http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee8vQ2DSkY4
The term archaic refers to ancient, bygone and primitive. If you analyzed the evolution of rules within professional sports, golf likely has rulings which make the least sense. This was on full display last Sunday when Lexi Thompson was assessed a 4 stroke penalty in the middle of her final round of the LPGA’s first major this season. Upon hearing the news that a 3 shot lead just became a 1 stroke deficit she replied,”this is a joke, right?” Unfortunately, Lexi this wasn’t a joke, merely the day when golf dropped the ball.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil, 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Unlike a typical sport, golf has a different official for each group. These individuals are responsible for making sure players tee up behind the markers, take proper drops and carefully observe to make sure no one breaks a rule during competition. Although I haven’t read anything, it appears that the official in Lexi’s group was distracted or simply wasn’t paying attention. This ruling and subsequent playoff loss for Thompson has tarnished the game of golf by stealing a tournament she should have won by 1 if assessed just a 2 shot penalty for remarking her ball incorrectly.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; Romans 14:10.
In a letter to the church of Corinth, the apostle Paul refers to the bema seat, the place where track officials judge competitors. The context of this reference is aimed toward participants who strive to win but do so within the rules of play. In recent years, some sporting events have been altered by referees whose egos got in the way. This selfish act often ruins the viewing pleasure of others, turning joy into frustration. On the flip slide, there are governing bodies like golf that can be stubborn to change with the times. The end result comes in the form of a zealous individual set on altering the final score of championship. Perhaps, golf will evolve quickly. Yet, for now Lexi Thompson is a victim of when golf dropped the ball.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 