Direction

I am a golfer. Golf is a great game because it is so much like life. And life is the greatest game of all. (Actually life is not a game; it is serious business, but the phrase sounds good and it is a satisfactory metaphor.)

Now, a few things about these ‘games’: Any good golfer knows that from tee to green direction trumps distance. This means that keeping the ball in bounds, away from hazards and in position for his/her next shot is more important to achieving a good score than hitting long but erratic drives. Once on the green, however, distance control is generally more determining of a low (good) score than direction. That is, most golfers have less of a problem lining up a putt than hitting it with the correct speed to get it to the hole but not too far beyond in case he misses his first putt.

These observations, and many others in golf, carry over to living a life successfully. But direction, I believe, is the most important consideration in both endeavors.

Before you can play golf successfully and enjoyably, before you even get on the course, or before you can live a productive and happy life without regret you’ve got to understand a few things. You’ve got to get your bearings on the direction you want to go and make the proper preparations to ensure your success.

Without knowing what you want to accomplish—having a picture in mind, without knowing the rules and etiquette, without knowing what each hole requires and what hazards are along the way, without having a model and a coach to whom you will submit to help you, without developing your skills, without knowing your limitations, without having the right equipment and knowing what it can do for you, without getting to the 1st tee on time, without a period of warm-up, without having the money it takes to even be allowed on the course, in short without planning, developing and practicing you will not find either endeavor to be successful. And success is what it is all about.

It seems like a tall order to tackle either golf or life, but the stout-hearted will find joy in the journey and satisfaction in a round well played. It is well-worth the time involved.

I’ll meet you on the course. Bring your game.