Greg Norman, "Traitors", and Trust
Greetings Golfers,
It’s good to be home.
I love South Carolina … but home is home. And, the weather up here is as warm as Down South. We talked all day about opening. We would never force it … but if it stays warm … we’ll probably open in mid-March.
Is the reasoning emotional? Yes - we love golf and love sharing our love of golf and hospitality. Does it need to be logical and well thought-out? Of course. It’s both.
Just read an article about Greg Norman proudly proclaiming that none of his business decisions are emotional. He also said that using emotions in business decisions is a weakness.
Really? Is trust an emotion? Yes. So … being really smart and strong is not using trust in business decisions? Good luck - that’s a recipe for disaster.
Of course you need to use logic and facts when making good business decisions. But if you don’t use your instincts and emotions too … you’re vulnerable to con-men.
Some people would say it’s the opposite. It’s only the opposite if you have bad instincts.
Have you watched this new reality show called “Traitors”? They take a group of about 20 people and call the members of the group “Faithfuls”. But, within the group are 3 people who have been picked to be “Traitors” … unbeknownst to the “Faithfuls”.
Then the game is that the group performs tasks to earn money … that will go to the winners - either “Faithfuls” or “Traitors”. And then after every task … the “Faithfuls” vote out a suspected “Traitor” … and every night the “Traitors” secretly vote out a “Faithful”.
It might sound dumb … but it’s actually fascinating. You can’t believe how bad people are identifying the “Traitors”. It’s mind-boggling. They don’t use their instincts. They try to figure it out logically - which they’re not good at. And their lack of understanding human behavior is shocking. Put some dogs and little kids in the room and they’d pick the “Traitors” in a minute.
Well, I think the show is an analogy to most human group behavior. Whether it’s politics or business.
And what I trust … is trust! An emotion. I trust my logic - but not as much as my gut.
Sorry Greg … I don’t trust you. Not that you care about what I think … but I think you could easily get yourself in with some bad guys. Guys who your gut would have said not to trust. Oh … but you think emotions are a weakness.
Good luck with that.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Swinging Hit
Greetings Golfers,
On Monday I played my usual 1pm game with those characters I’ve mentioned in past blogs. Well, I finally had a putt for birdie. About 8 feet, but downhill/sidehill and it had me a little spooked. My stroke was pathetic … and the ball wobbled weakly and stopped a foot short of the hole. One of the guys said that it was bad contact … yeah … thanks for telling me.
Later that night, I was reading a post that Brad Faxon made on a golf website about his putting. He was mad that he’d been referred to as a “natural putter”. He even posted copies of his hand-written notes about his practice sessions. But, what really hit me was when he talked about learning from Ben Crenshaw. Crenshaw told Faxon that he let himself move right on his backswing (remember this is putting!) to make sure that his backswing was twice as long as his follow through. Woah. What was that? Conventional wisdom was that they should match … or even the follow through should be LONGER. But, Crenshaw wanted to give the ball a HIT.
Think about it … if you want to punch someone … do you make a little backswing and emphasize the follow through? Of course not. You wind-up and make sure that when you hit … you hit HARD … at impact.
Crenshaw was known for a long, fluid putting stroke with a definite hit at the ball. This is what Faxon worked on as made his way to number one in putting.
Now, I’m pretty good at chipping. And I definitely give it a hit. Not a scoop … not a flip … a hit. I try to make fluid stroke … but I hit it.
Let’s take this further. Your golf swing should hit the ball. I know some people just lift up the club and crash down on the ball. That’s not what I want. I want you to have soft, relaxed hands and make a full rhythmical swing … and give the ball a hit!
All golf swings should be a swinging HIT. Well, not all. Not bunker shots or flop shots … because on those shots you don’t want solid contact. But, on most shots you want solid contact. That means a “swinging hit”.
Even on slippery downhill putts.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Getting Ready For An Early Opener
Greetings Golfers,
I kept hearing how warm it is in Minnesota … and that some golf courses have opened.
And now I hear that we got a bunch of snow. Classic Minnesota Winter! However, we believe it will be an early Spring. Our normal opening date is April 4. Our earliest opener was March 14 in 2012
So in the spirit of an early opening … here are some thoughts on how to play every hole at DRGC:
Hole #1 - 371 yards
A fun opening hole. Though it’s a dog-leg left, trying to cut the corner is not a smart play … especially on your first shot of the day. Golf is risk-reward. Big risk going left - OB and a bunker … and it leaves a terrible angle for your second shot. Be smart and just drive it up the middle … even the right side of the fairway is good … it will leave you with a straight forward second shot … probably a wedge in. Don’t be greedy on the first hole.
Hole #2 - 149 yards
A deceptive little hole. Though short … and downhill … the green is kidney shaped and doesn’t offer much landing room. Long is dead. Be smart.
Hole #3 - 401 yards
A long uphill par 4. Bunkers guard the left about 250 out. If you can bomb it … fly it over the bunkers … your shot will be in the middle of the fairway. If you bomb it over the hill up the middle … you’ll probably be OB right. Most players should try to hit it at the 150 marker at the top of the hill. The second shot is pretty straight forward. Avoid the bunker in front of the left side of the green.
Hole #4 - 495 yards
A reachable par 5. But, danger lurks around the green. The OB on the left juts out short-left of the green. And, water is waiting a little right of the green. If you’re not in control of long second shots … you’d be wise to lay-up and give yourself a safe and easy third shot. Sometimes the pin is in a little area back right … some would refer to this as a “sucker pin”.
