PRESIDENTIAL GOLF

August 31st, 2009

Rumors were floating around about President Obama playing a round of golf with Tiger Woods during his trip to Martha’s Vineyard.  Although the power 2-some never took place it did bring to mind a couple of questions.  Who have been the best Presidential golfers and what if Tiger were to enter into politics?

 

Golf Digest compiled a Top 10 list of Presidential golfers in its January issue.  John F. Kennedy is at the top of the list with Barack Obama placing a solid eight.   Probably one of the desert’s favorite Presidential golfers would be Gerald Ford who was on the list at number three.

 

Tiger has already commented that he may be retired prior to golf becoming an Olympic Event.  One couldn’t imagine a person with his presence simply slipping out of the public eye and into the shadows.  If he were heading down the political path his first step would have to be finishing his college education since he left after 2 years at Stanford to turn Pro.  However, he has gained a strong economics education since joining the PGA Tour in 1996.

 

I am sure there are some opinions about both of these topics and we would love to have them.

 

Rolland Vaughn

PGA Head Golf Professional

Indian Wells Golf Resort

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‘Ramble California’ offers offbeat travel ideas

July 31st, 2009
The Times-Standard

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Keep Your Stats

July 20th, 2009

The best way to improve is by changing a weakness into a strength.  By accurately keeping golf stats you are able to quickly identify areas of the game where you excel and areas that need improvement.  I see a lot of amateur golfers spending their practice session hitting shots with their favorite club instead of focusing on areas of improvement.  Practice time should be spent working on the shot that you continually struggle with.  After you have gained confidence at the practice tee take the positive attitude to the golf course and your game will improve.

 

For all of you iPhone owners there is a great app called TeeShot.  It can be used to track your strokes, putts, fairways, clubs, and distances.  Also, it has a GPS that can be used to measure shot distance.  For the rest of you like me a small notepad works great.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

Rolland Vaughn

PGA Head Golf Professional

Indian Wells Golf Resort

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Eight million travelers apply for travel to the U.S under Visa Waiver Program

July 9th, 2009

Source = e-Travel Blackboard: C.F  written: Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Eight million international travelers have successfully applied to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program using the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA).

These figures, released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, shows that  since ESTA launched on August 1 last year and become mandatory on January 12, 2009, the system has enabled VWP travelers to apply electronically for visa-free travel to the U.S.

ESTA approvals are required for VWP travelers only, and there is no cost involved in the application process.

Individuals wishing to apply online should visit the official government site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov *

“We are pleased that this technology is proving very helpful to our Visa Waiver Program visitors,” said Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations Thomas S. Winkowski.

“ESTA adds a necessary layer of security for visa-free travel as well as for the travel industry, and we want to continue to encourage individuals to visit the many wonderful destinations the United States has to offer.”

Citizens traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, or VWP, are required to apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov prior to their visit to the United States.

* Individuals should avoid being misled by unauthorized companies claiming to be able to “facilitate” registration through other sites for a fee. (They have no affiliation with the U.S government)

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WEIGHT SHIFT

June 12th, 2009

Proper weight shift through the golf swing will increase distance and control.  The golf swing is an athletic move so use other sports to visualize the weight shift.   If baseball is your game imagine a pitcher releasing a ball and his weight moving toward home plate.  If football is more your style then think of a quarterback passing the ball to his receiver by planting his back foot pushing off toward the target.  By having their weight move toward the target velocity and accuracy are both increased.

 

In the golf swing weight is shifted from the right leg on the backswing to the left leg through impact.  By transferring your weight properly you will be able to increase clubhead speed creating more distance and maintain a proper swingplane increasing accuracy.  Be careful not to slide through the ball.  Remember that the proper weight shift is a rotation and not a slide.

 

Rolland Vaughn

PGA Head Golf Professional

Indian Wells Golf Resort

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Travel Promotion Act Passes in Senate, Bringing U.S. Closer into the 21st Century of Global Tourism Marketing

June 11th, 2009

 

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Chef’s Corner: FIRE ROASTED CORN RELISH & ANCHO POLENTA

May 7th, 2009

This tasty summer dish is excellent with fresh grilled Alaskan salmon, now in season. Grill the salmon, place over the polenta, and spoon corn relish over the salmon

Serves 10

 

Fire roasted Corn Relish

1 cup               onion, minced

1 cup               red bell pepper, minced

1 cup               tomatillo, diced small

2 cups             yellow corn, whole kernel, chopped

¼ cup              roasted red bell pepper, minced

2 T                   Cajun spice mix

1 cup               cider vinegar

¼ cup              fresh cilantro, chopped

                        salt and pepper to taste

                        white sugar to taste

 

In a sauté pan, cook the onion, peppers, and tomatillos on low heat until translucent. Grill the corn, cut kernels off the cobb and “rough chop.” Add the corn to the sauté pan with the seasonings and cool. Add the fresh cilantro. Set aside.

