Greetings Golfers,

We’ve all heard the saying “Golf can be humbling game”. And it can be … Tiger Woods recently hit 3 wedge shots into the water at an exhibition. Think how he felt … humbled?

Bobby Jones wrote “Golf is said to be a humbling game, but it is surprising how many people are either not aware of their weaknesses or else reckless of consequences”.

As usual – Jones was very insightful. Lots of people play golf like they’re on a bender. They have every right to do so if that’s what they enjoy … but I don’t see how wasting a lot of strokes is much fun. Golf is a game … and it involves strategy. Sort of like poker. One night I played poker with a bunch guys who went all in every hand … and usually on the second or third card … it was just crazy. I didn’t think it was fun – it wasn’t even a game.

People play golf like that. They hit driver on every par 4, and they also try to reach every par 5 in two shots. And they don’t take into consideration their tendencies. If they usually slice their driver, why hit driver on holes with out-of-bounds on the right side?

That brings up penalty strokes. I constantly have guys tell me how well they would have played if they didn’t have penalty strokes. I don’t know what to say to that. That’s like saying they’d be a good driver if they didn’t have so many car accidents.

Golf is about positioning. It’s about putting the ball in position to put the ball in a better position to get it into the hole. It’s not about hitting the perfect one-in-a-million shot. It’s about hitting a realistic shot to set up the next shot. Don’t laugh – this needs to be said.

Yes – golf can be a humbling game. And I’m not saying to not take chances. But I am saying to take calculated risks – not just go “all in” on every shot.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

What is the “perfect putting stroke”? The one that makes the putt. I’m serious. I know guys who have pretty putting strokes who never make anything. Golf is not like a diving competition with judges giving out scores … golf is about the number of shots it takes to get the ball into the hole.  And putting is all about getting the ball into the hole.

Lately I’ve been working with some good players about making putts – not making a pretty putting stroke. I want them to believe they can always make the putt – that it’s easy to make a putt. So, we practice all kinds of ways to putt, but always with the focus of making it. I’m talking about hitting the ball off the toe of the putter … or off of the heel … or with the right hand only … or the left hand only.

There is no reason not to be able to make putts a million different ways. Learn to putt well with a wristy stroke … and with a shoulder-pendulum stroke.

Practice putting with all of your clubs – wedge through driver. And any type of stance – open, closed, wide, narrow, tall, crouched. Make putting fun. Don’t make putting a chore – unless you want to be a bad putter.

You want to look forward to getting on the green because you know you’ll make the putt. We all know people who dread getting on the green – they’re convinced they can’t get the ball into the hole.

Lots of golf people talk about “perfect practice”. Perfect practice in putting means making the putt – not making the “perfect putting stroke”.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

You know that saying “April showers bring May flowers”? Well, I think for Minnesota it should be “May showers bring June flowers”. We’re about a month north of most of the country. But, a little rain shouldn’t stop your golf plans. Last Sunday the report was for rain – it rained for 15 minutes at 4pm – big deal. Because of this rain phobia inspired by an over active media to heighten the threat of storms, people waste valuable beautiful Minnesota days.

So, every year I send the following:

Did you ever see the episode of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM when Larry accused the weatherman of manipulating the weather reports so he can have the golf course all to himself?

Did you also know that episode was based on fact and that all weathermen manipulate their weather reports to keep people off the golf courses?

Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit … but not much.

Bad weather makes news. Bad weather keeps everyone tuned in. Gee, how did we survive before Doppler Weather reports?

Make your tee times dependent on your schedule – not the dubious reports of the weatherman. And, if it’s too nasty of weather – just cancel. Or, try it out and if it’s not fun, come inside for a raincheck, refund, etc. We’re not trying to take advantage of you trying to play golf in bad weather. I’ve heard of golf courses that won’t give rain checks if you play one hole – that’s real fair. We’re not like that. We’ll do whatever is fair. And, we’ll error on the side of getting you on the golf course. That’s what we do. We want people to play. We don’t do all of this work just so people can drive by and say “What a beautiful golf course.”

You’re under no risk making a reservation to play golf. And you’re under no risk trying to play if it looks like rain.

