Greetings Golfers,

I just finished reading “The Plane Truth for Golfers” by Jim Hardy. Hardy – a famous golf instructor – claims that there are two types of golf swings: the one-plane swing, and the two-plane swing. And he insists that you cannot merge the two without causing big problems.

Ok … let’s talk about swing planes. Ben Hogan started the talk about swings planes in his “5 Lessons” book. In the book, Hogan had a line drawn from the golf ball through his shoulders while addressing the shot … that is the swing plane.

Thus, many of us assumed that if the club stayed on that line during the back swing and the down swing – it was a one-plane swing. And, if the downswing was on a different plane than the backswing – it was a two-plane swing.

Hardy has a different definition. In fact, Hardy says that Hogan had a one-plane swing. But, in Hogan’s book, Hogan insists that the downswing drops into a more inside plane than the backswing – a two-plane swing.

Basically, Hardy says that the one-plane swing is more of a flatter, baseball type swing. And that the two-plane swing is more of an up-and-down arm swing.

Many great players combined Hardy’s two different swings such as Larry Nelson and Walter Hagen.

I’m going too long with this, so let me get to what I think really matters. Most people don’t wind up very well and don’t make good contact. They need a good backswing and a good downswing. They need BOTH.

Years ago, I read an interview with Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros. Norman said that he took the club back with his left hand … Ballesteros said that he took the club back with his right hand. Norman was one of the most accurate drivers of all time – his left hand controlled backswing kept the swing on plane. Seve was one of the wildest drivers of all time, but had more more feel than anyone on little shots.

I think the secret is to combine the two methods – take the club back with the left hand, and hit the ball with the right hand. To do that, you need to have a good transition from backswing to downswing. Try it with a putter. The left hand will take it back on line, and the right hand will give you the feel and contact you want. Try it with chipping … and iron shots … and the driver. You’ll feel it immediately.

Is that a one-plane or two-plane swing? It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if it’s flat or upright. Let your natural plane and motion take place. Just take the club back with your left hand and hit the ball with your right hand.

Try it – you’ll like it.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Billy Casper died a few days ago at age 83.  Casper was about the same age as Arnold Palmer and always stayed in Arnie’s shadow. Ironically, his biggest victory was beating Arnie in the 1966 US Open – he came back from 7 shots down during the last round, and then beat Palmer the next day in a playoff.

Casper wasn’t sexy like Arnie. He was very likable and a great player … but he wasn’t Arnold Palmer. Casper grew up in San Diego. I just read an article in the San Diego Union Tribune memorializing Casper – it only had a big picture of Palmer.

But don’t feel sorry for Casper – he had a great life. He was known for his warmth and kindness, and was a devoted family man. Casper also won 51 times on the PGA Tour and is 7th on the all time list of victories.

He struggled with his weight and was an early advocate of unusual health foods. It might have helped because he lost 60 pounds before he won the 1966 US Open. But, I’m not sure it was necessary – I saw him win the 1983 US Senior Open at Hazeltine … and he was big – very big.

Everyone talks about how important the “core” is to playing good golf. I’m not sold. Look at Casper, Craig Stadler, Kevin Stadler, John Daly, and the young Jack Nicklaus. I’ve heard that Jackie Gleason and WC Fields were great golfers – none of those guys had good “cores”.

Now I’m not advocating big bellies … but I’m skeptical about the need to have a flat belly to play good golf. I think golf is more about hand-eye coordination, feel, and good footwork. Very often big guys are good dancers. Golf swings should be more like dancing than frozen tag.

Billy Casper was one of golf’s greatest players – and one of its nicest guys. But, he wasn’t sexy … so he flew under the radar.

R.I.P.,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Though it’s wintry outside, we have very little snow … and the strong possibility of an early Spring. Three years ago we opened on March 16. I’m not saying that we’ll open that early, but it does have an early feeling.

So, now is a good time to get ready for the golf season. Sign up for our leagues, make tee-times, and/or buy some Loyal Player Passes.

You can do all those things on our new website (http://deerrungolf.com).  We think it’s pretty cool – too many websites are junked up and hard to navigate. We tried to make it as player friendly as possible.

And, if you have any questions… please send me an email … or call us on our new phone system (which we also made player friendly).

Give yourself and/or someone the Valentine gift of golf.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Tiger has the yips. Not with the putter, but with his wedge around the green – especially off of tight lies. I’ve heard that he has no problem when he practices or plays practice rounds. But in tournaments, it gets ugly.

I get it. I’ve had chipping yips, and putting yips, and other crazy stuff. In fact, for many years I’ve had a thing with my shadow … I pray for playing on an overcast day. But I’m probably more prone to crazy hangups than most golfers. That’s why I’m so sympathetic to Tiger’s plight, and also why I think I know some ways to cure such ills – I’ve had to.