Hole #5 - 375 yards
A fun hole. Many years ago, some guys designated #5, #6, #7 our “Amen Corner”. Definitely not as famous as the real thing … but definitely a challenge. In fact, one year when we hosted the Women’s State Open, the average score on #5 was six. Too many of the women hooked it into the trees left of the fairway. The smart play is to aim at the hill on the right. The hill is mowed so that the ball will run down into the fairway. Even if you’re in the fairway, the second shot isn’t easy. The green sits up on a hill, and right of the green is a big drop-off. Aim at the left side of the green.
Hole #6 - 186 yards
A straight-forward hole. Bunker short-right of the green … but not a bad spot if you’re in it. Long green … can be quick coming downhill. The easiest Par 3 hole on the golf course.
Hole #7 - 351 yards
The trickiest hole on the golf course. OB left and right. And, a water hazard is right of the fairway about 200 yards off the tee. A driver is definitely a risky play. The fairway gets very skinny left of the water hazard. The best play is to the 150 yard marker. Then, the second shot to the green is a fun one. Left of the green is a drop-off, and right of the green isn’t terrible, but not good. This is a good time for a well controlled iron shot.
Hole #8 - 463 yards
Another reachable par 5. However, you need to go up the right side of the fairway to have a clear second shot to the green. But don’t go too far right … the water hazard isn’t always full of water, but mud and weeds aren’t conducive to good golf shots or clean shoes. The huge bunker in front of the right side of the green should be avoided. When the pin is on the left side of the green … the hole is a par 4 1/2. When it’s behind the bunker … it becomes a par 5 1/2. Also, putts break toward the bunker. You can’t see it … but they do.
Hole #9 - 353 yards
Another challenging hole. The green has water in front, behind, and on the right. So, it’s vital that the tee shot gets you close enough to an open, short-iron shot. It’s a narrow fairway with woods on the right … and a couple of big trees and a fairway bunker on the left. Bombers can reach the water and shouldn’t use a driver. And, it gets very skinny about 100 yards from the water. The best play is to hit it past the 150 pole … but not closer than 100 yards to the water … and favor the left side of the fairway.
Hole #10 - 429 yards
This used to be hole #1. Not a good starting hole. Too long and hard - especially if the wind is in your face. And especially if it’s Saturday morning. But, it’s a great hole to start the second nine. You should be loosened-up enough to take a rip at it. Tee box seems to line you up at the bunker on the left side of the fairway. Don’t go in there. For most people, it’s a long second shot. Miss the green left … it’s an easy up & down. Don’t miss right of the green - no chance.
Hole #11 - 358 yards
One of the easiest holes on the course … but easy to screw-up. Greediness can be expensive. Narrow fairway … OB left and right. Slight dog-leg left. The smart tee shot is in between the bunker on the right and the 150 pole … leaving a fairly easy short iron into the green. Or … try to bomb it around the corner and have a tiny shot to the green. Your choice.
Hole #12 - 349 yards
Another “easy” hole. However, the green slopes from front-to-back making for a difficult second shot. So, what is your best shot to hold the green? A full wedge? A full 8 iron? Or can you stop a little 50 yard shot? Answering those questions is the key to how far you hit your drive. Also, coming in from the left means you can’t bounce it onto the green … you’ll just stay in the swale short of the green. Lot’s of options … use your brain.
Hole #13 - 336 yards
Hope you’re still using your brain. The pond at the bottom of the hill is 260 yards from the tee box. Some of you can fly the pond and land on the green. The fairway kicks left … more than it appears. Also, leaving your tee shot half-way down the the hill is not recommended. Some jokers hit an iron to the top of the hill and have a 150 yard shot to the green. Unlike the last hole - this green is flat. Because of the hill behind the green and the little hill in front of the green … people think it slopes from back to front. Not so. Just an optical illusion.
Hole #14 - 176 yards
Another difficult par 3. Uphill and short shots kick right into the bunker … or OB. Plays longer than it looks. The smart play is to the back left of the green. Make par and move on (happily).
Hole #15 - 367 yards
A fun hole. And scenic. While on the tee box … enjoy the view. You can see much of the golf course and Lake Wasserman on your back left. Though you can’t see them … you are surrounded by lakes on all sides. Very cool. But, not cool to drive it into the pond along the left side of the fairway. A smart drive is short of the bunkers on the left … leaving a straight shot to the green. Drives on the right side of the fairway leave an awkward shot to the green.
Hole #16 - 146 yards
A very difficult hole. But fair. Uphill, so it plays longer than the yardage … but don’t go crazy … OB is the road behind the green. The bunker short right is not a good place. If the pin is up front and the green is quick … a downhill putt is a problem. Sometimes in that situation, I play to an area short left of the green and then chip up to the pin. A shot short of the middle of the green runs back down the fairway. Golf is about strategy and control. This hole is a good reminder.
Hole #17 - 314 yards
These last three holes are great finishing holes. They are not basic par holes. They offer eagles to double bogeys … a match can change quickly. This is a drivable par 4. Tom Weiskopf loved these type of holes at the end of a round. Not only was he a great player … but a great architect … he understood golf. Well, if you can hit it like Tom could … go for the green. However, most people should hit it short right of the green … and leave in an easy wedge shot with a good angle … and still have a good chance at birdie. Not as much fun as an eagle … but a lot better than a double-bogey.
