Is "The Shark" ... "A" Shark?
Greetings Golfers,
Greg Norman is back in the news. Phil Mickelson isn’t playing in the PGA. He’s only the defending champion. But, his remarks about the proposed Saudi backed Tour didn’t go well. Greg Norman's comments were in the same league. Excusing and/or justifying brutal behavior doesn’t come off very well.
Norman at a press conference “We’ve all made mistakes” … referring to the killing of a journalist and other human rights abuses such as executing 81 people in March.
“Mistakes”? Hmmmm … we’re not talking about forgetting to keep an appointment … we’re talking brutal, planned atrocities.
I planned on writing this blog about “grit” … how grit is overlooked and underappreciated. Here’s what learningscientists.org says are the 5 characteristics of grit:
Courage
Conscientiousness
Perseverance
Resilience
Passion
How cool are those? They’re all qualities that we respect in a person. Especially grouped together.
However, what are a person’s goals? What is grit being used for?
If it’s just for power and money … a lot of us lose respect for that person. Though we respect those qualities … if they’re only self-serving … it ain’t pretty.
Greg Norman is obviously a talented and driven guy. He’s wanted a world golf tour for at least 20 years. But at what price?
Let’s talk about Norman’s golf swing. He was an unbelievably good player … who could have a bunch of majors. The golf gods were not smiling on him.
He was one of the all-time best drivers of the golf ball - he hit it far and straight - amazingly consistent. Why … what was his secret?
Well, he dragged his right-foot through impact. Why is that good? Well, I think that extension through impact is vital to consistently hitting it straight.
Think about this: If the shoulders start the downswing, you can’t extend out at the target. You have to swing “around and down” … try it and see.
This is why some guys can hit irons but not woods off a tee. That over-the-top shoulder move can crash down and hit 7 irons hard off the turf.
However, to extend the club … you need to start the swing with the lower body so that you are in a position to swing out at the target.
Not only did Norman do that really well … he kept that extension going by dragging his right foot through impact. If the right foot turns too soon, the shoulders turn left too soon for an extended impact.
This swing combined with his grit made Greg Norman known as “The Shark”.
But … is he a good guy … or just “a” shark?
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Good Wedge Players
Greetings Golfers,
We were talking the other day about what makes a good golfer.
We all know people who are great putters … but are not good golfers.
We know people who can drive it really far … yet are not good players.
However … have you ever met a good wedge player who is not a good golfer?
If you can play good shots from 100 yards in … you almost have to be a good player.
Watch a Tour player when they have to play a weird shot from a goofy lie … maybe standing on one foot, etc … from under 100 yards. They seem to pull it off every time.
Obviously, that shot is not about some “perfect” robotic golf swing. Instead, they’re in control of the golf club. In control of the face, path, speed, and impact.
So let’s talk about this. Practice chipping. A lot. Not only are those shots vital to good scoring … they’re vital to developing feel and control of the golf club - any and every club … wedge through driver.
Think of the club as a tennis racket or a ping-pong paddle … with a really long handle. And, basically use it the same way.
Hitting a topspin shot is hitting a draw. The path is a little low-to-high … and the face rolls over the top of the ball through impact.
A drop-shot is a flop-shot or a bunker-shot. The path is high-to-low … and the face slides under the ball and opens through impact.
The basic straight-shot for these games is fundamentally the same. No wrist-action. Especially no flipping of the wrists. In fact, the right-wrist should stay flexed throughout the shot - especially through impact. By flexed, I mean bent back … so that the hand is behind the wrist. Jimmy Connors’ famous flat, two-handed ground strokes are a good example of what I’m trying to say.
Practice these shots when chipping. You can do these shots in your yard … or even in your house.
Then, practice these as pitching shots … just longer versions of the chip shots. You’ll be amazed at quickly you can get control of these shots.
Without even practicing full-shots at the range … you’ll be amazed at how much working on these little shots will improve your full shots.
The secret to being a great player? Being a great wedge player who adds great putting and controlled power.
But … the wedge game is the backbone.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Magic Mondays and Bob
Greetings Golfers,
Back to reality!
