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