Greetings Golfers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obviously this year has been ripe for conspiracy theories. How\u2019s this one – Netflix created the virus so we all have to stay home and watch television?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Works for me. I\u2019m embarrassed to say how many shows I\u2019ve seen on Netflix \u2026 I need an excuse for my behavior \u2026 I\u2019ll blame it on Netflix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the hot show on Netflix is \u201cThe Queen\u2019s Gambit\u201d \u2026 a show about an orphan girl who excels at chess. I was resistant to watch it \u2026 I\u2019m not a chess player \u2026 and it sounded like it might be depressing and cheesy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Actually, it\u2019s fascinating and hilarious. Not joke funny \u2026 but funny because the tone is light and likable. Fascinating \u2026 because chess is all about strategy and what it takes to be a world class strategist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our hero – Beth Harmon – can visualize the chessboard in her mind and play the game in her head. And, she\u2019s obsessed \u2026 it\u2019s basically all she ever thinks about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ok \u2026 how does this relate to golf? I know, you\u2019ve already gone there \u2026 probably from the title of the blog or by the third paragraph. Golf is a game of strategy. And, it\u2019s good to play golf holes in your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well designed golf holes have interesting risk-reward strategies. Obviously the architect needs to work with the terrain and is limited in what can be done \u2026 but there is always a need for strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since we\u2019re talking about television \u2026 what\u2019s with televised golf? Ugh. Especially here in America. Very little emphasis on strategy. The coverage just jumps around from hole to hole \u2026 either showing the leader hit a shot \u2026 or a random player hitting an unusually skillful or lucky shot \u2026 or just people making putts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That type of coverage would be about as interesting if chess tournaments were televised and they jumped around from match to match showing random moves and then just showing a lot of checkmates. If the matches were not followed in sequence, the moves are basically meaningless, especially the final move. Everything is out of context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, last weekend, I watched a Professional Tournament in South Africa and the coverage was excellent. They actually followed groups and analyzed the strategies for their next shots. Hurrah!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Televised golf tournaments should be focusing on what makes golf fascinating – the strategy. They have the ability to make it more interesting than if you were there trying to follow some players. The cameras can scan the holes and set-up the action in a way that you never could as a walking spectator. And, it allows the time between shots for interesting commentary about the wind, lie, and other factors relating to the strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, maybe we need a Netflix show about an orphan who becomes a golf champion. Certainly, the show would focus on the playing of golf holes so we could see what our hero has to overcome. Hopefully, that would wake up network coverage of golf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe, Netflix has to take over televised golf coverage. That\u2019s a conspiracy theory I\u2019d be happy to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cheers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greetings Golfers, Obviously this year has been ripe for conspiracy theories. How\u2019s this one – Netflix created the virus so we all have to stay home and watch television? Works for me. I\u2019m embarrassed to say how many shows I\u2019ve seen on Netflix \u2026 I need an excuse for my behavior \u2026 I\u2019ll blame it … Continue reading Golf and The Queen\u2019s Gambit<\/span>
Tom Abts
GM\/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com<\/a>
Deer Run Golf Club
8661 Deer Run Drive
Victoria, MN 55386
(952) 443-2351
www.deerrungolf.com<\/a>
www.facebook.com\/DeerRunGolf<\/a>
www.twitter.com\/DeerRunGolfClub<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"