Tournaments, Private Events Elisa Victa Tournaments, Private Events Elisa Victa

SC Surf Soccer Club 2018 Annual Golf Fundraiser

Every year, soccer families and friends come out to Bella Collina to enjoy a fun and relaxing day while supporting their local soccer club, San Clemente Surf Soccer.

Surf Soccer 2018.jpg

SC SURF SOCCER CLUB 2018 ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER

Every year, soccer families and friends come out to Bella Collina to enjoy a fun and relaxing day while supporting their local soccer club, San Clemente Surf Soccer. In hopes to raise funds for equipment, coaching education, fields, tournaments, and support their scholarship fund, a one day tournament with on-course competition, food, drinks, helicopter ball drop and prizes is held. This past May, San Clemente Surf Soccer was able to raise over $20,000.00!!! Bella Collina is honored to be Surf Soccer’s annual host for such a great organization!


About San Clemente Surf Soccer Club

The San Clemente Surf Soccer Club is a competitive, year-round soccer club for kids ages 6-19. The coaching staff is led by Director of Coaching Chris Murray, who spent years with Glasgow Celtic in the SPFL and has been with the club in San Clemente for over a decade.  Surf’s philosophy is to provide a professional and positive experience, focusing on player development, on and off the field.

The Club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) due to its charitable work in the community and the low-income scholarships we make possible for players who would not otherwise have the opportunity to play at the club level. We raise these funds through corporate sponsors, personal donations, and fundraising events. In 2017, the club was able to provide over $30,000 in scholarships for families in financial need with the intent of making sure that these kids are not only successful in soccer, but also in life.  

SC Surf Soccer.jpg

Proceeds

Each year we hold this event to raise funds for things such as new equipment, coaching education, more field space, and funding our low-income scholarship program.  We hope to make the club experience better for our players while keeping the costs for the families as low as possible.  The funds are raised through sponsorship of the event, the silent auction, and the golf ball drop.

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Experience

This was our 3rd year holding the event at Bella Collina.  The staff is always wonderful and the Chef is remarkable.  The golf tournament went off without a hitch.

- Stephanie Gretzema

For more information about SC Surf Soccer Club and how to support, please visit: http://sanclemente.surfsoccer.com

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Weddings, Real Weddings Elisa Victa Weddings, Real Weddings Elisa Victa

Southern Charm Meets Rustic Elegance

Ladies + gents, be prepared to be WOWED! This couple brought their Southern Charm to Southern California for their wedding day at Bella Collina and it is a stunner!

Photo: Jes Workman Photography

MICHELLE + JOE

Ladies + gents, prepare to be WOWED! This couple brought their Southern Charm to Southern California for their wedding day at Bella Collina and it is a stunner! With roots in Virginia and Tennessee, this couple met and had their first date in Orange County - she actually ditched a family event to go on their first date - so it was only appropriate to tie the knot close to where their story began. Looking for a wedding location with open space and rolling hills, Bella Collina was love at first sight for the two to say I-Do!

Take a peek at their gorgeous details captured by the incredible Jes Workman Photography...


Photo: Jes Workman Photography

BELLA’S SOUTHERN BELLE // WOW! Can you say gorgeous?! Michelle stunned in this two piece gown by Watters Bridal. Her ivory and blush detailed lace corset-inspired bustier brought the perfect amount of contrast when paired with her ivory organza layered skirt. Sticking with her roots, she pulled on her Myra boots by Old Gringo to walk down the aisle with her father to marry her Southern Gentleman.

Photo: Jes Workman Photography


Photo: Jes Workman Photography

NEUTRALS AT THEIR FINEST // This is by far one of our favorite looks! There is something about the simplicity of lots of greenery with pops of white that is so clean, simple, and yet so elegant! It is one of those color combinations that will never go out of style!

Fun Fact: Michelle + Joe made their own arch for the ceremony and all of the wood pieces in their centerpieces for their reception. The also had Sweet Traders add a sweet surprise and brought their two dogs to life to join them on their wedding day. Talk about personal touches!

