I was a lucky guy growing up in Minnesota. My neighborhood was full of kids and we played baseball, football, and hockey all the time. It was way more fun than organized sports – we played for the shear love of playing a game.

We’ve always wanted to bring that basic fun of playing a game to Deer Run GC. That’s why I still play golf – I don’t play as well anymore, but I just love to play golf. I wish the powers that be would simplify the rules of golf and the whole etiquette thing would lighten up. It’s not brain surgery – I don’t buy into the whole silence and non-movement deal … just get up and hit it.

Now if people want to play heavy-duty golf, that’s another thing – go play in the State Am and State Open, etc. But your round of golf with your friends should be a lot more casual – even if some money’s riding on it.

If you’re looking for casual (maybe even crazy) we have another FunPlayFriday scheduled for May 4.The theme might sound really formal, but it’s not – it’s Mexican. Seriously. How perfect is that for FPF?

We’ll be having serving stations at assorted tee boxes around the course that will be giving away shots of tequila, Mexican beer, margaritas, gelato, etc. Also, we’ll be serving a day long lunch of tacos, nachos, etc. And it also includes golf lessons and massages at the range. All of this for only $69, and of course includes golf, cart, and driving range. Whoa – I almost forgot – and live music beginning at 5:00pm.

This is even better than when I played neighborhood sports as a kid.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

Let’s clear the air – we are not moving. Don’t worry, we will not become the Deer Run Golf Club of Los Angeles. I know, if we were in LA we could be open every day all year long … but we are loyal to our Minnesota roots.

April flew by – can’t believe next week is May. For us, May is the start of the real season. April is the preseason – just trying to work out the kinks. We had a great preseason – the course is already in midseason form. The Pro Shop is ready with new, cool stuff and the Pub will be freshly stocked with classic food and drink.

That’s a major reason why we won’t move to LA – we’re classic. Think about it: we’re the old farmhouse, the Irish Pub, the classic old-school course lay out, we play classic rock, etc. Classic and fun – a pretty good combination.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

You know that I have to at least mention Bubba Watson and the Masters. Every year I always end up saying “That was the greatest Masters ever” … it’s always incredible – what a testament to the layout and the tournament. I love Bubba Watson – the whole deal – the crazy swing, the pink shaft, the emotional personality … how good is he for golf? For sports? For life?

That’s enough – the media’s already covered it. Let’s talk about your golf game. You need to develop both sides of your brain to improve your golf game and enjoy it more. The driving range is your science lab – that’s where you search for the truth. The golf course is your canvas – that’s where you’re an artist. Don’t confuse the two. Working on your swing while you play, will take the joy out of the game. Look at Tiger Woods – he’s always working on his swing while on the course – is he having fun? is that working for him? But, you do need to practice. An artist who can’t paint or play an instrument cannot perform what they feel – they need to do the work. But, the scientist who can’t express what he’s learned isn’t finishing the job either. This is your year to develop your golf game and both sides of your brain and personality.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

This is Masters Week. Even I got in one of those corn-ball pools where you pick your top seven players. Seven wasn’t enough – there’s at least a solid twenty guys with a legitimate shot at winning.

I love all of the Majors, but the Masters is my favorite. The course is difficult, but they can still light it up. The holes are very much risk/reward and can give up a bunch of birdies and a bunch of doubles. Things can change very quickly. Obviously, the winner has to hit the ball well to put himself in the right spots … but, he also has to putt VERY well. So, I hope you picked good putters if you’re participating in one of those Masters pools.

The main reason that I love the Masters so much is because of the vibe. Television does a pretty good job, but it doesn’t really capture it. Television gives it an air of pretension that I’ve never felt when I’ve been there. What blew my mind even more than the beauty when I’ve been there, is the relaxed, friendly, casual atmosphere. It felt like just a bunch of us decided to put together a tournament of friends – not a heavy duty major golf tournament.

