Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Greetings Golfers,
Every year, most of us look forward to a new year - a new beginning (some years more than others!).
And New Year resolutions have become as normal to the New Year as Christmas presents are to Christmas.
Probably the most typical resolutions are about health: losing weight, getting in shape, etc.
Being golfers, we need to do those things … and improve our golf game. We can always improve our chipping and putting. And, improve our golf swing. But just improving our golf swing won’t make-up for not improving our health and short-game.
We need to do it all.
That wasn’t meant to sound overwhelming … it’s just the truth. We can do it … but, I recommend baby steps … not leaps. Everyday, eat better (and less) … do some exercises … go for a walk. You’re not Rocky preparing to fight Apollo Creed … you’re just trying to improve.
We all want to hear what we want to hear. Thus … we’re vulnerable to quick fixes, magic pills, short cuts, etc. But hearing what you want to hear isn’t always good.
Well, I have no agenda. I’m not running for office or selling a video of how to be a scratch player in one week. I’m just recommending being the tortoise instead of the hare.
It will be a good year … step-by-step.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
What is Unseen
What Is Unseen
Greetings Golfers,
One of my all time favorite books is “That Which Is Seen, and That Which Is Not Seen” by Frederic Bastiat. Though Bastiat wrote his treatise on economics, the premise applies to understanding anything.
As we grow up, hopefully, we learn from experience. But, too often, we only learn the immediate result - we don’t see the other results of our actions. Usually, our actions have unintended consequences. Thus, we need to develop foresight to become aware of the consequences of our actions.
Usually, the quick fix doesn’t solve the problem because it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Obviously if you’re bleeding, you need a band-aid - but, band-aids are usually only temporary fixes.
You get the point ... you don’t need me to belabor how short-sightedness hurts our health, our relationships, our businesses, our economy, etc.
What blows my mind is that Bastiat wrote this book in 1840, and it seems that we still haven’t learned this basic lesson. Maybe it’s because our lives are so short that society doesn’t learn mature lessons.
Ironically, as we become more modern and “advanced”, we want immediate gratification. A fast-paced consumer society can easily become shallow and short-sighted. But a communistic society is based on “materialism” - I mean the Marxist definition of materialism - that life is only what you see (matter) and not spiritual.
I believe that the lack of spirituality is at the root of the problem. If humans do not believe that life is more than it seems ... their view of life has to be pretty superficial. The depth of life is what gives it meaning, what makes it make sense - it is “that which is unseen”.
The beauty of the Christmas season is wonderful - enjoy it. But, especially treasure the beauty that underlies the visible world ... that’s what this Holiday Season is really about.
Merry Christmas,
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Priorities
Priorities
Greetings Golfers,
Last weekend, a few courses around here opened for play. Last night when I went out to dinner … my car said it was -7 outside. It felt colder.
So … now is a good time to stay inside and watch sports. This weekend is the PNC Championship … where Tour players play with their child or grandchild. I think it’s fun … and funny.
Speaking of funny … I thought that the Michigan players planting their flag on the Ohio State field was funny. The scuffle probably wasn’t that funny … take a look at it HERE. You can see there was some scuffling before the planting of the flag. Hey … these are the #1 and #3 all-time winningest college football programs … the biggest rivalry of all. It will get contentious.
However, an Ohio congressman wants to pass a bill that “flag-planting” will be a felony. A felony? Are you kidding?
So … people are outraged about a basically funny-ridiculous part of college football … but are not outraged about a Minnesota 50 year-old father of two who gets assassinated because he works for a healthcare company.
I’m not going to get into our country’s healthcare situation. I agree it needs major changes. But murdering a company employee is horrendous … and not the solution.
Whereas a college football rivalry that gets over-heated is not horrendous … and making it criminal is not the solution.
Talk about not getting your priorities right.
So … let’s relax and make the best of this cold weather. It’s still not super cold … but I can’t handle super cold.
The other day I ran into a guy ringing a bell for the Salvation Army Christmas fund raiser in front of a grocery store. It was cold. I asked him if he remembered refereeing my 8th grade hockey game that was -20. He did. He REALLY did! He said it took him a week to warm-up. We got to warm-up in the bus after every shift … he had to stay on the ice.
He’s that guy. Referring kids hockey in ridiculous weather … and ringing the bell for charity on a cold December day.
Do you think he has his priorities right?
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Wealth… Health… and Santas
Wealth... Health... and Santas
Greetings Golfers,
You know you’re getting old, when 30 years ago feels like yesterday.
