Things are heating up!

On September 28th & 29th, world class barbeque chefs from all over will descend on Dana Point to compete in the 2nd Annual Dana Point BBQ Championship. At last year’s event, 50 teams vied for the titles of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion and this year’s prize money has grown to $15,000. All cash awards will be generated from team entries and represents a 100% payout of all fees received.

The 2012 competition will take place at the beautiful Sea Terrace Park, located at the corner of Niguel Road and Pacific Coast Highway. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America’s Cuisine. Its mission is to celebrate, teach and promote barbeque as a culinary technique, sport and art form.

KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 15,000 members worldwide. The KCBS places their stamp of approval on over 400 barbeque contests throughout the country. Visit www.KCBS.us for more information about their organization and upcoming events.

Kevin Evans, Director of Community Services & Parks for the City of Dana Point, is eager to see the expansion of this year’s event. Evans said, “We are looking at breaking the record for the most teams ever competing in a California barbeque event. The record is 68 and we are hoping to get 70 entrants in our 2nd annual event.” Last year’s competition drew barbeque contestants from Arizona, Nevada and all of Southern & Northern California. “The City was extremely pleased with the number of local residents in Dana Point and the surrounding communities who participated in the competition. We’re hopeful that more amateur barbeque enthusiasts will join in the 2nd annual event
this September,” Evans added.

On Friday, the 28th, teams will arrive and begin preparing delectable servings of chicken, ribs, brisket, pork and desserts for judging. “Friday afternoon is a meet ‘n greet where the general public can come and speak with the contestants and learn some of their secrets in preparing the best barbeque,” shared Evans. The contest and judging will take place on Saturday, the 29th.

A blind judging process is used by KCBS certified judges to ensure fairness. KCBS judges are trained in a manner that allows them to appropriately assess all types of barbeque, from St. Louis and Texas styles to Memphis and Carolina styles. Judges will sample and assign a point total to each entry based on appearance, taste and texture. Each teams’ cumulative points not only determine the winners at the Dana Point competition, but also go towards regional and national titles like the California BBQ Association’s Team of the Year.

Judges will have an opportunity to taste some of the world’s best barbeque and attendees can also get in on the action by participating in the People’s Choice Tasting. Tickets are only $2 each for a serving of chicken, pork, ribs, or brisket. In addition to all the great barbeque, the City of Dana Point will be partnering with the “Taste of Brew” to create a micro-brew garden where patrons can enjoy special micro-brews from over 25 distributors. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars Dana Point Post 9934, the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, the Earth Ocean Society, and the Pet Project Foundation.

Parking will be available at Salt Creek Beach, Strands Vista Park, Stonehill Road and Dana Hills High School. A complimentary shuttle bus will run on Saturday, the 29th from Dana Hills High School to the BBQ Championship from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. To become an event participant or to learn more, please contact the Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department at 949.248.3530.

Cinnamon Productions… A Sweet Deal
by Cathy Villafana

Don’t be fooled by the name. While Cinnamon Productions Bakery & Café makes a killer cinnamon roll, they also serve a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having started as a small bakery in Seal Beach in 1987, Cinnamon Productions recently added a San Clemente location, near the Krikorian Theaters on Camino de los Mares, which now gives patrons five restaurants to choose from in Orange County.

Cinnamon Productions offers a whole host of delights for those with a sweet tooth. If you can manage to walk past the long counter of baked goods and resist the divine smell, you’re to be commended. With items like cinnamon rolls, brownies, croissants, scones, cupcakes, pies, and decadent desserts like tiramisu, white amaretto and “monkey madness,” you’ll have a difficult time choosing just one.

Since they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I brought my 8 and 10-year-old along to Cinnamon Productions to start the day and to get their uncensored opinions. My son chose the Kid’s Scramble and my daughter selected the Kid’s Combo with pancakes. Both devoured their meals, without the usual prompting to finish, which is a clear indication that we’ll be coming back again soon.

I had the hearty and delicious CP Breakfast Wrap with hash browns, plus a cinnamon roll that called my name from the moment I walked through the door. Once my kids started to “assist” me with the generous helping of country-style hash browns that accompanied my entrée, there was little sign they ever existed. As I expected, the giant, gooey cinnamon roll was heavenly.