For example, on number one tee box, the starter is an old Southern guy sitting at a table with a big rock holding down the pairing sheets. Then, when he announces the players, he just slowly stands up and says “ Tiger Woods – driving”… then he sits down. Unbelievable. Everything is like that. The ropes are right next to the players and they talk to the gallery. Because there’s usually a wait on the the par five tee boxes, it can turn into a party with the players telling stories and asking the spectators questions. You don’t see that on tv. I hope it doesn’t change – it’s very cool.

Speaking of very cool: This Saturday at 8:00am on WCCO/CBS right before the Masters coverage, there will be a show featuring the “Best Public Golf Course in Minnesota” as voted by the WCCO viewers. You’ll probably recognize it – it’s in the town of Victoria and they even interview some of the staff and customers (some real characters).

Cheers,

Tom Abts

Everyone knows that Ireland is green – the Emerald Isle, etc. But how about Minnesota being green? In March? Are you kidding me? Flying in the other day, I looked out the window over St. Paul and couldn’t believe it – as green as Ireland. That’s crazy.

We’ll take it. Last year we were buried under snow in March. When we did open in April, it never warmed up. I remember thinking it was no big deal, because May will be really nice and the course will green up and everything will be wonderful. Wrong. May was cold and awful. June was nasty until the 25th. Then, July was a broiler – record heat. That weather was not good for golf courses.

Fortunately, the mild winter was good for golf courses and this early Spring has been perfect. Not only has Mother Nature cooperated, but during the off-season we did some big-time course improvements. And just yesterday we completed the grading and sodding so that it’s better than ever.

So, we are green in March. And with completed course improvements. This year is already making up for last year. This is definitely the year to play golf.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

Hope you’re enjoying the weather. I’ve heard that the Deer Run golf course is in great shape. Heard? Yeah – I’m in Ireland.

Have I played golf in Ireland? No… But went to Lahinch yesterday (the St. Andrews of Ireland)… and just walked around. Spent an hour next to the first tee talking (listening) to one of their elderly members talk about life, philosophy, and medicine (he was a doctor). He was right out the book Golf In The Kingdom. I know that I’m a little out-there… maybe on a different planet, but this guy was in a different universe… probably the smartest, most interesting guy I’ve ever met. Wish that we could have hung-out in a Pub.

Speaking of Pubs… they’re just great. The people here love to talk, and the Guinness just fuels the fire. I’d always heard that the Guinness in Ireland is better than it is in the States… I don’t agree. I think that the Guinness in the Deer Run Pub is just as good, and I’ve been sampling Guinness all over Ireland (just to make sure).

I may be in Ireland, but you’ve got better weather in Minnesota – in March! Unbelievable… as they say over here “Thank your lucky stars”. Hope you’re teeing it up… and drinking a pint of Guinness.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

Just got back from Las Vegas. No-no-no … not what you’re thinking … I was at the NGCOA Convention … I went to hear some guy talk about FastPlayFriday.

The convention was good… golf biz people are starting to get it. Here’s the deal in a nutshell: Golf has had a reputation as being snobby and stuffy – that hasn’t been good for the growth of the game. Sure, some private clubs back East were definitely bastions of blue-blood snobbery and not exactly a lot of laughs. But, the roots of the game go back to Scottish shepherds who hit a rock with a stick and played for the reward of winning a shot of whiskey from the other shepherd – not exactly snob-central.

Why can’t you have the best of both worlds? Have an attractive clubhouse, manicured golf course, attractive flowers, good food, cool pro shop, and… a fun, relaxed atmosphere that even the old Scottish shepherds would enjoy?

Cheers,

Tom Abts

Are you getting ready? You know what I mean… this is our turn for an early Spring. I remember 25 years ago we were teeing it up in mid-March.

We deserve it. Last year was the worst Winter-Spring combo that I ever remember… and Summer didn’t begin until July.

So, are your clubs ready? Regripped, etc. How about you? Don’t go crazy, but maybe a few sit-ups and push-ups would be good. And get those legs in shape – long walks can do wonders.

