Greetings Golfers,

Have you read the book “The Halo Effect” by Phil Rosenzweig? He debunks many of the popular business books that promise easy answers to success. The “halo” means that when a business is rocking that the halo blinds people to believing that everything they do is right … though, when they start failing and the halo dims, they are still doing the same things that were once praised.

I think he brings some much needed clarity and sanity, but he doesn’t offer any options to success.

Most business books talk about strategy and execution. Most sports teams talk about strategy and execution. Most generals talk about strategy and execution. But few businesses or teams or armies continue to succeed, because most can’t change their strategies. They rely too much on execution.

Do you remember when Childress had the Vikings running AP only in obvious situations? He’d gain one yard and then Chilly would blame the offensive line for poor execution. How about blaming himself for poor strategy?

The key to success is to execute a successful strategy. For guys like Chilly, strategy was by the book and the total emphasis was on execution. That only works if your talent is WAY better than the competition. Or, in business if your product is WAY better than the competition. Or in war, if your army is WAY more powerful than the enemy.

Years ago I played golf with a college player who hit the ball beautifully and shot 80. I scraped it around and shot 72. We talked about strategy after the round – he had no clue. He tried to hit the perfect shot every time – with no margin of error. Good shots were a yard off and turned into nightmares.

As good as Adrian Peterson was, he couldn’t run through a defense that was expecting him to get the ball.

Years ago, I beat a local tennis pro in a match – he then threw his racket at the clock and it exploded. He was an excellent player with beautiful strokes … I was a garbage player like Bobby Riggs. I never got into a rally with him – why would I try to beat him at his own game?

Your strategy has to be based on what you can do. Not based on some perfect model. The perfect model will work if everything is perfect. Talk about La-la land.

I believe in creative and realistic strategies that allow for a large margin of error. We need a book called “The Reality Effect”.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

How good is the Open? It just has such a great feel about it – I’d love to see it in person. The Masters also has a unique and great feel. The US Open used to, but it’s starting to feel more like a PGA Championship (and that’s not a compliment).

The first round leader board is excellent – Spieth and Koepka and Kuchar lead at 5 under. Three Americans are leading the Open … but England’s Paul Casey is right behind them – don’t be surprised if Casey wins his first Major – he’s the real deal.

Today (Friday) is supposed to get nasty – rainy and windy and cold … it’s Britain! Then the fun begins. I love links golf – especially bad weather links golf. I want to see shot making and course management and resiliency. The winner will definitely have those qualities.

How’s this for goofy – Tom Lehman beat Sergio and Phil in the first round. If the weather gets crazy, crafty Tom could sneak his way up the leaderboard … like another Tom did a few years ago (Watson).

Justin Thomas played great and is at 3 under. He also wore a cardigan sweater and a tie. But Jordan Spieth is probably the guy to watch. He just knows how to play golf.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

Golf can be very frustrating. Life can be very frustrating. Some people deal with these frustrations with grace. I used to think their graciousness was the result of being relaxed and easy going. Now I think it comes from having the heart of a lion.

Yesterday, Don Ellwood, playing in our Thursday Men’s League, made a Hole-in-One. Though only in his 50’s … Don’s body has been breaking down for at least 10 years. In fact, I can’t believe he can play golf. Is Don one of those relaxed, easy going guys? No. Is he cheerful, and kind, and warm spirited? Yes.

After Don made his Ace on hole #2 … the word spread like wildfire across the golf course and clubhouse. I figured that he’d come in after 9 holes and celebrate his amazing achievement. He was tired – really tired. But, he was determined to finish his round. Which he did. All 18 holes.

The story gets better. He shot 89. I can’t tell you how amazing that score is. That score was the result of having the heart of a lion. Most of us would have quit after 9. Heck, most of us in Don’s condition wouldn’t have even played.

The heart of a lion doesn’t show itself in pointless displays of roaring. It tackles life’s challenges with grace and class.

Cheers to Don Ellwood,

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