What is the Golf Ball Effect?

First, note that small causes can have huge consequences. Butterfly Effect?

When hitting the ball, a difference of a few angles will result in a big difference in the position where the ball will land.

As in a triangle ABC, if a point X is on [AB] and a point Y is on [AC], the further x and y are from A, the bigger is the distance [XY].

Therefore, a minor shift of 2 degrees could drive the ball yet another 10 meters away from the target (or closer to the said target).

That's just a metaphor for the small changes, small factors and small decisions in life that can make a big difference on the long term.