From Monterey to Utopia
Last week, I wrote to you about an epic golf adventure to three of the top golf clubs in the world. Tonight, I am on the back porch of a cabin in Utopia, Texas, writing to you. I just finished a “9 and Dine” weekly event at the Links of Utopia.
The pictures reflect a group of locals here who are heroes of mine. While the course is pretty much the opposite of last week, the depth of relationships and the sacredness of this place fills my heart to overflowing. These friends of mine do this every Thursday night. The Justice of the Peace is also the BBQ King in these parts and organizes the game and brings the food. They play a nine-hole scramble for keeps, then they share a meal. Not many collared shirts, fancy logos, or golf shoes.
In the pictures, you can see the types of balls some of them use. Last week, these same folks had a fundraiser golf tournament that they organized for the local Class B high school golf team. Twenty-four kids have come out for the golf teams here—there are only about 300 people total in the town. They are making sure these kids have what they need to have a great experience in golf. No kid is turned away. This golf course is truly part of the soul of this community. They also raise money and volunteer to fix the mowers, watering system, seed and sand the greens, and keep the carts rolling. They have a passion for the game, each other, their little nine-holer, and getting the kids to follow in their footsteps.
It was an honor to be with them today, just as it was for me to be with my friends last week. I’m thankful to God for each experience. My life is rich indeed. While I have been blessed to have played the top ten courses in the world, tonight I’m with my tribe in Utopia, and “all is well with my soul.” I wouldn’t trade this for anything. I pray that someday you will find your way to the Links of Utopia and experience “golf’s sacred journey.”