So … 30 years ago … my wife and I went with her family for a Christmas shopping and eating (and drinking) weekend in Chicago.
The highlight was walking down Michigan Ave and running into about 50 Santas. We thought it was really funny (yes - we had been drinking).
On a more sober note … I brought along Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations” book. I don’t sleep well - especially in hotels - so that’s when I read.
At the time … I was really impressed by the book … and I thought that Smith made a moral case for his ideas of wealth and Capitalism.
Well … 30 years later … I’m not so sure. I think he equates wealth too much with money. Hear me out:
What if I declared that we had a record year at DRGC because we made record money? But … in order to do that … we skimped on fertilizing the greens and fairways so that they were unhealthy … and that we used-up the maintenance equipment .. and the Clubhouse was falling apart … and Staff quit and hated us.
In that case … we are not wealthy … we’re poor.
Health is wealth.
Health matters if you’re going to keep living. If the goal is to have a pot of money then die … then money is the only goal.
But … what about the continuation of life? If all those scenarios I said about DRGC had happened … what happens next year?
When people run their lives or businesses or countries for money only … everything becomes short-term at the expense of everything else.
This is not the fault of Capitalism. This is the fault of seeing money as the goal instead of seeing money as a tool to reach goals.
Just read an article about Scottie Scheffler … here’s the title “Although it’s unlikely, Scottie Scheffler would love to stop being asked about money” … here’s the LINK
Here’s the first sentence of the article “However, like other golfers, most of the questions Scheffler has faced over this span have little to do with what’s going on inside the ropes.”
What’s going on? I want to know about what’s going on inside the ropes. I’m interested in what the best golfer in the world has to say about playing golf. I have a million questions for him about golf. I don’t care about his money.
We’ve gotten too into quantifying everything. Quantifying is a tool. Years ago, one of my former assistants was interview in a magazine when he became a Head Pro. He said that one of my mantras to him was “Know your numbers”.
Yes. Know your numbers. Know your number when you’re hitting into the green. But that knowledge is a tool for doing what matters.
Adam Smith put too much emphasis on numbers. I’ve read that he had almost zero common sense. The stories are incredible. But I’m not surprised. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and judge things … and then nitpick. Numbers are an easy tool to use to nitpick success … and overlook the rest of the picture.
Well … I hope I have another 30 years to keep learning … and doing. And I hope our country starts looking at wealth in a healthier way.
Wealth without health doesn’t last.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Christmas Sale - Sat. December 7
Christmas Sale - Saturday, Dec. 7
Greetings Golfers,
On Saturday, Dec. 7 … from 9am - 2pm … is our legendary annual Sale.
Everything is 50% off.
It is a real sale. Not jacked-up prices … then 50% off. Not … bringing in goofy merchandise to make an extra buck. Not … hiding inventory in the back room for next year.
This is the real deal.
And … we’re also selling the Holiday Passes.
And … we’re also drowning you in Bailey’s and Egg Nog and Jameson and Christmas cookies … and coffee.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Leadership - Flow - Gratitude
Leadership - Flow - Gratitude
Greetings Golfers,
(I hate to start with this … but everybody is asking about the Sale … it’s Saturday, Dec. 6 … 9 to noon.)
Ok … here we go … bear with me … I want to talk about Leadership, Flow, and Gratitude. Let’s see where this goes.
So the Vikings are 9-2. Did you watch last week’s game against the Bears? How crazy was that? But the Vikings won. Again.
Why are they winning? They don’t look very good. The reason they don’t look very good … is because they don’t have the horses. Some people would blame the coach … rather than realize the coach is why they’re winning.
Leadership is underrated. I’m serious. Some people like to think that leaders are just figureheads … or just the person in the role … but not really that important. They think that the team or organization is what it’s all about … leadership or not.
I’m not saying it’s all a one-man-show … but leadership is the vital role.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was noted for his work in the study of happiness and creativity … but is best known as the architect of the notion of Flow. He said that “people are happiest when they are in a state of Flow … a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand”.
Can a great football coach get his guys there?
Doing things for the love of it … not for the reward … is the secret. The reward will follow.
As Cicero said “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others”.
I know … I know … another leap. But … what if the coach/leader can get his people to a place of Gratitude? Wouldn’t that lead to a place of Flow?
You see it in everything. People who go through treatment and come out motivated to do the right thing … usually get their life back on track. Their goal is not the money/success … but rather to do things right … which usually leads to success.
Too often, just focusing on the reward … leads to acting like a criminal. That doesn’t make someone strong. And a good leader gets people to do the right thing for the right reason.
