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The Masters: A Bubba With a Passion for the Gospel and Golf
The Gospel Coalition ^ | 04/18/2014 | Joe Carter

Posted on 04/18/2014 9:08:38 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

The Story: On Sunday Bubba Watson, one of the most untraditional golfers on the PGA Tour, was the winner of the 2014 Masters Tournament. But golf isn't Watson's top priority. What he considers most important can be gleaned from the description on his Twitter account, @bubbawatson ("Christian. Husband. Daddy. Pro Golfer.") and his website, BubbaWatson.com ("Loves Jesus and loves sharing his faith").

watson_610_masters14_d4_scott_jacketThe Background: In an interview with Trevor Freeze of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Watson tells how he uses his Twitter account—along with his PGA platform—to share about his faith in Christ.

"For me, it's just showing the Light," said Watson. "There's people who want to put down Christians. I try to tell them Jesus loves you. It's just a way to be strong in my faith."

After his first Master's win in 2012 Watson's Tweeted: "The most important thing in my life? Answer after I golf 18 holes with @JustinRose99. #Godisgood." Later that day he posted on his account, "Most important things in my life- 1. God 2. Wife 3. Family 4. Helping others 5. Golf"

"Lecrae said it the best," Watson said of the Christian rapper he listens to on his iPod. "He doesn't want to be a celebrity. He doesn't want to be a superstar. He just wants to be the middle man for you to see God through him."

Why It Matters: Christians have always been involved in professional sports, so why is the faith of superstars like Watson suddenly worthy of the public's attention? Because athletes like Watson show that it's still possible for athletes to be open and unapologetic about their willingness to share the Gospel. Also, Watson may be one of the best in his sport but he understands the importance of  keeping his priorities in order, winsomely admitting that their life's callings are secondary to serving the Creator who has called them. To a culture that is both obsessed and disillusioned with fame and fortune, this centered perspective provides a refreshingly countercultural witness.

Joe Carter is an editor for The Gospel Coalition and the co-author of How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator. You can follow him on Twitter.


TOPICS: Current Events; Evangelical Christian; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: bubbawatson; golf; gospel

1 posted on 04/18/2014 9:08:38 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

He’s my favorite on the tour. Fine Christian, husband, and father.


2 posted on 04/18/2014 9:13:11 AM PDT by boycott
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To: SeekAndFind

Good for Bubba. He’s got his priorities straight.


3 posted on 04/18/2014 9:13:13 AM PDT by onedoug
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To: SeekAndFind

Maybe it wasn’t all about Waffle House after all?


4 posted on 04/18/2014 9:13:45 AM PDT by massgopguy (I owe everything to George Bailey)
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To: SeekAndFind

Ruh Ruh….don’t let that Freedom From Religion Foundation group - the one that’s filed a complaint against Clemson - find out about this!!


5 posted on 04/18/2014 9:14:06 AM PDT by C. Edmund Wright (Tokyo Rove is more than a name, it's a GREAT WEBSITE)
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To: C. Edmund Wright
Bubba’s wife is 6'4”. I don't think they would give the Watson's too much trouble.


6 posted on 04/18/2014 9:30:25 AM PDT by Coldwater Creek
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To: Coldwater Creek

Angie played briefly in the WNBA, if I understand correctly. She’s still in-shape, too. Did you notice the shoulders on her when she was hugging Bubba on Sunday?


7 posted on 04/18/2014 9:34:56 AM PDT by Hebrews 11:6 (Do you REALLY believe that (1) God IS, and (2) God IS GOOD?)
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To: SeekAndFind

Thanks for posting this!


8 posted on 04/18/2014 9:59:17 AM PDT by Abigail Adams
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To: Hebrews 11:6
I don't actually follow golf closely. I have a photographic mind.I do like sports, so I must have looked it up at some time. Can be a curse.
9 posted on 04/18/2014 10:07:52 AM PDT by Coldwater Creek
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To: boycott

And to think he lives in Tiger Woods old house in Orlando.

Although it was extensively renovated...


10 posted on 04/18/2014 11:47:08 AM PDT by DanielRedfoot (Creepy Ass Cracker)
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To: boycott
OK, time to give hi the TEBOW treatment. Too much time and ink spent on Bubba takes away from precious typeset about Chelsea's Baby, don’tcha know?
11 posted on 04/18/2014 3:39:19 PM PDT by Gumdrop (Q)
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