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“New Testament Verse Calms Aaron Baddeley During Nervous Moments on the Golf Course”

2006 MCI Heritage Final Round: Harbour Town Golf Links (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina)

When Aaron Baddeley made his PGA Tour debut in 2003, many were hailing him as the Australian Tiger Woods. He was an exciting, young player who had already won big tournaments in his home country and was expected to continue his successful run in the United States.

But three years later, Baddeley was still seeking his first title and whispers of a quick rise to elite status had quieted.

To that point, the 25-year old golfer had taken it all in stride and stayed true to his belief that success on the tour would eventually come.

“You’ve got the promises of the (Bible) that all things work for the good,” Baddeley told Christian Sports Journal. “When things don’t go your way, you can be like, ‘Alright, there’s something going on here. Lord, show me what you’re trying to teach me.’”

Then, at the 2006 MCI Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Baddeley finally experienced that overdue breakthrough. After three rounds, he had emerged from the pack and had fought his way into a tie for the lead alongside former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk.

Most people in his shoes would likely wake up early and take a visit to the practice range. Baddeley did something a little different. Before touching a golf club, he served as the keynote speaker at an Easter sunrise service. The day was also significant because it marked his one-year wedding anniversary with wife Richelle.

It was 12 hours later when Baddeley found himself on the 18th green and holding a one-stroke lead over Furyk. All that stood between him and his first PGA Tour victory was a six-foot putt—and a serious case of nerves. Baddeley stood over the ball, set his feet, and took a moment to recite a Bible verse in his mind.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“I had a nice read on it and I said to myself, ‘This is for Jesus,’ and knocked it in,” Baddeley told reporters.

As the ball dropped into the cup, he lifted his arms before running towards his wife for a celebratory embrace.

Baddeley has continued to use verses like 2 Timothy 1:7 throughout his career (which includes four PGA Tour victories and nearly $20 million in winnings) as a way to stay focused and relaxed.

“Sometimes I write scriptures on my glove as a reminder,” he said. “Sometimes you can get to a certain shot and you’re a little wary about it and you can quote scripture and get a peace about it…The promises in the (Bible) are what give you so much peace.”