Hit a few a balls at some of those indoor ranges. And, do a lot of chipping. Chip in the house – improve your feel of the club and making contact – that’s the best thing you can do for your golf game.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

My brother Dan is coming down to visit in SC so we have to tee it up – a bunch.

Because of relationships I have with other pros, we’re scheduled to play some unbelievable golf courses over the next few days.

Do I say this to gloat? No, well maybe … but I’m trying to make a point about golf and relationships. Obviously, business golf is about developing relationships. But more importantly, friendships are made and deepened on the golf course. Family relationships – even romantic relationships flourish out there.

People complain that the world has gotten too hurried. I agree. They also complain that golf takes up too much time – I do not agree. Thank God that golf takes time … relationships take time … the good things in life take time.

Time spent playing golf – good. Time spent with people you love/like – good. Time spent with those people on the golf course – good as it gets.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

I’m writing this from Florida. No, I’m not involved in the political primary going on down here … though I was in SC last week when the primary was happening there, too … sort of weird being constantly bombarded with political ads everywhere I go …

On a much nicer note, I’ve been in Orlando for the Merchandiser’s Convention and the PGA Show.

This has been the liveliest show since 9/11. Something good is going on and I think I know what it is – it’s youth.

People in their 20’s and 30’s are running golf companies and bringing an energy and excitement that has been much needed.

Unlike the worn-out political rhetoric that I’ve been listening to – these kids are bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and confidence to the golf business.

I can’t wait to show you what we’ve bought for the Pro Shop … we’re plugging into this youthful resurgence … I can feel it’s going to be a great year.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

Greetings from the Merchandisers of the Year Convention in Orlando. Today was a non-stop flurry of seminars and break-out groups. The theme of the convention is “innovation”. There are many ways to sell things. Lately, box stores and the internet have focused on efficiency and thus can sell things at cheap prices. I have no problem with that … it’s great to be able to buy basics such as soap at a bargain. But, that model doesn’t translate to everything – especially not golf. What makes the sale with important things in our life is the relationship – mostly trust. Too often sales training focuses on manipulation and tricks … it should focus on knowledge of the product and what is best for the customer – and the sales person needs to do that in their own way with their own style. That is true innovation.

I have to tell you – I played golf the other day. In fact, I’ve played twice this week.

On Monday, I played at The Sanctuary – isn’t that a great name for a golf course? I like to feel that Deer Run is a sanctuary – a place to get away from the craziness of the world – a relaxing, safe place.

Speaking of a safe place – on Tuesday I played at the Parris Island Marine Base golf course – that’s a true sanctuary.

Sanctuary can also mean a sacred place … for me, a golf course is a sacred place. It can also mean a place where you’re free from arrest by the law … we can’t offer you that at Deer Run.

I’d like to hear your thoughts about Deer Run GC as a sanctuary – how it is and how it can be … please send me your thoughts at tabts@deerrungolf.com

Cheers,

Tom Abts

I’m only recently appreciating balance. Not only in the golf swing – but in everything. I was always a pretty black and white guy – I looked at balance as wishy-washy. But … I’m starting to understand the reason for balance: winter/summer, cold/hot, hyper/mellow, left/right, etc.
Let’s relate balance to the golf swing. I see the left hand as the control hand – sort of the robot of the golf swing. The right hand is the feel hand – sort of the artist of the golf swing. The left hand needs to be in control to allow the right hand to do his job. When I was a young man, I had a totally right handed golf swing. I hit the ball far and hit a lot of really cool shots … I was also inconsistent and could shoot any number low or high. Then, as I got older, I began to focus on my left hand. My game became much more in control. But, I went too far focusing on the left hand. In fact, I took my right hand out of my swing. My swing began to lose power and I even began to lose feel. As my game got worse, I focused even more on my left hand … not pretty.

So, here’s what I’m now doing: I’m taking the club back with my left hand and hitting the shot with my right hand. I don’t mean totally left on the backswing and totally right on the downswing … but definitely more left than right on the back and more right than left in the hitting zone.

