Decisions vs. Luck

Watching the Superbowl ending between the Seahawks and Patriots highlights an important point in the quest for playing your best golf. If you look at the 6 Superbowls the Patriots played in the last 15 years, the difference between winning and losing usually comes down to one decision or one lucky break. This past Sunday came down to a couple of bad decisions and what amounts to a lucky break.

The Patriots decided not to call timeout with about a minute left, had Seattle scored, New England would have needed a field goal to tie but only 20 seconds or so left. Today everyone would be talking about the Patriots bad choice. Instead, the Seahawks deciding to throw the fateful slant is considered THE bad decision of the game.

The ball and Butler had to be exactly as they were and the interception held onto to ensure a New England victory. Had the pass been thrown just milliseconds earlier or a few inches to the right, Seattle would have players at Disneyland. Luck in this game and many Superbowls has a larger role than many consider.

When you’re on the golf course, there is a lot beyond your control, and “luck” is a way to describe the things you can’t control. In a least a couple of tournaments, Tiger Woods has hit the pin and caromed into a sand trap or at least off the green. If it were one inch either direction, it would have landed close for a tap-in or at least a short putt. Should you aim away from the pin? Of course not. Just don’t get angry when things happen beyond your control. Select the right club, select the best shot, and make the best swing you can make. The rest is out of your control.

To break your personal goal, you will need to make the best decisions you can in the stress of the moment, and accept the lucky or unlucky bounces.