision of Cabot Saint Lucia, lifestyle and the first Caribbean course from Coore & Crenshaw

All manner of sports facilities will be available as well, including tennis and PickleBall courts, basketball, beach volleyball, mini golf, a batting cage and more. For golfers, certainly, the star attraction will be the first-ever Caribbean golf course from the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. With 1.5 miles of coastline, it’s sure to be a stunner, accessible to homeowners and their guests. Cabot Saint Lucia currently is offering custom homes or turnkey residences, such as their recently released Fairway Villas, all rich with luxury details, breathtakingly beautiful views, and access to the resort’s—and the island’s—privileged lifestyle. It’s a rare opportunity on a rare jewel of an island, an incredible setting for an incredible life. Find out more at CabotSaintLucia.com

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RICH EXPERIENCE ON CANOUAN

It is a landscape for a dream: a verdant mountain resting gently over pink-and-gold-sand beaches, water the color of a precious blue gem, and as translucent, and a resort that offers a royal standard of escape. Hummingbirds flit among flowers to the sound of distant waves here, waves kept at bay by vibrant coral reefs, and so all is tranquil on Canouan. A pristine island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Canouan long has been the insider’s getaway, attracting the kind of A-list celebrities and VIPs who want to recharge in an idyllic setting free of paparazzi and pretension. Always exclusive, recently its luxury bona fides received a gilded boost with the addition of Mandarin Oriental’s first Caribbean property, which is sited inside of a 1,200-acre gated estate. Placed like a treasure amidst the white powder sands of Godahl Beach, the 26 suites and 13 villas that comprise the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan are as refined and detailed as they are luxuriously liberating. Ocean views abound from the accommodations, which are flooded with natural light and gentle sea breezes and which all have dedicated butler service. Marble bathrooms and well-appointed living areas complement sumptuous

An idyllic lifestyle and adventures aplenty await in the Caribbean bedrooms that make for cool and deeply restful evenings, while a world of activities—or relaxation—awaits outdoors. Five restaurants and bars are on site as well, offering fresh produce and ingredients in tailored culinary creations that ensure every detail of your getaway is perfect. There’s a spa and fitness center; pools and sunshine; snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and other watersports; and all manner of other activities here, including an absolutely stunning Tom Faziodesigned 18-hole championship golf course, which offers some of the best views in the region. After that, there’s an endless supply of long walks on the beach and contemplative Champagne evenings. Truly, this is paradise. With an extended runway and modern marina, Canouan receives private jets and yachts alike, though there’s also access from nearby Barbados, Mustique, Saint Lucia, Grenada and other locations, which the resort is happy to arrange on an islandhopper service or via Mandarin Oriental’s own private jet. It’s golf carts only on the island and no stress allowed—if you happen to bring any stress with you, the resort’s staff will happily remove it. Simply sublime. Find out more at MandarinOriental.com/canouan

EXCLUSIVE CLARIT Y ON WINDING BAY

The Abaco Islands don’t necessarily feature in media as much as some other Caribbean destinations, and that’s just fine for fans of The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. This private club was created with the idea of providing members, their families and guests with an international sporting club that would offer the finest tropical beach activities—and that’s exactly what the club delivers. The sportfishing is world class, with the local mangrove flats teeming with trophy bonefish, while in deeper water anglers can hunt grouper, wahoo, snapper, yellowtail and more. Head beyond the reef and even bigger game awaits—but then there’s game on shore as well, in the form of a stunning golf course designed

Unforgettable golf and a stunning view at the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan [left and above]; bikes at The Abaco Club [top]

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MORE FREEDOM. MORE TIME. The Jet It hybrid fractional ownership model is designed to meet the demands of an active lifestyle. With a rate of $1,600 per flight hour, you can restore your freedom and seize the day. Gain more time when you Jet It.

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The Abaco Club 6th & 5th Greens; [top] Sandals resort [right]

by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie. The classic links design offers pot bunkers and dunes, sloping greens and challenges that make the most of the Caribbean winds— and sea. The Abaco Club’s course has long been considered No.1 in the Caribbean, and it’s not difficult to see why. As Mackenzie told Kingdom in 2004, when the course opened, “The mixture of tropical turquoises and cliff-top views is pretty potent.” Tennis, boating, a world-class spa, and all of the beach activities one could want are here, along with top service, numerous options for membership and accommodations, and all of the sunshine and fantastic memories you can handle. Whether you’re on (or under) the water, on course, enjoying fine dining or just sitting on the beach with a cocktail at sunset, this exclusive destination is a tropical dream come true. Theabacoclub.com

Norman worked to make the front 9 as incredible as the ocean holes on the back 9—and he did

EMERALD GREEN WITH JOY

For those looking for a carefree Caribbean escape, the dynamic and all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort, could be just the thing to satisfy a thirst for low-effort adventure. Sited on the largest of the Exumas, Great Exuma, the 500-acre, five-star property has a mile of beach all of its own and one of the world’s most visually stunning golf courses: an 18-hole championship layout designed by Greg Norman. Speaking to Kingdom, Norman told us that “The largest challenge of creating the course at Sandals Emerald Bay was to make sure that the non-ocean side—the front nine—was as spectacular as the ocean holes [on the] back nine.” Job done, as far as we’re concerned. Winding its way among palms and overwhelmingly beautiful views, the course sets the tone for a perfect getaway, with the oceanside back 9 particularly stunning, lime green tones fringed by the soft white sand of Exuma’s beaches and the turquoise ocean as a backdrop. In addition to hosting The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay on the Korn Ferry Tour, its 249-room ocean-front hotel has also hosted more fantastic getaways than can be imagined. Named the Bahama’s Best Golf Hotel in 2020 at the World Golf Awards, you’ll find your escape among the 11 restaurants and attractive all-inclusive packages—which extend to green fees. Book an unlimited golf package and you’ll want to stay marooned forever. Sandals.com/emerald-bay

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ACCESSIBLE LUXURY IN THE SKY

You can get to the Caribbean and its wealth of islands on a commercial airliner, but for anyone who values control, a private jet is the best way to go. For those who desire private jet travel without the traditional barriers to entry, Jet It has emerged as a ground-breaking option. Jet It utilizes the fast and efficient HondaJet Elite combined with a revolutionary hybrid-ownership model. The Jet It business model outperforms other fractional ownership and membership services by a large margin. For instance, comparable fractional jet shares average around $2,500 per flight hour, with an $11,000 monthly management fee, and hourly fuel surcharges. Jet It offers high-end private travel at only $1,600 per flight hour, with a $4,500 monthly management fee, and no fuel surcharges, ever. Jet It owners gain full control of their schedule, the ability to create more time, and the maximum return on investment. It’s no wonder why Jet It and its Co-Founder, Glenn Gonzales, have been described in the news as industry “disruptors.” And here’s the additional kicker: their hospitality-driven Client Experience team will curate your getaway at no additional service cost. You can have their concierge schedule your ground transportation, in-flight catering, lodging, event tickets, reservations, and

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special requests. The all-inclusive Jet It concierge service is a notable differentiator when compared to other private travel services, and Jet It provides all the extra bells and whistles you expect on a private flight. If you are seeking easy, comfortable travel, Jet It is your best option. They are luxurious, cost-effective, and more fun than ever. When analyzing other jet ownership options, really, there’s no comparison. There’s so much more to know about Jet It. Visit www.gojetit.com to upgrade your travel.

Jet away to a summer discovery in the Grenadines. Carenage Bay, Canouan Island VC0450, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. For more information, please call +1 (212) 461 8068 or visit mandarinoriental.com/canouan.

GOLF Longevity

5 0 & F A B U L O U S

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Phil Mickelson’s victory in the PGA Championship, at the age of 50, was more than a recordbreaking performance on a golf course. As Robin Barwick writes, the “Awe on the Shore” serves as a reminder that we can all achieve great things in middle-age

EARLY IN PHIL MICKELSON’S FINAL ROUND at the 2021

PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, he almost let logic dictate proceedings. Mickelson was 50, he hadn’t won on tour in two years, his game was supposed to be erratic—past its sell-by date—and yet he was contending on the longest golf course in the history of the majors, with the Ocean Course measuring 7,876 yards. This year’s PGA was supposed to be dominated by the younger, longer bombers; Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm. Mickelson is no shortie. At the time of writing, after the U.S. Open, he is ranked 42nd on the PGA Tour in driving distance, with an average of 303.5 yards off the tee. His ball still reaches orbit, but on average Mickelson is 20 yards shorter than leading distance-provider DeChambeau, which makes a big difference on club selection for second shots— nevermind bragging rights. Yet on the Sunday at Kiawah Island in May, Mickelson went mano v. mano in the final pairing with Koepka—aged 31 and almost 20 years younger than his playing partner— who has made the PGA Championship and U.S. Open his special subjects over the past four years, winning each title twice.

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GOLDEN OLDIES Golf’s oldest major champions (only six golfers have won a major title after turning 45)

Mickelson leaves the 18th green after winning the 2021 PGA Championship [above] and with the Wanamaker Trophy

Despite a casual presence on course, Mickelson trains hard and looks after himself Mickelson held a one-shot lead on the first tee of the final round, yet a bogey-birdie swing promptly handed a one-stroke advantage to Koepka as they exited the first green. Finally, reality had caught up with fantasy. World order was restored. The golf course is all but four and a half miles long for goodness’ sake. Someone show some respect for the elderly and get Phil a cart! But Mickelson has been a short-game wizard since before Koepka was born. The old guy in his aviator glasses holed out from a greenside bunker on the fifth with a high, looping recovery shot. A true beauty. The gallery roared—this was the moment of ignition for which they had desperately hoped—while Koepka could not even appreciate how cool Mickelson looked in his glasses. Koepka was born six years after Top Gun came out in 1986, so he couldn’t know; he is too young. That bunker shot was the turning point of the final round. Instead of trying to steer the ball around, trying to stay out of trouble, Mickelson loosened up, he started swinging the club with greater conviction. Mickelson closed with a brave 73, one over par, to win by two shots. “I have been saying for 10, 12 years that I am convinced a senior will win a major championship,” states Bernhard

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Phil Mickelson

2021 PGA Championship

50 years, 11 months

Julius Boros

1968 PGA Championship

48 years, 4 months

(Old) Tom Morris

1867 Open

46 years, 3 months

Jack Nicklaus

1986 Masters

46 years, 2 months

Jerry Barber

1961 PGA Championship

45 years, 3 months

Hale Irwin

1990 U.S. Open

45 years, 14 days

Langer, who at 63 years old remains the man to beat on the PGA Tour Champions, for over-50s. “I can see how good these guys are on the Champions Tour. It took until this year for Phil to win a major aged 50 but it will happen again down the road. “The bad thing in a way is that length has become so important nowadays. They turn par fives into par fours because of the amazing distances these young guys are hitting the ball, but some seniors, like Mickelson, still hit the ball extremely far.” At 24, Collin Morikawa was the defending champion going into the 2021 PGA Championship. “To see Phil wanting to keep getting better, wanting to learn, I hope when I hit that age I’m still trying to do that,” said Morikawa, who was born 11 years after Top Gun’s release. Tiger Woods Tweeted that Mickelson’s win was “truly inspirational”. At the age of 50, Mickelson maintains enviable flexibility, which is key to gaining such distance off the tee. He still manages a very full shoulder turn in his backswing and delivers his clubhead on a long, accelerating journey from the top of his swing to a clubhead speed of 120mph by the time it meets the golf ball. That flexibility comes partly from his natural physicality and partly from exercise. Despite sometimes giving the impression that he is cruising along and out there just for the fun, just while it lasts, the truth is that Mickelson is going to great lengths to extend his career at the highest level. He eats less than he used to, he eats less meat than he used to, opts for occasional spells of fasting to re-set his digestive system and favors a special blend of Ethiopian coffee mixed with coconut oil.

THE RUNNER - UP WE REMEMBER

It was one of the great opening lines to a press conference. Tom Watson, as he sat down after losing the playoff in The Open at Turnberry in 2009, offered: “This ain’t a funeral, you know.” It did kind of feel like one, though, and Watson felt the heartache. Showing no disrespect for the deserving winner, Stewart Cink, Watson had been just a good bounce short of writing one of the great stories in sport. At the age of 59, he just needed par at the 72nd hole to become the oldest major winner of all time. Watson was also just an eight-iron and two putts away from joining Englishman Harry Vardon as the only golfer to win The Open six times. As history beckoned, Watson’s eight-iron second shot arrowed towards the front of the green. It looked perfect, except the ball caught a hot bounce just beyond a small mound, bounded through the green and finished in the rough. Watson dropped a shot and so went into a four-hole playoff against Cink. The chance for glory was gone. At 59, not only would Watson have been the first over-50 golfer to win a major, he would have set an age record that would have been tough to beat. “It would have been a hell of a story,” reflected Watson that evening in the press tent. “It wasn’t to be. And yes, it’s a great disappointment. It tears at your gut.” As he considered the impact of his own historic win at Kiawah Island, Mickelson was mindful of what Watson did 12 years before: “The 2009 Open performance by Tom Watson was one of the greatest performances in the sport,” said Mickelson. “He hit a perfect second shot, too. He couldn’t land it any better and it still went over. Yeah, it’s inspiring to see people like that play that well.” That July evening at Turnberry in 2009, on the west coast of Scotland, Watson added: “This would have been a great memory.” He didn’t win that sixth Open, but in fact Watson did carve out a great memory. In finishing a valiant runner-up, it reminded us that actually, the hero does not always need to win for a story to be great.

