Cover Story – New Year, Big Stories

As we turn the calendar to January once again, we here at AG wanted to draw your attention to a few things happening in the new year. Starting with the magazine itself, you may notice some small changes to the layout inside. We just wanted to make some things a little more dynamic, so we […]

Cover Story – 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

                            AG 2025 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Solar Quartz, 38 mm, Steel  |  $1,950 The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph, now in a versatile 38mm size, showcases its energetic allure. With a solar-powered quartz movement and contemporary design, […]

Cover Story – 2025 Best of Public Golf

For 27 years, AVIDGOLFER has been offering Metroplex golfers rankings on every daily fee course in the area. We put in the legwork to see all the courses annually, so you don’t need to. If you are looking for your next great round of golf, we have you covered from stem to stern. This year […]

After the Round – The Old Monk

Knox-Henderson has always been one of Dallas’ most competitive stretches for dining and nightlife. Restaurants open with buzz and close just as quickly, new cocktail concepts appear seemingly overnight, and entire blocks seem to reinvent themselves every few years. Through all the turnover, one pub has managed to remain a constant. Since opening in 1998, […]

Instruction – Bottle Up a Better Swing

A common swing fault I see in many golfers is when a player opens their shoulders too quickly in the beginning of their downswing while the club head remains very high in relation to the hands. This combination creates an excessively in-to-out swing direction with open faces leading to slices and weak ball flights. If […]

Fitness – Fascia Stretches for Fall

From the facial expressions and not-so-faint yelps during my soft tissue and stretch sessions, it’s safe to say my work isn’t exactly relaxing. When multiple people joke about needing a bite stick to survive a stretch, I know I’m in deep. But despite the discomfort, golfers have been flooding my schedule, begging for a spot […]

Finances – Five Planning Considerations

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4th, introducing a number of tax changes and financial planning considerations to be aware of. In this month’s edition of “Sound Financial Planning Tee to Green,” we will review five financial planning changes to be aware of with the new tax laws in […]

Fitness – Pumping with the Ladies of the LPGA

When most picture the women of the LPGA, they imagine their graceful, delicate execution of each swing with the poise of a ballerina performing Swan Lake. But these women aren’t here to be kept on a shelf and admired like fine art. They are athletes … absolute beasts from tee time to the weight room. […]

Cover Story – KPMG Women’s PGA Preview

PGA Frisco and the two Fields Ranch golf courses were not only developed for those who love top-notch golf, amenities and dining, but also to host major championship tournaments for decades to come. The Senior PGA Championship took place at Fields Ranch East in 2023, with Steve Stricker outdueling Padraig Harrington in a playoff to […]

Feature – LIV Golf Dallas Preview

LIV Golf made its first appearance in Dallas last year for the LIV Golf Team Championship in September. Although the weather was steamy and unseasonably warm, the event was met with solid reviews and the overall vibe was well received.  LIV Golf is back in Dallas for 2025, this time with a new (and likely […]

Fitness – Lats and Your Golf Swing

One of the key muscle groups that plays a crucial role in the golf swing is the latissimus dorsi. This is a large, flat muscle located on your back that extends from your shoulders to your pelvis. Tight lats are common in golfers. However, they can negatively impact the ability to rotate your shoulder during […]

Cover Story – 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge Preview

Colonial Country Club is steeped in rich history. The club opened in 1936 and was the brainchild of Marvin Leonard, who had long dreamed of bringing bent grass greens he had seen on northern courses to Fort Worth. Designed by John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell, the parkland design has been a delight to members, guests […]

Travel – Boyne, Michigan

The largest and best golf resort in America is Pinehurst, right? After all, with 10 courses, plus The Cradle short course, and its history and tradition of championships, that’s going to be pretty hard to top. But what’s second, behind Pinehurst in terms of size and tradition? A case can be made for a destination […]

2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson

The CJ CUP Byron Nelson returns to TPC Craig Ranch in 2025 with an exciting field and some new, great hospitality opportunities and all the fun we have come to expect from this wonderful event. Canadian Taylor Pendrith returns to try to defend his title, alongside plenty of your favorite PGA TOUR superstars.  TPC Craig […]

Tech Talk – Cart Customization

In the world of golf cars, customization reigns supreme. Tailoring your car to reflect your unique style and preferences can transform your experience into something truly extraordinary. Accessories not only showcase your individuality and love for the game but also serve a practical purpose – they add functionality and flair to your vehicle. Just as […]

Fitness – Developing Rotational Power

How Can I Develop More Power? Developing power in your golf swing is one of the most sought-after parts of the game and gives you a significant advantage over the competition. From a biomechanical standpoint, golf is a truly rotational sport, and rotational power is developed through the kinetic chain from the ground up. Some […]

Golf Tech – Mill, Baby Mill!

Golf club manufacturing has been transformed in the past few decades with modern computer-aided design and advanced precision manufacturing using high-tech equipment and space-aged materials technologies. Golfers can now benefit from these state-of-the-art advancements with golf clubs that are higher in quality, perform better and can be fit and customized like never before, ultimately allowing […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2025

BEST OVERALL COUNTRY CLUB VAQUERO CLUB With Dallas National closed for a multi-million-dollar renovation, this year’s top spot for best overall golf club was up for grabs. Preston Trail has long been considered one of the overall best, and we don’t disagree. But in the end, Trinity Forest emerged among our staff as the leader […]

Cover Story – The Golf Power Players of North Texas

The DFW golf landscape is ever changing, and there are always movers and shakers in the industry that we follow so closely. The PGA of America’s move to Frisco, the emergence of Topgolf as a global technology sensation and a trio of fantastic young PGA TOUR stars make this one of the best times ever […]

Cover Story – Best of Public Golf 2024

A New Number One! Yes, avid golfers, it is once again time for our rankings of the best daily fee and municipal courses in Dallas-Fort Worth. This is the 26th year for our public rankings, and in that time, many courses have come and gone from the Metroplex golf landscape. Renovations to courses, clubhouses and […]

Feature – The Southwest Airlines Showcase

Cedar Crest Golf Course in southern Dallas has been home to history since its charter in 1919 (see sidebar). New history was made in November of 2023 with the debut of a nationally televised tournament on GOLF Channel showcasing the top 42 amateur golfers in the country – 21 men and 21 women – from […]

Golf Tech – Club Fitting With The Golf Lab

There is a brand-new golf business in town, and it is called The Golf Lab. It is a Plano-based business created by industry veterans Darren Petty and Kenny Jones of Clubfinder’s GOLF fame. Open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., The Golf Lab is an indoor facility, which means […]

Golf Tech – MACHINE Putters

Watch a golf tournament on TV and you’ll see professional tour players making a ton of putts, especially within 10 feet of the hole. One reason? Virtually every touring professional has a fully customized, professionally fit putter. It’s the same for college golfers and top amateurs. It’s extremely rare for an elite-level golfer to have […]

Travel – Summer Golf Destinations

Summer is here, but you don’t need your Pete Delkus, your friend’s social media picture of their car thermometer or an upcoming family vacation to figure that out. Just head to any golf course, where you’re sure to find green fairways, brisk winds, coolers full of swing grease and other beverages, and festive times (the […]

Travel – Traverse City

Would you rather tee it up in temperatures reaching the mid-90s or between 75 and 80 degrees?  We all know the answer to this question.  The average daily temperatures in Dallas – soaring to 96 degrees in July and August, according to weatherspark.com – sound downright painful compared to those blissful 75- to 80-degree summer […]

Cover Story – CJ Cup Byron Nelson & Charles Schwab Challenge

THE CJ CUP BYRON NELSON The CJ CUP Byron Nelson is happening a couple weeks earlier than normal this year. So, rather than focus our attention on a preview of the tournament as we would normally do, we wanted to spotlight the Salesmanship Club and the Momentous Institute, both of which are critical to the […]

Travel – Gaylord’s Golf Getaway

North Texas has long presented one of the strongest golfing participation rates in the country, and Dallas has been ranked No. 4 among the 10 Best Golf Cities in America by GOLF Magazine based on the number of quality courses, affordability and weather.  But when the summer temperatures top out in excess of 100 degrees, […]

Fitness – Power Hour

Although it is currently wintertime for golfers in Texas, now is the time to train at the gym to build strength during the offseason. The golf world now has a heavy focus on improving strength and the transfer of power into the golf swing, with more golfers now driving the ball further down the fairway. […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2024

Best Overall Country Club 2024 Once again for 2024, Northwood Club holds AVIDGOLFER’s top spot for best country club in the Metroplex. Northwood has everything, from its modern, beautiful clubhouse to a world-class golf course. Conditions are always stupendous, with its rolling parkland architecture and one of the most scenic tee shots you will find […]

Feature – 2024 Tournament Planning Guide

Options Make For A Better Tournament  By Victoria Edwards • Director of Sales, Cowboys Golf Club How do you host a VIP Tournament with the pandemic? Tournaments are a great way to entertain clients, colleagues and raise money for your cause during the pandemic. It is very important that you understand what safety measures the […]

Cover Story – Here’s to 25 Years!

Twenty-five years is a long time. It works out to 300 months, a little over 1,300 weeks, 9,131 days, 219,144 hours, 13,148,640 minutes and 788,918,400 seconds.  In a quarter century, AVIDGOLFER Magazine has evolved, grown and expanded with the Metroplex golf landscape. In that time, AG has delivered hundreds of thousands of magazines to courses […]

Cover Story – Best of Public 2023

If you have been paying attention, then you are aware this is the 25th anniversary of the publication. For those 25 years, we have given our readers the Best of Public Golf rankings. Every year, our staff sits down and discusses (sometimes ad nauseum) where we think each course should be ranked based on any […]

Cover Story – Our College Football Road Trip

Football and golf. Both are immensely popular in the south, especially during the fall months as the weather cools and courses green up with the season. If you are a fan of the pigskin and chasing the white-ball, then AVIDGOLFER has the perfect way to embark on a football/golf adventure. From the Metroplex, to the […]

Feature – LPGA Preview

The Ascendent LPGA Benefitting Volunteers of America is back at The Golf Clubs at The Tribute in 2023. Old American Golf Club will be the host course of the longest running Official LPGA Tour event in Texas, with players vying for a $1,800,000 purse. The tournament mission is to be the premiere event in North […]

Cover Story – Every Golfer’s Dream

Every golfer has long imagined hitting all six of those magical lottery numbers and then joining that expensive country club, buying all the latest equipment, and building an amazing setup in their home to keep their game sharp and entertain their buddies. Over the last several years, companies that specialize in home golf simulators, putting […]

Fitness – Strength & Longevity

The bent-over row and alternating gorilla row are very effective exercises to improve your power acceleration and speed for quicker swings and longer drives. They can also translate to having a strong, smooth and confident follow-through consistently on your golf swing. These specific workouts provide and focus on the stabilization of your strength throughout your […]

Travel – Traverse City

Would you rather tee it up in temperatures reaching the mid-90s or between 75 and 80 degrees?  We all know the answer to this question.  The average daily temperatures in Dallas – soaring to 96 degrees in July and August, according to weatherspark.com – sound downright painful compared to those blissful 75- to 80-degree summer […]

Cover Story – Nelson, Colonial, Senior PGA Previews

The 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson  The AT&T Byron Nelson is back for 2023 with an exciting commitment list, new hospitality options and a great venue to host it all! Since 1968, the Byron Nelson has been one of the premiere events on the PGA TOUR. Over the years, the tournament was held at Preston Trail […]

Tech Talk – Moving the Party Outside

What a difference a year makes. This time last year, the Texas real estate market was still blazing, interest rates were two to three points lower, and a large percentage of DFW was still thinking about moving. That mindset has changed dramatically. According to a recent Forbes article, “the so-called lock-in effect [those staying in […]

Travel – Gaylord’s Golf Getaway

North Texas has long presented one of the strongest golfing participation rates in the country, and Dallas has been ranked No. 4 among the 10 Best Golf Cities in America by GOLF Magazine based on the number of quality courses, affordability and weather.  But when the summer temperatures top out in excess of 100 degrees, […]