Playing golf for the sheer love of it is very different from playing golf for the reward. How often have we seen a Tour player win after the loss of a family member who they dedicated the tournament to. They were playing for love.
Or the player who lost their card and crashed and burned. And came back with a new attitude of playing for the love of the game.
Well, I think a good leader inspires. A poor leader is just a boss who controls by fear.
A good leader makes it look easy. A good golfer makes it look easy. Being in the Flow makes things look easy.
It looks like Kevin O’Connell connects with his players. I hope they keep playing for the sheer joy of playing the game. If they do … good things will happen.
They should be grateful that they have the opportunity to play football for their living. And they should be grateful for waking up each day.
So should we.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Jim Emmer
Jim Emmer
Greetings Golfers,
I come to you with a heavy heart. One of my best friends and one of Deer Run’s best friends … died of a heart-attack on Monday.
Jim Emmer was a larger-than-life fellow. He was not your cliche staid-Minnesotan. He was fun, funny, charming … and spoke his mind.
The early days at DRGC were not easy. Jim was on the Mens Club Board that I created in the Fall of 1991. We had no players. By 1994 … we had over 300 members in the Mens Club … and a busy golf course. But our problems were not over. In fact, drama and power plays took over. I walked away. But Jim talked me into coming back.
That was not the last time that Jim was there for me. Over the past 34 years, I’ve been in a bunch brutal wars … Jim always had my back. After the wars … lots of people acted like they were there for me … they weren’t … but Jim was. He was that guy.
Not only was he a driving force at Deer Run … he was a major player in everything else that was happening in town.
Father Bob White - the incredible leader at St. Victoria Church - was one of Jim’s high school friends and came out here because of him.
Holy Family High School seemed to come out nowhere when it opened in 2000. Jim Emmer was one of the main reasons it all came together and magically opened.
As you can see … he was driving the success of Victoria from behind the scenes. His drive and guts and personality got great things started … and he stayed with them to make sure they survived and thrived.
Jim was always a leader. He played hockey and was student body president at St. Thomas Academy. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas … he married Nan and they raised their sons - Tim and Patrick in south Minneapolis … before moving to Victoria in 1993.
I can’t believe how far Victoria has come in the last 30 years. Jim Emmer had a lot to do with that … more than most people know. I was hoping that he had another 30 years to keep us on track.
Well … he built the track … and showed us how to stay on it. I can’t thank him enough.
R. I. P.
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Journey
The Journey
Greetings Golfers,
Do you remember David Duval? Kind of a weird question … he’s not dead … in fact, he just turned 53 a few days ago … but he’s been off the golf radar for a long time.
From 1997 to 2001 … he was at the top with Tiger. In 1998 he led the PGA Tour money list and also won the Vardon Trophy and Byron Nelson Award for lowest scoring average. Then in 1991, he shot 59 in the last round to win the Bob Hope Classic at PGA West.
During that 5 year stretch, he played great in the Majors … but the Open Championship in 2001 was his only Major win. A few months after that, he won the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament - his last worldwide win.
At only 30 years old … he was basically done. I don’t know what happened. There was talk of injuries … and personal “stuff”.
I saw him play at the “Dayton’s Challenge” at Minneapolis GC in his glory days. As good as those guys were … he looked like he was in a different class. His swing looked effortless … and the ball seemed to stick on his club-face … so that he could just drop his shots exactly where he wanted … and that they would stay there. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
How that magic went away … I have no idea. But I would love to know. Duval is bright guy. Though I watch very little golf on television … I’ve seen him as a commentator on tournaments … and as an analyst in group discussions. He’s always insightful … and not afraid to disagree with the group.
Twenty years ago (?) … I was resting in the back of the Nike showroom at the PGA Show in Orlando. Duval sat down and just started shooting-the-bull with me. He was casual and down-to-earth. And just a friendly, bright guy. Seemed like someone you’d want to hang-out with at a Pub … or play golf with.
I’d like to know more about his “journey”. Tolstoy said “all great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town”.
Babysitting our granddaughters is really fun. And, I see better tv shows with them … than the junk we usually watch. The other night we watched “ Moana” … and a few weeks ago saw “The Lion King”. Talk about great stories! They aren’t literature … but Tolstoy’s saying applies to both of their “journeys”.
Those type of myths are embedded in our souls. They really grab me. The “journey” … filled with ups & downs … and then always the turning point of giving-up or stepping-up.