Mickelson regularly meditates to give himself a kind of mental cleansing, and on the golf course he has brought breathing control into his pre-shot routine. Then on the practice ground and in the gym, Mickelson is unafraid to embrace new technology. He and coach Andrew Gilbert scientifically analyse every characteristic of Mickelson’s shots. With such a deft short game, Mickelson was always a “feel” player more than “method”; now he is both. “The deal is that I’ve worked harder,” reflected Mickelson after the sixth major victory of his career was secured, eight years after his fifth major title at The Open in 2013. “I just had to work harder physically to be able to practice as long as I wanted to, and I’ve had to work a lot harder to be able to maintain focus throughout a round. That’s been the biggest challenge of late.” The key to Mickelson’s longevity is not in the magic coffee beans. They might be one healthy contributing factor, but the big picture is more prosaic; it boils down to hard graft, attention to detail, routine and discipline. Behind those shades, Mickelson is no longer the “Maverick” that some people think. “My desire to play is the same,” he adds. “I’ve always been intrinsically motivated because I love to compete, I love playing the game. I love having opportunities to play against the best at the highest level. The belief that I could still do it inspired me to work harder. I just didn’t see why it couldn’t be done but it took a little bit more effort.” Mickelson could swap notes with Tom Brady, the 43-year-old NFL quarterback who has won a staggering seven Super Bowls and who is notoriously fastidious about his diet and fitness regime. You can’t knock it; Brady, a reigning Super Bowl champ with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is older than some of the parents of his fellow NFL players.

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Mickelson is congratulated by Koepka after winning the 2021 PGA Championship

Steve Loy knows Mickelson better than most, as the golfer’s one-time coach, then caddie, then long-serving business manager. “Phil thinks he’s 25 years old again,” joked Loy at Kiawah Island. “I mean, he’s healthier than he’s ever been. I think he’s going to win five more times, maybe 10. You can’t tell him ‘no.’ Every time I try to tell him, ‘Look, we are running out of time,’ he’s going, ‘I don’t want to hear it.’” As for the young buck Koepka, already a four-time major champ, he knew he did not putt well enough at Kiawah, but he could see the enormity of what his playing partner achieved and he was gracious in defeat. “I’m super happy for Phil,” said Koepka. “It gives me hope that, you know, I hope I’m still playing at 50. But to come out and compete and actually win, that’s another thing. So kudos to him, it was really cool to see.” Added Mickelson: “There’s no reason why golf can’t be the game for a lifetime. If you take care of your body and do it the right way, and now with the exercise physiology and technology that’s out there, you can work out the right way to get your body to function right and play golf for a lifetime. “I hope this inspires some to just put in that little extra work, because there’s no reason why you can’t accomplish your goals at an older age. It just takes a little more work.” What Mickelson achieved at Kiawah Island should serve as an inspiration, not just to his fellow competitors on tour, not just to middle-aged golfers feeling more aches and pains than they used to, but to all people as they reach or contemplate middle age. Mickelson has proved there is still time to raise the bar, to turn bold ambitions into reality.

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GOLF Interview

E y e e o h f T a t F h s e i r h

Butch Harmon in 2014 at the Cadillac Championship

KINGDOM 52

Butch Harmon has lived a little. There was the decade as Tiger’s coach and guiding five golfers to the World No.1 spot, but the further back you look the more fascinating Harmon’s life becomes. Here, golf’s top coach walks Robin Barwick through a few rounds

IMAGINE SCORING SO LOW that you out-shoot the numbers held by the walking scoreboard carrier. That is what Arnold Palmer did at the 1960 Palm Springs Golf Classic [later the Bob Hope Desert Classic, now “The American Express”] and we know this because the scoreboard carrier on the occasion was a teenager named Butch Harmon. “They played at Thunderbird, where my dad was the pro,” starts Harmon as he stretches his memory back 61 years. Harmon’s father Claude—the Masters champ of 1948 and the last club pro to win a major—was the head professional at the great Winged Foot Golf Club, outside New York City, but he would work winters at Thunderbird Country Club, the most famous club in Palm Springs and one favored by a string of U.S. presidents. Butch was 16 years old and would often follow his father to the biggest tournaments. “Before the last round the caddie master said to me, ‘Hey, Butch, what group do you want to go with?,’” continues Harmon, now aged 77 and the most celebrated golf coach of his generation. “I said, ‘Arnold Palmer’s group, are you kidding!’ The caddie master said, ‘But he’s not leading,’ and I said, ‘Don’t worry, he’s going to win and I want to be there.’”

At the turn of the 1960s, live golf coverage on TV was gaining momentum and Palmer played the star role as golf reached into the consciousness of millions of young fans. Like most teenaged Americans who played the game at this time, Harmon was a devoted member of Arnie’s Army. “I would go to all the majors with my dad and I would just go out and watch Arnold play,” explains Harmon, who would eventually join Palmer on tour in 1969. “He was so aggressive and exciting to watch. I was so enamored with how he attacked the golf ball, how he attacked the flags, and he had this charisma. He was always gracious with fans, no matter if he was playing poorly or well. I used to tug my pants up like him and waggle the club like him. I wanted a putter like his.” So when Harmon had the luxury of choosing whose scoreboard to carry at Palm Springs, his answer was automatic. “As luck would have it, Arnold shot something low, in the 60s,” says Harmon. “He birdied the 15th to get to a zillion under par and the 16th was a par-three, about 190 yards, and he hit the most beautiful, high draw to about six feet from the hole. I was carrying the sign and Arnold knew who I was. He talked to me on the course and he said, ‘How about that shot, Butchie-boy, do you like that one?’ “I was like, ‘That was a great shot, Mr. Palmer, but I don’t have any more numbers to put up on the board.’ In those days they didn’t have enough numbers for the 21 under par that Arnold was reaching. You couldn’t use just a ‘2’ and a ‘1’. Arnold had out-scored my numbers, he was so far under par. He said: ‘I’m going to run you out of numbers, young man!’

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Clockwise from top left: Palmer and officials at the Palm Springs Desert Classic in 1960; Teaching a young Tiger at Augusta National 1995; [From L-R] Cary Middlecoff, Bobby Jones and Claude Harmon at the 1948 Masters; A newly crowned Champion Woods and his dad, Earl, with Butch Harmon and Jay Brunza at the 1995 U.S. Amaterur Championship

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“We got up to the green and Arnold missed the putt. I felt bad. I was a 16-year-old kid and I thought I had jinxed him or something. He parred 16 and I hung back after that on 17. I wouldn’t walk with the group. After Arnold drove on 18 he said to me, ‘Get on up here, you didn’t make me miss that putt. That was my fault!’” Just another illustration of Palmer’s extraordinary powers of empathy, even when the heat was on, in the final round of what was, at the time, the world’s richest golf tournament. A five-round test of endurance, Palmer won the 1960 Palm Springs Golf Classic with a final score of 338, 20 under par, after a final round 65, to beat his friend Fred Hawkins by three. The $12,000 first prize was the biggest check of Palmer’s career at the time, and set him rolling on one of the most famous seasons of his life. Palmer would win nine times in 1960, including his second Masters and his iconic U.S. Open at Cherry Hills. By the end of the year, in addition to his tour wins, he’d won the Hickock Belt and Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year” award.

“We were given a master’s degree in watching the greatest players in the world and we didn’t even know it” “Things like that happened to me and my brothers when we were young,” reflects Harmon. “We took instances like those for granted. That was just our lives. Our dad was a great player and a great teacher. I don’t think it was until we reached our 40s and we all became successful professionals that we looked back and thought, ‘My gosh, think about all the things we have been through that most people don’t get the opportunity to do, and how fun it all was.’ We were given a master’s degree in watching the greatest players in the world and we didn’t even know it.” The young Harmon would caddie for his dad in friendly games when stars dropped by Winged Foot: Sam Snead, Jimmy Demaret, Craig Wood and Ben Hogan. Tommy Armour was a member, and among the many assistant pros who came through under Claude Harmon were future major champs Jackie Burke and Dave Marr, who would give the young Butch lessons when Claude was busy. Hogan was a close friend of the family and he and Claude would play tournament practice rounds together. The promising Butch first played golf with Hogan when he was 16, and although Harmon’s brief tour career was defined by frustration, missed cuts and unfulfilled potential, Hogan still made him a member of the Hogan Staff team.

T I G E R TA M E R

Tiger Woods lost in the second round of the 1993 U.S. Amateur Championship at Champions Golf Club in Houston. At 17 there was no shame at all, particularly as Woods had just become the first golfer to win the U.S. Junior title three years in a row. Just 12 miles east from Champions GC is the private enclave of Lochinvar Golf Club, where Harmon worked at the time. Tiger’s father, Earl, had heard a lot about Harmon, particularly as Harmon’s star pupil, Greg Norman, had just stormed to a famous victory in The Open at Royal St. George’s, playing some of the best golf ever seen [see feature on this in Kingdom, issue 51]. Woods Senior was searching for a coach to guide his son from the amateur ranks to the professional and so they paid Harmon a visit. “I knew about Tiger before we’d met,” recalls Harmon. “I knew his history and I knew of some of the problems he had as a black kid trying to get on golf courses. He was sometimes wrongly accused of causing problems at golf clubs, but it was never him. Tiger knew how to behave at a golf club and he loved the game. “I still have the film from those two days at Lochinvar. It was the August of 1993 and throughout the 10 years I worked with Tiger he would say to me, ‘You don’t still have that film of me when we first met when I was a skinny kid do you?’ I would put it on and Tiger would say, “I hate looking at that! Look how skinny I was! Look at my swing!’ And I would say, ‘Yeah, but remember how good you were for your age.’ “When I first saw Tiger swing a club, standing there was a tremendous amount of natural, raw talent. He was like a trophy that needed to be polished. The natural ability needed to be brought along but the raw talent and selfconfidence of the young man were amazing. “That day I said to Tiger, ‘Everybody has a go-to shot on a tight driving hole, like a little fade. What is your go-to shot? He said, ‘Nah, I just hit the ball as hard as I can, go and find it and hit it again.’ That really is how Tiger thought. He was not being arrogant but he was an aggressive player. In those days he did not have the ability to work the ball both ways. He just hit the ball and found it, hit it and found it and then made the putt. That was his theory and he was pretty damned good at it.” Soon afterwards, Harmon and Earl Woods—both Vietnam vets—came to an agreement, remembers Harmon: “I said to Earl that if I work with your son, and then he goes home and you dispute what I am saying, it probably wouldn’t work. So if you don’t think you can turn him over to me it is probably not a good thing. Earl said, ‘I’ll make a deal with you: I won’t try and be his golf coach if you don’t try and be his dad.’ That was fine with me.” Harmon did not issue Woods with an invoice until he turned professional. By the time they parted ways, 10 years later, Woods had won eight of his 15 major titles and

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Butch Harmon, looks on at Dustin Johnson’s iron play during a practice round prior to the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach; Rory McIlroy working on his putting with Harmon at the 2015 PGA Championship, Whistling Straits

produced probably the best golf ever played, particularly during the “Tiger Slam” run in 2000 and 2001. Today, after 35 years on tour, Harmon prefers to work from his academy at Rio Secco Golf Club near Las Vegas. He does not miss the airports, hotels and varying time zones of life on tour, while he still keeps busy working with players remotely or when they come to Nevada. “I don’t have any player under contract,” adds Harmon. “I just charge an hourly rate and I charge everyone the same, doesn’t matter who they are. It’s been fun. I have had the chance to work with some players who I could not have worked with before—Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, they came to see me because they wanted an opinion, not that I was trying to become their coach—I work at my own pace and I deal with who I want to.” That’s not to say Harmon does not miss being so close to the action from time to time. “I miss the major championships because usually I would have two or three players with a chance to win, and I miss the rush of being there for that,” he admits. “I miss the camaraderie. I like being around people and I like seeing great players hit great shots under tremendous pressure. They make it look so easy that I don’t think the average person realizes the immense pressure they are under.” So if you would like Harmon to look at your swing plane, give his office at Rio Secco a call. He might not be free next week, but it’s worth waiting for some things, and as Harmon says: “I tell people that the best thing about coming here is that for every bad shot they hit afterwards, they can just blame me.” Just don’t ask him to keep score.

KINGDOM 52

“I just charge an hourly rate and I charge everyone the same, doesn’t matter who they are”

Go for the

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GOLF College

THE COLLEGE GAME Whether for hope of future glory on a pro tour or for a dedicated love of the game, college golf offers something special

KINGDOM 52

NOT TOO MANY YEARS after the United States had its first golf course, the country had its first college golf champion: Louis Bayard, Jr. of Princeton took the individual title and Yale the team in the 1897 event, then sponsored by the National Intercollegiate Golf Association. The NCAA took over in 1939, and the list of individual champions since then, both men and women, has long read like a yearbook for the professional tours. But for every Bryson DeChambeau (2015); Tiger Woods (1996); Phil Mickelson (1989, 1990, 1992); or Annika Sorenstam (1991), there are many more college golfers who do not find or even pursue a career on tour—or even one in the game. This is more true of Division II and III players (D2 and D3), for whom a serious love of golf must preclude any thoughts of future glory. And yet at every level the college game is compelling, harkening to a pre-TOUR era when amateur competitions dominated the sport. Its competitors must balance the rigors of training with full class schedules and sometimes with jobs, but in the end, whatever diploma they receive, college players might end up learning more from the game than they did in any campus classroom. “All sports along the way can teach you good habits and responsibility, but golf, out of all the sports, probably teaches it best,” says John Tyson of Tyson Foods, who recently launched the Blessings Collegiate Invitational golf tournament. Looking forward from its 2020 debut, the co-ed event looks to feature ten of the top men’s and women’s teams from across the country, including programs from each of the Power 5 Conferences. For Tyson, to support college golf is to support a better future, he says, and that begins with creating opportunities for young individuals.