I started to write about the goodness of people. I believe people are basically good … however, we need rules and laws to keep things from going off the rails. Yet, what we really need is a moral compass that keeps us doing the right thing, rather than needing a million rules and regulations to keep us in line.
While stumbling through writing about this … a former employee stopped-by to say hi. This guy - Bob Elfering - had worked here for 20 years … he retired from DRGC at the end of last season.
Talk about a good guy … Bob is as good as it gets.
Warm, funny, fun, thoughtful, responsible … just somebody you want to be around.
Bob worked at the Pro Shop desk on Tuesdays and Sundays … hopefully you got to deal with him. He was never flustered … nothing got to him. Whether it was computers not working or people complaining and acting crazy … he stayed calm.
He’s a people person … but, not needy. Usually people persons are people pleasers … and need to be appreciated in return.
Not so for Bob. He really doesn’t care. Not in an aloof, cold way … not at all … he’s a warm, lovable guy.
Here’s an example: His grandson is Ryan Suter - the famous NHL player. He never talked about it. He didn’t need that recognition. For years, he would need a week off to go see his daughter and son-in-law in Nashville … he never said why … well, Suter was playing for the Nashville Predators. Obviously, when Suter played for the Wild … it was harder to keep their relationship quiet … but he did.
When people had petty, ridiculous complaints … he’d just say “Ok”. And it was over. He knew it wasn’t really valid … they just wanted to feel important … so he just acknowledged it … and everyone moved on.
I’m sorry that he retired … loved seeing him at the desk … but am happy for him. He’s traveling and still playing golf and just enjoying life.
What a guy! A living example of what I was trying to write about. And a lot more interesting than my writing!
On a self-serving note … looks like the weather has finally shaped-up. And this Monday looks to be beautiful. Normally, we host golf events on Mondays (had a really fun one last Monday). But … we had a communication breakdown … so Monday, May 9 is open. Come on out and tee-it-up. It’s our only open Monday until October 24. Maybe Monday will have some unique magic … it doesn’t have the glamor of the weekend … maybe its understated charm will reward you with the round of your life.
Just play as if you’re with Bob Elfering … you’ll have a great time no matter what.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Julia Jane Abts
Greetings Golfers,
I’m thrilled to announce that on Weds, April 27 at 10:53 am … Julia Jane Abts entered the world.
Our first grandchild.
Thus … I’m not capable of writing my Friday blog. I can’t focus on anything else … and can’t put thoughts together in any sort of interesting way.
Take care and we’ll talk next week.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Wisdom, Weather, and John Wooden
Greetings Golfers,
Looks like it’s almost Spring. Every year I just hope for C+ weather. April has been a D-. But I’m still optimistic.
So I read inspiring quotes to keep me optimistic and somewhat sane. I’m not a big fan of those inane saying on pillows … I think they’re meaningless … but if they keep some people going … why not?
However, there is good stuff out there … really good stuff.
Here are 21 quotes from John Wooden - the legendary basketball coach at UCLA. His record makes no sense. He won 88 games in a row. And 10 NCAA championships in a 12 year span. Of course he had great players. And he knew basketball. But, he really knew life. Here goes:
1.) If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.
2.) A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
3.) The best competition I have is against myself to become better.
4.) We can have no progress without change, whether it be basketball or anything else.
5.) Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
6.) Success is peace of mind in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.
7.) If you are afraid to fail, you will never do the things you are capable of doing.
8.) Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
9.) Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.
10.) Nothing will work unless you do.
11.) The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.
12.) Don’t mistake activity with achievement.
13.) Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
14.) If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
15.) Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.
16.) It takes time to create excellence. If it could be done quickly, more people would do it.
17.) You are not a failure until you start blaming others for your mistakes.
18.) Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.
19.) Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
20.) You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
21.) Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.
How good were those? You can see why his players loved and respected him. His talk was amazing. And he walked the talk.
I hope I keep rereading his quotes for help to deal with my golf game, rather than for help to deal with bad weather.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Priorities
Greetings Golfers,
Sometimes these blogs are just me thinking out loud … no agenda … almost stream of consciousness.
