PGA 36 Hole Event at Strathmore
After a lengthy break this past month it was good to get back into tournament golf. The last time I played competitively the game was a lot more solid, and after a little bit of practice before the event, I still had a decent swing movement. I’d never played Strathmore before but was looking forward to a course many of the guys had raved about.
I was paired with two players I played with at Stirling so it was good to catch up with them again and see how they were getting on. I got the chance to share about our recent Outreach Event at Sandyhills during the front 9 but there was no real interest in taking the conversation further. I think it was similar last time, but even a gentle reminder of what we do can plant a seed.
We all played reasonably well through the back 9 but holed nothing. The greens were superb and no excuses really, but if you don’t hit the ball close enough it does bring 3 putts into the equation, and we had a few. One of the guys struggled a little bit with the driver and I managed to help him a little by giving him a different perspective on the game through my own struggles in the past. He had a decent finish so it must have worked.
Overall it was a pleasant day on the course despite being a few over the card and I do feel much more in control of my game. The highlight was bumping into one of my fellow Pros who shared with me that he’d recently become a believer and I was so happy for him. We’d played together a few years back and I hadn’t seen much of him since, but a really good player and even more so a good guy. We talked quite a bit standing in the middle of the car park for about 15 minutes and it was so encouraging to have that chat. I made sure we shared our contact details so we can keep in touch.
On the second Day at Strathmore
The next day my Dad came with me to walk around and I was paired with someone I’d never played with before. I was still not hitting the ball too close despite swinging ok and it resulted in a few more 3 putts. I was pleased that I held on after a poor start and at least I finished the round well. It showed me that the game is there if I can sharpen things up and shouldn’t really take much.
A real positive of the round was during the back 9 when I got to share with my playing partner about LGMS and my own faith. I asked him if he had faith to which he hesitantly said yes. He’d gone to church and believed in God but I got the impression he hadn’t thought about it for a while. I mentioned that I had run away from my faith when I was younger to which my Dad agreed. I hoped this would put him at ease and I think it did. At least he knows what we do now and why.
I’d 3 putted the short 10th for the second day in a row and it really irritated me more than at any other point in the tournament. I don’t let this show and as quick as it comes, I let go of it. Disappointment is probably a better word but my temperament is really good now and I try to be an example to others as much as I can. Anger and frustration solve nothing, especially on a golf course, and I thank God for giving me the gift of peace this year. It definitely helped me not to drop any more shots for the rest of the round!
A good tournament to get back into it and some really positive conversations. I look forward to spending more time with more of the players and trusting God with what he’s going to do in the months ahead.
We keep going in faith,
Vincent Brown, PGA Professional, Ambassador to LGMS on the Tartan Tour