Try it – you’ll like it.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

This is more than my usual Friday blog. It’s actually my June column. So it’s longer than usual … but thought it was worth sending. Hope you enjoy it.

Arrogance is probably the most shocking quality that I encounter. I’m always shocked by it. You’d think after all of the years that I’ve spent on this planet, that I would be either numb or just accepting of arrogance. But no, it blows my mind every time I run into it.

I’m not talking about the random bragging or momentary puffed-upness that everybody does. I’m talking about the just fundamental trait of arrogance. Webster defines being arrogant as “having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people”. The key word in that definition is “insulting”. Confidence is a great quality. But confidence isn’t insulting – arrogance is.

The other day I was talking to an old friend who used to manage a golf course, but got wise and now is a full-time golf instructor to people who enjoy golf for fun. He’s a happy man – he doesn’t miss the arrogant characters who used to tarnish his ex-golf course.

Besides the weather, most of our problems at the golf course come from arrogant people. I’m going to bore you with a list of typical infractions: they show-up late for their tee time; drive their cart in restricted areas; play slow and back up the golf course; play too fast and hit into people; they’re loud and obnoxious; they try not to pay; they demand an extra long pour at the bar; they cut in line; they don’t want to be paired up with anyone; they spit sunflower seeds on the golf course; they bring their own food & drink onto the course; they never repair a divot or fix a ball-mark or rake a sand trap; they give their playing partners unsolicited swing advice … I could go on and on. Basically they think they are too special to observe the rules of the course and the rules of common courtesy.

Do we all screw-up? Probably. But the arrogant people that I’m talking about do these things consistently. And what really defines them is that they get angry when called out for their bad behavior. They believe that they are “entitled”.

Ah … being entitled … what a charming attitude! But, as a society, we’ve brought some of these problems on ourselves. The ridiculous statement “The customer is always right” is flat out dangerous. So if a customer comes in and throws a rock through our front door, I guess that’s ok? So money (a paying customer) trumps everything?

It’s not only customers – it can be employees. Sometimes we have staff members who are “too important” to do what has to be done. Or, “it’s not my job”. Really? As you can imagine, those people don’t last very long at Deer Run.

And politicians promise everyone everything. “Vote for me and I’ll give you what you’re entitled to”. So with people constantly hearing that they can have and can do anything they want with no personal responsibility … it’s not surprising that there is so much arrogance. Then add in that every player gets a trophy … when do people learn the values of delayed gratification and persistence? And what about the value of fair play? And what about the reality of getting what you pay for? People take pride in getting products and services for way less than what they’re worth. How does that work? Shouldn’t transactions be fair?

Do I live in La-la land? I hope not. I think that most people want to do the right thing. I just think there are so many messages out there telling people what they want to hear, that they’ve been brainwashed. Most marketing is constantly telling people they can have whatever they want, whenever they want … and at “a deal”. Really? How does that work?

This gets back to arrogance – the attitude that “my specialness means that the normal rules of society don’t apply to me”.

I’m not saying to be a conformist – I believe in individualism. But real individualism is based on personal responsibility. It seems to me that arrogance is a form of being spoiled. Ironically, people are always telling me that because we provide such a good golf experience that we’ve spoiled our customers. And I want to spoil them in the sense of giving them the best golf experience I can. Yet, “spoiling” can turn into an attitude of that it’s never enough. Same thing happens to spoiled kids. I tried to raise my kids to be individuals and independent and self-reliant. And I tried to give them what they wanted. It’s a tricky balance … as a parent, as a society, as a business.

I think things have to be earned. That’s why that “everyone wins a trophy” thing is not good. Experiences like that develop arrogance. Spoiling kids develops arrogance. Things coming too easily develops arrogance. And then you can see how arrogance leads to taking advantage of other people – and they feel it’s right.

But, how do we deal with arrogant people? What works? They feel entitled and get angry when they can’t do or get what they want. I try to emphasize what is right and what is fair when dealing with arrogant people. That’s the only way I can feel good about dealing with them. It’s amazing that I’m still shocked by arrogance – but it’s probably better than taking it for granted.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

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 the 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 still 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.

