Donald, Lehman named GWAA Players of the Year

Luke Donald and Tom Lehman captured the coveted Player of the Year Award for both the PGA and Champions Tours. It came to each men in two distinct ways. Donald lost his father this year and I am sure his Dad would have been tremendously proud of this son. I believe he is the first player to win the money title on the PGA Tour and the European Tour in the same season. Lehman has now won the Player of the Year Award on all three tours over the span of his career. He also is the first player to do that. Knowing Tom personally, I believe he would say that he is honored to have received the award, but more honored that he know Jesus Christ personally. This is what he is all about!

Luke Donald's father dies suddenly

Thoughts and prayers to Luke Donald and his family during this sorrowful time. I lost my father in June and can somewhat understand what the Donald family is going through. Please remember them in your prayer's often. II Cor 1:2-3

Consistency Pays Off!

Two weeks before the Charles Schwab Cup Tournament, I was playing golf with Tom Lehman's caddie Andrew Martinez at the famed San Francisco Club. We could see Harding Park from where we were and began talking about what earning the Schwab Cup meant. Andy has always been a huge supporter of Tom and his great ability to play the game. He has always been a bigger supporter of Tom's "consistent" walk with Christ through the years.

Tom stands to win player of the year honors and will be the first player in history to do it on all three Tours. How consistent is that?

Well done . . . servant Tom Lehman!

Williams Guilty of Racial Slur or A Racist?

"The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport. We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context. We are aware that he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks ever again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed, and we will have no further comment."

So, isn't saying anything "racially motivated" considered the makings of a racist? Or does one have to say continued racial slurs to be called a "racist?" Well, that is obviously the decision of those who make the rules. But what about God's rules? “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you
are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Well, that is God's answer to whether or not we are to be a racist, but what about when we say "racial slurs?""Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. James 4:11

Of course a lot has to do what the person was doing before he made the remark . . . celebrating with alcohol(maybe too much) and "oops, there it is . . . the remark!"

I would hope that Williams has learned that what causes us to say "wrong, hurtful things . . . stupid things," is that one is "hurt, angry, mad" his or her self.

"Speak the Truth in . . . Love!

Crown Plaza Invitational . . . Colonial

I love this time of year. With Spring beginning to push the blossoms so does the weather push the best in the players. One of my favorite tournaments is the Crown Plaza Invitational, known as The Colonial, May 19-22.

The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial golf tournament is the longest running event on the PGA Tour still being held at the original site (since 1946). The players of today know they are competing on the same hallowed ground as the great Ben Hogan who won the championship five times in his hometown. His legacy permeates the event, and that's just part of the tradition that helps make the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial what it is, one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour.

At this event every year the Tournament puts on a fantastic "fish fry" for the Caddies on Thursday evening after the round. We have over the years had our Bible Study right there afterwards and invite any caddie who wants to join us. It has always been a time of great fellowship with each of those who attend. We will do the same this year.

Together again will be Steve Hulka(Brian Davis) and Andrew Martinez(Tom Lehman). We haven't been together like this in a few years.

Please pray for our Bible Study on Thursday night, May 19th.

To God Be The Glory . . . .

Pastor Ron

Twiking This Blog . . . To WordPress!

Thinking of switching this blog to WordPress soon. I am waiting for names, email addresses and social media data of a number of Caddies on both the PGA,Champions and LPGA Tours. I believe it will have a nicer look and have much more biblical content in order that the guys and gals can access discipleship material on a daily basis. Stay tuned . . .

Accessing the ESV for Free: Digital and Audio

This is pretty cool and a great tool to use on the go or while your in your hotel room chilling. "Hold fast to the Word of Life . . . everyday!"

Welcome to the 2011 PGA TOUR Schedule

The first week of the new Tour is about to begin in 4 days with those who won last year playing the 'Hyundai Tournament of Champions,' where Geoff Olgilvy was defending champion. My good friend Steve Hulka will be working for Matt Bettencourt, who won the Reno-Tahoe Open last year. Normally, Steve works for Brian Davis. They will the start the season together the following week at the Sony Open.