Owner Randy Farah has succeeded at his vision of providing customers with good portions and a good value. With 80 items to choose from, Cinnamon Productions is an unpretentious and cozy place to take the family or to meet friends any time of the day. If you’re planning a special occasion or need help with a corporate event, they also offer full-service or drop-off catering, gift baskets and custom-made cakes. Visit
www.CinnamonProductions.com for a sampling of their offerings and for more information on their other locations in Foothill Ranch, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita and Seal Beach.

Cinnamon Productions
647 Camino de los Mares, Suite D130 • San Clemente
949.218.8232 • CinnamonProductions.com

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
By Shelley T. Hudson

s the health care industry in the United States faces yet another wave of sweeping changes, hospital administrators and medical providers have been working diligently behind the scenes doing what they do best—adapting. Every aspect of health care has been transformed by fast-moving digital technology and the internet. Patients are better informed and can take more of an active role in wellness plans. Information can be gathered and communicated more efficiently. Physicians can spend more quality time with patients instead of sifting through paperwork. Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente has embraced the sea of change and become a leader in the industry by answering each new challenge with an investment in the future.

The latest of these investments in patient care is Saddleback Memorial’s new Radiology and Fluoroscopy Suite. As digital imaging has improved exponentially in just the last few years, so have concerns of exposure to radiation. Saddleback Memorial’s new CT Scanner is equipped with the latest “low-dose technology” and promises 60% less radiation than the older models. Less radiation with each scan translates to a significant reduction in lifelong exposure—a very important factor in pediatric and geriatric populations. The image quality of the new scanner is sharper and clearer as well, so a radiologist can determine a diagnosis with greater accuracy.

The upgraded fluoroscopy equipment represents a 50% reduction in radiation as well. The operator can record the entire procedure so that it can be reviewed and repeated by the patient and physician. “We are able to acquire images with extraordinary quality at the lowest achievable dosage levels, even in the most challenging cases,” says Sue Murray, Saddleback Memorial’s Director of Imaging Services. Murray also notes that all data is transferred instantly to the Picture Archiving and Communication System as a permanent digital record.

With the addition of Saddleback Memorial’s new imaging suite, the hospital can now offer nearly every state-of-the-art imaging modality available in the country. The adjacent Memorial Care Imaging Center is an outpatient facility that offers a convenient alternative to the hospital setting. The MemorialCare Imaging Center is a great option for non-emergency patients who may require more frequent diagnostic services. The nearby Talega Breast Diagnostic and Imaging Center also offers a convenient and specialized option.

Saddleback Memorial’s Administrator at the San Clemente campus, Tony Struthers, is enthusiastic about the hospital’s growth and positive direction. “We can’t do it alone as a hospital,” he admits, “health care is evolving and becoming part of a network. Care will eventually be administered through a larger organization.” Although he laments the near disappearance of solo practitioners, Struthers sees the momentum toward coordinated care as a benefit to patients. He adds, “The single-doctor types of practices carry such large overhead and are more expensive for patients. We are headed toward more integrated care. Patients will have access to an extended system of clinicians and will have to endure fewer repeated procedures.”

Saddleback Memorial
654 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente
949.496.1122
memorialcare.org

Fiesta Street Festival

Brought to you by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, The Fiesta Street Festival is back once again on Sunday, August 12th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This annual tradition will entertain the community while raising funds for various non-profit organizations and charitable causes. Bring the brood and take in the sights, sounds and enticing smells on Avenida Del Mar in beautiful downtown San Clemente.

The Fiesta is truly a jam-packed day of fun and activities for the whole family. Enjoy music, fantastic fare, a classic car & Harley show and a multitude of games, activities, contests and more. There’s sure to be a little something for everyone!

GET YOUR GROOVE ON
The 2012 Fiesta will serve up three stages of continuous live music throughout the day. This year’s headliners include Liquid Blue, Department of Rock, SANDBOX, Texas House Party and Fusion Beat. Also featured are a variety of groups that will have you singing and swaying, including: LUCIDIOM, The Cholulas, The Outsane, Fusion Beat, The Dreams, A+ Dropouts, Cloud of Hope, Bondservant, The Raptured, New Day, Iron Sharpens Iron, sMALLTIME and The Divide.

FOOD, FUN & GAMES
Good times will benefit great causes as thirty-six local charitable organizations will have an opportunity to raise funds for various philanthropic groups that support our local community. The non-profits will offer an array of international foods and will operate game booths for everyone to enjoy.

