Greetings Golfers,

I’m writing this from an airplane … the woman across the aisle is lying down across all three seats with her bare feet hanging into the aisle while she’s clipping her nails. I’m not making this up. Before takeoff, the stewardess had to threaten to take away her cell phone because she was yelling on it.

Would you want her in your foursome? Maybe she could shave her legs while riding in your cart.

Was in Connecticut for a wedding. Stayed a couple of days to drive around New England. It was beautiful.  But, Fall in Minnesota is just as beautiful. In fact, I think the drive down the Mississippi River is very similar to the drive through New England.

Can’t believe that it’s almost October. And the weather is still fantastic. Our Fall rates start on October the Oneth. Same as in April … Senior rates for everyone – All day – Every day.

Hope you get out to see the leaves change and don’t forget to play golf.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

This is the final tournament of the FedEx Cup. The winner of this event at East Lake GC will probably win the 10 million dollar FedEx payday. Really – that’s true. And, the winner of the tournament itself wins over a million.

I love sports and people are entitled to making the money they earn (if it’s legal) … but this is getting crazy. I remember when in the off season, Vikings sold real estate or Twins sold cars … can you image that happening nowadays?

The sense of entitlement is what bugs me. These walkouts are hard to sympathize with. Am I on the side of the owners in these battles?  Hardly. It just seems crazy that a sporting career is usually pretty short and that the players would sit out a year because they “need” more millions.

Next week is the Ryder Cup and they play for pride and love of country – there is no paycheck. Let me know which Cup tournament you think is more exciting.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

You know how when you haven’t seen a kid for a few years, you can’t believe how much they’ve changed in so little time. If you haven’t seen that kid in over 20 years, then it’s really mind blowing.

Well, our staff (Bennett Lang) found a bunch of old Deer Run GC photos yesterday and put them on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/DeerRunGolf . Most of the photos are over 20 years old. I forgot what the original clubhouse looked like: pre-pro shop, pre-porch, pre-major remodel… wow!

We were once a sleepy, little golf course way out west in the town of Victoria. Then the housing boom came along and all of sudden Victoria became one of the western suburbs. And over those years, Deer Run GC grew up from a baby to an adult. The baby pictures are especially hilarious.

For some of us, the trip down memory lane is nostalgic. For others, it’s a glimpse into the unknown history and beginnings of this unique place. Enjoy.

Cheers,

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

Greetings Golfers,

One of the fun things about my job is that I wear so many hats. During college I waited tables and tended bar, so that helps with overseeing our Pub. And, one summer during college I worked on a golf course grounds crew. So I know a little about what our staff does outside.

What I mostly know is that I should stay out of the way. Our grounds Superintendent – Barry Provo – is one of the best in the state. It’s amazing what he does … it’s half science/half art. He has incredible knowledge and incredible feel – pretty nice combination.

So, when Barry says that it’s best to aerate the greens in October (Oct. 6) – I agree. He wants the greens to “perk”. Do I really get what he’s talking about? … not so much. But do I trust him? Totally.

Thus, during the month of September, our greens are still perfect. Our greens have been magnificent all year and I’m glad that we can keep them smooth as long as possible.

Sorry – no excuses about your putting for the next month.

Cheers,

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