I am, to say the least, totally excited that I will be attending The Player's Championship next week in Jacksonville, Florida. This tournament is the PGA Tour's only "major." It is an incredible week of the PGA Tour and the World's top 125 players, vying for the Crystal Vase, over a million dollars for 1st place, and a 5 year exemption on Tour.




Of course, one of the highlights of the week is the famous "island-green 17th Hole." This hole, more than any other, has crushed the dreams of many an aspiring golfer. I position myself on the island side of the hole and watch players hit into the par 5 16th and then into the island-green 17th. It is a great two-hole display: they can eagle/birdie the 16th and lose it all on the 17th.




I am looking forward to seeing many of the caddies who I have ministered to over the past 15 years and to have a time of prayer, bible study, and sharing together.

On Monday after the tournament, the caddies have their annual tournament and I have been invited to play.

Please pray for the week. I look forward to shaing the gospel with those whom our Heavenly Father is drawing to Himself.

Green Zach-et!

It was by far one of the most exciting Master's I have watched in awhile. There was drama, as always, on the back nine at Augusta. The last nine holes is usually where it is won or lost and Zach Johnson hung on to win it! What a great player.

If you didn't catch it, Johnson is a Christian and he wasn't afraid to give credit
to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the win, the week and the day (Easter).

Way to go Zach Johnson!

A Ticket To The Top

Dave Womack is living the amateur's dream: He gets to play in the Masters. Last September, Dave made a sliding, downhill five-foot putt to win the U.S. Mid-Amateur championship. With that win in the 36-hole final, he garnered an invitation from the Augusta National Golf Club to play in this year's Masters.

He has been practicingat Augusta National for a weeks. He has driven up Magnolia Lane a total of 6 times before this week.

The peice of advise that Womack plans to follow is this: "Just enjoy yourself." "To hit that first tee shot on that first tee. . . Golfers live their whole lives and they never get to see the Masters, much less play." To drive down Magnolia Lan and to be at a place with so much history, its surreal. It's just a special place."

What A Difference A Year Makes

A year ago in the historic Broadus Chapel on the campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, my first born and his beautiful bride, were married. The honor of perfoming their wedding along with Arelis' father, will always be one of my most memorable moments. The setting was such a spiritual experience.

To have been able to observe their lives together this past year, has been equally rewarding. As they continue their pursuits, we wish them nothing other than God's terrific best in all the years that lie before them.

Chris and Arelis, are sweet children, HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY!


Love,

Mom and Pops

"Which of the 4 R U 4?"

I have followed UCLA Basketball ever since I was in H.S. (Class of 67'). Those were incredible years to say the least. Go down the roster's from the 60's, 70's, 80, and the 90's (they won it in 95') and every year produced a crop of guys who have played in NBA and have done very well, thank you very much. Why the attitude in the last sentence? I'll tell you why, because the PAC-10 does not get the respect it deserves. There were 5 teams in this years tournament; 4 in the Sweet 18; 3 in the Elite 8; and now 1 in the Final 4! That's greatness, you think?

I didn't enter a pool this year, but I have to say that I am not disappointed with the way things have come to this point. We all have to agree that we have seen some terrific basketball (I have been so absorbed in March Madness, that I didn't even notice that guy who scored 50 points last week. What his name?)

Well, you know what and where I'll be this weekend . . . . GO BRUINS!

Go Blue Devils!

Right now Duke is beating Georgia Tech 47-34 with 12 minutes to go in the 2nd period. This a must win for the Blue Devils if they are going to the Dance.

You Are My Valentine!

Thirty four years ago I told my wife, Renee, that I loved her and if anything ever changed, I would tell her! Well, that's not all true. I did tell her that I loved her and have told her that everyday that I can remember. So, celebrating Valentine's Day is not something we get all googoo-eyed over, or mushy about. We do that 16/7 (we're asleep the other 8), 365 days a year.

Renee, for those folks who are rushing around trying to find that "perfect something for the one they love" may I just say again as I always do, I love you and YOU ARE MY VALENTINE!

