Greetings Golfers,

I’m writing to you from Barcelona. I’m not much of a world traveler – if I was, my portfolio would be pretty slim. But, I find different cultures really interesting.

We haven’t played golf. This is a family vacation with a tight schedule … golf is not on the agenda.

Yesterday, we were in San Sebastian, and our tour guide told me that the locals love golf. That is Basque country and she was very proud of her Basque heritage. (Look up Basque and RH Negative blood when you need something to liven up your imagination). Our tour was of restaurants. This is the land of tapas … you can go from place to place grabbing a delicious little bite with a glass of beer or wine and make a meal into quite an adventure.

The Spanish are adventurous people. A picture of a 16th century military sea captain is looking at me while I write this. But, they’re not stuck in the past. Madrid is very modern and huge – I think it’s the second largest city in the EU. And my first impressions of Barcelona is that it is even more modern than Madrid. I’m not sure that’s a good thing. I worry that the modern world is becoming too much the same. I hate seeing typical American fast food restaurants and stores over here.

The people are very friendly. There is an innate kindness mixed with naturally good manners. I hope to meet some locals and talk about politics. Certain regions in Spain want to break off and become their own country. Not sure that my family wants to be associated with me if I find such conversations. I don’t get crazy during such talk, but some people get really wound-up and the political becomes personal. I just want to hear their views and learn about what’s going on.

At least I’ve stopped singing songs from “Man of La Mancha” – the play about Don Quixote. I’m not much of a theatre guy, but I love “Man of La Mancha”. How can you not love cornball songs like “To Dream the Impossible Dream”?

Maybe not if you’re traveling with a guy who doesn’t stop singing.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We’ve all heard Lord Acton’s famous quote.

But is it true? I think that power reveals. Same thing with money. I don’t think that money and/or power change people … I think they reveal who people really are. Even in little ways. Some people act “nice” … but give them power over a waiter and they become nasty. They’re revealed.

When people all of a sudden make a lot of money, or get power, or win awards, etc … I usually give them some time to bask in the glow. I get it. But, they need to come back to Earth. Otherwise I don’t want to deal with them.

Power. The word even sounds strong. It’s an effective tool in golf … and life … but needs to be in control. Power that’s out of control is dangerous for everyone around it … and can be disastrous for the user. In golf and life … out of control power can put you out-of-bounds.

However, power used wisely and with a well-intentioned vision can make it a better world. But, it can’t be self-serving.

A leader has to do what is best for the group he is leading. Very often that means saying no. The group members are going to try to do what is in their best interest (or so they think). But if what they want to do is bad for the group … the leader has to stop it.

For example, if a player on a team is only concerned about his stats, the coach has to redirect his focus. A team player needs to be focused on doing what is needed to win. Or the coach needs to find a new player.

The coach needs power to make that happen.

A player can not have more power than the coach.

A hierarchy is not a bad thing.

Power is not a bad thing.

Power can be used for good.

Abuse of power is a bad thing.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Everyone loves to talk about the golf swing. But no one talks about how to use a golf club.

Here’s what I mean: a driver doesn’t look like a wedge … that’s because they are used in different ways.

A driver off a tee is more of a “swing”.

A shot using a wedge is more of a “punch”.

Clubs are designed for different purposes … and used in different ways. Too many people think that they need to learn a perfect “golf swing” … and then they just plug it in and use it for every shot. Wrong. You have to think of a golf club as a tool to use … such as a hammer or a screwdriver … and use the right tool for the right shot.

For example: if your ball is sitting in a divot, a driver isn’t going to be very helpful. But a wedge, with its loft and sharp leading edge, can be used to beat down on the ball and punch it successfully out of a divot.

If your ball is sitting up on a tee and you try to punch it with your wedge like the divot shot … you’ll miss the ball or pop it weakly up in the air.

Too many people use their driver like a wedge and take divots with their driver.

Too many people use their wedge like a driver and top their wedge shots.

A driver swing is longer, slower, more of a sweep, and has more club-face rotation.

A wedge shot is shorter, quicker, more of a steep punch, and has no club-face rotation.

Those are the two basic ways to use a golf club … and every other shot is a variation of the two.

Putting is even a combination of the two shots. Short putts are more of a punch (like Brandt Snedeker) and long putts are more of a swing (like John Daly).

The worse your lie and shorter the shot – more of a punch.

The better your lie and longer the shot – more of a swing.