COMPETE & EAT
All ages will have the chance to participate in contests and events at the 59th annual Fiesta Street Festival. Take your pick from the Costco Diaper Derby, the Baskin Robbins Brain Freeze Ice Cream Eating Contest, Jump Roping, Pie Eating, Hula Hooping, Tortilla Tossing, an Easter Egg Hunt, the Piñata Contest, a Pickle Eating Contest and the Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop Bubble Gum Blowing Contest. Visit scchamber.com for a complete schedule and event times.

SPICE IT UP
The Fiesta’s Salsa Challenge is back and hotter that ever! The city’s finest salsa makers, restaurants and chefs will convene to present their best recipes. Official judges and event attendees will decide which salsa and booth is tops in these categories: 1st place Best Individual, 1st place Best Restaurant, 1st place Best Decorated Booth Individual, 1st place Best Decorated Booth Restaurant, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place People’s Choice Individual and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place People’s Choice Restaurant. Public tasting starts at
10:00 a.m. with winners being announced at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for 6 tastes.

CRAFTY
Take in the arts & craft show featuring hand-crafted and unique merchandise from talented individuals throughout Southern California. You just might find the treasure you’ve been searching for.

CHILD’S PLAY
Kids will have lots to choose from at this year’s Festival. Check out the Vertical Rush, the Euro Castle, the Wild Wave Slide, Euro Bungee, zip lining, the Boot Camp Challenge and much more. If that isn’t enough to keep the kids entertained, face painters and balloon artists will be on hand to create the perfect piece for your little ones.

UP TO SPEED
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and North Seville, auto buffs will enjoy a feast for the eyes at the Classic Car Show sponsored by S.C. Rider Supply. Vintage cars from all over Southern California and as far away as Arizona will take part. The event also showcases some of the hottest Harleys in the area. Participant applications are available at scchamber.com.

PARK IT
Free parking and Round Trip Shuttle Service will be available to and from the Fiesta at San Clemente High School, located at 700 Avenida Pico. Three complimentary shuttles will run from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Doheny Surf Festival

An epic weekend of sun, sand, surf and rockin’ music awaits at the Doheny Surf Festival on August 11th and 12th, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. An expanded version of the summer event that’s been held for the last four years, the 2012 Festival will include all things surf, combined with a major music lineup and an opportunity to support Southern California state parks and beaches.

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) and the San Onofre Foundation (SOF) have teamed up to present the Doheny Surf Festival to benefit San Onofre, San Clemente, Trestles and Doheny State Parks. Nearly 70 state parks are slated to close in 2012, and the budgets for the remaining parks are being slashed. The DSBIA and the SOF are California non-profit public benefit charitable corporations, dedicated to protecting our treasured state parks and beaches. These organizations depend on donations to preserve and operate these parks for the two million people who visit them annually.

The Festival offers a weekend filled with top-notch, live entertainment. Headlining this year’s event on Saturday is Eddie Money, with Everlast taking center stage on Sunday. Fishbone, Common Sense, ALO, Honk, Paula Fuga, Le Blorr and other bands will entertain an expected 3,500 attendees throughout the weekend.

Tickets are on sale now and range from $29 for general admission to $92.70 for a VIP pass, which includes a preferred viewing area, a Rubio’s buffet and two tickets for beverages provided by Kona Brewing, Longboard Winery and Peligroso. Buy your tickets early at DohenySurfFest.com as prices increase at the door.

The Doheny Surf Festival is a “green” event that will also feature surf demonstrations, surf star autograph signings, outrigger canoe & SUP exhibitions, a legends expression session, tandem surfing, nose riding, a woody car exhibit, vintage surfboards, a Kids’ Corner, environmental and ocean education and
much more.

There will be something for everyone in Vendor Village. Beer, wine and margaritas will be available in the Kona Brewing beer garden. Fantastic fare and beverages will be served by L.A. Gourmet Food Trucks and eateries that have supported surfing through the years.

Commissioned Surf Festival logo artist and San Clemente resident Drew Brophy shared that, “Doheny and San Onofre State Parks are some of the most enjoyed and valuable surfing areas in California and even the world. I am stoked to participate in anything that preserves these natural playgrounds for our future.”

