I’ll admit that I’ve been whining about the rain. It has been ridiculous – but not tragic. We’re not Duluth.

Fortunately, we have wall-to-wall cart paths and new and improved drainage – else it would be tragic. The up side is that our golf course is ridiculously lush – even shockingly beautiful.

While hosting an event today, I looked over at a group of guys talking, and noticed that everyone of them were wearing saddle golf shoes. Years ago ago, I was playing in some tournament where I swear that every player had Footjoy saddle shoes, Powerbuilt woods, Wilson blade irons, and a Ping putter – seriously.

It’s a different world. Long putters, hybrids, huge metal drivers, non-spike golf shoes that look like tennis shoes … I like it.

We have some neighbors who have installed sound systems in their golf carts. What do you think about that?

I’d like your thoughts – please send an email to me at tabts@deerrungolf.com.

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