On the golf course, I have always been of the mind that if I could just try that shot one more time, that I would get it right during the second go around. Of course in a real match there are no “Mulligans” off the tee box and certainly not during play on the hole. An explanation is really in order. “Mulligans” or “Mullies” as they are sometimes called are “do over shots” in a golf game. In a friendly game of golf, partners often allow each other to have such a do over shot on the 1st and 10th tee boxes. In cases of charity tournaments, a set amount of mulligans are sold to each player as a way of raising more funds for a good cause. But the bottom line in golf is: you have one crack at each shot. If it does not go well, you have to play it anyway.
Last week I played a round at the par 3 course by myself. There was not another soul on the course during the noon hour, so I decided to play two balls on each hole. Finally my dream had come true! If I didn’t like the way I hit the first shot, I could correct my swing as I played the second ball. The result was not what I expected.

I ended up scoring significantly lower on the shots I made with the first ball. I found that to be very odd. I had every opportunity to make necessary corrections, as I played that second ball on each hole. The improvements remained elusive.

I could not help but laugh to myself when I finished the round. It occurred to me that perhaps all of us spend way too much energy dwelling on what we would have done in life, if given the chance to make different choices. In other words, we perceive that our lives would be better if there were “Mulligans” for all of the major decisions we are faced with everyday. I do believe that is a false assumption.

Things might not work out nearly as well as we think if we went back and changed things. In golf, you have to play the ball where it lands. If it lands in middle of the fairway, that is great! But if it lands behind a tree or in the sand trap, you have to just make the best of it. Learning to address such challenges makes the game fun and engaging. I think the same is true in life. I am determined today to make the most of the opportunities before me. There are a few swings I would like to do over, but that is not going to happen. I am just grateful to be in the game.

This Saturday we will play golf at Lakeridge Country Club during our Monterey High School 30 year reunion. I wonder what the rules will be concerning the use of “Mulligans?” I know that doing it over does not always work out well, but a few “Mullies” may be order during that tournament to keep things moving in a positive direction. Hmm…Now I am wondering if I learned my lesson at the par 3 course last week! Well I suppose everyone deserves at least one “Mulligan!”