The clubs are made differently for a reason. They need to be used in the way that they were created. Golf is about shotmaking … not a “perfect golf swing”.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Time does fly. Seems like yesterday the Ryder Cup was being played at Hazeltine. Well, that was two years ago. The 42nd Ryder Cup begins play today at Le Golf National in Paris.

As we did in 2016, Edina CC PGA Professional Extraordinaire Marty Lass and I are having our own battle. We switched teams this year – Marty has the USA and I’m advocating for the Europeans. Marty has the floor:

WHY TEAM USA WILL WIN THE RYDER CUP …

This Ryder Cup will again provide some great golf as both teams are seriously loaded with talent. In the middle of the golf season, I was thinking that maybe the Europeans held a slight edge, but now I believe that has changed. With the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup winding down, it appears that most of the Americans are playing some really good golf, and the top players on the European team the same. However, here are the difference makers that will influence the outcome in the favor of the Americans …

1.) CAPTAIN’S PICKS. The four American captain’s picks (DeChambeau, Mickleson, Woods, and Finau) are playing much better than the four European captain’s picks (Stenson, Poulter, Casey & Garcia). I think the top 8 on both sides are playing well, but the captain’s picks will determine who will win this Ryder Cup.

2.) EXPERIENCE. There are only 3 ‘rookies’ on the American squad. Furyk didn’t have to make his captain’s choices because they had Ryder Cup experience. Thomas Bjorn had to.

3.) DAVID DUVAL. Duval was recently named as an Assistant Captain, replacing Tiger Woods. Duval tells it like it, no sugar coating, as an analyst for the Golf Channel, he might see things a little different than other Assistant Captains. He has fire in his belly and will certainly provide some strong verbal messages if the Americans fall behind.

4.) THE VENUE. I don’t think I’d call playing in France much of a ‘home course’ advantage for the Europeans. With no French golfer either playing or as an Assistant Captain on the team, some of the spark might be missing.

5.) THE AMERICAN MARSHALS. This group of Minnesota-based super fans (led by my friend and PGA Professional Jeff Drimel), will go to France, and lead the cheers for the Americans. These are the guys who wear the Viking horns, hockey jerseys, and make it fun for everyone around them.

6.) TIGER WOODS. ‘Nuff said …

Bravo Marty! Well said … here’s my rebuttal:

WHY THE EUROPEANS WILL WIN THE RYDER CUP …

This is not 2016 when Team USA had the better horses. This Euro team is loaded. Justin Rose is the No.1 player in the world. And they have 5 players who have won Major Championships.

Not only are European players more accustomed to match play, but they are also more familiar with this golf course.

I’m going to keep this short and to the point:

*    Talent wise – even

*    Match play – advantage Europe

*    Golf course – advantage Europe

*    Home field crowd – advantage Europe

I’m an American. I do not enjoy picking the other side. And, I’m especially frustrated with the current state of Minnesota sports. I would love Team USA to win the Ryder Cup. Team USA is very talented and Tiger Woods is hot. The matches will be exciting and fun to watch.

But – sorry Marty – the Ryder Cup will not be coming home with the Americans.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Every golf course wants to have good greens. Golfers can put up with some poor conditions … but bad greens can really take the fun out of golf.

I want greens that are healthy and the ball runs true. Splotchy greens with thin grass and thick grass can be pretty frustrating.

I also like fairly level greens. Not just flat as a pancake … but sensible slope that rewards a shot hit to right part of the green … and gently punishes a shot hit to the wrong area.

Over the years, the speed on the greens has greatly increased. For some golf clubs it’s become a status symbol to have ridiculously fast greens.

It seems to me that a green has a natural speed. That if you rolled a ball with your hand, you would expect it to roll a certain distance. If it stopped rolling too soon … the green is too slow. But, if the ball just keeps on rolling … it’s obviously too fast. Shouldn’t the goal to get ball to roll at the correct speed? This obsession with speed doesn’t make sense.

Better is better. Faster doesn’t mean better.

In the 1930s, Edward Stimpson invented the Stimpmeter to measure greenspeed in feet of roll. Stimpson was worried that the greens at the 1935 U.S. Open had become too fast.

A green that Stimps at 10 seems to be at a pretty fair speed. Not too fast and not too slow. The average PGA Tour stop is about 12. The last few U.S. Opens have been about 14. And, a lot of golf clubs try to keep their greens in the 12-14 range … how is that fun? Do they think that they’re big-time because their greens are ridiculous? Might as well grow the rough to 6 inches too. I guess they hit the ball as well as Hogan did in his prime … and need a real challenge. Must not be any fun shooting 65 every time at their home course.