Too much of the junk aimed for us “adults” is the opposite. Not the heroic journey filled with meaning … but a bleakness based on a meaningless “journey”. That becoming “aware” means shedding the false truths of past civilizations and embracing a cold, cruel, empty world. Ugh.
At least they’re not making that garbage for kids. Or I hope not. I guess they think that having hope is only for children.
Well, I don’t look at the world like that. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
I’d like to know more about David Duval’s “journey”. My hunch is it would be meaningful and hopeful … like what Tolstoy was talking about. I hope he shares it.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Holiday Passes
Greetings Golfers,
Here’s what you’ve been waiting for!
Our famous Holiday Passes. On sale from Nov. 20 - Dec. 20.
What began as just a simple offering for Christmas presents … has turned into a big deal.
The 12 pack and 24 pack are the same price as last year. The 4 pack and 8 pack have slight increases.
They have no restrictions … and no expiration date. Merry Christmas!
RARE AND EXCLUSIVE DRGC HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Available until December 20
Festive Foursome - 4 rounds of golf with carts-$340
(savings of $20)
Happy Eight - 8 rounds of golf with carts - $640
(savings of $80)
Cheery Twelve - 12 rounds of golf with carts - $900
(savings of $180)
Tubular Twentyfour-24 rounds of golf w/carts-$1,700
(savings of $460)
We will mail out ASAP
Cheers!
Impact VI
Impact VI
Greetings Golfers,
During the golf season, I seldom see other golf pros … I’m too busy working. Some pros play a lot of tournaments and get to see the gang … but most of us just live at our golf course.
I’m not complaining. I love it. However, I would like to play more golf … and see the other golf pros more often.
Well, since we closed on Oct. 27 … it’s been a marathon of seeing golf pros … and playing golf … no one should love it as much as I do. Had our MN PGA Fall Meeting last week … and played two rounds … and a few holes. Don’t laugh - it was great. Especially seeing people.
Went on great adventure to Brainerd with 2 of my favorite people in golf … in fact just 2 of my favorite people on the planet.
And … had another great guy in my office solving the deep issues of existence … and the golf swing. Can’t believe how much I enjoyed it.
What I’m trying to say is that golf attracts people who I love as much as I love to play golf.
Obviously our country went through an emotional week. I get it. I’m just grateful to live in a country where golf is available … and with people who love the game as much as I do.
I wish that everyone could share in that joy. And those of us working in golf need to make sure that the game stays accessible … and becomes even more available to everyone.
Golf could be the great healer.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Impact V
Impact V
Greetings Golfers,
As I write this … I’m looking out my window as the snow accumulates on the practice green. Hope the weather changes and the kids have a decent Halloween.
I think Halloween is hilarious … I love giving out candy bars to kids. Fortunately, we live on a street that is packed with Trick-or-Treaters from 5-9pm … it’s really fun … and funny.
Speaking of really fun and funny … I just got back from the Gravel Pit up in Brainerd. It wasn’t open, so we just hung-out … but it’s very cool. It’s a 13 hole, Par 3 golf course … built on a former gravel pit. Seriously. And … it’s spectacular … seriously!
I love The Cradle … a 9 hole par 3 course at Pinehurst. I think I wrote about it a few years ago.
In some ways … I think that these par 3 courses are more authentic golf than most modern big courses. They certainly aren’t a joke … or fake … and should be respected. Golf is not just about distance … it’s about strategy and shot-making. I’m not a fan of modern “target-golf” … I think it’s dumb and boring.
I’ve been writing a lot about “impact” … and how important the hands are to impact. And that the best way to develop good impact is by working on your chipping. Not only will good chipping save strokes … but it will improve your impact on full shots.
However, you need to learn a vital move to get to proper impact on your full swing. Chipping is just a short swing that doesn’t a proper body move to get you into the correct position. But the full-swing does.
Most people swing with their shoulders. It might feel powerful … but it can’t get you into a good impact position. You need to start your downswing with your lower body. Your weight has to shift and your hips need to move before your shoulders. Take a look at this lesson from Hogan. Link. He nails it. It’s only a minute-long video.
A million years ago … when I played baseball … I was just a slap hitter. Until I read a book by Ted Williams. He explained how you had to shift your weight and start your swing with your hips before your shoulders. Try it. You can feel the hips turn … and then you can “throw” the bat out at the ball … thus the need for the “knob” on the end of the bat. I used to try to make a full-extended swing and not let my left shoulder open up. The extension is amazing. It’s basically the same move with the golf swing.
That extension is powerful … and it’s how you can hit the ball with your hands - properly!