Tech Talk – Full Upgrade

For anyone who loves the finest in residential architecture, Dallas/Fort Worth offers one of the country’s most impressive portfolios of style and structure. From Mediterranean and Tudor Revival to French Country and Victorian to American Colonial and Craftsman, there are hundreds of extraordinary homes across the Metroplex that have stood for decades. From the outside, […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2023

Best Overall Country Club 2023 Dallas National Golf Club  There are a handful of clubs in Dallas/Fort Worth that are just special. Dallas National Golf Club is certainly one of those places. Opened in 2002, National is a golfer’s paradise, with a course that is unlike anything for hundreds of miles and a practice facility […]

After the Round – Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes

Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes … a name on a billboard that I started to notice at some point in the first decade of the 21st century as I made my trek from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex to Albuquerque, New Mexico, traveling north on US 287 through Decatur. When you have made the same drive at least […]

Cover Story – Benjamin Vincent

If you a longtime reader of AVIDGOLFER, then you have likely seen many of our illustrated covers. What you may not know is who is behind them and how they are created. As we embark on the 25th anniversary of the magazine, we wanted to pull back the curtain and give our readers an inside […]

Tech Talk – The Perfect High Tech Home

Remember when “The Jetsons” seemed like the future? Or when the worlds created by our favorite Fantasy and Science Fiction authors seemed decades, or even centuries, away? Well … we’re there. Every day it seems there is breaking news of some new mind-bending technology that promises to make our lives better and easier. Think about […]

Tech Talk – The Ultimate Home Theatre

Like those drawn to sports, cars, music, or presidents, for those of us who really love movies, there’s an endless debate about which one is the GOAT. Is it “Casablanca,”or “Citizen Kane?” Wait a minute. What about “The Godfather,” or “Vertigo,” or that vocal cohort that always votes for “Caddyshack?” (You know who you are.) Dependingon what list you believe, the […]

Cover Story – Best of Public Golf 2022

This year, 2022, was one of our most competitive ever for our best of public rankings. The western side is particularly compelling, as there are so many great public courses that not only boast great conditions, but outstanding price points to boot. The east also has plenty of great options, and with the grand opening […]

Cover Story – The Power Players of North Texas Golf

The DFW golf landscape is ever changing, and there are always movers and shakers in the industry that we follow so closely. The PGA of America’s move to Frisco, the emergence of Topgolf as a global technology sensation and a trio of fantastic young PGA TOUR stars make this one of the best times ever […]

Tech Talk – Men Need Their Space Too

It’s a little-known fact that 10,000 years ago, when Prehistoric man first started moving his family into caves for protection, he also sought out a smaller sub-cave that was just for him. A space with his own comfy rock to sit on, with a dedicated hole to let the light in and a big wall […]

Fitness – Upper Body Stability

To perform a technically sound swing, the lower and upper bodies need to be able to disassociate from one another. For the lower body to disassociate, however, the upper body must be stable enough to support itself independently or it becomes nearly impossible for the club to return on the same impact plane line initiated […]

Feature – Jason Leap

There are countless “comeback” stories that hit the airwaves in our pop culture-dominant world. J.K. Rowling went form single motherhood and government subsidies to authoring “Harry Potter” literary sensations. Robert Downey, Jr. followed major substance abuse and legal troubles with trips to the Academy Awards. And the 1969 New York Mets ascended from projected cellar […]

Playing the Odds – The Evolution of Poker

Poker is a simple card game that is played around the world. Although there are many variations of poker, there are three main styles of poker: draw poker, stud poker and community card poker. Most every variation of the game is played in one of these three styles. Poker is very popular in the United […]

Travel – Hot Springs

I have loaded my clubs into a vehicle and headed in many different directions from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but until recently the northeastern direction was vacant from that list. I am happy to report that is no longer the case. The 325-mile, four hours and change, easy jaunt to Hot Springs Village, almost all […]

Playing the Odds – Legal Poker Has Arrived in Dallas

Can you LEGALLY play poker in Dallas? You bet you can at Poker House – Dallas! Residents of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex no longer have to travel long distances to neighboring states to play this great game commonly played every day in country club locker rooms, home game rooms, at the family dinner table, or […]

Fitness – Lower Body Stability

A good golf swing has many moving parts and requires much from the body. But before the body can perform a technically sound swing, it must be able to physically handle all that is required. In particular, the body must be stable enough to generate and transfer major energy. It must also be stable enough […]

Travel – Louisiana Golf

Standing on the 17th tee of Pete Dye’s TPC Louisiana, pondering what iron to pull in the face of a stout, southerly breeze with water guarding the railroad tie-lined green on one side and sand on the other, I thanked the golf travel gods for putting me here, in New Orleans, at long last. Somehow, […]

Cover Story – Nelson and Colonial Preview

  The AT&T Byron Nelson is back to full capacity this year, with a star-studded field and some new fan-friendly experiences to enjoy. The Nelson embarked on its maiden voyage at TPC Craig Ranch last year, and with only half the allotment of fans allowed on the course due to the ongoing pandemic, it gave […]

Tech Talk – Working Smarter

Without question, one of the biggest stories of 2021 was the “Great Resignation” taking place across the country. Last year in America, from early Spring through the end of the year, more than 33 million people made the decision to quit their jobs. Some were unhappy. Some wanted a switch to a different position. More […]

Fitness – Post Round Stretching

We’re all guilty of rushing to a celebratory round of drinks with friends after playing a round, but by skipping a simple stretch routine we’re inhibiting our long-term ability to perform well on the course. The science behind stretching is sound, and the athletic community now knows that static stretching after physical activity is as […]

Travel – A League of Their Own

Football may be king here in Texas, but baseball is still America’s pastime. While the 99-day lockout may have some initial repercussions, the sport has proven it can rebound quite nicely from any work stoppage or even – remember 1994? – the cancellation of a season and the World Series. For Texas Rangers and Houston […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Clubs 2022

Our best of private club rankings issue is always one of the most enjoyable endeavors we embark on annually at the AVIDGOLFER office. We always relish the opportunity to see how the upper crust lives and the amenities and courses they enjoy as members of clubs around the Metroplex. From the highfalutin, hyper elite clubs […]

Tech Talk – Why Thousands of Texans are Moving Outdoors

You’ve no doubt seen the articles and heard the news reports about all the people moving to Texas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between July 2020 and July 2021, Texas welcomed 170,307 new people. And that’s just domestic migration. Whoever’s printing the bumper stickers that read, “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got […]

Fitness – Treating Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, or medial elbow tendonitis, is an injury that can be common among the golfing community. Although not as common an injury as low back pain, golfer’s elbow can cause significant disruption to your game if not addressed. Do not be fooled by the name … “golfer’s elbow” can occur from causes other than […]

Feature – 2022 Tournament Planning Guide

Options Make for a Better Tournament By Megan Calmes, Cowboys Golf Club When given a variety of course options to hold a tournament what factors should I consider? The size of the outing and projected number of participants, their abilities and skill levels should be taken into consideration. And, since most golfers enjoy eating and […]

Tech Talk – How Many Letters Make a Great TV?

Walk into almost any modern home and in the living room is the centerpiece: a flat screen TV. Gone are the days of the CRT TVs or televisions with more wood paneling than actual screen. Now, you have LEDs, OLEDs and the brand new QLEDs to choose from; and believe me, a couple of letters […]

Fitness – Can Your Game Benefit from Yoga?

Repetitive motions made during your golf game can put undue stress and strain on your body.  The following yoga poses build flexibility, strength, balance, mobility, and rotational power which will enhance your swing. Revolved Crescent Lunge  Benefits: Increases stamina and balance Improves posture by awakening the spine and back muscles Releases tension in the back, […]

Travel – Destinations for 2022

It’s been a long … and we do mean long … two years since our lives were drastically changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Some of the things we did prior to March 2020 are now a thing of the past or no longer considered a part of society (think greeting strangers with a handshake […]

Predicting 2022 – How will Jordan, Scottie and Will Fare in 2022?

Over the years, we here at AVIDGOLFER have previewed many seasons and events on the PGA Tour. We always take a look at the upcoming AT&T Byron Nelson and Charles Schwab Challenge in May, and there have been occasions where we take a look at the upcoming PGA Tour season in our January issue. The […]

Ask the Doctor – Can Blepharoplasty Improve Your Game?

You may be wondering how plastic surgery can possibly improve your golf game. In this edition, we will explain how the extra skin of your upper eyelids can make an impact on your golf game and keep you from performing your best. What is Blepharoplasty? A blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, refers to […]

Fitness – Staying in Shape on the Road

Travel is a pitfall to any workout routine, but with a few simple tricks it does not need to derail you completely. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or hopefully a few rounds at your favorite out of state course, there are a few simple exercises that are sure to keep your body ready for […]

Cover Story – Best of Public Golf 2021

After a turbulent and trying 2020, this year has been better. We saw the COVID-19 pandemic slow, and life is returning to some semblance of normalcy. Ironically, one of the few industries that has seen a significant increase in revenue is the golf industry. Equipment sales boomed and courses have been busy over the last […]

Ask the Doctor – Golf and Back Pain

Although golf is considered a less traumatic sport, injuries often happen. Whether you are a duffer, a serious golfer, or a PGA Tour player, you may be susceptible to a golf-related back injury. Statistics have shown that more than 35% of novice golfers and more than 63% of serious golfers have experienced a spinal injury […]

Ask the Doctor – Abdominoplasty Edition

You may be wondering how plastic surgery can possibly improve your golf game. In this edition, we will explain how extra skin around your stomach and love handles can make an impact on your best performance on the field. What is Abdominoplasty? An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, refers to the removal of […]

Ask the Doctor – Dealing with Golfer’s Elbow

Have you experienced an intense pain along your inner elbow joint during or after a round? If so, you may be experiencing a condition called golfer’s elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) or pitcher’s elbow (often termed Tendinosis or Epicondylalgia).  Golfer’s elbow is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon where the forearm muscles connect to the […]

Ask the Doctor – Can Lipo Improve Your Swing?

You may be wondering how plastic surgery can possibly improve your golf game. In this edition, we will explain how extra weight and fat cushioning can impede the full force of your swing. How Extra Fatty Tissue Can Affect Your Game A powerful swing relies on the perfect combination of balance, coordination, strength, and speed. Each […]

Travel – O Fair New Mexico

While I have heard many people talk of visiting The Land of Enchantment for the shopping, art galleries, historical churches, and perusing items available at craft shows or the items available from the local Native American artisans, when I think of visiting the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area my thoughts turn to two of my favorite activities: […]

Ask the Doctor – Gynecomastia

You may be wondering how plastic surgery can possibly improve your golf swing and game. In this edition, we will explain how gynecomastia can affect your chest rotation, thus affecting the backswing and downswing. What Is Gynecomastia? Best described as enlarged breasts or “man boobs” in men, Gynecomastia is a condition that causes a man’s […]

Ask the Doctor – What is the P-Shot?

Sexual health is something that is considered taboo to talk about. Most men in general have a difficult time talking to people about sexual performance and erectile dysfunction (ED). As men age, sexual performance may decrease as erections and stamina start to decline. Sexual intimacy is a major part of most adult lives and when […]

Fitness – Back Health in Golf

Golfing presents many health and psychosocial benefits due to it’s physical activity and social interaction. And although the benefits are great, one of the most common complaints I hear from clients who golf regularly is that they have reoccurring low back pain.  The golf swing is a repetitive, asymmetrical motion that includes high forces that […]

Ask the Doctor – Can Regenerative Medicine Work for You?

