LGMS Outreach at Sandyhills
For our Outreach Day at Sandyhills, we had 28 attendees, including me. It’s probably the most we’ve ever had for this day, but also the most we could accommodate due to the size of the dining room. In my view, this is a really good number and still creates an intimate environment.
I wouldn’t normally play in these events, but one of my Pro colleagues expressed an interest in coming along, and I decided to play with him to make up the 4 balls. We were not playing for any prizes, but just marking the other 2 ball’s card.
The format had changed this year due to some two-ball golf vouchers being offered at Gleneagles, Prestwick, Sandyhills and Falkirk.
We saw this as an opportunity for me to play with the winners and a member, and this could encourage some deeper conversation. I’m looking forward to these games over the summer.
I knew all the guys I was playing with well and have known them for many years. One of them has been to many of our events, his playing partner attended church with us many years back, and then there was my Pro colleague, who has never been to anything like this before.
We started well and had the best of the weather for the front 9, but then the rain came for most of the back 9 and it was a little unpleasant. We all chatted during the round, and I tried to keep things light since I was going to be speaking to everyone at the end of the day.
As we were the final group, it took a while to get round and I was a bit concerned about the meal being served on time. I was thankful my Dad was out first, and he dealt with most of the organising, taking cards and even helping sort the prizes that had mysteriously vanished from the shop?? Don’t know what I’d do without him to be honest. A great help, and it calmed me down.
After presenting the prizes, I spoke mainly about conflict and how a clouded mind can not only affect your game but also the world.
We need another set of eyes to clarify things, and I suppose that’s where God comes in. With everything going on in the world, we’re definitely coming to a tipping point, and we have to choose between accepting that there is so much more through Jesus and simply not caring.
He’s invited us to follow him from now to beyond this life.
What other option is there really?
You don’t become the most written about man in history without being who you say you are! My fellow LGMS trustee closed with a final thought and prayer, and I felt this completed the day appropriately.
My Pro colleague enjoyed the day, and he agreed to come along to our Pro-am in September. He didn’t comment on what I said, but my hope is that it’s given him something to think about. I look forward to playing with the prize winners later in the year and listening to what they thought of our message.
We can only keep going and leave the rest to God.
Vincent Brown, PGA Professional and Logos Golf Ministries Ambassador to the Tartan Tour