Well … I’ve been reading a book called “The Menace of the Herd” written almost 100 years ago. He was talking about how Communists and Fascists were both screaming at each other … and that they were basically the same herd mentality.
Gee … 100 years later … sounds too familiar. What about … Land of the Free and Home of the Brave?
That’s how we can really get along and live with each other.
And … find our own unique way to swing and get to impact. And … wear our own unique costume and enjoy Halloween.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Thank You and Impact IV
Thank You and Impact IV
Greetings Golfers,
What a crazy year!
A rainy Spring rolled into a rainy Summer.
And then the most beautiful Fall of all-time
Though it’s still beautiful … we’re closing for the season on Sunday, Oct. 27. We have lots of work to do while we have nice weather and no one on the golf course.
People are already asking about the Annual Sale. It will be on Saturday, Dec. 7.
And the announcement and availability to buy the Holiday Passes will be on Weds, Nov. 20.
Wow - already talking about next year!
However, we have more to say about this year. We had another great year - thank you.
And I want to thank our staff. Lately, I wrote a few blogs about “impact”. Well, what is “impact” for operating DRGC? That’s easy - it’s our staff. We can have the greatest stuff and greatest system … but it still comes down to staff. They make it happen.
So let’s start with the Maintenance Staff - led by superstar Barry Provo:
Paul Bickel
Sam Brammer
Evan Casper
Myonghai Choi
Dean Clark
Gordy Davis
Kirby Dorothy
Ethan Erickson
Mike Histon
Sonny Jurgens
Tyler Loch
Colden Melton-Hanily
Grant Paulson
Ryan Scrivener
Chase Snedeker
Mike Stannard
Brayden Soderstrom
Gary Stahlke
Martin Teall
Brian Tjenstrom
F&B Manager - Kelly Olive ran a great show. And I mean show. Her staff was hilarious and set the tone for the whole place. Bravo! Here’s her staff:
Gabby Anderson
Katie Anseth
Adi Charon
Sophia Czuchry
Courtney Eder
Ava Ennis
Ellie Eskuche
Lauren Eskuche
Rachel Gallagher
Elizabeth Gerebi
Ali Grobel
Riley Histon
Sydney Hules
Kristina Hvass
Maeve Kelly
Ella Kurzhal
Allyson Kuzara
Molly McHugh
Allie Rector
Olivia Salem
Sasha Snegirova
Jamie Sorenson
Kenna Steger
Hannah Tate
Sophia Thompson
Elise Torberg
Elle Van Bronckhorst
Lucy Vetter
Elise Wilson
Maddie White
We’re not done yet! What about the people you deal with when you check-in … and keep the Shop cool and attractive … and the gang that makes sure our unique Range is functioning … and that our sexy carts are fresh and ready to go? Well … here they are … led by Kathy Jones and Ketti Histon and Avery Charon:
Dan Abts
Thomas Aragon-Menzel
Jacob Bryant
Kyle Bryant
Tyler Bryant
Austin Charbonneau
Kolby Christi
Jack Gallagher
Aiden Gerding
Chris Hansberry
Hunter Hanson
Patrick Hunter
Webb Jones
Ryder Martin
Mike Melander
Finn Neenan
John Rathbun
Ben Reiff
Zach Reiff
Danny Renner
Emily Renner
Wow - what a crew! Back to the “impact” concept … the staff is our family … and the golfers are our friends. How good is that?
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Classic Rock and Golf in the Wind
Classic Rock and Golf in the Wind
Greetings Golfers,
Just because I want to talk about the weather, doesn’t mean I don’t have something to say.
This fall has been crazy good. Beautiful warm days and little rain. Perfect. However, last Sunday was cold and windy. Really windy.
Most golfers don’t like wind. I get it. But … I like to play in the wind. I concentrate a lot better and I like hitting weird shots. I think it’s fun.
Just read an article about the demise of rock music - what I think of as “Classic Rock”. I relate rock music to playing golf in the wind … they’re both sort of gritty.
Elevator music is like playing golf in perfect conditions. They wouldn’t want to play rock music in elevators … they want smooth and easy music … not something that would make people think the elevator might crash.
My son Ryan and I played in the wind on Sunday with a former college golfer. Obviously a good player … but his game was built for good weather. His “perfect” swing couldn’t adapt to the gusty, intense wind.
The rock music article had a lot of reasons for rock’s demise. One reason was that big corporate groups bought-up the local radio stations and they wanted more of a generic form of music. Another reason was that rock music was expensive to produce … you can’t just record it on a computer.