San Onofre Foundation President Steve Netherby said of the upcoming Festival, “This is a significant effort to show how much appreciation the citizens of California have for their public lands. Every dollar we raise stays right in the local parks.”

Doheny State Beach became California’s first state beach on May 31, 1931. Steep in surf culture, it remains one of Southern California’s most famous beaches and is one of California’s most popular camping grounds. The beach covers an area of 62 acres and includes a day use surfing beach at the northern end, as well as campgrounds in its southern area.

For more information and to purchase concert tickets, be sure to visit DohenySurfFest.com.

Montego Restaurant & Bar in San Juan Capistrano
By Cathy Villafana

Located in San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Ortega Highway and Rancho Viejo Road, Montego Restaurant & Bar offers a stylish, yet relaxed atmosphere where great food and live entertainment converge. Owner Chad Dickey hopes that customers indulge in all that Montego has to offer—top-notch food, service and ambiance.

My friend and I feasted on a number of items from their menu. First, we tried the Ahi Ceviche comprised of layers of pico de gallo, guacamole, then sushi-grade yellowfin tuna. We followed with the Rib Fingers (a must from the Happy Hour menu), offering fall-off-the-bone meat and a sweet barbeque sauce reminiscent of my days living in Texas.

From the gourmet burger selection on the Burger Madness Menu, we sunk our teeth into the “Black & Blue.” Amazingly, the smoked applewood bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onions and baby arugula were not overwhelmed by the half-pound of beef. Kudos to Chef Dennis for this achievement!

Moving to the lighter side of things, we enjoyed the Spinach Salad where cayenne-spiced walnuts provided the perfect balance to the raspberry vinaigrette. We also sampled the beautifully cooked Thai-influenced Salmon Filet marinated in a tamarind soy chili glaze, served with sticky rice and vegetables.

In addition to the delicious food, Montego serves up live music throughout the week. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can enjoy your meal accompanied by the soothing sounds of live jazz. Of particular note is Tom Morey, creator of the Boogie board, who plays jazz regularly on Wednesday evenings. Plan for a late dinner on Friday or Saturday night, then stick around and get moving to the fun and familiar sounds of various retro cover bands until midnight.

Montego is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the daily Happy Hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live jazz starts at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and live bands kick off at 9 p.m. on weekends.

Montego Restaurant & Bar
27211 Ortega Hwy., Ste. B
San Juan Capistrano
949. 481.2723
montegorestaurant.com

2012 San Clemente Ocean Festival

Don’t miss the 36th annual San Clemente Ocean Festival happening Saturday, July 21st and Sunday, July 22nd. “The Greatest Show on Surf” promises fun for the entire family and an opportunity to test your skills in an array of contests.

Feeling competitive? Take your pick from a variety of events: the American and International Ironman competitions, the 1 Mile Swim, the 5K Beach Run, the Biathlon, or the popular Dory Boat races. For you stand-up paddlers, check out the newest match-up — the Surf Race to Victory SUPCross. Visit www.OceanFestival.org for details on all athletic competitions, course maps and rules.

Kids can get in on the action too! The Ocean Festival offers a Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Runon Saturday (fun run for ages 4 to 12) and the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest on Sunday (ages 14 and under). Space fills up quickly, so register early.

For those budding anglers, check out the kids-only fishing clinic and derby on Saturday. On Sunday, all ages are invited to participate in the fishing derby where there’s an opportunity to win great prizes as well.

Hula dancers, Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations, Zumba, yoga, music, plus more can be found at the Children’s Pavilion. Additional crafts and games will be available for a nominal fee.

Can San Clemente’s lifeguards make pancakes as well as they save lives on the beach? See for yourself when they cook breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. both mornings. Bring your appetite and enjoy a healthy serving of cakes and sausages to start your day.

Other areas to visit at the festival include the Ocean Art Show and the vendor booths in Parque Del Mar. Brush up on your bodysurfing skills at a clinic that teaches you how to spot rip currents and ride the waves. Then go back in time at the 20th annual Woody Car Exhibit on the pier.

Looking for a totally tripendicular time? Set out your beach chair or towel and enjoy the sunset and a free concert by the 80’s tribute band,“Flock of 80’s,” on Saturday evening.

If you’re an artist and don’t mind getting sand in your pants, the sand-sculpting competition on Sunday is just the place for you. Select your teammates, choose a category and sign up at the Ocean Festival’s website.