Hole #18 - 527 yards
You made it. Now finish right. A reachable par 5. But, trouble along the way. OB left and right off the tee. OB continues all the way down the left side of the hole. Yet, the OB on the right stops about 230 yards out. However, there is water right of the fairway later on. Not really in play … but I’ve seen balls go into it. But, playing up the right side of the fairway brings the bunker in front of the green into play. The green is slightly on a hill … so that an approach shot needs to be one club more than normal.
A fun hole to finish your round.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
What America is About
Greetings Golfers,
Obviously, we have a lot of difference of opinions in America.
I think that’s healthy.
And I highly value free thinking. And I like to think most of us do - we’re Americans.
We welcome all to Deer Run GC. Race, religion, rich, poor, political views … I can go on and on. You’re welcome here.
But whether or not you can stay and/or come back … is about your behavior.
Bad behavior. Especially mistreating our staff is not acceptable. We don’t care who you are. What “side” you’re on doesn’t give you the right to be a jerk. Or, vice-versa.
At DRGC … you are judged by your behavior.
It’s that simple.
Isn’t that what America is about?
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Golf Is Our Game
Greetings Golfers,
Well, professional golf is in the news. Looks like the PGA Tour has some new billionaire investors.
Of course Greg Norman is taking credit for it. He believes that LIV has boosted the PGA Tour out of its doldrums into the exciting world of modern sports.
Norman and LIV may well be responsible. But is that a good thing?
I don’t know. Not sure how this will evolve (or devolve).
However, I do know that the game of golf is healthier than ever. Last week the PGA Show in Orlando was fantastic. Obviously, I’ve seen a lot of highs and lows with golf and the PGA Show. But this is different. Golf is young and cool in a way it never has been.
Though I’m a traditionalist in a lot of ways … I never liked the stuffy, stodgy scene. Golf is better than that.
I don’t like gimmicks … and I don’t like cutesy. Golf doesn’t need it. Just pure basic golf is great. And it needs to be played for the fun and joy of it.
Young people are bringing that attitude to golf. And it needs it. I love hearing laughter on the golf course. I don’t get the somber funeral-esque attitude some people bring to the game. There’s a big difference between rudeness and someone not knowing every intricate form of golf etiquette.
And I know golf etiquette folks who are rude. They aren’t genuinely respectful of the people they play with. They use rules and etiquette the same way that sleazy lawyers misuse the law for advantage rather than justice.
Should professional golf follow the trends of amateur golf? Maybe. But I think serious amateur golf - US Amateur, State Ams, college golf, etc … should be pure and serious. And, the Majors - US Open, the Open, the Masters, and the PGA - should be pure and serious. Yet … there is room for goofiness like the Phoenix Open and even the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Maybe even stuff like the LIV team tournaments.
But is that a license for professional golf to get into bed with investors who just want to make money? I don’t think so. I hope professional golf keeps some integrity. Money shouldn't make everyone sell-out … but often it does. Thus the need for high-level amateur golf to remain pure.
What about recreational golf? I think it should be fun. Should it be pure amateur golf? Maybe once in a while … but certainly not daily. Should it be goofy like the Phoenix Open? Maybe once in a while … but certainly not daily. I think it should be mostly a game played with friends and family for the sheer joy of the game and the people you’re with.
And if that means golf carts and beverage carts and fun clothing and 50 inch drivers … go for it. But I still want 4 hour rounds and respectful people having fun in the process.
This isn’t rocket science.
Golf is a great game that is flexible … it doesn’t have to be rigid. But it shouldn’t lose the essence of the game through misguided people who always think “more is more”. Too often “more is more” junks things up. I always have to remind our Monday golf events about that. Hitting a marshmallow with a hockey stick doesn’t add enjoyment to a round of golf - it’s just annoying and slows down the pace-of-play … which is more than annoying.
What was good last week at the PGA Show? I’ll start at the west end of the convention center:
Driving range and simulator systems
Golf equipment
Golf carts
Signage, podiums, water-coolers, etc
Tech systems
Head covers and accessories
Shoes
Hats
Traditional mens clothing
Womens clothing (my staff assured me)
New, fun mens clothing
But especially good was the atmosphere. It was fun and enthusiastic and friendly and confident and optimistic.
The game of golf is in a very good place. Whether or not the professional game is in a good place … doesn’t really matter. Golf is a game to be played … by all of us.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Live From The Inside
Greetings Golfers,
Because I’ll be at the PGA Show this week … I’m writing this before I get there. So that’s my excuse if today’s blog doesn’t seem up-to-date.
Last Sunday, Nick Dunlap won the Tour event played in Palm Desert. As you probably know - Dunlap is a 20 year-old at the U of Alabama. An amateur hadn’t won on Tour since Phil Mickelson won the Tucson Open in 1991.
Hopefully you watched some of it … especially the last hole where he got it up-and-down to win by one shot.
And last Sunday we watched the NFL playoffs. It’s amazing how often the games go right down to the wire - just like how that golf tournament was won on the last hole.
Amateur Dunlap told the media “Pressure is a privilege”.
How cool is that?
Here’s another great saying about the right kind of privilege … by Rudyard Kipling:
“The individual has always struggled to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. To be your own man is hard business. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high for the privilege of owning yourself.”
Both quotes are about the privilege of personal responsibility.
I’m going to make some leaps and try to connect the dots … hang in there with me.
Received a lot of responses about last week’s blog. Basically about whether the swing comes from inside ourself … or mechanically from the outside.