Bobby Jones once said that he felt he was “freewheeling” as hit went through the ball … that’s a great expression and definitely a right handed feel … Jones also consciously took the club back with his left hand.

I’m even trying to do this with the putter.

Blogging can be addictive … I’m pretty obsessive, so look out.

We have to talk about the golf swing. At the moment, I’m in Beaufort, SC – been here for a week. Probably played more golf this week than I did last summer. I play quite a bit with my neighbor – an ex-Marine who’s really gotten into golf. So this neighbor is always reading about the golf swing and asking me questions. He gets frustrated because much of what he reads contradicts itself – which it does … and here’s why: Golf instruction needs to be understood in the phases or evolution of the golfer’s swing. What might be great advice for an expert, can be terrible advice for a beginner. But, you say “aren’t fundamentals true for all players?” Yes! But, golf instructors don’t agree on what are fundamentals.

Let’s start at the beginning: most people are poor golfers because of one of two things (or both)

1.) They want to scoop the ball up into the air.

2.) They pick up the club and smash down into the ball. Ironically, they scoop iron shots and smash down with the driver off the tee – they would be much better off scooping tee shots and smashing down on iron shots. The expert player doesn’t have these problems – what he’s looking for is a more controlled swing. But, the suggested ways to tighten up the expert’s swing are usually the worst advice to the average player who needs to free up and develop his swing. Most people need to learn to make MORE of a weight shift and MORE of a turn. They also need to learn to keep their wrists firm on chip shots and learn to rotate their wrists on full shots. Average players also have to learn to swing inside-out.

Expert players already make a good weight shift and a good turn and rotate their wrists on full shots and swing inside-out … they are usually working on toning down those actions so that they are more in control. Thus, golf instruction has to be fitted as to where the golfer is at in terms of his evolution. And you can see why so often “tips” are not beneficial.

A recent survey by GOLF WORLD magazine listed the PGA Tour players’ top ten courses … I was pleasently surprised.

They picked the older, shorter, classic courses – the courses where you have to hit shots – not just bomb it and make some putts. Number one was Augusta National – maybe obvious, but still a great pick. Number two was Harbour Town – very surprising to me – I love Harbour Town, it’s short for a Tour course and has little greens, and you have to work the ball – you can’t just slug it. From there it’s: Riviera, Pebble Beach, Colonial, Muirfield Village, Shaughnessy, Aronimink, Innisbrook, and Congressional.

That’s great sign for the future of golf. Very often Tour players design courses because course owners want to use their famous names – so if these guys value the good courses, hopefully we’ll see more quality courses in the future.

This could be the The Year. The year when golf courses open in March and cruise through a beautiful Spring, then meander through a delightful Summer, and conclude with a glorious Fall.

We all deserve it.

So, in anticipation of the perfect year, we are making improvements to the golf course, and developing new and better ways to operate and provide service. In other words, our mission is the spoil you – the Deer Run customer.

For example, we’re getting more into social media. Starting this week on www.facebook.com/DeerRunGolf, we’re having the first of weekly drawings for golf passes and other swell prizes – take a look.

Get ready – the fun has just begun.

Happy New Year,

Tom Abts

This is a topic that I’ve been wrestling with since I was in high school.

We did a role-playing exercise in English Class, and I couldn’t figure out how to role-play and not be phony. It’s really tough to be authentic when you’re young … you don’t know who you are and you don’t have enough power to take the chance of being rejected, and rejected because you are being yourself – you could starve to death. So, hopefully with maturity, you can become more secure and self-knowledgable … and thus trust being your self. Being your self means also loving your self – that’s not narcsissm … narcsissm is loving your reflection, not your self. That’s why narcsissists are so concerned with what everybody thinks of them – their self-worth is dependant on other’s perception of them … so they become obssessed with how things appear, not as they really are.

