Puzzle Solving
Greetings Golfers,
It’s good to be back home.
SC is great … but MN is home … and March isn’t bad. It can be snowy, but usually isn’t very cold … and you can feel that Spring is near.
And … our average opening date is April 4 … that means a lot needs to get done in the next month.
Putting a golf operation together is like putting together a puzzle. It can be tricky … and take knowledge and imagination. While in SC, I buy the paper so that I can do goofy puzzles like crosswords, sudoko, jumble, etc.
Don’t laugh … I know puzzles are what old people do … but I’m old and boring and this slows down my senility … at least I’m not watching Lawrence Welk reruns.
A puzzle needs real answers. You can’t just write in random words on a crossword puzzle or write any number on a sudoko … it won’t work.
A puzzle is a form of reality … that’s the challenge … it has to make sense. The answers have to fit.
A lot of people don’t make sense. It seems that they aren’t living in reality. They don’t seem to understand cause and effect … or they refuse to accept it.
Denying reality is not being creative or smart. It doesn’t work.
Trying to discover and understand reality is the job of science and math and philosophy. Trying to discover the truth is not dull and boring … it might be limited … but only limited to what isn’t true.
And dealing with people, we need a realistic understanding of human nature. That’s what makes the puzzle really interesting.
So the puzzle is about offering a golf experience that people will pay enough for, so that we can pay the bills. We aren’t subsidized and we don’t have a Sugar Daddy … we need enough revenue to keep going and keep improving.
I relate it to the puzzle of the golf swing. The golfer needs to consistently make good contact at impact. Some players focus on the follow-through. I’ve seen videos of celebrities who are brutal at impact - usually making a reverse weight shift with scoopy hand action. Their swing basically stops at impact, then they make a fake follow through where they pose at the end as if it was a great swing (these celebrities are usually actors - they’re good at posing).
That’s not solving the puzzle of the golf swing. There are a lot pieces … but the impact piece is what matters.
Some people don’t care if the pieces fit. They have a vision (it might be ridiculous) but they are determined to make it fit. It’s like pounding the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle in with a hammer. The pieces don’t fit … but they’re going to pound them in because it fits their vision.
That’s not being creative … that’s being crazy.
Hopefully, we’ll put the pieces of the golf course operation into the right places … and make a beautiful picture … that actually works!
It’s good to be back home to take on a bigger and better puzzle.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Empowerment is not Entitlement
Greetings Golfers,
Last week’s blog created quite a response about fun golf and serious golf.
And … has continued with emails about Phil Mickelson and the Saudi Tour. And, I’ve received remarks about Tour players covered in logos like Nascar drivers.
My original plan was to write about empowerment and entitlement … but more in the context of staff and customers.
However, I think that it all fits under the theme of what is legal … and what is moral.
They aren’t necessarily the same thing.
People living together can be tricky. We need laws to keep things orderly and to protect each other.
I think our Founders stated intent of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” is about as good as it can get. It allows for individual pursuits … which may not be shared by others … but are legal as long as they don’t hurt people.
As far as the Saudi Tour and Mickelson comments … well, greed is not attractive. But legal.
Were any of Phil’s comments about the greed of the PGA Tour accurate? Yes.
However, Phil doesn’t seem to be motivated by noble intentions. He’s obviously angry at the Tour and wants revenge. Yet it’s hard to feel sorry for the life he’s led as a Tour player and the $100M he’s made on the PGA Tour … not including endorsements, etc.
Even worse are his comments about overlooking the Saudi human rights violations … because the Saudi Tour gives him “leverage” (his phrase) over the PGA Tour.
Wow!
Is the PGA Tour perfect? Hardly.
Was the PGA Tour’s break from the PGA of America pretty? Hardly.
Too often business is too bottom-line and short-sighted. Is it attractive? Hardly. Is it legal? Usually. Is it moral? Ahhh … that’s your choice.
Remember Gordon Gekko’s famous line in the movie “Wall Street”?: “Greed is good.”
Ugh.