So today, I'm wrestling with 5 things:
-A guy turning blind and becomes a 5 hdc player
-The disconcerting coverage of the Masters
-Cam Smith hitting into the water on #12
-Pitcher being yanked while pitching a perfect game
-A girl I just interviewed does not want to be a server at the restaurant where she’s a hostess
Just looking at that lineup … it seems to me what they share is understanding or not understanding priorities.
Cameron Smith could not hit it in the water on #12. He’d just birdied #11 and was back in it. He had to hit it long left. That was not the time to be aggressive. He couldn’t hand Sheffler the tournament right there (which he did). No sense of priorities.
The CBS coverage of the Masters. Wow. What was going on? It was like the typical weekend coverage of weekly Tour Events. Unfocused … scattered … showing meaningless putts … goofy camera shots of following the ball in the air - not in perspective of the hole … just a picture of a ball flying in the air … ????? No sense of priorities.
Wednesday, LA Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw had a perfect game going against the Twins. He only had to get 6 more outs. He’d only thrown 80 pitches. The Dodger Manager yanked him. Wow. In my youth, the players would have revolted and beaten the manager to a pulp. This move was the opposite of respect. This was more of that idiotic managing by the numbers. No sense of priorities.
Heard a story the other day about a guy who got really into golf as he was going blind. He set-up chipping targets in his house. Later, when totally blind, he started playing in national blind tournaments. He got down to a 5 handicap. That’s having priorities and fighting to achieve.
Last one. Just interviewed a girl who’s working as a hostess at a restaurant. She said she didn’t want to be a server there because the people are so impatient and demanding. I get it. These people have no priorities. They “want it all”. Ugh. So … anything not perfect gets their nastiness going. They think that being demanding is like the blind guy pushing himself to be a good golfer.
They couldn’t have it more wrong. The blind guy is making choices - prioritizing - to get to where he wants to go. Those diners … are just demanding everything. Because to them … there are no priorities … EVERYTHING is a priority.
The Masters coverage was ridiculous because they tried to cover too much. Most of that stuff was not a priority.
Kershaw pitching a perfect game should be a priority.
It seems to me that some people think that equality means that everyone has everything. And that if everyone can’t have something (a perfect game) then it doesn’t matter.
This is very confused thinking. And it will not make life better for anyone. It just causes extreme anger and pettiness and narcissism and failure.
Common sense and logic need to make a comeback. Thinking is a good thing. Over reliance on stats and systems and procedures … turns people into robots.
And sucks the life out of life.
Give me the blind guy over that Dodger manager any day.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Tiger Woods
Greetings Golfers,
Usually I have my blog done by Wednesday night so that it can be formatted and ready to go Friday morning.
However, this week I asked if I could wait until Thursday night so that I could write about Tiger’s opening round at the 2022 Masters.
I’m glad I waited.
How crazy was that round? The guy just doesn’t stop blowing my mind. His Masters victory a few years ago was unbelievable.
But this latest Masters magic? Shooting 71 on a difficult day … beating 8 of the top 12 players in the world … is this guy human?
When his life blew-up years ago … I thought he was done.
Wrong. He came back and won the 2019 Masters.
But this is even crazier. 500 days ago … we weren’t sure he’d ever walk again … much less play tournament golf.
So he decides to make his comeback at the Masters? Not at some minor-league tournament?
I don’t have anything unique to say. I’m sure there’s profound analysis on the internet. I have nothing to add.
However, I couldn’t write about anything else. It would be morally wrong. It would be not acknowledging what HAS to be acknowledged.
This man’s grit and determination and willpower are not human. This is the stuff of a superhero.
I just hope he plays decent on Friday and makes the cut.
Can he win? Probably. None of this makes any sense.
In total contrast … his main rival for the last 25 years is not playing at the Masters. In fact, rumor from a VERY GOOD source … says that he’s gone dark … that no one knows where he is.
Money, power, and fame can do crazy things to people.
It’s inspiring to see someone push themselves beyond seemingly human limits to achieve for deeper reasons.
I hope I have to write about Tiger Woods next week.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
To Annoy, or Not To Annoy
Greetings Golfers,
This past week, one of the big golf magazines had an article about what annoys golf course superintendents.
