Dear Mulligan Society,
What a great week it was for FCA Golf here in Ponte Vedra Beach at the 2012 PLAYERS Championship.
FCA Golf's THE PLAYERS Breakfast with the Pros
For close to 30 years, FCA Golf has hosted THE PLAYERS Breakfast with the Pros the Wednesday morning of THE PLAYERS Championship week. On Wednesday, May 9th, at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort, FCA Golf offered breakfast to high school golfers and their coaches throughout NE Florida. Students and coaches are invited to attend (at no charge) because of individuals and companies who underwrite the cost of their attendance.
For close to 30 years, FCA Golf has hosted THE PLAYERS Breakfast with the Pros the Wednesday morning of THE PLAYERS Championship week. On Wednesday, May 9th, at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort, FCA Golf offered breakfast to high school golfers and their coaches throughout NE Florida. Students and coaches are invited to attend (at no charge) because of individuals and companies who underwrite the cost of their attendance.
This year we had a total of 850 attendees (650 students/200 adults)! PGA Tour Professional & 2011 THE PLAYERS Champion, K.J. Choi, was interviewed by Golf Channel's Todd Lewis. K.J. did a great job sharing how his relationship with Jesus Christ impacts every aspect of his life and golf game. In addition to K.J., the following PGA Tour Professionals joined us, had an opportunity to share, and enjoyed breakfast with the youth who attended:
Aaron Baddeley
Jonathan Byrd
Bob Estes
Fred Funk
Zach Johnson
Billy Kratzert
Bryce Molder
Tom Pernice, Jr.
Webb Simpson
Scott Stallings
Kevin Streelman
Chris Stroud
Josh Teater
Mark Wilson
LPGA Player, Amelia Lewis
In addition to K.J.'s interview and other player introductions, I was given the opportunity to present FCA Golf Camps to all the students in attendance. A portion of this presentation involved interviewing a two-time past camper. This camper did a great job sharing her story of how she ended up at FCA Golf Camp for the first time and how it has impacted her golf game, life and faith.
I had the privilege and opportunity to finish the morning's program by sharing the Gospel with everyone in attendance. Although I had never shared the Gospel in front of such a large group of people, I was grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Thankfully God's word does not return void when spoken (Isaiah 55:11). How exciting it was to learn that:
- 52 students accepted Christ as Savior for the first time
- 10 coaches accepted Christ as Savior for the first time
Praise God for this great news!
28th Annual THE PLAYERS Chapel Service
For 28 years now, the PGA Tour has welcomed FCA Golf to THE PLAYERS on the morning of the final round (Sunday) to conduct a chapel service for players, caddies, tournament staff and spectators (see Chapel program here). What a blessing this years chapel service was to the 200+ who attended. Held this year on the clubhouse lawn, the TPC Clubhouse and the 18th Green provided a beautiful backdrop during sunrise, as everyone in attendance sang praises to our Lord.
In addition to worshiping together, Paul Tesori, PGA Tour Caddie to Webb Simpson (and Ponte Vedra Beach local), shared how his faith in Jesus Christ has radically changed his life. Paul's pastor, Jack Millwood (another Ponte Vedra Beach local), brought the morning's message. The chapel service concluded in song led by Kevin Streelman, PGA Tour Professional, who sang and played his guitar.
Kevin Streelman, Matt & Paul Tesori
Sunday afternoon it was very encouraging to see the Tournament Director of THE PLAYERS and learn that he was personally blessed by the chapel service. He explained that he hopes to coordinate efforts with The Tour to more broadly spread the word about this service in the years to come so that others who are attending THE PLAYERS could be blessed by coming to Chapel also.
To those of you who supported THE PLAYERS Breakfast or Chapel Service with your time, finances or prayers, THANK YOU! You are making a difference, and I'm beyond grateful to be your teammate!
