I enjoy playing golf. It’s an amazing and frustrating game that I hate to love. When I was young I used to get very upset when I didn’t play well, which was the majority of the time. I have grown to accept my limited skills and learned to love the game and have genuine fun playing. One of the thrills that has eluded me all these years is to make a hole in one, which for the few who don’t know, is hitting the ball in the hole from the tee box. It is a rare feat, although many have done it. I am not among that elite… or lucky… group.
Each hole of golf is assigned a number that is considered par for that hole. The par for any particular 18-hole course is the sum of all the pars of each hole. All courses are designed with par 3, par 4, and par 5 holes. There may be exceptions but I haven’t seen them. Putting the ball in the hole in one stroke under par is a birdie and two strokes under is an eagle. One stroke over par is a bogie, two over is a double-bogie, and three over is a triple-bogie. I sometimes take more strokes than that but I don’t think there is a name for that. Maybe buzzard for four over and turkey for five over? I love golf!
God wants us to stay on the straight and narrow path. Fairways are often narrow as they lead you to the green. Avoiding the rough, tall grass, trees, and bunkers helps you achieve success. Follow the course map and learn from others that have gone before you. The path to Heaven is straight and narrow. Straying from the path fills your journey with danger and pitfalls. Follow God and He will guide your steps.
Proverbs 4:11 (NLT) - “I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.”