I think narcsississm is basically immaturity. And an immature society is obssessed with appearances … that’s why young and/or shallow people are obssessed with fashion, the latest look, tv, celebrities, etc … sounds like the city of Los Angeles … Also, for immature people, other people are nothing more than things – he’s a golfer, she’s a waitress, he’s an executive, etc … not that he’s who he is and plays golf – no, people are defined by surface roles in society … Ever watch terrible tv shows where the charecters are not developed into real people? but are just caricatures of people who are part of a sit-com format with formula jokes, etc … not watchable … Also, when people are young/shallow/immature/narcsisistic … they turn occasions into spectales instead of just what they were meant to be … for example, these mothers having over-the-top birthday parties for kids … it’s obviously not about the kid – it’s about how it all looks …

The surest way to bad vibes is phonyness … we can all smell it … To be authentic, trust your gut and don’t worry about how people perceive it … you’ll like yourself and the people who get you are the only ones worth caring about anyway …

Here’s the American Dictionary’s definition of the Law of Diminishing Returns: “.The tendency for a continuing application of effort or skill toward a particular project or goal to decline in effectiveness after a certain level of result has been achieved.”

Ok … in my words it means that “you can achieve a certain level with a certain amount of effort.” And that after a certain point, it’s almost wasted effort.
That’s difficult for people to swallow. And, for a lot of reasons. But, that is what real effiency is all about.

Let’s talk about this … it’s at the heart of taking control of your life. The basic reality of life is that we have limited time. We need to weigh how much time and effort is worth a goal. It’s like determing how much money something is worth. Obviously if you have limitless money you can buy anything you want. If you have limitless time you can try to achieve anything you want.
Did you ever see the movie GROUNDHOG DAY? Bill Murray keeps reliving the same day over and over. After a while, he realizes that he can learn a lot of skills because he has limitless time … so he learns piano, ice sculpting, languages, etc … because it’s like he has limitless money – he has limitless time.

Well, we don’t have that luxury of limitless time. Being a boss is tricky because employees need to maximize their time … you need to give them enough freedom to use their time wisely, and hope that they won’t take advantage of you and misuse their freedom.

I’ve learned that good employees respond well to freedom – that they flourish with the opportunity to manage their time. Lousy employees take advantage of freedom and misuse their time … I prefer to let bad employees hang themselves.

This philosphy of mine flies in the face of too many bosses, coaches, cultures, etc.
Micro-management loves to point out the little problems … they always miss the big picture and the main point. Their nit-picking leads to poor leadership – leaders who are afraid to loosen the reins for fear that any minor problem will be used against them … so it all becomes management by Cover Your Ass …

Years ago I had a young Asst. Pro who hit balls 40 hours a week at the range and gave very complicated lessons. I tried to explain to him my theory of the maintenance free golf swing … people don’t have 40 hours a week to work on their golf swing … he didn’t even sort of get what I was talking about … but … years later he sent me an email that he teaches the maintenance free golf swing … wow! stuff like that gives me hope …

I have to wrap this up … people need freedom to manage their time … sounds obvious, but when bosses, family, etc expect perfection … we don’t have enough time to live and to be well-rounded … the more we live in a specialized, perfectionist society … the more we’ll have serious human personality problems … business has to realize that those problems are not efficient, that they’re crazy insistence on control is actually not cost-effective … look at the problems that the military is having with suicide … all of this comes down to a lack of freedom and a lack of understanding the Law of Diminishing Returns …

2010 was an odd year. It felt like the country was on the verge of an economic depression … maybe that’s why the year seemed so unfocused, sort of like everyone was living in limbo waiting to see what was going to happen. It was definitely not a bold, clear year.

Speaking of limbo … how about those Vikings? How come no one is talking about since Childress has left, that the defense is playing with agression and finally blitzing. Obviously, the offense has been more agressive … but why no talk of the defense? And … why all of the hatred toward Favre? He was handcuffed by Chilly all year …or he was hurt … why does Chilly have a free pass? His ridiculous style of football is why the season was a disaster. The local media boys hate Favre and love to pound on him while he’s down … they were always on Chilly’s side … they love mediocrity … they should read a little Nietzsche and grow some stones.