Alrighty, Okay!

Yes, it has been way too long since I last posted! The blogger son and daughter are now ragging on me so I had better do something . . .
Since I last posted, I have been to Hawaii (my wife's 50th, remember that?), Las Vegas with the kids during Christmas (my daughter-in-law had never been), the Bob Hope Classic in Palm Desert, and the Buick Open in San Diego. On both golf outings, I was able to hook up with my caddie buddies, Steve Hulka and Andrew Martinez, eat some great Italian, Tri-tip, play a little golf and enjoy some great fellowship . Both brothers are doing well.
So there, I have posted for the time being. I shall return with a lot more stuff as it unfolds. I am back out on the Tour this year Lord willing . . .

She Says She's "50"!

My beautiful wife turns "50" on Nov. 18. Born Donna Renee Sipes, to Bill and Janice Sipes, in Augusta, GA. We met when she was 16 and we married just before she turned 17. What a wonderful, delightful, charming, warm, sweet, loving, caring, nuturing, wife, mother, and now a "Grammy."

She is the most godliest women I know and she lives her life for Christ each day!


Renee, Happy "50th" birthday. I love you and am happy to be married to you after all these years!

Love,

Your Devoted Husband and Friend . . . . .

The Heir To The Throne. . . . "Little Buddy!"

When Ayden, our grandson was born (June 27, 2005) we were all totally taken back ( his other grandparents and us) as to the idea that we had our first grandbaby! WOW!

The fuss"in goin on was to say, NORMAL! That's what grandparents do, right? We were and are greatful to God that he had all his fingers and toes, a set of lungs, hair, and was just . . . . beautiful and healthy.

Sixteen months later, he is the most handsome and incredible little guy (we call him "little buddy" because those were the first words out of his momma's mouth), more than we could have imagined. There is never a dull moment with him. We are shedding a few pounds just try to stay up with him.

What will be hard is when he does something wrong and has to be disciplined; he'll say ,"you wouldn't spake a sweet little boy like me?"

Ayden Christopher Moreland . . . . The Heir To The Throne!

A Mile High, But Miles From Home . . . .

Traveled this past weekend to Denver to visit my sister and brother-in-law and to go to the Bronco and Colts game on Sunday. What a game and what a stadium. INVESCO Field was the loudest place on earth yesterday. I have never heard so much noise in all my life. The place was electrifying, to say the least.

As you can imagine, when the game is all tied (31-31) and the opposing team kicks a field goal with 6 seconds left in the game . . . and makes it, well . . . "I hate it when that happens!"

Probably the highlight of the weekend was spending time with my 3 nieces and going to church on Saturday night with some of the family.

It was as I said, "a mile high, but miles from home" . . . leaving for home this morning to see my sweet wife and my PRECIOUS grandbaby! I'll blog a post on him next.. .

My "1st Born" and His Bride!

Renee and I have been blessed with two wonderful Adult Children and their spouses. This post is about our "first born" and his sweet wife. Christopher was born October 21, 1977, 12lbs, 6oz, 24" long! Yes, he still is a big kid (man)! His sweetheart wife Arelis, is just 5'2" and as cute as one can get. They live in Louisville, Kentucky. Chris attends The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, working on a Master of Divinity in Apologetics. Arelis teaches Spanish, but is switching to work for a Medical company in just a couple of weeks. They were married April 1, 2006, and my self and Arelis' father had the privilege to perform the ceremony.
Chris, while attending classes, also works for UPS. It has been a wonderful job for him thus far. The two plan to be involved in some type of mission work when Chris finishes Seminary. Chris is a pretty good golfer but does not have time to work on his game. He hits the ball a ton! Oh, to be young and a flat belly once again!
By the way, it was his 29th birthday yesterday! Happy birthday, bubba!

A decision that will not come easy!

