“The proper score for a business executive golfer is 90. If they’re better than that they’re neglecting their business. If they’re worse, they’re neglecting their golf.” -St Andrews Rotary Club Member

It never ceases to amaze me how wildly inconsistent my golf game is! It may have something to do with the fact that I don’t get out there all that much, but then once in a while I will play so well I am tempted to believe I have the game figured out.

Of course that’s laughable – and certainly not what happened Wednesday when I ventured out with the first new club I have acquired in a number of years.

“I have never put a three-wood in my bag before,” I said to myself. “Having a long club I can hit off the deck would really open up my game.”

What nonsense! The three-wood sent the ball sideways into the trees – in both directions, I topped it more than once, then a couple of times it went hard left. Finally I got one to launch down the middle but then it took a sudden turn before exiting the fairway. Over more than a dozen attempts the ball seldom climbed to more than fifteen feet off the ground. The new club did everything but give me the edge I was looking for.

It reminds me of a friend in Florida who was frustrated that he never shot any better than 100. Eventually he went to one of those places where they analyze your swing, crunch the numbers, say some magic incantations, and then custom fit you for exactly the right clubs. He spent several thousands of dollars.

He could not wait to get back out and break 90 for the first time.

So what happened? Same old, same old. 103 plus several lost balls.

• “Maybe I should take the set back to the store?” he said. “There might be something wrong with their technology.”
• “I think I know what happened…” I replied. “Because I’ve been watching all day.”
• “What do you think?” he asked.
• “Simple. Same guy swinging the clubs.”

I did not spend a lot of money on my new golf club. But I’m sure it’s a perfectly good design. If I am ever going to move from my current status – “mediocre with flashes of promise” – I will have to apply myself to a more disciplined regimen of learning and practice.

I may, or I may not. I will still enjoy the game either way. But then mediocre is always an option when there is not much at stake.

What I don’t understand, though, is the acceptance of mediocrity when it comes to matters of faith, or relationships, or personal integrity, or taking care of our health.

Moving from mediocrity and into mastery – not on the golf course but where it really counts – likewise depends on commitment. It is not complicated and it does not require a custom fitting. Jesus explains:

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” – John 14:23-24