I am excited to be able to support various caddies on the Tour. I will be at as many tournaments as the Lord enables me to attend. Probably the greatest ministry is to be able to pray for these guys by name as they maintain a Christian witness on the course. Texting and Facebook are just some of the ways I stay in touch with each of them.

Hoping that The Right Club Ministries can make an impact not only in each of their lives but the players who they work for, and others around them. May God be glorified and the gospel be presented everywhere.

"Meet My Friend . . . .Stanko!"

I first met Paul and his wife Regina when he was first playing on the Nationwide Tour in the 90's. They were introduced to me by my caddie friend, Steve Hulka. It was apparent to me then as it is now that Paul and Regine had a love for Jesus Christ and others and desired nothing more than to serve Him in all that they did.
If you go to Wikipedia you'll find out a little more about Paul and his accomplishments.

This year he had to return to Q-School to earn his card in order to play again in 2011 He tied for 9th.

I consider it a great privilege to know Paul and Regina and to know that they are back on a mission field that God has called them to.

PGA Player Brian Davis and his Caddie

If you have followed the PGA Tour this year, you have obviously heard about player Brian Davis. Davis came in second to Jim FuryK in a tournament due to the fact that he DQ himself after an errant shot out of the rough. What you don't know is the guy who carries his bag is someone you need to hear about . . . caddie Steve Hulka and his wife Mary. Check out the link . . .

Steve and Mary have been dear friends for 19 years. I had the privilege of marrying there 2nd oldest daughter this Summer in Chicago. What a great occasion with a great family. He and Mary are wonderful Christians. I am grateful to be their friend. By the way, Steve and Brian had a great second place finish in Malaysia this past week.

Brian Davis calls penalty, hands title to Jim Furyk

Most who watched the playoff between Jim Furyk and Brian Davis would have to say that it was the most unusual finish for a golf tournament. I had particular interest because I know Brian, but more importantly to me is the fact that his caddie, Steve Hulka, is a very close personal friend of mine. It was good to see them battling it out for a win. What I particularly want to note is that Steve is a strong believer and follower of Jesus Christ. I know he shares with Brian all the time about his faith. I am not aware if Brain has any religious beliefs. He and Steve have done well together these past two years.

What I have noticed is that those whom I network with (Twitter and Facebook) are impressed with Brian's integrity to have done what he did. He could have not said anything and the liklihood of anyone noticing his club hitting the loose impediment would have had to had a microscope. He did what was right. He brought the infraction to the attention of the rules official, Slugger White (some name for a PGA Tour rules official). Had someone called it in after Brian signed his card, he would have been DQ from the entire tournament.

The Bible teaches this: "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." Psalm 51:6.

I don't Know if Brian has ever read that before but his caddie has and I am certainly glad his is on the bag with him.

"13 1/2 Minutes of . . . 'I Had Affairs, I Cheated'

TIGER WOODS:
"Good morning, and thank you for joining me.
Many of you in this room
are my friends. Many of you in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me or you've worked with me or you've supported me.
Now every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my
irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in."

And so he opened his statement to the press. The apology (so it seems) lasted 13 1/2 minutes, explaining as little as necessary what had taken place in his private life. As you already know, much was said before and much has been said after his apology. But, was enough said by Tiger himself?

Personally, I think he said just what he was capable of saying as one who isn't necessarily very capable of making a concession speech. You see, he is normally in the winner's circle, answering reporters how he won the Tournament. That was no doubt hard for this man to do.

I have shared with close friends on the Tour some of what I thought of his situation and what I personally feel he needs in his life. He has admitted to the lack of influence Buddhism has had on him in his life time, but intends to return to that faith.

It was interesting to read what the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, say concerning a principle of Buddhism: "Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important."

Interesting thing to say about a man who is in the game of golf is more "self-disciplined" than any man alive.

What I would convey to him if he and I were able to have a conversation is this. "Tiger, according to the Word of God, you are living just the way you are supposed to live outside of knowing the True and Living God. You are following your Father . . .the devil. That's the way he wants you to live . . . " I would further explain to him that in Christ, there is complete forgiveness and atonement for his sins; freedom from the power and penalty of sin; and a peace that transcends all human understanding; Eternal Life. It is only in Christ that one can truly live a life that is pleasing to the Sovereign Creator of all the Universe.