If you experience stiffness or aches in your muscles and joints, it can make it challenging to do the things you need, or love, to do every day. Whether you experience discomfort in your knees, elbows, shoulders, back or hips, chronic pain can be debilitating. When traditional treatments haven’t worked to give you relief, regenerative […]

Travel – Las Vegas

In late January, the opportunity to play two of the nicest golf courses I have been fortunate to swing a stick on, Southshore and Southern Highlands, were alluring enough to get me to travel to Las Vegas in the midst of a pandemic.  Four days of staring at a Las Vegas Boulevard bereft of traffic, […]

Elements of Style – Grooming Tips for Dad

This past year has changed a lot in our lives. Perhaps you stopped going to the barbershop and let your hair grow out. Maybe you were forced to cut your hair at home. As mandates lift and vaccinations rise, it’s time to get back to your regular routine. Boardroom Salon for Men specializes in providing […]

Cover Story – AT&T Byron Nelson and Charles Schwab Challenge Preview

AT&T Byron Nelson  When we last published a preview for the AT&T Byron Nelson, we had yet to enter the pandemic and the tournament was scheduled to be contested at Trinity Forest in south Dallas. My, how things have changed since the 2019 Nelson, which was won by Sung Kang with a score of -23.  […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Clubs 2021

Here we go again. Yes, it’s time for our annual private club rankings. When we last published this issue in 2020, we had not yet entered the year of shutdowns, masks, pin flags remaining in and single-rider carts. The last year has been bizarre to say the least, but we continue to move forward and […]

Elements of Style – Look Your Best in 2021

The new year is the perfect time to enhance your grooming routine. For so many of us, 2020 required a lot of changes to our routine, some good and others not so good. Now is the time to leave that behind. Whether you already have a routine in place or not, we have some recommendations […]

Cover Story – Caddy Confidential

The caddy is a mysterious figure in the world of golf. They are constantly hovering in the background of camera shots, just out of focus, helping the world’s greatest golfers make decisions that can ultimately lead to swings of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. But what do we really know about the […]

Travel – Lake Charles

After a brief ascent and descent, we landed in Lake Charles Regional Airport from DFW Airport. Our stay was at the well-appointed L’Auberge Casino and Resort. Here there was a plethora of things to see, eat, entertain and provide relaxation. Our suite was spacious with amenities that included a large private entrance area. Every touch […]

Travel – Golf Fun in ’21

Thank God 2020 is in the rearview mirror! Truer words have never been spoken … the year was an incredibly trying one for us all. In some way – and unfortunately for some, in many ways – COVID-19 had a maddening effect on us all. The golf industry also was greatly affected by the coronavirus, […]

Ask the Superintendent – Real Christmas Trees

It is the holiday season at the club and that means we all have responsibilities to bring the outdoors indoors, for decorative purposes that is. There are life-long memories to be made and the holiday decorations whether at the club or at your home will be the canvas that many of your special holiday memories […]

Cover Story – Good Riddance, 2020

Since March when the pandemic took hold of the world, things have seemed bleak for many of us. There have been some hopeful moments. When we were told that it would only take a few weeks to “flatten the curve”, we bought in. We wear masks, we wash our hands for minutes at a time, […]

Instruction – Mastering Trajectory

When it comes to chip shots from around the green, you need to hit all kinds of shots; high and soft, low and rolling, and everything in between. The good news is that once we have the standard “chip and run” shot down, the others become easy to learn as set up changes primarily create […]

Golf Mechanics – Adding Speed to Your Swing

Let’s Talk Facts Players who it the farthest on any professional tour have the greatest hand path and can apply the most force through the handle, effectively translating to more clubhead speed. This means the hands travel on the largest arc while managing the ability to repeatedly find the sweet spot.  What if you can […]

Fitness – Fit for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is behind us and with Christmas approaching fast, it’s time to assess your exercise and nutrition plan and try to avoid putting on those extra holiday pounds. Studies show that the majority of Americans gain weight during the holiday season, and over the course of 10-20 years, these extra pounds can add up to […]

Cover Story – Best of Public Golf 2020

2020 will go down as one of the most bizarre years ever for the DFW golf industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered families, businesses, and our day-to-day lives like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Throughout the topsy-turvy year, courses have been forced to adapt and evolve as the rest of us have. Some closed by local […]

Instruction – Open Sesame

One of the common things I see in bunker lessons is a misunderstanding of what an adequately open club face looks like. The student will often describe out loud while they demonstrate what they are trying to do: “Dig the feet in, weight forwards, open the face…” As they are describing “open the face” the […]

Swing Mechanics – Speed and Power

In recent years, golfers have started a golf fitness revolution to develop even more distance and speed in their game. We can see that the golfers on the PGA Tour provide clear evidence of the effects that golf fitness programs can have on a player’s numbers. The challenge with golf fitness today is that our […]

Travel – Divots on the Delta

Great golf and great food are two must-haves for any golf trip and the Mississippi Delta region offers them in abundance with the added attraction of a rich history that includes being the home of the quintessential American music form, the Blues. A recent visit began by learning a geography lesson. The area called the […]

Ask the Superintendent – Fertilizing Your Lawn

One of the best things about being a golf course superintendent is being surrounded by acres of healthy emerald green turf grass, from the club lawns to the putting greens there is no doubt about the beauty and serenity that high quality turf brings.  Our footprint at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Dallas at […]

Health and Fitness – Road to Recovery

Recovery is the single most important component of your golf fitness program. With all of the hours spent on the course and in the gym, it is imperative that you commit time to allow your body to repair itself. Rest days are critical to your golf performance for many reasons, both mental and physical. Physically, […]

Elements of Style – Tips For No Shave November

Having a beard in the fall and winter sounds like a great idea, right? It keeps your face warm and protects you from the cold air. But don’t forget, your beard will be exposed to rain and humidity in the fall, then wind and snow in the winter, which can interfere with your comfort. There’s […]

Instruction – Around the World Drill

When it comes to putting we must train both speed and accuracy control. The “Around the World” drill allows us to do that, with some added pressure as well. You can complete this drill by yourself or challenge a friend. Set a timer for 20 minutes and see if you can complete this drill. Equipment […]

Golf Mechanics – Unleash Your Inner Bryson

Distance and consistency are the most common requests when a player is interviewed about his or her game. Whether we’re talking about club fitting, coaching or fitness, one of these two aspects enters the conversation. Let’s explore how equipment, coaching and fitness all tie together to achieve faster, more sustainable results…and how to maintain these […]

Instruction – The Three Gate Putting Drill

If breaking 30 putts for 18-holes seems like something out of a fantasy book, then it’s time to embark on the journey of navigating the “three putting gates”. You’ll need your magical putter, six enchanted tees, and a few ordinary golf balls. This journey starts on a 6-foot, straight putt. On this journey, you’ll need […]

Travel – Firestone CC

Truth be told, I have always had an affinity for what I like to call television golf courses. The golf courses that you have the ability to play that you also get to see on television if you are a person who enjoys watching the PGA Tour. There is a possibility that I have always […]

Heath and Fitness – Fitness in 15

Whether it’s a quick gym session before a tee time, or you’re looking for a speedy workout during your lunch break, these moves combine cardio and strength training go give you an efficient full body workout in under 15 minutes. Here are my favorite ways to functionally train the entire body in 15 minutes or […]

Instruction – The Payne Stewart Drill

The goal of this skill drill is to get you to focus on your intended landing area, choose the correct club, and grind on those short putts that aren’t gimmies! This is a drill from my Chipping Skill Training eBook “Train Like A Champion” which can be found at https://mikebury.shop/ You must finish out all […]

Elements of Style – Maintain Your Signature Style

With all the current changes going on around us, the one thing that remains the same is our opportunity to create new beginnings. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds, look younger, or just start living a healthier lifestyle, there’s something about self-improvement that fills us with confidence, excitement, and motivation. Rather than expecting […]

Instruction – Short Game Solutions

Let’s take a look at three of the most common issues that I see when it comes to short greenside chips. I often see golfers that have 1, 2, or all 3 of these issues. No. 1: Tempo and Swing Length Swing length and tempo often go hand in hand. A short backswing followed by […]

Travel – Casa de Campo

What happened when the greatest golf course architect in the modern era plied his considerable imagination and skill on one of the most beautiful spots on Earth? Well, you get one of the special places to play the game of golf on Pete Dye’s glorious Teeth of the Dog layout at Casa de Campo Resort […]

Instruction – Sting It!

Hitting a stinger is more than just a cool looking shot that gets views on Instagram. It’s a shot where the technique transfers to flighted wind shots in general. It’s also handy when needing to hit accurate tees shots with long irons on tight par 4’s or laying up on par 5’s. Let’s take a […]

Travel – Mystical Golf in Myrtle Beach

Mystical Golf and its trifecta of Myrtle Beach courses – The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard – is perhaps the best bang for your golfing buck in the U.S. Why? The three Dan Maples’ designs are flat-out superb; the maintenance excellent; and the price is off-the-charts reasonable – specially the stay-and-play packages.  Though Man-O-War and […]

Cover Story – Charles Schwab Challenge Preview

Colonial Country Club, the historic Fort Worth golf mainstay, birthed in the Great Depression, having survived fire and flood and the annual assault on par, is ready to regain its relevance and step back to the worldwide stage. Twice in the last two decades, Colonial has been the site of a worldwide golf event, relevant […]

Instruction – A Pitch and a Putt

The 50-70-yard range is often an uncomfortable distance for most golfers. When I ask golfers if they would prefer a 60 yard or 100-yard shot, they almost always say 100 yards. 100 yards is typically a full swing which most golfers feel more comfortable with.  So, with that said, we are inevitably going to have […]

Feature – Building the Perfect at Home Bar

By: Mikal Black Maybe it was always easier to just go out to the bar or pick up a bottle on the way home. Maybe you never had enough room or have never gotten around to it, but with the recent glut of time on your hands you realize you to set up and stock […]

Instruction – Putting Playbook 101

Eye Line The position of your eyes relative to the ball (target line) is more important than you might think. It influences both alignment and path. Your eyes can be positioned directly over the ball or on the inside of the ball. The great thing is, it’s actually very easy for you to test yourself! […]

Travel – For Pete’s Sake

By Robert Rodriguez Golf lost a special ambassador when legendary course architect Pete Dye passed away earlier this year at the age of 94. Many in the golf world memorialized the Indiana native, and tributes throughout this year were set at many of his layouts, both on and off the PGA Tour schedule.  Who would’ve […]

After the Round – High Life Dining

Whether you’re looking to set the mood with a lunch outing prior to an afternoon tee time at stunning Dallas Country Club, hoping to continue the feeling of high society following your round, or are simply in search of a spectacular dining experience reminiscent of a voyage to the stunning coastal regions of France, Bistro […]

Cover Story – COVID-19 and the Golf Industry

By Eli Jordan and Art Stricklin Over the last several weeks, the way we live our lives has been dramatically altered. The COVID-19 pandemic has risen like a storm and swept its way across the world, wreaking havoc in various forms. Menial tasks have become infinitely more difficult. Schools and universities have closed their doors […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2020

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone as we say goodbye to a decade and enter the 2020’s. As we always do, AVIDGOLFER put in the work in 2019 to see as many of the local private clubs here in Dallas-Fort Worth and again, we bring you our Best of Private rankings.  […]

2020 Private Club Directory

Bent Tree Country Club 5201 Westgrove Drive Dallas, TX 75248 972-931-7326 www.benttreecc.org Designers: Muirhead, Nugent & Foster Year Opened: 1972 Initiation Fee: $75,000 Monthly Dues: $1,100  Greens: Bent Equity Club: Yes General Manager: Dan Burkett Director of Golf: Danny Coughlan Membership Director: Lisa Heward    Brook Hollow Golf Club  8301 Harry Hines Boulevard Dallas, TX […]

Travel – Bama Bound

Sweet Home Alabama is more than just a song or a movie, although they both certainly evoke the spirit of the beautiful state. It’s also a mantra for the hard-working, friendly folks that travelers encounter along the way. From the bagboys and beverage cart girls on the world-class golf courses to the servers and chefs in […]

Instruction – Increase Distance Without Increasing Club Speed

When we talk about distance most of us immediately think about swinging faster. Increasing club speed. Now, if you are maximizing the efficiency of your swing, then that might be the answer. But for most, getting the most out of your current swing will result in an increase in distance.  Without getting too much into […]

Travel – 2020 Golf Vision

The cold fronts are now swooping in, bringing snow to those up north and chilly temps and brisk winds down south. For golfers, that means either pulling out the long sleeves and beanies, or stowing away the clubs until spring … late spring (for some). That also means scouting the top-100 lists and best-you-can-play rankings […]