And … the other day we went to a local store - sort of like a Home Depot - but a one owner store. As we parked in the lot, I saw the owner pushing shopping carts from the parking lot to the store. Wasn’t surprised. Though the man is in his 80s and rich - he’s there out of love, not money. We've talked a lot. He was born poor and is a self-made man. And as one of his employees said to me “The store is a gem and the town is proud of it”.
I told her to enjoy it while she can, because when he goes, the party’s over. You can’t believe how great the vibe is. I’m talking a giant hardware type store - not a typically fun type of business. It’s “over-staffed” and the culture is warm and relaxed and friendly. And he’s there every day … talking to customers and staff and just making sure everything is good.
Could he turn it into a chain like Home Depot? No. He can only be at one store. A big corporation is going to run it exactly the opposite. It’s going to be run from the “outside”. Mechanically. There’s no place for Kipling’s individual.
Also down here is my favorite restaurant. I mean my FAVORITE restaurant. You can’t believe how good the vibe is. Yeah, I really like the food… but it’s about the experience. And I don’t mean some silly fake “experience” … I mean a genuinely fun, charming, relaxed atmosphere. They haven’t changed the menu or anything in years. It’s on a side street and oddly decorated and just really comfortable. And it’s full every night it’s open. In fact the out-of-town members of a local elite golf club come over in their club van … instead of going to the pretentious local restaurants.
It’s run from the inside. If a restaurant chain ever takes it over … well … again, the party will be over.
The coach of the KC Chiefs - Andy Reid - lets Patrick Mahomes play. That’s why they win. A lot of other coaches wouldn’t let Mahomes be Mahomes. (On a side note - Mahomes dad used to play here at DRGC when he pitched for the Twins - he was a nice, quiet, respectful guy.)
Obviously life needs structure. Football teams need a game plan. Businesses need to be organized and structured. Your golf swing needs a basic structure. But you need to swing the golf club! Your structure won’t swing it for you.
I worry that our society is becoming too mechanical - too much from the outside.
Years ago, a Nobel prize-winning physiologist wrote “Man must learn the necessary relations of the cosmic universe, of their fellow men and of their inner selves, and also of their tissues and their mind. Humanity’s attention must turn from the machines of the world of inanimate matter to the body and soul of man, to the organic and mental processes which have created the machines and the universe of Newton and Einstein”.
Wow - that’s pretty heavy-duty. But he wasn’t a knucklehead. He’s a smart guy who’s trying to warn us about becoming too mechanical. Nothing wrong with machines … but let’s use what’s in us to create a machine … not try to be a machine.
So after all those quotes … here’s my quote “It’s a privilege to be a person.”
I don’t want to be a machine.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Swing the Clubhead
Greetings Golfers,
Played golf two Mondays ago with the usual bunch of guys. And, played with an older guy who seemed to be one of the boys … but I’d never met or played with him.
On the first hole, we were both right behind the green side bunker with a tricky shot to the pin. Though we were in the fairway, we were both basically hitting off of bare lies … not easy shots.
This fellow played the purest little cut-shot right up by the pin. I gouged mine into the bunker and was fortunate to make bogey.
The next hole is a par 3 … and another tricky shot … a bunker guarding the middle-right-side of the green … and a sloping hill on the left-side of the green. This guy hits a perfect little hybrid shot right between the bunker and left side of the green and was just the right distance below the pin.
Well, this went on the whole front nine. Did I mention his putting? … Hmmmm … It was so pretty … the ball seemed to roll slowly, but would keep on rolling … usually into the hole. Well not really, because the cups are crowned and his pretty putts would often fall off.
I could tell he was annoyed - but he never said anything.
Finally after #10, I just said to him “What’s your story?” He replied that in his youth, he used to play for serious money. One time he was flown to Texas by a guy to play a match against Lee Trevino and Raymond Floyd.
He’s older than I am … probably 5’8” and 150 pounds … broke his back last year … can’t move how he wants to … but … he can swing the golf club.
Swing the golf club.
Have you ever heard of Ernest Jones? His book “Swing the Clubhead”?
You should. Read his page on Wikipedia.
Ernest Jones was born in England and became a Head Golf Pro in 1912 at age 25. He was a top golfer before WWI … but lost his right leg in the war.
Worried that his golf career was finished, he played and his first round was 83. Shortly after, he shot 72 on a long, difficult course.
Talk about a wake-up call. Thus the obsession to figure out why … and how.
I’ve always struggled with solid ball-striking down here … especially at the mud-fairway course. It’s not like Minnesota … it’s bermuda grass, tight-dormant fairways … and often soft and muddy. And I’ve never been a “picker” … I’ve always led with my hands and liked “hitting” the ball.
That style hasn’t worked too well here. So, I’ve been constantly changing my swing … with limited success … and never really trusting it.
After that round with Mr. Smooth … I went out to play alone and work on things. I remembered a quote from Hogan to Gary Player when asked how to hit it off wet fairways “Hit it one groove lower on the club face”. So I tried it … and it worked. And I kept trying it and it kept working. My total focus was on the clubhead. Not just the clubhead, but exactly where I wanted to hit the ball - low middle on the clubface. No swing thoughts. Just look at my target … visualize the shot … and then feel the low-middle of the clubface in my waggle … and feel it all through my swing.
Played 9 holes the next day … same focus … same success.
Then … the acid test. I played Monday with the boys … and got paired-up again with Mr. Smooth. And … and … yes … it worked.The best I’ve played down here in a few years..
Ernest Jones: “Just because golf is elusive, is no reason to complicate it.”