Photo: Jes Workman Photography


Photo: Jes Workman Photography

THE NEWLYWEDS // “Feeling on top of the world being married to you”

Favorite Moments of the Wedding: “1. Getting Married! 2. Walking down the aisle with my dad to Johnny Cash “I Walk the Line” 3. The food! BBQ for dinner and then Carnitas Tacos after hours of dancing for the perfect late night snacks… YUM!” - Michelle


THE TEAM // Photograper: Jes Workman Photography // Venue: Bella Collina San Clemente, San Clemente, CA // Coordination: Bella Collina San Clemente - Elisa Victa // Catering: Bella Collina San Clemente // Florals: Wildflower of San Clemente // Cake: Sweet Traders // Videography: 38 Films // Hair & Makeup: Beauty and the Beach // Dress: Watters Bridal - Dress Theory, San Diego, California // Boots: Myras by Old Gringo // Rings: Ben Bridge, La Jolla, CA // Linen: Luxe Linen // DJ: Flip2Syde // Photobooth: Take a Pic Photo

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Member Events, Events Bella Collina San Clemente Member Events, Events Bella Collina San Clemente

Cheers to 30 Years!

It was 30 years ago today that Bella Collina opened it’s initial 9 championship holes, as Pacific Golf Club, making it San Clemente’s only private golf club.

Lake 1990 #8 Carnoustie_Charles Draper.jpg

It was 30 years ago today that Bella Collina opened it’s initial 9 championship holes, as Pacific Golf Club, making it San Clemente’s only private golf club.

On March 1st, 1988, Pacific Golf Club became the first Gary Player signature course in the West. Designed by the golf legend in the tradition of Scottish seaside links, the 27 championship holes would wind gently through ravines, lakes and natural foliage, while preserving the rugged environment and special character of the land. The course offers all the elements of traditional design, combined with unique variations which provide a challenge to professionals and amateurs alike.

Former founding member, Tom von Gremp, recalled meeting Gary Player on the first day the course opened. Following a golf course boom in the mid 1980’s and after much research, von Gremp chose to join the Gary Player Signature course because he loved the idea of 27 holes, and that Mr. Player named each of the nine hole tracks after the courses that earned him the Caret Jug. Little did von Gremp know, that he would get a little golf lesson from the legend himself that first day as Gary Player was onsite to review the progress of the course. It was a day he would never forget. 

We will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary with events and festivities planned throughout the year beginning with a kick-off event the weekend of April 6-8th.

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As part of the year long celebration, Bella Collina is offering various membership specials and events including the display of club memorabilia collected over the past 30 years and invite members (both past and present) to share their photos and memories using the hashtag #bella30years. 

“Bella is an amazing place and we have some incredible events planned this year to celebrate our anniversary to thank everyone for their loyal support, effort, and patronage over the years.” says General Manager/Superintendent, Jay Pesicka.  

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Suze Diaz Suze Diaz

It’s a Beautiful Day For a Tee Time Dream!

Every sports fan may have at one time or another secretly dreamt wondering what it would be like to be an athlete. No matter what age you are, the curiosity sneaks up and you find yourself pondering the question, “Could I be able to do that?” For one Vista Village Senior Living community resident, that question was answered on a beautiful sunny day on top of a magnificent lush green hill.

Every sports fan may have at one time or another secretly dreamt wondering what it would be like to be an athlete. No matter what age you are, the curiosity sneaks up and you find yourself pondering the question, “Could I be able to do that?” For one Vista Village Senior Living community resident, that question was answered on a beautiful sunny day on top of a magnificent lush green hill.

Vista Village Senior Living is an award-winning assisted living and memory care community whose main focus is providing the structure for a full, independent, best quality of life by giving their residents opportunities for extraordinary experiences. One of the industry-leading programs that residents are able to participate is the “Vibrant Life®” program. “Livin’ the Dream” is one element of the program designed to make residents’ wishes come true. Vibrant Life Director Ashley Cole compassionately goes the extra mile to bring each heart-filled desire of her residents come to life. On this particularly spectacular Groundhog Day morning, Director Cole again delivered a day worth repeating over and over that her resident will never forget.