Feature – 2020 Tournament Planning Guide

Creating a VIP Experience – By Carla Goss, Clubcorp How would you define a VIP experience?  A VIP Experience is what we try to do every day with our tournaments. It starts with the planning process, ensuring we understand what they want the guests to remember. It is incorporating elements that WOW players by making […]

After the Round – Omi Korean Grill and Bar

When it comes to barbecue, Texas has a claim to being King.  And while the Metroplex certainly has an abundance of acclaimed smokehouses, your BBQ experience doesn’t have to be limited to standard meat-and-sauce establishments.  Enter Omi Korean Grill and Bar, which offers a plethora of entrees and special menus to choose from, including all-you-can-eat […]

Elements of Style – New Year, Not So New You

Maintain your signature style to keep yourself looking great and feeling confident all year long By Vicky Pena Training and Employee Engagement Coordinator, Boardroom Salon for Men Welcome to a new year, a new decade, and a time for new beginnings. Whether you’re looking to perfect your golf swing, to get a fresh start or […]

Instruction – Leap Frog

Well, it’s 2020 and that time of year where new-year resolutions are still fresh in our minds. Soon enough, those new-year resolutions will slip our minds as our busy lives consume them. But this is not just a new year, it’s a new decade! Let’s kick this decade off right with a putting speed drill […]

After the Round – Reservoir

Nestled by Toyota Music Factory in Irving’s bustling new nightlife district resides Reservoir, which describes itself as a modern, industrial patio-driven gastropub featuring a menu chalk-full of bar and spirits meshed with southern comfort favorites. And when it comes a variety of good eating and drinking options with a pleasurable ambiance, Reservoir certainly delivers. If […]

Feature Story – Get Lost in the Pines

By Gary Krupkin AG Special Guest Contributor Turn into the gate, and imperceptibly but inexorably, the hectoring of daily clockwork demands unwind as the roadway bends toward The Lost Pines Resort. Into view comes the hotel; a solid, prairie-inspired building of limestone, wood and Texas welcome. “Howdy’s” all around as the staff greets you like […]

Cover Story – Forecasting the 2020 season

The calendar has turned to January and the doors have officially closed on the 2019 golf year. With that in mind, we here at AG (and with the help of some friends) wanted to look ahead at what we would like to see occur on the PGA TOUR over the next 12 months. But before […]

Cover Story – FOX Sports broadcaster Shane Bacon

From the time Marshall native Shane Bacon could walk, he had a golf club in his hands. Trust me, there’s photos on social media to prove it. But while Bacon’s aspirations of playing professionally faded not soon after college, he always believed his career path would involve sports. Boy, was he right. What began as […]

Tales From the Back Nine Part XII – East Texas

On the debut journey of Tales from the Back Nine, we embarked into the great unknown with stubborn invincibility. Enthusiasm for exploring wilderness golf adventures trumped common sense. With my faithful F-150 loaded with golf, camping and fishing gear, we took off for the remote rugged stretches of West Texas in mid-December feeling bulletproof. Driving […]

Instruction – Winter Chipping Change Up

For those of us in the south we are lucky enough to be able to continue playing golf through most of the winter. With that said, a different style of golf is necessary in order to successfully navigate the changes in conditions. In particular, chipping takes on a completely different look when the Bermuda goes […]

Feature – 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is right around the corner and AvidGolfer has you covered on potential gift ideas for the said golfer, or anyone for that matter. From gear for the links, to clothing and even items for the house, these ideas are sure to satisfy that special someone.   G/Fore: Killer pack, $250 This killer umbrella […]

Instruction – The Line in the Sand

Bunker play tends to be one of the most feared shots by the weekend golfer. If you ask a PGA Tour player they will likely tell you it’s one of the easiest shots. Now, I know that you know this already. So, the question is: why is there this discrepancy in the difficulty of this […]

After the Round – Yard House

With the Toyota Music Factory consistently bringing some of music and comedy’s biggest acts to town, Irving has developed into one of the Metroplex’s premier entertainment destinations. So, whether you’re heading for a bite and to catch a show following your round, or just want to sit down and enjoy a game with some food […]

Exam Room – Overcoming the Beatdown of Travel

Whether you are a junior golfer road-tripping across the state for a tournament, or someone jumping on a trans-Atlantic flight for a golf trip in Scotland with your buddies, there is no question it will have an effect on your body in some way. It’s important to recognize and understand the implications that travel can have […]

Tales from the Back Nine, Part XI – South Central Texas, Port Aransas

Most native Texans, if they paid attention in grade school, or read the book, or saw the movie, or stumbled onto the hallowed grounds after sipping margaritas on the River Walk, know the Alamo as the enduring symbol of Texas’ heroic fight for independence. So, yeah, we like sorta remember the Alamo. But what about […]

Instruction – The Ladder Drill

Have you ever heard the comment, “Their short game is so good they could land it on a dime”?  That is a reference to the person’s ability to control the landing distance of the chip shot. A player develops that control not only through experience, but specific skill training. That’s where the “Ladder Drill” comes […]

Feature Story – The World Long Drive Tour: Past and Present

The 44th edition of the World Long Drive Championship was contested last month in Thackerville, Oklahoma and when all was said and done a new king and queen were left standing on the men’s and women’s sides.  It was the first time since 2013 that both events produced a first-time winner with Kyle Berkshire and […]

Exam Room – CBD: A Game Changer

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the latest craze in the health industry and on the PGA Tour and is expected to grow by 49 percent annually compounded yearly in the next five years.  With that being said, it is important to understand a few things about CBD in order to reap the benefits. CBD is from […]

After the Round – Jack and Grill

One of the Metroplex’s most rapidly developing areas is Roanoke, and at the heart of the entertainment district of the now-bustling suburb lies historic Oak Street.  From mom-and-pop shops to antique stores, this thoroughfare offers an array of unique shopping options, but it’s food that is the main draw. And while numerous new ventures seem […]

Tales from the Back Nine, Part X – Red River Region

With Texas and Oklahoma seemingly headed for an epic college football showdown this month, it seemed the perfect time to explore wild golf in the Red River region. Remote courses, state parks and fishing spots flourish on both sides of the border, making the Red River a golf adventure waiting to happen. The trusty old […]

Slow-Mo No Go

Tony Finau plays fast because of mosquitoes.  On the modest public course where the tall Utahn learned the game, he found that long pauses gave the skeeters a better chance to land, so he and his brother kept up a brisk pace. Brooks Koepka plays fast because there’s the ball and there’s the target and […]

Exam Room – Getting Loose

If every time you play a round golf you experience some post-round tightness and feel like someone swung their sand wedge directly into your body, you’re not alone. Let’s face it, you are not a spring chicken and the days of trunk golf are followed by several days of muscle soreness, ibuprofen and ice.  Well, […]

Cover Story – College Days Revisited

To become a PGA TOUR player, you need talent, determination and self-minded focus to do nothing but eat, drink and sleep golf. Except in the fall, of course. That’s when the Tour players passion for the game they play for a living, takes a back seat – or at least an equal seat – to […]

Tales From the Back Nine, Part IX – Highway 380 West

Maybe you heard the tall Texas tale of the two frontiersmen who frantically climbed into a small cave by the Clear Fork Brazos River to elude a band of Comanches, arrows whizzing by as the men crawled through a hole in the rock along the steep bank. Whew, safe at last. But one problem: Their […]

After the Round – Five Sixty

If playing 18 holes while making your way through the endless oak trees and drastic elevation changes at Stevens or Tenison Park Golf Courses in Dallas didn’t fulfill your craving for the outdoor beauty that North Texas has to offer, then perhaps wetting your appetite in a variety of ways at Five Sixty would be […]

Wayward Shots – Golf’s Biggest Showoff

On the final tee in the final round of The Open Championship quite a few years ago, someone told Golf’s Biggest Showoff that he trailed by two. He’d have to make an eagle two on the par-4 18th at Royal Lytham & St. Annes to tie. The Showoff received the news without apparent emotion, then […]

Tales From the Back Nine Part VIII – Kansas

First time I ever saw Kansas, they were opening for Aerosmith at UTA’s Texas Hall. This is notable only because, about a century later, I actually toured the state of Kansas, and again Kansas was the backup band, stuck in my head the whole way. Yep, a four-day road trip exploring wilderness golf adventures in […]

Exam Room – Coping With Overuse Injuries

Since we have been receiving many patients with elbow and wrist-pain issues in the clinic recently, we figured we should spend some time talking about them. Elbow and wrist injuries are typically what we call overuse injuries. The importance of understanding what an overuse injury is will be beneficial to providing the right treatment and […]

After the Round – The Mansion Dallas

When it comes to living a life of luxury, one of the first requirements that comes to mind is owning a mansion.  But following a hot summer round of golf in Texas, the last thing I personally want to do is return home to slave over a hot stove or oven.  If you’re like me, […]

AG Summer Tourney, August 10th at Thorntree

PLAYER GIFTS ALONE WORTH MORE THAN THE ENTRY FEE! 

Wayward Shots – Bad Lies

By: Curt Sampson Weighing in on Rick Reilly’s new book – Commander in Cheat (Hachette Books 2019) is to skate on thin ice, for in these troubled times, expressing the wrong opinion of the Leader of the Free World can get you disinvited from Thanksgiving dinner and left out of the will, while agreement can […]

Instruction – H2Oh So Pure!

When it comes to bombing the driver there are three main causes of distance loss as a result of not maximizing the energy transferred from the club to the ball. Those three causes are: 1. A downward attack angle 2. Off center contact 3. An outside-in swing path The good news is that with one, […]

Travel – Tales from the Back Nine: Part VII

By: Bill Nichols Wild golf has taken its toll on the ole F-150. Hobbled by inoperable alignment issues and having recently turned 200,000, the beast faces an uncertain future. He can relate to the remote nine-hole tracks we visit; old, frayed at the edges, and costly to maintain. The owners walk the tight rope balancing […]

Elements of Style – Beat the Heat Cheat Sheet

A visit to the Salon should be the most relaxing experience, but if you are not careful and clear on your wants and needs it could be disastrous. If you find yourself in the salon, unsure of what to say and how to say it, here is a summer cheat sheet of information and topics […]

Exam Room – Fuel Your Body Like the Pros

We are getting into the peak of golf season and it is that time of year in Texas for extreme heat. Chirosport wanted to share some tips about hydration and proper nutrition for playing your best golf this summer. Improper hydration and nutrition could be hindering your body from peak performace, especially if you struggle […]

Instruction – Trajectory 1-2-3

Developing a skilled chipping and pitching game requires the ability to influence trajectory and spin. Having the ability to hit your two most lofted wedges, three different trajectories, will give you the ability to cover many shots around the green. Let’s consider “Trajectory 1” the lowest trajectory with the most amount of roll. “Trajectory 2” […]

Exam Room – Putting Your Best Foot Forward

With the weather in Texas finally improving and golf season now in full swing, we are starting to see more foot related issues here at the clinic. It is like clockwork for us, every spring we start to see sore feet due to overuse from golf to running and lots of sprained ankles. Many of […]

Elements of Style – Five Summer Grooming Tips for Men

Summertime in the DFW Metroplex means drinks by a highrise pool, road trips to the lake and backyard barbecues with friends. Skin and hair care is probably the last thing on your mind while out having fun in the sun.  The intense Texas sun and humid conditions  should make your skin and hair care routine a […]

Cover Story – Mr. Nicklaus and The Dallas Athletic Club

By Art Stricklin and Eli Jordan The 100-year history of the Dallas Athletic Club includes three different locations, three generational head pros, two championship golf courses, one legendary major championship winner and decades of memories. Back in May, the club held one of several events planned to celebrate 100 years as part of the Dallas […]

Travel – Tales from the Back Nine: Part VI

In searching the rural routes for wilderness golf adventures, trains have been my constant companion. Everywhere I go. Always there.  Railroads and golf courses have shared a common bond since way back. Trains were instrumental in the development of our country, cutting through mountains and other obstacles that stymied explorers as we expanded west. Golf […]