Speaking of Nietzsche … he would have seen this year of limbo as a classic example of modern herd mentality. I just read a moronic review of TRUE GRIT … it’s a great movie, and this reveiwer only saw it from a Marxist point of view … he was disturbed that it wasn’t politically correct … well, the era that the movie takes place in wasn’t politically correct … what does he expect? This constant need to blame independent personalities (Favre) and love the weakness of mob mentality is shocking. I would have thought that the advent of industrialism and technology would have freed up people enough to break away from the herd … instead, the herd mentality seems even stronger than ever … you’ve got the commune weanies on one side and the Babbitt idiots on the other side … where are independent individuals?

Let’s start to loosen up the reigns and start living like real people … how’s that for a goal for 2011?

I just learned of another guy that I went to high school with who committed suicide. You’d be amazed at the number … and the huge number of really unhappy guys that I grew up with. So, obviously I’ve been trying to figure what’s going on. I think it’s a combination of things, but the main factors are Women’s Lib and a lack of spirituality. Slow down … I’m glad that women are freer and stronger – I think that’s vital for EVERYBODY … but, it’s come with a price. Men are now in competition with women for jobs, money, status and financial security … that makes a lot of men feel weak and emasculated. Then, throw in a loss of spirituality – the modern world of materialism (materialism here does not mean yearning for material objects, but rather the Marxist-based philosophical position that only matter exists; that there is no such thing as spirit), and all you’re left with is the shallowness and pettiness of the modern “rat race”.

If a man’s value is only his “success”, it can make him a pretty ruthless animal. Once upon a time, men found their value in honor. You know, being a stand up guy … someone who’s word was gold … and they defended it … in fact, they had duels over honor.
I read horrible things in the newspaper – men beating women, abusing little girls … theses are obviously not men of honor.

Now I’m not saying that men have to be saints … but they should try to be good guys. And there’s nothing wrong with being a guy … in fact, I think we need more of it. I don’t mean that that macho deal – that’s creepy and phony … I mean just being a guy. I thought that Mr. Rogers was a creep and a bad role model … women don’t really want their sons to be like Mr. Rogers … only if they secretly hate men.

The reason that this ridiculous “thug” culture has power is that it has has masculinity … but, it doesn’t have honor … men need masculinity with honor.

That title probably grabbed your attention. Obviously, it’s pretty risky talking about sub-humans … but, I think you won’t be offended and will agree with me … so read on.

What I mean by sub-humans are people who are more like an animal. Here’s what I’m saying: for example, my dog Harvey, doesn’t have moral dilemmas – he doesn’t worry about right or wrong … he does what he can get away with. If I left my steak on a low table and left the room … he’d eat it … or if not, it’d be because he didn’t think he could get away with it … not that he has respect for private property and that it would violate his moral code. Humans do what is right because they know it is right – sub-humans do what they can get away with.

Now, animals function in packs. Dog’s are looking for the pack leader and then obey. Dogs respect power and attack weakness.

Humans want to live in civilization. Civilization is not the law of the jungle … might does not make right. Civilization is based on respect and decency.

Want to spot a sub-human? They take niceness as weakness.

One thing nice about running a golf course is that I don’t have to work with sub-humans. Usually I can spot them during the interview, but if not … I give them enough rope to hand themselves. I don’t manage using fear. If they are only motivated out of fear – if I have to be running around here with a pipe in my hand to keep them in line … I’ve hired the wrong people.

What’s difficult about a society is that we can’t just throw out the sub-humans. But, manners are a useful tool to determine basic civility and respect. But, what if a society devolves? I don’t mean evolves, but actually gets worse. What if sub-humans start outnumbering humans? That makes living in a democracy pretty scary. But remember, the USA is NOT a democracy … it’s a republic. Representatives are supposed to do what’s right for the health of the republic … not for the individual whims of their constituents … people don’t seem to understand that … that’s why it’s creepy when leaders are obsessed with polls … they just want to get reelected … not do what is right.

Remember … humans do what is right … sub-humans do what they can get away with.