Though I enjoy golf I rarely shoot as well as I think I should. The truth is for as little as I actually DO golf, I have no right to think I could shoot any better than I do.
When I was younger I used to get pretty frustrated at my inconsistency— the unbelievably awful shot that would follow one of the best drives of my life. The “snowman” (8) that would follow a highly prized par. My temper was often ruining the joy of the experience for me, and sometimes for those along with me.
Eventually I made a shift in thinking that helped. I identified three priorities for enjoyment in a round of golf:
1. Play my best, and hopefully score better than I had last round.
2. Appreciate the camaraderie and friendship of spending a half-day with a group of good men.
3. Soak in the beauty of the invariably pleasant, and often spectacular, surroundings of the golf course.
I then decided if my score is going south, or more accurately, north, to hold that priority lightly and not let it ruin the other two sources of enjoyment of that day.
Recently my son and I watched the final day of competition for the Masters Golf Tournament held annually at Augusta National Golf Club. For those who love golf, or even those who simply enjoy sports and nature, the scenery, history and human elements of Augusta are tough to beat.
Here’s a clip about Augusta from a current pastor and former caddy that reveals some of the deeper stories going on at that course. Finding God at Augusta. His point reminds me of one of the highest callings I believe men have in life— elevate others, not yourself; be a source of blessing to them.
What lessons have you learned from the game of golf? I’d like to know.
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.
Comments: 2
I watched that video and I love the comparison he made with heaven to the caddies who served well and now got their opportunity.
As far as your question, my favorite lesson from golf is about giving and receiving advice. It gets annoying when someone gives unsolicited advice about my golf swing. That reminds me not to do the same to others.
It also reminds me to respect others’ beliefs. To tell someone what to believe about Jesus is not fair. There is a time and place for being a good witness and giving unsolicited advice about the most important element of life can be detrimental to The kingdom.
Nick, great analogy between golf and spiritual advice-giving. When given with poor timing or tone, neither is appreciated. Last time I golfed was with 3 other men who were better golfers than me, especially one, who shoots close to par as a regular occasion. There were countless things he probably saw with my grip, stance or swings that he could have corrected in front of the others. He never said a word…until the end of the game in the clubhouse. He waited until the other 2 men weren’t listening in, and quietly said, “Craig, two things, turn your grip thumb more toward center, and stand closer to the ball. That will help a lot.” What great respect and consideration he showed me! Along with patience. Do we do the same with those who may have a poor spiritual “grip” or “stance”? Man, I want to.