Greetings Golfers,

You know how television news has fluff “feel good” features? Well, this is my turn.

I’m always hearing horror stories about entitlement attitudes and rude behavior from all age groups – but especially about kids. How about hearing a different version? In the last few weeks, we have hosted a college girls golf tournament, a boys high school golf tournament, and an MGA Super Seniors golf tournament.

During all three golf tournaments, the participants couldn’t have been nicer and more respectful. We’ve received thoughtful letters and emails from coaches and players. After the high school tournament, all of the players walked over and looked me in the eye, thanked me and shook my hand. I asked the coaches if they made the kids do this – they said no and that the kids did it on their own.

The college girl players were friendly, thankful, and respectful. And their coaches were the same way. Even the crotchety old senior guys were fun and thankful and gave our staff a spontaneous ovation … and the next day a few sent warm, grateful emails.

Don’t worry – society isn’t falling apart. Maybe everyone just needs to start playing golf.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Here is the Wikipedia definition of Hospitality: “The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers”. I’d agree – that pretty much nails it. And, they list these as synonyms: friendliness, welcome, warmth, kindness, courtesy, generosity, entertainment, and food.

Did you see the word “perfection”? … I didn’t either. In fact, I think if you want to ruin Hospitality, focus on perfection.

That’s because emphasizing perfection is not about emphasizing the atmosphere which is about friendliness, generosity, warmth, kindness, and courtesy.

Usually the focus on perfection is on the stuff and the timetable – not on the atmosphere.

If the host and/or hostess is uptight about the stuff and the timetable … the atmosphere will be ruined. Does that mean that I’m saying the stuff and timetable are irrelevant? Not at all. I’m just saying that they can’t be the focus.

We host a lot of golf events. While working with the hosts, I try to emphasize hospitality. Too often they think that more is more. No, less is more. Too much stuff and too much going on is annoying – not better.

Do you remember going to birthday parties as a kid that had way too much going on and weren’t fun? And yet, the host/hostess was running around with a fake smile saying “Aren’t we having fun?” That’s a pretty sure sign that no one is having fun.

One of our staff members told me about $10,000 high school graduation parties. Sounds to me more about keeping up (or surpassing) the Jones than about celebrating a graduation.

I’m not trying to be hostile … I’m just trying to clear up a fairly important subject. And, guests have a responsibility to be appreciative and grateful. But, the hosts need to be motivated by hospitality rather than getting kudos.

Making people feel welcome is the most important part of hospitality.

Hospitality is a very important part of our lives – business, friendships, family, neighbors, entertaining. Basically it’s following the Golden Rule. I often think that if people just followed the Golden Rule it would solve most of society’s problems. It’s the secret to being a good host … and being a good guest.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Due to popular demand … FunPlayFriday is returning next Friday, the 28th day of April.

Will it be as formal as I just presented the date of the event – not so much. In fact, stuffy is probably not associated with FPF.

The theme is 2017: A Golf Odyssey … the same as this year’s marketing theme … you may have seen the posters or heard the ads on the radio.

Be prepared for an other-worldly day of golf … just like the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. Of course we will be serving a variety of spirits on many of the tee boxes. Look for a lively version of “Tang” – the one time favorite drink of astronauts.

Also included in the $75 fee is a buffet luncheon you can attend either before or after your round of golf.

And there will be prizes for best-dressed … the voting is probably rigged, but give it your best astronaut look anyway.

To inspire you, click here for our radio ad – 2017: A Golf Odyssey.

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,

How could I not write about the Masters? I love the Masters … maybe not as much as I used to … but on Sunday I may be saying it’s the best Masters ever – it can do that.

Why do I not love it as much as I used to? Because it seems to me it’s losing some of its charm. When I first went there in 1995 it was a life-changing experience – seriously. I wasn’t expecting how casual, and relaxed, and friendly, and intimate it was … I was expecting more of a typical Tour event, and sort of a phony/pretentious atmosphere. I was wrong – very wrong.

