Teeing Up Faith
2011-08-25 - by
A group of golfers and non-golfers were talking this week about Webb Simpson’s comments after winning his first PGA event.
Not what he said about his putting or a crucial drive or a big save. But the first words out of his mouth when David Feherty stuck a microphone in his face on the 18th hole: thanking “my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
A couple of golf fans were offended. One asked, “Was he suggesting that the Lord had nothing more important to do than make sure he won a golf tournament?” Another offered, “Or that God was punishing the golfers who lost?”
One person who didn’t like what Simpson said nevertheless defended him: “His faith is obviously important to him, so you have to respect him for saying that on national television.”
A third, more hard-headed observer wondered whether the statement would hurt Simpson’s “brand.” As in, “he has to realize he is running a business and he is the product. How much money might in cost him in endorsements to say something that is bound to offend some segment of the population?”
And one person offered this apt note: “Imagine what would happen if a golfer thanked Allah.”
Teeing Up Faith
2011-08-25/
A group of golfers and non-golfers were talking this week about Webb Simpson’s comments after winning his first PGA event.
Not what he said about his putting or a crucial drive or a big save. But the first words out of his mouth when David Feherty stuck a microphone in his face on the 18th hole: thanking “my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
A couple of golf fans were offended. One asked, “Was he suggesting that the Lord had nothing more important to do than make sure he won a golf tournament?” Another offered, “Or that God was punishing the golfers who lost?”
One person who didn’t like what Simpson said nevertheless defended him: “His faith is obviously important to him, so you have to respect him for saying that on national television.”
A third, more hard-headed observer wondered whether the statement would hurt Simpson’s “brand.” As in, “he has to realize he is running a business and he is the product. How much money might in cost him in endorsements to say something that is bound to offend some segment of the population?”
And one person offered this apt note: “Imagine what would happen if a golfer thanked Allah.”