We all know about Phil’s gambling problems. And I’m sure money to him is what booze is to an alcoholic. It’s never enough.
Motivation … intent … is what drives people. That’s their choice … that’s their right. But those choices are reflected in their actions. Though they may not be criminal, greedy choices are not attractive to moral people.
Professional golf tours solely driven by greed are not attractive. Players who look like a billboard are not attractive. I was asked if Ben Hogan would be covered in logos. I doubt it. You probably know the story about Hogan starting his golf club company by investing every nickel he had into it. And … that the first run of irons did not live up to his standards … and he insisted they be scrapped. That decision almost sunk his company before it got off the ground. But, Hogan’s life was driven by integrity.
I wish Hogan could come back and be the commissioner of the PGA Tour.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Waste Management Open
Greetings Golfers,
There’s been lots of talk about that crazy hole-in-one scene at last week’s Phoenix Open.
Was it over the top? Yeah. But, it seemed genuine. The crowd immediately reacted. People were literally jumping up-and-down with joy … it wasn’t fake. The videos are amazing.
As a lover of golf … and someone who has devoted his life to sharing that love … I loved the reaction.
This gets to the crux of the matter - is golf deadly serious? Or is it fun?
I think it’s both.
The US Open should be deadly serious. That type of fan reaction would be all wrong.
However, not every PGA Tournament should try to be the US Open. In fact … the full name of last week’s tournament is the “Waste Management Phoenix Open”. How can that be a deadly serious event?
Ok … some people will say that they are “purists” and that is not real golf.
Hmmmmmm …
Golf started as a game of Scottish shepherds. While tending the flock … Ian said to Mac “I bet that I can hit this rock from here to that tree with my walking stick, in fewer shots than you can. And if I win … I get a shot of your whiskey”.
That’s pure golf.
I love recreational AND tournament golf.
It’s not one or the other. There’s room for both. And I think recreational golf should be fun.
Down here, I play every Monday with a bunch of old Pros from New England. We have a little game, no one has an “official” handicap, we give putts, and we have a lot of laughs.
Now, two of the guys have played in US Opens. They sure don’t act like that during our Monday game.
Is our group disruptive? No. We’re respectful of the other players on the course and of the golf course.
But we’re not deadly serious.
Save it for the US Open.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Good Doesn’t Have to be Perfect
Greetings Golfers,
We’ve all heard that saying “Practice makes perfect”.
And that other saying “Perfect practice makes perfect” attributed to Vince Lombardi.
But … does that work for golf? Does that work for a recreational player?
The other day I played on one of the local courses … it was cold for here (50 degrees) so I was the only one on the course. My thought for the round was to play every shot as casually as I could. No pre-shot routine … just walk up to it … and swing. And … swing with zero intensity … no swing thoughts … just react.
Why?
Because I don’t want to have to play “perfect” to play well or even decent.
I can walk without trying. I can throw a ball at a target without going through a routine.
I want to play golf that casually.
So, I have to risk playing that casually … in a “practice” round … and also when practicing anywhere.
Think about putting. I don’t want to need to make a perfect stroke to make a putt. It’s just rolling a ball into a hole. I want to be able to make a putt with a poor stroke.
We’re making it too hard.
Good doesn’t have to be perfect.
My goal is to make golf “easy” not “perfect”.
And by easy … I still mean good. No one wants to play bad golf.
But perfect isn’t my goal. And I think perfect makes me worse … and it certainly takes away my fun factor.
I know a guy who tried to play with a different group every week. One week it was with a group where something always went wrong so it never happened. Well, this time it was on no matter what! But, this time, the guy’s neck went out. Fortunately, one of the guys was a doc, so he fed him pain pills … and the other guys fed him beers. These other guys swear that this fellow shot way under par. Is this a true story? Probably - these guys still talk about it. The player himself doesn’t really remember the round.
Maybe that story isn’t a great example. However, it does make a point:
“Golf is more fun … and better … when it’s easy”.