Beth Hall Photography

BLESSINGS COLLEGIATE INVITATIONAL

Now in its second year, the tournament founded by Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson [above] is a men’s and women’s mixed event, with teams from ten D1 schools competing over 54 holes of stroke play. It takes place this October 4–6 at Blessings Golf Club in Arkansas, a stunning venue built by Tyson that also serves as the home of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s and Women’s golf teams. “Supporting both men and women was important to me,” Tyson said of the mixed tournament format. “The result is based on the combined scores of the men’s and women’s teams, and so no matter how one group places the other has to keep playing hard because they might still have a chance to win overall.” As Tyson says, the competition is meant to offer the players a chance to test themselves in a cooperative team environment, but also to have an experience that will continue to impact them throughout their lives. “For a lot of these young kids, this is the only time they’ll play on TV… And though I never played college golf, I learned young and I’m still learning, both about the game and the process of the game but also golf’s full of life-long lessons. They were real when I was young, and they’re just as real today.” Blessingscollegiate.com

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“Golf offers a form of discipline that people are required to have that allows them to succeed,” says Tyson. “And if you have that form of self-discipline, those habits are good habits, they carry over into your life after sports. You might not continue to play sports and to stay in shape, but you’ll have that ability to say, ‘These are the five things I have to do to get my business presentation done,’ or ‘These are the five things I have to do to get my plan ready for next year or to make my community better.’ “The college game teaches you habits and responsibilities and obligations. You have a responsibility to the game, and you have a responsibility to the game of life, and the game of life is the greatest responsibility.” Tyson opened The Blessings Golf Club in 2004, and then he opened the world-class facility to the local students on the University of Arkansas Men’s and Women’s golf teams. Having the Razorbacks there has underlined another important facet of the college game, which is its through-line across generations in terms of education, camaraderie, and appeal. “Inviting the kids is part of the experience here,” Tyson explains. “They interact with the members, and the members get to see college kids succeed. For members with young children, the young children get to see college kids working, disciplined practicing, and they’re learning by observation, sharing conversations on the practice tee when some of the college kids play with the young kids. They play with the young kids, they play with the members, and you get on a golf course you start talking about things. Out of that conversation there’s always some tidbit, some advice. Somedays you get blessed when the golf ball hits the sprinkler head and goes on the green; sometimes it hits the sprinkler head and goes in the ditch. You can’t focus on that. The Blessings offers a chance to be outside in Mother Nature, a space of learning, and having the college kids here is really a great fit. I’m really grateful that the members have helped me and the kids and created an environment that is comfortable for everyone.” Arkansas is a D1 school, and has produced PGA TOUR pros like John Daly and Andrew Landry, among others. It’s also produced top players that have competed in the Arnold Palmer Cup, an elite college event founded in 1997 by Palmer, on other tours and in other competitions as well. For D1 players, golf’s opportunities are as available as its lessons, but for D2 and D3 players, the rewards inherent in the game must be closer to the point. “It’s got to—really got to—be a love that’s inside you for the game,” says Mike Hustava, Director of Communications at Saint Vincent College, a Division III school in Arnold Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, Penn. “There’s no scholarship money, lots of traveling, balancing school and work like any other student athlete, and so it has to be a love and passion for the game of golf.”

KINGDOM 52

ARNOLD PALMER CUP

Founded by the great man himself in 1997 with the Golf Coaches Association of America, this Ryder Cup style event sees the best men and women college players in the U.S. facing off against their counterparts from the rest of the world. Starting in 2018, the Palmer Cup was the first major U.S. event to feature men and women playing side-by-side, in line with Palmer’s original vision for the tournament, which is supported by the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, Rolex, and Nike, among others. Beyond simply showcasing great golf, the tournament also celebrates those who emulate the character and values that Palmer championed throughout his life, and is a heartening demonstration of sportsmanship and international camaraderie. Played this year at Rich Harvest Farms near Chicago, the 2022 event is scheduled to take place at Golf Club de Genève in Switzerland, in line with the alternating schedule of domestic/ international venues, which has included some of the world’s most beautiful courses. Arnoldpalmercup.com

SVC’s golf team’s home course is Latrobe Country Club, on which Palmer grew up and learned the game, and while the facilities are modest compared to the typical D1 school, no one can argue that one can’t succeed in such an environment. And yet it’s less likely that the kids who play here will find themselves on a pro tour, but that’s not the point, says Hustava—who knows what he’s talking about. Also an SVC alum, he played baseball here and says that unlike a bigger school where sports might be the point for a student, at DIII schools sports is more of an integrated facet of a greater experience. “I look at this from my perspective as a graduate about nine years ago,” he says. “So many things I learned here I knew that I’d learned, but over time you grow even fonder in appreciation for the education that was received, the things you learn about yourself, the things you don’t even realize that you’re learning. That comes with a liberal arts education, but it also is due to a real commitment by every person here, faculty, staff, coaches—a full commitment to each student, and that’s certainly reflected in our athletic programs. “Sports often presents such a great representation of what we face long after we stop playing competitively. While you’re a student athlete you’re practicing and honing your sport. But what they see long after they’ve graduated

is persistence and perspective, you reset your mind after a bad shot or a bad day or something challenging happens, you don’t let one bad shot turn into another bad shot, being able to control what you can control… All those different types of things draw parallels between the physical act of playing and applying those same concepts to life. Here, our president, Father Paul Taylor, really emphasizes preparing you for a successful career, but also a meaningful life. The transformational experience that we hope that our students are able to undertake here can take so many forms, and so many of my great experiences came through athletics. For the golf team, learning the game’s lessons playing at Latrobe Country Club, a place with real history, that’s something that will stick with these young adults for a long time, no matter what they do.”

The college game teaches you how to handle your responsibility to golf, and to life

JACKSON T. STEPHENS CUP

Set to debut this October, the event was created by Jackson’s son, Warren Stephens, in honor of his late father, the former Augusta National Chairman. “Our goal is to create a distinctive and highly-competitive collegiate tournament that is comprised of tomorrow’s PGA TOUR and LPGA stars playing some of the country’s premier golf courses,” said Stephens, the tournament chairman. “Dad truly believed that golf instilled life lessons and built character, especially when started young. Therefore, he would be very humbled and proud that this tournament is named in his honor.” Co-ed, the Stephens Cup field will feature top NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams, along with invited players from HBCUs and the U.S. Military Service Academies. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place this Oct 17-20 at Stephens’ Alotian Club in Arkansas, with the 2022 and 2023 events scheduled for Seminole Golf Club and Trinity Forest Golf Club, respectively. Stephenscup.com

Evan Schiller | golfshots.com

SUMMER 2021

Blessings Golf Club —

Returning this Fall: Blessings Collegiate Invitational Johnson, Arkansas – October 4-6, 2021

An Ozarks Contemporary clubhouse with timeless views that never take you off the course.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing Division I Golf

Photo: Hugh Hargrave

Andy Ogletree & Cole Hammer2019 Team USA - Won Gold in the Men’s Team

THE SPIRIT

The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship was founded by Corbin Robertson, Jr., owner of the competition’s venue, Whispering Pines Golf Club in Texas. Benefitting The Spirit Golf Association, which promotes amateur golf for philanthropic purposes, the tournament is now in its 10th year and, like the Palmer Cup, features an alumni list of players who have gone on to win numerous professional titles on tours around the world. Each participating country team must be comprised of two amateur women and two amateur men players, and it’s encouraged that player selection is based on National Championship results. In 2019, Sam Saunders and Stacy Lewis served as ambassadors, and notable alums include Lorena Ochoa; Francesco Molinari; Jason Day; Martin Kaymer; Paula Creamer and numerous others, who were in college when they participated. As Robertson has said about the event, “There is nothing more memorable than bringing people together in the name of golf and in the spirit of serving others. It’s a magical experience.” Thespiritgolf.com

Former D1 player Madison Lomas offers advice for anyone in your life considering a run at college golf It’s been five years since I graduated from Cleveland State University, where I played Division I golf on a full-ride golf scholarship, and I definitely miss those days: all-expenses-paid travel, golfing every day, state-of-the-art golf facilities, physical trainers, golf coaches, fitness coaches, nutrition coaches, amazing new clothes and shoes every season… The list goes on. I had everything a girl could want, but at the time those things were an afterthought. When I received the offer letter and was handed that green Vikings hoodie and an envelope with an inconceivable dollar amount on it, all I was thinking was, “the pressure is on, the LPGA is calling...” Needless to say, with that mindset things were going to be a bit stressful. But hey, hindsight is 20/20, right? So, looking back, here are 10 things I wish I knew before jumping on that plane from California to Ohio. 1.

Comparison is the Thief of Joy – Golf can be a team sport, and a truly exciting one at that. But sizing yourself up against your teammates on day one is a surefire way to impede on that potentially beautiful team bond, and the ability to be indestructible against your opponents come game time. Golf practice was always spent together–not solo–for a reason, and there are so many benefits to helping each other out and working through any glitches in your swing or doubts in your mental game. There is an element of wanting to be the best that can be helpful, but getting upset when another player scores better than you, that’s an opportunity to think, “Hey, I’m in incredible company right now.”

Quit Future Tripping – I think my biggest downfall was the pressure of wanting to be on Tour. If I wasn’t playing my best or meeting the incredibly high expectations I held for myself, I would crash and burn. I spent many nights after class banging golf balls without purpose in front of a Trackman, just hoping by sure will power the 89 from practice would turn into a 75. I always thought to myself “Shooting these high scores will NOT get me on Tour.” There’s an element to that which is helpful, but being on a Divison I team is hard enough on its own; thinking about your career before receiving your diploma is definitely putting the cart before the horse.

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Stay in the Moment – Having the opportunity to be a member of a Division I team and spend your days playing golf with other men and women who love the game as much as you do is not something to take lightly. I didn’t truly appreciate it until after the fact. This experience isn’t something everyone gets to be a part of, so get out of your own way and look around. I have a horrible memory in general, but it’s the memories with my teammates that continue to stick with me. The men’s team and women’s team shared a head coach, so we spent all of our time together and it felt like a family.

Don’t Get Rid Of ANYTHING – During my time at CSU, I received so. much. swag. And today, I have one longsleeved shirt, one workout shirt, a couple polos, and my decked-out personalized CSU golf bag. I complain on a daily basis about how I wish I “still had that hat from that one tournament we played in Indiana,” or “those golf shoes from Junior year... I want those to play 9 holes in right now.” I got rid of probably 90 percent of my stuff from college and I feel so much regret. Not only for sentimental reasons, but all of it was quality, and probably one of a kind. I don’t want to come off as a hoarder, but if you plan to continue golfing after college, you’re going to be proud to represent your team and maybe even, deep down, have the opportunity to brag a little bit about your former DI status at your local muni.

Help Me, Help You – It was so much fun helping teammates become better, not only behind the ball, but in the classroom too. I loved offering advice (when asked, because nobody wants unsolicited advice) and seeing improvement when others were struggling. I wish I did more of this, because when I helped a fellow teammate, I got priceless guidance in return. Additionally, getting advice from a peer rather than a coach can be easier to absorb. Being as involved as you can with your teammates is so helpful, and insurmountably better than trying to improve on your own. Never Say No – If anyone offers a study session at the library, take it. If your roommate says they are going to hit balls before bed, go with them. If your coach offers you a book about mental game, read it–don’t let it sit in your golf bag like I did. You never know what experience or epiphany will come with that moment. Keep Your Classwork With You, Always – You are going to spend an incredible amount of time in vans, cars, planes, and hotel rooms and very little time in your dorm room to study. My teammates were really good at this, but it took me a while to get the hint. I spent too much time in the dead of night cramming before class

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to get my work done and it was not fun at all. Writing an essay in the back of a mini-van may not sound ideal, but it’s totally worth it when you come home exhausted after a three-day tournament. 8.

Breathe – Being a full-time student and a full-time athlete is 100 percent the equivalent of having two full-time jobs. My schedule, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday was stacked, and that’s without adding in homework and solo practice sessions. And don’t forget the weekends, which were booked with homework and golf. It got really stressful for me, and like I noted above, pressure isn’t a good look for me. So, I wish I made meditation or any time of decompressing a priority.

Short Game, Short Game, Short Game – If you have to practice one thing, practice chipping and putting. And this is for ALL OF YOU, not just the aspiring college golfers out there. I know first-hand how fun it is to pretend I’m on the Professional Long Drive Association, but that’s not going to help you when your team is three strokes away from being handed the title.

10. For

The Love of God, Have FUN – I’m ending with this because this, to me, is the most important piece of advice that I wish someone had told me before starting my college journey. I took myself WAY too seriously, and had I loosened up a little bit and viewed things for what they were, I think I would have enjoyed myself more and even played better as well. As they say, “find something you love and you won’t work a day in your life,” right? Don’t work *too* hard, and instead, bask in the wonderful experience of playing the most beautiful game in the world for a living—or at least for an education.

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GOLF Influence

TEE FOR

Or three, or four? A few golfers play the game with tunnel vision, oblivious to their playing partners and opponents. The majority, though, are hypersensitive to the presence and quirks of others. And not every outcome is harmonious and gracious, as Paul Trow discovers

Patrick Reed pats Jordan Spieth on the back at the Ryder Cup, Hazeltine National, 2016

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GOLF HAS BEEN A BLUEPRINT FOR COMPANIONSHIP

for more than four centuries, yet not every on-course association has proven a recipe for social concord. Proximity hasn’t always meant placidity, off-course friendships haven’t always translated to on-course felicity—and vice-versa. Case in point: One of the greatest on-course partnerships in history, one that essentially established St Andrews as the “home of golf.” Back in the 1840s alternate-shot foursome was the preferred format, and its supreme exponents were the resident professional Allan Robertson and his worthy assistant Tom Morris. They ran a shop, with Robertson as boss and paymaster and Morris as everything else. They gave lessons, repaired and made clubs, oversaw the course superintendent duties, and managed the caddies’ roster. Nothing of a golfing nature occurred in the Auld Grey Toun beyond their ambit. The heartbeat of their hegemony, though, was an unassailable record in match-play over dozens of matches for purses and wagers put up by local lairds. According to legend, they never lost. On that basis, Robertson must surely have valued Tom as gold dust, especially as each victory cemented their fame and, more importantly, rang the tills. Alas, a rather airy matter proved otherwise.

