The ole golfer prays, “When I am afraid I ‘Putt’ my trust in you” -Psalm 56:3 

This week, the Masters Golf Tournament will be played at Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia, amidst flowering azaleas and dogwoods. Like church architecture, golf course designers and sports writers have leaned into the divine for inspiration. 

The trio of holes (11, 12, 13), which is considered the most challenging section of the Masters course, has brought fear to golfers. In a 1958 article for Sports Illustrated, writer Herbert Warren Wind used “Amen Corner” to describe these holes at Augusta National, drawing a parallel to the religious term. Amen Corner is a tribute to a physical address in New York City in the early 20th century, where Bibles were printed in large quantities and preachers gathered to yell out their stories of salvation. 

Another golf course in Pennsylvania uses religious architecture in its physical design.  “Church Pews” is a large bunker at Oakmont Country Club. The bunker is so called because of its notable configuration of a sandy expanse broken up by a series of grassy berms running straight across and it looks like outdoor seating satisfactory for Sunday worship. The hazard is over 100 yards long and the 12 ‘pews’ are about 3 feet high. These botanical pews are perhaps where many silent prayers have been lifted to God for help and probably as many confessions for improper language. 

Using biblical concepts in life prompts us to align our actions with God’s principles- even in leisure activities. We don’t merely read Scripture and worship on Sunday- we live it daily.  An“Amen” can be uttered from a green berm or basilica. You can give God glory from any locale. Consider naming a corner in your home “Amen” or planting “Church Pews” in your garden, creating a space where you are reminded to “putt” God first. 

Prayer: 

Praise be to his glorious name forever;

    may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. -Psalm 72:19