The First Order of Merit Event
West Kilbride

The first Order of Merit event of the year brought some very wet and windy weather to the west coast of Scotland.
On arrival at West Kilbride, it seemed as though the wind would cause most of the problems, but the rain was to follow, which was not pleasant.
During the warm up a 5 Iron was only going 100 yards and I had a feeling we may not get the chance to play because of the conditions.
Despite getting started we quickly had to come back in for a half-hour delay.

Logos Golf Ministries Scotland West Kilbride

I did get the opportunity to have a chat with one of my playing partners at length regarding what we do at LGMS as we’d never met before due to him relocating from down south.
I stressed the importance of having a Christian presence on the Tartan Tour and explained what we had done previously with our golf days and talks.
He mentioned that he doesn’t have faith as such but should have something. This was encouraging and I left him knowing I was always there if anyone wanted to chat further. 

I also got the opportunity to discuss a future golf day with a fellow Christian pro as we had been in contact with a possible event in the Aberdeen area.
We came up with a name of someone who might be willing to help us host and I have since sent the email hoping for a positive reply.
We also chatted about our own lives and struggles but it was encouraging to be able to share with another believer.

Despite trying to get back out and complete the round we only managed 3 holes and play was abandoned.
Not the worst thing to happen but I did feel for the guys who had almost finished and got nothing for the effort.
The event would now be reduced to an 18-hole shootout the following day.

It was to be dry for the second day but the wind was still very strong.
My Dad came back with me to caddy and this was a great help in these conditions.
On the practise ground the ball still wasn’t going much further into the wind and I gauged my driver only reaching 200. It was going to be a tough front 9 but at least it was dry and bright. 

Before we started I got the chance to catch up with another Pro who I’ve not chatted to for a while.
He attended our Pro-Am at Dundonald a few years back and I’m sure he has some sort of faith. A very good player and someone who I’ve known for a long time but always says hello when I see him.
We got chatting about a topic which is quite difficult these days and it’s related to the issues of identity and gender. It came up due to an incident that happened recently with regards to our family and we tossed it around for a bit.
He made a good comment that we have families who are trying to instil good moral values in their children and then we send them off to school where they are then told to disregard what the parents have said as it’s deemed to be intolerant.
He also referenced the Bible in a way that was the standard of morality which reinforced my view of his faith.
We’ll meet up later this year for a proper chat.

Finally getting out on the course was good despite the wind.
We had terrific views of Arran and the blue sky helped.
A tough front 9 but we all kept the ball in play even though it was a mental slog.
Not much chat on the course due to the conditions but one of my group I’d played with recently and he knows my story, the other had gotten the extended version the day before. 

After playing well for most of the round I made 3 bad club selections on the back 9 which cost me a top 30 place and points.
After playing so well into the wind it was the easier holes downwind where I dropped most of the shots.
It’s a bit disappointing after putting so much effort in but it shows you can’t switch off at all even if you think it’s an easier hole.
I still took a lot of positives from the round and hit a lot of good shots which was encouraging.

Overall this was a very positive experience and I know we are making more of a difference than we think.
My Dad’s support does help and I know he is on hand to share his faith when and if required.

Thought for this week

When the clouds and storms appear do not focus on the dark and grey that surrounds them but keep watch for the silver linings and brightness that surely follows. Tough times make the good ones even better.

(Streams in the Desert)

We keep going,

Vincent Brown, PGA Professional, LGMS Ambassador to the Tartan Tour