PGA Stableford Fairmont St Andrews
For the final Winter event before the season starts properly, we were at the home of golf, playing the Fairmont Torrance course.
I remember when this used to be called St. Andrews Bay and there was usually some kind of 3-day event during the course of the season, but there hasn’t been an event here for a while.
Probably one of the most underrated venues in the country, it’s a lovely place to play and the views are unmatched.
I was pleased to be playing with a couple of younger Pros who had not long started their PGA training, so they must have seen me as ‘the old man’. Dad was on the bag, however, so I wasn’t the oldest.
Right away, I got to chatting with one of the boys walking up the 1st hole, and this gave me a good opportunity to explain about LGMS and what we are doing in Scotland. He had spent quite a bit of time in the USA at college in the Bible Belt, so he had been exposed to how forward Americans were regarding faith.
Although he wasn’t “religious”, I also agreed that I do not see myself as religious but as a believer in truth. He nodded and seemed thoughtful.
We had a beautiful day for golf, but a cold wind from the east wouldn’t let up.
Hitting back into the wind at the par three 5th reminded us just how stiff the wind was.
A well-hit 6 Iron travelled 140 yards. A testing day.
As we walked up the following fairway, I again got the opportunity to speak to the same player about how I’d run away from my faith and then finally came back 20 years later after accepting the truth.
I also mentioned that after doing much research, Jesus was the big difference compared to any other faith. The evidence spoke for itself, and there was no questioning the truth. It was a good chat, and he seemed genuinely interested, so I’ll try to get him along to the ProAm later in the year to consolidate this.
It was getting colder as we entered the back 9, but each of us had played ok up to that point. One of my partners was playing very well and was only a shot off the lead playing the last few holes, whereas I had made a few bogeys in a row and slipped right out of contention.
I was playing fairly solid and felt absolutely fine, but failed to get up and down after missing a few greens late on, and that was disappointing. It’s really not far away at all, and a little work around the greens should sort it. Looking forward to the season ahead.
I didn’t get to chat much with my other playing partner, but sometimes it either happens or it doesn’t. He had his girlfriend with him and was chatting with her for most of the round, but they seemed nice enough.
Hopefully, we’ll come across them again, and the situation will present itself.
After a late finish, we got our scores in, and I handed my other playing partner my number so he could message me and I’d have his contact details. He messaged me right away and mentioned it was really nice to meet my Dad, and I am looking forward to attending our ProAm in September. Really positive.
A cold but enjoyable day in St. Andrews, and despite a few disappointments during the round, some real blessings in there.
“Submit everything to God, who else can we really trust?” – Anon.
Vincent Brown, PGA Professional, Logos Golf Ministries, Scotland.