And:
“Good golf doesn’t have to be perfect”.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Need to See the Forest
Greetings Golfers,
We all know the value of taking a break. When we’re going hard and fast … and focused … it’s tough to see the forest-for-the-trees.
While down here in SC, I play golf … and do a lot of reading and thinking … hopefully I can start seeing the forest.
We’ve all seen a movie where the idealistic hero realizes that in his pursuit, he has lost sight of why he does what he does.
As people say “life gets in the way”.
Most of us got into the business of golf because we want to share the game we love. I really saw this last week at the PGA Show … the little booths selling their dream. It’s inspiring … you hope they make it.
Most of the big guys started like that. But, sometimes they get big and forget why they started in the first place. They get so into the bottom line … that the bottom line becomes the goal … not the love that inspired them.
Money is a tool. I heard a guy say yesterday “Money is the root of all evil”. No … the saying is “Love of money is the root of all evil”.
When the big guys don’t show-up and support the Golf Show … what are they saying? They’re saying they don’t need it.
Hmmmm …
They don’t need to get in front of the PGA Pros in America? They’re not excited to show what they do to their target audience?
Maybe they don’t need to … but don’t they want to?
Is it all just dollars and cents?
I thought golf was better than that.
Well, I know that most golf pros and course operators don’t have that attitude. It’s a labor of love. Of course we need money to live and maintain our courses. But, we got in this to share our love.
Maybe these big guys need a vacation. They’ve lost sight of the forest.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Thoughts from the PGA Show
Greetings Golfers,
I'm writing this from the PGA Show in Orlando.
I love the PGA Show … it was cancelled in 2021 … and wasn’t sure it would happen in 2022.
Well, I’m here. However, none of the equipment companies such as Titleist, TaylorMade, Ping, etc are here.
And many of the big-name clothing companies are not here.
But … the tech companies are here. They have become very important to golf operations. You’re reading this blog … we live in a tech world.
My goal/obsession is to use tech to make our operation run smoother … and to make the golfer’s experience easier.
Not harder.
When our tech stuff doesn’t work or breaks down … life at Deer Run GC isn’t fun.
Not only is the Show about seeing golf “stuff” … it’s about seeing people. It’s like a reunion. And a bunch of us have been meeting in the lobby of the same hotel for Happy Hour for 30 years. That’s fun. And hilarious. I’ve been trying to understand why these guys are funny … and why we like each. It’s the humor. And the humor is based on a certain understanding and acceptance of reality. So when reality is ridiculous … it’s funny.
Probably the people who don’t find us funny … are mad at reality. To them, if life’s not perfect … “How can it be funny!!!!”
Well … it is.
Here’s a reality that’s not that funny: I’ve had terrible food. Best meal I’ve had was a Nathan’s hot dog at a food stand. The food at restaurants has been mind-boggling. I think because food costs have gone way up … that restaurants are afraid to raise their prices accordingly … and are buying poor quality food (I’m being kind).
So … we’re preparing for a new season at DRGC. Look for new cool clothing … similar equipment … great hats … comfortable shoes … smoother technology … and (drum roll) QUALITY FOOD.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
More Playable is Better
Greetings Golfers,
The other day while in a local Pro Shop … the staff was talking about the courses on Hilton Head with a local player. Everyone was playing the game of “who’s played at the coolest place”.
I was just a fly on the wall taking it all in.
Hilton Head has a lot of courses. And a lot of really difficult courses. Is difficult “cool”? Is “cool” difficult?
A few years ago, I wrote in this blog about after playing the Ocean Course at Kiawah, I asked our caddy what the average score was for the guys he looped for. His answer – 125. Seriously. And that was the average score.
So … if this is skiing … is it “cool” to ski down brutal Black Diamond runs if you’re not a great skier? Is breaking your neck fun?
Is shooting 125 fun? What about the higher half? Shooting 150?
We have to talk about this … no one does.
After every golf article in MPLS/ST.PAUL Business Journal … they list the most difficult courses in Minnesota. Why?
What does that mean? Is that desirable? “Cool”?
I just watched an interesting video about an Indian Yogi talking about the importance of sport. And that he loves to play golf.
