Hole #8
Hole #8 is a challenging Par 4. You can't hit a driver off the tee because that will put you in the creek that is about 250-270 yards out. So we will hit a "hybrid" or a 4 iron to get us a good second shot.
Now on to our "short game". The "short game" is roughly defined as anything inside 150-180 yards. Generally you will use a high iron (8 or 9) to a wedge. In general, in the "short game" you are not too concerned with trees (assuming you are in the fairway). The only issues/hazards would be sand, and in some cases, water.
When you get into the "short game" area of the game, you have to put the "length" of the hole behind you and now you need to focus on the accuracy of the shot.
A good "short game" is very critical to a good round of golf and most people struggle with it. The "short game" has a lot to do with accuracy and placement. You want to be on the green with this shot and as close to the pin as possible. This shot will determine how difficult your putt will be or if you will even get to putt at all on the next shot.
It all boils down to choosing the right club, lining up the shot, concentrating, hitting the shot and following through.
So you might be asking how the "short game" could ever have life application in it.
I will start off with YOUR "short game".
Here is an easy question, How many people do you deal with or better yet are in your circle of influence, every day?
You and I alike are called to reflect Christ, to share Christ with the world.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Some view that as a call for the "missionaries" of the world. But if you read the scripture, it does apply to the "missionaries" of the world...you and me.
WE are CALLED to make disciples, to share Christ.
So how is your "short game"?
How well are you reflecting Christ to those around you on a daily basis?
Proverbs 14:15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
How many of us lack the "follow-through" in our short game to do and to "be" all that God has for us?
In our circle of influence are we different than those who are apart from Christ? ...or do we retell "that" joke or forward that email? Do we walk away from unhealthy conversations? Are our lives in contrast to the lost?
Do we have bite? ..or are we bland?
Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Do we focus and follow-through? Do we even have our bearings on the goal and line up right? Do we concentrate (do we have a quiet time?). Is it evident?
Some of us need to focus more on our "short game". Let's all make sure we have the right "tools" so when it comes to the "short game" we can keep it in play and get us all closer to the target.
That was a fun hole. Thankfully we played it well and had a two putt for par. Still one over for the round, but we're having a blast and enjoying this course.
On to hole #9...
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