Tag Archives: the game of golf

And Then I Three Putted

Golf is one of those hobbies that parallels life.  Sometime you may be right down the middle while others will find you deep into the woods or within a hazard.  Unlike most sports, practice doesn’t always insure progress.  Thus, the game of golf can be cruel causing even professionals to waste an amazing shot with a three putt.

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, James 1:3.

During my final year of coaching high school golf, I drove a par 4 with a 2 iron hybrid.  Unfortunately, when I got to the green, I had a 40 foot putt over a ridge to a hole on the other side going away from me.  Focusing on the line, I forgot to hit the ball hard enough, ending up 1o feet short.  Two putts later this once and a lifetime drive was a distant memory ruined by a three putt.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, James 1:4.

In this life, its common to celebrate prematurely, before a day, round or year is over.  As over confidence or pride lures individuals into a false sense of security, victory is often replaced by defeat.  Thus, before you complete your next competition, project or task, finish strong.  Or else you may be like me, interrupting a moment of glory with the sobering reality, “and then I three putted.”

by Jay Mankus

 

Phil-a-delphia

This city’s name is derived from one of 3 Greek names for love.  Agape refers to God’s unconditional love illustrated by a father in the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32.  Meanwhile, eros is symbolic of a sensual love, similar to King David’s feelings for Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11.  However, phila means to love someone like a brother or sister.  Thus, the nickname of Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love.

For the past 4 days, the sports fans of Philadelphia has demonstrated this love for the game of golf and their historic gem, Merion Golf Club.  While not everyone has been pleasant with a few heckling Sergio Garcia, a majority of the 25,000 in attendance daily are redefining the image of this great city.  As the 113th United States Open Golf Championship concludes today on Father’s Day, the only question remaining is will Phil be fulfilled today by winning his first Open title.

In recent years, Phil Mickelson has been ridiculed by the press for his aggressive play in this tournament,  Five times a runner up, maybe fate waited until he reached Phil-a-delphia before winning this event which has slipped out of his hands too many heartaches to recount.  Unfortunately, like the 2004 Superbowl, with the Philadelphia Eagles up at the half, Phil faded today, playing the final 8 holes 3 over par.  Wounded again, Phil will likely recover like Rocky and Philly sports fans, holding out hope to one day be a world champion!  Until the next major, kept your head up Phil, for the city of brotherly love is behind you!

by Jay Mankus