The Golf Gods: Towards A Religious Philosophy of Golf
A Golfer’s Prayer by Roy M. Barineau
Our God of Adventure, grant us many long days, always sunny and free of storms. Direct us down the center of the fairways where the grass is mown and the ground is smooth. Should, however, we veer into the rough, show us the best way out. Let our fairway shots hit the greens and settle not far from our goal, but should we find the surrounding hazards, allow us to escape without severe penalty. Guide us gently around the doglegs, and lead us away from trees, bunkers, and lakes.
Though we may be hackers and duffers, we aspire to score birdies and eagles on the holes we play. Provide people, then, who can correct our hooks and slices, who can help us get the right grip on things, who can adjust our alignment and aim. Guide us, our God, to higher expressions of beauty, perfection, and goodness.
Should we commit acts of hubris, trying to hit unlikely shots, reaching beyond our abilities, nudge us gingerly back to reality before we fall into the deep abyss of a triple bogey. Teach us humility in victory and graciousness in defeat. Keep the rules before our eyes, and let us accept our penalty strokes with poise. When we reach our nineteenth hole, let others say that we played the game with integrity, fairness, and decorum.
Most of all, God, let us find happiness in our game, experiencing joy, fun, and delight even though the ball does not always roll our way. Amen.