Southern Charm and Northern Efficiency

Southern Charm and Northern Efficiency

Greetings Golfers, 

Been having great conversations with some guys who were at the Masters. 

It’s a different culture. Of course the place is beautiful and the course is amazing … but the atmosphere is what is mind-boggling. 

It’s the South at its best. 

There’s a famous quote by JFK when asked about Washington DC. He described it as a city of “Southern efficiency and Northern charm”. 

Well the Masters seems to have pulled off the opposite - a tournament of Southern charm and Northern efficiency. 

I’m not sure that CBS pulled it off. I thought the camera work was terrible. Half the time they didn’t even follow the ball. And they seemed to be obsessed with player reactions instead of following the shots. Or switching to meaningless action during meaningful action … such as Scheffler lining up a vital putt … then jumping to a random player hitting a “nice” shot. Never saw Scottie attempt the putt. 

Maybe CBS has gone the Washington DC route of “Southern efficiency and Northern charm”. 

The other morning I read some good advice “ Lighten-up. Relax, laugh, enjoy.” 

I get it. I try to be that guy when playing golf. And I try to be that guy running the golf course. But … I’m not sure I can be that guy … and be intense enough to properly deal with everything. I’m afraid that attitude can slip into apathy. 

Looks like the goal is to be Southern on the outside and Northern on the inside. Can you do that and not be phony? 

Probably. But it would take a strong understanding of priorities. Northern on the big stuff … Southern on the little stuff. 

Well … we have the Masters as our model. 

This week the Tour stays Down South. The tournament on Hilton Head Island is very cool. Great golf course. A shotmaker’s course. And another great vibe. It’s not the Masters … but it’s worth watching. Cheers!

Cheers!

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