Robertson, whose livelihood depended on making and selling “featherie” balls, caught Morris playing one day with the cheaper and more efficient gutta percha ball, made from the sap of a Malayan rubber tree. Their friendship and success counted for nothing as Morris was fired on the spot for disloyalty and banished from St Andrews, going on to become head pro and superintendent at Prestwick. The “guttie” eventually eclipsed the “featherie” and Morris blossomed into golf ’s eminence grise, eventually hatching a plan to bring the better pro players across Scotland together for a one-day, 36-hole tournament, with a red Moroccan leather belt as the prize. Thus was born golf ’s first Major—the template for all that followed. Bad for Robertson, the breaking of his “team” nonetheless proved good for golf, even if it exposed the challenges of on-course relationships—challenges that grow exponentially as team sizes increase. Consider captains in Ryder, Solheim or Presidents Cups, trying to make pairs from teams of 12. It’s not as simple as having the players use the playground method of “I’ll take so-and-so,” and “I’ll buddy up with so-and-so.” With personality and strategy both at issue, wild blunders are sure to be made—such as saddling Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson with each other, as U.S. captain Hal Sutton did so disastrously at the 2004 Ryder Cup. On the other hand, imagine 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk’s frustration when, after watching the pairing of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed combine for a record of 8–1–3 across two Ryder Cups and the 2017 Presidents Cup, the dynamic duo suddenly split in 2018—and in very playground fashion: “The issue’s obviously with Jordan not wanting to play with me; I don’t have any issue with Jordan,” Reed said at the time, adding that he was “blindsided” by Furyk pairing him with Tiger Woods. “Blindsided my ass.” The New York Post quoted another [anonymous] member of Team USA as saying. “He begged to play with Tiger.” And you can almost hear the bell signaling it’s time for recess.

Friendship and success together counted for nothing; Tom Morris was fired on the spot Top of the game c.1850s: Bob Andrew (aka “The Rook”); Willie Park; Tom Morris; Allan Robertson; D Anderson; and Bob Kirk

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G O L F. H A M P T O N H A L L C L U B S C . C O M

1975 Masters champion Jack Nicklaus smiles as runner-up (by one stroke) Tom Weiskopf speaks

“As you looked at Jack on the first tee, you knew that he knew that you knew he was going to beat you” Beyond teams, often the mere presence of a particular person in a group at a stroke play tournament can inhibit his (or her) partners, not to mention opponents in match play. Witness how many worthy competitors have folded in the company of Tiger Woods, and before him Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan. As his career blossomed, no one could have gone to greater lengths than the gentlemanly Palmer to put his playing companions at ease, but he couldn’t help the fact that the gallery—invariably the largest on the course for any single group—was interested in only one player. The moment Palmer had putted out they rushed to the next tee regardless of whether the other players had finished the hole. No matter how hard the King tried to quell his subjects the task usually proved impossible. Nicklaus was far sterner in his tactics, often slowing down the pace of play when it was his turn, knowing that the delay might heighten his opponent’s anxiety. He was superb at getting inside the head of a fellow player, and perhaps his greatest victim was Tom Weiskopf, a fellow long-hitting

Ohioan nearly three years his junior. There’s a long list of Nicklaus–Weiskopf moments in which the Golden Bear seemed to triumph via the force of his presence, but one of the most notable, certainly, was in 1980. Out early in the first round of that year’s U.S. Open at Baltusrol, NJ, Weiskopf played the round of his life, a seven-under-par 63 to lead the field by three. Near the end of the day, as he relaxed in the clubhouse, Weiskopf heard that one of the late finishers had matched his score. When he learned the culprit was Nicklaus, his shoulders visibly sagged. Three days later, Nicklaus was crowned national champion for a fourth time while Weiskopf finished 37th, and never contended in a Major again. Years later, Weiskopf spoke for his whole generation: “As you looked at Jack on the first tee, you knew that he knew that you knew he was going to beat you.” Nicklaus’ take on his dominance was more nuanced, believing that for whatever reason he was able to play his natural game in the heat of battle for longer than his contemporaries. Another Nicklaus ploy (not specifically visited on Weiskopf) was to play “cat and mouse” with his rivals over club selection. The classic instance of this came late in the final round of the 1978 Open Championship at St Andrews. New Zealander Simon Owen, alongside Nicklaus, held a one-stroke lead over the great man and was on a roll. Both were safely on the 16th fairway, Nicklaus the shorter by 20 yards. His 9-iron approach landed short of the green but ran up to within 6ft of the pin, persuading Owen not to hold back with his wedge. The resulting 2-shot swing, after Owen’s ball had bounded through the green and into a divot, was all it took to secure the Bear’s third Claret Jug. Nicklaus wasn’t immune from the effects of on-course pairings, either, evidenced in problems he had with the wisecracking Lee Trevino. After missing a six-footer on the 72nd hole that would have won him the 1971 U.S. Open at Merion, PA, Trevino found himself in an 18-hole playoff with Nicklaus. The tension on the first tee was broken when the ever-playful man pulled a rubber snake from his golf bag and held it up for the crowd to see before tossing it at his opponent. It certainly lightened the mood but it might also have softened Nicklaus’ competitive steel as Trevino galloped to a three-stroke victory. The showman Walter Hagen would have laughed that off, but what Woods would have made of such a prank is another matter altogether. When he accompanied the yellow-clad Sergio Garcia in the final round of the 2006 Open at Royal Liverpool he was merciless. He laid up behind his adversary time and again only to fire approaches in close, often with long and mid irons. No wonder the headline writers played around with “cat and canary” images afterwards. Considering Woods’ Ryder Cups, though, a curiosity on playing partners comes to light: While his singles ratio is on the plus side, his fourball and foursomes results are disastrous—19 defeats in 28 attempts with a variety of

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Woods’ intimidating presence can affect both foes and friends at his side— not ideal in team matches

Lee Trevino pulls a “snake” out of the grass at Merion Country Club in 197 1, much to the amazement of spectators. Woods is congratulated by Garcia at The Open, 2006.

partners. Clearly the long-time world No.1’s intimidating presence affects both friend and foe, making the conundrum of on-course relationships all the more vexing. Palmer, Nicklaus and Trevino were all far more productive partners. With Nicklaus, though, there was always an edge. While following the afternoon fourballs on the first day of the 1981 Ryder Cup at Walton Heath in Surrey, England, I found myself standing by one of the greens alongside Nicklaus and Watson. The pair of them were bickering like children, Nicklaus complaining about the lies Watson had given him during the morning foursomes and Watson moaning about the Bear’s heavy-handed putting. It was an extraordinary conversation on which to eavesdrop, made more so by the fact they had comfortably beaten Peter Oosterhuis and Nick Faldo 4&3. The pursuit of perfection is clearly not to be compromised, even by a workmanlike win over worthy opponents. That same afternoon, I fell into conversation with Trevino while watching a match involving Jerry Pate. Trevino said he was running the rule over Pate because he would be partnering him the next day. Paraphrasing his words, the gist of what he told me was that Pate had all the talent in the world but wasn’t the brightest of tacticians, so he (Trevino) had been assigned to his case. Needless to say, Trevino and Pate duly chalked up two emphatic second-day wins. Ballesteros, deprived of his injured partner and compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal, shepherded and chivvied mild-mannered Englishman David Gilford into playing like a man possessed during the 1995 Ryder Cup at Oak Hill, NY. Four years earlier, a clearly intimidated Gilford was blown away while partnering Faldo at Kiawah Island, SC. By all accounts, Faldo barely spoke to his junior partner

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en route to 7&5 foursomes thrashing. Of course, Faldo’s preference for his own bubble served him well during his jousts with Greg Norman, most notably in the final round of the 1996 Masters and the third round of the 1990 Open at St Andrews. The scoring differential in the former was 67-78 and in the latter 67-76— both in Faldo’s favor. Whether it’s an odd slight splitting the likes of Robertson and Morris, a who-knows-what between a duo like Spieth and Reed, or the proximity effects of certain personalities (intentional or otherwise) throwing players off their games, there’s no question that as much as golf is a game played together—and though the likes of a Ryder Cup might be “one for all”—in the end competitive golf is more often one for one, and it always has been. Consider Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. Fierce rivals, they surely would have been a formidable pairing, and yet it never happened. The sangfroid between them was summed up once when Snead, waiting to be taken to a tournament, was asked by his driver whether he’d like to be joined in the car by Hogan. “Not particularly,” he replied.

PHOTO BY NANCY BENSON

BE A HERO

JUST FOR ONE DAY PL AY A GOLF MARATHON AND BE A HERO TO OUR NATIONS MILITARY FAMILIES. FOH. OR G / GOL FMAR ATHON S

DRINK Blending

PANNING FOR GOLD

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A whisky’s appeal is so personal—a delicious dram to one might taste like detergent to another—that it begs the question: Could a rank amateur blend his own perfect pour? Robin Barwick traveled to the Dewar’s Aberfeldy distillery to give it a try... Pictures: IAIN STRUTHERS

hey say that the Pitilie Burn in Aberfeldy, hidden deep in the southern Highlands of Scotland, is laced with gold. It sounds like a myth, yet in the 19th century the landowner, the Marquis of Breadalbane, is believed to have acquired the rights to mine for gold in Aberfeldy. The mining never commenced, so who knows? This land could lie on a bed of gold—and the summer grass here does sway with a golden hue... But then the gold might be something else entirely, for beyond question is the quality of the water that flows through the burn, water that is the source for the Aberfeldy Distillery, the spiritual home of Dewar’s whiskies. Before feeding the River Tay, the Pitilie Burn skips through halcyon woodlands, thick with birch, where back in 1787 the bard Robert Burns wrote of how “the crystal streamlet plays.”

And so what better place to start a “working” day than upon the banks of the Pitilie Burn, hot toddy in hand, contemplating those from past centuries whose footsteps we follow, those who also have enjoyed the soothing melody of the Pitilie Burn under this woodland canopy? It is also a moment to contemplate the challenge that lies ahead, the challenge to create my own whisky blend, a blend that I hope might do justice to the natural beauty of Aberfeldy and the long-standing, peerless heritage of Dewar’s. There is not much chance that I, a whisky-blending novice, can create a blend of any real quality, let alone subtlety, but as I savor the nectar of my delectable hot toddy (ingredients: hot water, lemon juice, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon and Dewar’s 12-year-Old) I resolve to create a blend that I can imagine sharing with Burns on a summer’s day by the Pitilie Burn —a prospect for which Burns might not share my enthusiasm, to be honest, as he wrote of wanting to “spend the lightsome

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My eyes dart around the room for the fire extinguisher— this is a bonfire in a glass

days” in Aberfeldy with a particular “Bonie lassie.” Many things I may be, but a bonie lassie I am not. “Aberfeldy was the only distillery to be built by the Dewar family and so I like to imagine that A.J. Cameron, who was the first master blender for Dewar’s, took inspiration from the spirit that was being produced at Aberfeldy for Dewar’s White Label,” starts Stephanie MacLeod, who is only the seventh Master Blender to serve Dewar’s over 174 years of production—and she is the first woman to hold the post, which she has done since 2006. Dewar’s White label has been the cornerstone of Dewar’s success, a distinct blend characterized by a swirl of honey with a sprig of Scottish heather. As for the famous Aberfeldy single malt, they simply call that the “golden dram.” “When you look at the two flavor profiles, they are both very approachable,” says MacLeod. “The heather, honeyed notes coming through, but still with a backbone of complexity to them both, so for me, Aberfeldy really is the spiritual and physical home of Dewar’s.” The Aberfeldy distillery began producing its single malt in the 19th century, and it immediately provided the backbone to all Dewar’s blends. Aberfeldy is patiently fermented for an extra-long 72 hours, which helps bring out its honey notes. There is a fantastic visitor experience to be enjoyed at Aberfeldy, taking in the Pitilie Burn, the distilling process, an interactive heritage exhibition, a bar and shop stocked with every single bottle in the Dewar’s range, and also, for those inclined, the opportunity to create your own blend. Whisky blending is a complicated process—really a personal introspection is required before you can hope to bottle a meaningful expression. My spirit guide is Dewar’s

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ambassador Gary Ross. In the beautifully antiquated blending room at Aberfeldy I might be out of my depth, but at least I can wear a lab coat stitched with the name “John Dewar,” after the 19th century shopkeeper who founded Dewar’s Whisky and who was one of the earliest recorded expert whisky blenders. In front of me are five bottles of whisky from which I will create my blend. The first is a bottle of Aberfeldy 16-Year-Old single malt, super-charged at a cask strength of 52.5% alcohol. “This Aberfeldy 16-year-old has been aged in a refilled sherry butt,” explains Ross, “so you can taste dried fruit and spice along with the classic, sweet, honeyed citrus character that you would expect from Aberfeldy. This is a bold whisky.”

Robin Barwick working on his blend with Dewar’s ambassador Gary Ross [right]; The Aberfeldy distillery [left] and enjoying a hot toddy by the Pitilie Burn

It is rich, golden and warm, yet offers a clean finish and only subtle sweetness, with fresh vanilla and a slice of pear. Getting nervous with this wealth of precious possibility I eye the exit, but suspect I would trip as I round the corner of the long, oak testing table and smash the Aberfeldy on the floor, with this cherished molten gold spilling everywhere, taking my hopes and dreams with it. The four remaining bottles to test are all given generic labels to represent distinct varieties; Highland, Lowland, Speyside and Islay. “The Highlands whisky is mellow, soft and brings tropical notes,” shares Ross, with his nose sunk into a tasting glass. “Quite fudgy, lots of toffee, floral sweetness. This one is from the eastern Highlands, and is a little lighter and fresher than the Aberfeldy, from here in the central, southern Highlands.” I find the lightness of this Highlands whisky quite appealing, although I am keen to give my blend a strong sense of its home—of Aberfeldy and its rugged heritage— and so this second Highland option, while appealing, already is relegated to a bit-part. Next comes the Lowland whisky, which is made from 90 percent grain whisky and 10 percent malted barley. “Scottish grain whisky is like a high-strength bourbon,” says Ross, as the scents of fudge and vanilla rise up from the glass. “Here we find butterscotch sweetness. Buttery in character. On the palette there are green grassy, herbal characters. “Grain whisky adds balance to a blend. In blending it is your best friend. It is not massively characterful or flavoursome compared to the malts but it holds everything together and brings smoothness.”