Course Review – Tempest Golf Club

There has been a re-birth of a spectacular golf course deep in the East Texas pines. Once known Southern Hills Golf  Course, Tempest  Golf  Club is open for play after a major renovation.  Renovations started in 2016 and Tempest has done some serious work as they have maximized space from the previous layout while using […]

Cover Story – PGA Tour Preview

The PGA TOUR is once again back in DFW and AVIDGOLFER will be along for the ride. The North Texas swing will have a little different flavor in 2019, as a scheduling change separates the AT&T Byron Nelson and the Charles Schwab Challenge. The Nelson will take place the week of May 6th through the […]

Wayward Shots – Don’t Miss the Nelson

Cue the calliope, the circus is coming to town–in golf tournament form! Sorry. Comparing the AT&T Byron Nelson Classic to a mere circus may be the worst kind of smart assery, but on the other hand: there will be exhibitions by a strong man; there will be a midway, sort of; many, many (parking lot […]

Instruction – Soul Food Strikes

Let’s first talk about the two most common causes of contact issues. Hanging back on the downswing and arms pulling in through impact. When we hanging back on the downswing we shift the low point back. If we do make contact with the ground while doing this it will result in contacting the ground before […]

Tales from the Back Nine, Part 5

Highway 6, one of the original 25 proposed state highways in 1917, cuts through the heart of Texas from the Red River down to the outskirts of Galveston. SH-6 epitomizes road-trip romanticism. The old highway rolls down central Texas and back in time, taking travelers on a roller-coaster tour of small towns along undulating farmland […]

Exam Room – Squat Your Way to Success

Over the last several years, I have worked with many golfers from the youth to the professional level. One thing I learned quickly in my experience treating golfers is whether I’m working with a 13 year old junior starting to develop, an executive who plays money games at a local club on the weekends, or […]

After The Round – Heim Time

When thinking of the best places to get barbecue across the US more often than not the debate brings up the state of Texas as it is widely considered one of the four major types of BBQ. Barbecue in the state of Texas is a staple and more often a way of life and a […]

Tales From the Back Nine, Part 4

Standing on the third tee at Princedale Country Club early one Sunday morning, I may as well have been stepping back in time. The quaint course, founded in 1928, sits on 70 acres of rolling farmland. Majestic pine trees cast long shadows on the gently sloping fairways. Peaceful ponds reflected the shimmering pink-and-purple hues of […]

Wayward Shots – Goodbye, Dan

Someone once said of Arnold Palmer that he didn’t play our game, we played his. That’s the way a lot of writers feel about Dan Jenkins, who died last month at age ninety. Of the 500 or so mourners at his memorial service at a limestone cathedral in Fort Worth, I counted at least a […]

Instruction – Spine Angle and Better Drives

Did you know that you could hit the ball farther without increasing your club head speed? If you are like the majority of golfers that hit down on the ball with their driver (downward or negative attack angle) then you are giving up distance. Here are three “connected” keys to helping you achieve an upward […]

Cover Story – Pudge Rodriguez

Photography Courtesy of Kelly Galvin, Photographer of the Texas Rangers and Texas LIVE! Special thanks to Catalina Villegas Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez played 21 seasons in the Major Leagues. During his playing career, he played in 2,543 games, amassed 311 home runs, 1,332 RBI and hit .296. He won the MVP in 1999 with the Texas […]

Exam Room – Testing Flexibility

There is no doubt that the amount of preparation taking place off the golf course has drastically changed over the last twenty years. The likelihood of a golfer spending time in a gym setting, working with personal trainers, or medical professionals was rare, and the term “golf fitness” was an unknown subject.  In today’s world, […]

Exam Room – Supplementing Your Golf Swing

While golf can be relaxing, it’s also a great workout for the body and the mind. Keeping the muscles strong and the mind sharp will pay off on the course. Healthcare professionals often tell their patients to eat well and to take supplements, but few provide details. While every person’s needs are different, here are […]

Cover Story – Best of Private Clubs 2019

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to see which golf clubs passed the test in 2019. As we do every March, AVIDGOLFER ranks and rates every private club in the Metroplex. Over the last several years, renovation has been the name of the game when it comes to some of the heavy hitters in DFW. Courses […]

What to Expect When You Commit to ChiroSport

The vision of ChiroSport Specialists of Dallas was to have an integrative approach to health care that includes acute injury care, rehabilitation, performance training, and recovery therapies. It’s important for an injured athlete or client to be able to have access to all specialists under one roof. The communication and continuity of care is critical […]

After the Round – Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar

A piece of Louisiana is making its way into the Metroplex as Walk-On’s is now open for business in Irving. Originally Walk-On’s opened their first location in 2003 in Baton Rouge in the shadows of LSU’s Tiger Stadium. Walk-On’s founders Brandon Landry and Jack Warner became good friends when they were teammates on the LSU […]

Wayward Shots – The Masters Marker

Perhaps you were the kid in the backyard passing a football to himself. Probably you complemented your thrilling catches and zig-zag runs with crowd noise, narration from Brad Sham, and an end zone dance. Cowboys win! Maybe golf inspired your athletic fantasy life. It’s a little embarrassing to recall teenage me hanging on the yellow […]

Tales From the Back Nine: Part III

Golf came to Oklahoma in 1900, when Scottish immigrant Alex Findlay designed Guthrie Country Club just north of Oklahoma City. Renowned architects have been following Findlay’s bootprints ever since. So, I figured, if some dude on a pony could usher golf into the Sooner state and leave a hero, then I could at least drive […]

Instruction – Sway Stop, Doorstop

One of the more common swing faults I see on the lesson tee is a lateral sway of the hips during the backswing. In many cases this leads to a “reverse sway” or hang back on the downswing. One thing that is for sure, a sway it going to lead to contact issues and a […]

Travel – Tales from the Back Nine, Part II

If we pick up where the last trip ended, then we would be sitting in the pickup truck, broken down in the pitch-black west Texas night, 18 miles from civilization. But with a new alternator in the old F-150, I was eager to get back out on the rural routes. I could have searched for […]

Exam Room – Assessment Yields Achievement

Our most recent articles highlighted what the best players in the world do for their recovery and how they warm-up properly both before playing the golf course and before the gym. Since it is now winter in Dallas and golf days can be few and far between, we will introduce and explain a big part […]

Feature – 2019 Tournament Planning Guide

Selecting the Right Course For Your Event By Cliff Coffelt, PGA General Manager • The Tribute Golf Links at The Colony I want to host a golf tournament in 2019… how quickly can I get everything booked, and what should my budget be?  First steps are picking a course and setting a date. Most courses […]

After the Round – Dallas Fish Market

Down on Main Street in Dallas’ bustling and vibrant downtown comes one of the Metroplex’s top seafood dining experiences, the Dallas Fish Market. The Dallas Fish Market opened their doors in 2007 and has been a great catch for locals and visitors alike who are craving an incredible taste of the sea. Dallas Fish Market’s […]

Cover Story – Whatever Happened to Anthony Kim?

Just over ten years ago . . . Yes, Anthony Kim said, he’d be happy to talk and pose after he hit a few more balls. On a sunny spring day at TPC Las Colinas, on a pre-Nelson Wednesday practice tee crowded with the world’s best golfers, I leaned in close to observe the wonder […]

Feature – 25 Things AG Wants to See in 2019!

2018 was a fantastic year for the PGA TOUR and the game of golf as a whole. Although it wasn’t a popular win, Patrick Reed’s performance at Augusta was dominating. Brooks Koepka captured his second straight US Open and the PGA Championship at Bellerive, and Francisco Molinari was a bit of a surprise winner at […]

Course Review: Coyote Ridge Golf Club

Along the Elm Fork Trinity River in Carrollton is one of the Metroplex’s greatest overall golf experiences. Coyote Ridge Golf Club gives any golfer enjoyment while also keeping it adventurous. Coyote Ridge is unique in that the layout of the course features two very distinct layouts with the front and back 9. There’s a lot […]

Tales from the Back Nine – West Texas

Golf clubs, check. Camping gear, check. Two tires, new battery, full tank of gas in the pickup, check, check, check. What could possibly go wrong? If you have traveled with me then you know that calamity lurks around every corner. My travel journals read like what-not-to-do manuals of white-knuckle road trips. Long hours driving alone, […]

Instruction – No More Casting!

There are many reasons golfers come over the top and slice the ball, but the most common problem, for a right handed golfer, I see during a swing evaluation at Pure Swing Golf is left side-bend on the downswing. Note that the opposite problem is true for a left handed golfer. All good golfers right […]

Exam Room – Recovery For Dummies

In previous articles we have discussed the importance of how to warm-up before a round or a workout. We have shown you how to foam roll and how to stretch properly to prepare your body to play. Now we are going to discuss the importance of a recovery routine and explain some recovery tips to […]

Scene and Be Seen – Marty B’s

Just a stone’s throw away from Lantana Golf Club & Tour 18 Golf course comes Marty Bryan’s original restaurant and concert hall: Marty B’s Place. Marty has been cooking up masterpieces in the kitchen since he was a teenager, but his greatest dish is Marty B’s Place in Bartonville, which he opened in November of […]

Instruction – Get Comfortable With Uncomfortable

By Anthony Broussard Golf is hard. No one gets good at golf without putting in lots of practice time, no one. It doesn’t matter how much athletic ability one has or how good their golf instructor is if they don’t put in the time to practice. I read a book called “Talent Is Overrated” written […]

Exam Room – Warm Up to Go Low

In a previous article, we showed you how to use a foam roller. Foam rolling is the first step to warming up your body, not just for golf, but before you work out and even before a stretching session. Now, we are going to show you how to warm-up like the Pros. Along with this […]

Feature – AG 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Breakthrough Golf Technology Stability Putter Shaft $199.99 The Stability Shaft is revolutionizing the way putters are crafted. Available on any putter Breakthrough Golf has designed a shaft that separates itself from the rest by reducing flex and twist upon impact with the ball giving you a straighter putt every time. Simply send your putter into […]

Instruction – What the Great One’s Do

The most common problem I see in all levels of players is incorrect wrist angles at the top of the swing. From the 30 handicapper to the scratch player I see this all of the time. Why are wrist angles so important? What are proper and improper wrist angles and how are wrist angles affected […]

Scene and Be Seen – The Porch

Knox-Henderson has always been known as a cozy, friendly neighborhood of Dallas with a food scene that rivals anywhere else in the metroplex in terms of taste, service and freshness. The Porch is a prime example of why Dallas’ food scene is on the rise. The Porch opened as a local neighborhood spot in March […]

Cover Story – Best of Public

Here we are. Another November, and another chance to run down AVIDGOLFER’s top courses in Dallas/Fort Worth. Overall, this has been a pretty solid year for courses condition-wise. Over 11 inches of rain in February kept courses plush through the summer months, and a soaker of a September and October meant courses stayed green (although […]

Cover Story – Guitars and Two-Putt Pars

By Art Stricklin and Eli Jordan Country music has long been a staple of southern living. From Luckenbach to San Antonio, from Cheatham Street and Gruene Hall to Billy Bob’s, Waylon, Willie and the boys were the beginning of a music revolution. Country music was eventually thrust into the mainstream with the emergence of mega-stars […]

Feature – The 2019 Major Championship Venues

Now that the 2018 PGA TOUR season is in the books, it’s time to look forward to the 2019 year. Specifically, we should take a sneak peek at the four majors and their venues. The 2018 season saw Patrick Reed break through at Augusta, the emergence of Brooks Koepka as a superstar with a pair […]

Wayward Shots – Superstition Attrition

Crotch, butt, shoulder, shoulder, nose, ear, nose, ear … Rafael Nadal’s obsessive pre-shot self-touching amounts to a Disorder and I’d feel sorry for him if not for the fact that he’s won over $100 million from pro tennis and 17 of its majors. All who watch sports are unwitting and sometimes unwilling witnesses to such […]

Instruction – Driving it Home

The most important club in the bag is the driver. There is no other club that sets you up for scoring success like the driver. When the driver is going long and straight, it takes a lot of pressure off of the rest of your game. PGA Tour statistics show that the closer you are […]

Travel – A Trip to the Tropics

By Robert Rodriguez The tropics are quiet right now – gone are the days of hurricane-force winds and menacing rainstorms. We hope it stay like that for quite a while, as Mother Nature has shown she can be quite menacing over warm waters. It was heartbreaking to see the destruction left in the wake of […]

Course Review – Sky Creek Ranch

Nestled into the suburbs of Keller, lies the majestic Sky Creek Ranch. A beautiful 18-hole course designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., a man whose courses are synonymous with possessing uniqueness while being environmentally conscious. Sky Creek Ranch’s design and layout is no different from that. The first thing you notice when pulling […]

Exam Room – Is K-Tape the Answer to Your Aches and Pains?

