A Good Fit
Greetings Golfers,
Can you believe it’s August 20th?
How did that happen?
We’re losing staff every day … they’re going back to college.
We’ve always had great kids … but this might be the best bunch ever. And, it’s not just the individuals … it’s how it comes together … how it fits.
Heidi Breen’s F&B staff has been unusually good … amazingly efficient and hospitable … and free of drama!
I don’t know about you … but I don’t like drama. It’s not fun … it’s not funny … it’s just annoying and exhausting.
So … why did Heidi’s team work so well together? Two things: Respect for each other … and a shared sense of humor.
Respect, because everyone deserved it - everyone worked hard and was responsible.
Sense of humor … hmmmm … that’s not so easily explained. Not that everyone was funny … but rather, everyone “got it”.
Humorless people are hard to get along with … and usually cause drama.
I’m not a soap-opera or drama type of television show watcher. But when I have seen those types of programs, I’ve noticed that they’re never funny. Everyone is so serious about their lives that they can’t laugh or joke around.
Fortunately, our staff was not that self-absorbed. They were serious about doing their job, but not so serious about themselves that they couldn’t joke and get along with each other.
After Labor Day, we’ll be basically kid-less. You’ll be stuck with us grown-ups.
Hopefully, we’ll still be fun. Maybe not as much fun … but definitely not a soap-opera.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
My Friend Golf
Greetings Golfers,
The other day I was Rangering … just driving around the course on a semi-rainy day … and enjoying every second of it.
And then it hit me why - I was spending time with a good friend - golf. I view golf as more than a game … it’s a spiritual being that shares my thoughts and feelings. It understands me … and judges me. And I trust it.
It’s more than the course - it’s the range, the putting green … and especially the game itself.
A lot of you probably think this sounds crazy … but a lot of you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Golf is an entity that can come in many shapes and forms. I’ve seen it twisted and smothered and abused. I’d compare it to music. Music is also a friend. But we’ve all heard music twisted and abused into forms that must be painful for it … sort of like an abused person.
I like melody in music. Britanica describes melody as: “A succession of notes that is pleasing".
I don’t like seeing abuse: golf, music, people, animals …obviously, it could be a long list. But, abuse of innocence is particularly upsetting.
Golf turned into a penny-pinching game or a carnival is as attractive as music turned into grating noise.
Some people think that degrading things is “real” or sophisticated. I just think it’s mean-spirited.
It gets back to the essence of life. Seriously. I think life is basically good. I am not a Utopian or a perfectionist. I am not mad at God. Life is challenging. That’s a good thing.
Trying to build Utopia or fundamentally transform the world is not progress. It’s just narcissism.
The further golf gets from the game of Scottish shepherds … the worse it gets.
Probably my favorite song is “Greensleeves”. The further music gets from “Greensleeves” … the worse it gets … not better.
Rangering on a rainy day … with “Greensleeves” playing in my head … some people might think is boring … not me - I’m happy being with two great friends.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Punch-It!
Greetings Golfers,
Just watched 10 minutes (?) of a video about how to fix the “biggest swing killer” in golf. Though I didn’t watch all of it … it was interesting. And, I think I know what his “fix” would be (or should be).
What he was talking about is “early extension”. His phrase for when people stand-up at impact. He claims that 7 out of 10 amateurs do it … and that Tour players do not do it. Sounds accurate to me.
But, before we fix something … I want to know why it’s happening in the first place. The drills probably won’t work if the faulty concept isn’t first dealt with. Isn’t that the key to changing any behavior?
I think “standing-up” at impact is a result of flipping the hands at impact. The faulty concept that the club needs to lift the ball up in the air.
Watch people chip. You can see what I’m talking about. They take the club back … then flip the club-head under the ball … or try to. Often, the club-head flips too soon and hits the ball on the way up … thus topping the ball and it goes shooting over the green.
Or, it flips too late … and they just hit it fat.
However, if it’s a fluffy lie and sitting-up … they just might make it work and then hit a fairly high, soft shot that might work out.
I’d prefer that they learn how to “punch” the shot. Meaning, set-up with the hands in front of the ball, close the face a little (to trap it), and punch down on the ball at impact while leading with the hands. And, the follow through keeps the hands in front of the clubhead.
This is the secret to becoming a good chipper of the ball … and the secret of good impact - especially on iron shots.
Does this work well on tee shots? Not so much. They are two different shots.
Ironically, the scoop can work off a tee … and yet, most scoopers crash down with their driver and break the tee.
They would be better off reversing their technique for a driver and iron.
I better qualify this. I don’t want to see you scoop … even using a tee. But, I’m trying to make a point about how to use the club.
Lee Trevino was the ultimate puncher. He learned how to play on desert-like fairways … he had to punch it to hit it solid.
