The Golf Breaks GBTG Tour was holding a one-day event at Barassie on the Ayrshire coast and I was fortunate enough to play this event on a course I enjoy. Normally there is a two-week window to play these events, but it looks like the future of the tour will be one-day shootouts which seems to be suiting more players these days.
When I arrived I got to catch up with two colleagues I’ve worked with and attended Logos events. They are not particularly interested in faith, so the conversation doesn’t go there. I did however pass on some advice to one of them regarding a concern he had so at least that was something. Again, sometimes it’s just about being there for someone.
I knew two of my playing partners well and had played with them many times but did not know their friend who I met on the 1st tee. As we got going there wasn’t much conversation to start with but as the round went on I was asked how things were going with everything which allowed me to give a brief rundown of the season, both personally and with LGMS. It wasn’t till the back 9 that I was able to go into a bit more detail about my hopes and plans for 2025 but it was received positively.
As we made the turn to head back towards the clubhouse nobody was playing exceptionally well but I wouldn’t say we played poorly either. Some really good ball striking from everyone with a just few slack shots leading to dropped strokes. The greens were some of the best we’d seen and the truest of the year from my perspective. Barassie has always had good greens but I’d forgotten just how good they were.
A decent finish over the final six holes was encouraging but there were 3 holes I’d have liked to play again which cost me a placing. I can’t complain about how I’m playing as there are so many positives and the improvement is considerable. Not playing much over the past month limits just how good it can be and I know that more time will yield results.
Just before heading home, I had a chat with one of my playing partners about performance and he was a bit disappointed about how he played. I was able to empathise about not getting a lot of time to play but told him I thought he played well apart from a few shots here and there. When I went over the positives of the round he seemed to perk up and at least he went away feeling a bit better about himself. From personal experience there is nothing worse than beating yourself up, it only makes you feel worse.
An interesting day with not too much faith chat but sometimes it’s just about trying to help in any way you can.
“If you’re constantly hearing a negative voice in your head it’s unlikely to be coming from a good source.” – Anon
We keep going in faith,
Vincent Brown, PGA Professional and Logos Golf Ministries Ambassador to the Tartan Tour.