"I once heard, and I believe it's true, it's not
what you achieve in life that matters; it's what you
overcome. Achievements on the golf course are
only part of setting an example. Character and
decency are what really count."

No, Tiger, what really counts in life is this: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." II Corinthians 5:17,

I would also share the same words with the Dalai Lama . . .

Brit Hume, Tiger Woods, and Jesus Christ

Journalist Brit Hume isn’t backing down from his recent comments that Tiger Woods should turn to Christ for redemption and forgiveness.

As he says in the follow-up interview below, “Jesus Christ offers Tiger Woods something he badly needs.”


">

Your comments . . .

Welcome to 2010!

It is currently December 30. 2009, two days away from the end of the first decade of the 21 century. It seems like yesterday that we were all scared into "Y2K" or bust or the "sky is falling" hype by the naysayers! Well, we have survived and maybe even advanced . . .a little. Remember September 11, 2001; GWB for 8 years; Iraq and Afghanistan wars; Al Qaeda; Sport champions; tragic suicides by celebrities, a new and African-American POTUS; economic disaster; and then there was Tiger Woods . . .?

As a follower of Jesus Christ; a pastor/husband/father/grandfather it is gratifying and humbling to know that when every thing around you changes that God, who is All-powerful, All-knowing and All-present, never changes (Heb. 13:8). His Word abides forever (Mt. 24:35)

Last year I was a "Shirker and a Slacker" when it came to reading the Bible through. I would read and then skip to something else instead of interest. I recently came across a Bible reading plan that was designed for . . . "Shirker's and Slacker's" that will help some of those who are like me at times and need to "mix it up (my wife has always thought that I might have been ADD growing up)."

Justin Taylor over at THE GOSPEL COALTION has posted an article entitled, "Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers and Slackers." Read it and download the reading schedule for this New Year.

God has been gracious this past year. He faithfully has seen me through my heart-surgery recovery. He blessed us back on November 6 with a beauty grandson, Joisas Christopher Harvey. We are looking forward to seeing him in the flesh this Saturday, January 2-12. We can hardly wait. A new family is created . . .


Now may God's richest blessings exhaust themselves on you so that it seems like there is none left for anyone else. Thats how much he loves you.

Happy New 2010 . . .

The Boy On The Bag . . . is older today!

My friend, Steve Hulka, is celebrating a birthday today. He is on the road "Somewhere USA" hauling equipment for players on the PGA Tour and caddying. He has been hauling equipment for 8 years and caddying for over 30 years. Hopefully he is celebrating today with his wife Mary, who travels with him.

Steve and I met in 1978, when he and his player (David Graham) were playing a practice round with Jack Nicklaus, at my home course in Monterey, CA. We both shared that we were believers and got acquainted that weekend at the Crosby. We later saw each other at the L.A. Open in 1991, when he was working the Tournament. Since then we have been associated in a ministry on the Tour doing Bible Studies with some of the caddies.

I am proud to say that he and his family are dear friends. I have watched his kids literally grow up. All of them are going or have finished college. They had to go to University of Arizonia in order to get him rooting for the PAC-10. Now, he is hooked.

We share another rivalry. He is a diehard SOX fan and I am a loyal ANGEL fan. We love the bantering.

Steve I love you man and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, old guy . . . .!

In 1923, Who Was:

1. President of the largest steel company?
2. President of the largest gas company?
3. President of the New York stock Exchange?
4. Greatest wheat speculator?
5. President of the Bank of International Settlement?
6. Great Bear of Wall Street?


These men were considered some of the worlds most successful of their days..


Now, 80 years later, the history book asks us, if we know what ultimately became of them... .


The Answers:

1. The president of the largest steel company.
Charles Schwab, died a pauper.

2. The president of the largest gas company,
Edward Hopson, went insane.

3. The president of the NYSE,
Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home.

4. The greatest wheat speculator,
Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless.

5. The president of
the Bank of International Settlement, shot himself.

6. The Great Bear of Wall Street,
Cosabee Livermore, also committed suicide


However,
in that same year, 1923, the PGA Champion and the winner of the most
important golf tournament, the US Open, was Gene Sarazen. What became of him?