His short-game was amazing.
Trevino never stood-up at impact. Learn to chip like Trevino … and to hit iron shots like Trevino. But first start with chipping.
We all want to hit it farther. But, control is the name of the game. And control comes from proper impact.
We all need a golf swing. Not a scoop. But we also need to learn the punch shot.
Though I respect “standing-up” for what matters … it’s not good at impact. Use that strength and direct it down at the ball with a punch. It’ll feel good … and it works.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Less is More
Greetings Golfers,
What do people mean by the saying “Less is More”?
According to PHRASE FINDER, it means: “The notion that simplicity and clarity leads to good design”.
Obviously it’s referring to architecture, but I think it relates to everything. Simplicity and clarity sure beats complication and confusion.
We host a lot of golf events. My mantra to the organizers is always “Less is More”. That usually isn’t what people want to hear. They get sucked into other people telling them they should do “this really fun thing”. Usually, it’s not really fun … and if they listen to a lot of people and keep adding “fun things” … it becomes annoying instead of fun.
We need to prioritize. We have limited time on this planet. We innately know how much time things should take. Life shouldn’t be rushed through … but time shouldn’t be wasted either. Time is precious. We all know that instinctively.
I advise golf events to focus on 4 things:
simple format
nice pace of play
friendly atmosphere
good food
Too often, adding “More” … leads to:
complicated format
slow pace of play
uptight atmosphere
frustrated golfers
Simple doesn’t mean simple minded. It usually means clarity. That takes work.
Adding too much to things … is usually lazy and not focused. Lazy because of not doing the work of clarity which leads to simplicity.
Henry David Thoreau: “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify. Simplify.”
Simplifying is not the same as being organized. Don’t get me wrong - being organized is important … it is based on priorities. However, I know hyper-organized people who are always reorganizing mundane details … that is not simplifying … that’s missing the point.
And, it’s easy to say yes to everything and everybody. But, that can’t work - or work well. It’s almost like lying. Here’s a great quote “hurt me with the truth, but never comfort me with the lie.”
At DRGC … we can’t be everything to everyone. Trying to do it or agree to it is basically lying. Of course people want to hear what they want to hear.
We are trying to provide a quality golf experience. Not perfect - that’s a fool’s goal - but quality. To do that means saying no to a million things that would get in the way of what we’re trying to do.
Saying yes would be lazy and dishonest.
Promising more is a scam.
Less is more. If you value quality.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Henry Cotton
Greetings Golfers,
I hope you watched some of the Open Championship last week at Royal St. George. Collin Morikawa is the real deal - he’s only 24 and could/should win a bunch of Majors.
Louis Oosthuizen was in the hunt again … but just can’t seem to close the deal.
A guy who could close the deal was Henry Cotton. Cotton won three Open Championships … his first was at Royal St. George in 1934. His second round 65 was the course record until 1993.
Henry Cotton is known as the ultimate “hands player”. He was an obsessive practicer and claimed to have tried every style in search of the perfect swing.
He was described as “independent, controversial, and self-assertive” … until he died in 1987 at 80. He gave golf lessons in Portugal until the very end.
You’ve probably seen or used an “impact bag”. Well, that’s just a slicker version of Cotton’s method of hitting an old car tire (not on a car). He believed in strong hands and fingers … and developing a powerful hit at impact.
In fact, he emphasized hitting “past” rather than “with” the body. This is how he explained it: “Through impact the left hand gradually turns down and over as the right hand hits past it. The action is a rolling or turning of the hands, NOT an inward collapsing of the left wrist or a forward bending of the right wrist.”
I agree with Cotton. I also agree with Cotton that other methods work - simply that the hands method, once mastered, is the easiest, most effective, and longest lasting.
If you do decide to be a “hands player” … you need to not move past the ball during impact … as you move into the shot, you need to feel that your left side has hit a wall.
I recommend the old-school “K” setup to give yourself that firm left-side. When you setup to hit a shot, just kick in your right knee … and that should put you into the “K” position.
Even if you don’t decide to be a hands player like Henry Cotton … developing your hands will help your golf game.
And try the “K” setup … it can help your backswing, your turn, and minimize “coming over the top”.
Now you’ll be ready to “close the deal”.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
A Not So Charming Fellow
Greetings Golfers,
We all know that saying by Lord Acton “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
Though I like Lord Acton, I don’t really agree with that statement. I think power and money are tools … and that they reveal more than they corrupt.
If someone all of sudden changes because they have money and/or power … it’s not the fault of money or power … it reveals their character.
Golf is also a revealer of character. The obvious thing is cheating … but also narcissism … or rudeness … or pettiness … or jealousy.
And, it reveals good things: the person who’s always ready but never in the way … or repairs extra ball marks … or is aware of where people hit their shots and if they need help.
