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Mid-Valley Golf Courses go from potential to greatness

Spring is just around the corner, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year-round in the Valley climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite golf courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.

This is the third part in our series. This is your last week to vote for your favorites. Be sure to go online to www.wintertexantimes.com to vote for your favorite course in each area. If you have any special words to say about a course, email us at news@wintertexantimes.com.

20180208 Tony Butler Golf Course 09 webTony Butler Golf Course

Tony Butler would be proud.

The Tony Butler Golf Course of today isn’t the same as yesteryear. In fact, come this October, when the city is done with its multi-million-dollar revamp project – you may not even recognize it. Currently, holes 19-27 remain open as 1-18 goes through the makeover of makeovers as the city looks to increase its position as a destination city.

But the course’s impact on Rio Grande Valley golf remains as great, if not greater than any other golf course in terms of Rio Grande Valley Golf.

The course is re-doing everything – tee boxes fairways, bunkers, greens, lakes – it’s about as different as could be – and management promises “it will be harder. And completely different.” The city is also making heavy improvements to drainage, including installing a new pump station.

The Harlingen public golf course bears the name of the man, Tony Butler, who helped bring some of the sport’s greatest athletes to the Rio Grande Valley for professional tournaments during the Great Depression. The public Tony Butler golf course is much like the man, requiring a sharp strategic mind and the ability to play consistent golf.

Tony Butler Golf Course is located at 2640 South “M” Street in Harlingen. It is a 27-hole course that meanders through the natural South Texas terrain and is extremely easy to walk if you choose. The 18-hole course has a championship layout measuring 6,400 yards (par 71).

Read more: Mid-Valley Golf Courses go from potential to greatness

Victoria Palms Restaurant: “They’re always glad you came”

Dave and Lynn from Victoria Palms IMG 7148 webWe found ourselves pulling up to Victoria Palms Restaurant early Thursday morning and were the first to arrive. Friendly greetings and a hearty “Welcome!” from Dave as he put the final touches on his omelet station made the spacious ballroom feel much cozier and welcoming.

As we considered the menu, the regular crowd shuffled in with staff greeting each by name. One stood out as she walked by with barely a word. Greeted just as warmly, she was informed that her coffee was at her table -- her gratitude evident as she made a beeline for her seat. The whole scene evoked memories of “Cheers.”

Many of those coming in enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and ordered the special. I opted to indulge and ordered Dave’s Special; a two-egg omelet with choice of three ingredients, served with a half waffle with choice of strawberry or pineapple topping and whipped cream; adding hash browns, bacon, and orange juice.

Over the years we have enjoyed more than a few of Dave’s omelets and every time we come away knowing that you’ll be hard pressed to find better.

After you have tried one of Dave’s omelets you will definitely want to come back for Victoria Palms Restaurant’s Friday Fish Fry and drop in for Sunday Brunch. While you are there be sure to ask about their other lunch and dinner specials available Tuesday through Friday with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Victoria Palms Restaurant at N. Victoria Rd and I-2 in Donna is open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Records broken at this year’s Valley Star Awards

PAGE ONE Ron Moshier IMG 2032 webThe Mission Bell Resort ball room was packed on Wednesday, February 21 with the anticipation of who won what for the Valley Star Awards. There were almost 570 Winter Texans and Wintertainers™ present during the event – a record breaking turnout.

It was exciting as everyone waited for each award to be given, clapping and hollering here and there as their favorite nominees were read out loud before the winner was announced.

You could tell the entertainers for the event had been preparing for weeks before as they got on the stage.

Read more: Records broken at this year’s Valley Star Awards

Improvements on Upper Valley Golf Courses have paid off

20191104 Palm View Golf Course HMiller 9629 webSpring is just around the corner, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year-round in the Valley climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite golf courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.

Last week we featured the lower Valley. This week we have the upper Valley, and we will also feature the mid Valley courses. We will introduce you to the many golf courses the Valley has to offer. We invite you to take the time, visit a few of them, if not all, and vote for your favorite golf course.

Champions Lakes Golf Club

Challenging without being overboard is how many golf enthusiasts would describe Champion Lakes, formerly known as Palmview Golf Course in McAllen. This course is the standard at which all other courses across the Rio Grande Valley compare themselves to.

Now with a collegiate look, with golf bays and lockers for UTRGV golfers, Championship Lakes also sit within unique settings.

