What’s Your Hole in One?

“I’ve always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn’t have a chance to win.” – Arnold Palmer Golf legend

Two weeks ago, Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, made a hole-in-one while playing tandem with his father in a PMC Championship. Imagine. Together, they ended the game in second place, a combined 15 under par. Fifteen! At just 15 years old, Charlie was achieving feats that most golfers only dream of.

It was a moment of joy and celebration, right?

Of course. And not entirely.

What does this have to do with those of us who are not golfers? Life has likely taught you that not everyone celebrates potential. The pressure on Charlie Woods is immense. Expectations are sky-high, and criticism often follows if he doesn’t appear to meet the lofty standards set by his father’s legacy.

How do you react to pressure?

Tiger Woods’ own story provides a masterclass in navigating expectations. A child prodigy, Tiger was imitating his father’s golf swing with a tiny putter at just 11 months old. By age 2, he played his first nine-hole course and shot a 48. He won his first tournament at age 5, competing against 10-year-olds. Despite his remarkable talent and work ethic, Tiger’s journey wasn’t universally celebrated.

At age 20, as he began his professional career, skepticism and criticism lingered. During an interview at the start of his first pro tournament, golf legend Curtis Strange asked Tiger about his goals for the week.

“Four solid rounds,” Tiger said calmly. “If I can do that for three more days, I’ll be happy. And a victory would be nice too.”

"A win." Strange actually snickered. “To me, that comes off as a little cocky or brash. Your first pro tournament, and you say you can win.”

Unfazed, Tiger replied calmly, “Why go to a tournament if you’re not trying to win? There’s no point unless you plan to win.”

Curtis, still skeptical, quipped, “You’ll learn.” Google it. It's cringeworthy.

How did Tiger stay so calm?

Doubt, criticism, and condescension were not new to Tiger. He had often heard many negative comments from the pros and media.

He answered them on the green, again and again.

Tiger won that first PGA tournament, silencing many doubters with grace and determination.

Lessons from the Green

Tiger’s career is legendary: 15 professional major championships, 82 PGA Tour wins, and an enduring legacy as one of golf’s greatest players.

As Yogi Berra famously said, “[Golf] is 90 percent mental, and the other half is physical.”

Whether you’re on the green or navigating life’s challenges, mindset matters. When faced with opposition, we have a choice: let it hold us back, or use it as wind behind our swing. At any age or stage, the game of life invites us to respond with resilience and to set our own expectations. As one wise saying goes, “On the golf course, as in life, the biggest hazards are the ones we create for ourselves.”

Your Journey, Your Course

This year, may you find joy in your journey. Surround yourself with advocates, mentors, and cheerleaders who believe in your potential. Play to win, not just on the scorecard but in the way you show up every day. They’ve been counting Tiger Woods out since day one, and some still do. But he’s still here, playing his game, proving that persistence matters, and passing it on to the next generation.

Don’t let anyone count you out. Play to win. And remember, the real victory is found in the effort, the growth, and the journey itself.

Here’s to joy in the journey—and a few hole-in-ones along the way.

Cheering you on!

#JoyInTheJourney #Resilience #PlayToWin #LifeLessons #GolfMotivation #Persistence #GrowthMindset #HoleInOne