Greetings Golfers,

I’m writing this from Mobile, Alabama. Took a detour home to visit an old college buddy. We didn’t play golf, but could have … the weather’s been beautiful. I know … hasn’t been beautiful back home in Minnesota.

We were hoping to have an early start. Over the last 30 years, our normal opening date has been April 4. Last year was by far our latest opener. Obviously, we were hoping the scales would balance and we could open in March. I’d be thrilled for April 4.

No matter how much we want to open the golf course, we never force it. Barry does an amazing job, it’s always in pristine condition … we can’t risk that by opening too early.

The main concern every year is the health of the greens. Bent grass is more sensitive than the grass in your yard. Especially grass cut that short. And, your lawn doesn’t have to be perfect. Our greens do.

What are perfect greens? Firm enough to provide a smooth putting surface, yet soft enough to hold a well struck iron shot. You don’t want a sponge. Sure it could hold shots – even miss-hit shots – but how much fun is it to putt on a sponge?

We want the ball to putt well. That means that the putt rolls out. I think we all have a sense for how far a putt should roll. Greens that are too slow are annoying because the putt never rolls out – it stops too soon. And the other extreme is also annoying – it just keeps on rolling.

To get the greens firm and to roll out at the proper speed is a science … but especially a work of art. Barry has accomplished this at Deer Run GC. Now we need the help of Mother Nature.

I played a few rounds as a walk-up single before I left. Each group left the flagstick in the hole for all putts. It was weird at first … but sort of nice not having to worry about tending the pin. I’m worried about players misusing the new rule by taking it in and out while putting. Talk about annoying – it could be mind-boggling if abused. Maybe we could have a local rule that once it’s taken out, that it stays out until everyone putts out. Would like to hear your thoughts.

Well, I should back in the Clubhouse next week. Drop by if you know any secrets to warm up the weather. Maybe that old saying about March will be true: “In like a lion, out like a lamb”. We deserve it.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com

Deer Run Golf Club
8661 Deer Run Drive
Victoria, MN 55386
(952) 443-2351
www.deerrungolf.com
www.facebook.com/DeerRunGolf
www.twitter.com/DeerRunGolfClub