You may have been thinking to yourself while watching the British Open this year, what the heck was on Tiger’s neck? Or you may already know about kinesiology tape, k-tape for short, from watching the Olympics in the last few years, or even watching Michelle Wie on the LPGA Tour. Since Tiger had K-tape on […]

Tech Talk – The Modern Kitchen

These days, innovation is in everything we touch. Innovation gives you the ability to hit a golf ball harder and more accurate. Innovation helps you answer questions fast with the help of your smart phone. Innovation helps you cook more efficiently and healthier than ever before. Not many people think about that last one – […]

Scene and Be Seen – Fish & Fizz

ROYAL FARE A taste of England’s most iconic dish deep in the heart of Texas BY LOGAN HOCUTT Nestled into Promenade Center in Richardson, a block away from Richardson High School comes Nick Barclay’s newest restaurant, Fish & Fizz. Nick Barclay originally moved to the metroplex in 1983 from his hometown of Leicester, located in […]

Exam Room – Roll It Like the Pros

Foam rolling can significantly decrease your chance of injury By Dr. Chris Miller Foam rolling is one of the most underrated and missing tools in most golf warm-up routines, as well as in most people’s workout warm-ups. Foam rolling is a crucial part in adding distance off the tee, in playing pain free golf and […]

Instruction – Importance of Your Equipment

Fine-tuning your equipment could be the key to shaving strokes off your game. By Anthony Broussard How important are the tools a mechanic uses to get the job done? A mechanic that has the proper tools can be more efficient with time and the quality of their work. The same is true for the best […]

Travel – Hill Country Hijinks

A look inside Horseshoe Bay Resort’s multi-million dollar renovations By Mikal Black I recently found answers to two questions that have rattled around my head for several years now concerning the Hill Country portion of the state of Texas. I have heard people talk about a much less crowded route from the Dallas-Fort Worth area […]

Wayward Shots – The Man Who Saved the 1947 Ryder Cup

How Robert A. Hudson became the hero of the 1947 tournament By CURT SAMPSON Perhaps you’ve been thinking about the Ryder Cup, witchcraft, Ben Hogan, and exploding whales. I know I have. These oddly linked topics came together for me at green, serene Portland Golf Club, a jewel-like acreage in Oregon’s largest city. PGC owns […]

Feature – Luxury Essentials 2018

It’s August, so that means it is time once again for AVIDGOLFER’s Luxury Edition. It is our pleasure to highlight some of the finest things that the world has to offer in 2018. From top-of-the-line vehicles, to the world’s most expensive fountain pen, we have everything that you need to be the essence of luxury […]

Instruction – Short Game Tips

How often do you practice putting? When I played professionally I spent at least an hour a day working on putts inside 6 feet. I would be willing to bet that if you asked any professional golfer how much time they dedicate to putting each day, you would get a similar answer. I know the […]

Exam Room – Stray Away From the Sway

As a practicing Chiropractor in the DFW Metroplex that has traveled with PGA Tour players for the last 15 years I have treated and successfully helped thousands of golfers of all ages and levels with back pain. A majority of golfers struggle with back pain at least once during their playing tenure. Coincidentally, a majority […]

Instruction – Two Short Game Basics

By: Anthony Broussard The leader on the PGA Tour in greens in regulation for the entire season is generally under 13 greens per round. That means the best ball striker on the PGA tour is faced to get up and down at least 5 times during a round. If you want better scores, chip and […]

Travel – Edgewood Tahoe

By: James McAfee For the last 50 years, Texas golfers have discovered that making a trip to Lake Tahoe to play the venerable Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is a great way to beat the heat back home in the summer. The addition of the ultra-deluxe 154-room Edgewood Lodge in June of 2017 along with a […]

Finance – The Value of Human Touch

If we glance up from our mobile devices long enough, we might notice a startling trend. Bank branches are disappearing from communities throughout the nation, including Dallas. In February, The Wall Street Journal reported that for the 12 months ending in June 2017, the number of branches nationwide fell by more than 1,700, the biggest […]

Elements of Style – How to Handle Adult Acne

Adult acne can be the result of small daily habits as well as your body’s make up, including your skin type. Your skin type: oily, acne prone, dry, sensitive – won’t change significantly with age. Either way, there’s also a way to treat it. Men (with or without acne) need to maintain and protect their […]

The Mental Game – The Power of Positive Thinking

By Anthony Broussard When trying to figure out what my first ever golf instruction article was going to be about, I went back to my recent playing days and thought about the most important thing in golf, the mind. Why is the mind so important? Why do you have to have a good mind to […]

Photos from the North Texas Swing

The North Texas LPGA and PGA tournaments are in the history books for 2018. The LPGA made their inaugural trip to Old American in The Colony, but rain shortened the tournament from 72 to 36 holes and made it a sloppy walk for patrons and competitors. When the mud had settled, South Korean Sung Hyun […]

Tech Talk – Leather for Life

Durable, comfortable, luxurious – once a material cherished by the world’s most elite, today, leather upholstery is a staple in households across America. There’s no doubt that leather is one of the most durable, environmentally sound and value-oriented furniture materials known to man. Because of the strong physical nature of leather, it is the ideal […]

AG Summer Golf Tournament

PLAY IN THE AG SUMMER TOURNAMENT!! SIGN UP HERE We have a full day of entertainment in store! Just $200/person for a full round of golf at the World’s Only NFL Themed Golf Course and get your fill in outstanding dinner post-round from the Ring of Honor Kitchen and Grill at Cowboys Golf Club!! When: […]

Split Rail Links & Golf Club — Linking Old World and New

I had never been to Aledo before last month, but it proved to be a very unique – and charming –place. There was an abundance of ranches dotted along the idyllic scenery, a llama farm with its residents out for display and a links style golf course tucked into the middle of all of it. […]

Fort Worth Invitational at Colonial Preview

After a touch-and-go year, the 72nd Fort Worth Invitational will go on as planned later this month in Fort Worth. When DEAN & DELUCA told tournament officials late in 2017 they would be unable to meet their financial responsibilities, the tournament was once again left scrambling to find a title sponsor for the 2018 event. […]

AT&T Byron Nelson Preview

Not unlike the children standing in front of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, golf fans across the DFW Metroplex are anxiously awaiting to present their tickets for the first glimpses of ultra-exclusive Trinity Forest Golf Club, the brand-new site of this year’s AT&T Byron Nelson. Anticipation around the course and this year’s event have been building […]

Examination Room — Are Your Hormones Up to Par?

You can step out on the most sought after course in the world, with beautiful scenery, rolling hills and the greenest of grass, but if you’re not feeling well or your mind is not clear, the chances that you’ll step off that course happy after 18 holes are slim to none. The same is true […]

Elements of Style — Do Guys Need to Shower Every Day?

Wayward Shots — Don’t Mess With the Golf Ball

They’re going to change the golf ball. I don’t know why, but they are. And they’re going to do it wrong. By “they,” I mean the USGA, the R&A, and the PGA Tour, in concert, perhaps, with the manufacturers. By “change” we mean not allow it to go so far. And by “wrong” – read […]

Instruction — Three Keys to a Good Swing

The golf swing has several different ways it can be taught. This can be dictated by the different shot patterns instructors and, for that matter, students like to see. But with all the different looks to a swing I believe there are three areas of the swing every golfer should achieve. These three areas are […]

Elements of Style – Skin Care Decoded

Waywards Shots — The Worst Masters Ever

Worst. Masters. Ever. There is not even any debate about it. Fifty years later, the 1968 version stands out as a singularly awful golf tournament. The event changed lives – not for the better – and damaged reputations. The result seemed so outrageous that it distracted us from many other outrages. That took some doing. […]

Tech Talk – The Ultimate Media Room

Media and home theater rooms are one of the most popular additions today no matter the size or value of a home. These entertainment rooms, which were once reserved for the elite, are now found in most homes around the country. Whether you are remodeling your theater room, converting to a smart home or building […]

Instruction — The Off-Center Strike

Ever hit a shot that vibrates your hands at impact? The feeling is from an “off center” contact to the clubface. This type of miss can also turn the club in your hands. It’s not a very good feeling and even worse when the temperatures are cooler. Conversely, there’s nothing better than making impact in […]

Scene and be Seen – Footlong Fun

Spring is here and you know what that means: time to crack open a cold one, take the cover off the grill and set up camp on your patio under the glittering sunshine. Or, if you’re more keen on steps one and three only, Dog Haus has you covered for the dogs. In my opinion, […]

The Lighter Side of Cole Hamels

When you take a look back at his career so far, Cole Hamels lives up to every bit of his “Hollywood” nickname. The laid-back California kid who is known for his wicked changeup was drafted in the first round in 2002, 17th overall, to the Philadelphia Phillies. He worked his way up through the minor […]

Splash of Style — Shoe Game

It wasn’t too long ago that golf shoes, or the show game and casual or business shoes were completely different entities – golf shoes were clunky and heavy and ridden with long metal spikes … obviously not off-the-course attire, unless you were working with the Road Warrior. But the golf industry’s shoe game has evolved […]

The Quandary of Golf on TV

Golf is the most boring sport on television. A recent poll judged our game to be more boring, even, than darts. Darts! We should give a damn, I think, at least a small one, because television is the gateway drug to more participants, and more players improves the health and wealth of every aspect of […]

Instruction — Know Your Putter

Putting is the simplest motion in golf. It has virtually zero body motion and requires a very small amount of energy. However, it can be part of golf that just drives golfers crazy. But just having a little direction in the type of putter and an understanding of the stroke can make all the difference […]

2018 Best of Private Clubs

Well sports fans, it is that time of year again, where those of us here at AVIDGOLFER Magazine get together and ponder the greatness that is the private club industry here in DFW … and bang our heads against the wall until we figure out which of the dozens of awesome clubs is the most […]

Wayward Shots — The Man Who Knew Too Much

The pre-shot routine of the world’s best golfer involved so much wiggling that he looked like he was trying to take his pants off without using his hands. With his stationary rhumba concluded, the world’s best finally seemed ready for launch. He wasn’t. He paused. He paused again. Spectators checked their watches. They looked at […]

Elements of Style – No Hair? No Problem.