In 1995 we rolled in early Thursday morning for the first round. It was crowded, but easy to navigate, and no one seemed rushed. As we walked through the gate, I could see most of the golf course – it basically sits in a bowl. The elevation changes are more severe than they appear on tv. Then as we walked over to the first tee, I knew I was about to experience a unique golf tournament. The Starter was an elderly Southern Gentleman sitting at a table with a rock holding down the tee sheets. He slowly stood-up and announced “Sandy Lyle – driving” then slowly sat down before Lyle hit his tee shot.

It all felt like that. Everyone was courteous, no one was in a hurry. The food stands were even relaxed while they were selling 1$ pimento cheese sandwiches and 75 cent Cokes. Of course we bought folding chairs and parked them right on the 15th tee box – literally right behind the bench that the players sat on. Because 15 is a reachable par 5, the hole got backed up and there were usually 3 three-somes waiting to tee off. Because of the back up, the players turned around and talked to us like we were all at a party. Players were telling jokes, Ben Crenshaw talked to kids, and Jack Nicklaus held court about playing in his first Masters and having the shanks at the range.

On Friday while hanging around the 18th green, I saw a buddy of mine who was repping Arnold Palmer’s line of golf clubs. He insisted that I come over and meet Arnie who was sitting behind the green just talking to people. I argued that I didn’t know Palmer and wasn’t into celebrities. He basically dragged me over while saying that Arnie isn’t like that. So when we got there, I was looking at Palmer’s clubs and admiring his leather grips. He noticed my interest and asked if I also wrapped my clubs with leather grips (which I used to do in those days). Thus began an easy, casual conversation about the art of gripping golf clubs.

Speaking of golf clubs, all of the players were using wooden drivers to shape their shots. And there was no rough. The golf course looked like one big green. A wild shot had nothing to stop it … it would just roll until it ended up in a bad place. Eleven years later when I came back in 2006, there was light rough – not enough to really affect a shot, but enough to stop the ball from endlessly rolling. They said that they “Tiger-proofed” the course, but I think they set it up for him to win. The added yardage weeded out most of the field, and that light rough kept Tiger’s errant tee shots in play.

And in 2006 there were corporate tents. And the crowds seemed massive and unfriendly – a women went crazy because I was smoking a cigar.

I probably sound like a crabby old guy. I might be, but it doesn’t mean I’m wrong. Of course I still love the Masters and have been fired up all week. I just hope that Sunday is exciting and that the heart and soul of Bobby Jones continues to permeate Augusta National.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Tomorrow is our 26th Annual Ranger/Starter Meeting.
About 15 years ago at this meeting, I introduced sort of a mission statement. It was called the 3 C’s – Communication, Courtesy, and Commonsense.

It was not a rule book. It just emphasized the need for our staff to use their head. One of our Rangers wanted more signs telling people what not to do. I explained that’s why we have Rangers and not signs. Too often signs are scolding – people don’t play golf to be scolded.

And I don’t want our Rangers scolding people. That’s why the 3 C’s matter. If the Rangers communicate in a courteous way and use common sense … no one gets scolded. Do we need Rangers to keep play moving? Yes. And do we need Rangers to offer assistance if needed. Yes. Signs can’t do those things.

The 3 C’s are at the heart of all service businesses. Robots and signs can’t substitute for a Courteous person with Commonsense who is a good Communicator.

You’d get a kick out of our interview process. Basically, it’s all about the culture of Deer Run GC. If they don’t get it, they don’t get hired – no matter how wonderful their resume may be.

The three C’s – it’s not rocket science … but it’s vital for a good customer experience.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

We will be officially open as of 10:30am today, March 29, 2017.

How official was that?

We’re ready. The course is in good shape … excellent shape for being March in Minnesota. The cool Power Tee range is ready to be used. The Pro Shop already looks great. The Pub is stocked up with a full mix of tap beers and other necessary food and drink.

And … wait until you see the new silver EZGo golf carts.

And … Senior rates for everyone all day, everyday until May.

See you soon,

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

Greetings Golfers,

During the off-season I read a lot of golf sites and even get into quite a few “discussions”. At the end of February I bid farewell until November. But, every now and then I take a peek … and it kills me not to respond.