Read more: Improvements on Upper Valley Golf Courses have paid off

The views are highlight of the Lower Valley golf courses

20140902 SPI Golf Course 3 Green from Harbor Unit PAGE ONE webSpring is just around the corner, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year-round in the Valley climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite golf courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.

For the next three weeks we will feature a different part of the Valley and introduce you to the many golf courses the Valley has to offer. We invite you to take the time, visit a few of them, if not all, and vote for your favorite golf course.

South Padre Island Golf Club

South Padre Island where dreams and reality are on different ends of the spectrum.

The vision is near perfect as you stand on the west side of the Laguna Madre. There across from you is the skyline of South Padre Island and the Isabella Causeway.

Read more: The views are highlight of the Lower Valley golf courses

Diego and Edith bring their brand of energy to VSA

diego and edith 03 webDiego and Edith Saurina will be performing at this year’s Valley Star Awards on Wednesday, February 21. The married couple are Pharr natives and have been performing in the Valley at RV Parks for 15 years.

Diego plays the keyboard and sings while Edith brings her vocals to the stage as well. Diego is a professional keyboard piano player, songwriter, and music producer. This duo performs live variety music ranging from the 70’s to today’s music. They play a little bit of country, pop, blues, and a lot of rock ‘n roll.

Read more: Diego and Edith bring their brand of energy to VSA

Bruce brings smooth voice to VSA

202402147 Winter TExan Fiesta Bruce Boudreau Performing Courtesy Mission Chamber webBruce Boudreau is a multi-instrumentalist Canadian country music singer and songwriter. He was 14 years old when he got his first guitar. Six months later he started a band in high school where he then started to write songs.

The drive to learn guitar and entertain people was strongly influenced by his east coast family, playing at kitchen parties. He now uses his smooth silk voice to sing classic and contemporary country music. He makes sure that each performance is heartfelt and tries to make a genuine connection with his audience. This is his third season in the Valley, and he performs solo and with other entertainers. He is also part of a duo called CanAm.

Read more: Bruce brings smooth voice to VSA

Mark Merchant to take the stage at Valley Star Awards

Facetune 002 webMark Merchant is a native of Atlanta Georgia and has been performing ventriloquism since he was born. When he was born, and the doctor slapped his bottom, cries were heard from a baby in the next ward.

He has performed all over the civilized world, and parts of Florida. This is his first season in the RGV, and he is having a blast bringing laughter and love to so many wonderful communities.

He has been performing since he was 10 years old. Comedy ventriloquism has taken him around the world, paid for his college education, and introduced him to the lovely lady to whom he is married. Just about to celebrate 35 years of happiness.

“Wonderful marriage. What’s the secret? Let the dummy do the talking,” said Mark.

Read more: Mark Merchant to take the stage at Valley Star Awards

The Night Howlers to perform at Valley Star Awards

120940037 3303309743056156 7204821712096782228 n webThe Night Howlers are not new to entertaining. Valley natives, the group has been entertaining Valley residents for many years. Rene Deanda, drummer, and main vocalist has been performing since he was 15. The Night Howlers has been performing for Winter Texans now for seven years.

The group loves to entertain. Rene says they live for entertaining the Winter Texan community of friends. And he refers to them as friends. You can certainly tell how much he enjoys this gig when you see his pictures on Facebook posing with fans and taking large group photos.

Rene said he and the boys have a philosophy of being generous with their time and talent. They don’t ever take breaks. “Ever,” he said. He added, they might stop for a bit when the park wants to do their 50/50 or other door prizes and such, but they typically play right through their set, and sometimes longer.

Read more: The Night Howlers to perform at Valley Star Awards

Valley Star Awards welcomes Leslie Blasing

SPI WinterFest Leslie Blasing webLeslie Blasing isn’t new to the Valley Star Awards circuit. Many people don’t realize how many Valley Star Awards Leslie has won. After winning Entertainer of the Year three times, and Female Vocalist five times, Leslie was awarded the Lifetime Award in 2018. These are only a few of the awards she has received in her over 40-year career of singing.

Leslie, having started her singing career in San Antonio, began singing At South Padre Island in 1994. Now she can be found singing at the Island’s main hot spots year-round and at Winter Texan parks during the Winter Texan season. She performs for dances and shows mainly, and she puts on a few of her own themed productions (Winter Fest, Where the Hell is Alice, etc.) throughout the season, and during her tour in the summer – in which she makes her way all the way to Canada.

Read more: Valley Star Awards welcomes Leslie Blasing

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