On a personal and sensitive note . . . I have been away from the Tour for a year now. The reason is very complicated and would by no means be very easy to explain in that it would be simple gossip and potential slander of certain individuals who I have known for a long time. I will say that the Lord has taught me that life is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord!" I have resigned to the fact that it was God who gave me the ministry and it was God who could take it away at any moment. I thought He had until last weekend when I was with my long time friend, Steve Hulka (Steve of H.O.P.E.)

I am now praying as to what I should do before the next Tour season begins. I have been fortunate for the past 14 years to have been given a credential by the PGA Tour to attend all Tournaments absolutely free. The only thing I have ever needed to do was to get to the Tournaments and conduct a Bible Study and hang-out with Caddies, which I have thoroughly enjoyed all these years. God has been faithful to provide the way.
I must now regain the confidence of those I have served in the past and to gain a sense that they are in favor of this happening. I will begin this process of reconciliation and then let you know what I think God is saying. Please pray for the wonderful men and women who are caddies on the PGA Tour and who need a fresh touch of encouragement in the Lord.

Why Caddies Shouldn't Tell How Much They Make!

If you take a look at this picture of 4 PGA Tour Caddies, one of them is not working for a certain player anymore because he revealed too much information about what he makes.

There are 3 rules to caddying: "Show up" (be on time) "Keep Up" and "Shut up" (keep your finances to yourself)

"It's Hard For a Caddie To Make a Living Out There!"

I am often ask what Caddies make out on the tour. My answer has always been "not enough!" When you consider that everything he or she gets goes for not only living expenses while working, but living expenses at home on top of that. A lot of people are thinking of Tiger's caddie. He must make alot of money. Yes, he does. And those who's player are on the top 30 money list do as well. That's the exception, not the rule. Another thing to consider is that each caddie has to handle his or her taxes, insurance, travel expenses, retirement, social security, etc. If you are self-employed you understand what I am talking about.

Some caddies look for other ways to make extra money: sponsorhships from other companies, i.e, sunglasses, hats, clothing, etc. When they are not working on their own player's bag for that week, they are looking for other bags that might be open. For a caddie, it's a year-round job if they have anything to say about it.

The longevity for a caddie on a bag is sometimes short-lived. It all depends on one's abiltiy and likabilty from the player. I have seen guys work from one week to maybe several years. There is one caddie who has been with the player for 23 years! It is currently the longest standing relationship.

Like I said, "It's hard for a Caddie to make a living out there!"

Vegas, Frys', and Golf

Traveled to Vegas to watch the Frys' Open Invitational this past weekend. I was reconnected to the Tour once again. I have been away for a while due to circumstances beyond my control. But am back ready to try to further the Kingdom for Christ on the Tour, in my City, State, and around the World.

My long time friend, Steve Hulka, was caddying for PGA Professional, Joey Sindelar, who has won 7 times on Tour, tied for ninth. It was good to watch the two of them work hand in glove. Two seasoned veterens working well together. On Sunday morning before the final round, Steve woke up with food poisoning. He struggled to finish up on a final hole from a "call of darkness" the day before. He went back to his place to rest and came back out still sick and weak, but managed to finish caddying. He and Joey finished a great round of 5 under par for the day, and twelve under for the Tournament. Are these guys good or what? "I can do all things through Christ who strengths me." Phil. 4:13)

Steve, by the way, has a business that benefits the players. It is called Hulka's Overland Players Express (H.O.P.E.). He takes their golf bags and luggage from event to event. Needless to say, he is on the road alot.

Please pray for Steve each week as he travels for the Lord out on the Tour!

Breakout, but not a rash!

This morning was quite stimulating here at the Pastor's Conference (It is a meeting prior to the SBC itself). This is the first time that a "breakout" format was used to brief everyone on a variety of subjects. One of the topics being presented was "Reaching Today's World Through Differing Views of Election." Presenting were Drs. Al Mohler and Paige Patterson, both Seminary Presidents.