We all know people who are fun to play with … or not so fun to play with. One of the least fun to play with is the “expert”. The one who is telling everyone how to swing … or what is wrong with their swing.
Unsolicited advice is not exactly charming.
We get a lot of unsolicited advice on how to operate the Pub, Bev Carts, Shop, Range, course maintenance, pricing, hours, policies, rules, etc.
The other night during Ladies League … a man got angry because he couldn’t use the range on Ladies League Day.
To make his point … he held up a fist full of dollars and said to me “This is what it’s all about”. I replied “No, doing the right thing is what it’s all about”. He scoffed and walked out the door.
Talk about revealing character.
Let’s hope that he doesn’t get a lot of power. He’s already corrupted … and proud of it.
I’m glad that we’re not the only golf course in town.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Undivided Attention
Greetings Golfers,
After hosting a golf event, the organizer told me that 3 separate people each told him that I gave them my undivided attention.
Hmmmmmm … what does that mean?
I think it’s because I don’t own a cell phone.
What I consider to be normal interaction, was referred to as unusual.
I’m all for connecting with people … but I don’t think cell phones are the answer.
And, phones seem to bring out a demanding attitude that I find really offensive. Sort of that everyone has to be ready for their call … at all times … no matter what.
Maybe that demanding attitude makes people anxious and always looking at their phone.
Restaurants are starting to do away with phones and only taking on-line reservations. I think that’s a good a thing. They should be focused on the people there … not the phone.
Speaking of giving undivided attention … a golf instructor better be focused on the student.
Here’s a classic instruction story: About 20 years ago a young guy asked for a lesson. I watched him hit a bunch of irons and fairway woods … and he was good … I didn’t see anything to monkey with. So I asked why he was there. He replied that he couldn’t hit his driver. That didn’t make sense … so I had him hit a few. Each one was a low, weak fade … nothing like his shots with his other clubs.
So, I asked if I could hit his driver … I produced the same gross, weak fades.
Where did he get this driver? … from his buddy’s brother - Cameron Beckman.
Yeah … that guy … the Cameron Beckman who beat Ernie Els to win last week’s Champions Tour event.
This lessonee was a good player with a very good swing … but he couldn’t flex Beckman’s driver. Who could? Maybe some other Tour players could. Beckman was a big strong guy … the shaft on this driver had no flexibility - it was stiff as a board.
I’m glad that I was paying attention during his lesson and not just giving him cliche advice. He didn’t need a lesson - he needed a different driver.
And he needed an instructor who wasn’t looking at his cell phone.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
You Still Have to Putt
Greetings Golfers,
The other morning on the golf radio station, they were talking about how in most sports the athletes are getting “bigger-faster-stronger” … but that it hasn’t affected the scoring in golf. One the show’s radio hosts - John Cook - said it’s because you still have to get the ball in the hole.
He’s right … you still have to be a great putter … but that’s not the whole story. You also need to be in control of the ball.
I don’t think there’s enough emphasis on understanding spin and how to control the ball.
Even the most basic ping-pong player is aware of putting spin on the ball.
All ball-stick sports are about control … and about using spin.
Too many golfers are victims of spin. They slice and don’t know how to correct it. If they knew how to hook-it … they could then fix their slice.
Power without control is worthless.
We host a lot of charity golf events. Before each one, our practice range is packed with guys only using their driver. And swinging like crazy people. They are not “warming-up” … they’re trying to vaporize the range balls.
A million years ago, I used to pitch in high school. Before the game, I used to warm-up slowly and loosen my arm with easy tosses … and then try to find some control and see if I could spin the ball. I didn’t wear myself out. I “warmed-up”.
If I’d warmed-up like the golfers I see at our charity events … I’d have just closed my eyes and thrown the ball at the backstop as hard as I could. For half an hour. Wouldn’t have learned a thing and probably thrown out my arm.
These guys should come out to the practice range with a wedge and 7 iron … and try to find some rhythm … and find some control hitting the ball at some targets. And maybe even try to spin it different ways. Then, hit a few drivers.
Let’s make the same analogy with tennis. Would you warm-up by trying to hit every shot as hard as you can? They’d go flying all over the court. Might be better to try to find some rhythm and control … and fool around with some spin.
I know … I can read your mind … I’m just mad because I’m old and can’t hit it far anymore. Wrong. Even when I could hit it … I didn’t warm-up like that. Hmmmm. It’s called … warm-up. Not … go crazy.
The object of the game is still to get the ball in the hole. Bigger-stronger-faster is helpful if you are already in control. Otherwise … not so much.
And … you still have to putt.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Cosmic Justice
Greetings Golfers,
Last Sunday while watching the US Open with my family, we were rooting for our “picks” in Marty’s Majors.
