Birdies, Bogeys & Life Lessons from the Game of GolfSample

Intimidation

Sam Snead was known for gamesmanship, which entails using psychological tactics to intimidate the opponent. Today we call it “trash talk.”

Learning the game was not easy for Snead, who grew up in the backwoods of Virginia. The White Sulphur Springs resort is where he played in the early days. In the 1930s, living during the Depression meant he and everyone else did everything they could just to make a few pennies.

Early on, Snead learned a difficult lesson about the questionable art of gamesmanship during a tournament. It was just before the final round, and he was playing well. Then, another golfer came up to him and casually said, “How do you expect to do well with that left elbow flying around like that?”

The comment unnerved Snead, and he spent the rest of the round distracted by his own arm movements. The result was an eight at the second hole and an 80 total, which landed him in third place. He realized he had been played, and he determined that the next time someone tried to get into his head, his response would be: “Hey, beat me with your clubs.” (6)

In 1972, I was a college golfer then and had successfully made it through sectional qualifying of the US Open. I was now in Charlotte at the regional qualifier, where all the touring pros were qualifying. It was the first time I had played in an event with tour players. I played with DeWitt Weaver, a regular tour player at the time.

I stepped onto the tee and was getting ready to tee off when I noticed someone standing just a few feet away from me. I looked up from my ball, and there was Sam Snead with his arms crossed and simply staring at me. It was the most intimidating thing ever. I promptly ignored him and proceeded to hit my ball down the fairway. I was shocked that a man of that stature would want to intimate a college kid.

Don’t Let Him Steal from You

Satan is always trying to intimidate believers. In John 10:10, it says Satan wants to steal, kill and destroy
our life. He is the great intimidator, but greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. The next time you feel intimidated, remind yourself of your true identity and that God himself lives inside of you. Realize that Satan is a toothless lion compared to Jesus, who lives inside you!

(6) David Davies, “Sam Snead,” The Guardian, May 24, 2021.