I agree. He gets it. We all need physical activity. And we need sport. Not just working out or going for a walk … but the test of sport. As this Yogi says … “You come face-to-face with yourself”. That’s a good thing.
However, is playing a golf course that is way too difficult for you a good thing? Is it even a sport if you can’t play it?
Having a USGA Handicap doesn’t help. You’re not really playing the game.
Too many golf courses are way too hard.
It’s hilarious when I hear average golfers say that a course is too easy. I ask them if it’s no fun shooting 65. Of course they didn’t shoot 65 … not even 75 … what are they talking about?
Do they need a course that demands not only controlled power … but the ability to shape shots onto greens to get in the proper location for the putt? Are you kidding me?
Most low-handicappers don’t have that type of skill.
Every Monday I play with a bunch of old Pros from New England. It’s a goofy course … in terrible condition … but most of the guys live on it. The layout is ridiculous. The tee shot on the first hole needs to be a snap-hook around the corner. Has to be. And has to be perfect. Anything else is OB. Every fairway is skinny … with woods and water on both sides.
This is not a sexy golf course. Used to be 36 holes. Now it’s only 18. Terrible condition. We have two other public courses in town. Both in neighborhoods. One hasn’t been open in years. The other one is in brutal condition (I heard it was beautiful 30 years ago).
What I’m trying to say is that golf courses should be playable. If someone shoots a good score … that’s a good thing!
Some country club members pride themselves that guests shoot a million. That’s hospitality!
Playable also means in good condition … and reasonable speed on the greens and height of the rough.
I feel like this is an “Emperor is wearing no clothes” situation. We have to talk about this. It’s madness.
If we really want to share this game we love … and one that I think people need … golf courses have to be playable.
That doesn’t mean that anyone should just hop on any golf course. People should be decently able to play golf before playing on a regulation 18 hole course. It’s not fair to them or the people behind them if they can’t play. You don’t put someone learning to drive a car on the freeway.
But it’s a two-way street … we need playable golf courses. Else, they wind-up folding like the ones down here. And, people will quit playing golf.
More difficult isn’t better. More playable is better.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
More Playable is Better
Greetings Golfers,
The other day while in a local Pro Shop … the staff was talking about the courses on Hilton Head with a local player. Everyone was playing the game of “who’s played at the coolest place”.
I was just a fly on the wall taking it all in.
Hilton Head has a lot of courses. And a lot of really difficult courses. Is difficult “cool”? Is “cool” difficult?
A few years ago, I wrote in this blog about after playing the Ocean Course at Kiawah, I asked our caddy what the average score was for the guys he looped for. His answer - 125. Seriously. And that was the average score.
So … if this is skiing … is it “cool” to ski down brutal Black Diamond runs if you’re not a great skier? Is breaking your neck fun?
Is shooting 125 fun? What about the higher half? Shooting 150?
We have to talk about this … no one does.
After every golf article in MPLS/ST.PAUL Business Journal … they list the most difficult courses in Minnesota. Why?
What does that mean? Is that desirable? “Cool”?
I just watched an interesting video about an Indian Yogi talking about the importance of sport. And that he loves to play golf.
I agree. He gets it. We all need physical activity. And we need sport. Not just working out or going for a walk … but the test of sport. As this Yogi says … “You come face-to-face with yourself”. That’s a good thing.
However, is playing a golf course that is way too difficult for you a good thing? Is it even a sport if you can’t play it?
Having a USGA Handicap doesn’t help. You’re not really playing the game.
Too many golf courses are way too hard.
It’s hilarious when I hear average golfers say that a course is too easy. I ask them if it’s no fun shooting 65. Of course they didn’t shoot 65 … not even 75 … what are they talking about?
Do they need a course that demands not only controlled power … but the ability to shape shots onto greens to get in the proper location for the putt? Are you kidding me?
Most low-handicappers don’t have that type of skill.