In fact, the money should never matter – the winner should buy the drinks after the round. I have no issue with people gambling on their golf game – but I do have an issue if it’s about the money. I’ve seen too much money involved and it can cause hard feelings or even destroy friendships.

I believe that golf should be played for the joy of playing the game, and for the joy of being with good people.

Playing strictly for money seems to be the opposite of that. If it’s just frosting on the cake – fine. But, if it’s about the cash … go to Las Vegas.

Professional golfers are trying to make their living playing golf. They probably love golf – but it’s their job. They better take it seriously.

The rest of us need to relax and enjoy it. Just like when we played neighborhood sports as kids.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Last Friday was a good day for the game of golf: John Daly made his debut on the PGA Champions Tour, and Deer Run GC hosted FunPlayFriday.

Both events had two very talented players gracing their fields – John Daly at the Woodlands GC in Houston, TX, and Tim Herron at Deer Run GC in Victoria, MN.

About 20 years ago John and Tim were two of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour … and probably the best cigarette smokers on Tour. A buddy of mine stopped in to visit the duo when they were roommates while playing at a Tour stop in Tucson. I think they had the Marlboro suite.

Daly hit the scene 25 years ago winning the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick in Indiana. He was the 9th alternate and got in at the last minute after driving all night from Arkansas. His “grip it and rip it” style blew away the field. Then four years later, he won the British Open at St. Andrews. Sometime take a look at the list of British Open winners at St. Andrews – pretty formidable.

But John also went through four wives and supposedly $50 million in gambling.

On the other hand, Tim has a solid marriage and great kids – Minnesota should take some of the credit.

Daly only won 5 PGA Tour events. I say only because he won 2 Majors before he was 30. Not only could he hit it a mile – his first 10 years on Tour he led in driving distance – but he also had a great touch around the greens. Long John could be a big winner on the Champions Tour (I always want to call it the Senior Tour).

Tim Herron was on the 1993 champion USA Walker Cup team. And he won 4 times on the PGA Tour. Tim is 4 years away from the Champions Tour. FunPlayFridays are probably what he needs to keep his game sharp.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

I just finished reading Brandel Chamblee’s new book “Anatomy of Greatness”. Chamblee is the golf analyst on the Golf Channel who people love … and love to hate.

Chamblee is a smart guy and outspoken. He was pretty tough on Tiger and lots of Tiger fans resented it. But, he focuses quite a bit on Tiger in his book. He is especially impressed with Tiger in his early years on Tour – before Woods went to Hank Haney.

Chamblee is also very impressed with Jack Nicklaus … and Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, and Bobby Jones. I love the book – I think he nails what all of the great players share. And, he’s aware of where instruction goes off the rails. I’ll try to summarize as succinctly as I can:

* He emphasizes a strong grip – not a neutral grip.
* He wants a slightly open stance.
* He likes more of a natural slumped back during set-up, rather than the rigid straight back like Rory McIlroy.
* He stresses the need for the right knee to be kicked in at address.
* He advocates a low and slow take away with a slightly shut clubface.
* He likes a rocking trigger move and lateral body movement to get the backswing going.
* He says the transition from backswing to downswing is the key move – much more important than how you look at the top of the backswing.
* He wants the chin pointed right of the ball during the backswing and at impact.
* He wants the finish to feel “going out and up” – not low left like modern teachers are preaching.

This book will be heresy to many golf instructors. Those who’ve had to listen to me over the years will know that this is what I like. In fact, I’ll probably write about it much more in depth in one of my columns. If interested, you can find my columns at tomabts.com.

Cheers,
                              
Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Good Morning Golfers,

The golf season officially kicks off with the Masters. And Mother Nature agrees – should be beautiful for the next few weeks.

How painful was it to watch Jordan Spieth lose that 5 shot lead? Before this Masters he was liked and admired … now he’s loved. He handled it with such grace and class – and especially humanity. He’s really a special person – I never use the word “special”, but he really is.

The Low Amateur was Bryson DeChambeau – he of the same length irons and disciple of the book “The Golf Machine”. Obviously he’s a great player. But, he has trouble with sidehill lies, funny lies, etc. That Golf Machine swing of his does very well on par 3 holes with flat lies – let’s see if he can become more adaptable with that swing.

