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Let's forget about the PGA for a minute and have a look at the amateur golfer. And not just the occasional amateur, but the freshly-formed golf enthusiast. In the 25 years I've been interested in golf, I've had more than a few opportunities to witness the subtle encroachment of golf obsessive behavior.

Stage 1. Paying no particular attention. This phase usually happens early on when our subject is chock full of novice declarative pronouncements like... "It'll never happen to me!" and "I don't understand why people get hooked on this!" Sure... he's had a little taste. Maybe a couple rounds at the local public links or an invitation to fill in a charity tournament foursome. But somehow, that phone call inviting him out for the round peaked his interest and our unsuspecting subject accepted an innocent invitation to play. And the dead giveaway comment predicting what is to come is that cordial mention after the round... "If you ever need a forth give me a call." And just like that our subject has opened the door to the magical and seductive game of golf without really paying much attention.

Phase 2. What a great shot I made! Not only is our subject interested in filling in a foursome, he wants to put together a foursome! There was something about that last outing... the weather, the camaraderie, the cocktails or maybe even the crisply manicured course. It doesn't really matter. Our subject has been touched by some little piece of the magic and he's primed for another dose. The next round proves frustrating though. He imagines the crisp iron shots checking up on the green, putts dropping from twenty feet and massive tee balls down the center. Not a chance! He's mastered every skank shot it seems. He can't sink a two footer for triple bogey and every tee ball seems to find the deep woods. You see, after that initial taste he tuned into the Golf Channel and got a look the big game. "It looks so easy when they do it!" It's a frequent exclamation from the hungry phase 2 addict in training. But that 155 yard seven iron he flushed last week left him feeling that he's ready for the PGA. So after a heaping helping of self rationalization and consternation he moves to the next level. He's got to have more!

Phase 3. Dress in the 70s... talk in the 80s... shoot in the 90s. Our subject is full-on golf at this point. In one short golf season he's rapidly progressed to a gotta-have-it player. He craves the latest sticks, the coolest golf shoes, and the best stand bag. He's procured an array of the latest golf shirts, in multiple colors. He rummages around proshops and discount golf super centers. He's ripe for the picking of every trendy golf marketing ploy. He spends untold hours scouring the internet for the best golf deals. Our subject is now walking the walk and more importantly, talking the talk. He can't wait to book that first golf vacation with his new found cronies. The very thought of it gives him an adrenalin rush. He believes his dream round is now within reach!

Sound familiar? Take a look around you. You've no doubt witnessed similar scenarios with some of your own golf pals. Golf is an intoxicating mistress who holds universal powers over her victims. My advice is this. Go with the flow. It'll be the ride of your life!