In the polite language of golf, it’s called an unplayable ball and the player is usually given a free drop. In the everyday language of golf, well…I can’t print it here. Can you image a worse position to be in? It usually happens when you’ve hit a sweet, straight, amazing drive, only to find that the ball decided to give you a taste of humility and found this shelter in the prickly pear cactus. If you get a free drop then you still might have a chance for par. But, more than likely, this situation means at least a bogey, or a double or a triple. One of these can ruin your round and your day. More than one of these in a round and you’ll be buying drinks in the clubhouse.
There are some days when it seems like every decision you make, every effort you expend, every attempt at something new ends up in the prickly pear. It’s called disappointment, or a chance to learn a lesson and do it better next time, or rotten luck. For the golfer, it usually happens because the grip isn’t right or the stance is wrong or timing is off or any of a dozen other technicalities. For me, in my daily routines, it usually happens because I haven’t paid attention, or I’ve wanted my way at the expense of good advice, or I’ve tried something way over my head…pride goes before what?
Try to remember that there are a lot of prickly pears out there and they love nothing better than to gobble up your golf ball. Slow down, pay attention, stay within the limits of your proven abilities, do it for the right reasons, and listen to good advice. If you’re going to hit a 500 yard drive to impress your friends, bring along a box of balls.
Fore!
Shining Spirit 
Good blog. I often fall into this trap … not thinking the situation out well before acting.
Thanks, Barb. Stay well and safe.