The Gift of the Do-Over

Golf has never been my thing; I have tried and failed. It’s a game of strategy that requires knowledge about the course before you hit the first ball. The one thing I love about golf is a beautiful term used by “non-pros” called a mulligan.

In golf, a mulligan is a free do-over. In other words, if you hit a bad shot, you can say mulligan and get to hit another shot from the same position. The goal of a mulligan is to have a better outcome than the first shot that was played.

The mulligan—a symbol of hope and optimism—is a powerful tool in golf. It acknowledges that we can get things wrong from time to time, or it could mean that we did not fully understand everything we should have before the first shot. Either way, a mulligan can transform your score and even help you win the game.

Life, much like golf, is a journey that requires knowledge, strategy, and a good caddy who knows the small details about the course you’re playing. My moments of greatest success have come when I had a good coach to help me reach my goals. A good coach provides the knowledge and support needed to navigate life's challenges.

At Collins, we work with children, at-risk youth, and families who are desperate for a mulligan. Your financial support proves there are people who believe in second chances. Your willingness to volunteer proves you believe in the value of having a coach who can provide knowledge about the course ahead. We are deeply grateful for your support and thank you for standing with us as we help children, at-risk youth and families navigate life's difficulties.

Another way to support our efforts is to sponsor or play in our 2025 “Fore the Family” Golf Tourney. This year’s event will be a fun-filled day at Chickasaw Point Golf Course on 3.28.25, with exciting prizes, a delicious lunch, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth and families. For all the details and to register, visit collinsfs.org/golf.

by Kelly Ross, CEO