Annoy might be mild … they also used the word “irk” … still pretty mild. I think words like “angry” … “outraged” … “furious” would be more accurate.
So … let’s walk through these 12 infractions:
1.) Tee-box Temper Tantrums … such as hitting the tee-marker and destroying it. Probably more than annoying.
2.) Early-Bird Practice Sessions … guys who hit 10 shots from the same place in the fairway … taking divots and destroying the area. Probably more than annoying.
3.) Off-Season Trespassers … obviously the course isn’t ready to be open … that’s why it’s not open. And obviously it’s fragile. Probably more than annoying.
4.) Litter-Bugs … yeah, that’s never good. Especially on a beautiful golf course. Probably more than annoying.
5.) Lip Disservice … at first I didn’t know what the heading meant … lipping off? No … it means wrecking the lip of a cup … usually by using the head of a putter to dig the ball out of the cup. Probably more than annoying.
6.) Reckless Driving … running over signs, driving on or near the green, driving through wet, roped-off areas. Probably more than annoying.
7.) Ash Holes … leaving cigars or cigarettes on greens or tee-boxes … or in bunkers. Annoying.
8.) Taking Excess Relief … the course is not a giant urinal … I know some courses don’t have bathrooms or enough bathrooms on the course. We do. Every 3 or 4 holes … and we’re adding another one this year … that means we’ll have 6 bathrooms on the course … not counting the Clubhouse. Annoying.
9.) Stage Whispers … complaints made so that the super hears them … but not saying it to his face. More than annoying.
10.) Wannabe Bosses of the Moss … kind of like #9 … though more direct … but with an arrogant, condescending attitude. More than annoying.
11.) Icy Treatment … complaints about frost delays … as if the super controls Mother Nature. Annoying.
12.) Putting the Aggro in Agronomy … golfers mistreating the maintenance crew by hitting into them or making no effort to get out of the way. Charming. Probably the worst of the list. More than annoying.
So … why am I writing this? To be a scold?
Hardly.
I was glad to see the article in a major magazine. Most superintendents don’t have much interaction with the players. Or have blogs … or other forms of communication. But … they deserve a voice … they deserve to be heard.
When I was in college, I worked on a grounds crew … that’s where I met our superintendent’s mentor. People don’t really understand or appreciate the amazing job so many superintendents do. You know how much work it is maintaining your lawn … think about having 100+ acres … and having vulnerable grass, such as on the greens … fairway grass is even more vulnerable than what you have in your yard. What these guys do is incredible.
Not only is this article about what annoys the superintendent … this stuff annoys the other golfers. So, if one of your buddies is doing this stuff … you have my permission to give him a nudge with your wedge. Not a full-out swing … just a little chip-shot.
As of now … we’re planning on opening April 11. Don’t want to force it. We’re blessed with one of the best superintendents in the state … we’re not going to mess-up his masterpiece by opening too early.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
The Doctor Spin
Greetings Golfers,
Last year’s World Series champions - the Atlanta Braves …used to be the Milwaukee Braves … and before that, were the Boston Braves.
And they were good. Very good … because of 2 star pitchers - Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain. You may have heard the old saying “Spahn and Sain: then pray for rain”.
Not only was Johnny Sain an incredible pitcher, he was probably an even better pitching coach. These are some of his 20 game winners: Jim Kaat, Whitey Ford, Denny McLain, Jim Perry, Muscat Grant, and Jim Bouton.
Most of those guys said that Sain was the best pitching coach they ever encountered. However, Tommy John said that “Sain could show you how to throw any pitch in the book, but he couldn’t look at your motion and tell if your mechanics were off”.
Sain was all about controlling spin. He wasn’t a believer in the typical training that was focused on legs. He said something like “if that’s what matters, why aren’t track stars good pitchers?”
As you can probably guess … I’m more of a Sain guy for sports that involve a ball. I think that pitchers and tennis players and golfers need to understand spin … and how to control the ball by using spin.
However, those games have become much more focused on power than controlling spin.
Power can be a good thing. However, in life as in ball sports … uncontrolled power can be a very bad thing.