I am drawn into the easy, sweet, creamy taste of the grain whisky and like the idea of this being the base of my blend, binding the other flavors together. Next is the Speyside, from northeast Scotland—which is home to half of Scotland’s distilleries, and there is a historic precedent for this. Back in the 19th century, as the whisky trade was in its early evolution, this land of rolling hills was fairly inaccessible from the big cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, so many illicit stills were set up in the hope they were safely out of reach of the government’s excise men. “Speyside whiskies are renowned for soft water, peat and great barley,” explains Ross. “They are soft, elegant, fruity single malts. Oakmoor is a typical Speyside; so approachable, very perfumed, floral, fruity and sweet. With this Speyside whisky we also find grassy, woody sweetness, green fruits, apples and pears.” After nosing and sipping the Aberfeldy, Highland and grain whiskies, I am not sure where Speyside fits. If I had started out with it then perhaps it would be different; I like the scent but I am looking for a Highland-heavy blend. This regional whisky journey ends at the Islay bottle. “Islay whiskies are robust, earthy, peaty, but also biscuity,” describes Ross. “People often love or hate Islay whiskies, with not too many in-between. A drop of water can help to tame the smokiness and bring out more of the flavors.” My eyes dart around the room for the fire extinguisher— this is a bonfire in a glass! Particularly coming after its softer, fruitier cousins, the smokiness leaves me gasping for oxygen, and I fear Islay could overpower my blend. As I am about to push the Islay bottle to the far side of the long table, Ross reminds me that each of these whiskies would bring character to a blend, adding layers to

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“When the labeling is taken away, all they are faced with is the whisky and its aroma and its taste”

a taste profile, some hiding from the palate until a dram has been swallowed. I am reminded of Macleod’s thoughts on enjoying a dram: “Most people like to be engaged when they are drinking and to be thoughtful about it, and to really think about the flavours that come through,” she says. This is what I want: a whisky to enjoy after a good meal, a nightcap to be savored and to fuel contemplations as another day slips into history. Perhaps the sun is going down, perhaps it is long gone, but either way I want my whisky to suggest a drove of flavours. “Everybody has their own idea of what they like,” adds MacLeod. “Some like peaty whiskies and put lots of Islay into their blend. Then they nose it and realise, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s undrinkable!’. The blending session really helps people discover what they like about whisky—what flavors they truly like. “Some people are influenced by whisky labels too, but when the labeling is taken away, all they are faced with is the whisky and its aroma and its taste. The blending session changes people’s perceptions of what they thought they liked. They start to consider what it is that they actually want from a whisky.” On the testing table are measuring jugs and cylinders, a jug of water, and permission to experiment. I think I ended up being very brave. My final blend contained one percent of Islay. No more, no less, and I think it worked. I let the grain whisky set the tone, to bring a calm, smooth undercurrent to carry the other flavors. The grain made up 50 percent of my final blend and then Aberfeldy came in with 35 percent as the strongest force on the palate. I added 10 percent of Highland and four percent of Speyside, in the hope of giving a long game to the flavor profile. On the nose, the fudge and vanilla of the grain comes through, warm and inviting, and I like how the smokiness of the Islay holds back, coming through as a gentle reminder

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on the palate. There is no holding Islay down—even at one percent it will be heard. I took the indulgence of describing my blend to MacLeod, like a Little League upstart with a new bat asking Sandy Koufax to come at him with the good stuff. “It sounds like you have been very nosed and very thoughtful,” says MacLeod, the diplomat. Heck, it’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in years! “Some people think grain whisky is lower quality and cut that back, and make a blend with mostly malt, but the beauty of a blend is that it is very much the sum of its parts. We are always striving for balance but also for complexity, so we are looking for these little jewels of flavour that are going to burst out. So putting in a little bit of Islay, a little Speyside, some more robust Highland flavours, this gives texture and complexity as well as balance.” The last job when creating a blend is to name it. I would not be rushed, but as I left Aberfeldy, with the Pitilie Burn tinkling down to the River Tay, it hit me: Fool’s Gold.

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BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

mark twain wrote that “it’s not the size of the dog

in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog,” but in the case of the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed such ponderables are irrelevant. The Bentley is a huge dog with huge fight, and if it were an actual living dog, it would be a gorgeous snarling monster, a no-contest Best in Show raised on raw meat and rocket fuel, and it would eat Mark Twain and his typewriter and then blow through the entire library so fast that all of the pages in all of the books would explode into the air in a massive cloud of jumbled words, and however the smoldering mess fell to earth… Well, that’s all you’d need to read about the Bentayga Speed. It’s dizzying. It’s gorgeous. And if you’re comfortable shopping at this price point then it’s also kind of practical. In fact, it might be the most “Bentley” Bentley we’ve driven, and we love it. What’s more, we didn’t expect to. Anyone who’s driven anything from the storied marque knows it: Bentleys are not small. But while formidable weights and measures to some could seem curious in a car, in an SUV they make perfect sense. SUVs are meant to accommodate numerous passengers, haul cargo, capably deal with a wide array of conditions, and generally intimidate people in those odd tiny European cheese-wedge two-seaters that were popular for a minute some years ago. Put simply: SUVs are meant to be big, and Bentley’s Bentayga certainly is that, at just under 17 feet long, just over 7 feet wide across the mirrors, and with a kerb weight of 5,542 lbs, slightly heavier than a fully grown white rhinoceros. But in the Bentayga Speed’s case there are two differentiators [widely] separating it from other SUVs, and they are (1) performance and (2) comfort.

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PERFORMANCE The weight hardly is noticed thanks to Bentley’s superlative 6.0-litre Twin-turbo W12 TSI, specific to the Speed in the Bentayga lineup (non-Speed Bentaygas get Bentley’s solid V8). Here the W12 makes 626hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, getting the Speed from 0 to 60mph in 3.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 190mph, hence Bentley’s claim that the Bentayga Speed is the fastest SUV in the world. Under hard acceleration from a dead stop, the experience is thrilling: shoved back in your seat, arms stretched, a glorious engine note growling as the model-specific 22-inch wheels claw at the road, but the thrills aren’t limited to straight-line fun. The Speed is agile as well—and it’s unlikely you’ll be dragging it. More practically, driving on South Florida’s two-lane Tamiami Trail, aka “Alligator Alley,” the Bentayga Speed allowed us to confidently pass the lumbering train of RVs, family wagons and others slowly ambling across the state. A flick of the wheel, a touch on the accelerator, and we leapt ahead, worry-free and on our way. A range of driving modes are available—Comfort, Sport, Custom and “Bentley” (a nice balance between Sport and Comfort)—and “Sport” best showcases the vehicle’s capabilities, generally tightening things up and optimizing combined performance from the 8-speed transmission, all-wheel-drive system, suspension and power plant. Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system includes an impressive active roll control component that keeps the Speed planted, and it’s a wonder to experience. Electric motors on the front and rear axles provide instant, variable resistance as

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and when required, keeping things level through turns and bends, while optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes reassuringly wait to stop the ride when needed. At 440mm, these are among the largest on the market in this class and they’re the most powerful brakes ever fitted to a Bentley. Off road things can be as nice, with an All-Terrain Specification option that rather invisibly ensures off-road performance and ride quality mirror on-road, no manual configurations required. More than just fast and fantastic around town or on the highway, the Bentayga Speed genuinely is capable beyond the pavement as well, and for us this ticks a “credibility” box that SUVs should, in our opinion, have. This is a serious vehicle on or off-road.

COMFORT But then who wants to get it dirty? Best to leave the competition in the dust—and the dust on the competition. The Speed’s design details, from the tip of the polished “Flying B” on the hood to the W12-specific oval tailpipes at the rear, create a compellingly beautiful form that communicates hand-crafted confidence and status. It’s stately, and the Bentayga Speed turned a lot of heads during the several days we drove it around South Florida, whether parked outside one of Miami’s trendy mid-day eateries or shining under the stars at the edge of the Everglades. Low and showing ample carbon fiber thanks to our “Black Specification” (on the splitter, spoiler and side sills), the vehicle’s sporty exterior suggests its power, but inside things are much more refined. Hand-built, Bentleys always have offered myriad personalization options, including a wide range of colors, woods and trims for dash and seating surfaces and so on, and truly Bentley customers can get the Bentley they want, as bold or understated as they like. Ours, with “Havana” exterior paint, had Alcantara on the seat cushions and back rests, on the steering wheel and elsewhere throughout the cabin. Crown Cut Walnut veneer

covered surfaces, as did contrast stitching in diamond quilting, and there were numerous other touches. “Speed” appears in various places as well, including on the floor sill, on the dash and in the seats, further underlining that this is an extraordinary version of what is already a less-ordinary vehicle, and fit and finish all are to Bentley’s incredible standards. There isn’t an inch of the interior that doesn’t appear rich, supple, well-considered and well-crafted, and the overall effect is immensely satisfying. So, too, is the cabin experience, elevated with an array of cutting-edge technologies that help either to improve the driving (e.g. well-engineered navigation and “birds-eye view” parking camera on a huge, bright touchscreen; adjustable heads-up display and more) or comfort and enjoyability, as the top-drawer Naim for Bentley audio system and [surprisingly effective] in-seat massage options did. Again, no matter whether we were in Miami’s sophisticated downtown or in the wilds of the Everglades, the Bentayga Speed’s cabin was a world unto itself, cool, uncluttered, supremely designed and incredibly comfortable, with the music and climate always set to “perfect.” Add in the fact

The Bentayga is the most complete Bentley we’ve ever driven—beyond capable in a variety of environments

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that our camera gear and luggage didn’t come close to filling the 62.6 cubic feet of cargo space (that’s total; 17 cu ft behind second row) and that the 22.5-gallon tank offers near 400 miles in range and it’s understandable that we genuinely liked our time with the Bentayga Speed. SUVs have become the practical workhorse vehicles of the modern era, shuttling kids and their accessories around, handling grocery and shopping duties, managing friends and golf equipment across town and being ever-ready for an extended road trip. To have a vehicle that handles all of the practical demands of an SUV while providing sportscar-like performance—all of it in supreme comfort—really is quite a feat. And while a road trip in any Bentley is a wonderful experience, if we had to pick just one vehicle from the factory at Crewe, something to handle everyday life and occasional adventures as well, it would be hard to look further than the Bentayga Speed.

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2021 BENTLEY BENTAYGA SPEED ENGINE:

6.0-litre W12 626hp, 664 lb-ft of torque 0-60mph 3.8 seconds T O P S P E E D : 190 mph P R I C E A S T E S T E D : $285,085

DORMIE NETWORK ArborLinks Nebraska City, NE Design by Arnold Palmer Ballyhack Roanoke, VA Design by Lester George Briggs Ranch San Antonio, TX Design by Tom Fazio Dormie Club West End, NC Design by Coore & Crenshaw Hidden Creek Egg Harbor Township, NJ Design by Coore & Crenshaw

To inquire about Dormie Network membership, scan the code or visit DormieNetwork.com/Kingdom-Magazine

Dormie Network is a national network of renowned golf clubs combining the experience of destination golf with the premier hospitality of private membership.

Victoria National Newburgh, IN Design by Tom Fazio

ONE MEMBERSHIP. ONE NETWORK. UNMATCHED.

DRINK Rum

KINGDOM 52

A connection to a homeland, a celebration of life, a way to make the world better, and a poetic history—all in a single glass

THERE ARE TWO VENEZUELAS: one that changes but

does not move, and one that moves but, in its heart, does not change. In his Vuelta a la Patria (Return to the Homeland) Venezuelan poet Juan Antonio Pérez Bonalde describes the first: “Ese cielo, ese mar, esos cocales, ese monte que dora el sol de las regiones tropicales”— that sky, that sea, those coconut trees, that mountain that gilds the sun of tropical regions... That is the country for which the second Venezuela longs, scattered as it is all over the world in the form of 5.4 million people who left their homeland in recent decades. Wherever they live now, many stay connected to Venezuela through family, friends, food, music, and dreams. But before the dreams, when the music—or the silence—is beginning to pull at the heart, there is reflection, and there is Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa rum has its roots in land on which people have gathered for more than 15,000 years. Archaeologists discovered evidence of pre-Columbian civilizations in Venezuela, although the Spanish didn’t give it the “little Venice” name until 1499, believing the topography was similar to that of the Italian city. By the time of the American War of Independence, Venezuela had a robust trade economy, a sophisticated music school, and an intellectual center in Caracas, with its own university that taught medicine, engineering and Latin, among other disciplines. And in 1796, the same year Great Britain ceded its last remaining forts

CW from top left [opposite]: Alex Noriega; Clarissa Hines; Juan Pablo Fonseca

to the United States, Santa Teresa rum was born with the founding of Hacienda Santa Teresa in the Aragua Valley, just over an hour west of Caracas. Through wars, revolutions, and all manner of economic and political upheavals, the Hacienda has endured, first as a site for coffee, cocoa and sugar cane, and since 1830 as a source of premium rum. More than just a spirit, Santa Teresa rum is Venezuela’s spirit, at once a global ambassador for the country and a cultural touchstone connecting Venezuelans who have stayed with those who have left—and all Venezuelans with the land itself.

