At this week’s meeting of the “Seven Days in Utopia” study group we wrapped up our discussion of the golfer’s story by following his adventure at the Texas Open. He got to put the things he learned, both about golf and life, to work in ways that could only be seen by someone who has learned to recognize opportunity when it knocks. He was able to have a profound influence on the life of a fellow competitor and in the process, he saw a new life of significance and purpose open for him. He also learned that there are times when it is necessary to leave tradition behind and approach challenging situations with the courage that comes from recognizing the voice of truth.
In the end, the question of whether or not he made that final putt could be discussed at some length. One of two things would end up happening. Either he comes in second to the best player in golf, which is the expectation, or he achieves a stunning upset that will be talked about for years. I suppose you can look at it from two perspectives. One is that ‘it isn’t whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game’. Another is that ‘second place is the first loser’. I can imagine that the first statement is something you might hear from your mother while the second is more than likely what your father would say. How would either outcome have a different effect on the impact this person could make in the lives of others? We aren’t told at this point.
Throughout this study, David Cook has illustrated the similarities between golf and life in general. He tells us that golf is like fly-fishing, it takes rhythm, balance, and patience. Or golf is like piloting an airplane, you need to be ready to solve unexpected problems. Or golf is like being the President of the United States, you should speak softly and carry a Big Bertha Callaway driver. Ok, I made that last one up, he never said that. The fact is that you can draw comparisons between things you deal with in your every-day life and a variety of activities and pursuits. When you learn to engage your passion, and unite it with your true calling and purpose, that is what it truly means to ‘find your game’.
There is an answer to the question “did he make the putt?” and it can be found in the second book in this series, “Golf’s Sacred Journey 2”. My hope is that we can continue this adventure and explore in more detail the themes that were introduced in the opening story. I will keep you posted on the prospects for continuing this soon, so check back often.
if you are one of those who participated in the group, please leave your comments below. it will be a big help in seeing how we can use this story to inspire others down the road. Thank you to all who were a part of this endeavor.