Every Monday I play with a bunch of old Pros from New England. It’s a goofy course … in terrible condition … but most of the guys live on it. The layout is ridiculous. The tee shot on the first hole needs to be a snap-hook around the corner. Has to be. And has to be perfect. Anything else is OB. Every fairway is skinny … with woods and water on both sides.
This is not a sexy golf course. Used to be 36 holes. Now it’s only 18. Terrible condition. We have two other public courses in town. Both in neighborhoods. One hasn’t been open in years. The other one is in brutal condition (I heard it was beautiful 30 years ago).
What I’m trying to say is that golf courses should be playable. If someone shoots a good score … that’s a good thing!
Some country club members pride themselves that guests shoot a million. That’s hospitality!
Playable also means in good condition … and reasonable speed on the greens and height of the rough.
I feel like this is an “Emperor is wearing no clothes” situation. We have to talk about this. It’s madness.
If we really want to share this game we love … and one that I think people need … golf courses have to be playable.
That doesn’t mean that anyone should just hop on any golf course. People should be decently able to play golf before playing on a regulation 18 hole course. It’s not fair to them or the people behind them if they can’t play. You don’t put someone learning to drive a car on the freeway.
But it’s a two-way street … we need playable golf courses. Else, they wind-up folding like the ones down here. And, people will quit playing golf.
More difficult isn’t better. More playable is better.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Swing
Greetings Golfers,
Yeah, I know it’s cold in MN … and that I’m obnoxious talking about playing golf down here in South Carolina.
Well, it’s not hot here … 50s and sometimes 60s … but good enough to tee-it-up.
So the other day, I got a good feeling standing over a tee shot … and went with the feeling … and actually hit a decently long drive. Like most old people, my tee shots have gotten significantly shorter over the years.
What happened on this “good” one? Well, I felt like John Daly. Felt like I was making a ridiculously long back swing.
Was it really long like Daly? Hardly … wasn’t even back to parallel. But it felt really long. And … it felt really good.
Ok … let’s talk about this. Right now the best player in the world is Jon Rahm. He’s crazy good. And hits it crazy far with a really short back swing. He’s also really young and really strong. I’m neither of those … I need a long backswing.
Of course if it’s too long … it’s hard to control. That’s not my problem. My problem is distance.
So … how to solve this problem? Yeah … getting stronger would help (a new body would really help!). But that’s not happening. I need to lengthen my swing (and so do a lot of you - even some young people).
But what we all really need … is a better golf swing. Swing. Not hit. Not some big body move. I’m talking golf SWING.
I pulled my Orange Whip trainer out of the garage and started swinging it back & forth. And tried to make the swing as long as I could. Full backswing and full follow-through. Back & forth without stopping. Nice and long and smooth and rhythmical.
It’s not hard on the body … if you don’t go crazy.
Now I’m inspired. In fact, I dug out my old copy of Ernest Jones classic book “Swing the Clubhead”. If you don’t know about it … check it out … buy a copy … read about Jones on the internet, etc.
Ernest Jones was a young Golf Pro before he went to serve in WWI. Unfortunately, during the war, a grenade blew off his right leg. He thought his days as a Pro were done. Hardly. Shortly thereafter, he shot 72 on a long, difficult course. On one leg.
Thus, his new understanding of the golf swing.
As he said “The trouble with the teaching of golf, is that one is taught what a swing produces (body movement), instead of how to produce a swing (club movement).”
Jones gave most of his lessons indoors. Said it was better because people could then focus on the swing and not their shots.
So, even if you’re in cold Minnesota … this is a great time to work on your golf SWING.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Control-freaks Aren’t As Much Fun As You Think They Are
Greetings Golfers,
Just finished playing as a single with another single and a 2some.
Nice people … but not a lot of fun. The other single thought it was his duty to teach the 2some how to play golf. This was not a playing lesson. In fact, this single had never met the 2some before we got paired-up.
This “instructor” took it upon himself to give advice. These people never asked for help or advice.
If the “instructor” saw an alligator hiding in the weeds near their ball … he should step-up and speak. But that is a warning about real danger … not advice about how to swing the golf club.