I’m not somebody who tries to make life hard. In fact, I hope I’m the opposite. But, I do enjoy the challenges of life. And life is constantly throwing challenges at us … weather being one of many. So I think that trying to make life simple … helps in dealing with the challenges. If you’re already making life hard and complicated … the challenges become over-whelming.
If your golf swing is really complicated … bad weather is over-whelming.
If your swing has to be “perfect” so you can play … you better stay inside and play on a simulator.
Isn’t this modern music sort of like simulator music?Music made on a computer … not people in a rock band.
I don’t want to go through life half-asleep. It might be easier … but that’s a bad goal. I think embracing life’s challenges is a better goal. And playing golf in windy weather is a fun way to do it.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Impact III
Impact III
Greetings Golfers,
My brother Dan sent me this video of Lee Trevino - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOUBIbiT0sU
Trevino flies under the radar. He was a great player. And really smart. And has the confidence that comes from working your way up from nothing.
This video was recently made … and it’s really fascinating. No one talks about golf like he does. I don’t agree with everything he says - but I really respect what he says. He’s not selling anything … he’s trying to help. He’s a truth-seeker.
What he talks about is how to use the golf club. And how to hit golf shots. And what works … and why.
And … he also talks about putting. I like that he emphasizes practicing with the right hand. I believe that the right hand controls the speed of your putts. If you’re rolling a ball underhand to a hole … you’ll probably use your right hand if you’re right handed. It’s the same feeling using a putter. People are so afraid of the right hand flipping the putter that they do all that left-hand-low and other stuff. It’s not that complicated.
One thing that I disagree with him about is one of his putting ideas. He wants you to take the putter handle back - not the clubhead. And he says that this will really help people who make a forward-press. He says that people who make a forward-press struggle with short putts because it causes too long of a backswing. I agree - it does. But there is another cure if you want to make a forward-press. Here it is: on short putts, put the putter about 6 inches behind the ball. Your forward press naturally shortens … and you’ll have the right length for your backswing. Try it and see!
However, I love these kind of discussions. People need to understand how to hit golf shots. Too many people think they’re not good enough to hit golf shots … and instead are always working on their swing. Learning to hit golf shots will improve your swing … and give you the tools to fix your swing when it goes out of whack.
If you know how to hook it … you can fix your slice … and vice-versa. Or hit it high or low … etc.
Lee Trevino is a master at explaining how to hit golf shots. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Impact II
Impact II
Greetings Golfers,
During interviews with prospective employees … I usually say that I don’t have any rules for employees. After they give me a funny look … I explain that if I have to tell them: No stealing, no fighting, no showing-up late, etc … they shouldn’t work here.
Because we live in a big country, we need rules and laws to keep order and live with each other peacefully. But … I have the luxury here of choosing who I want to work with. I don’t hire people who I don’t like.
Last week I talked about impact during the golf swing. And that a golf swing should be built around impact. Some people think that good impact is a natural result of getting the parts of the golf swing correct. I don’t agree - that’s backwards. And I mentioned that I might write about what means good “impact” at Deer Run GC.
Well … that’s pretty obvious. It’s our staff. We can get all of the parts right … but if the staff isn’t good … we won’t be good. Just like the golf swing.
As I said, a big country needs rules and laws. However, the point of those rules and laws is intent.
And … this gets to what I want to talk about: Letter of the Law vs Spirit of the Law.
To get along with each other, we need to share a basic level of respect. The more respect we share … the fewer laws we need. Laws are then mostly needed to limit misunderstandings.
Here’s an example. When hosting Monday events, I’m on the lookout for young guys who can drive balls over our fence on the range … especially if the wind is at their back.
One event day, while walking up to the range, I saw a young guy hit it over the fence. It was his last shot, and as he walked near me, I pointed to our sign that says “Please don’t hit balls over the fence.” I could see on his face that he genuinely felt bad and said he was sorry. Just then, I saw a young guy with good swing pull out his driver. I walked up to him and said that he shouldn’t hit a driver. He the turned to me and arrogantly said “ Are you telling me that I can’t hit a driver on your range?” I said “Yes.” Well, then we started arguing. And then he “ordered” me to “stand over there” … while he accused me of being “passive-aggressive”. I guess my being nice … and then reacting to his rudeness was being passive-aggressive.
This just gets back to respect. This is our range. We don’t want balls hitting the neighbor’s homes. And I guess that a sign isn’t enough to stop some people. And that asking people not to do it isn’t enough. What is enough? Obviously for some people the Spirit of the Law isn’t enough. They only respect power. Doing the right thing is not what they value.
