This Was My Moment!

Just got home from playing in a charity golf tournament for my former high school (Crittenden County in KY) to help them raise funds for their young team. My nephew, the golf coach, headed up the foursome I was in that included my brother and another individual. The tournament play was best ball or as some call it "scramble." The fundraising event took place at Drake Creek Golf Course in Paducah, Kentucky.

It all came down to the 18th green. We desperately needed to sink a 10 foot birdie putt on this Par 5 to clinch Third Place. Before we all sized up the putt, my nephew asked "Who wants the pressure?" Without hesitation I spoke up. My reply was "I do." Then, one by one they all looked the putt over to their own satisfaction and missed. It was up to me. To be honest, I love pressure to perform. This was my moment. I felt like I was in the position that my golf idol Kenny Perry was in at the Masters earlier this month.

I walked up near the ball, stared down the cup and visualized the ball rolling over the front edge into the hole. Then, I took my stance and stayed still until I felt very comfortable. My goal was to hit a firm stroke straight at the hole. The ball left my putter and went to the heart of the hole and it dropped. Wow! What a rush it was.

Looking back on it all, the visualization process was key. Further, visualization and the execution of that vision is absolutely key to leadership and in most things we do.

For my winnings I received 1 dozen of Taylor Made golf balls, a $25 gift certificate to Red Lobster, and an attractive ceramic coffee mug from Olive Garden. Most of all, the golf team made great profits for the outing. It was a great day!