Actually, I’ve noticed the opposite scenario. It’s the guys who can’t break 90 at their club who want to make it so hard that visitors shoot a million when they play their course. As Alister McKenzie said when someone proudly told him that no one had broken 80 at their club “What’s wrong with your golf course?”

Golf should be a pleasure … frustrating … but mostly a pleasure. Good greens rolling at the right pace are definitely part of the pleasure.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Bryson DeChambeau was just announced as a Captain’s Pick to be on this year’s Ryder Cup team. He’s won the last two PGA tournaments … making him a pretty obvious choice.

As most of you know, Bryson is the guy with the mechanical looking swing … and the “Einstein” of the PGA Tour. He’s very analytical and scientific and believes that he has found a better way to swing the golf club.

Maybe he has. But, I think the real secret to his success lies in the development of his hand-eye coordination. A few years ago, I wrote about the book “Whole Brain Power” by Michael Lavery. Lavery and I corresponded, and he told me about coaching Bryson and that he had “awesome results”. Lavery wants his students to bounce golf balls on the heads of hammers – even sledgehammers – with both hands. Also, to hone our penmanship with each hand. DeChambeau is his prize student.

The other day Bryson talked about how he got obsessed with ping-pong and bought a robot to practice against. Seriously. Don’t underestimate DeChambeau’s hand-eye coordination. I believe he could be an excellent player with almost any valid type of golf swing.

However, the combination of his absolute belief in his method and his exceptional hand-eye coordination (plus he’s a young, strong guy) makes a formidable golfer. Watch out – he could keep winning.

Do I recommend his style for everyone? No. Is it worth learning about and trying it out? Sure … if you have the time. I don’t think he’s found the secret to golf with his scientific ideas. But, I think he has found the secret to golf in this way: total belief in his technique combined with fantastic hand-eye coordination … and youth!

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

The PGA of America just announced that they have a new CEO – Seth Waugh. Waugh used to be the CEO of Deutsche Bank … so he’s been around the block.

The previous CEO of the PGA of America – Pete Bavacqua – was a star … but Seth Waugh might be just what the PGA needs.

The PGA of America is not the same as the PGA Tour. They were once the same organization, but split-up in 1968. However, the rumor is that they will be united and Seth Waugh will lead the procedure.

But that’s not why I think Waugh could be so important to the members of the PGA of America. Waugh is all about developing a culture … and the PGA of America needs help in that department.

Here’s a quote from Waugh talking about developing a culture at Deutsche Bank “ I tried to create a culture and abide by a culture at all times and always do the right thing. Part of that culture was – No assholes allowed. Everybody knew that.”

Here’s some more “ You try to hire talent but also hire culture. At the end of the day we’ve had to wash a few out. Often times, the better the producer, the bigger the jerk. If you actually take one of them out, particularly if they’re a big producer, people start going, ‘Wow, they’re actually serious about this.’ As much production as somebody does, there is an enormous amount of damage that they do because they bring down the happy factor, bring down the fun, bring down the culture, and zap energy in a way that is divisive, as well as waste management time. You should leave places if you think the bad guys are ruining them.”

How good is that? The golf business is fundamentally about hospitality. The bad guys wreck hospitality. He could be a much needed breath of fresh air.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

Greetings Golfers,

Ben Hogan worked on his golf swing until he died. Of course people can tinker with their golf swing too much … but, that tinkering can lead to more understanding and more variety of golf shots.

You know that saying “If you’re not growing, you’re dying”. It’s probably true about most things. But, growth also has to be managed … it can’t be out of control.

Speaking of growth, it’s been a weird year for growing grass. Barry’s done a great job managing the growth and health of the turf. Rainy, hot, humid weather is far from ideal – that’s when diseases take hold and can be hard to stop. Golf courses all around the state have suffered, and very often it wasn’t anybody’s fault – just Mother Nature playing tricks. However, I’m not complaining … much of the country has had nightmarish weather … our’s has been fine in comparison.

Back to growth. We’re trying to grow as a golf operation – but that doesn’t mean bigger. I mean better. We like our size. But there’s always room for improvement. And that means tinkering with what we do. Does our tinkering always work? Probably not … but that’s the price for growing.

Our staff has to grow too. Not by adding more people … but by growing as individuals. A good sign of growth is patience. I just read a cool saying about patience: “Patience isn’t a virtue – it’s an achievement”. People overreact and freak out too easily. I’m not saying to be apathetic … I’m saying that people have to give situations a little time to settle.