Connection

“When you sip it, you feel that you are home,” says Clarissa Hines, who was born in Caracas but left in 2010. Now the rum’s North American Brand Manager, she said her family was overjoyed when she got the job. “They were like ‘SANTA TERESA!’ It wasn’t the position, it was that ‘She works for Santa Teresa!’ They don’t need to explain to their friends, and the position itself isn’t important; it’s the brand, it’s what it means. Santa Teresa has become a source of national pride for all Venezuelans… It’s a feeling that, unless you’ve gone through what Venezuelans or Cubans or any other culture that had to leave a country have gone through, it’s hard to understand. You’re far away from your home, but you’re able to be part of it. It’s really incredible to accomplish.” “For me, I feel pride in representing something that’s from Venezuela,” says Juan Pablo Fonseca, also from Caracas and living in the United States as Santa Teresa’s Regional Marketing Manager. “In recent years, when you speak about Venezuela it’s mainly sad news. To be able to

Through more than 200 years of wars, revolutions and turmoil, Santa Teresa has endured

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Project Alcatraz

present something wonderful, something you’re proud of, it feels great. And for now, it’s word of mouth, it’s telling the story one person at a time, talking to the guy behind the bar, to individuals. It’s an intimate story, and when people hear it, it spreads love for the brand, and it’s real.” The Hacienda was founded in 1796, and since 1830 it has been run by the Vollmer family, who maintain their commitment both to the land and to the local communities— including a few locals one might not necessarily expect. (See sidebar: Project Alcatraz)

Premium Quality

Juan Pablo points out that Santa Teresa’s incredible story wouldn’t matter if the rum weren’t of the highest quality, and it is, with the Hacienda’s products widely regarded as among Venezuela’s best. The country’s climate, soil and rich geography create the perfect conditions for a uniquely good sugar cane and for top rum production, and “The context speaks loudly,” says Clarissa. “It’s a tall order to be the best in a country that is well known for its world-class rum.” As Venezuela’s oldest rum brand, experience helps. The exceptional Santa Teresa 1796, for example, is crafted by the Hacienda’s Maestro Roneros, with blends up to 35 years aged in bourbon oak barrels, then further aged through the artisanal Solera method. Consistency is key, and so along with 225 years’ worth of history in every bottle, there is some of the very first 1796 cask as well. The original cask of the 1796 was never emptied. Rather, each time a bottle is drawn, the cask is topped with a slightly younger rum, and this is repeated with each and every bottle of Santa Teresa 1796. The experience of enjoying this rum, no matter where one lives or was born, is sublime. A formidable amber/red spirit with a dry

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In 2003, gang members broke into the Hacienda Santa Teresa and attacked a guard. Quickly caught by the on-site security team, the criminals were offered a choice: either be handed over to police, or work at the Hacienda to make up for their crime. The gang members accepted the jobs and “Project Alcatraz” was born. Still going strong, the program recruits criminals from gangs, rehabilitates them and gives them a second chance. Along with vocational training at the Hacienda, they’re offered mental counseling and formal education, and they’re introduced to rugby, through which they learn the values of respect, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and humility. The thinking behind the project might have been bold, but as Santa Teresa CEO Alberto Vollmer explained, it wasn’t without logic: “The guys from the gangs are used to risking everything,” he stated. “So when you give them a chance to do something positive in life and they take it, they become an extraordinary force.”

fruitwood nose, in the mouth it reveals incredible depth and complexity, sun-warmed leather and vanilla, cinnamon, dark chocolate, nuts, rich fruit and hints of honey and pepper. “Even whiskey drinkers like it because it has a smooth and unexpectedly dry finish,” says Clarissa, pointing to the rum’s growing popularity around the world. Neat or with an ice cube, Santa Teresa 1796 sits nicely next to a top bourbon, although with notes recalling the sea, beach and jungle, this very much is a rum. For anyone who enjoys a rich premium spirit with character and versatility, Santa Teresa 1796 should be a regular fixture on a home top shelf; but for many others around the world, it will always be so much more than that. “Once you hear the story it changes everything,” says Alex Noriega, Santa Teresa Brand Ambassador. “You think about the people who’ve been given a second chance because of what we have here. This is an extraordinary product from real, genuine people. There’s so much passion in this from everyone who works for the brand, and people hear that. It shows you that passion can be turned into anything.”

Once you hear the story, it changes everything; this is an instrument of change and positive connection Published in 1877, Bonalde’s poem of longing for home still resonates with Venezuelans today. Although the poem’s name recently was appropriated for less poetic efforts, the sentiment is as modern as ever, evidenced by Caracas ska band Desorden Público in their song Los Que Se Quedan, Los Que Se Van (The Ones That Stay, The Ones That Go Away). In it, they sing, “Cuando golpee la melancholia… Saltará tu corazón cuando tu te conectes/When sadness and homesickness hit you… Your heart will jump when you connect.” More than just a rum, Santa Teresa is a connection to a country, its people, its history, and its better future. In that, no matter where one is from, Santa Teresa is an authentic communication of spirit, one that we’re happy to enjoy, and one that we’re happy to share. Find out more at santateresarum.com

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CLUB

TO AND F RO M THE SEA 122

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Built on the land, golf often touches the sea—both literally and emotionally. Any well-sited and welldesigned course can yield the overwhelming feeling of boundless freedom, whether the crashing waves are seen or imagined. Land ho...

ERIN HILLS Wisconsin

t seems odd to describe a course that opened in 2006 and that is somewhere near 1,000 miles from the nearest ocean as having a traditional links feel to it, but Erin Hills is exceptional in many ways. In an era of hurried buggies and hurried lives, architects Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten created a course to be walked and savored. And what a course. The site of the 2017 U.S. Open is majestic, a 652-acre property encircled

by natural wetlands and the Ashippun River, all of it breathtaking. At a maximum of 7,800, the yardage on the card seems never-ending, but the fairways are seeded with fine fescue to give a well struck ball bounce and fast run-on so no golfer should find it marathon-esque, particularly in late summer. Erin Hills is a magnificent course to play, but for a complete escape stay for a night or two; the lodging, big sky, epic golf and genuine hospitality combine to make staying here a true lifetimememory experience. Visit erinhills.com for more

The green on the 165-yard, challenging par-three ninth

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LANA‘I Hawaii

here are few more intriguing sets of islands to explore in the world than those that comprise Hawaii, and a quick hop by plane from Maui yields one of Hawaii’s most alluring: Lana’i. Discover beaches, swim with bottlenose dolphins and, if you stay at the island’s sumptuous Four Seasons Resort, enjoy golf on a dramatic Nicklaus design. The course contains three holes on cliff outcroppings

and scenery so stunning you will need to build an extra half-an-hour into your round for photography. With five different tee box options there’s fun to be had for all levels, but from the backs, with shots over natural gorges and ravines requiring both length and precision, it is also a challenge for the low handicapper. No matter. Whatever your card says on the 18th, the Mai Tais at the 19th—along with the property’s top-shelf dining and relaxation options—make for a beautiful day regardless. Visit fourseasons.com/lanai for more.

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ED GEWO OD Tahoe

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pulence can be defined in a number of ways, the most tasteful of which can be found at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Complementing its alpine setting along the shores of Lake Tahoe, with the majestic peaks of the Sierra framing epic views, the resort offers everything one expects of a true luxury property in terms of a spa, dining, and superlative accommodations. But it’s the golf that drew us here, the rich 18

holes that play along the shores of the lake and which work hand-in-hand with the setting to offer an unforgettable golf experience. George Fazio created it in 1968 and his nephew, Tom, renovated it some years later. The course has hosted a U.S. Senior Open Championship, a U.S. Public Links Championship and other tournaments, and with the crystalline waters of Lake Tahoe and the snowcapped mountains in the distance setting the scene, Edgewood Tahoe is ready to host anyone with an adventurer’s spirit and a bon vivant’s soul. Visit edgewoodtahoe.com for more.

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Evan Schiller | golfshots.com

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OLD HEAD Ireland

ld Head of Kinsale, a headland that strethces two miles into the Atlantic Ocean in Ireland’s County Cork, appears on a map drawn by the Greek historian Ptolemy in 100 AD. The men who settled it were adventurers to be sure, and more likely than not, dreamers as well. So it remains today at one of the most spectacular golf clubs in the world. With luxury Members

accommodations and the finest in personalized service, Old Head has views for miles from its 180-acre links and practice area. Atlantic waves crash 300 feet below while cliffs frame this singular golf experience—the Old Head Experience— leaving no doubt that this is one of golf’s “must visit” locations. Stunning suites look over the course and Old Head Lighthouse, while the on-site Spa at Old Head will dispel whatever stresses could possibly remain here. One for the ages, to be sure. Visit oldhead.com for more

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BACK ISSUE OFFER For a limited time, order any of our back issues featuring iconic images of Arnie and get 50% off with coupon code kingdom50 visit kingdom.golf/store to order your issues now

ISSUE 52

Q UA R T E R LY

SUMMER 2021

The Ex l Explore Issue Everglades Peace & Quiet on the last frontier

Provence How to get there with one bottle & two glasses

Butch Harmon

$20 where sold

The professor to the stars shares his legacy of knowledge

Kingdom.golf

/ KingdomGolf

/ KingdomMag

/ ArniesKingdom

GIFT GUIDE Summer

Liberating Finds As the world reopens, a chance for rediscovery is at hand—and in hand, with these fine pieces

Aerin

E N ZO T RAV E L D OMI N O CA SE For those who like to dice with dots, contained within an Italian Croc Embossed Leather case is this stylish Travel Domino set. It is sufficiently compact to include in a carry-on bag while gaming abroad, but attractive enough to store on a tabletop or a bookshelf at home. A E R I N .CO M

Ettinger

C O TSWO L D W EEKEND BAG Named for one of the most scenic parts of England, the Cotswold Weekend Bag is ideal for when you need a few nights away. As you would expect from the iconic British luxury brand, this elegant canvas holdall has been framed beautifully with waxy leather trim and perfectly attended-to details, giving it an “old world” quality with modern style. Strong, durable and luxurious, this easily helps you get a classic weekend in hand. E T T I N G E R .CO.U K

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Roche Bobois D O L PHIN C HAIR

Designed by Cédric Ragot, the seat of this chair balances on a wooden structure that was apparently inspired by the shape of dolphins. Purposeful and elegant, the chair is available in both leather and fabric finishes—and, unlike actual dolphins, in a wide variety of colors. R O C H E - B O B O I S .CO M

Dewar’s

CHA M P IO N S E D I T I ON From the iconic Scottish Distiller and official Whisky partner of the U.S. Open, comes the first ever release of the highly collectable Champions Edition. Aged in first fill ex-American Bourbon casks this 19 year old whisky strikes rich notes of honey, toffee and vanilla. It is a limited edition release, and with the interest from Scotch aficionados, collectors and U.S. Open fans alike, you made need to act fast to secure this year’s release. D E WA R S .C O M

AUDIO PRO

T3+ PO RTABL E BL UETO O TH W IREL ESS SPEAK ER This wireless portable speaker provides clear treble and deep bass and comes with a long-lasting rechargeable battery that provides listening of up to 30 hours at half volume, or 12 at full. With solid output and quality construction, the official anthems of summer now have their official speaker. A U D I O P R O.CO M

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GIFT GUIDE Summer

Pachacuti Panama Hats T HE N AVIG AT OR

No gentleman in the sun is without a Panama hat. Featured here is the Navigator from Pachacuti, in a fine llano herringbone weave. The hat is made with natural coloured toquilla straw, expertly and tightly woven by hand in Ecuador, the true home of the Panama. Finished with an elegant Italian navy ribbon, the Navigator can be rolled to easily accompany you on all your adventures for years to come. Check out and order the Navigator and other top of range Panamas online, options include bespoke coloring—ideal for clubs and pro shops. PA N A M A S .C O.U K

Dubarry

Brizard & Co

A classic 3-eye tie boat shoe, hand-sewn in Europe with Dubarry’s DryFastDrySoftTM leather on the Extralight® sole unit, offering the durability of traditional craftsmanship and the lightweight flexibility of cutting-edge sole technology. The padded collar and non-marking non-slip sole offer all-day comfort, while Dubarry leathers are reputed to age like a fine wine, whatever the adventure. A classic in every way.

The Havana Traveler is for the cigar aficionado on the go. Crafted of the finest top grain leather, it opens to unveil a suede-lined compartment with a 5-cigar cedarlined case with 4 solid Spanish cedar dividers; 6oz flask; genuine leather pouches to store and protect a lighter and a cutter. Cutter and swagger not included.

C O M M O D O RE B OAT SHOE

HAVANA TRAVEL ER

B R I Z A R DA N D CO.CO M

D U B A R RY.C O M

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Srixon

STAR TO UR DIVIDE BAL L The new Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE is a performer through and through, boasting all the drive-boosting, chip-stopping performance of a classic Q-STAR TOUR, but in a new dual color construction. The longer your alignment line, the easier it can be to line up your putts. And with DIVIDE’s one-of-a-kind seam line running around the entire golf ball, you get 360° of alignment so you can putt with perfect aim. Moreover, the two-tone cover produces a strobe effect while spinning, revealing the speed and direction of spin on each of your shots, a powerful tool for tracking and improving your consistency. S R I XO N .CO M

McLaren Eyewear SUNGLASSES

Constructed on the twin pillars of luxury and performance, Mclaren has launched an eyewear line that combines avant-garde design, high-tech materials, and functionality. An instant favorite with us at Kingdom, featured here are the SUPS20 sunglass shield, patented 180 Degree rotating titanium hinges, dual non-slip composite polymer injected temples, colored by physical vapor deposition coating, and powered by high-index HD polyamide sun lenses. Prescription options are available. E DWA R D B E I N E R .CO M

XXIO

L ADIES FUL L SET From XXIO, the industry leader for high performance lower-weight clubs, comes their Prime Royal Edition, a statement of quality, luxury, and performance, all carefully curated for female golfers. The stunning design and unmatched attention to detail provide speed, distance, and an incredibly easy swing feel. Try them and you will immediately experience the difference ultra-premium equipment crafted for a woman’s swing can make. X X I O U S A .CO M

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GIFT GUIDE Summer

Holderness & Bourne

B A RN E S S HIRT A N D K I N G V E ST A firm Kingdom favorite, Holderness & Bourne offers premium apparel and accessories inspired by the game of golf. Alex Holderness and John Bourne started the company in 2015 with a shared vision to design a better fitting golf shirt. Their innovative shirts and versatile layering pieces blend classic style with modern fit and performance. The build quality is excellent and it is clear each item has been carefully cut to improve a golfers look and performance. Shop their new summer arrivals at: H B G O L F.CO M

GEM

EL EC TRIC , STREET - LEG A L PER S O NAL TRANS P O R TATI O N More than just a golf car, the all-electric GEM LSV is street legal on roads up to 35 mph making it ideal for personal transportation around your community. The Gem offers not just superior comfort and safety, but it is also customizable with options like the transparent Panoramic Sky Roof, vegan leather upholstery, sport tires and rims, interior feature lighting and a Bluetooth-compatible Rockford Fosgate speaker system. In addition to white and black exterior colors, the 2022 GEM is also available in 11 bold matte and gloss paint options. Up your game and shine. G E M C A R .CO M

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GIFT GUIDE Summer

HIMALI

Kelly Kettle

MIN D S E T & FO CU S D OWN

S C O UT STAINL ESS STEEL C AMP KETTL E

Himali gear was founded by and is used by mountaineers, and it has the endorsement and participation of Ed Viesturs, one of the greatest mountaineers of all time. Products like The Mindset ¼ Zip Pullover, part of the Ed Viesturs Collection, and the Focus Down vest (lightweight, stuffable, and using high quality, ethically sourced down and a premium windproof fabric) look great and offer serious performance as well, including for savvy winter golfers. Even better: Himali reinvests in the Himalayas region, supporting social programs and local communities. Attractive, effective, and responsible—#builtfortheclimb.