This is when a society gets into trouble. Too many rules and signs. Life can’t be lived … things can’t get done … too much time and energy spent jumping through hoops to keep things legal. Because of people who don’t have fundamental respect. People who have no concern for the Spirit of the Law and its intent.
Well … we won’t won’t be hiring those types of people at DRGC. And … we don’t want them playing golf here either. They wreck it for everybody.
It’s bad enough having to live in a society with them. What we can hope … is that they find or form their own club … and stay there. Birds of a feather usually stick together.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Impact
Impact
Greetings Golfers,
My son Ryan just sent me a great photo of Cam Smith at impact. Here it is:
See how his hands are in front of the ball? Too many people have their hands even with the ball … or behind the ball.
Why are their hands behind the ball? Because they’re trying to scoop the ball up in the air … rather than to trust the loft of the club.
Some people think that if you do everything correctly during your golf swing … that good impact naturally takes care of itself. Wrong. Your golf swing should be built around good impact.
So, where do we start. Start with chipping. Place the ball off your back foot so that it’s easy to have your hands in front of the ball. Then when chipping, feel like you’re raking the yard. Pull the club through the forward swing … through impact … and finish with your hands well past your legs … and the hands STILL in front of the clubhead.
For many people this will feel crazy. However, they will have a solid type of contact that they’ve never had before.
This is the most important part of the golf swing. In fact it is the point of the golf swing. You make a golf swing so that you can hit the ball. Not miss the ball. And hopefully hit the ball to your target.
One evening about 30 years ago, a 40ish aged woman came into the Shop and asked if anyone could fix her swing. I offered my help. On the way to the Range, she explained that she’d moved up the corporate ladder and that they had sent her to a golf school so that she could play the game (both games).
So, I asked her to hit 3 shots at the 100 yard sign with her 8 iron. Her process to hit the shot probably took 1/2 hour. Maybe not. But it was at least 5 minutes. However, she was a good student and her set-up was very good … and she had a good swing. She would’ve looked good on video. But … she proceeded to cold-top the shot and then hit 2 more cold-tops.
My turn. I said “You think the golf swing is a series of steps … and my job is to identify what step was screwed-up … and that will fix your swing.” She replied with her arms crossed “Of course!” So, I then said “What if I told you that none of your process really matters?” And then I took her 8 iron and said that I was going to hit a ball at the 150 yard sign. As I set-up … I was turned directly facing the sign … my body was completely open. I got lucky and the ball landed near the sign. Then I did the opposite set-up … I turned my back and feet completely around so that I was facing the road - not the sign. I had to reach awkwardly and turn my head around to see the ball … and I swung and got lucky again and it landed near the sign.
She then said “Those were trick shots.” I replied … so what … they worked. Then I pointed at the center of the 8 iron club face and said “You hit bad shots because your hands don’t know where that is. That’s what you need to work on.” She wasn’t happy … and stormed out. However, one year later, she stopped by and with warmth and kindness told me that “she gets it.” Hurrah!
I wasn’t trying to be a jerk … but I felt like I was dealing with a cult member who’d been brain-washed … who needed a blunt wake-up-call.
That’s enough for today. Do I want to go on a rant about what is “impact” for Deer Run GC? Yes. But I’ll save that for another day.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Moe Norman
Moe Norman
Greetings Golfers,
Below is a link to a video of Moe Norman. Not of his legendary golf swing … but of his insights into golf.
Don’t laugh. It’s amazing. As amazing as his swing.
Moe was an odd duck. They say he was autistic. He didn’t care about what he wore … he’d lost a bunch of teeth … he wasn’t wanted by promoters as the face of golf.
But … he could really play. And … he figured out his unique swing. And he figured out what golf is all about.
His swing isn’t for everybody … but this video is.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Courage and Work
Courage and Work
Greetings Golfers,
“All happiness depends on courage and work” Balzac
Did you know that the famous French author was talking about golf?
Kind of shocking isn’t it?
Well … you’re not going to get better sitting around the house. It’s going to take work. So let’s talk about what you need to work on.
As you know, I’m a big believer in controlling the ball with your swing. Your swing. And that means controlling spin.
Everyone talks about path. When I was just beginning to play … I played with two buddies who were on college golf teams. Mid-round … I asked for advice to cure my slice. One guy told me to swing out to right-field. I did. It went right … and then sliced and went farther right … almost to Hawaii. I didn’t need to change my path … I needed to learn how to control the clubface.
