PGA Fourball at Royal Troon Portland Golf Course
It’s hard to believe that we are into the 2025 season, and more so that I’ve been doing golf ministry work for nearly ten years. To mark the occasion, we were greeted with a beautiful day at Royal Troon’s Portland Course for the first event.
Playing with my usual teammate, our playing partners were from the same hotel resort and significantly younger than us. I’d never met them before, so meeting some new PGA members was nice, and it didn’t take long for us to start chatting.
Around the 3rd hole, the boys asked about my attachment, and it was a good opportunity to share with them at the same time as we all walked off the tee and up the fairway. For the duration of the entire hole I got to explain what LGMS is about, our background, previous events, and also my own experience. Both the boys mentioned that they had a background in Christian faith but we’re not practising, so I could empathise being at that point but now having a different perspective on what it’s about. A great chance to share and now they know where I am.
At the end of February, it was unusually warm and by the time we reached the back 9 the hats were off and I was tempted to remove the long sleeves even. This allowed us to enjoy our game together and we all were playing reasonably well. My team-mate struggled a bit in the middle of the round and I could see it was bothering him so I reassured him he’d finish well as he normally did (He played the last 5 in 4 under). Not too much of a breeze, blue sky and a bit if heat. Perfect conditions for the game we play and I thanked God we were able to do so.
After a strong finish from both teams, it wasn’t quite enough to win but we had a good go at it, and probably the best I’ve played in the past few years. It was good to plant the seed with new faces and even consolidate my existing friendship which is just as important. Being an example can be just as important as teaching and something I try to use in my family life more and more. I look forward to the year ahead with enthusiasm but also try to focus on the present and enjoy the moment.
“The Upside down world of God holds no value to worldly wealth or success, only what can be taken with you when finally standing before him.” – Anonymous
We keep going,
Vincent Brown, PGA Professional and Logos Golf Ministries Ambassador to the Tartan Tour