At 2.2 lbs and needing whatever fuel is available—sticks, grass, pine cones, bark etc.—the Scout Kettle boils 41 fl.oz of water quickly whatever the conditions. K E L LY K E T T L E U S A .CO M

H I M A L I L I F E .C O M

Paraboot AVO RIAZ

Originally developed for mountainous terrain, the Avoriaz is now an urban stunner, handmade in France. The upper is constructed with waxed leathers in order to provide a high level of protection from the elements, and the sole unit is produced in the Paraboot factory from a rubber compound for flexibility, durability, comfort and grip. The classic hook lacing adds a final touch of vintage appeal, perfect for social climbing or city trekking. PA R A B O OT.CO M

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On Running

C LO UDULTRA TRAIL SHO E . With super comfortable multi-layered cushioning, the Cloudultra is designed for all-terrain adventure and off-road running. Born in the Swiss Alps, it is ready to rack up epic mountain mileage, glide you through gilded woodland and protect you across rock-strewn routes and stony paths. Get moving! O N - R U N N I N G.CO M

Aftershokz

Coloral

When out running or cycling, conventional headphones have a tendency to fall out or off, and also cut off the sound of situational danger. With nothing inside or over your ears, bone conduction technology allows for awareness and comfort while you listen. Aftershokz’s wraparound Titanium frame ensures a secure fit that will both stay in place during outdoor activities and deliver one of the widest dynamic stereo sounds that bone conduction can offer.

Originally designed in the 1940s by Coloral as a water vessel to keep cyclists hydrated during gruelling grand tours, here the gorgeous bottle is reengineered at 14 fl.oz. Its design harkens to an era when life and sport were simpler, but its lightweight and compact construction—and its being vacuum insulated to keep cold drinks cool and your hot drinks piping hot—are the stuff of today’s champions.

A F T E R S H O K Z .C O M

CO LO R A L .CC

WI R E L E S S B O N E CON D UC TI ON HE A D PH O NES

THE O RIGINAL C YC L ING B O TTLE

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Czech & Speake

AIR - SAFE MANIC URE SET Keep yourself well-groomed on the road with this pioneering travel set. Designed with rounded edges to conform to international restrictions on hand luggage for air travel, the set includes a Teflon-coated nail file, round-headed tweezers, nail scissors and nail clippers. An excellent combination of minimalism and function, the instruments are hand-made in Germany by expert tool makers. C Z E C H A N D S P E A K E .CO M

Brothers Artisan Oil

Maison Margiela

Rosewood & Cedarwood are blended with argan and jojoba seed oil to lock in hair’s natural moisture and prevent splitting, making this a top quality beard oil. For your olfactories, wood and earth combine in just a drop to transport you to the great outdoors, even if you’re isolating in the city.

An invigorating Eau de Toilette, Sailing Day takes you back to the ocean on a summer day. An aquatic accord is reached through a mix of aromatic and pure notes of red seaweed, salty ambergris and coriander.

GRO O M IN G OI L

B R OT H E R S A R T I S A N O I L .CO M

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SAIL ING DAY

M A I S O N M A R G I E L A - F R AG R A N C E S .U S

LEGACY Ryder Cup

Palmer's 1975 Ryder Cup golf bag standing in tribute on the first tee at the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course, 2016

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A sublime player in tour matches, Arnold Palmer’s performances in golf’s preeminent team competition were no less inspiring

ON OCTOBER 4, 2016, the light falling on the Ryder Cup trophy filtered not through a clubhouse lobby or museum’s glass case, but through the high windows of a church—and, really, the Cup never looked more at peace. Hundreds had gathered in the basilica at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to honor one of the town’s favorite sons, Arnold Palmer, and the crowd included most of that year’s U.S. Ryder Cup team. Palmer’s death just five days before the start of the 2016 Ryder Cup had cast the competition in a glow that was at once reflective and inspiring. Ultimately, that glow helped the Americans to victory at Minnesota’s Hazeltine National Golf Club. And so, when a 27-year-old Rickie Fowler brought the Cup into the church and carefully placed it atop a table behind the last row of pews, it felt as if the trophy was where it was meant to be, back with one of its finest heroes.

Palmer’s 22 wins, 8 losses and two halves puts him among the greatest Ryder Cup players ever, a record gilded by his perfect 2–0 as the U.S. Captain. In his seven total appearances, six as a player (including one as the last playing Captain, in 1963), Palmer’s teams never lost the Cup and Palmer himself never lost his affection for the tournament, which he always considered to be one of golf’s greatest. “I loved the Ryder Cup because it simply wasn’t about playing for money,” he wrote in his autobiography, A Golfer’s Life. “It was about playing for something far grander and more personal than income and money lists. It was all about playing for your country, your people, and therefore yourself, and it was pure joy to try to beat the best of Britain and Ireland in an honorable game almost as old as the Magna Carta.” Since 1979, when players from the European continent joined the GB&I team, it’s been the U.S. vs Europe (although which flag(s) will fly over the American opponents postBrexit will be interesting to see), but the spirit remains the same as when Palmer was charging to Ryder victories, with the tournament’s “far grander” purpose often inspiring tremendous performances from its competitors. As Palmer himself said, “The game brings out the best in us, and the best will always bring out their games at the Ryder Cup.” In Palmer’s case, he had to wait until 1961 to bring out his game, despite being one of the best players available for the previous event. Due to arcane PGA rules in place at the time, which required a five-year apprenticeship of sorts before pros could join the PGA or compete in the PGA Championship, Palmer wasn’t allowed to collect Ryder Cup points leading up to the 1959 Cup. As he told Kingdom in 2012, “I didn’t get my membership until it was too late to compile enough points to make the 1959 team, even though I had won five times [during the qualifying period], including the Masters. So, in effect, the PGA said I was not qualified to make the team, that I didn’t belong. The funny thing was that they gave me a spot in the 1958 PGA Championship because I had won the Masters that year. It was a sore point for me for a long time. I had to sit at home and watch my friends play while I couldn’t. I was pretty hot about having to sit out the Ryder Cup until 1961.” Still, when his turn finally came, he was ready. “What I remember most was standing with my teammates near the first tee and feeling a lump rise in my throat and tears fill my eyes as the brass band played the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ followed by ‘God Save the Queen,’” Palmer wrote, remembering his first Ryder Cup appearance

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in 1961 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club. “There is simply no experience in golf quite like being part of your first Ryder Cup opening ceremony, unless perhaps it’s the closing ceremonies after your side has won.” His first match in the singles competition was against Peter Alliss, the British luminary who went on to have a perhaps equally storied career in broadcasting. Speaking with Kingdom, Palmer remembered: “Peter Alliss always gave me a real dog fight. Like a lot of Europeans, he played a nice controlled fade, shaping his shots from left to right. I had to work my tail off just to halve him. He was very tenacious and I enjoyed playing against Peter.” Halving the match with Alliss, Palmer went on to the foursomes, teaming up with Billy Casper to defeat Dai Rees and Ken Bousfield, 2 and 1. In the end, Palmer left Lytham with three victories and one tie, contributing 3 1/2 points to the Americans’ winning total of 14. Two years later Palmer was at it again at East Lake in Atlanta, and narrowly defeated Dow Finsterwald in a close vote to become team captain. Ultimately this meant Palmer would be the last playing captain in a Ryder Cup, a role he loved. When asked how he coped with being both the captain and a player, Palmer told Kingdom, “Cope? It was all a lot of fun. I enjoyed all the aspects of playing and captaining at once. I had a really great team and enjoyed working with all the players. And getting to play, too, made it even more special.”

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Clockwise from left: The 1961 American Ryder Cup team lining up at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's Golf Course; A victorious Captain Palmer with the Cup in 1963 at East Lake Country Club; Palmer and Peter Alliss, who halved their Ryder Cup match at Lytham

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Great team, indeed. Palmer; Casper; Gene Littler; Finsterwald (playing in his third Ryder Cup); and a 43-year-old Julius Boros were joined by five Ryder rookies: Bob Goalby; Billy Maxwell; Johnny Pott; Dave Ragan; and Tony Lema. Jack Nicklaus, then 23, was feeling the same sting Palmer had felt in 1959 as the PGA rules at the time made him ineligible for the 1963 Ryder Cup, despite his having won that year’s Masters—and the 1963 PGA Championship, his third major. As for Palmer’s double duty, if anything it sharpened his play: he made four victories to two defeats (one of those to Alliss in the singles) and added four points toward the Americans’ decisive 23–9 victory. Back in England in 1965, this time at Royal Birkdale, the site of his incredible 1961 Open Championship win, Palmer again was confounded by Alliss, with the team of Palmer and Dave Marr splitting the four-ball matches against Alliss and Christy O’Connor (having already done the same in the foursomes against Dave Thomas and George Will). Palmer took both of his singles matches, however, ultimately going 4–2 and contributing to a 19 1/2 to 12 1/2 U.S. win.

“Peter Alliss always gave me a real dog fight... I had to work my tail off just to halve him” — Palmer

Champions Golf Club in Houston was the site of the Ryder Cup in 1967, and here Palmer needed a timely bit of inspiration to pull out a win in the four-balls. Palmer and Julius Boros (then 47) had fallen behind the team of Hugh Boyle and George Will when Champions’ resident pro, Jackie Burke, bet Palmer he couldn’t escape defeat. “I tell you what,” Palmer remembers Burke as saying, “If you somehow get out of this mess and win this match, I’ll make you a clock.’” On the very next hole Palmer and Boros started a rally and ended up with a come-from-behind one-up win. Palmer got his clock as well, with the 12 letters of his name where the numbers should be. It’s still in his office workshop. The next Ryder Cup, for the first time, ended in a tie due to “The Concession,” as it became known, when Nicklaus (in his first Ryder Cup) picked up Tony Jacklin’s marker. It’s the only Ryder Cup that Palmer missed between 1961 and 1975, and there was no mystery to his absence, as he told Kingdom: “Simple,” he said. “I didn’t have the points, and back then there were no captain’s picks.” At Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis in 1971, however, Palmer was back, and teamed with Nicklaus to beat Peter Townsend and Harry Bannerman in a 1-up four-ball. Additional success with Gardner Dickinson saw the pair take three of the team matches, to give Palmer a record of four wins against one loss and one tie en route to an 18 1/2 to 13 1/2 U.S. victory. Palmer’s Ryder Cup career had been incredible to this point, but by 1973—the year of his last PGA Tour victory, at the Bob Hope Desert Classic—it was obvious there was a shift. He made the competition at Muirfield, but turned in his poorest Ryder performance yet, for the first time failing both to win a singles match and to have more wins than losses. Still, the U.S. won 19–13, in the first year that “& Ireland” was added to the “Great Britain & Ireland” team name (although players from Ireland had played for years). Palmer’s last Ryder Cup in 1975 appropriately came at Laurel Valley, and in a Golfer’s Life he admitted that was no accident: “With my Ryder Cup career clearly waning,” he wrote, “I pulled just about every string available with the sponsoring PGA of America to arrange for the Cup to come to Laurel Valley in 1975… for what would clearly be my farethee-well to Ryder Cup participation.” Though Palmer wrote that his selection as team captain for that year was “a deeply symbolic and sentimental choice,” it was also savvy. At the time, no one had a better win-loss record in the Ryder Cup, and the then-46-year-old Palmer already had the respect of his “dream team,” as he called it. Littler (at 45 years of age); Casper (44); Nicklaus; Lee Trevino; Tom Weiskopf; Raymond Floyd; Al Geiberger; Lou Graham; Hale Irwin; Johnny Miller; Bob Murphy; and J.C. Snead handily won 21–11, sweeping the first morning’s foursomes in a feat not repeated until 2016.

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On the first morning at Hazeltine National in 2016, with Palmer’s 1975 Ryder Cup bag standing on the first tee, the crowd (and players from both teams) made sure his presence was felt, chanting “AR-NOLD, PAL-MER! AR-NOLD, PAL-MER!” before things got underway. Once they did, Palmer’s presence continued to be a factor, all the way to the U.S. team’s 21–11 victory. “Arnold was watching over us this week,” U.S. Captain Davis Love III said after the win. “I stressed with all the guys that we didn’t want to make this Ryder Cup all of a sudden about calling on the spirit of Arnold Palmer and make it a public display, because we were all mourning together. Then we sat down at the first lunch on the Monday in the team room and we were asked what we wanted to drink. Rickie Fowler said ‘I’ll have an Arnold Palmer.’ We all ordered Arnold Palmers. We went on from there and did it quietly, thinking about Arnold. We didn’t have a speech every night—‘win it for Arnold’—but everybody felt it.”