Why would any sane person swing to the right if they couldn’t make the ball spin left?
Ironically, a good way to understand spin … also combines with the proper path.
For example: A draw/hook spin is the same as a tennis topspin. So, make a tennis topspin swing with your arm. You will naturally swing from the inside-out. Try to make a topspin swing from the outside-in … you can’t do it (without falling down).
Then … do the opposite shot - a tennis drop shot. You will naturally come from the outside to in.
The topspin shot rolls over the face as it comes into contact with the ball … and the drop-shot opens the face as it comes into contact with the ball.
And they both … naturally … provide the proper path to the spin of the shot.
Though Balzac was considered a “Romantic” writer … he was also considered a “Realist”. A pretty cool combination. And necessary to enjoy and improve at golf. As he said “All happiness depends on courage and work”. I see the courage as the “Romantic” and the work as the “Realist”.
See … golf relates to everything.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Better
Better
Greetings Golfers,
Well, election season is upon us.
Some of it is interesting … but most of it is boring and annoying. You just feel manipulated. I want a vision … a clear vision. Not just pandering and/or attacks.
Cultures and countries and businesses and people’s lives get stuck … and die. We have to move forward … but it has to make sense. Revolutions just throw the baby out with the bath water. And sometimes that’s necessary … but it’s usually a disaster … one step forward and two steps back.
Too often people think that moving forward is getting bigger. Sometimes bigger is better. But the key word is better. Better is better … doesn’t have to be bigger.
This is always on my mind regarding DRGC. We don’t want to get bigger … we’re the size we want to be. But … we do want to get better.
One of the problems we had with the constant rain … was that the Range was basically a swamp. The problem was that when the balls landed … they would dive down into the ground. Pretty hard to get them out … the ball picker just drove over them. And pretty tough to mow a swamp. So the grass just got higher and the balls more entrenched. Then when we could mow … well … the entrenched balls paid the price … with their lives!
Probably not the most fascinating story … but one of the many crazy parts of running a golf course.
So … the other day … we tested a computerized machine that can mow the range … on its own. And it’s light … and doesn’t destroy the balls. Am I going to buy it? Are you kidding? Yes!!!!
It’s going help us get better.
Are we getting new golf carts next year? Yes! It’s going to help us get better.
Is your golf game getting better? Are you working on your short-game? Or are you trying to get bigger (hit it farther)?
Power without control is bad in life … and bad in golf.
Work on getting better until you need to reach the Par 5s in two … so that you can consistently shoot 68. Oh … you’re not consistently playing par golf? I guess your problem is distance. I’m kidding. And … you always have the option of moving up a tee box.
Good golf is about controlling the ball … and course management … strategy.
Let’s go back to the start of this … talking about the election season. Do you hear much about strategy? How about a clear vision?
My nature is optimistic. But I’ve lived too long to be naive. I want to know how we’re going to advance.
Well … I don’t know where we’re headed as a country. But I do know where we’re headed as a golf operation. We’re going to keep getting better.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Principled or Unprincipled
Principled or Unprincipled
Greetings Golfers,
I just read a great description of an unprincipled person:
“An unprincipled person follows no moral code, has no integrity, and should not be trusted, like the guy who offers to help an old lady cross the street but steals her purse instead.”
How spot-on is that? What an analogy!
Back to the world of golf. I’m sure you heard that Top Golf is in the toilet. Here’s another quote … this one by Karen De Coster about Top Golf:
“The Entertainment Bubble continues to be predictable. I have been calling out the unsustainability of these mega-entertainment places since before the meltdown of 2008. The business model for Top Golf assumes an endless supply of credit card limits for its consumers to party with groups of infantile friends who also have no limits on their credit card debt. Even the website for a location near me screams of ‘party, party, party’ for entertainment-needy adults who live in the moment. The drinks are pricey and the food is second-rate. Even the menu is designed like a Saturday morning cartoon.”
Ouch.
I know that my blogs wander … but these two quotes are linked. Here’s how:
Unfortunately, I get people who want to “help me” - like the guy helping the old lady cross the road. They want to pay less for golf … so they tell me to add Top Golf type features. They claim that the extra income would allow them to play cheap golf. Or if they’re a shareholder, to play more free golf and get more friends playing free golf.
Talk about stealing my purse!
What a concept. Then we could destroy what we do well and dive into a foolish market that’s going in the toilet.
Some people think “smart” is chasing fads. How about doing things right. Might not be as “exciting” … but it’s actually sustainable. And something to be proud of.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com