Is my low-middle idea good for everyone? Maybe not … but Ernest Jones’ ideas about “swinging the clubhead” certainly are. It got me to focus on the clubface instead of my golf swing.
Basically it comes down to the “chicken or the egg”.
Most instruction is about making the right body movements and letting the hands follow.
Jones is about swinging the club and letting the body follow.
We probably need to learn both. But if you get as out-of-whack as I was … try swinging the club and focusing on the clubface.
And … please read the Ernest Jones Wikipedia page!
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Golf - Golf Courses - Michael Jordan and Jesse Stone
Greetings Golfers,
Though it’s nice to be here in South Carolina … it’s not hot … barely even warm. But I have played golf … not in shorts and short-sleeves … but in a jacket and cords.
I’m not complaining.
But I will complain about my golf game. First day - no expectations - played well and was one of the big winners. Next day - played great - and was the big winner. Then, played a few days later - played terribly and was the big loser.
How golf is that? How life is that?
Just read that Rory McIlroy shot 62 in the first round in Dubai. Michael Jordan’s club Pro got an invite and shot 87. Guys aren’t happy. I’m sure the club Pro is a good player … but that’s a different world.
Here’s a link to an article about Jordan’s club in Florida: https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-jordan-23-golf-course#:~:text=Michael%20Jordan's%20exclusive%20golf%20club,MJ%20has%20such%20an%20advantage.
If you read the article, Jordan had the course designed so that the fairways are wide for his short drives … but really narrow for long drivers. So when he plays against Tour players (and they have to give him 10 shots) the course plays to his game.
That’s an option to not rolling back the ball - just narrow the fairways for the long drivers.
Jordan had Bobby Weed design the course. Weed designed a course near us down here. It’s a fun layout in a nice neighborhood and some holes are on the intercostal. Big success - right? Wrong. It’s had 5 owners since we’ve been here … and was just plain closed for 3-4 years. Was public … now they’re taking it private. Hmmmmm.
About 10 years ago, a businessman from Boston bought it. He thought he stole it because it was so undervalued. He thinks business is in the buy. He likes to flip stuff. However, golf courses have needs. We all know that restaurants have needs. Stuff wears-out. Golf courses can be money pits. I tried warning him. Then, saw him a year later and asked how it’s going. He said that he lost $1M his first year and “what should I do?”. I said “Sell it before you lose another million”.
I read that Michael Jordan is a billionaire. And that his clubhouse cost $15-20M. I’m glad he’s a billionaire … he’ll need it for this toy.
The other 2 local public courses are under new ownership. I hope somebody makes it. I don’t want to drive to Hilton Head to play golf.
Why is it so hard? Because the expenses are crazy. One of these new owners wants to install paved cart-paths … the quote to do it - $1.4M. And … he needs new carts, watering system, mowers, etc. The other course needs the same stuff. All 3 of these local courses were beautiful when first built. But the owners didn’t keep putting the money back in. Golf courses are like a garden - they need love and constant attention … and money!
This life of leisure is fun. But I’m going to the PGA Show in Orlando in a little over a week. Not exactly hard work … but not leisure. I’ll be back in MN on March 1 … this leisure goes by in a minute.
So … I play some golf … read a little … sleep a lot … and watch tv. Have you seen those “Jesse Stone” shows? Tom Selleck is Jesse Stone … an old cop who moved from LA to a little town near Boston. He drinks too much … but has a great dog … and solves crimes. It’s really likable. I think there’s 9 episodes. First one was made in 2006 … I think the final was made in 2016. If you’re not playing golf and need a good diversion - check it out. I recommend it even if you’re playing golf.
I hope my next round isn’t terrible.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
A Blast From The Past
Greetings Golfers,
I’ve been on the road all week … driving to SC. Heard some interesting podcasts … and watched a little of the original “True Grit” movie the other night. The movie reminded me of a blog I wrote in January, 2011 … about the then new version of “True Grit” by the Coen brothers.
So here is the blog. It’s interesting to read it now. The tone wasn't very friendly. I must have been having a tough winter. Enjoy!
Jan. 1, 2011 "Year End Thoughts"
2010 was an odd year. It felt like the country was on the verge of an economic depression … maybe that’s why the year seemed so unfocused, sort of like everyone was living in limbo waiting to see what was going to happen. It was definitely not a bold, clear year.
Speaking of limbo … how about those Vikings? How come no one is talking about that since Childress has left, that the defense is playing with aggression and finally blitzing. Obviously, the offense has been more aggressive … but why no talk of the defense? And … why all of the hatred toward Favre? He was handcuffed by Chilly all year …or he was hurt … why does Chilly have a free pass? His ridiculous style of football is why the season was a disaster. The local media boys hate Favre and love to pound on him while he’s down … they were always on Chilly’s side … they love mediocrity … they should read a little Nietzsche and grow some stones.
Speaking of Nietzsche … he would have seen this year of limbo as a classic example of modern herd mentality. I just read a moronic review of TRUE GRIT … it’s a great movie, and this reviewer only saw it from a Marxist point of view … he was disturbed that it wasn’t politically correct … well, the era that the movie takes place in wasn’t politically correct … what does he expect? This constant need to blame independent personalities (Favre) and love the weakness of mob mentality is shocking. I would have thought that the advent of industrialism and technology would have freed up people enough to break away from the herd … instead, the herd mentality seems even stronger than ever … you’ve got the commune weenies on one side and the Babbitt idiots on the other side … where are independent individuals?
Let’s loosen up the reins and start living like real people … how’s that for a goal for 2011?
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
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?
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.
