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Golf and Scripture: It's All About Confidence
HARBERT, MI (August 5, 2005) - Those who play golf already know the game can
affect their spirits, but what they may not know is the opportunity they
have to deepen their spirituality, says David Marsh.
"Golf can be a reflection of our life," Marsh says. "Being on the golf
course brings out a person's spirituality or lack thereof." Echoing many
golfers, Marsh adds, "It's a humbling experience to learn you're not on
as high a pedestal as we often put ourselves."
About once a week, Marsh gives free golf lessons along with a Bible
study as part of Golf and Scripture Fellowship. In the past month,
anywhere from three to 20 people have gathered around a picnic table to
participate in the hour-long sessions. Most of the participants are men
in their teens to senior adults, although some women do participate. The
oldest is 82.
Marsh begins with a 20-minute reflection and discussion. Afterward, he
gives a golf lesson, "focusing mostly around the green - chipping and
putting." The students then engage in some friendly competition as they
practice their new skills, says Marsh, who plays at a semi-pro level.
"The winner might win a bag of golf tees or a golf ball." Other weeks,
the group may work at the driving range or play in a scramble.
Marsh says he attempts to connect his golf-related lessons to life off
the golf course. A recent lesson was built around the disappearance of
his favorite sand wedge that was taken from his golf bag a little more
than a month ago. Marsh says he used other sand wedges, but his scores
dropped significantly. "I'm not blaming it on the club, but my
confidence had dropped."
When his pastor, Joel Kruggel, showed up for his once-a-year outing on
the course, Marsh noticed his bag contained a sand wedge like his
favorite and he snatched it. After putting a new grip on the club,
Marsh's scores climbed again as he regained his confidence. "I related
that to confidence in God," he says.
That same confidence is reflected in scripture, Marsh says, especially
the account of Paul being transported by ship as a prisoner. "He
probably already knows his life is near an end," Marsh says. "When the
sailors panic as the ship is threatened with a storm, Paul shares the
message he has received from God that the sailors would not perish even
though the ship would. He ends up being a hero of the ship because of
his trust in God. Having that confidence powerfully impacts all of a
person's relationships, whether they be in business or with a spouse."
Much of the study time is filled with discussion by participants, Marsh
says. "We have some really open-hearted people who show up and share the
ups and downs of their lives."
Marsh says the golf and scripture idea rests with renowned teaching
professional Wally Armstrong, who works with some of the game's top
players. Known also for his popular training videos and books, he also
has authored In His Grip: Foundations for Life and Golf and
The Heart of a Golfer: Timeless Lessons and Truths about Faith, Life,
and Golf.
Many professional golfers have a strong faith in God, Marsh says,
including Lee Janzen, Bernhard Langer and Larry Mize. He noted that
Payne Stewart had been known for hard living before converting to
Christianity. After Stewart died in a 1999 plane crash, hundreds of WWJD
bracelets were distributed at his funeral, Marsh says. "He was like Paul."
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