Jordan Spieth won the 146th Open Championship on Sunday, winning the third leg of his career grand slam, and joining Jack Nicklaus as the only other player to do so before the age of 24.
Shooting a 69 in the final round, it was his first time during a major to shoot in the 60s in every round. Spieth also led or was tied for the lead after every day, and his final holes (14-18) on Sunday went birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-par for an incredible finish and an impressive major victory.
What makes his story and win even better is what happened on hole 13. Spieth hit an awful shot off the tee - going beyond the crowd on the other side of the sand dune, in really tall grass, and over 100 yards to the right of the fairway.
This led to a long delay from the action, as Rules Officials, Spieth, and his caddie all tried to figure out a new place to drop the unplayable ball, so he could continue.
Anybody watching, including the broadcasters, were just beside themselves as they realized the bad situation the tournament leader found himself. Everyone started to wonder if Spieth was going to unravel, and how he was going to overcome his terrible predicament.
Before taking his next shot, this is what he was facing: a big nasty grassy hill that blocked his view; his caddie trying to give him advice from up ahead with a better perspective; the crowd surrounding him with laughter and cheering; and trying to stay focused, so he wouldn't fall apart.
As Spieth dealt with his next move, his previous meltdown at Augusta was looming over him. He could have easily lost his temper, just given up, or blamed someone else.
Instead, he kept his composure and and made the most of his circumstances by stepping up...hitting a great shot (he only got a bogey)...and going on a dominant run for the remaining holes.
Many of us woke up today facing our own nasty grassy hill, and not being able to see what's on the other side of it. We find ourselves in a challenging situation and trying to figure out what to do next.
Although certainly more trivial, I hope we can be encouraged by the way Spieth remained poised in his moment of struggle.
When dealing with our own difficult circumstances, we can listen to the advice from someone with a better perspective. We can also block out the negative noise from the crowd, remember similar situations from the past, and respond differently this time around.
Even during the delay, there is no need to waste energy by losing our temper, complaining, or blaming. Instead, we can accept the hill by not giving up and hitting the shot.
As followers of Jesus, we don’t rely on our own strength to get out of the messes we find ourselves, but “grab the club” and remember the promise in Isaiah 41:13 (ESV): "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'”
As we lean on God’s power in us, our response during the times we face a “nasty grassy hill” is important, and we can trust what James1:12 (ESV) tells us:
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him."
Today, as we wrestle with wanting to give up and putting our club in the bag, let’s be inspired by Spieth who hit the ball straight and finally got over the hill.
We can overcome when we “Trust in the Lord with all heart, and do not lean on own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight paths" Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would give me the strength and power to remain poised under pressure when I face the difficult hills in my life. I pray I would trust You fully, as You show me the path to take. I pray I wouldn’t give up or waste time complaining or blaming. I need you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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