*Life lessons from golf and life, drawn from* The Puddle Club *by Michael McGruther and Gregg Russell (Hosel & Ferrule Books, 2018).*

In the book, GOLF stands for Game of Life First. This companion pulls out the lessons Skyler learns on her way back home, so a parent, a coach, or a young golfer can carry them past the last page. Each lesson has the moment in the story where it shows up and a question to take out onto the course or into the day.

## How to use this companion

Read a chapter of the book, then come here and pick the lesson that matches. Talk it over before you play, or on the walk to the car afterward. Nothing here is a test. Like personal par, the answers belong to whoever is answering.

## Lesson 1: Jump right in

The book is dedicated to anyone who knows the joy of jumping right in. Skyler arrives by falling through a puddle, and the only way home is to play one round. Par tells her walking home is not permitted, but playing through is. She is scared and has never held a club, and she plays anyway.

**The lesson:** preparation is useful, but it never replaces starting. Most people are scared off because out there, where the game is truly played, it is never a sure thing.

**Ask yourself:** What am I waiting to feel ready for, and what is the smallest first swing I could take today?

## Lesson 2: Find your personal par

When Skyler reaches Chapter Ten, Parnell IV presents her with a puddle-shaped pin that is reflective like a mirror on one side. When she looks into it, all she sees is herself. He tells her she has earned herself because she has learned herself, and that knowing her weaknesses and strengths is necessary to playing well.

**The lesson:** the standard worth chasing is your own number of tries, not someone else's scorecard. Personal par is self-knowledge, and no one can hand it to you.

**Ask yourself:** Whose scorecard am I playing against right now? What would my own par look like?

## Lesson 3: Ask the three questions