The weekend’s festivities will close with the Great Rubber Duck Race. Sponsor a duck for a mere $5 and if it swims ashore from the surf line, you’ll win a prize.

Free parking and shuttle service will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also get to the festival via the Metrolink which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For a complete schedule of events, to register for a competition or to volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org
or call 949.440.6141.

Sawdust Art Festival — Keeping Art Real
By Shelley T. Hudson

With the reemergence of Little League, pool parties and the jingle of the ice cream truck comes another local summer tradition. The Sawdust Festival’s 46th Annual Summer Show is already in full swing and better than ever. You’ll find all the familiar family-friendly fare as in years past, but several new elements have been added to this year’s packed line up of activities.

As one of the centerpieces of Laguna Beach’s busy summer arts scene, the Summer Show welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually to the grounds. Art enthusiasts from all over flock to this mini artist colony to appreciate art in a most unusual way. The 200-plus artists—all Laguna Beach residents—create, display and demonstrate their talents as passers by stop and look on. Guests are encouraged to interact with artists, providing an especially intimate experience for both. This collaboration gives the artists an opportunity to use the real-time feedback of the daily roaming audience as inspiration. Since the art pieces are available for sale, spectators can become art patrons on the spot—without the stuffy and sometimes intimidating setting of a gallery. The Summer Show isn’t juried, so accomplished, seasoned artists display their talents alongside rising stars.

With an impressive variety of art forms including sculpture, painting, leather work, photography, glass-blowing, ceramics and jewelry making, the show offers something for everyone. This event is more than a feast for the eyes, however. Themed days, live entertainment on three stages, an array of food and beverage options and a full calendar of activities designed for both kids and adults all enhance the experience as well. The charming artist-built booths and sawdust-lined paths create an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a perfect summer afternoon and evening.

The Sawdust Festival’s mission is to educate the public about local artists and the art they create. In support of this goal, promotions focus on fundraising, year-round classes and workshops and collaboration with other art events. This year’s fundraising efforts include the raffle of a 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, the 2012 Original Collectors Panels auction, the Artists Benevolence Fund auction and Art Supplies Donation Day. Revenue generated from these charity drives will benefit art education, needy artists and their families and CHOC.

Studio Art Classes are held year-round at the Sawdust Festival grounds, and the Summer Show is no exception. Classes are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Just check out the schedule at www.sawduststudioartclasses.com to reserve a spot, and you can walk away with your own hand-made work of art. Once you’ve ignited your inner artist, you can come back in April for Sawdust’s more intensive two-day workshops, Spring Into Art.

A wide range of hands-on classes and demonstrations aimed at kids will also engage the imaginations of the little ones. The Children’s Art Spot and Sawdust Studio One will host classes on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the Summer Show. Maybe your little Picasso or Renoir will finally get their chance to shine!

Local Fourth of July Festivities
By Shelley T. Hudson

San Juan Capistrano
The city of SJC’s annual Celebration and Fireworks Display will once again be held at the Sports Park on Camino del Avion. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include children’s games, mechanical rides, local exhibitors, a variety of food and a beer garden. Live entertainment and dancing start at 6 p.m., and the evening concludes with an extensive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Park in the Sports Complex or on neighboring streets, or better yet, ride your bike! The event is free, but you can purchase tickets for the mechanical rides for a nominal cost.

San Clemente
San Clemente’s Municipal Pier will be the stage for the big fireworks show again this year. Game booths and live music starting at dusk will precede the ever-popular 9 p.m. pyrotechnic display. Come early with your beach chairs and blankets to get a good viewing spot.

Another option is to watch the fireworks from Park Semper Fi. A family-style potluck dinner honoring the U.S. Marines starts at 6 p.m., so bring your neighbors and your favorite dish and dine al fresco. You’ll enjoy a great view of the show and avoid the large crowd. The potluck is free, but you’ll need a ticket. Call (949) 498 – 4958 for ticket info and other details.

Laguna Beach
A full day of fun for the whole family is scheduled in Laguna Beach. Start off with the Laguna Concert Band’s Patriotic Show from
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Sawdust Festival grounds. This volunteer band of local performers will ignite your national pride as they play all the popular anthems. After the show, check out the Festival’s art demonstrations and grab lunch at one of the many food booths.

