Carding A Round Of Golf

CARDING A ROUND OF GOLF under 60 strokes is nearly unthinkable. Every shot must be perfect—a golfer must score under par on more than half the holes. But in 1999, David Duval not only recorded a 59, but he did it when the stakes were high.

Duval trailed Fred Funk by seven strokes as the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic headed into the final day. He got off to a strong start, making five birdies on the front nine.

But on the back nine, Duval shot even better. The golfer collected six birdies. Steve Pate had already passed Funk as Duval headed into the final hole, ready to challenge Pate for the lead.

On the par-5, 543-yard 18th hole, Duval’s tee shot carried 325 yards. Selecting a 5 iron for his second shot, Duval placed the ball on the green, six feet away from the pin. With the pressure mounting, he sank the short putt for an eagle and a final-round score of 59.

Watching from the clubhouse, Duval waited for Pate to finish his round. Needing a birdie to force a playoff, Pate’s 18-foot putt hit the edge of the cup and lipped out. Duval claimed the championship with a five-day total of 334, 26-under-par. He also joined Al Geiberger and Chip Beck as the only three men to record a 59 in professional golf competition.

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POINT David Duval’s 59 will forever be etched in the record books. But fans and athletes eventually forget most things that happen in professional, collegiate, and high school sports. Even record-setting performances will be broken and replaced. People remember only the truly rare accomplishments.

Of course, some things do last forever. God’s handiwork through creation endures as a testimony to his greatness. The Creator’s six days of forming the universe and everything in it stand out as an amazing accomplishment. God’s special feats stand the test of time.

GOAL! Online or in a sports encyclopedia, review records in your favorite sport. How many marks will likely stand for more than five years? ten years? twenty years? forever? God wants to help make your life a rare accomplishment for him.