May 18, 2008 -- For all the talk about a bad slot on the schedule, inconsistent weather in Atlanta this time of year or even the uncertainty about the future of the event -- the AT&T Classic always seems to be on one of the best shows in terms of drama or storyline each year. This year, it wasn't just a great story, it was a great sequel!

Riyuji Imada bounced back from last year's disappointment to take this year's title. (Getty Images)

For those that recall last year's tournament, Zach Johnson won in a playoff when Ryuji Imada's second shot in the playoff found the water on 18. Fast forward one year and Imada is once again in a playoff for the title, only it's his opponent, Kenny Perry, who finds the water with his second shot in the playoff. Granted the circumstances were pretty incredible as to how he found the water, but as they say, there's no room for pictures on the scorecard. It eventually led to a bogey for Perry and a championship for Imada.

Was this mere coincidence? Possibly. But did Imada learn anything from last year and have that help him in his quest this year at TPC Sugarloaf? You'd better believe it.

Imada learned more than how to play the 18th hole in a playoff -- though that was obviously critical -- he learned how to compose himself when contending for the lead. As a PGA Professional who plays quite a bit of competition golf, I can tell you that learning to play well and learning to play well under pressure are very different tasks. Any player is going to have nerves and you never really know how you'll respond until you find yourself in that situation.

Last year, some people were critical of Imada's play in the playoff, but it was that experience that I believe played a huge part in this year's win. Remember, you can't blow a lead unless you have the lead to begin with. And how you maintain your composure and focus once that lead turns into a potential win is a skill that takes quite a bit of practice and skill to hone.

This year, I feel that will be the case for one Parker McLachlin. This talented golfer from Hawaii learned what it's like to play with a lead late in the final round of a PGA Tour event. And he learned that it was tough.

After holing out a bunker shot on the 13th hole, McLachlin had a three-shot lead on the field. He then struggled a bit coming home, still shot a 67 and ended up in a tie for fifth. But now he has felt the nerves, knows how he mentally and physically will react, and the next time he contends for a title, I'd think he would do better. And he'll continue to do better. Look for him to find a comfortable spot high on many leaderboards. And one day, when he wins his first event, he can look back at this year's AT&T Classic and attribute what he learned here to future successes.

So that is this week's A Lesson Learned. Golfers like to use the term "choke" or "gagged" or any number of negative words to describe losing a late lead. But I say you can call it "education," especially if you find yourself in a position you are unaccustomed to being in. So if you lose a late lead this week in your regular group, just know that it is preparing you for next week when you know better how to react as you close in on that important win. Pay attention to your tendencies when under the gun and make adjustments, don't just dwell that things were more difficult to do. The results may not show until your next round, but they ultimately will -- and you'll be better for it. Ask Mr. Riyuji Imada.

Best of luck in your golf,

Criag Stevens.

Craig Stevens is the Director of Instruction at The Windy Hill Golf Academy in Smyrna, Ga. He is an accomplished player and instructor who has been the Georgia PGA Section Player of the Year twice, played in two PGA Championships and a dozen Tour events and represented the United States in the 2003 PGA Cup. He can be reached at 770 855 7393 or at his email procraig1@bellsouth.net.