The Hole-in-One (Last of a 3-Part Series)

For the past two weeks, I have been writing about golf and its various life lessons. In Part 1, I wrote about the golf lessons on humility, perseverance, and the importance of being focused in the moment. In last week’s Part 2 of the series, I wrote about the parallelisms of golf course situations with real life scenarios, and on how our golfing instincts should mirror how we address unique situations in our lives. I said it all starts with a wise club selection, and the careful examination of the environment. The final lesson I wish to share is one I learned in September 2006, when I made my first (and only, to date) hole-in-one.

It happened at a time when I was playing regularly. I think I played more than usual during the entire third quarter of that year, only to slide back once again after being gobbled by my busy work schedule. On that fateful day, I was playing at Capitol Golf. My first four holes were among the better ones I played in two weeks. I had 3 pars and 1 bogey going to the 5th hole.

Standing at the blue tee, I determined that I needed to make a 157-160 yards shot. Using a Dunlop DDH (#5) ball, and bringing out my trusty 6 iron (RAC COG, Taylor Made), I hit the ball nice and clean and saw it beautifully draw onto the green. “I’m on the green,” I thought. “This is good. I have a decent chance for a birdie.”

Upon reaching the green, I did not see my ball on the putting surface. I was baffled as I thought I hit a good shot. I then thought that my ball fell off the surface and was gobbled by the rough. There was another ball at the fringe, but it was not mine.

As it happened, there was a house being constructed at the adjoining fairway lot. The construction workers excitedly called our attention and told us that the ball went inside the hole. Inside the hole! What?? I made a hole-in-one??? I could not believe it.

This experience has again made me realize that golf is very much like life itself. In life, when you endeavor to do your best, some notable, if not exceptional results can follow. In golf, if you give your best swing, you create the real possibility that, one day, your ball will luckily and trippingly roll into the bottom of the cup for that ever-elusive hole-in-one. Keep doing your best, and good results will surely follow.

Just a couple of days ago, I almost made my second hole-in-one in a 175-yards par 3, missing the cup by about 6 inches. Who knows, it could happen again, despite my inconsistent and sometimes erratic golf swing.