First of all – this book is not only about golf – the “Big G” as I call it – meaning, and standing for – the game, the business, and the industry. *But, it is a recounting of my life and how golf helped me immensely in my focus when things seemed hopeless at times, and also how I sincerely hope that by writing this book, others will find golf, or some other positive influence in their lives that will see them through the tough (or at times) overwhelmingly tough times and occurrences that may affect them in their lives. And for me very personally, so you know, this book alone, I felt was so important for me to write that its writing alone kept me from losing hope of any kind at my weakest moments. Explaining this further – I felt that had I given up, had I just succumbed to any other option than continuing with my life and having not, through this writing, given my view that those who may feel lost and alone without hope might benefit by my saying – Don’t give up – Never give up – You can make it – You need to go forward. Struggles that seem insurmountable at times happen to a lot of us – seek help anywhere + everywhere there are places + people who will listen.

 

And going forward, find strength in something positive and challenging – for me, it was a welcoming and strengthening home in the world of golf – for you, it may be faith, art, or music – but find something or someone to help you.

 

I understand that I may not be the best messenger for helping others – and might indeed be putting myself in a rather lofty position with this statement, but when you read my book and follow my story, I think you might agree that my ambitions are sincere, and if this does positively affect one other person, then it was a worthwhile exercise.

 

Going backwards – I never intended to write an autobiography – my only goal was to write a book extolling the values and opportunities I found in my professional life in golf to let others understand what is out there, as well as, a section on how to teach the game effectively to those who will never have the talents necessary to achieve a high level of accomplishment in the game – (as well as) – a section – (in this one and only book) – on how best to learn the game for those who want to assess proper instruction for them + them alone – If I had completed this book, I feel that I would have been satisfied that I gave back the wisdom of my studies and many years of hard work, reading, and studying what others have shown me.

 

But, like life, this changed! And the honest truth is – the darn introduction got too long! So, I figured I should write a separate book about my own life in golf and what it taught me. (But) once again, things changed, and I realized that if I opened up completely, I may have the ability to help others in a completely different way. To be direct and to the point – I am tired of hearing about the climbing rate of suicide in this country. The numbers are staggering even in the youngest of all age groups. And I can understand their feelings, I relate to this desperate panic that pervades every fiber of one's being. So therefore, this book took on a life of its own.

 

Writing this book is the single most difficult thing I have ever done – but I believe that hard challenges are the definition of challenges, and for those who know me and have wondered why/how this took so long – its basically because I didn’t know how far I wanted to go in opening up my personal weaknesses to others. But then, I realized that without showing how far one can fall, how deeply depression can affect you when you do come across this devil of an application – how if I didn’t explain my experience fully – could I expect others to get value from this “accidental” book.

 

Now, all that being said – my life has been interesting. That is what keeps this book moving along. That is not my ego talking – it has been “darn” interesting. * I don’t like to use any profanity as you will see in my book. I met/spent time with some amazing people! I have some stories in this book that, at times, will make (I believe) everyone say “no kidding” – (again, no foul language!) – and this goes for even my closest family members or associates. So, I believe you will be drawn into my journey as much as I have been in putting it down on paper – in fact, I guarantee it! And I can hardly wait to hear your feedback.

 

So, as much as I laid out how serious a message I am trying to discuss – I know you will find this book a fun, page turning, surprising romp – even with its many seriously dark moments – I know at least (3) or (4) stories that you will tell others – again – I guarantee it!

 

Like all writers, I have written more than I wanted, I need to stop – even this writing has a deadline!

 

I’ll see you next inside the pages

 

Pete Mandich

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