The Hawk, the Golden Bear, and the Black Knight

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

As I type these words, the 89th edition of the Masters tournament is on TV in the background. Yes, that is one of the advantages of working from a home office.

Thursday’s opening round began with three honorary starters teeing it up at 7:30 AM. First to hit was 89-year-old Gary Player, known as the “Black Knight”, who won three green jackets at Augusta National in 1961, 1974, and 1978. Next off the tee was the greatest Masters champion of them all, Jack William Nicklaus, who finished first a record six times (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986). Then it was two-time champion Tom Watson’s turn. All three men striped the ball straight down the fairway, although not nearly as far as they did in their primes.

Speaking of Nicklaus, the “Golden Bear” was famous for settling over a putt and not pulling the trigger until he was absolutely ready. Some of his peers joked that you could eat a sandwich and drink a soda while waiting for Jack to putt. That being said, Nicklaus was one of the best clutch putters the game has ever seen. In fact, Dave Hill was once quoted as saying, “If I had to have someone putt a 20-footer for everything I own – my house, my cars, my family – I’d want Nicklaus to putt for me.”

Then there was Ben Hogan. The “Hawk” was arguably the purest ball-striker in golf’s long and storied history, but in his 40’s and 50’s he developed an advanced case of the “yips”, meaning that even the shortest and straightest of putts gave him fits. And so, just imagine how nervous he got on the slick and undulating greens at Augusta National.

There were times when Hogan was so afraid that he was going to hit a bad putt that he simply couldn’t bring the club back, let alone hit the ball. Sometimes he would stand frozen over a putt for two or three minutes until he finally was able to start his stroke.

Sadly, there are many people who have the “yips” when it comes to day-to-day living, especially when it comes to life’s major decisions like who to marry, where to live, and what career to pursue. Afraid they will make a bad decision, they decide not to make any decision at all, kicking the proverbial can down the road over and over again… until they run out of asphalt.

In the meantime, life – and all of its wonderful ups and downs – has passed them by.

My friend, it is far better to pray, gather the necessary information, seek godly advice, and then pull the trigger. Otherwise, you will live an uneventful and inconsequential life, similar to the “wicked and lazy servant” in Matthew 25 whom Jesus criticized sharply.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President