Tag Archives: the PGA tour

Moderation

In ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 documentary, the travails of John Daly are highlighted in Hit it Hard.  Based upon a song written by John, a two time major winner on the PGA Tour, Daly shares his battle with alcohol, gambling and series of failed marriages.  Due to an addictive personality, the concept of moderation is something Daly has has a hard time grasping.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything, 1 Corinthians 6:12.

Whether you are Superman, a professional athlete or an average human being, everyone has a kryptonite.  This condition, element or weakness prevents individuals from reaching their full potential.  Temptation is always lurking, trying to lure people away from good habits and safe environments.  Danger arrives when inner demons convince former addicts that they can handle a situation without God’s help.  This usually results in self-destruction.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body, 1 Corinthians 6:18.

There are ways to view moderation.  First, some will say that adults should be mature enough to know their limits.  Requiring self-control, this logical approach gives people freedom to develop boundaries.  The second perspective is more cautious, understanding that once you open pandora’s box, there’s no going back.  Either way, unless you have a friend who holds you accountable or a personal relationship with God, the quest for moderation can be a never ending battle.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

AP

On Tuesday of this past week, a king was laid to rest.  Yet, this wasn’t your typical cast of assembled dignitaries.  Rather, this man never forgot where he came from, always remembering his humble beginnings.  Subsequently, as crowds gathered for the memorial service, those in attendance reflected upon how this individual made anyone he met feel like a special friend on each and every occasion.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel, Proverbs 27:9.

While this may be a stretch, what Arnold Palmer meant to golf is similar to Mother Teresa’s impact on the Catholic church.  Mother Teresa taught the world what is means to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ by serving the poor and less fortunate.  Meanwhile, Arnold Palmer showed professional athletes what a role model resembles by using his fame, fortune and success to make this world a better place.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:8-10.

Beside all the hospital’s Arnold and his first wife Winnie founded in Orlando, Florida, he was a visionary.  Palmer was the architect of a 24 hour golf channel, founder of the Bay Hill Classic tournament on the PGA tour and the figure which helped make the Senior PGA tour what it is today.  Despite all these great accomplishments, Arnold was a man of character, honor and integrity.  Arnie as coined by the army who followed him in droves, signed every autograph, made spectators feel a part of his round and replied to each letter with a hand written note.  May the the memory of AP inspire you to impact the lives of this generation.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Not To Us O Lord

 

The seagulls in Finding Nemo illustrate the problem with most individuals today.  Cries for mine, mine, mine take our eyes off of to whom and for whom this life on earth is meant.  Thus, instead of praying not to us O Lord, each soul appears to be seeking credit, fame and glory due their name.

After spending the last 100 plus days reading one Psalm a day, it is clear from these chapters why God created man and woman.  Words like ordained in Psalm 8:2 suggest human beings were established to praise the Lord.  Psalm 33:1 uses the expression “it is fitting,” confirming mankind’s purpose to acknowledge God as the giver of life.  While I haven’t reached this passage on my current journey, Psalm 150:6 insures believers that they are on the right track by praising the Lord.


On Monday, June 3rd, 2013, the Golf Channel held their second ever Golf’s Longest Day.  Programming included hourly updates of United States Open Sectional Qualifying, held at several different locations throughout the country.  Several hundred amateur and professional golfers were fighting for 57 spots at 10 locations, hoping to earn the right to play at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.  As this 36 hole tournament drew to a close, highlights of play as well as interviews of the qualifiers aired.

 Since I am a former assistant golf professional, played in a few mini-tour player events and tried to qualify for the Canadian P.G.A. Tour at Q-School on Vancouver  Island in British Columbia, this coverage intrigued me.  While rooting for Sam Saunders, Scott Stallings and Ryan Palmer, all losing in sudden death playoffs, a relatively unknown got my attention.  Josh Teater, a member of the PGA tour placed second in the Columbus, Ohio sectional.  Instead of stealing the spotlight, Teater gave God the glory for his success.  Well done Josh, thanks for reminding the world,” Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory,” Psalm 115:1.

by Jay Mankus