If staff members aren’t growing … there’s either a problem with the culture or it’s a bad fit. Stagnant staff turns into a negative cancer. It’s fun to watch staff members grow – especially the youngsters. But, we oldsters need to keep growing too.

Hey, if Ben Hogan kept trying to get better and learn more into old age … we all can at any age. And not just at golf.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

Brandt Snedeker shot 59 yesterday in the first round of the Wyndham Championship. It was the 10th time someone has shot in the 50s on the PGA Tour. And Snedeker is the 9th man to do it. Yes … that means someone has done it twice – Jim Furyk. In fact, Furyk is the only one to have shot 58.

Think about it … a 59 … and a 58!

The other day I was listening to Hank Haney talking about why Tiger was so wild with the driver last week at the PGA Championship. Haney said that Tiger has always been wild with the driver and that it’s a mental thing. Hmmm. Then Haney said that Tiger doesn’t want to play like Jim Furyk … Tiger wants to hit it LONG.

Tiger is not one of the 9 guys to have shot 59 or lower.

Obviously Tiger has a better record than Furyk. But what if Tiger drove it as straight as Furyk? Is Tiger’s obsession with length the reason he hits the driver wild? What about last week’s PGA champion Brooks Koepka? He hits it long and STRAIGHT. Why can’t Tiger do that? And why didn’t he do that?

Jim Furyk is famous for his loopy swing. He takes it almost straight back … and then reroutes on the downswing. It might look funny … but it’s very effective. Furyk definitely gets the club into “the slot” on the downswing. What I mean is that Furyk never comes “over the top” … he always hits from the inside.

I think that Tiger has always come a shade “over the top”. And it shows up with the driver. You can come “over the the top” with an iron or fairway wood because you’re hitting down and trapping the ball – it can stay straight. But sweeping a flat-faced driver off a tee needs to come from the inside. Haney also talked about how Tiger hates to hit it left with a driver … yeah, because he pulls it left – not draws it left … at least not from the right. Think about it – he blocks it right or pulls it left … that’s “over the top”.

Hogan hit a power fade … but he did it coming from the inside. Koepka and Dustin Johnson hit power fades with a closed face at the top of their backswings. Then they just hold on through impact … and the face slightly opens through impact and they get that power fade. You have to be VERY strong and flexible to do that. Can Tiger do that move? I wouldn’t bet on it. I’d rather see him opt for a hair less length and hit more of an inside-out draw.

Tiger’s not a youngster anymore. His comeback is amazing. But he needs to hit more fairways. And he needs a swing that is easier on his body.

By the way, Snedeker played a right-to-left draw yesterday for his 59.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com

Greetings Golfers,

One of my favorite characters in golf – Judge Tinker – just commented that Tiger Woods’ many different golf swings over the years prove that there’s not just one way to swing. He’s right – there are many effective ways to swing a golf club.

Can the golfer, get the golf club back to the ball with enough speed and control to hit the shot as planned? If so, that’s a good golf swing. Now the fun begins … with stance, grip, alignment, backswing, downswing, contact, and follow-through.

Obviously there are many theories and examples of effective golf swings. I want to talk about the “right-handed golf swing”.

My hunch is that the first Scottish shepherd to take a whack at a rock with his cane probably did it with his dominant hand – not both hands. And later on, he tried it with both hands … though I suspect that his dominant hand was in control of the swing.

In Hogan’s book – “The Five Fundamentals” – he talks about the golf swing being like the sidearm throwing motion of a baseball infielder … or like skipping a stone across the water.

I agree. Those are great images of the golf swing. But, I want to take it even farther. For some people, the WHOLE golf swing should be like a throwing motion – the wind-up and the pitch! And of course, using your throwing hand is using the right-hand for most people.

Is this the magic answer for everyone? Not at all. Some people are not comfortable at throwing. And some people like playing golf with their dominant hand pulling and leading the golf club … for example, a lefty who swings right-handed. But for some of us, the throwing motion is the heart of our golf swing.

I’m definitely one of those people. However, I’m constantly working on my left hand, and trying goofy moves with my body to develop a more conventional golf swing. Usually this works on the range, but not on the golf course.

Ironically, I’m a pretty decent player under pressure … because I usually go back to my right-handed swing … unless I’m determined to stick with some new move that I’ve been working on. Then I can be terrible.

Unlike Tiger Woods … I’m not effective with a new golf swing every 5 years. My right-handed swing is the only one that works for me. Maybe it’s the right one for you too.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com