I watched that “King Richard” movie last week on the plane. Richard Williams’ daughters - Venus and Serena - learned how to control spin. Obviously they were athletic and powerful … but their dad got them to learn how to spin the tennis ball early in life, so that when they got older and stronger, they could be in control of their new found power.
Johnny Sain was also a good hitter … he posted a lifetime .245 batting average - amazing for a pitcher. He understood that the bat was a tool to be controlled.
Too often, golfers just swing the club and focus on body mechanics … as if the ball will just magically go where it should. Those body mechanics are useful if they help the players control the golf club. And, the golf club needs to be controlled to impart the proper spin. It shouldn’t be left to luck.
Well, if you can learn to control the spin of a golf ball as well as Johnny Sain could control the spin of a baseball … you won’t pray for rain. You’ll want it to only rain at night so you can play golf every day.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
An Annoying-free Sanctuary
Greetings Golfers,
Just got back from a trip out-west.
We flew. Wow. I think we spent more time in lines than up-in-the-air.
Of course I relate everything to Deer Run GC. One of our major goals is to minimize and/or eliminate waiting in lines.
Probably the biggest culprit is the front desk. Checking-in should be quick and easy. When it’s not, it’s usually because of a phone call. So, we’re trying to get everyone to book their reservation on-line. It would eliminate most of the slow-ups at the desk.
I started writing this blog 12 years ago … and one of the first ones was about DRGC being a sanctuary. A sanctuary from the madness of daily life:
- An attractive place
- Outdoors
- Friendly atmosphere
- Golf
- Play golf with friends or family
- Supplement it with good food and drink
That’s our goal. However, unnecessary waiting can be pretty annoying. Slow golfers, slow-ups at the desk and Pub. I get it. And don’t want it.
However … Sanctuary doesn’t mean Utopia. Perfect and/or Utopia are not good goals. They’re impossible and just lead to frustration and hard-feelings. And I feel that they’re used as a weapon. Expecting or demanding perfection is sick. Maybe cruel is a better word.
But that doesn’t mean anything goes. It’s not perfection or nothing … what about good? … what about quality?
Those are realistic goals.
I just looked-up the word “rigmarole” … it said “A long and tiresome procedure that seems pointless”. I think too much our lives is spent in rigmarole.
To eliminate rigmarole involves trust. Lack of trust causes petty steps. Though we’d like you to make your tee-time on-line … we’re not going to ask for more information (credit card number, etc). We trust you.
The phone can be annoying. My dream is that a phone never rings and disturbs our sanctuary at DRGC.
Ahhhhhhh.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Swing Easy, Hit Hard
Greetings Golfers,
Last week - March 3 - was the anniversary of the birth of Julius Boros.
He was born 102 years ago (1920) … so, probably a lot of people reading this don’t know who he was.
Well, he maybe had the coolest swing of all time. Take a look at it on YouTube … especially the analysis by Wayne Defrancesco.
Boros’ famous line was “Swing easy, hit hard”. How good is that? Usually I see one or the other … easy swings that don’t really hit the ball … or hard hits with hard looking swings.
His swing looks very intuitive instead of mechanical. As Defrancesco says “He’s always in motion”. Meaning that when he steps to up the shot … his feet are moving and takes a few waggles, then forward presses, and almost steps into the shot … much like throwing a ball.
If you’ve been reading my stuff, you know that I believe the golf swing is basically a throwing motion. I love Hogan’s analogy of the sidearm throwing motion of a shortstop … that’s the golf swing.
Speaking of baseball … imagine if a Centerfielder fielded a ball in short left-center field … and before he threw to 3rd base, he stopped and pulled out a Rangefinder for the distance.
This Rangefinder thing has become ridiculous. It’s helpful knowledge … but you need to trust your intuition.
Here’s a great saying by Henri Poincare “It is through science that we prove, but through intuition that we discover.”
Before you pull-out the Rangefinder … guess what the yardage is … feel the yardage before you test it with your rangefinder.
We would all be better players if we were more intuitive when we played.
It’s good to know the science of the golf swing and information such as yardage. However, we play much better through trust and intuition than trying to play like a robot.
And it’s more fun.
Cheers!
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
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