Palmer and Nicklaus line up a putt during their 197 1 Ryder Cup match against Peter Townsend and Harry Bannerman

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DRAWN FROM A HAT

William Godfrey On September 16, 1971, just six days after Arnold Palmer’s 41st birthday, St. Louis hosted the 19th staging of the Ryder Cup. For American golf fans it meant the return of the Cup to U.S. soil, as Great Britain had won the 1969 event. But for a young caddy at St. Louis’ Glen Echo Country Club, it meant so much more. “We lived in Hillsdale, three miles from the club,” explained Ron Meyer, who began caddying at Glen Echo when he was 12. “At first, I rode my bike there and back. The club let us play on Mondays and we always played 36 holes.” Meyer said that Arnold Palmer was the reason he got into golf, and so one can only imagine his feeling when Glen Echo’s head pro asked Meyer—who in the fall of 1971 was just weeks away from beginning college—if he wanted to caddy at the Ryder Cup, where Palmer would be playing. “I remember they selected caddies from each club in the area and I was excited about it,” Meyer recalled. “The drawing was just outside the pro shop at Old Warson. The very first name pulled out was mine—and the next name pulled was ‘Arnold Palmer.’ Immediately, I thought, ‘I am going to caddy for the person I most admire in the world.’” After a few early bumps in practice rounds, Meyer said things fell into place and one of the most memorable experiences of his life commenced. “On the 4th hole, a dogleg left, he asked me the distance to the back of the green. I added the yardage in my head quickly and gave him a number. He then hit it over the green. When we got up there he asked, ‘Raahn (he always extended my name) were you off on that?’ I admitted it was my math error. In the first hour I made two mistakes, but I was an experienced caddy. It just took a little time for us to work together. But he never asked me to read a putt, and I was thankful because I had never caddied at Old Warson and I didn’t know those greens.” During the tournament, there were other pressures: “There were so many people,” Meyer explained, “it was hard to get from the green to the next tee. There were Old Warson members who kept getting close to me and were asking questions, but I had a job to do. I couldn’t talk with them.” After a successful morning with the team of Palmer and Gardner Dickinson came the afternoon, when Palmer and Jack Nicklaus were paired for the first time in a Ryder Cup. Today, reflecting on that and on the U.S. victory from his home in Fenton, Missouri, where he lives with his wife, Carol, Meyer is appreciative: “I look back on that week in 1971 as one of the most memorable weeks of my life. It is something I will never forget.” This an excerpt of a longer piece by William Godfrey, a golf historian, author and freelance writer in Phoenix.

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Continuing the Palmer family’s legacy of supporting children’s health, character, and nature-focused wellness

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FOOD Grill

CHOOSE YOUR OWN A DV E N T U R E

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Two proteins, four easy-but-complex sauces, and the world of flavor is yours this summer. Travel from your dining room or backyard table—and be sure to bring good wine and good friends, for adventures are best when shared

PROTEINS

Well prepared, any quality grilled meat can yield abundant flavor on its own, but horizons widen when new flavors are introduced via classic pairings in the way of sauces inspired by generations of unassuming gourmands. Imbued with culture and history, each sauce offers a glimpse of a different culinary expression and brings a world of possibilities to an otherwise straightforward affair. Here, we showcase two popular proteins and four sauce options to help you enjoy a global feast without having to pass through a security line or to book a single hotel. Forget your passport, and travel well.

For our proteins, we chose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and a healthy cut of tri-tip. Any cut of chicken can be used, of course (including the whole bird), but we’d suggest staying away from boneless/skinless as the idea is to complement the rich natural flavors of the meat, not simply to dress a plain protein in sauce. Likewise, we chose tri-tip for its naturally robust flavor, which can take a strong hit of accent without losing any ground. Cut from the bottom of the sirloin, this triangular slab was a Central California fixture from the 1950s until the last decade or so, when its popularity rightfully spread east. At one point referred to as a “poor man’s brisket,” it’s amazing to think that this used to be ground for hamburger—a fact that would set any Santa Ynez Valley grillmaster to shaking his head.

Tri-Tip

Chicken We like the simplicity of our Memphis Grills pellet grill: set the temp to 350 and in no time at all you’re ready to go. Just salt and pepper the thighs, then put them skin-side down on the grill for 15 minutes, flip and grill for another 15 or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. In fact, we pulled them at 155˚F, swapped-in the optional Flame Insert and finished the chicken over a strong fire until it hit the right temp. The charred skin added exactly the rustic touch for which we were looking, and complemented the sauces well.

It’s not rocket science: pepper and salt (or garlic salt) the exterior, then smoke it out of the fridge (don’t worry about letting it come to room temperature) at 225˚F for approximately 30 minutes per pound of meat. For medium rare, you’ll want 135˚F internal temperature, at which point you can pull it and let it rest. We like a reverse sear, which meant we smoked ours to an internal temperature of 130˚F, then pulled it, swapped-in the Memphis Grills Flame Insert and hit it on high (near 700˚F) for a few minutes, turning once, until the outside was nicely seared, locking in the juices and flavor. This can also be done on a cast iron skillet (for a long list of reasons we like Field Company Cast Iron skillets) sincerely heated on a grill or stove, turning the meat once. However you grill and finish the tri-tip, let it rest for 15 minutes or so, then slice it thinly, preferably against the grain. The result should taste great on its own—and you should enjoy a bite or two “naked”—but when the sauces are added, expect a whole new level of flavor to be revealed.

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SAUCES

Jeow Som Dipping Sauce Like “salsa” there’s a redundancy here: the Laotian “jeow” translates as “sauce,” underlining this sour (“som”= sour) addition to a meal as an obvious staple on Southeast Asian tables. Despite its strength, you’ll note that the sauce will not overwhelm the protein. Rather, it will bring out flavors in the meats in unexpected ways, especially if you go all-in with the chilies. The first time we prepared this it was a revelation. After that, a given. Consider this a house favorite (and indulge our addition of Serrano chilies, a bold touchstone of our California roots that plays nicely with their Thai counterpart). INGREDIENTS •

Fire-Charred Salsa Also known as salsa quemada (“burnt salsa), this now-ubiquitous sauce traces its roots to the ancient Inca, Aztec and Mayan cultures. In fact, “salsa” means “sauce” in Spanish, and whatever its earliest manifestations, it was 16th century Spanish explorers who popularized the Native peoples’ combination of chilies, tomatoes and other spices and brought it to the rest of the world. Our version is easily adapted to taste, so increase or decrease the heat as you like. INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

3 ripe, fresh tomatoes, preferably on the vine 1 small red onion 1 jalapeño 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled ½ tsp sugar ½ tsp salt, or more to taste juice of half a lime, or more to taste ¼ cup fresh cilantro

PREPARATION

Fire your grill to medium high and char the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and garlic cloves for approximately 10 minutes. There should be some blackened areas and the vegetables should be tender, but not mushy. Remove the outer layer of the onion, the garlic peels and the jalapeño stem. Transfer all of the vegetables to a blender and blend until smooth, but with some chunks. Add cilantro, sugar, salt and lime juice and blend until combined. Taste and add more lime juice or salt if needed. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Can be made up to three days in advance.

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• • • • • • •

1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 1 Serrano chili, stem removed 1 Thai red chili, stem removed 5 garlic cloves, peeled ¼ cup fresh lime juice ¼ cup fish sauce, we prefer Red Boat 2 ½ tbsp raw sugar 4 sprigs of cilantro

PREPARATION

Separate the cilantro leaves from the stems and set aside. Transfer the ginger, Serrano chili, Thai chili, garlic cloves and cilantro stems to a blender and pulse until chopped. Add the sugar, lime juice and fish sauce and blend until well combined. Let the sauce sit for 20-30 minutes and then add the cilantro leaves and serve.

Ottoman Tahini-Yoghurt Sauce This is a fusion of various Middle Eastern, Greek and other spreads and sauces that blends spices and tastes from several cultures to create a dressing that will enliven grilled meats while mellowing strong flavors. Served within the context of a meal that also includes spicier sauces (such as those within this editorial) this is a refreshing addition, bringing old world and new world flavors together to create a timeless enhancement to any meal. INGREDIENTS

Chimichurri Now here’s an international mystery with political overtones: It’s widely accepted that chimichurri is an Argentine culinary contribution, but did its name come from Argentinians trying to honor an Englishman named Jimmy who swapped sides to fight for Argentina’s independence, and who also happened to create a great condiment named “Jimmy’s Curry,” which was difficult for the locals to pronounce and so it became chimichurri? Or does the word come from the Basque tximitxurri, which means “a mix of several things in no special order”? Or maybe it’s a mess of Spanglish from British prisoners in a failed invasion of Rio de la Plata in 1806 who jumbled their requests for food? At least one chef, Staffan Terje, thinks chimichurri is the same as salmoriglio sauce from Sicily, and so there’s no real answer. The only certainty is that chimichurri typically is made of chopped parsley, minced garlic and red wine vinegar, and occasionally other ingredients, and that it beautifully, wonderfully, fantastically complements grilled meats.

• • • • • • • • •

¼ cup tahini ¼ cup full fat Greek yogurt, we prefer Wallaby Juice of 1 lemon 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½ tsp Dukkah, we prefer Villa Jerada 4-5 leaves fresh mint, chiffonade Leaves from 5-6 cilantro sprigs, chopped ½ tsp salt, or more to taste Drizzle with good olive oil, we prefer California Olive Ranch

PREPARATION

Stir together tahini and yogurt in a bowl. Add lemon juice, garlic and salt then stir until well combined. Taste and add more salt or lemon juice if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Dukkah and top with fresh herbs.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

¼ cup fresh oregano leaves ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 5 cloves of garlic, chopped ¼ tsp red chili flakes, or more to taste Olive oil ½ tsp salt, or more to taste

PREPARATION

Finely chop the oregano leaves and Italian parsley and transfer to a bowl. Add the chopped garlic, red wine vinegar, chili flakes and salt. Stir to combine. Drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is just covered. Stir again to combine and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and add more salt or chili flakes if needed.

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SPIRITS OF ADVENTURE From New York to Tokyo, a classic traveler’s tale told in a glass, with fine spirits, a bold palate, and no need for a passport — bon voyage!

A gin & tonic, really, the first try seemed not quite right in a highball glass. We tried the second one in a martini glass, and that was better (then again, it was our second one...). We start with Indoggo gin (Snoop’s very own) and its seven botanicals, then add a boutique cherry tonic, the berry bitterness of which nicely complements Indoggo’s strawberry note. As refreshing as the snow on top of Mt. Fuji, and much easier to reach. 2.5 oz Indoggo gin 3.5 oz Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic Build in a mixing glass filled with ice, stir gently then strain slowly

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INDOGGO CHERRY BLOSSOM

KETEL ROYALE PA

Among premium vodkas, Ketel One has always been our go-to. On the rocks with a twist (as Arnold Palmer enjoyed it) or with a mixer, the clean, crisp spirit elevates the drink and the day—here, with a bit of bonjour. 1.25 oz Ketel One Vodka .25 oz Lejay Crème de Cassis Float of Champagne Combine Ketel One and Crème de Cassis in a shaker with ice, strain into a martini glass and float the Champagne as desired—et voila!

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PERFE CT PEANUTS

/SOU

PA C

ALOHA FROM 1796

H AWA

Frequently taken for granted, peanuts rarely surprise us. But then we were sent a selection of Hubs Virginia Peanuts and, no joke, we were genuinely surprised. Blown away, really. And when’s the last time you could say that about a peanut? Maybe it’s Dot Hubbard’s cooking method, maybe it’s the peanuts themselves—large, crunchy and nearly flawless from what we can tell—maybe it’s something else, we don’t know, but these are the best peanuts we’ve ever had, bar none. Incredible in every flavor, we’re partial to the simple “Salted,” which will be a fixture in our home from now on, and to Hubs Peanut Brittle, which we’re planning to send to friends this holiday season. It’s been a long time—never, in fact—since we found a peanut worth writing about. Hubs are worth it, and you should try them. Hubspeanuts.com

We love the exquisite and complex Santa Teresa 1796 rum neat, but a dash of Macademia Nut Liqueur gives the Venezuelan beauty a hint of South Pacific sunshine, and plenty of aloha spirit. 2 parts Santa Teresa 1796 rum 1 part Trader Vic’s Macademia Nut Liqueur Build in a tumbler filled with ice, then stir and enjoy

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DEWAR’S ORIGINAL HIGHBALL True story: When Scotsman and whisky distiller

Tommy Dewar visited New York City in 1892 and found himself thirsty, a standard “ball”—short glass of whisky—wouldn’t do. A “high” glass was demanded (today’s Collins glass), and so the highball was born. The cocktail that made whisky a social affair, it’s right at home in the city where it was born (although it tastes great anywhere).

Add Dewar’s to a chilled highball glass, fill with ice and ginger ale, stir, and garnish with a twist of lemon

Exotic, this inspired cocktail will transport you halfway round the world with hardly any effort.

MBA

CURRY WHISKEY

ORK

NEW

1 part Dewar’s White Label 4 parts quality Ginger Ale or soda water

1.5 oz bourbon .5 oz Madras Curry Syrup (recipe below) 3 dashes bitters Lemon peel to garnish Build in a mixing glass over ice, stir then strain.

Madras Curry Syrup

2 cups sugar + 2 cups water + 1.5 tbsp curry powder Place all in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium/low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens to the consistency of maple syrup; then let cool

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LAST PAGE

Wake Forest Arnold Palmer’s alma mater makes a statement at the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup, and honors its alum in the process EACH YEAR, THE ARNOLD PALMER CUP HIGHLIGHTS

the best in the college game. The Ryder Cup-style event sees men and women competing side by side, championing not just great on-course ability, but also those who seek to carry on Palmer’s legacy of a commitment to good character and values. How wonderful, then, that Palmer’s alma mater of Wake Forest University was so well represented at the 2021 event, held at Rich Harvest Farms this June. In fact, Wake Forest was the only school in the country to have multiple individuals on both the United States team and the Internationals team, with five players invited, four playing, and one coach taking part. On the men’s side, Mark Power

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and Alex Fitzpatrick were selected for the Internationals, though only Fitzpatrick was able to play. On the women’s side, Emilia Migliaccio and Rachel Kuehn played for Team USA, while Lauren Walsh competed for the Internationals. Also, WFU’s Kim Lewellen was named Coach of Team USA after being named the 2020 WGCA National Coach of the Year. Consider that Migliaccio became the first American ever to appear in four Palmer Cups, while she, Kuehn, Fitzpatrick and Power all played in the 2020 event—and that the Americans won this year for the first time since 2018—and one has to believe that Palmer would have been incredibly proud of the Demon Deacons.

“ You don’t need to tell anybody how good you are. You show them how good you are.” ARNOLD PALMER (’51, LL.D. ’70)

Wake Forest University proudly congratulates Emily Migliaccio, Lauren Walsh, Rachel Kuehn, Alex Fitzpatrick and Coach Kim Lewellen on representing Wake Forest at the Palmer Cup.

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