36 holes event at Hilton Park
It’s not often that I’ve played a venue numerous times in the Glasgow area but couldn’t really remember some of the holes on both courses at the Hilton Park Golf Club.
I played the Allander course and the Hilton course in club team matches previously so it’s been well over 25 years since last being here.
Unusual to play two different courses in a 36 holes event but a welcome change.
On the first day I was paired with a young player from New Zealand who recently moved to the UK in the past few years.
As we got going early I got the opportunity to share about my role with LGMS.
He didn’t have an active faith but mentioned there was a background within the family. I always try to share how I ran away from my faith for a period of time due to not wanting to answer the hard questions, but this led me to explaining how I came back to it because of going after the truth and not giving up.
We had some encouraging chats during the front 9 and it was made all the more pleasant with some short sleeve weather.
After a couple of disappointing dropped shots in the back 9 we both felt we could’ve finished better but a really pleasant round with a decent young chap.
I made sure I gave him my card so we could catch up again, and as he enjoys playing different courses we’ll get him along to Sandyhills for a game this summer with my Dad and I.
On the second day I was playing with one player I’d never met and one I’ve known for many years.
The longer course at Hilton is probably a bit hillier and I couldn’t believe how many holes I just did not remember. I wasn’t swinging great and could feel I was having to fight to get the club through properly but just had to do my best and was managing to get it round.
During the middle of the round I got asked about the ministry by both players at different times so it was nice to be able to explain what we’ve done over the years and also pose the question about faith and who God really is.
Although both of them didn’t have a practicing faith, there was still a background with schooling and family and I made them think by asking them what they thought the truth was.
Most people who don’t have a faith as such are generally not sure how to answer this, but at least it makes them think about it. I responded by saying the truth is there for anyone who searches for it and my own experience showed me the compelling evidence for Christianity being true.
Why wouldn’t they want it if it’s true? It’s now up to them.
As we finished our round, I wished them well and they know where I am should they want to discuss anything further.
Disappointing finish to the golf but some meaningful conversation had all round. I also got the chance that day to catch up with another fellow Pro who has attended some of our events and was pleased to discover he and his family attend church whenever they can and have a foundation of belief in what’s true.
Really encouraging to hear that God is moving within this area and I pray for more interaction here.
Before we left the club, I was keen to sort my swing movement and Dad was instrumental in keeping me right.
He’d noticed that my foot alignment had crept left and for some reason my swing pace had changed.
With two very simple tweaks it felt so much better and balanced. How often are the most effective changes the simplest in all things
“Seek and you will find.” – Matthew 7:7
We keep persevering,
Vincent Brown, Logos Golf Ministries Scotland Ambassador to the Tartan Tour