Teed off

Today the hyper-hyped Masters Tournament begins in Augusta, GA. It marks the "return" of Tiger Woods to the tour, though I couldn't tell he ever left. Missed a few minor tournaments, sure, but anyway. Yesterday the president of the Augusta National Club, Billy Payne, weighed in at his press conference, blasting Mr. Woods to the effect that 'our hero did not live up to our expectations.' Give me a break! I personally wouldn't blame Tiger if he said, 'OK, if you feel that way, I just won't play in your tournament. Further, I'll save you the embarrassment of having to deal with me in your future Master's Tourneys, too.' Won't happen, of course, but I think it would be amusing to see some heavy-duty back-pedaling from the staid powers-that-be at August National.

The truth is, Tiger isn't and never has been 'our hero.' He's a wonderful golfer, perhaps the best ever. But no professional athlete is a hero, unless he or she is accomplishing something great off the field of play. We do have expectations of our sports celebrities and other public figures, of course. And we are often disappointed with public revelations of misconduct of one sort or another. But let's be realistic. We're talking about human beings, which means we're dealing with folks who have their faults, their limitations, their own strange takes on reality. And though it's not talked about much these days, people are sinners, one and all. Not only do folks mess up morally and legally, they (we) are in a state of estrangement from our Maker, and inevitably that shows up in humiliating and frustrating ways.

We can't help ourselves in this regard. There is only one source of help for this, and it is the grace and forgiveness of God made available to us in Christ. That won't make us shoot under par at Augusta, but it will address some of our other issues.