God's Coaching #103

God's Coaching #103

Tiger Woods may be the greatest golfer to ever pick up a club. He certainly looked that way on this day in 1997. At the age of 21, Tiger became the youngest player to win the Masters Golf Tournament. Not only that, but he earned the victory in dominating fashion. He beat Tom Kite, the next closest competitor, by 12 strokes. And Tiger’s four-round score of 270 set a PGA record for lowest score ever shot at a major championship.

Surprisingly, the 1997 Masters didn’t start out that well for Tiger. He shot a four-over-par 40 on his first nine holes. But then he corrected his swing and went six-under on the back nine. From there he cruised to a history-making victory. As Tiger walked up the 18th fairway during his final round, he high-fived fans. Then he spotted his parents at the back of the green. He walked toward them with tears in his eyes and hugged his father, Earl, for nearly 30 seconds. Winning the Masters and becoming the world’s greatest golfer wasn’t just Tiger’s dream; it was Earl’s dream for his son.

What’s the Score?

Tiger’s father pushed him to be the best. At six months old, Tiger saw his father playing golf and mimicked his swing. Less than three years later, Tiger was appearing on national television and shooting under 50 for nine holes of golf. At nine, Tiger won his first of six Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. Earl was Tiger’s coach growing up. He wanted his son to be physically strong and mentally tough. Sometimes when Tiger would putt or swing, Earl would jingle his keys or rip open the Velcro on his gold glove, trying to distract his son. Instead of getting frustrated at his dad, Tiger learned to stay focused.

The Bible commands fathers not to make their children angry (Ephesians 6:4). Tiger could’ve easily gotten mad at his father, but he understood that Earl’s actions were training him for greatness. You need to have that same attitude with your parents. Parents aren’t perfect, but they do want the best for their children. When your father takes you to church or gathers the family for Bible study, join him without complaining. Parents are supposed to discipline their children and teach them about God.

On the Ball

The next time your parents discipline you or tell you about God’s Word, surprise them by saying, “Thank you for doing a good job raising me.” Then see what happens.

Coach’s Comment

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4