Some of the sites are full of golf instructors whose ideas of the golf swing are unbelievably technical. I almost said absurdly or ridiculously instead of “unbelievably” … I’m trying to be nice.

However, one site went completely the other way yesterday – they basically said that nothing matters – “just swing”. What???? Maybe you can “just swing” if you already have a great swing or are a one-in-a-million natural golfer … but for most people that is insane advice. That would be like telling someone who’s trying to learn a new language to just speak it.

Of course much teaching in golf – or anything – has become too focused on breaking it all down, instead of understanding the fundamentals and finding a natural way to incorporate those fundamentals into a golf swing.

Obviously the pendulum swings back and forth with every idea and concept … but right now I believe that golf has gone goofy in both directions.

Ironically, the leader of the technocrats – Homer Kelley – once said “You can be in all of the correct positions and still miss the ball”. Yes. The emphasis needs to be on contact. How to make contact and what proper contact really is.

Just because golf instruction has gotten too technical doesn’t mean that anything goes. To me, I’m very accepting of “weird” swings as long as they get the job done. They work because the player has found a consistent way to make good contact and control the ball.

Work on chipping and half-wedge shots. That’s the best way I know of to learn proper contact.

Don’t get obsessed with reading golf sites.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Today is the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida.

As most of you know, this is the first time the tournament has been played since Arnie passed away last fall.

The first round scores weren’t great – even Orlando has been hit with cold weather. Speaking of cold weather … obviously my prediction of opening our course today was wrong … probably by a week. So we’re shooting for Friday, March 24 … wish us luck.

Back to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Local boy – Tim Herron – shot even par 72, which was a very good score on a cold, windy day. Tim won the tournament in 1999. This has always been a big tournament, but is especially big this year because of the memory of Arnie. I cannot emphasize enough how much Arnie did for golf. The PGA Tour would probably not be a big deal if it wasn’t for Arnold Palmer.

So, of course all of the big names in golf are in Orlando to pay their respects to the man who made their unbelievable lives possible. Wrong. Everyone in the golf media is making excuses for the big names who are not attending Arnold’s tournament. Maybe those media types want to maintain their relationships with the no-shows … or maybe they really don’t think it’s a big deal to honor Arnold Palmer. Either way is wrong and disrespectful.

I meant to write about Arnie’s grip. Though he had a funny looking swing – he had a great golf grip. And he also had a great grip on the game of golf … because he had a great grip on the importance of people. Ironically, his “grip” has been lost on many people who should understand.

Let’s hope that the weather warms up and Tim Herron wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Spring is almost here. St. Patrick’s Day is next Friday, March 17. And the first day of Spring is Monday, March 20.

Obviously the weather lately has been crazy. Every year we seem to open the course at the same time the ice goes out on Lake Minnetonka. We don’t plan it that way, it just falls like that. Well, we’re tentatively planning on opening next Friday … will we be serving green beer? Maybe. But for sure we will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day – especially if it’s 57 degrees as the Weather Service is predicting.

It’s always an early Spring when we open before the Masters. They’ve had such unusually warm weather in Augusta that they’re worried the azaleas won’t be in their normal blooming colors for the tournament. What players do you think will be “blooming” at the Masters? I think this might be Rickie Fowlers year … he’s been hitting it great and putting really well. You have putt well to win the Masters. What’s happened to Jason Day’s putting? Is his back affecting his putting? I don’t think Rory is putting well enough to win it. Henrik Stenson hits it great but … he can’t putt well enough to tame Augusta National. What’s happened to Patrick Reed? He looked like the best player in the world at Hazeltine last Fall during the Ryder Cup. He’s been brutal so far in 2017.

How’s your game? Are you ready to tee-it-up here next Friday? Some courses have already opened – did you play then? Did you get away this Winter for a few rounds?

I’ve been swinging a “fan” type of practice club and the Orange Whip. Of course I’m convinced that my swing is stronger … I’ll find out after we open. But if I’m not longer, I’ll blame it on the wind and wet fairways.

I love Spring. I just hope the weatherman is right and we can open the golf course.

Cheers,

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