On a related note, I received an email the other day from Michael Lavery – the author of “Whole Brain Power” – a book I reviewed last summer. Somehow Mr. Lavery read my review and also read another blog that I wrote about Bryson DeChambeau. He wanted to let me know that he’s been working with Bryson on his training methods such as bouncing a ball on a hammer and hand-writing techniques. I suspect that those hand-eye training methods have helped DeChambeau more than the book “The Golf Machine”.

This week the Tour stops at Hilton Head Island and plays at Harbor Town GC. It’s a shame that it comes the week after the Masters. Harbor Town is a great golf course and only top-notch ball strikers win there. It’s similar to Colonial CC in Fort Worth – and only the best ball strikers win at Colonial. One of those Colonial champions is Minnesota’s own Tim Herron. Tim won 4 times on the PGA Tour and hit the ball as well as anyone.

But, Tim knows there’s more to golf than tournament golf. In fact, he and his sister Alissa were here the other day demanding to know when we were hosting the next Fun Play Friday. After things calmed down, we relieved the tension by explaining that the next Fun Play Fridaywas less than a month away – Friday, May 6.

The golf season is upon us. The Masters has been played, the weather is beautiful, and Fun Play Friday is only a few weeks away.

Cheers,
                              
Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Hemingway described courage as “Grace under pressure.” I think that’s one aspect of courage – though that might also describe a certain type of apathy.

I think most of us would describe courage as doing what we should do when we’re afraid to do it. Courage is more about doing what is difficult than maintaining our cool.

Playing golf can take courage. Playing a shot while strangers are watching is pretty scary for most average golfers. And playing to win can be pretty scary for professional golfers.

That’s what makes the Masters so much fun. The back nine at Augusta National is full of risk/reward holes. It takes courage to go for birdie (or eagle) on those finishing holes. And, the winner goes under par on the back nine – playing safe won’t win the Green Jacket.

I’m not talking reckless – that will usually end in disaster. No, I mean the courage to play smart and be aggressive.

It’s sort of the Wizard of Oz. Like the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Lion – you need Heart, Brains, and Courage. Reckless is Courage without Brains.

As for “Grace under pressure” … yeah, I respect that. But courage is doing the right thing when it’s difficult. Hemingway blew his brains out with a shotgun. He was always obsessed with being cool. When he got older and thought he wasn’t cool anymore … he took a not very courageous way out.

Being courageous is always cool – being cool isn’t always courageous.

Cheers,
                              
Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

We all know the saying “Drive for show – Putt for dough”.

Is it true? Well the goal of golf is to get the ball in the hole. If you can’t putt, it’s pretty tough to get the ball in the hole.

But you also have to get the ball off of the tee box – if you can’t get the ball to the green, it’s pretty difficult to get it in the hole.

A DRGC player just sent me a blog by a PGA Pro advising his members to dedicate themselves to hitting their drives as far as they can. This fellow cited PGA Tour statistics that proved that the 10 longest drivers won more money than the 10 straightest drivers.

I wouldn’t argue with him – I’m sure it’s true. But that doesn’t mean it applies to amateur golfers.

PGA Tour players need to make birdies. Long drives help them reach par 5’s in two shots, and also make par 4’s more birdieable. But, PGA Tour players are also great putters and iron players. Length, if you’re already in control, is a valuable weapon.

Power out of control is as dangerous in golf as it is in life.

Amateur golfers need to make pars and avoid the bad holes. Wild driving is usually the cause for amateurs to make big numbers. Out of bounds can really hurt your score – especially multiple OB shots. And, OB’s are usually the result of trying to hit a drive too far. I haven’t seen many people putt a ball out of bounds.

Of course we all want to hit the ball farther. But most of us should concentrate on our chipping and putting. And learning to hit the driver straight makes golf a lot more fun.

In my lessons I tell people that we’ll start working on reaching par 5’s in two shots after they become a scratch golfer. Or in other words, that when they get sick of shooting par, we’ll start working on birdieing par 5 holes.

One final thought: PGA Tour players can’t move up to shorter tee boxes – the rest of us have that option.

Cheers,
                              
Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com