For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV)
We recently got back from a tournament in Gainesville, Florida. As a team, we did not have a very good performance, but there were plenty of good teams there and the course was a true test of golf that separated the field. It was not a course where you could accidentally post a good round. Too many demanding shots wouldn’t let you get away with not having your best game. Tee shots, approaches, and chip shots all required a certain level of precision. On top of fast, undulating greens, the weather was chillier than normal with a wind that kept you on your toes. No player finished under par for the three rounds, despite several very good players competing.
Golfers tend to have their preferences—some like links courses, others the typical country club layout. Thankfully, not all golf courses are alike. It is one of my favorite parts about golf that no two courses are the same and that, throughout the year, the professionals play courses where 20-under may win and others where even par is the standard.
It is a common trend for players to play well on courses based on where they have spent the majority of their training. My long bomber friends can play lights out at some desert courses, with the freedom to hit it wherever they want off the tee, but a tighter country club layout may not suit their eye if they are not controlling where it is going very well. Needless to say, the best players are the ones who have a game that travels. They find a way to score and compete at the top of the leaderboard regardless of the style of course.
No matter what the day brings, we are prudent to be diligent in our preparation and do the best we can with what our bodies and minds allow us each day.There is a great benefit to train on different style courses that keep you honest for your game. You may always play well at your home club, but if you rarely travel elsewhere to another course, you may be missing out on developing some other shots in your game. No matter what the day brings, we are prudent to be diligent in our preparation and do the best we can with what our bodies and minds allow us each day.
As beneficial as it is to expand our golf shot arsenal, we are better served to do battle each day with our hearts and minds.
Starting our day in God’s word, praying throughout the day (even if these prayers are short), and finishing the day by filling our mind with truth from Scripture or a godly book is of value in this present life and the life to come. Our relationship with God requires training, too, by his grace and through the power of his Holy Spirit. God gave us the gift of a mind to choose what we are to focus on each day.
I pray that while you continue to grow in improving your golf skills through intentionality, you bring that same intentionality to your walk with the Lord.
—
Aimee Neff
March 19, 2020
Copyright 2020 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
Photo by Victor Freitas from Pexels