Greetings Golfers,

Do you remember that song “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport”? As bizarre as it was – it’s probably the most famous song to come out of Australia.

Who’s the most famous golfer to come out of Australia? That’s pretty easy – Greg Norman. Who’s the best golfer to come out of Australia – Peter Thomson.

Yeah – Peter Thomson. (No p in Thomson). He won 5 British Opens … 3 in a row – 1954, ’55, and ’56.

His final British Open title came in 1965, and is considered his most important because he beat Palmer, Nicklaus, Player and Tony Lema – the defending champ.

Thomson won all over the world, but he didn’t do well in America. He was a low ball hitter who ran the ball onto the green. American courses were too lush for his style of play. His only victory over here was the Texas Open – not exactly lush in those days.

He had a very simple swing and relied on steely nerves, great course management, and excellent putting. This quote from him says it all “The most important facets of golf are careful planning, calm and clear thinking, and the ordinary logic of common sense”.

Does Thomson like the modern game of professional golf? Not so much. He doesn’t like “sluggers” and the emphasis on power instead of control. He especially doesn’t like modern super long, over lush, fast greens courses. Why doesn’t he like fast greens? He thinks it makes putting too easy and takes away from the emphasis on shot making. He says that when they played on slow greens, they never made anything over 10 feet and not much past 5 feet.

As you can see, Thomson’s a pretty opinionated guy. He’s had a newspaper column for 60 years … and people love him or hate him. But everyone respects him and admits that he’s a bright guy and a good man.

Will Adam Scott become the best Australian golfer? Wouldn’t surprise me – he’s ready to dominate. Will Australia come up with a more famous song than “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport”? I sure hope so.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

About 15 years ago at our Annual Ranger/Starter 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 – I don’t pay money 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 Profesional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

When I give a lesson, I ask the student if they need surgery or a band-aid. Most opt for the band-aid … and rightfully so. They’re looking for a fix to get them through a bad patch or to survive a round with the boss.

Sometimes surgery is needed … but it’s best to do during the offseason. And there are very good instructors around here to redo your golf swing – but it takes a firm commitment.

All golf swings get out of whack and it’s good to know what your tendencies are. Sometimes you need to apply your own bandage to stop the bleeding.

I’m not talking about a swing key – that’s a different cat. A swing key is just a good thought to have to keep you together when playing golf. Having too many swing keys is not good. One is enough. I disagree with the concept of focussing on the process while playing. I believe you should focus on the result and hit the shot – not focus on your golf swing.

What are some of my band-aids? When I get too wound up on the golf course: I squeeze the club, swing too fast, and I swing back too far on the backswing. If I’m aware that I’m  too ramped up, I remember my tendencies, and make practice swings with softer hands, and slower, shorter swings. Then when I get over my shot, I just try to hit the shot. Hopefully, my practice swings will have solved the problem.

Think about what happens when your golf swing falls apart – maybe you can make your own bandages. If not, see a golf pro/doctor for help. You don’t have to only see a pro for surgery. People are afraid of lessons because they think the pro will overhaul their swing. Doesn’t have to be that way. Just let ‘em know what you need.

Cheers,

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