 

Photo Credit: Suze Diaz

 

Resident Dorothy Buchner is a sweet, sassy and spirited 94-year old dedicated sports fan. In high school, she played baseball and had a fondness for basketball. In the 1950s, Dorothy moved from Muncie, Indiana to California and found a passion for the game of golf. She remembers the exciting rivalry between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus in the 1960s and has watched almost every event that the golf channels have to offer: PGA Tour, Senior PGA Tour, Masters, U.S. Open, and LPGA to name a few. Her favorite golfers are Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. Not only does Dorothy enjoy rooting for the competing players, she’s intrigued by the size of the winning purse money that each tour offers! Her brother, an avid golfer himself, lives in Florida and shares her philosophy of “Older doesn’t mean you can’t!” Dorothy continues her fondness for basketball as an ardent fan of West Virginia Coach Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers.

San Clemente is one of Southern California’s popular beach communities and the rolling hills are home to Bella Collina Golf Course. Named Best Private Golf Course in the Spring 2017 issue of Orange County Magazine, the 230-acre, Tuscan-inspired landscaped course boasts three different 18-hole combinations for endless game variety and is a favorite location for weddings and grand social events. Founded in 1988 with tees designed by golfing pro Gary Player in the tradition of Scottish seaside links, Bella Collina’s acres of beautiful greens and fairways blends in with the natural rugged environment. Surrounding a top-notch terraced clubhouse offering additional distinctive services and amenities, the private course provides each club member an unforgettable venue to share with their family and friends. 2018 marks their 30th Anniversary with special plans for a one-of-a-kind celebration!

Dorothy’s wish was to have a private lesson with a professional golf instructor and play on a professional golf course. Through the caring collaborative efforts of the “Livin’ The Dream” program and Bella Collina, Dorothy was able to fulfill her lifelong dream.

After a lovely drive from Vista to San Clemente, we made our way down the hills on the lush two-lane road that leads to the parking area near the clubhouse and was met by Krisno Bridge, the Assistant Golf Professional at Bella Collina. Krisno had our golf-carts at the ready with a special cart decorated: A personalized sign marker just for Dorothy and gifted with a pink Bella Collina golf cap. Dorothy’s son, Fred, also joined us, delighted to be there for his mother’s momentous day.

Krisno led us to the practice area first to have Dorothy try a few practice swings. Ashley Landsman, Bella Collina’s Membership Director, and Natasha Darling, Bella Collina’s Marketing Coordinator, accompanied us to watch Dorothy ‘give it a go’ and swing the club; hitting the balls like a natural, they flew superbly through the air. Krisno was impeccable in his instructions to Dorothy and soon it was time for her to tee off on a hole. As we drove our carts to the hole, we noticed other members enjoying their own time on other greens on the course. Happy smiles and enthusiastic energy was felt as we passed by. Everyone was in good spirits and made quite a positive atmosphere for our day.

It was a wonderful treat to see Krisno take one of the clubs to show Dorothy his style as he hit the ball onto the green, then it was Dorothy’s turn to match Krisno’s shot! Dorothy was having a blast as she and Krisno dominated the hole and made their way to the green for the final putt. With a strategic eye, Dorothy putted and the ball officially rolled its way into the cup in one shot!

After an exhilarating time on the course, we headed for lunch on the clubhouse terraces. Wonderfully set on the south side of the clubhouse, the terraces was the ideal spot for viewing the dramatic panorama of the hills as well as relax, rest and reflect on the day’s fun. During a delicious meal served by our friendly waiter, many conversations regarding the golfing industry, about golf players, of family (Dorothy has 6 great-grandchildren) and funny stories had everyone happy and content.

A beautiful day for a tee time dream wish to be granted and what better way to share the experience than with people filled with warmth, compassion, admiration and respect. It was a pleasure spending time with Dorothy Buchner, her son Fred, Director Ashley Cole, Krisno Bridge, Ashley Landsman and Natasha Darling. Community is about helping each other to live the best life and with Vista Village Senior Living and Bella Collina, you will find that they know how to accomplish the mission with style.

View the original article here: http://thevistapress.com/beautiful-day-tee-time-dream/

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Dining, Chef Bella Collina San Clemente Dining, Chef Bella Collina San Clemente

New Happy Hour Menu at Bella!

Chef Leo just announced a new Happy Hour Menu at Bella! Look for delicious new spins on old favorites...

Chef Leo Just Announced a New Happy Hour Menu at Bella!

Look for delicious new spins on old favorites like Hawaiian Ahi Poke Tacos and Philly Cheese Steak Eggrolls as well as new Happy Hour Salad Options!