As much as I wanted one of my 4 picks to win … I also wanted Louis Oosthuizen, although he wasn’t one of my picks.
However, I was pleased when Jon Rahm (not my pick) made those putts on #17 and #18.
And, I was sad when Louis hit it into the hazard on #17.
As I said then, I wanted to see somebody “win it” not somebody “lose it”.
I’m competitive. I like to win. But, winning because somebody falls apart is not satisfying.
Do I ever cheer against someone or some team? Yeah. If I think they’re a villain.
I think that’s more about justice … than about winning or losing …or being competitive.
Who wants to see the bad guy win?
A few years ago, I played with a friend and two of his buddies that I’d never met. We paired-up and had a game. Over the course of the round, we’d had fun and gotten along really well. So, when the guy on the other team needed to make the putt on #18 to tie the match … we were all secretly rooting for him. You could feel it. He made it.
These were 4 competitive guys. But, everyone wanted to win by playing well … not by someone screwing-up … especially if you like each other.
As I said … I think we like the bad guy screwing-up because it’s more about justice than winning.
Rahm seems to be a good guy. Maybe it was justice that he won because of what happened a few weeks ago at the Memorial Tournament.
Sometimes justice is better than winning.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Golf Mystery/Detective Shows
Greetings Golfers,
My wife and I love watching mystery/detective shows. The BBC seems to have the best ones … though we did enjoy the Canadian show “Murdock Mysteries” … that I mentioned in a previous blog.
The golf swing could make a great mystery/detective show. Every episode could feature a famous golf instructor … or an unknown mad scientist. And, have actors portray great golf instructors of the past.
If so, my favorite episode would probably feature Ernest Jones.
Jones was born in 1887 in Manchester, England. He was a Head Golf Pro by age 25 and a very good player - winning the Kent Open and doing well in the British Open.
However, in 1915 he volunteered for duty in the First World War, and lost his right leg to a grenade.
Amazingly, four months after losing his leg, he played golf and shot 83.
Unbelievably, a week later he shot 70. On a regulation golf course … with hickory shafts.
You have to admit … this would make a great show. And … the mystery of how could a one-legged man play such good golf?
Well, Jones was a great detective - he believed that he solved the mystery of the golf swing. He was convinced that the secret was about using centrifugal force instead of leverage.
In his own words “There are, to be sure, more ways than one to strike a golf ball. You can strike it by swinging the clubhead or employing leverage. You can strike it harder with a swinging action than you can in any other way with the power at your command, and still retain reasonable control over your effort. The principal of centrifugal application of force guarantees this. But it is not likely that you will come to a realization of this of your own accord. To do so is not consistent with your past experiences. Your natural instinct is to try to turn the power on all at once.”
Are “detectives” such as Bryson DeChambeau discovering more powerful ways to strike the golf ball? Maybe. But little guys like Rory McIlroy and Louis Oostehuizen seem to hit it about as far as DeChambeau … while using a “golf swing”.
What I’m trying to “solve” is … what is the best method for the recreational player?
I see very few people “swinging” the golf club. I usually see a lot of body action and leverage - mostly upper body.
Instead of swinging the club back, I see a lot of lifting the club … then a powerful use of the shoulders to crash the club down at the ball.
Would better lower-body action help and/or save this over-use of the shoulders? Sort of.
But what is really needed is a “swinging” of the club on the backswing … and then an un-shouldered swinging of the club down and through the ball. A nice, rhythmic, swinging of the arms and letting the body respond naturally.
Please take a look at Ernest Jones writings and videos while you’re playing detective.
And, if you’re looking for a great mystery/detective series … I highly recommend “Inspector George Gently”. We think it’s the best of the bunch.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Joy of Sports
Greetings Golfers,
I’m not much of a cook. Pretty decent with a grill … but that’s about it. For me, cooking is just throwing things in a pan with a lot of butter.
The book “The Joy of Cooking” was published in 1931 and is still a best-seller. I like the title and get the concept … though it’s not my thing.
However, I would like to write “The Joy of Sports”. I love to play sports. Not necessarily to win - though I’m competitive - but mostly because I love it. It brings me joy.
One of life’s greatest pleasures is sharing what we love. I think that’s why people go into teaching and coaching. Sure, some people like the power and control … but I think most teachers and coaches go into it for the right reasons.
Thus, it made me sad when I read that the Duluth hockey coach is resigning because of pressure from the parents. He’s either getting forced out … or has just had enough … probably both.
When our boys were young, I coached soccer, baseball, and basketball. It was great. 20+ years later, we still laugh about it … and I see former players fairly often at the golf course and I’m still “Coach”.
Of course we played to win … but what I really wanted was that they would share my love of just playing … the shear joy of playing a sport.