These are two very different cats that seem to get confused.
One is motivated by respect and concern. The other is motivated by disrespect and arrogance.
You might say that I’m being harsh. Really? Would you have wanted to be in that 2some?
I have certain buddies that before we play, I ask them to let me know if they see something goofy in my swing. I’m asking. I’m open to help and advice … but not unsolicited help and advice. Big difference.
This “helpful” mindset has gone way too far. We have a new refrigerator that sends off alarms if I keep it open too long. Seriously. The door wasn’t left open for an hour … it went crazy after a minute.
Not only is this alarm annoying and insulting … I had to pay for it. And you know that it will break and probably screw-up the rest of the refrigerator.
Shouldn’t we be trying to make life simpler and saner? Well, I know that I do. Some people might enjoy their life getting cluttered-up with worthless gadgets and bossy know-it-alls telling them what to do … but I wish they would leave me alone.
What’s really crazy is that when you stand-up to this nonsense and these control-freaks … they act like you’re ungrateful … and that you’re the arrogant one!
Talk about crazy and manipulative! I guess that's what they call “gaslighting”.
Obviously, I’m not a psychologist. But I do recognize bullying and gaslighting - these are the actions of control-freaks.
Some control-freaks think “empowerment” means telling people what to do. Wrong. Empowerment is standing-up to control-freaks.
I’m glad my refrigerator can’t play golf. But I don’t want to golf with the joker who invented that crazy alarm system.
We all know that people reveal themselves on the golf course. It’s fun to play with respectful people. And not fun to play with control-freaks.
And, we don’t need to put up with it on the golf course. Or anywhere.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Happy New Year
Greetings Golfers,
Happy New Year!
Every year, most of us look forward to a new year - a new beginning (especially this year!).
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 over-whelming … 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. So … 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.
Happy New Year!
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
Only the Good Die Young
Greetings Golfers,
“Whom the gods love, dies young” is an old - even ancient - saying. It wasn’t invented by Billy Joel.
And if you’re watching the show “Succession”, you would say it applies to the patriarch of the Roy family. He’s not good, and he’s not young. The show seems to be based on the Murdoch family. If so, I’m sure Rupert Murdoch isn’t enjoying it. But I am.
Succession can be a problem for any organization - not just a family business. Had lunch this week with some local Golf Pros and we talked about some friends who were retiring. Some had retired on their own … and some had been “nudged” out the door.
Obviously it’s the same in many organizations - most aren’t so visible. And just like football coaches, you can win the Super Bowl and people still don’t think you know what you’re doing.
Well, a guy who knew what he was doing died last week - Dave Alsaker.
Dave was a beloved man who did so much for the Minnetonka athletic community. He’d had cancer for the last year and a half … and dealt with it gracefully and courageously.
The ancient saying aptly applied to him. Dave was good, and died young.
R.I.P.
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Amazing Tiger Woods
Greetings Golfers,
So, Tiger Woods is going to compete next week in the PNC Challenge with his son Charlie.
How crazy/amazing is that?
When he crashed his car in February … I didn’t think he’d play golf again. Much less in an event. And on television?
The guy is unbelievable. I thought he was done after his previous car accident. Hardly. He came back … struggled with everything - especially his chipping … and had more back surgeries.
And then won the Masters.
Before the car accident in February, his last tournament was this same PNC Challenge. It was really fun watching his 11 year old son Charlie. The kid was amazing … can’t wait to see him one year later.
I’m sure that you saw the video of Tiger’s swing a few weeks ago. Obviously, it wasn’t as powerful. But it was definitely his swing … and he had great rhythm.
Rhythm isn’t emphasized enough. We all get too mechanical and forget about rhythm. That’s not a good thing.
A few months ago, I played with a very good player who was redoing his swing. He was really struggling hitting goofy shots that I’d never seen from him. After awhile, he asked me if I’d noticed anything. I said that his rhythm was different. He was fast going back … then seemed to quit at contact. His swing used to be slow going back, then accelerate through the ball. Instead, he was so concerned about making a different backswing, that his tempo was all screwed-up.