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Joy Of The Internet
Greetings Golfers,
We all know that Tech … computers … cell phones … social media, etc … have brought problems into the modern world.
But, the internet can be an amazing source of information.
I’d like to share with you what would have been magazine articles … but are now internet articles and easy to share. It’s a lot easier than cutting out the articles and sending them to you in the mail. I’ll just give out the links. Hurrah!
Here are the 3 subjects:
Sandy Koufax - Hall of Fame pitcher
A cool golf course opening in SC
A valuable concept of the golf swing
Ok … let’s start with Sandy Koufax. I’m old even to remember the ’65 World Series when he and the Dodgers beat the Twins in 7 games. Young people have no idea how good he was. He was very private and the opposite of a sell-out. Take a look at this article here. Enjoy!
Next … some young guys are building 2 courses in South Carolina. They emphasize fast play … a good, yet simple golf shop … and good, yet simple food service. Best of all … their motto is: “Don’t be a dick”. Ahhhhhhh. There is hope. Here’s the link. Enjoy.
And finally … a good understanding of what’s important in the golf swing … and a good swing thought to make it work. As a student in the video says “I don’t want to know how the watch works - I want to know what time it is.” Here is the link.
Hope you enjoy those articles as much as I did. Nouns can be interesting - “People - Place or Thing” … if you let me call the golf swing a “Thing”.
The internet can be a good thing - a great way to share what you love to read.
Also … a reminder - our Holiday Passes go off sale after Dec. 20. Can’t believe it’s almost Christmas!
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Deer Run Golf Club
8661 Deer Run Drive
Victoria, MN 55386
(952) 443-2351
www.deerrungolf.com
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For The Love Of The Game
Greetings Golfers,
Golf is back in the news.
Jon Rahm might sign with LIV for one trillion dollars.
And … the USGA wants to roll-back the golf ball so that recreational players won’t hit it as far as Jon Rahm.
I might have both of those stories wrong … but not that wrong. But what is wrong … is the reality behind both stories. That’s what’s wrong.
Rahm assured us over-and-over again that he wouldn’t join LIV.
Roll-back the ball … for everyone?
Why not roll-back the ball and get rid of non-wood drivers for tournament players?
Can you imagine if Major League Baseball players used metal softball bats? Every park would become obsolete … and the records would become a joke.
So then the fix would be to make recreational softball players use wooden bats???? How stupid would that be?
Just like MLB and recreational softball are two different games … PGA Tour golf and amateur recreational golf are two distinct games.
Last week I received an unusually large amount of replies to my blog. It must have really hit a nerve. People are sick of sports just being a cash grab - especially college sports.
College basketball star Caitlin Clark is coming up here to play the Gophers in February - the game is already sold-out. Rumor is that she’s also a really good golfer. She seems like a level-headed Iowa girl … I hope she can keep her heart and soul when she graduates and travels through Oz.
Obviously we all need to make money. Money is not a bad thing - it’s a necessary tool. But doing anything for money is not a good thing. We have words for that behavior.
We need money to keep the golf course operating. We try to be clear about it. Not a million prices and a bunch of promotions.
We have an annual Sale - had it last Saturday. And we run an annual Holiday Sale for passes. That’s it. Clean and simple. Maybe I didn’t promote it enough … I’ve had people ask me this week when we’re having our Sale. Oops. Also … people are asking about the Holiday Passes … we have a link on our website. It ends on Dec. 20.
We love golf. And we want to share our love through DRGC. We also have to pay the bills. But greed doesn’t run this place. Most people get it and realize it can’t be free. And we realize that Jon Rahm wants to be paid. And that golf companies want to run the game of golf.
Yet, Jon Rahm will make a ton of dough during his career. And the golf companies will still be healthy if we separate Elite golf from Recreational golf.
The new tag-line of the PGA of America is “We Love This Game!” I hope that mantra resonates throughout the golf industry.
Maybe all the other sports will sell-out. I thought golf was better than that.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Who Cheers For The Bad Guys?
Greetings Golfers,
So it looks like the Gophers are going to a Bowl game. They have a losing record … and are tied for last in the Big Ten West Division. What’s the point?
Big Ten West Division? That’s also ridiculous. Then adding PAC schools … so USC and Rutgers can be in the same conference?
I can see conferences adjusting as time goes on … things change. But conferences were built on natural alliances and rivalries. Unless that changes - why blow it up? Bigger is not necessarily better.
Obviously the tv networks want “bigger” games. But will these conferences build bigger rivalries than Ohio State-Michigan or Auburn-Alabama or USC-UCLA? Not to mention rivalries such as Minnesota-Wisconsin.
Will the powerhouse schools just get stronger? Will non-powerhouse schools even have a chance?
Or is that the plan? Just a perpetual series of “big games” between the same schools.
Went out last Monday night with some old high school friends. No one was aware that the Vikings were on Monday Night Football. Every one of these guys loved sports and knew everything about MN sports - until recently. Why the change? Because it’s just about hype and money.
We used to know every player. There used to be loyalty. There used to be a distinct culture on every team.
How does this relate to golf? Easily. The powers that be just want the Tour to be exhibitions of the “stars”. That way the big sponsors can get their players on tv. And supposedly that’s all people want to see. I love when a no name guy qualifies and wins a tournament. How great is that?
When I watch a movie … if I don’t care about the characters … I don’t care how much “excitement” happens. If I go to a party and the food is “big time”, etc … but if the vibe is bad … I’m gone.
What’s going on?