I seldom watch professional sports anymore. I hate stuff like the Super Bowl Halftime Show. All of the tricks to get people to watch sports turn me away.
Sort of like the parents who tried to bribe the kids to play sports with “treats”. I didn’t allow that nonsense as a coach.
Bribing people to play golf with “chits” rubs me the same way.
I think it’s all related:
Super Bowl Half-time shows
Treats
Chits
Crazy parents
They don’t understand that sports are just a game. They do not define who you are. They are to be played for the pure joy of playing.
Years ago, one of my sons played on his high school baseball team. They were pretty good - rated in the top ten. But when they played against Joe Mauer - it was a joke. He was so much better than anyone on the field it was laughable.
99.9% of high school athletes are not going to make a living at playing a sport.
Stop the madness.
Last weekend Tim Herron almost won on the PGA Champions Tour.
He’s actually playing golf for a living. Look at how rare it is for a Minnesotan to become a Tour player.
There’s a big difference between professional sports and recreational sports. They are two totally different cats.
One is a profession …
The other is played for the fun of it … for the joy of it.
Please enjoy playing golf.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Spirit of the Law
Greetings Golfers,
Years ago, when I went to the first tee at a former local golf course, they had a pole with signs telling you what you couldn’t do. I guess one pole wasn’t enough … they had another pole and it was also filled with rule signs.
I’m not making this up. Each sign was different … looked like they added new signs every year - maybe every month … I don’t know.
The message was clear … they had no confidence in the golfers. And - it seemed to me - no respect for the golfers.
The culture was more of a police-state than a friendly golf course.
I love clarity. I hate misunderstandings. But, does everything have be spelled out? I’m talking basic decency - not nuances.
Meaning: “Do not punch people in the face” shouldn’t have to be said … but (maybe) “No sunflower seeds” needs to be said. Some people don’t realize that sunflower seeds cause problems - especially on the greens. (We have a weekly “seed” culprit … his identity is a mystery).
This is where we get into the battle of The Spirit of the Law vs The Letter of the Law.
Common sense tells us that hurting people or taking their stuff is not acceptable. That type of behavior shouldn’t need to be articulated with signs.
More laws and more signs are not the answer. Almost 2,000 years ago, the Roman Tacitus said: “The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.”
At first, that quote seems backwards. However, if the laws are clear and simple and people are basically civilized … the fewer the better.
Having more laws gives unscrupulous people more chances for manipulation and finding loopholes. It becomes a game.
We all know it’s wrong to violate someone else - either their person or their property.
But some people love to play “gotcha”. And some people love to play “I didn’t know because nobody told me.”
These people are made for each other. A constant game between control freaks and slippery con-men.
I think our society would be better off without either group … but that’s not my call. However, I certainly don’t want their attitudes influencing how we run DRGC.
So … you won’t see a pole with a bunch of rule signs on our first tee. We believe that you know how to act.
However, we do have a sign saying “No sunflower seeds”. I’m offering a big reward if you catch this culprit!
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Ya Gotta Believe
Greetings Golfers,
On July 9, 1973 … the NY Mets were 34-46 and in last place in the National League East. That night at a team meeting, Tug McGraw yelled-out “Ya Gotta Believe!” … which became their anthem as they went on to win the National League pennant.
I kept thinking of that crazy saying while watching the last round of last week’s PGA Championship.
Was Phil’s victory as amazing as the Mets in 1973? Yes. Even more amazing. I still can’t believe it (I was trying to believe!).
Obviously Phil is ridiculously talented. He won a PGA Tour event while still in college. And 30 years later wins a Major as a Senior. Amazing.
If Tiger Woods hadn’t come along … Phil might have dominated … and have become Jack II. Who knows?
He was always a wizard with a sand wedge … and as he says “hits bombs”. Even at 50, he hits “bombs”.
However, his nickname was “Phil the Thrill” … because safe was never the name of his game.
And safe was never the name of his life outside of golf. He was outspoken … and a legendary gambler.
And though he was outspoken … I never thought he seemed sincere. I thought he was arrogant with a fake “folksiness”. That he was smarter than everyone and that life was just a game to be played.
Maybe. Those were just my perceptions.
However, his behavior after winning the PGA was impressive. He was respectful. Respectful of the Wanamaker Trophy … respectful of the other players in the field … and respectful of the fans and interviewers. His post-game interview with the guys from the Golf Channel was perfect. Insightful, thoughtful, generous, funny, and even wise.
His charm seemed genuine.
I guess “Ya Gotta Believe!”
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Rambling Man
Greetings Golfers,
I’ve been out-of-town … so that’s my excuse for this rambling blog.
Where was I? Glad you asked! An old high-school buddy invited me to play Cypress Point. He set-it-up and asked if I was in … took me almost a second to say yes.