I want to defer you to a blog spot where two guys are keeping up on everything at the Convention. I will add some personal commentary as the meetings progress.
http://www.thoughtsandadventures.com/

Enjoy

Caddie Friend's Mom home with the Lord

When I first started this ministry in 1992 (we actually did our first Bible Study in the fall of 1991) one of the first guys to help contribute to my coming out on the Tour, was Jimmy Walker (aka, "James Earl"). He was working for a player named Ted Schultz. We immediately formed a kindred spirit. Jimmy would always take great notes at our studies. He was an encouragement to me.

Last Friday, after a battle with cancer, Jimmy's mom went home to be with Lord. He chose to miss this year's US Open so that he could watch it with his mom. That's what she really wanted to do! Please pray for he and his sister. The funeral is this Tuesday in Louisville, Ky.

Okay, What does "inside the ropes" mean?

If you ever have been to a PGA Tour Golf Tournament, you have probably noticed that what separates you from the playing field (a lot, I might add) is a very long stretch of rope on both sides of the fairway and the greens. Try to cross that when play is on without permission and you're going home. "Inside the Ropes" is nothing more than that area that the Tournament has designated for "Players Only."

Now what has that have to do with the name of this blog spot? Well, in 1992, when I started this ministry, I was privileged to be "inside the ropes" with Andy North (two time U.S. Open Champ) at Pebble Beach, Ca during two practice rounds of the U.S Open being held there for the third time. I was what they call, "looping" for Mr. North because his caddie wasn't due in until later that week. What a thrill of a live time. I was paid $60 a day for two days. By the way, I had only caddied once before for a guy who was trying to qualify for the Open (and he didn't make the cut).

So, I feel like I can write about golf and the ministry I have done with caddies for 15 years a little bit better having been where they are all the time. I mean just a little bit better. . . .hopefully.

My goal all these years has been to get these guys "inside the ropes" of Christianity through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by "grace through faith." We have had some success over the years. The caddie pictured is good friend Andrew Martinez, Tom Lehman's caddie for the past 14 years. He is a faithful witness along with some other brothers.

So, there you have it. You now know. Please take out a piece of paper . . . we are going to have guiz . . . .!

Let's Get Started. . . . Finally!

I can't tell you how many times I said to myself, "SELF," when are you going to post your first blog? Well, the time has come to quit putting off the inevitable and to just do it.
Born in Oxnard, CA, I grew up in Socal ( and a couple of years in San Jose. Became a huge Giants fan back then; the 60's). After high school started my education in Chicago, then England, Tennessee, Georgia, and finished up in Fort Worth, TX., for Seminary. Somewhere in that mess was a nine year stint with Uncle Sam( was a nurse).
But best of all was my marriage to Donna Renee Sipes from Augusta, GA (yes, I know, the home of the Master's) in 1973. After 33 years of marriage, we have 2 grown and married children and one grandchild(more about all that later). God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
We currently reside in Socal, where we have been for 21 years. I serve as Associate Pastor of a Baptist Church in Riverside. My wife is a Resource Specialist in a middle school and has worked doing this for over 20 years.
Now, about the kids. Thought you'd never ask! Our son, Christopher, 28, just got married to a wonderful young lady named Arelis Pacheco, in Louisville, KY (Chris is an MDiv candidate at Southern Seminary). He graduated from Cal Baptist University in Riverside, and did a Master's in Sports Management at Cal State University, Long Beach, CA. His goal is ministry somewhere, someday. Arelis, is a graduate of University of Louisville, in Spanish and Art, and teaches Spanish in Public School. Our daughter, Amanda, 26, is married to Cameron Moreland (6 years this August) and had our first grandchild, Ayden Christopher Moreland this past June 27, 2005. Amanda graduated from Cal Baptist University, Riverside, and taught school before Ayden was born. Cameron is a graduate from Cal State University, Fullerton, and is completing his Master's in Sports Conditioning. He currently works for a medical/rehab company. He desires to be a strength coach at a major university.
So, there you have it. It's a beginning (like a Christmas newsletter. . . . oh, well)!