The game of golf offers many lessons that apply to our lives. For every mistake or poor choice there is usually a second chance waiting for us. Second chances are what golf is all about. In a round of golf there are 18 second chances which is a big reason why so many people are drawn to the game.

There is a freshness and renewed confidence waiting at every tee box. Each hole offers a new opportunity to get it right. When viewing the fairway ahead, visions of a long tee balls fill our mind. "This time I'm really gonna rip it", we say as the others in our group tee off. It's rather easy to get lost on the golf course. The mind can drift to the last missed birdie, a great approach shot, or simply the beauty of the course itself. Once the tee is sunk into the ground, the moment of truth arrives.

Regardless of how we hit our tee shot, yet another chance waits for us down the fairway. A great tee shot makes everything seem just a little sweeter. Standing beside the ball just 135 yards away from the green you think, "If I can only knock this on, I'll have a chance for a birdie." Sometimes we even assume a great result based on our position in the fairway. Just as in life, the future is unknown. We know that each day is a blessing that we are fortunate to have. Standing over the ball requires poise and nerves of steel. Flashes of E.S.P.N. highlights from Pebble Beach rip through our mind as we take the club head back.

The well intentioned shot is stuck well but runs out of gas at its peak. Drifting to the right, the ball ends up in a familiar place; short and to the right. The mumbler in all of us rattles off phrases of disgust and disbelief. "You'd think I would make an adjustment just once....I end up in the same stupid spot every time! Unbelievable."

Our emotions often get the best of us as our thoughts go from club breaking to more rational feelings. Picking up the bag seems like a heavy task after blowing yet another opportunity to "do it like the guys on TV."

The spherical form with Titleist emblazened on the side represents hope once again. Reforming our thoughts takes a clear mind. "Wipe out everything and concentrate on this chip shot," as if Butch Harmon instructs from the shadows. You select the wedge that has hit this exact shot thousands of times. The well earned sweet spot is grooved into the club. With confidence you approach the ball. Without thinking you strike the shot you could hit in your sleep. Perfect! The ball feels solid coming

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