When we get self-conscious, we’re apt to get in our own way. Things that are normally simple become difficult when we over-think them. For example, walking isn’t too tough, but when you feel people are watching how you walk, it can be difficult to walk with any rhythm. You know what I mean. How about when everyone is watching you hit off the first tee?

That’s when that old line of “just trust it” seems impossible … it’s hard to be natural when you’re too self-conscious. How many people do you know who play better when they drink? Yeah … I know a lot too.

But there are other ways to beat the yips than with drugs and alcohol. Trying something different works well. Trying not to choke or trying to be natural doesn’t work for me. I need to try something different so I can change my focus from negative to positive. That’s why golfers have swing thoughts – it’s a way to focus on something to get you through the shot … rather than focusing on failure.

That’s why I’m such a believer in trying to hit shots and not just swing. Trying to be perfect is the killer. Back to that walking analogy – if you feel you can’t walk “right” try to imitate someone’s walk … like John Wayne … it takes the pressure off. Same with golf – when you’re freaking out – try to swing like Lee Trevino or try to hit some kind of funky shot … just don’t try to be perfect.

Ironically, Tiger has all of the shots … but he’s really lost his confidence. Think about it – maybe the best player of all time is afraid to chip … even the best are still human.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

In a few days it will be February. We had weather like this 3 years ago and opened in the middle of March.

So that means it’s already time to purchase our LOYAL PLAYER PACKAGES… same prices as last year – but with benefits (not friends with benefits – I mean golf benefits)… (I used that line last year, but had to use it again).

If you purchase any Package before March 1, you’ll receive a free MGA/USGA Handicap, and a $50 gift certificate.

The Packages come in a variety of sizes: 20 rounds for $760; 40 for $1420; 60 for $2080. Obviously the bigger the Package the bigger the savings. And, you can share them with friends or other people. Click here to visit our online Store and purchase Loyal Player packages.

Also, our tee-sheet is open for reservations. We may be the only course that allows unlimited advance reservations. If you want to play every Saturday morning at 7:00 – go for it! Or, play with the family every Sunday afternoon at 3:00 – it’s yours. Or with your spouse every Monday night at 6:30 … etc. This is a great way to get to play golf when you want to play golf. And, you’re not locked in to the expense of a country club. Country clubs used to be the only option for course access and a quality course. I’m not knocking country clubs. But, for only $1420, you can get 40 rounds of golf AND pre-booked tee times – without expensive down strokes and monthly dues. And we probably have the best Green Keeper in the state. Not to mention a cool Irish Pub, sexy golf carts, and a new driving range system called Power Tee.

I know… I’m getting carried away … I can’t help it.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Last week I attended the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida.

I love the Show – how would I not? I come down to a warm weather area in January, look at all of the newest golf equipment and clothing … and see old friends.

Sure, the Show as changed over the years – what hasn’t? In the 90s it was go-go-go … the golf companies hosted outrageous parties, golf courses brought their whole shop staff … it was fun in boom town.

Then 9/11 hit and accelerated the contraction of an over built market. The Show felt like a morgue for the next few years … few parties, no more staff entourages … deadville.

But then it came back with a surge of youthful energy – new products and companies and a sense of resurgence.

This Show was different. I couldn’t figure out why. It was relaxed. Not manic like the 90s nor depressed like after 9/11 nor like the young hip last few years … but rather confident and friendly.

I think I know why – golf people are figuring out that the secret to success is finding and catering to a niche golf market. Being everything to everyone doesn’t work. Sort of like restaurants – I’m terrified when I look at a menu and it has seafood, Mexican, Italian, ribs, sandwiches, gourmet French. Italian, and Greek … I know it will all be bad. You can’t be everything to everyone. Golf has been trying to do that … and it hasn’t been working.

The operators who are surviving and even thriving, are the ones who get it. They get their market and zero in on it.

Sometimes hard times bring out the best in people and make them have to get out of their comfort zone and grow up. Pain isn’t fun – but it can be a powerful tool if used to improve and figure things out.

The game of golf is going to come out of this slump better than ever.

Can’t wait for spring!

Cheers,

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

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Greetings Golfers,

Whoever thought January would become Football Month? But it has – now with the college playoff system and of course the NFL Playoffs. I remember when the college season ended on New Year’s Day and the NFL Playoffs ended in December.

So, in the January football spirit, have you seen that show on ESPN about the Manning family? You know, Payton and Eli Manning, and their father Archie. I didn’t know about the older brother Cooper.