I never leave DRGC during the season … but had to do it. Was it good? Yeah. Even better than I hoped – how often does that happen? The setting and scenery are ridiculous … the course design is equally good … and the simple, friendly atmosphere was perfect … it stayed out of the way … the focus is the golf course.
Here’s a leap: About 10 years ago, I wrote in this blog that my caddy at the Kiawah Ocean Course said that the average score he looped for was 125. Average. Obviously the boys this week won’t have those scores … but, they’re the best in the world.
I love that recreational golfers can play these unbelievable golf courses. However, I don’t think that those courses should be used as models for most golf courses.
Not only did Cypress demand accurate shot-making … you also needed to shape the ball with draws and cuts. Or, just be a bomber who can blow it over the landing zones and have a short iron into those tricky greens.
Here’s what I’m saying: on the par 5 number 6 hole at Cypress, the tee shot needed to be aimed at the right edge of the bunker and drawn a little left to the narrow landing zone. Then the next shot had to be hit across the fairway aimed at a tree and also drawn so it could roll down the hill to where the fairway opened wide. Two pretty sophisticated shots. But, my caddy showed me where Dustin Johnson just drove it over everything and landed in that wide area. Well, that was never intended to be the landing area.
It’s like playing chess and not moving the pieces … just jumping over everything and saying Checkmate!
Obviously power is part of the game … but when the technology has changed the distances so that these players just fly over these demanding landing zones into the wide areas … and then have wedges for second shots … what’s the point?
I know … I’m old and don’t have any swing speed … but this is about the game of golf – not me. I loved trying to hit these shots … my lack of distance matched the original design. In fact, I had to hit driver on #16 … 220 yards over the ocean to the green. (Hit it to the left fringe … chipped close and missed the putt – of course).
What I’m trying to say … is that I love all of the variety of golf courses. And I love that we can play what the best play. And though they have different games than we do … I’d like to see them challenged with more shotmaking … rather than just power and wedges and good putting.
And, I think there should be more courses that are just plain easier for the average player.
A local business magazine prints articles about golf. They always finish the article with a list of the toughest courses in Minnesota. Hmmmm. Difficult means good?
Cypress was difficult … and good. Very good. Not tricked-up or just unfair like some “difficult” courses.
I loved it … and am very grateful. Thanks Curt.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
A True Gentleman
Greetings Golfers,
We all admire a good golf swing when we see it. It’s even more impressive in person than on television. What really stands out is that it’s strong and purposeful … and yet graceful at the same time.
It’s the same when encountering a really special person – they have those same qualities. We are graced with such a person at DRGC. I’m not going to say his name – he would be embarrassed. He blows my mind every time I see him … just like when I see a great golf swing.
This fellow is 90 years old. And his “golf swing” is still amazing. He’s played here for at least 20 years … and the consistency to his “swing” is unbelievable … this is not a con man.
Why am I so enamored? Because of his manners. They are the real deal. Not just some affectation … but, they come from his heart and soul.
Here’s just a minor example … but it speaks volumes. The other day he needed an extra glove because his right hand was cold. He’s a right-handed player and thus wears a left-handed glove … this was just for warmth on his other hand.
Our stock of right-handed gloves is pretty slim – we’re not Dick’s Sporting Goods. Though our staff tried to find him a glove that fit … we didn’t have what he needed. Instead of getting angry … he was thankful for the attempt to find the right glove. Sincerely thankful. Our staff was busy with our customers and phones ringing … he was aware of the situation … and appreciative – not angry.
There is a mindset that everything has to be perfect … and if it isn’t … a temper tantrum is in order. Sort of like a spoiled child who throws a fit if his sandwich isn’t served immediately … or if the crusts weren’t perfectly removed.
If the parent apologizes to the child – instead of reprimanding the bad behavior … a rude, demanding narcissist may be created.
Here’s a thought: Maybe the parent thrives-on this insanity. Maybe the parent feels bad/guilty because their household isn’t perfect. They believe that the only reason the child would misbehave … is because the parent had failed in providing the perfect environment. This is actually narcissism … not kindness. Real kindness would not allow this terrible behavior. People need to learn to be responsible for their behavior. Narcissists love building Utopia to control people – not out of love.
Ok … back to our hero. He does what he does for THE RIGHT REASON. That is always his motivation. If the environment isn’t perfect … he doesn’t have a tantrum … he handles it with grace. Not weakness … not at all … I’m talking grace.
Mistakes happen. Things aren’t perfect. I’m not defending bad environments. But life isn’t perfect … we don’t live in Utopia … that isn’t a license to be rude.
We all know the difference between intentional and not. An employee who intentionally gives bad service deserves to be reprimanded. However, because a business isn’t perfect … the customer doesn’t have the right to have a tantrum. Or, if a customer starts demanding special service or breaking the rules … they need to be called-out.
