This year’s U.S. Open golf tournament was a nail-biter that came down to one putt at the 18th hole. In the end, relative newcomer Webb Simpson was the unexpected winner. Simpson came from four shots behind at the beginning of the fourth round to win his first major golf tournament beating a number of well-known players including Jim Furyk, who had held the lead since the second round, Graeme McDowell, who had a chance at 18 to tie Simpson and force a playoff, and three-time U.S. Open winner Tiger Woods, who dropped back dismally in the last round.
While more seasoned players lost their concentration and confidence, 26-year old Simpson “had peace all day,” he said in the post-game TV interview. “I had to go out and do as well as I could. I probably prayed more the last three holes than I’ve ever done in my life. It helped me stay calm….”
After a surprise win like this, some might expect him to credit his own ability, but Simpson’s mention of peace and prayer indicated a different attitude. He told CBN, “I’d be stupid not to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because it was tough out there and I was nervous, and I felt his presence all day.”
Simpson is a devout Christian who isn’t afraid to talk about his faith. It’s mentioned several times in his PGA Tour profile video. On his Twitter bio, he describes himself as a “*sinner* loved by a Savior”, and many of his “tweets” mention prayer, faith, and Scripture. He’s the host of the YFC Golf Challenge, a ministry “devoted to sharing the gospel through the means of Junior golf and equipping young men to share their love of God through actions and speech.” In an interview he did with the website Beliefnet, he said his faith has helped him play with integrity; he’s assessed himself penalty shots even when it costs him a win.
Simpson also understands that he needs to keep his focus on the ultimate goal of eternity. Paul Tesori is Simpson’s caddie and a fellow believer in salvation through Jesus Christ. Tesori told ESPN that Simpson said to him on the 17th fairway, “It doesn’t matter if we win 15 tournaments and 15 money lists. In 30 years, it’s not going to matter because we’re going to heaven anyway.” That perspective is a clear reflection of Christ’s exhortation, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
In the PGA Tour profile video, Simpson speaks about the importance of his family and those around him who share his faith. He said it gives him a good perspective. “If all goes bad and I can’t play anymore, then life is still good.” Simpson’s attitude indicates a desire to follow the biblical directive to “seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
Simpson is one of a number of high profile athletes who aren’t afraid to talk about their faith in Jesus Christ, among them fellow golfer and 2012 Masters winner Bubba Watson, Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, and Knicks basketball player Jeremy Lin. In a time when many sports stars’ images are tarnished by sex scandals, drug use, and gambling, it’s refreshing to see those who live out their faith both on and off the sports stage and, like the Apostle Paul, are “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes….” (Romans 1:16)
Born-again athletes know that accolades, trophies and winners’ checks can’t bring true happiness or peace. The greatest victory in life isn’t based on winning a golf tournament or on any other achievement. It was won on the cross of Calvary and is available for all regardless of accomplishment, financial earnings or popularity.
Gayle Virkler
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