Do you remember when Archie played for the Vikings? He was at the end of his career, and didn’t play much … but I was fired up when he came here.

Obviously, they’re an amazingly athletic family. But that’s not why I recommend the show. Archie and his wife Olivia were all about the art of raising a family. They never pressured the boys about playing sports – Archie wouldn’t play catch unless they asked. The main thing the parents emphasized was to “be a good guy”.

How cool is that? To be a good guy. Not to be a super star. Or a super person. Not to be someone we can’t be. Not about success. But to be a good guy. Imagine if everyone was a good guy. It’d be a pretty nice planet.

Sounds like a pretty good New Year’s Resolution.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

It’s not exactly golf weather. But, it’s pretty good weather for reading … especially golf books.

Just picked up 3 golf books at a used book store – think I got pretty lucky. One book – “A Woman’s Golf Game” made my wife very happy. We once owned it, and I’ve been accused of its disappearance. So anything after that was gravy.

And the other two are good gravy. I’d already owned one – “Dr. Golf” by William Price Fox. The book is ridiculous, but really funny. Dr. Golf is the stuffy, old, blue-blooded owner of mythical Eagle-Ho golf sanctuary. He responds to golf questions like a Dear Abby … the questions are inane and the answers are really absurd. Not everyone thinks it’s funny – aforementioned wife is one.

The other book is hard to find and is a real treasure – “The Short Way To Lower Scoring” by Paul Runyan. Runyan was THE master of the short game. In 1938 he beat Sam Snead in the PGA Championship (match play) 8 and 7. Snead drove the ball at least 50 yards past Runyan – I’ve read sometimes it was 100 yards. But Runyan used the short game as a weapon – not to save strokes, but to gain strokes.

In fact, Runyan once computed that on shots within 4 feet of the green, he averaged 1.97 shots to get it in the hole. Meaning he averaged better than getting it up and down – he chipped in more often than he left himself 2 putts.

Will this reading help my golf game? Maybe – maybe not. But it’s better than being outside.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Every year I plan on practicing and playing more golf – unfortunately, every year I practice and play less golf.

So, this winter, I’m going to do something about it. If I start now, I’ll probably carry it into the golf season.

My plan is pretty simple … if it’s too complicated or difficult, I know it won’t happen.

Step one: Swing a weighted club. Nothing tricky – just swing a weighted club back and forth for about 5 minutes. If I can do that almost every day, it will drastically improve my rhythm, flexibility, and golf strength.

Step two: Chip with my sand wedge. This I can do in my office and at home. Again, all I need to do is 5 minutes a day. Chipping will greatly improve my feel of the clubface and improve solid contact with the ball. Not only will it improve my chipping, but it will improve my full shots with all of my clubs.

That’s it. Obviously, if I stretched, lifted weights, rode a stationary bike, swam, etc … I would improve my strength and flexibility. But, I need to take realistic, baby steps. My two step routine would only take 10 minutes a day and probably not put me in the hospital.

For those of you who want to improve your golf game this year, I recommend my two step program. For those of you who really exercise and work out … my hat is off to you … but I still recommend my two step program.

You won’t see me in a swimming suit at the beach next summer, but my two step program will have me playing better golf.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

One of my all time favorite books is “That Which Is Seen, and That Which Is Not Seen” by Frederic Bastiat. Though Bastiat wrote his treatise on economics, the premise applies to understanding anything.

As we grow up, hopefully, we learn from experience. But, too often, we only learn the immediate result – we don’t see the other results of our actions. Usually, our actions have unintended consequences. Thus, we need to develop foresight to become aware of the consequences of our actions.

Usually, the quick fix doesn’t solve the problem because it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Obviously if you’re bleeding, you need a band-aid – but, band-aids are usually only temporary fixes.

You get the point … you don’t need me to belabor how short-sightedness hurts our health, our relationships, our businesses, our economy, etc.

What blows my mind is that Bastiat wrote this book in 1840, and it seems that we still haven’t learned this basic lesson. Maybe it’s because our lives are so short that society doesn’t learn mature lessons.

Ironically, as we become more modern and “advanced”, we want immediate gratification. A fast-paced consumer society can easily become shallow and short-sighted. But a communistic society is based on “materialism” – I mean the Marxist definition of materialism – that life is only what you see (matter) and not spiritual.

I believe that the lack of spirituality is at the root of the problem. If humans do not believe that life is more than it seems … their view of life has to be pretty superficial. The depths of life is what gives it meaning, what makes it make sense – it is “that which is unseen”.

The beauty of the Christmas season is wonderful – enjoy it. But, especially treasure the beauty that underlies the visible world … that’s what this Holiday Season is really about.

Merry Christmas.

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