Enjoy Happy Hour at Bella Collina on Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun from 3:00pm – 6:00pm, and Thursday All Night! (till 9:00pm)

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Golf Bella Collina San Clemente Golf Bella Collina San Clemente

Thank You for Voting us Best of San Clemente!

The results are in! We are so honored to be voted Silver in the 2017 Best of San Clemente 12th Annual People's Choice Ole Awards for Best Golf Course and Best Kid's Club!

Thank You, San Clemente...

For Voting us Best Golf Course and Best Kid’s Camp in San Clemente. There are four golf courses in town and as the only private course, we are honored to be voted Silver in the 2017 Best of San Clemente 12th Annual People's Choice Ole Awards for Best Golf Course and Best Kid’s Camp in San Clemente

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Events, Golf Bella Collina San Clemente Events, Golf Bella Collina San Clemente

Bella Collina to Host Golf Fundraiser for Shark Attack Victim

Bella Collina has partnered with Camp Pendleton USMC's School of Infantry to host a golf fundraiser in support of the recent Shark Attack Victim.

Bella Collina has partnered with the Camp Pendleton USMC's School of Infantry (West) to host a golf tournament fundraiser in support of recent Shark Attack Victim, Leeanne Ericson. The golf tournament will take place on Monday, June 5th at 1:00pm. Register by calling Mr. Dittamo at (760) 725-7807 or via email: michael.dittamo@usmc.mil. Free Green Fees with a minimum donation of $25.00 (for military/uniformed personnel) and $50.00 for non-military.

 

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Golf Bella Collina San Clemente Golf Bella Collina San Clemente

Bella Collina Named Best Private Golf Course

Bella Collina San Clemente was named BEST PRIVATE COURSE in the Spring 2017 edition of Orange County Magazine, Ladera Ranch Magazine, and Coto De Caza Quarterly.

Bella Collina San Clemente was named BEST PRIVATE COURSE in the Spring 2017 edition of Orange County Magazine, Ladera Ranch Magazine, and Coto De Caza Quarterly. 

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Membership, Golf Bella Collina San Clemente Membership, Golf Bella Collina San Clemente

A Special Welcome to The Biniasz Family

A special congrats to The Biniasz Family: winners of our one year golf membership giveaway! Welcome to Bella Collina!

Congrats to The Biniasz Family: winners of our one year golf membership giveaway! Welcome to Bella Collina! 

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Bella Collina San Clemente Bella Collina San Clemente

Bella Collina Honors our Active Duty Men and Women in Uniform

Bella Collina is excited to honor our active duty men and women in uniform by thanking them with a complimentary day of golf on the 4th Thursday of each month. 

Bella Collina is excited to honor our active duty men and women in uniform by thanking them with a complimentary day of golf on the 4th Thursday of each month. The offer applies to Police, Military and Fire Personnel and tee time reservations are required in advance. 

Upcoming dates:

  • January 26, 2017
  • February 23, 2017
  • March 30, 2017
  • April 27, 2017
  • May 25, 2017
  • June 29, 2017

For golf tee times, please contact the golf shop at: (949) 498-3771

Offer based on a first come, first served basis and valid I.D. is required at check-in.

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Brian Hollenbeck Brian Hollenbeck

Try out the GolfBoard

Starting Thursday, October 20th Bella Collina will have four GolfBoards available for use. The Club has the GolfBoards for a one week trial to gauge member interest. GolfBoards allow players to "Surf the Earth" from shot-to-shot in a way that feels like snowboarding or surfing.

Starting Thursday, October 20th Bella Collina will have four GolfBoards available for use. The Club has the GolfBoards for a one week trial to gauge member interest. GolfBoards allow players to "Surf the Earth" from shot-to-shot in a way that feels like snowboarding or surfing. Before anyone uses the GolfBoard for the first time, they will need to watch the 6-minute video and sign the online waiver. This is only done once per person. Please click on the link below to sign the waiver and watch the short video. Members must have a valid driver’s license to use the GolfBoards. The Golf Shop will take reservations by phone to use the GolfBoards and the rental fee is $23 per round. For more information, please visit www.golfboard.com or call the Golf Shop at (949) 498-3771. Download the waiver below:

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Articles, Food & Beverage, Chef's Corner, Dining Bella Collina San Clemente Articles, Food & Beverage, Chef's Corner, Dining Bella Collina San Clemente

The Arnold Palmer: How to Make One and How it Got it's Name

Did Arnold Palmer, the golfer, invent ARNOLD PALMER, the drink? I think we can safely say no. Lemon and tea have been enjoyed together for centuries. Surely Arnie, in the 1950s, was not the first person who ever combined cold, unsweet tea with cold, sweet lemonade. 

