The Sacred Fairway: Self-Reflection, Growth, and the Catholic Journey

What Golf Taught Me About Growing in Faith

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There’s something about finishing a round of golf that makes you want to think. Maybe it’s because you had a great day and want to relive the good shots. Or maybe—let’s be honest—it’s because you sprayed the ball around the course and you’re wondering what went wrong.

I’ve had both kinds of days. But whether I walked off the 18th green feeling proud or frustrated, I’ve always found golf to be one of the best teachers of self-reflection—and as a Catholic, I’ve come to see that reflection as more than just part of the game. It’s part of my walk with God.

Golf Isn’t Just a Game—It’s a Mirror

When I started teaching my son how to play, I noticed something familiar in him: the desire to do well, the frustration when things didn’t go his way, and that inner voice trying to figure out what went wrong. I used to tell him, “The game doesn’t lie.” And now I say the same thing about life and faith.

Golf has a way of showing you where you’re strong and where you’ve got room to grow. And isn’t that what the Catholic faith invites us to do? To look at ourselves honestly—not with shame, but with hope. To admit when we’ve missed the mark and ask, “What can I do better next time?”

From Mulligans to Mercy

I’ve hit my fair share of bad shots—some days, I feel like I’m handing out mulligans like candy. But here’s the thing: every bad shot is an opportunity to reset, to start fresh, and to learn. That mindset has carried over into my faith.

In Catholicism, we talk about self-examination and confession—two practices that are so similar to what happens after a rough round of golf. You look back, take responsibility, ask for forgiveness, and get another chance to walk it out differently. That’s grace. And I’ve needed a lot of it—on and off the course.