This weekend most of the world’s best golfers will tee it up at the historic Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. It is the last major tournament of the calendar year…The Open Championship. It’s televised from July 16–19.
Stepping back, a most dramatic thing happened in June at another major—The PGA Championship. During the opening round, a South African player named Garrick Higgo made a costly mistake. By a few seconds.
Higgo had a tee time of 7:18 a.m. All golfers arrive early to warm up, usually finishing up practicing their putting. From the putting green, you walk to the first tee along with your caddie.
Gordon got to the course on time, did some warm ups and was on the putting green when reminded his tee time was approaching. Time to go.
Golf is known as an unforgiving sport. It is in many ways. Missing your tee time on the PGA Tour is “unforgivable.”
Higgo had neither a watch nor cellphone to help him keep on eye on the clock. His caddie was seemingly lax on this as well. Gordon showed up a fraction of a minute late to the first tee. He was assessed a two-stroke penalty.
That penalty was very costly to Gordon Higgo! He wound up missing the cut at The PGA Championship by one stroke! Not only did this cost him in dollars, but also possibly qualifying for future majors!
This also cost his caddie, who was fired right after the tournament.
A spiritual lesson can be applied here. How many sins does it take to keep a person from heaven? Just one. Unless….! Unless what? Unless someone can step in and remove the offense from your life scorecard.
And who has the authority to do this? God has provided the single solution to our errant ways. He offered a substitute to take the penalty. Romans 6:23 states: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV) Jesus paid the penalty!
Golf offers several other practical lessons as well. I read a recent article called “3 Golf Habits to Win at Life and Business.” The three are:
Etiquette
Clear instructions are given to Masters tournament patrons about behavior. No running. No cell phones. No shouting. Keep the place clean.
At all courses, golfers are to provide proper consideration to the other players. Know where it’s appropriate to stand and when to be still. Also, be prepared to play when it’s your turn and when to yell, “Fore!!”
Be aware of the groups around you. Don’t make the group playing in front of you feel rushed and don’t create unnecessary delays to the group behind you.
Maintain the condition of the course. Rake bunkers. Repair ball marks. Keep your golf cart in designated areas.
Patience
In life, patience is a virtue. It’s the same in golf. First timers must learn that early. Golf is difficult. Remember, “Nobody has ever become good at it without a great deal of effort, perseverance, and patience.”
Even professional golfers miss hit shots and go searching for the ball, often delaying other players for long periods of time. Patience. We’re reminded,
“Many things in life…arise unexpectedly or take longer than initially imagined.”
Have a short memory. Ben Hogan, a champion golfer, once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” In other words, ignore the past, forget about the future, and focus on the present.
Honesty
“One of the most rewarding aspects of golf is that the primary opponent is always oneself.”
Courses differ. Weather can change (temperatures, wind, and precipitation). However,
“The one constant is the golfer, and the true course on which the game is played is always the one within the golfer’s mind.”
As in business,
“The temptation to cheat in golf is ever present.”
Golfers could move the ball slightly or adjust the putt count. Or misrepresent the score. Do any of these and, ultimately, you’re really cheating yourself.
“Your own conscience is your greatest judge.”
Honesty and patience are clear biblical values. Even etiquette. Read 1 Timothy 5.
In life, as in golf, we must learn to play the game of life…the fair-way.