DID ARNOLD PALMER, THE GOLFER, INVENT ARNOLD PALMER, THE DRINK? I think we can safely say no. Lemon and tea have been enjoyed together for centuries. Surely Arnie, in the 1950s, was not the first person who ever combined cold, unsweet tea with cold, sweet lemonade. But what we can say with certainty is that Palmer the golfer popularized and made famous the tea-and-lemonade drink that now bears his name.

            It was in the mid-1950s that Palmer, he once told ESPN, began mixing tea and lemonade at home. Within a few years, Palmer took the drink public by requesting it in restaurants and golf course clubhouses. There was no name for the drink when Palmer first started doing this, so he would describe what he wanted to a waiter or bartender.    

 A commonly told tale is that it happened during the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado, when otherpatrons overhead Palmer telling a bartender how to make him his favorite drink. However, Palmer describes what he believes is how the drink got its name in a 2012 ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts documentary, Arnold Palmer describes the story in which he believes gave the refreshing iced tea-lemonade its famous name:

Arnold Palmer won his first PGA Tour tournament in 1955. In 1958, he won The Masters, and it was there that he became a superstar and the rabid legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army” was born. He played the British Open for the first time in 1960, taking his stardom global. 

"One evening after a long day of designing a course in Palm Springs (Calif.) during the 1960s, Arnold Palmer stepped up to a bar and asked the bartender for a mixture of lemonade and iced tea. A woman sitting next to him overheard what he ordered and told the bartender, “I’ll have that Palmer drink.” The men overheard and thought “What is she talking about?” She repeated, “I want what he is having.” 

Palmer told ESPN that "from that day on, it spread like wildfire."

            The AriZona Beverage Company started distributing the “Arnold Palmer” drink in 2002 and since then, expanded the line with different flavors including DRIVE, a performance energy drink. His AriZona line also consists of powder sticks and water enhancers. Other beverage companies also sell lemonade-and-tea drinks, typically mixed 50-50, but without the Palmer name. Sweet Leaf, Snapple, Country Time and Lipton are among those brands. While many restaurants and bars offer the Arnold Palmer or variations, some coffee and fast food chain restaurants have gotten into the act, too. Starbucks, for example, has tea-and-lemonade mixes on offer, and in 2014 Dunkin Donuts was offering and “Arnold Palmer Coolatta” frozen drink. The Arnie drink becomes more well-know all the time.  

Also ...

  • The Arnold Palmer drink is often called a "Half and Half" when the mix is 50-50. It is also the primary name in Baltimore and other parts of the Southern United States
  • If you want a really sweet Arnold Palmer, you can mix equal parts of lemonade and sweet tea. And if you do that, you can call this version a "Winnie Palmer" (named after Arnold's first wife).
  • Palmer has said that for years he was too embarrassed to order the drink by name - "I'll have an Arnold Palmer" - and so kept describing what he wanted to wait staff. But eventually The King gave in and started ordering his eponymous drink by name.
  • The "Arnold Palmer" name is starting to be applied to food items, too, that use a tea-and-lemon flavor palate. Do a search of the Web for "Arnold Palmer recipe" and you'll find cakes, cupcakes, ice creams, sorbets and others.

About Sports: "The Arnold Palmer: How to Make One and How It Got Its Name, golf.about.com, ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Arnold Palmer Documentary

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Recipes, Dining Bella Collina San Clemente Recipes, Dining Bella Collina San Clemente

Arnold Palmer Recipes

"Iced Tea has the dominance and if it doesn’t, it really isn’t right" - Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer’s Own Recipe:

Mostly Unsweetened Iced Tea & a healthy splash of Sweetened Lemonade

Iced Tea has the dominance and if it doesn’t, it really isn’t right
— Arnold Palmer

Popular Arnold Palmer Recipe:

1 part Unsweetened Iced Tea
1 part Sweetened Lemonade

If you want to change the flavors a bit, the easiest way to so is to experiment with different types of teas, or to try different types of flavored teas or lemonades.