Obviously, a business has to be realistic too. It’s unfair to expect customers to be perfect. At DRGC, we expect “C” level behavior. We love “B” level, but don’t expect it. Yet, we won’t tolerate “D” or “F” behavior.
Fortunately, our 90 year hero constantly demonstrates “A” level behavior.
He’s the best “player” at DRGC.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Desperado – Why Don’t You Come to Your Senses?
Greetings Golfers,
We all hear the experts talk about the importance of attitude in golf. Terms such as “focus” and “positivity” and “mental strength” seem to dominate their advice.
I agree … that’s good stuff. However, I want to talk about a different attitude … “desperation”.
Don’t be desperate on the golf course.
I know – I know … I’m supposed to give positive advice. But this needs to be talked about.
I see it happening every day at the range. The range is good for warming-up – not for finding your swing before you tee off. That’s desperation.
Playing golf as if your life depends on every shot is desperation.
People show-up with their “game-face” on … ready to beat the golf course.
Well … the golf course is going to win. Enjoy playing the golf course. You want it to be your friend. The course can feel your bad vibe and will punish you for it.
We all know people who play better after a drink(s) … the desperation goes away. They call it “aiming fluid” or a need to loosen up their body … what really helps them is that they lose their desperation!
Enjoy the round!
Think about Fred Couples … does he ever seem desperate on the golf course?
Meditation … yoga … power of positive thinking … it’s all good stuff. But what you really need is to not be desperate. And that starts in the warm-up. Hit a few balls – that’s it. Roll a few putts – that’s it.
Keep it simple. Keep it fun. Don’t become “Joe Serious”… you’ll turn desperate.
Don’t need it … enjoy it!
The golf gods will reward you. They get it.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Scientist and the Artist
Greetings Golfers,
A few years ago, I wrote a blog about the need to be a scientist and an artist. That the range is where to be a scientist … and the course is where to be an artist.
I love the science of the golf swing. How and why it works. But golf needs to be played with feel and intuition … you need to be an artist on the golf course.
So … what about “rangefinders”?
I’m all for course knowledge and strategy. Just hitting random golf shots doesn’t make much sense. Golf is a game.
However, the need to know within a yard where the pin is … seems a little extreme to me.
I want to know the yardage to the front of the green … and to the back of the green.
Then I’m weighing the firmness before and on the green … and the trouble behind the green.
What I’m trying to say is that I’m much more concerned about other factors than the exact yardage to the pin.
The second shot to our hole #5 is almost straight up hill … and a short shot may well roll back down the hill. Even if the pin is at the front … I’m shooting for the middle of the green.
However, if the pin on #17 is at the back … I’m shooting for the middle of the green … long is death with a back pin.
Xander Schauffele insists that he hit a solid shot on #16 at the Masters … that a breeze came up and knocked it in the water. Hmmmmmm. That shot needed to be at least pin high and right of the pin … he had a big area to shoot at. Picking the “right number” and shooting at that pin was crazy.
So … if it’s crazy for one of the best players in the world … how crazy is it for average recreational players?
I’m not saying that they shouldn’t be used … but not just for zeroing on the pin … players are better off knowing the safe area on the green … that’s what they should hitting to … and it’s probably a 10 yard area … there’s a margin of error.
The science of the rangefinder is helpful … but it needs to be used in the right way … so the artist can hit the right shot.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
April is Spring Training
Greetings Golfers,
May is only a week away.
For us, April is Spring Training. We see what’s working … try out some new players … get the staff and golfers ready for the new season.
The golf course came through the Winter in good shape … always the #1 concern. The Clubhouse, range, cart shed, maintenance facility, etc … also survived.
After keeping basically everything closed last year except for the golf course … it really feels good to be back fully open.
Though the range and practice areas are mainly for the golf experience … they can be used for just practicing. We’re generous people. However, not everyone appreciates our generosity.
Last weekend, an older fellow (my age) was practicing his chipping with about 50 balls on the putting green. I politely asked him to chip on the chipping green behind the Clubhouse. I explained that the putting green is fragile and gets a ton of use … and can get pretty beat-up by mid-Summer.
Wow! You would have thought that I tried to take away his citizenship. He went ballistic. I remained calm (at first) and tried to explain (again) why we have to protect the putting green. Then he got really nasty and insulting. I said that he didn’t have to get rude. Then he went for the kill “I was planning on buying a brat for lunch here!”
I’m still reeling from the pain of losing the sale of a brat. I guess that I just can’t see the big picture.
On a pretty cool note … a young guy on the putting green walked over to lend support … his body language made it pretty clear to our chipping buddy that he would be foolish to escalate this ridiculous confrontation.