Well, Tiger hasn’t lost his rhythm … which is incredible for a lot of reasons. Especially when rebuilding his swing.
Obviously you know that I’m trying to get you to work on your rhythm. I’m not very subtle.
Also, I want to you to hit balls into a bucket this winter. Take a sand wedge and just hit little shots into a bucket or basket. And try it with each hand.
I do it up in my office and I got pretty good with the righthand shot. But I was terrible with the left-hand shot. Then … duh … I tried it with a glove on my left-hand. Hurrah! I wasn’t terrible. Not great … but pretty good. The grip on my club was worn-out … so the glove really helped.
So this winter … work on your rhythm/tempo … and chipping into a bucket/basket.
And … get your clubs re-gripped!
Maybe do it yourself next weekend while watching Tiger tee-it-up in PNC Championship.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Match
Greetings Golfers,
Did you watch “The Match” the day after Thanksgiving? You know, that epic blood-feud between Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. Yeah … the hype was ridiculous, but the show was interesting … mildly entertaining … yet interesting.
I watched the whole thing because I love golf and like watching great players. But I especially stayed because you got to watch every hole from start to finish. What a concept! Typical tv golf tournament productions are annoying because they jump around from hole-to-hole and are just mostly random highlights (at best).
Imagine if you turned on to watch a Twins game and it jumped to a guy hitting a home-run in a Dodger game … then someone hitting a liner into a gap during a Red Sox game … then scenes of the final out in other games.
Sure, the NFL “Red-Zone” show is sort of like that … but that’s basically a show for gamblers and Fantasy Leaguers wanting updates. But it’s not watching football.
Speaking of other sports … Charles Barclay is fun and clever during NBA halftimes. And he was good at bringing some humor and charm to “The Match”. Phil Mickelson brought his usual insight and banter to the broadcast. But at times it was weird and uncomfortable. Not as weird and uncomfortable as DeChambeau trying to be witty and clever … but still not good.
Phil and DeChambeau’s talk about brain waves was embarrassing. Pseudo-intellectual and condescending. Brooks and Barclay rightfully made fun of it.
Phil was correct that Koepka feeds off anger. When Phil said that he predicted that Brooks would win the early holes but lose the match … you could see on Brook’s face that he was hurt and insulted. Well, that wasn’t what DeChambeau needed … Brooks fed on it and dominated the match.
Not only did DeChambeau play mediocre golf … he came off as a whiner and a phony. He should have stayed home.
However, I hope “The Match” continues. Golf needs rivalries … but it especially needs telecasts that stay committed to hole-by-hole, shot-by-shot action.
No matter how ridiculous the hype, or silly and unnatural the banter … a lot of us love golf and want to see the game being played. It’s a game of strategy. Don’t underestimate the audience.
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 does it have to be so hard/brutal? … well, the consequences have to be real. Consequences? What about random unfair stuff? You mean like bad bounces or terrible lies in golf? Part of the game.
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
Work, Golf, and Ranches
Greetings Golfers,
“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”
Wise words from Carlos Castaneda. Yeah - that guy. Those of us from the 60s-70s era of mind-expansion and a search for meaning will recognize his name.
Even Castaneda - someone who would be considered on the opposite side of traditional America - knew that the secret to mental health is work. We need to work for what we want.
A new set of golf clubs will not make-up for a lack of work. They can help. But they don’t hit the ball for you … you control the golf club.
I believe Seve Ballesteros learned to play golf with a 3-iron … and on a beach. Chi-Chi Rodriguez has much crazier stories. Think those two had good short games? Think they could hit golf shots? Think they worked hard on their golf games?
We are not machines. We have logic and emotions and feel. Machines do not have hands. Good golfers have good hands. Sure, some people are blessed with good hands. However, we can all improve our feel of the golf club.
This winter is a great time to develop more feel. Practice hitting shots with one-hand. Full-shots and half-shots. Practice putting and chipping in your house with each hand.
