Golf - Golf Courses - Michael Jordan and Jesse Stone

Greetings Golfers,

Though it’s nice to be here in South Carolina … it’s not hot … barely even warm. But I have played golf … not in shorts and short-sleeves … but in a jacket and cords.
 

I’m not complaining. 
 

But I will complain about my golf game. First day - no expectations - played well and was one of the big winners. Next day - played great - and was the big winner. Then, played a few days later - played terribly and was the big loser.
 

How golf is that? How life is that?
 

Just read that Rory McIlroy shot 62 in the first round in Dubai. Michael Jordan’s club Pro got an invite and shot 87. Guys aren’t happy. I’m sure the club Pro is a good player … but that’s a different world. 
 

Here’s a link to an article about Jordan’s club in Florida: https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-jordan-23-golf-course#:~:text=Michael%20Jordan's%20exclusive%20golf%20club,MJ%20has%20such%20an%20advantage.
 

If you read the article, Jordan had the course designed so that the fairways are wide for his short drives … but really narrow for long drivers. So when he plays against Tour players (and they have to give him 10 shots) the course plays to his game.
 

That’s an option to not rolling back the ball - just narrow the fairways for the long drivers.
 

Jordan had Bobby Weed design the course. Weed designed a course near us down here. It’s a fun layout in a nice neighborhood and some holes are on the intercostal. Big success - right? Wrong. It’s had 5 owners since we’ve been here … and was just plain closed for 3-4 years. Was public … now they’re taking it private. Hmmmmm.
 

About 10 years ago, a businessman from Boston bought it. He thought he stole it because it was so undervalued. He thinks business is in the buy. He likes to flip stuff. However, golf courses have needs. We all know that restaurants have needs. Stuff wears-out. Golf courses can be money pits. I tried warning him. Then, saw him a year later and asked how it’s going. He said that he lost $1M his first year and “what should I do?”. I said “Sell it before you lose another million”.
 

I read that Michael Jordan is a billionaire. And that his clubhouse cost $15-20M. I’m glad he’s a billionaire … he’ll need it for this toy.
 

The other 2 local public courses are under new ownership. I hope somebody makes it. I don’t want to drive to Hilton Head to play golf.
 

Why is it so hard? Because the expenses are crazy. One of these new owners wants to install paved cart-paths … the quote to do it - $1.4M. And … he needs new carts, watering system, mowers, etc. The other course needs the same stuff. All 3 of these local courses were beautiful when first built. But the owners didn’t keep putting the money back in. Golf courses are like a garden - they need love and constant attention … and money!
 

This life of leisure is fun. But I’m going to the PGA Show in Orlando in a little over a week. Not exactly hard work … but not leisure. I’ll be back in MN on March 1 … this leisure goes by in a minute.
 

So … I play some golf … read a little … sleep a lot … and watch tv. Have you seen those “Jesse Stone” shows? Tom Selleck is Jesse Stone … an old cop who moved from LA to a little town near Boston. He drinks too much … but has a great dog … and solves crimes. It’s really likable. I think there’s 9 episodes. First one was made in 2006 … I think the final was made in 2016. If you’re not playing golf and need a good diversion - check it out. I recommend it even if you’re playing golf.
 

I hope my next round isn’t terrible.

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