The Importance of Golf

   Ben Crane won the McGladrey Golf Classic here on St. Simons yesterday in a playoff with Webb Simpson. He came from way back to tie Simpson in regulation play, and then won on the 2nd playoff hole.

   I worked all the days of the Classic except yesterday. I had money responsibilities at church in the morning, and, after watching others play golf all week, I was ready to hit the ball myself in the afternoon. So I skipped the final round and went with a couple of friends to play 18. As we were in the car, heading to the course, our talk centered around the tournament and its competitors, especially those on the leader board.

   Jim shared with us that he had heard Ben Crane speak at the FCA breakfast on Tuesday before the event began on Thursday, and that his Christian testimony was powerful. He also mentioned that Webb Simpson had spoken the year before and his talk was great also. When these two ended up in the playoff, we were all pleased that two men, who both were good Christian men and role models, had a chance to be in the winner's circle , and put their beliefs in the spotlight.

   As I read Chambers this morning on prayer, my thoughts went back to Crane and what his prayers might have been before the match and after the win. Although I cannot know for sure, Ben probably prayed just as he listed his priorities in an interview for ESPN after the match. God was first, family second and golf third. So he would have prayed that God would use him that Sunday as he played, he prayed for his wife, who was expecting their third child the next day, and he prayed that he would play well and  up to God's standard. After the win, I imagine he prayed in the same order, giving thanks to God for the abilities He had given him and the platform for a Christian witness after the victory.

   I also doubt that Ben Crane's prayers, before and after the round, were much different than any other round in any other golf event. He seems to have his head screwed on straight and his priorities in order.

   As I reflect on prayer and golf, I know that my prayers are often more self-centered, and less about God and others. There comes a certain inadequate feeling when I reflect on my prayer life, or lack thereof, and I am grateful for a reminder of what is important in life.

   It is not golf.