My sons just submitted a bunch of my blogs to AI and they analyzed my style and then wrote a blog in my style. It was decent … clever … but soulless. It wasn’t authentic. Why are we trading authentic for flash and cash?
I can understand if you’re starving. But once you reach a basic level of stability … more is not more. It’s usually awful. We all know it. In fact it’s embarrassing.
While I was writing this … I shared it with staff and their spouses. One of them agreed and said why isn’t anyone talking about this? Yeah. Everyone who read it agreed … even poor victims who just walked into the Clubhouse … and had stories about Gophers hockey, etc. They actually got enthused and started ranting.
Bottom-line to caring … we have to care about people. If teams are just faceless, soulless people we don’t care about … we won’t care if they win or lose. Why would we?
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Thankful for the Challenge
Greetings Golfers,
A belated “Happy Thanksgiving”!
I hope it was happy … and I hope you were thankful. Thankful and happy seem to go hand-in-hand.
Are we thankful only when things are going our way? Too often that’s the case. But, we especially need to be thankful when times are hard.
Here’s what I mean: Years ago when our sons were kids, they asked me why the world wasn’t perfect … why was there sickness, pain, death, etc?
My answer was a golf analogy (of course). I said “What if when you played golf, every shot was a hole-in-one? Would it be any fun? The only reason golf is worth playing is that it's hard. The challenge is to rise above the difficulties.”
Obviously, the analogy applies to life.
But, then they asked “Why does it have to be so hard/brutal?” So I then I said, “That’s the only way it’s real.”
Now, I don’t mean that because life can be brutal and not fair that we have a license to be brutal and unfair. Just the opposite. That’s why being a good person who tries to be fair and do the right thing matters. Really matters.
The challenge is to rise above the difficulties.
We can do what really matters.
That’s what we should be thankful for.
Thankfully,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Responses
Greetings Golfers,
Last week’s blog got a lot of interesting feedback. Most of it positive … yet one fairly hostile response.
I responded and tried to make it about ideas - not make it personal. It’s sad that a lot of people can’t disagree without making it nasty and personal.
But as I said … most responses were positive. In fact, one included a TED talk about being positive.
Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXy__kBVq1M
… it’s pretty inspiring.
And another one was about a kid playing a hole with Tony Finau
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=709847767688291
… Wow. That one really got to me.
Another response was about how important deep conversations are … and that this guy was having fewer as he got older … his friends didn’t want to go there. He said that he just read this quote about Heaven: “Imagine the stories that you’ll hear. And all the questions that shall finally have answers. And the answers won’t be one-word answers, but story after story, a feast of wonder and laughter and glad tears.”
How good are those responses?
This all fits with golf:
* Positivity
* an amazing experience with a Tour player
* great stories and conversation after a round
Let’s talk about positivity. It needs to make sense … a way to deal with reality - not deny reality.
Here’s an example. When I walk up to the tee box … I want to think negative. I’m looking for danger - where I don’t want to hit it. Then, I shift to positive - where I want to hit it. And I try to stay with that positive thought before and during my swing.
If I don’t go through that negative phase … I can’t understand the risk/reward aspects of the hole. And … I’ll probably all of a sudden see the danger during my set-up and/or swing … that’s not a good thing.
Negativity and positivity are tools to deal with reality. So is logic. So are ideas. Name calling is basically a denial of facing reality.
When I responded to the name caller - I made it clear that I wouldn’t make it personal … that I wanted to discuss ideas. I wrapped-up my “speech” with how good for people golf is:
Hit it
Find it
Deal with it
Some bloggers post the responses. I would never do that. I feel the responses are private. And I enjoy hearing from people … and a discussion if need be.
So … keep it coming! And … I can handle the nasty … but it’s more interesting arguing ideas than name-calling.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Indulge Your "Inner Grown-up"
Greetings Golfers,
Well, we’re rolling into the Holiday Season.
We just wrapped-up Halloween. Did you see that charming video titled “Mom Stealing Halloween Candy”? It’s real … not a gag. A family purposefully left out a bowl of candy on Halloween night … expecting that people wouldn’t take advantage of the situation. Was it kids taking all of the candy? Sure … but the mom was leading the charge.
During the past week, I’ve had the same conversation with a bunch of different people. Because this is a golf blog … I should let you know that some of the people were golfers - a Tour Player and a guy who just played in a National PGA tournament. And the point of our conversations was that people liked/loved them because of who they are - not because how good they are at golf. And … though they’re characters … they want to be humble and not arrogant.
And some of the other conversations were people dreading the Holidays because they’re over-the-top.
And … our waitress the other day was upset about going to an over-the-top wedding.
And on Weds, a guy wanting to do a golf event here … and me telling him to keep it SIMPLE.
Did I mention the article I read about the 25 year-old man who wore a Halloween costume and trick-or-treated because he “needed to indulge his inner child”?
Don’t people want to grow-up?
Is being an adult viewed as not having fun? Is fun about non-stop over-the-top indulgence? And … mixed-in with a need to show-off?
Do people think they’ll be loved because of money, status, and power?
And that life is about using money, status and power to “indulge your inner child”?
I respect people because of their character. And I love people because we have real conversations … we go deep with each other. Real human interaction.
Have we become just a totally consumer society? Is that all matters?
I think people are better than that. In fact, I KNOW people are better than that.
But it’s risky saying it.
Why is it risky? Because no one likes to hear that they’ve been conned. As Mark Twain said “It’s easier to fool people than convince them that they’ve been fooled”.