Yes … Fun at the Run!
Except for that … the Pre-Season has been pretty smooth. The weather’s been up & down … that’s normal for April. You don’t need my annual blog about the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episode where the weatherman manipulates his reports so that he has the course to himself. Weather apps have taken over. However, we would prefer that you try to play if the weather is iffy … cancelling at the last minute doesn’t help.
But obviously, we do want you to cancel 24 hours ahead if you can’t play … those tee-times are golden.
We do have a new idea in the works. Last year, rounds were consistently under 4 hours because no one was coming into the Clubhouse after the turn. So, to keep things flowing … we’re going to set-up a little F&B area behind the Clubhouse on hole # 10 … right in front of the stairs by the cart path turn-around.
This should eliminate the slowdown with everyone coming into the Pub with the pre-round golfers and after-round golfers already at the counter.
So … we’ll be ready for the Real Opening Day. Things are on track. In fact, we’ll happily sell you a brat at the turn.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Turn Your Swing Into A Whip
Greetings Golfers,
The golf swing shouldn’t be physically painful. Emotionally painful … that’s personal. But, I can usually help with the physical problems.
The other day at the range, a young fellow asked for help because his forearm was getting smashed in with every shot. It looked like it had been hit by a hammer. Well, he had the most violent scooping action I’d ever seen. As he made contact, he flipped the club so far under the ball that the top of the shaft crashed into his right forearm.
Though his injury was unusual, the scoop move is not unusual … in fact, it is common.
If you give golf lessons, you basically see 2 types of swings … usually made by the same person. The first one is the scoop. They think that the wrists must flip the club-head to hit the ball up in the air. The second one is the smash. When hitting the ball off a tee with a driver, they they think they need a powerful swing. And, using their shoulders – especially the right shoulder – feels very powerful. Thus, it’s an over-the-top move with little lower-body action … and it crashes down on the ball like using a sledge-hammer.
Ironically, if you reversed the two actions – scoop the teed-up-driver … and crashed down on the iron shot … they would be closer to the right moves.
However, it still wouldn’t be right. The golf swing is more of a sweep than a scoop or a smash.
But … how can a sweep have any power?
Great question … here’s how: Not only is the good swing a sweep … it is also a whip.
Try this: take a towel and tape-up the ends. Then, holding it like a golf club …swing it back waist high … and then whip it at the imaginary ball.
You will naturally pause as you make the transition to whip the towel. And, your hands will “lead” it at the ball before it snaps. You naturally won’t throw the end of the towel at the ball … there’d be no whip action.
The golf shaft should help you whip the club. Most people’s shafts are way too stiff. Of course, players with a powerful whip action need more control … thus a stiffer shaft. However, I seldom see anyone over-whipping their shaft. In fact, I almost never see shaft whip … ever.
In Tommy Armour’s great book “How To Play Your Best Golf All The Time” … he has a chapter called “The Pause that Means Good Timing”. What he means is the pause that is the transition from the backswing to the forward swing. That pause happens naturally if the backswing is a windup to whip the club into the ball.
Last week’s winner of the Masters – Hideki Matsuyama – has a distinct pause … and I think it really helps him under pressure. I just heard that they’ve been trying eliminate his pause … hmmmmmmm.
Think of the golf swing as a whipping action. You’ll notice that your lower body will start working – naturally.
This whip swing should not be a painful action. At least not to you. Instead, inflict pain on the ball … and this whip move is the best way to do it.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
For the Love of the Game
Greetings Golfers,
Ah … Masters week. My favorite golf tournament. When I went in 1995, it felt as comfortable as if you & I invited over some friends and family to have a little golf tournament.
However, when I went back in 2006, it felt more “big time” … I guess some people like that.
But it’s hard to destroy the roots of anything. Bobby Jones and Cliff Roberts wanted to create a simple, warm, friendly golf tournament for the best players in the world.
This is how Mr. Roberts concludes his book “The Story of Augusta National Golf Club” : “I would like in conclusion to make the observation that those with talent who give unselfishly of themselves just because they love golf are entitled to one uncomplicated place where they can feel completely at ease.”
For the love of the game.
When I was a boy, we played neighborhood sports all year long. Make-shift hockey goals, crazy boundaries for football, unique rules for baseball … we made it work so we could play games that we loved.
I wish golf were more like that. Everywhere at every course. Not that golf has to be the same everywhere … I just mean more of a love of the game and less focus on incidentals.
Speaking of good people who loved the game golf … we lost one of the best last week – Jon Swanson, PGA. Jon was the first golf professional at Deer Run GC. Jon was here for the 1990 season, then went up to Purple Hawk in Cambridge for 18 years. Jon was as good as it gets. R.I.P.
Respectfully,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com