Do you watch that show “Yellowstone”? Well, it’s been trying to make the point that the boys (including Jimmy) need to earn what they want. It’s not what they want to hear - but it’s what they need to do.
In fact, one of the boys learns “the secret to life” from Rip - the ranch foreman … “You don’t deserve anything”. A few minutes later, the patriarch of the ranch - John - tells the boy the same thing.
It was said out of love and respect. John had told it to Rip when he was an orphan … and Rip knew it was the secret to his success and sanity.
Well, none of us deserve a good golf game. But we can earn it. Just takes work.
They must have a golf course on the ranch - I’m looking forward to that episode!
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Back Home Looking Forward
Greetings Golfers,
I was out-of-town for a while … nice to take a break … but even nicer to come home.
Obviously, the season is over … but we’re getting ready for next year.
We keep getting asked about 3 things: are we having our Christmas Sale? … are we still selling Holiday Passes? … and will we have Leagues next year?
We will have the Christmas Sale on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9am to 1pm.
We will continue with our Holiday Pass tradition … same prices as last year. The passes will go on sale on our website from Nov.16 - Dec. 15 … or purchase them at the Christmas Sale.
We will not have Leagues next year. For those who want to continue with their 4some … they can make normal tee times … and buy the Holiday Passes instead of the former League passes.
Our goal has always been to provide a relaxed, quality, friendly 18 hole round of golf.
The bunker work on the course has been going better than expected. It already looks beautiful and may even be finished before we open next year.
We’re even looking into a new F&B service for next year. We’d still have the Bev carts on #4 and #14 … but also have a delivery cart running around delivering orders from an app. Hmmmmm … might be pretty fun.
It’s good to be back home. And good to be planning for next year.
Life moves on.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Time for Humor
Greetings Golfers,
I was going to write about Time - is it linear or circular? Then I was going to launch into how a round of golf is circular … you go out and then play, back in, etc. But, the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to write about it.
I’m more in the mood for some humor than a heavy dose of philosophy about Time. So how about a Scottish joke?
Scots invented golf … so that should work.
Here goes:
An Englishman, Irishman, Welshman, Scotsman were captured while fighting in a far-off land, and the leader of the captors said: “We’re going to line you up in front of a firing squad and shoot you all in turn. But first, you each can make a final wish.”
The Englishman says: “I’d like to hear God Save the Queen just one more time to remind me of the auld country, played by the London All Boys Choir. With Morris Dancers Dancing to the tune.”
The Irishman says: “I’d like to hear Danny Boy just one more time to remind me of the auld country, sung in the style of Daniel O’Donnell, with Riverdance Dancers skipping gaily to the tune.”
The Welshman says: “I’d like to hear Men of Harlech just one more time to remind me of the auld country, sung as if by the Aberavon Male Voice Choir.”
The Scotsman says: “I’d like to be shot first”.
That’s it … humor can be a pretty good use of Time.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Death and Renewal
Greetings Golfers,
Sunday is Halloween. The ancient Celts celebrated this as the festival of Samhain - meaning the end of Summer and the “first of Winter”.
I never liked Fall until I was about 40. I just wanted non-stop Summer. Fall made me sad and I couldn’t appreciate the beauty of the season. Now it’s my favorite time of year.
Life has the same cycles as the seasons, and they all need to be appreciated. The Celts honored their dead with the passing of the seasons … and for them, Samhain was the season of death and renewal.
And for us at Deer Run, this is also a time of death and renewal - we close the golf course, yet renew the course with projects.
This Fall we have an extra special project - renewing the bunkers. Over time, bunkers spread out and lose their shape. And the sand settles in odd places. (Sounds like my body). And, the drainage gets clogged underneath. They need renewal.
So, we are in the process … and will continue as long as the weather holds. Not just are we reshaping the bunkers … we’re adding new sand - the legendary “Ohio’s Best”. This special sand is perfect for golf. The difference is pretty amazing. You’ll notice it right away … and might even start aiming for the bunkers because it’s so playable.
So … as the old bunkers die … they will be renewed … just right for this time of year.
Slan leat,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com