Putting for Jesus

Here’s the question: Does Jesus care who wins athletic events? Is he watching the NCAA Final Four showdown, the local little league game or the Harbour Town Golf Classic? (I’m actually inclined to believe that if he watches anything it would be golf. But that is beside the point.) Aaron Baddeley, a 25 year old touring pro from Australia won his first tour event by sinking a six foot par putt on the final hole. Baddeley is quoted regarding the putt, "I said, 'This is for you Jesus,' and knocked it in." I wonder if Jesus follow sports and individual athletes, even those who begin the day, like young Mr. Baddeley did, speaking about his Christian faith at an early Easter service at Hilton Head Island, S.C. The A. P. reports that, “He called on that faith hours later Sunday on the same hole, repeating part of a New Testament verse as he stood over the winning 6-foot par putt in the final round of the Verizon Heritage.” Then, he putted for Jesus. Presumably, Jesus then directed the ball into the hole favoring Baddeley over Jim Furyk, the second place finisher who apparently didn’t have Jesus on his side. So, again, we can ask, why would Jesus favor Aaron over Jim? Was it because Aaron Baddeley testified to his faith at sunrise service? Or because Jim Furyk has for many years been sponsored by Johnny Walker? If two Christian pro golfers had winning putts on the final hole and both said, “This is for you Jesus,” before taking the putt, which one would Jesus allow to make the putt and what would be the basis for making the decision? Would he pick the golfer who is the best Christian, the most meek of the two, or the neediest? Putting for Jesus worked this year at Harbour Town but is it an effective technique? Lots of questions, I know. But I really do wonder about this. The majority of PGA tour players are Christians and, theoretically, at least, are putting for Jesus. But the single best golfer in the world, Tiger Woods, is reportedly a Buddhist. The evidence shows that putting for the Buddha may be the best way to putt.

Comments

[lew]

I've been doing this all wrong. When I invoke the name of Jesus on the golf course it usually involves the middle initial and last name and occurs after rather than before the shot.

[Jane S]

Nice to have you back.
Interesting.
Wonder what these guys say to themselves when the putt DOESN'T go in.
JSS

[Brian]

Science is called for here, Randy. You play golf often, right? What you need to do is be "born again" in Jesus' name for three months, keep track of your scores, then dump Christianity and take up another faith.

Over a couple of years you'd have worked your way through the major religions and could see which one produces the best golf score.

That one, obviously, would be the faith you'd keep. For what profiteth a golfer if he saves his soul, but has a high handicap?

It could be argued that sincerity is the essence of faith, but since most religious people aren't all that sincere, I don't think we have a problem scientifically.

You'd just have to be sure that you don't change your game in other ways, such as by buying a new club. Hard to do, but in the name of science, you could handle it.