Tag Archives: Happy Gilmore

Idiots on Golf Courses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpUK47pnTMA

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools, Proverbs 26:3.

The internet contains a series of theories on why golf is on the decline in America.  One suggests a shrinking middle class is killing golf.  Others point to the amount of time its takes to play 18 holes causing once diehards to opt to spent their time elsewhere.  As for me, I’m more blunt, believing there are too many idiots on golf courses.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid, Proverbs 12:1.

Before I could play on a golf course as a kid, I had to take a test on the rules of the game.  In addition, I had to shoot a set score for four and nine holes prior to being able to play 18 holes of golf.  Although golf might have been seen as an elitist sport in these days, there was a respect for the game and courses available for play.  Today, golf courses will allow any hack to play as long as they fork over money for their greens fees.

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense, Proverbs 8:5.

According to Webster, an idiot consists of a challenged, foolish or stupid individual, unable to see the error of their way.  Much like the twosome in front of me today, students from the Happy Gilmore school of golf.  However, this couple waited for each green to clear, several hundred yards away before chunking shots that went 30-50 yards at a time.  This scenario continued like Groundhog Day for 9 holes ruining a beautiful day and my son’s desire to play any more holes.  If the popularity of Tiger Woods, Rory Mcilroy and Jordan Spieth can’t stop this trend, idiots on golf courses will reign supreme until desperate measures are taken.

Please feel free to share your own feelings on this topic.

by Jay Mankus

 

Seven Days in Utopia

While its’ unclear actually who coined the phrase, “timing is everything,” this nugget of truth still applies today.  Whether you are engaging in a conversation, watching a movie or reading a book, if the timing isn’t right, your interest will quickly fade.  Such is the case of a film I recently enjoyed, 7 Days in Utopia.  As a channel surfer like most bored Americans, I stumbled across this film a few times in the past, catching it at the wrong moment.  However, last night, shortly after the opening scene, I was hooked til the conclusion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2MZi9M9QrE

Robert Duvall plays a Yoda like character, training Luke Chisholm, a talented but hot tempered young professional, played by Lucas Black.  Duvall takes a person who is a cross between Tin Cup and Happy Gilmore for 7 days to work on his beliefs, mind and perspective.  Trying to overcome the demons in life, Duvall reveals the scars from his past that cut short his own professional career.  With a different focus each day, Chisholm is caught off guard, realizing there is more to life than hitting a little white golf ball into a hole.  On Easter Sunday, this week comes to an end while another journey is about to begin.

Seven Days in Utopia is based upon David Lamar Cook’s novel Golf’s Sacred Journey, Seven Days at the Links of Utopia.  Although, the movie portrays Utopia as a place, its actually a state of mind.  As citizens of earth prepare for an eternal resting place, the power of the Holy Spirit can transform neighborhoods into pieces of heaven on earth.  Whether you play golf or not, I recommend this film to all who seek a higher calling, looking for more than just living 9-5.  May God lead you to a spiritual utopia.

by Jay Mankus