Thinning hair is all but inevitable for most men. According to the American Hair Loss Association, two-thirds of men will experience hair thinning by age 35, and by age 50, 85 percent of men have thinning hair or are bald. However, your hair can still look great so long as you find a style that […]

Tech Talk – CES 2018

Every January captains of industry, innovators and entrepreneurs gather in Las Vegas for the largest trade show on Earth – CES. The Consumer Electronics Show unveils to the world some of the most incredible, innovative products you’ll see anywhere. With more than 4,000 exhibiting companies and exhibit space of over 2.75 million square feet, CES […]

Instruction — No Plane, No Gain

Swinging the club back and through is an essential part of the game. Generally speaking, you’d like to swing the club up over your back shoulder, then down to the ground and up again over your front shoulder. That is the description of the golf swing in its most simple form. The angle on which […]

Scene and Be Seen – Eno’s Pizza Tavern in Forney

If your New Year’s resolution to commit to healthy eating habits has already fallen by the wayside, I’ve got just the place for you. Eno’s Pizza Tavern, a decade-long favorite nestled in the Bishop Arts District, has taken its pizza talents to Forney and opened a second location. The haven of thin-crust pies has a […]

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Carolina True Blue

By David Theoret Myrtle Beach … is there a better hub of golf courses in the United States? You could maybe argue for a few other locations, but once you’ve explored the dozens of tracts in South Carolina’s golf Mecca, you’ll be hard pressed to name somewhere better. One of Myrtle Beach’s best-kept secrets is […]

Noah Goodwin: Self-Defined

It’s no secret that the Metroplex has been a hotbed for young golf talent the last few decades. There are easily a half-dozen names that immediately come to mind as incredibly talented young men and women playing on the collegiate and professional circuits. Many of them have been featured right here, in the pages of […]

2018 LoneStar Preview

It’s January, and we all know what that means – only three months until the PGA Tour rolls into the Lone Star State for a run of six professional tournaments stretching across a roughly eight-week span. The PGA Tour kicks off the golf season in Texas at the Houston Open, before jumping over to the […]

Mr. 99 and the $100K Bet

Jordan Spieth teed it up at Shady Oaks, Ben Hogan’s course, during a recent warm patch in the November chill. No one watched, or even cared. All eyes were on a 100-shooter. A hundred at least. Cody Campbell has been playing the game off and on since the fifth grade, but he’d never dipped into […]

Instruction – Go The Distance in 2018

Welcome to 2018! This will be my 16th year of writing a monthly instruction article for AVIDGOLFER. The process each time is challenging and enjoyable. One of my biggest thrills is when a golfer stops me to mention they’ve read a recent AG article and it helped their game. So, I’m going to start off […]

Pecan Hollow – A Golfer’s Paradise in Plano

I’ve loved living in Dallas the last five years, and one of the many perks of living in warmer climates is our (mostly) year-round golf weather. While friends and family up north are shoveling their driveways this time of year, I can be on the golf course with only an extra layer of outerwear. If […]

Kate Weiser Chocolate — Chocolate-Covered Cheer

Forget visions of sugar plums and gingerbread villages; Kate Weiser Chocolate is whipping up holiday magic in the form of hand-painted bonbons, candy bars and holiday symbols with hidden surprises. This holiday season, I recommend making it a point to stop by one of her locations and step into her chocolate wonderland. Nary an adult […]

Need Presents? It’s AG’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide!

TITLEIST 718 T-MB IRONS $280/Club Now available as a full set of irons, the new 718 T-MB irons by Titleist deliver high launch and longer distance while maintaining a compact, muscleback design. Available in 2-iron through 50-degree wedge. www.titleist.com ADIDAS TOUR 360 BOOST 2.0 SHOES $200 Improving on last year’s Tour 360 Boost shoes, the […]

Tech Talk — The Wi-Fi Highway

Wireless Internet, or “Wi-Fi,” has changed our lives. The term “Wi-Fi” was a relatively obscure term just 10 years ago; it is incredible to think about how ubiquitous the term is in today’s vernacular. Today, we rely on Wi-Fi like never before. According to comScore Data, North American homes in 2017 will have an average […]

Wayward Shots — Kevin Sutherland, the Anonymous Pro

Last month the Champions Tour wrapped up its final event of the season with an unusual finish to the Schwab Cup playoffs. Kevin Sutherland, with help from his caddy, Billy Lewis, won our version of the “Tour Championship” for his first Champions Tour victory, and also won first prize in the lucrative Schwab Cup payoff […]

Instruction — The Versatility of Alignment Sticks

Over the last few years, practice on the range, for many, has involved a training aid called aiming sticks. These sticks are used for a variety of different facets during golfer’s practice sessions. Aiming sticks had a different purpose when I was growing up in upstate New York. You would purchase them at the local […]

The Bahamas — Basking at Baha Mar

When the 299-room SLS hotel at Baha Mar opened to guests last month, you might think the Caribbean mega resort would take a breather. But the $4.2 billion Nassau, Bahamas project has months of work ahead of it before the last of its four hotels, a 200-room Rosewood, opens to the public next year. What […]

Wayward Shots – Remembering the Greater Milwaukee Open

One of the saddest days during my career was when the last Greater Milwaukee Open was played in 2009. After 42 years, Bo Van Pelt tapped in for victory and ended what was a very popular event among the players and caddies. I have been living in Milwaukee for the last 20 years, and it […]

Instruction – 3 Myths to Totally Ignore

Golf instruction has many different styles of teaching. All have very good principles that can make a student better. Nowhere in any style of instruction will you find the “myths in golf” that I’m going to discuss in this article. To me, these myths are completely over blown and unnecessary swing thoughts. They don’t really […]

Elements of Style – Get a Better Beard

Having a beard in the fall and winter sounds like a great idea, right? It keeps your face warm and protects you from the cold air. But, don’t forget, your beard will be exposed to rain and humidity in the fall, then wind and snow in the winter, which can interfere with your comfort. There’s […]

Tech Talk – Leather For Life

Durable, comfortable, luxurious – once a material cherished by the world’s most elite, today, leather upholstery is a staple in households across America. There’s no doubt that leather is one of the most durable, environmentally sound and value-oriented furniture materials known to man. Because of the strong physical nature of leather, it is the ideal […]

Golf’s Unsung Heroes

What’s it like to be the man (or woman) behind the scenes, pulling the strings, making the big calls, and running successful companies and organizations without all the public exposure, headline time and local notoriety? In some respects, maybe it is a bit frustrating, to know that your hard work and contributions to your field, […]

Scene and Be Seen – Prohibition Chicken

Visiting Prohibition Chicken is like going to the best neighborhood get together, but better. This place has incredible food, a “secret” speakeasy and, despite its name, a vast list of boozy beverages. This corner space in the heart of Lewisville can hold quite a crowd at roughly 2200 sq. ft., and is divided between the […]

Wayward Shots — Caddies and Social Media

Over the last few months on the PGA Tour, there has been a unique phenomenon that has occurred. Three high profile golfers – Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, and Jason Day – have all switched caddies, moving (a bit unexpectedly) from long-time bagmen. While in the inner circle of pros and caddies this is nothing new, […]

Instruction — An Inside Job

A large portion of the articles I write come from actual lessons with my students. A topic that repeats itself each day, on the lesson tee, is the difficulty to stay behind the ball and hit from the inside. This mistake basically targets any golfer whose tendency is to slice the ball. When the upper […]

The Carolinas — Carolina’s Finest

By David Theoret The Carolinas are an amazing Mecca of beautiful golf courses, with dozens located in just a few hundred square miles of each other up and down the Atlantic coast. At the southern tip of South Carolina is probably the most well-known golfing metropolis in the area: Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head’s most […]

Creek Course at Indian Creek — Carrollton’s Comeback Story

There are few images that, once seen, are hard to evade your memory. When I played Indian Creek this past month, the images from our July 2015 issue kept popping into my head. Indian Creek was, unfortunately, one of the courses that was put underwater during the historic storms in May and June of 2015. […]

Elements of Style – Post Summer Revival

Summer can wreak havoc on a golf course – from scorching fairways and greens to turning your golf cart seat into a leg griddle. While you’re out on the course, the intense heat and sun can also have damaging effects on your skin and hair. But with regular maintenance, you can revive even the most […]

Wayward Shots — Different Strokes

Over the last 26 years, I’ve caddied for seven players full time. About 5 years ago, my roommate came up with the idea to see how many players we’ve actually worked for, which included one-week jobs or more. Once I did the math, I was shocked to learn it was in the 100-200 range. That’s […]

Instruction — Three Shots to Get Up and Down

Low, Medium and High describes the shots necessary to be successful with your short game. Each shot plays an important role lowering your scores. I’m a firm believer that there are no wrong shots in golf. There are just higher and lower percentage shots. Every golfer needs to play the shots according to their strengths. […]

Plano’s Newest Icon of Opulence

North Texas isn’t just experiencing a boom in growth, it’s a full-on explosion. From the epicenter of Dallas spreading to the outlying suburbs, such as Plano, Frisco, Allen and McKinney, businesses from all over the country are flocking to this newly formed corporate Mecca and setting up shop. Toyota, Liberty Mutual, JP Morgan Chase and […]

Scene & Be Seen — Smoke With Sophistication

Those afternoons and evenings where you’re gathered around a fire pit on a large outdoor patio with your friends are some of my favorite. You might have a glass of local craft beer or rosè in your hand, and you’re watching the waters of the local lake glisten across the street. Maybe you’re munching on […]

Tech Talk — Television Wall Art

TV technology continues to get better and better every year. TVs which were once big plastic boxes are now wallpaper thin. There are even TVs such as the Sony OLED which produces sound from the screen itself. There are TVs with super rich color and some with 4K resolution. HDR TVs. Smart TVs. TVs with […]

Wayward Shots — To Anchor or Not to Anchor

For those of you who follow the PGA and PGA Tour Champions regularly, you’ve no doubt heard chatter over the last few years about the anchoring ban. Rule 14-1b states, in simplistic terms, that the putter cannot be directly anchored to the torso, or indirectly anchored by a forearm when making a stroke. Recently most […]

Instruction — Pivoting the Backswing

Every motion in the golf swing has theory behind it, but how that theory is translated sometimes differs based on flexibility. No motion stands out to me more in this scenario than the backswing pivot. In theory, the backswing pivot should have the lower body resisting as the upper body turns against the lower body […]

Luxury Essentials

Bugatti Chiron ▪ $2.5 Million Ultra-modern, incredibly fast, agile and powerful with a stylistically demanding design and the highest possible levels of comfort. This supercar has a 16-cylinder, 4-turbocharger engine that produces a face-peeling 1,500 horsepower and goes 0-60 in 2.4 seconds. However, it is electronically “limited” to a top speed of 261 mph. Available […]

Golf Course Living: The Good, the Bad and the Painful

If you are an avid golfer, you have surely had this fantasy – waking up on a Saturday morning and sitting out on your deck or patio with a nice warm cup of coffee, staring out over your backyard, and beyond the fence is a beautifully manicured fairway, dotted with trees and rough, and a […]

Elements of Style — Upgrade Your Grooming Cabinet

It’s likely time your grooming routine and skincare regimen underwent a deep cleaning – jump into the summer with a clear conscience and clean cabinet (plus clear skin and great hair). Good grooming can get expensive, so we don’t blame you for being hesitant at the thought of trashing grooming products found in your cabinet, […]

Prairie Lakes Golf Course — A Course Built for Community

When summer in Texas rolls around, sometimes you double-think your outdoor tee time for a cooler activity. However, the residents of Grand Prairie have the best kept secret of an oasis around that will bring some breezes to your sweltering days: Prairie Lakes Golf Course. Not only do you get the small gusts of air […]

The Jewels of the Caribbean

Now that we’ve entered into July, the full force of the North Texas summer is upon us. Humidity is on the rise, as are the temperatures, and there are very few places to venture to for an escape from the blazing sun. The upside to the seemingly endless Texas summer is the prospect of great […]

Wayward Shots — Another Face in the Crowd

Typically, when I show up for an event on Tour, there’s not much thought into what I’m doing or where I’m going. I’ve been to most events numerous times and rarely need GPS to get from the airport to my hotel or the golf course. Most guys who have done this awhile will tell you […]

Instruction — Directing the Thru-Swing

The direction the golf swing travels in the downswing and then thru to the finish has been debated for years. Should it be at the target line? Some instructors say it should be to the right of the target line, while others say it should be left of the target line. Wow, very confusing if […]

2017 AT&T Byron Nelson Photo Gallery

AVIDGOLFER Magazine was on-site for the final AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament at TPC Four Seasons in Las Colinas.  Let’s take a look at the final spin around the course and all the sights that came with it. Photography by Jason Wesch and Tara Tamer “The first step in building a solid, dependable attitude is to […]

The Clubs at Houston Oaks — Houston’s Family Paradise

Fifteen or 20 years ago, the land out west of Houston along Highway 290 was predominantly cow pastures, tall grass, wooded areas and the occasional abandoned truck stop, oil well or oil and gas facility. Back in the ‘90s, it wasn’t until you reached Hempstead and the gigantic Lawrence Marshall car dealership (which is now […]

Kaime Stroot – The Media Maven of North Texas

There’s not much Kaime Stroot can’t accomplish when she sets her mind to something. This former cheerleader-turned-multimedia journalist is the Swiss Army knife of North Texas sports broadcasting. She can write, edit and produce segments, host pre-game shows and be the fan liaison for any team, ranging from local high schools to professionals. The 29-year-old […]

Tech Talk – How Many Letters Make a Great TV?

