Dustin Johnson has been one of the best golfers in the sport for quite some time, but his performance at the Masters over the weekend put him on another level. Winning by five strokes, he dominated by shooting -20.
Last year at the Masters, Johnson finished tied for second and had previously held 54-hole leads in four major championships but ended up losing them all. However, this time around he shot a 4-under 68 on Sunday to pull it out and leave with a Green Jacket.
According to ESPN.com. “Johnson's 72-hole scoring total of 268 broke the Masters' record of 270 set by Woods in 1997 and tied by Jordan Spieth in 2015. He also had the fewest bogeys (four) of anyone in tournament history. His final round marked Johnson's 11th consecutive round under par at Augusta National, breaking the record Woods set from 2000-02.”
Johnson’s overall golf game was clicking this weekend as it has all year, but his putting was particularly impressive - especially when you consider his improvement from recent years.
He has put the work in and according to ESPN.com’s Mark Schlabach, spent time with three-time Masters runner-up, Greg Norman, over the summer.
But the one simple technique that’s helped Johnson’s putting has been drawing a straight line on his ball. Johnson said, "I started using the line on the ball so I know where I'm aiming, instead of guessing where I'm aiming. It's definitely helped."
Golf is a tough game, but I appreciate Johnson’s uncomplicated approach to hitting his putts straight and understanding he has to know where to aim.
Life is also tough, but we can simplify our approach each day by knowing where to aim. As golfers aim to get a little white ball into a cup on the green, what are we aiming to do with our own lives?
What are our eyes drawn to and in which direction are we looking?
Are we aiming to please God, live with purpose, and pursue holiness...or are we aiming to be successful by the world’s standards?
Each of us has to choose where to point our aim and focus as we realize where our target is. Like Dustin Johnson on the green, “instead of guessing where I’m aiming,” we have to draw a line.
Our best option is to “draw a line” that points to Jesus while staying straight on His path. We want to keep our eyes fixed on Him as we pursue God’s kingdom.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP) tells us, “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness , and all these things will be given to you also.”
When our aim is in God’s direction, He takes care of our needs, gives us purpose, and shows us the best way.
1 Timothy 6:11 (AMP) adds, ”...aim at and pursue righteousness , godliness , faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.”
Today, let's know where we're aiming. Let's make the necessary adjustments to stay lined up the right way. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I would seek You and Your kingdom first and aim in Your direction. I pray that’d I’d become more and more like Jesus as I aim at righteousness. Thank you for taking care of my needs and giving me purpose. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
How does a life aimed at Jesus look different?
In what ways does your aim need to be adjusted?
What helps you to remain aimed in the right direction?
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