 

Alcoholic Version of the Arnold Palmer:

1 part Unsweetened Iced Tea
1 part Sweetened Lemonade
1 shot of Vodka (or Bourbon based on preference)

This is also commonly known as: “Adult Arnold Palmer, “Spiked Arnold Palmer,” “Drunken Arnold Palmer,” or the “Tipsy Arnold Palmer.” Today, it is just likely to be called the “John Daly.”  Unfortunately, the “John Daly” was given its name after the golfers related problems to alcohol troubles rather than his invention of the drink.

Sources: About Sports, “The Arnold Palmer: How to Make One and How It Got Its Name, golf.about.com, ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Arnold Palmer Documentary

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Events, Dining Travis Jones Events, Dining Travis Jones

Finding that Perfect Romance Between Cigar and Spirit!

The cigar culture is alive and thriving here at Bella Collina. Some would say no activity pairs better with a good smoke than a day out on the links. But when it comes to pairing your favorite cigar with a Wine, Beer or Spirit, some don’t know where to begin.

The cigar culture is alive and thriving here at Bella Collina. Some would say no activity pairs better with a good smoke than a day out on the links. But when it comes to pairing your favorite cigar with a Wine, Beer or Spirit, some don’t know where to begin.

I like to tell people who are pairing drinks with cigars to simply match the body of the beverage to the body of the cigar. For example, a light-bodied cigar will go well with some white wines, young reds like Pinot Noir or blended scotches. Medium-bodied smokes are great with Craft Beers like IPAs and Stouts, or Irish Whiskeys, Scotch, spiced Rums, American bourbons, Cognac and Ports. Full-bodied smokes are a perfect match with Peaty Islay and heavier Highland Single Malts, or a dense Bordeaux Blend.

Pairing cigars with wines and spirits is just one part of the equation. Cocktails can make for great pairings, too. Try a Mojito or Moscow Mule with a light cigar and see where it takes you. A Tequila Sunrise with a nice oaky Anejo Tequila might really surprise your taste buds when paired with a sweet wrapper like a Maduro.

In the end, your taste is the final judge as to what works. If the two complement each other and nothing is over-powered you have yourself a match! Have fun testing out different smoke and drink combinations and develop your own perfect pairings.

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Staff Spotlight Bella Collina San Clemente Staff Spotlight Bella Collina San Clemente

Bella Staff Spotlight: Meet Antero

ANTERO AGUILAR HAS BEEN HERE SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING. A San Juan Capistrano native, he has been at Bella Collina for nearly 30 years!!

ANTERO AGUILAR HAS BEEN HERE SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING. A San Juan Capistrano native, he has been at Bella Collina for nearly 30 years!!

            Previous to working at Bella Collina, Antero worked at Monarch Beach Golf Links. In March of 1987, Antero made the move to help construct a new    project here in San Clemente which would be the first “Gary Player Signature Golf Course” on the West Coast. The project was designed by Professional Golfer, Gary Player, and Karl Litten, a world renowned golf course architect. This course would be called Pacific Golf Club and opened the summer of 1988.

            Through all of the transition that Pacific Golf Club since opening, to what is now Bella Collina San Clemente, Antero has been dedicated to this golf course and has never left since stepping foot on this property. Today, he is the Assistant Superintendant and leads the general supervision of golf course maintenance.

            Early mornings on the golf course when the sun is rising, projects with large equipmentthat remind him of building the course, and always knowing he has a home here are Antero’s favorite qualities about being a Bella Collina employee.

            Antero still resides in San Juan Capistrano to this day with his wife. He has four children, two boys and two girls, and nine grandchildren.  In his spare time, he plays the accordion in a band called Del Norte. Although he works on the golf course all day here, he still enjoys landscaping and gardening on his days off.

            Antero is a walking blueprint of all the changes that have happened over the years. He often remembers things that everyone else has forgotten or misplaced. He is a valuable asset to our future success and we are so happy to have him as part of our Bella Collina family nearly 30 years later.

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Brian's Golf Tips Brian Hollenbeck Brian's Golf Tips Brian Hollenbeck

How to Strike Your Iron!