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule all day on the 4th in anticipation of Laguna Beach’s fireworks presentation that evening. The Monument Point area of Heisler Park will be closed for preparations until 5 p.m. Bring your snacks and chairs (but not alcohol or pets, sorry!) and prepare yourself for an awesome display of light and color at 9 p.m. Expect heavy traffic leaving the event, however. Your safest bet is to walk, bike or shuttle to Heisler Park.

Dana Point
Independence Day is the busiest day of the year at Doheny State Beach, with families driving in from all over Southern California to picnic and frolic in the waves all day. Doheny opens bright and early at 6 a.m. for automobile traffic. Early birds will definitely get the best spots for the evening’s festivities.

Dana Point’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The impressive spectacle can be seen from anywhere in the city with a view of the harbor. Two popular locations for sky-gazing are Lantern Bay Park and Heritage Park, but harbor-area restaurants and beaches provide ideal views also. The city manages traffic and crowds by providing a free shuttle service with a fleet of nine vehicles around the harbor area running to and from Dana Hills High School from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Patrick Cantlay
By Matthew Vicelja

Golf is the most humbling of sports. Even the world’s best athletes have their abilities tested when they’re handed a bent stick and a little white ball that they must drive down a narrow fairway and into a tiny cup. As an avid fan with an unfortunate 20 handicap, I have tremendous respect for top tier players who consistently make the game appear effortless.

Players like Tiger Woods & Phil Michelson are well-known to even those who may not follow the sport closely. In my circle, however, Patrick Cantlay is the big name in the game. The twenty-year-old Cantlay may not be a household name just yet, but stay tuned. The “future of golf,” as he was referred to by broadcaster Mike Tirico during the 2011 U.S. Open, is just getting started.

Even though he picked up the game at the age of three, this emerging star is just beginning to shine in the world of golf. Perhaps I’m a tad biased when it comes to Cantlay because he happens to be my second cousin, twice removed (according to my mom’s analysis of our sprouting family tree). This Servite High School graduate has earned the respect of seasoned PGA players on the course while also receiving high marks in the classroom at UCLA.

Last year’s U.S. Open was Cantlay’s debut in a PGA event and he gave golf fans a phenomenal first showing. He posted the best amateur score at the Open and tied for 21st overall. If that weren’t enough, his back nine 30 was the lowest in the tournament.

Patrick was invited to play in the Travelers Championship in Hartford, Connecticut the following weekend. During his second round, he managed a feat that had never been accomplished by another amateur golfer during a PGA event. Patrick shot 60, setting a course record! He also led the tournament after the first two rounds and finished the weekend tied for 24th.

In 2011, Patrick Cantlay was listed as the number one amateur in both the World Amateur Golf Rankings and the Scratch Players World Amateur Rankings. He’s also been recognized as the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year, the Phil Mickelson National Freshman of the Year and the Pac 10 Player of the Year. In May 2012, Patrick was presented with The Ben Hogan award that’s bestowed upon the nation’s top college golfer.

The sophomore standout from UCLA continues to create a buzz in professional golf. This past April, Patrick played in The Masters and again achieved the low amateur score and finished in a tie for 47th. It was an absolute rush seeing my cousin sitting in Butler Cabin fielding questions from legendary commentator Jim Nance alongside tournament champion Bubba Watson.

This Father’s Day weekend, Patrick will once again compete in the U.S. Open in San Francisco. He will play in his third major of the year in The Open Championship this July in Britain. The pros on tour have taken notice of Patrick. Phil Mickelson, possibly the most famous of all past amateurs and the last one to win a PGA tournament, said of Cantlay, “I’ve obviously seen what he’s been doing on the golf course. It’s impressive, from Hartford to the U.S. Open to the U.S. Amateur. He’s one of the top amateurs in the country and has done a lot for UCLA golf.”

As golf’s next wave, Patrick Cantlay is enjoying the ride. For now, he continues to jump back and forth between amateur and professional events. Last month, he and his UCLA team advanced through the regionals in pursuit of an NCAA Championship. This summer, Patrick will focus on winning his first U.S. Amateur Championship. In the meantime, he’ll continue to swing with the pros when and where he can. When asked about his performance in PGA events, Patrick replied, “It just reaffirmed my belief that I think I can play out here eventually and right now I can compete. It just makes me feel good about the future.”

Go get ’em cuz!

2012 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
June 14th – 17th
Olympic Club
San Francicso, CA