8 Lessons for Life on Hole 1...a Story About a Boy, Golf and the Human Spirit

It was a difficult time in Nathaniel's life. He had just turned 12 years old. He had moved to a new home, a new school, and his parents, after a long, painful process, had gotten divorced. He was an intelligent boy and had always done well in school, but he had not made friends yet, and he felt truly bored in his classes. The only thing he still enjoyed, it seemed, was hitting golf balls, especially after watching the Master's Golf Tournament in Augusta. Often, while sitting through class, he would find himself imagining he was the best golfer in the world, making millions of dollars. 'Then,' he thought, 'everyone would like me. I'd have everything-money, power, fame-maybe even happiness.' But, as exciting as these daydreams were, and as much as he loved watching the game, he still had never had the opportunity to play golf on a real golf course. And as much as he liked to swing a golf club, he had never taken a lesson from a golf pro before. His daydreams faded away, and he found himself sitting in class feeling even more bored and frustrated with nothing to look forward to. Nathaniel's teachers at the new school agreed that he was very smart. They also agreed he lacked motivation and discipline. His parents tried their best to speak with him to offer help through the new transitions of school and home, but nothing seemed to help.