Chris Kirk won on the PGA Tour for the first time in almost eight years on Sunday at The Honda Classic, played on the Champion Course at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Chris made birdie on the first playoff hole, the par 5 18th that he just bogeyed to end regulation, for the win over Eric Cole. Chris and Eric were tied at the end of regulation with a score of -14.
Chris’s win put an exclamation point on his comeback after taking a seven month leave of absence from the PGA Tour in 2019 for alcohol abuse and depression. After finding sobriety, he has fought on the course to first retain his PGA Tour status and now return to the winner’s circle.
A lot can be learned from the way Chris handled his issues. His coming out publicly gives a great example to not hide our problems, but admit them and find the help we need. There is no reason to fight a battle alone.
This year’s tournament marked the end of an incredible 42-year run, the longest on the PGA Tour, for Honda as the title sponsor. Since Children’s Healthcare Charity became the host organization and the event moved to PGA National Resort and Spa in 2007, almost $46 million in charitable donations have been made to the South Florida area.
The primary beneficiary is the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, established by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in 2004. Its goal is to provide families access to world-class pediatric healthcare and supports the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.
Volunteer at a PGA Tour event near you! Your seemingly simple gift of time can make a positive impact in your community!
Of course, the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation is not the only tie Jack Nicklaus has to the Honda Classic. The Golden Bear redesigned the Champion Course in 2014 and the three-hole stretch of 15, 16, and 17 have been named “The Bear Trap” in recognition of him.
What makes The Bear Trap so daunting? Much of it has to do with the water lurking on every hole, waiting to punish a bad shot.
Beginner, high-handicap, and many other golfers are terrified of water. A good reason for that is golf balls do not float! Something often heard is to pretend the water is not there, but I’m not sure that’s the best advice. No amount of pretending is going to make the water go away. You are still going to have to trust your shot. Trust you can hit the ball over or away from the water.
The apostles also had a fear of water during a storm. They woke Jesus in a panic. Jesus asks them why they are afraid and where their faith is.
We will all face trials in life. Put your faith in Christ Jesus.
Next week there are TWO PGA Tour events! The Arnold Palmer Invitational is being played at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. The Puerto Rico Open is being played at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.