He played golf until he was 92,
died in 1999 at the age of 95.
He was financially secure
at the time of his death.

The Moral: Forget work. Play golf

Let A Little Love In Your Heart . . . .

On February 28, I was taken to the hospital because I was complaining of "indigestion" in my chest (those are chest pains). I was kept over the weekend for observation in the Telemetry Unit of St. Bernadine's Hospital in San Bernardino, CA. On Monday, my cardiologist did a angiogram and discovered that I had at least two arteries blocked. She couldn't see the two others that were supposed to be there. On Tuesday, March 2, I was taken to surgery where my doctor performed a quadruple bypass (see the picture). I woke up in ICU to find that I was on a respiratory until I started breathing on my own. I did that right away (scary). Within two hours I was walking to a chair to sit up. My family was with me from that point on. My son flew in from KY to be there and was my "bodyguard." What a great job he did to let me sleep and rest when some people came.
As I reflect during these past 4 weeks during my recovery, I find myself more grateful to God for life, family, and friends. I have been released by my surgeon and have seen my Cardiologist. Things are looking very good. I went to work this past week for two days only staying for a few hours. I can drive in two weeks and then start cardiac rehab, 3 times a week for 6 weeks.
I must publicly thank my wife Renee for all her care for me during these weeks. I could have not done it without her. She has the best place in my heart for who she is.
I am taking great care to eat and exercise. My goal is to lose 50 lbs and to keep it off.
I thank God for the good gifts He gives His children. My heart surgery was His good gift to me.

Yep, Obama Is a Golfer, Too

Don Van Natta Jr., author of the book, First Off the Tee: Presidential Hackers, Duffers, and Cheaters from Taft to Bush.

1 John F. Kennedy Despite chronic back pain, averaged 80.
2 Dwight D. Eisenhower Had a green outside the Oval Office.
3 Gerald R. Ford Clumsy, but was a legitimate 80s-shooter.
4 Franklin D. Roosevelt At 39, polio robbed him of a powerful golf swing.
5 George H.W. Bush Once got his handicap down to 11.
6 George W. Bush Outgoing prez is a capable 15-handicapper.
7 Bill Clinton Can break 90, especially using his "Billigans."
8 Barack Obama The lefty plays more hoops than golf.
9 Ronald Reagan Didn't play often or well (best was low 90s).
10 Warren G. Harding Struggled to break 95.
11 William Howard Taft As hapless a golfer as he was a chief executive.
12 Woodrow Wilson Played more than Ike but almost never broke 100.
13 Richard M. Nixon He shot 79 once and quit the game.
14 Lyndon B. Johnson Played with senators to secure votes for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
15 Calvin Coolidge When he vacated the White House, he left his clubs behind.

Harvey Family - 2009

We are finally together to celebrate Christmas and two birthdays. Chris and Arelis (left) came in from Louisville, KY, Cam, Amanda, Ayden and Alyssa (right) live in Riverside, CA, and Renee and I live in Highland, CA. We shot this photo downtown Riverside, CA. What a joy it was to have everyone together again.

Join with us as we celebrate 2009 with our lives, ministries, Country and the World. We are excited with all the great possibilities and opportunities that God has for each of our lives. Of course. Renee and I are hoping for more grand babies.

The Tour moves to Palm Desert this week for the traditional Bob Hope Classic. Please pray for a move of God's spirit upon those players and caddies who know him that they would boldly share their faith. For those individuals who have made new commitments to Christ to walk with him anew this year.

If we are in your city when the Tour comes, let us know. Have a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

Jesus Is the Right Club - John 14:6

Now, have you seen anything like this before?

I know, I know, showing off is not becoming! Says who? This is one of the best things in my life right now. And to know that I will have others to love on from my son and daughter-in-law at some point is about to make me just . . . Burst! I am the MAN! Go ahead, dispute it, give me your best shot! The picture speaks for itself anyway. Feast on it!