Players failing to strike their irons solidly is probably the most common issue I hear about on the lesson tee. Players either hit the ground behind the ball, resulting in a “heavy” shot, or they avoid the turf completely, resulting in a low “topped” or “thin” shot. In either case, the results are not pretty.

Players failing to strike their irons solidly is probably the most common issue I hear about on the lesson tee. Players either hit the ground behind the ball, resulting in a “heavy” shot, or they avoid the turf completely, resulting in a low “topped” or “thin” shot. In either case, the results are not pretty. Even though the two types of shots are complete opposites, the underlying cause of both are the same.

 What’s the problem?

            Simply put, the bottom of their swing arc is too far back. A simple drill you can do to move the bottom of your swing arc forward and start compressing your irons is by lining up about 5 or 6 tees in the ground, so that the line formed runs perpendicular to your target. Then practice making swings (slow at first) where you try to create a divot on the target side of the tees. It’s much more difficult than it looks! Try focusing on keeping your weight centered in your backswing, and feel like the club head stays behind your hands at all times during the swing. The goal of the drill is to start creating divots on the target side of the ball.

STEP 1: Set up tees in a line perpendicular to your target
 



 

STEP 4: Move weight into your left foot on the downswing

STEP 2: Feel like your weight is evenly distributed at address & your sternum is directly above the line of tees

 

STEP 5: Try to keep the club head behind your hands

STEP 3: Stay centered over the ball as you wind up your torso

 

 

STEP 6: Extend your arms down & past the golf ball. Your divot should be on the target side of the line

 

 For more help with your golf game, please contact PGA Head Golf Professional, Brian Hollenbeck at (949) 333-4838 or bhollenbeck@bellacollinagolf.com

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Chef's Corner, Dining Leonel Villamil Chef's Corner, Dining Leonel Villamil

Cantucci Cheesecake

Cantucci or Biscotti di Prato are crunchy almond cookies from Tuscany. Biscotti literally means twice (bis) cooked (cotti), biscotti is also the generic term for cookies in Italian and perfectly compliments this decliciously creamy cheesecake.

CANTUCCI CHEESECAKE

Ingredients:

  • 40 Ounces Cream Cheese
  • 8 Ounces Granulated Sugar
  • 6 Egg Yolks
  • 3 Tablespoons Almond Extract
  • 2 Lemons—Lemon Zest
  • 1 Pound Cantucci Cookies
  • 2 Cups Sour Crème
  • 3 Ounces Unsalted Butter

Directions:

  1. Blend Cantucci Cookies in food processor and then sauté with butter over medium heat.
  2. Transfer mix into a cake mold, cover bottom, and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix Cream Cheese, Almond Extract, and Sugar, while adding in 2 Egg Yolks at a time.
  4. Add Lemon Zest and Sour Cream and continue mixing for another 3 minutes. Do not over mix.
  5. Transfer mixture into prefixed cake mold and bake for 45 minutes on bain marie. Chill and serve.

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Chef's Corner, Dining Leonel Villamil Chef's Corner, Dining Leonel Villamil

Dr. Pepper Braised Short Ribs

This Dr. Pepper Braised Short Ribs recipe pairs well with Mashed Potatoes, Soft Polenta, or White Rice. Leonel calls himself a modern young chef, with old school technique and hand-crafted specialties. His love for Italian and Mexican cuisine can be seen in his menus and exquisite platings. Every dish has a depth of flavor unlike anything you will ever taste. 

Dr. Pepper Braised Short Ribs

Ingredients:

  • 5 Pounds Short Ribs
  • 2 Cups Onions
  • 1 Cup Celery
  • 1 Liter Beef Broth
  • 1 Ounce Garlic
  • 1 Ounce Fresh Thyme
  • 3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • Pinch of Salt & Pepper
  • 4 Cans Dr. Pepper
  • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
DR PEPPER BRAISED SHORT RIBS.png

Directions:

  1. Cut Short Ribs into chunks and season with Smoked Paprika, Salt, and Pepper.
  2. Add Flour and Pan Roast until Golden Brown
  3. Add Onions, Celery, Garlic, and Thyme and sauté for 5 minutes
  4. Add Beef Broth and Dr. Pepper and Braise for 1.5 hours at 350F

Pairs well with Mashed Potatoes, Soft Polenta, or White Rice

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