 

Ancho Polenta

2 ½ cups         heavy whipping cream

2 ½ cups         milk

2 cups             polenta

3 T                   ancho chili powder

½ tsp               white truffle oil

 

Bring cream, milk, and ancho chili powder to a boil. Add all polenta at once and whisk to prevent clotting. Reduce heat and constantly whisk for several minutes to soften the polenta. Add the white truffle oil, and salt and pepper to desired taste.

           

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COMBAT DEHYDRATION

April 29th, 2009

Summer months are approaching and triple digit temperatures are already in the Coachella Valley.  The desert’s extreme conditions can cause extreme medical conditions.  However, one condition (dehydration) can be avoided with education and awareness. 

 

Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid. This happens most often in golfers when they do not drink enough fluids to counteract the amount their body is loosing during a round of golf.   Symptoms to be aware of are muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea.  But by the time you become severely dehydrated, you no longer have enough fluid in your body to get blood to your organs, and you may go into shock, which is a life-threatening condition.

 

Below I have listed a few ways to combat dehydration:

 

-         Drink water or sport drinks throughout a round of golf (even when your not thirsty)

-         Wear sunscreen and clothing designed for hot conditions

-         Stay in the shade as much as possible (park your golf car in the shade of a tree or structure while waiting to play)

-         Begin hydrating the day before (trade the libation for a water)

-         Play early or later in the day to avoid the suns peak intensity

-         Play quickly (4 ½ hours is a long time to be exposed to the summer sun)

 

Summer is a great time to play golf in the Coachella Valley with discounted green fees, fewer golfers, and spectacular facilities.  Use these keys to enjoy summer golf and visit us at www.indianwellsgolfresort.com to make a reservation.

 

Rolland Vaughn

PGA Head Golf Professional

Indian Wells Golf Resort

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Chef’s Corner – Green beans

March 18th, 2009

Remember to bring Heavily Salted Water to a rapid boil when cooking those lovely green beans this spring. The water should taste like the ocean and the reason you boil rapidly is to retain color in your bean.

Add small portions of beans at a time to the water, do not dump so much in that it takes the boil away, remove small batch at a time and shock (not by giving bad news) but by drowning in ice water, this stops the cooking procedure.

After you have shocked all the beans, Drain all water off the beans and sauté in whole, unsalted butter, just enough to remove the chill from the bean, keeping al dente, do not overcook, about three minutes at high heat is enough.
Do not worry about the butter turning brown, we call this brown butter and the flavor is magnificent. Lightly salt and pepper, serve immediately.

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Stress and the skin

March 18th, 2009
stress-and-the-skin

Stress-reducing, Anti-aging Skin Treatment program

Richard M. Foxx, MD
Founder and Medical Director
The Medical and Skin Spa at Hyatt Grand Champions

According to the latest figures, stress is responsible for up to 70 percent of visits to a doctor’s office. And when it comes to cosmetic dermatology, that figure is even higher.

It is well-known that chronic unresolved stress raises cortisol levels and weakens the immune system which contributes to heart disease and high blood pressure. What is less well-known is that this hormone also makes collagen less effective. The result is increased wrinkles.

At least 50 percent of the patients who come into The Medical and Skin Spa present with stress-related skin problems including acne breakouts, increased oiliness, dry skin, and increased wrinkles. Our approach combines proven medical tools to improve the skin along with measures that address mind and spirit. Think spirit-enhancing rather than superficial pampering, and ongoing life-coaching rather than a one-time appointment.

Our Stress-reducing, Anti-aging Skin Treatment program combines the ambience of our healing location in Agua Serena Spa with aromatherapy, hot stones, and dermal planing-the most effective and safest exfoliating skin treatment available today. At the conclusion of the 90 minute appointment Doc Foxx counsels patients in supplements and stress management techniques including pranayama breathing that lowers the blood pressure and slows the pulse.

Research has shown that patients who take the time to care for their skin are more apt to work out, eat right, and take supplements. They have even been shown to live longer.

While we cannot promise that regular skin treatments will prolong life, we are certain the environment in which we practice and the programs we offer are conducive to peace of mind and reduction of stress.

The charge for our Stress-reducing, Anti-aging Skin Treatment program is $150 but we are offering it to our loyal Indian Wells supporters at $120.

The Medical Skin Spa is a state-of-the-art medical skin clinic located at Hyatt Grand Champions in Indian Wells. Their phone number is 760-674-4106. You may visit their website at www.medicalandskinspa.com. They are open Tuesday through Saturday.

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