Walk into almost any modern home and in the living room is the centerpiece: a flat screen TV. Gone are the days of the CRT TVs or televisions with more wood paneling than actual screen. Now, you have LEDs, OLEDs and the brand new QLEDs to choose from; and believe me, a couple of letters […]

Scene and Be Seen – Home is Where the Frito Pie Is

My mom always says that everybody needs to be a regular somewhere. The team behind hit concept HG Sply Co think the folks in Rockwall do, too. Standard Service, which opened last October, has become the go-to neighborhood joint that serves up a wide range of dishes without sacrificing the quality of the “fresh Texas […]

Wayward Shots — Rental Car Remorse

What happens when you get hit by a rental car? It Hertz. For those who aren’t used to traveling, the rental car experience each week can be very unpredictable. Sometimes getting your car is smooth and easy, and other times it’s like pulling teeth without Novocain. These days, with all of the memberships and reward […]

Instruction — Target Practice

Golf requires many things to be a good player. One of the areas that doesn’t get enough attention is aim. At this past month’s AT&T Byron Nelson players spent an enormous amount of time on aim. Using aiming sticks, clubs or their caddy they made sure they were going in the direction intended for the […]

Scene & Be Seen — An Urban Eden

If you are on a strict time schedule, I’d steer clear of Dolce Riviera. It’s not because of the service (which is excellent), or the kitchen (also excellent), but because once you arrive at this gorgeously chic Mediterranean eatery, the Provencal lifestyle takes over and you can’t resist relaxing in this open-air oasis. Dolce Riviera […]

Elements of Style – Summer Protection

The sun is out and the courses are calling, days are getting longer and nights shorter; summer is quickly approaching. Time for Fridays on the golf course, baseball games under the lights at the ballpark, and backyard barbecues … and unfortunately, grooming concerns due to warm, humid conditions and the glaring rays of the sun. […]

2017 DEAN & DELUCA Invitational Preview

The honeymoon phase has worn off for new Colonial title sponsor DEAN & DELUCA, and now in its second year as the tournament’s main supporter, the gourmet grocery store giant is poised to continue the long-standing tradition of producing one of the most popular and successful tournaments on the PGA Tour. In its maiden voyage […]

2017 AT&T Byron Nelson Preview

There is that saying about parting, that it is filled with such sweet sorrow. That is exactly how we feel on the eve of the 35th and final playing of the AT&T Byron Nelson Championship at the famed and hallowed TPC Four Seasons Dallas at Las Colinas. While moving to Trinity Forest Golf Club in […]

Wayward Shots — Meeting My Brother’s Famous Foe

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet many celebrities and sports figures. I’ve met musicians Glenn Frey, Branford Marsalis and Huey Lewis, to name a few. Professional athletes Penny Hardaway, Joe Theismann, and Drew Brees. And actors George Lopez, Andy Garcia, and Josh Duhamel. I’ve even met President George H.W. Bush – he shoved […]

Great Results from Good Impact

Every day you’re at the golf course, driving range or watching golf on TV, you see many different styles of golf swings.  That’s what makes this game so great is that there’s a lot of different ways to swing the club.  However, there’s a common trait to all the different styles of swings: a good […]

An Oceanside Spectacular in Los Cabos

Story by James McAffee   Set among large coastal dunes, magnificent granite cliffs, desert foothills and white-sanded beaches at the tip of the Baja peninsula, the Quivira Golf Club offers more ocean front exposure than any other course in the immediate area. This emerald nestled alongside the rocky desert beaches of Mexico is Jack Nicklaus’ […]

Cedar Crest — Polishing a Dallas Gem

For a course that has been a community mainstay for nearly a century, Cedar Crest Golf Course is looking better than ever. Located in the heart of South Dallas, Cedar Crest is part of the lifeblood of the city’s golfing community, but its facilities had fallen behind the times. Things are on the upswing now, […]

The Girls Are Back in Town — LPGA Preview

The greatest four weeks for golf in Dallas-Fort Worth are upon us once again, and the ladies of the LPGA are here to kick things off at the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout. For the fifth consecutive year, the event will be held at Las Colinas Country Club during the last week of April. Although […]

Tech Talk — Turn Your House into a Smart Home

Looking to transform your house into a new smart home? We take an in-depth look at the process of installing home automation and help answer the questions to ensure your smart home is designed to respond to the way you live. What should a homeowner consider when making a technology plan? The most important thing […]

Wayward Shots — My Caddy Mentors

When I first decided to become a Tour caddy in 1992, I figured, how hard could it be? I’d played golf for 12 years up to that point, including a couple in college, and despite never club caddying, I knew it couldn’t be that difficult. Oh man was I wrong. The only time I was […]

Strategies for a Fairway Bunker Shot

For most golfers, playing a fairway bunker shot is the most difficult full swing shot in golf. Even from a perfect lie in the sand amateur golfers struggle with the execution of this shot. From my experience there’s two main reasons – your footing and balance – and then consistently having the bottom of the […]

Wilmington, North Carolina — A Carolina Treat That’s Cheap to Eat

by David Theoret The Beau Rivage Golf & Resort is like no other golf course – or resort for that matter – in the Carolinas. Sure, you can find plenty of courses in the state with fairways framed by towering Carolina pine trees, and there are several resorts that feature lush, Bermuda fairways leading to […]

Instruction — The Keys to the Takeaway

Starting the golf swing can make or break the result of the swing. If the takeaway is not swinging up the swing plane with the clubface square, you will need to compensate somewhere in the swing in order to hit a straight shot. The takeaway sets up the momentum of the swing. If the momentum […]

2017 Best of Private Clubs

It is that time again, DFW, where all of us at AVIDGOLFER Magazine get together for our Best of Private Club rankings. There have been a lot of changes and improvements at the country clubs and golf clubs across the Metroplex in the past year, and it has made the task of ranking them all […]

2016 Cart Girl of the Year — Anna De-L

Congratulations to the AvidGolfer 2016 Cart Girl of the Year, Anna De-L! Anna was the Cart Girl of the Month in September 2016 representing Coyote Ridge Golf Club. See the stunning photos from her photo shoot below (originally published in the February Issue of AvidGolfer Magazine).

A Round with John Colligan

Originally featured in the August 2012 issue of AVIDGOLFER Magazine. As told to Robert Rodriguez These days have been a little rough for John Colligan. The Arlington-based course architect is a bit uncomfortable with all the attention that’s been placed on him. He hasn’t done anything wrong (we think), nor has he embarrassed himself. No, […]

Tech Talk — CES 2017: Technology Overload

The Consumer Electronics Show can be summed up in one word… Whoa! This year, CES, the largest global gathering of innovation and connectivity celebrated its 50th anniversary. The event once again took over the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo & Convention Center and many hotels throughout the Vegas strip. CES broke its previous record […]

The Man Behind the Curtain — David Winkle

Salesman. Negotiator. Organizational expert. Mentor. Cheerleader. Sounding board. David Winkle has a lot in his job description. As the president of Hambric Sports Management and agent to some of the top players in golf (such as Dustin Johnson), Winkle has walked through some of the sport’s greatest moments and heart-wrenching defeats with his clients over […]

Instruction — It’s All in the Bounce

Playing greenside bunker shots offer many challenges to amateur golfers. The biggest obstacle I see is the understanding and then the execution of using the bounce and loft of the golf club. A standard bunker shot utilizes the bounce – or bottom – of the club to make contact with the sand at impact. This […]

Wayward Shots — Toughing Out an Injury

Injuries are as much a part of sports as the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, and can rear their ugly head at the most inappropriate times. Professional athletes, in particular, have the mindset to play through these injuries because of the fear of being labeled soft, losing their job, or because they […]

Jane Slater

Originally featured in the May 2014 issue of AVIDGOLFER Magazine One of the newest faces on CBS 11 and TXA 21, Jane Slater is a sports anchor with a sports addiction. She’s done it all – covered Super Bowls, World Series games, the NBA playoffs and even the Pavilion at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. […]

Elements of Style — Stylin’ & Profilin’ for 2017

The month of January brings the excitement of a new year – a time to start over and the opportunity to develop new habits. Just like every year, the buzz word for this month is “Resolutions”. Whether it’s in regards to starting something, quitting something, eating less or working out more, we thought we would […]

Scene & Be Seen — Fast & Furiously Delicious

If you’re looking to take advantage of America’s favorite food during your lunch break and have little to no time to waste, give the crew at Persona only 90 seconds to create the pizza of your dreams. Or, even if you have time to spare, grab a table and take in the real brick and […]

Wayward Shots — A Caddy’s Contribution

In 1938, the PGA Tour made its first charitable donation to the tune of $10,000 at the Palm Beach Invitational. Almost 80 years later, it has surpassed the $2 billion mark. The Tour contributes to a variety of great causes including the growth of the game, the military, education and leadership, just to name a […]

Instruction — Hands vs. Body

Swinging the golf club can be done many different ways, with various philosophies. Some golfers like to swing using predominantly their hands and arms, while others try to take the hands and arms out of the equation and just use their body. These two schools of thought often divide golf instructors as well. Both styles […]

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Finding Paradise in Puerto Vallarta

When you enter the city limits of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico via car or the airport arrivals gate, the welcome signs display “Puerto Vallarta: La ciudad mas amigable del mundo.” In English, that translates to “The friendliest city in the world.” Based on my recent experiences visiting this Mexican paradise, it is not only accurate, but […]

East Side Stories

For better or worse, 2017 will be a year of change. No matter your point of view on these upcoming transformations, every golfer can agree on one resolution: this year, a change is needed to play more golf. In fact, that mantra should be part of every golfer’s New Year’s resolution list each time Jan. […]

TV’s “Top Chef” Star Tiffany Derry

For the vast majority of us, diving into the clear waters of the Bahamas for conch shell, cooking with space food or making fried chicken at the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For Chef Tiffany Derry, adventures like these are just her typical Tuesday. The 33-year-old Beaumont native has spent the last 15 years […]

Just Crazy Enough

Originally featured in the February 2009 issue of AVIDGOLFER Magazine. Story by Jay Reynolds The PGA Tour Superstore in Scottsdale sold nearly 3,200 pairs of golf shoes in 2008. What was seemingly just another footwear sell that increased the golf store’s profit margin translated into one of the more pivotal moments in a young man’s […]

Wildhorse Golf Club — A Round at the Ranch

Although city courses can be convenient and have a multitude of amenities at your fingertips, sometimes you just need to venture outside of town for a relaxing round of golf. Wildhorse Golf Course at Robson Ranch in Denton is the perfect solution – pristine conditions, friendly staff and a remarkable watering hole for you to […]

Whistle Britches – Not Your Grandma’s Fried Chicken

When determining your next tasty destination, it’s no question you should consider the new and eclectic dining experience at Whistle Britches (WB for short). Whether your brunch group is gathering for chicken and waffles with mimosas, you’re in the area on your lunch break looking for a real tasty sandwich, or you have a dinner […]

Tech Talk – Tech the Halls

The holidays are upon us, and we want to continue the trend of finding some incredible tech and innovations that you deserve. We’ve rounded up the top 5 biggest items that should be on every techie’s wish list. Whether you’re searching for comfortable seating or the latest innovation in TV technology, it’s important to visit […]

Wayward Shots — Caddy Perks on the PGA Tour

To combat the long season each year on the PGA Tour, tournaments will occasionally offer perks to help soften the grind and help take your mind off the golf. These can come in the form of fishing trips, car-racing schools, or cool things associated with the local area like flight simulation at the Fed-Ex Flight […]

Instruction — Set Up For Success

An often-overlooked piece of the golf swing is how you set up to the ball. The setup is the one thing you can do perfect every time. It also allows you to start the swing with zero mistakes. To me, a sound setup makes the golfer look like they’re getting ready to hit a good […]