So … let’s enjoy the Holidays and try to make it enjoyable for our friends and family. Let’s be the grown-ups. The grown-ups who make sure that it stays simple and sane and human. It will naturally be fun. Fun happens. You can’t make it happen.
The children want to be simple and relaxed and human. Everyone stressed-out trying to impress and/or indulging their inner child is not good for anyone. Especially kids.
I’m a social animal. I like parties. I like people. I’m not advocating dull and boring. I’m trying to speak for a lot of us who feel our society has lost its mind.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Pause That Means Good Timing
Greetings Golfers,
Whether you were ready or not … it’s here. Not yet Winter … but it’s cold. Too cold for most golf courses up here on the tundra.
But, not too cold to work on your swing (inside).
And … not just work on your swing … but read some golf instruction books. One of my favorites is Tommy Armour’s “How To Play Your Best Golf All The Time”. I can’t believe how good it is.
If your head is stuffed with too much information about the “perfect” swing … and you’d like some clear, common-sense advice … get this book!
Here are the chapters:
* Why This Book Is as Short and Simple as It Is
How To Learn Your Best Golf
What Can Your Best Golf Be?
Taking You to the Lesson Tee
How Your Clubs Can Help You
The Grip Holds Your Swing Together
How To Get Ready to Swing
Footwork, The Foundation of Best Golf
The Waggle, Preliminary Swing in Miniature
The Art of Hitting with the Hands
The Pause That Means Good Timing
Saving Strokes With Simple Approach Shots
The Fascinating, Frustrating Philosophy of Putting
Assembling Your Game in Good Order
How sane and sensible is that?
A lot of emphasis on the hands. We’re not robots … robots don’t have hands … this is a major problem with modern golf instruction. Way too much emphasis on making a magic move that will hit the ball for you.
No. You hit the ball. With a golf club. You control the club with your hands. You make an athletic motion so that you can swing the club. Very similar to throwing a ball. It’s not gymnastics.
I love the chapter “The Pause That Means Good Timing”. That pause at the top is where you really take control of the swing. Otherwise you’re just making a swing … and not hitting a shot. Big difference.
We need to pause in everything we do. We need to pause and figure out where we’re going. Otherwise we’re just going.
I hope you read this book or any Tommy Armour stuff - but this is his best. If you do … please let me know your thoughts.
It’s never the wrong time to read Tommy Armour … and pause and reflect.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Thank You!
Greetings Golfers,
Last week I said “I’m sorry” … this week I’m saying “Thank you”.
Thanks to all of you who played Deer Run and appreciate what we do. You’re much appreciated - thank you.
And, we need to thank the people who make this place worth appreciating.
The golf course was in amazing condition all season long - even through a drought. Keeper of the Green - Barry Provo - is ridiculously good at what he does. Here’s his staff:
Paul Bickel
Sam Brammer
Myonghai Choi
Dean Clark
Gordy Davis
Kirby Dorothy
Ryan DeBenedetto
Ethan Erickson
Calvin Green
Mike Histon
Sonny Jurgens
Lee Metzger
Zach Reiff
Grant Paulson
Ryan Scrivener
Chase Snedeker
Mike Stannard
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:
Grace Blackwell
Kelli Cole
Courtney Eder
Elli Eskuche
Lauren Eskuche
Emily Fornetti
Elizabeth Gerebi
Ali Grobel
Riley Histon
Maeve Kelly
Caroline Kohls
Ella Kurzhal
Allyson Kuzara
Izzy Lodge
Jayne Pipkorn
Mara Sandberg
Sasha Snegirova
Jamie Sorenson
Hannah Tate
Sophia Thompson
Elise Torborg
Lucy Vetter
Elise Wilson
But that’s not all … the Fearsome Foursome of Ketti Histon and Kathy Jones and Thomas Aragon-Menzel and Avery Charon ran the Pro Shop-Range-Carts operation. Congrats! It was seamless. Here’s their staff:
Dan Abts
Cam Borgendale
Emma Braaten
Jacob Bryant
Kyle Bryant
Tyler Bryant
Austin Charbonneau
Avery Charon
Hunter Hanson
Kam Hendrickson
Patrick Hunter
Ben Gallagher
Mike Melander
JT Rathbun
Ben Reiff
Danny Renner
Emily Renner
Thank you all for doing such a great job! And … not only for what you did … but for what you didn’t do … we didn’t have any staff drama! None.
It’s really fun saying thank you!
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
A Boring Blog Means Having to Say You're Sorry
Greetings Golfers,
Some of you might remember that movie “Love Story” … I think it was made in 1972. Well, its tag-line was “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”. I guess being in love means that common-courtesy isn’t needed … because common-courtesy is just a phony way to use and manipulate people.
Mind-boggling.
My plan for this blog was to just give out some basic end-of-the season information … and then apologize for such a boring blog.
But before writing, I opened my computer to find some random article for inspiration. Amazingly, I opened to an article where somebody was talking about the two rudest countries he’d ever visited. He said that on the airplane he was told “There are two words you don’t use here: “Thank you and please”.
Sort of like not saying “sorry”.
I suppose if you look at the world only in terms of power … then manners are just foolish affectations.
However if you care about people and have empathy … manners are the grease that keeps life respectful.
So … I’m apologizing for this boring blog. Here goes:
Our last day of golf in 2023 is Sunday, October 29.
Our Annual Christmas Sale will be on Saturday, December 2.
The information for the Holiday Passes will come out in my blog on November 22 … the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
That’s it.
I’m sorry,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com