The Players Championship; some call it a 5th Major and it sure seems that way.

We see it as another precursor to the U.S., Open @ Pinehurst in June because that happens to be our main focus, but, PGA Tour golf, as we're sure it does for you, keeps the blood warm when the best players in the world (minus 1) are in the hunt in a "major".

The story lines are great, Martin Kaymer, the German superstar, ala Bernhard Langer, holds a slim lead on the young phenom, Jordan Spieth who gave Bubba a run for his money at the Masters before the back nine where "Super-Bubba" emerged and "killed it" comin' down the stretch for his second green jacket. 

Russel Henley, the somewhat older youngster is in third, 4 shots back of Kaymer and a bevy of major winners and incredible players are in the hunt, including Furyk and Westwood at -6, six shots back, Justin Rose and Garcia in the same position with Bill Haas, former FEDEX Champion at -5.

Our focus is always on the regulars to the Tour Bible Study, so, Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink are at -4, Justin Leonard at -3 (after an incredible "slam dunk" eagle (see the video) and 2-time Masters Champion, Bubba Watson at -3 as well, Matt Kuchar at -2 and Ricky Fowler at -1.

Notables that missed the cut include Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley and one of our other favorites, Kevin Streelman who went from a 3 under 69 on Thursday to a 7 over par 79 on Friday (yuck).

Again, the 5th Major is well on it's way.  It may not have the drama of the Masters or the Open, but, those of us who have a passion for the game will be riveted to our TV's if the wife allows it and we'll be cheering for our favorites as the sun sets on The Players on Sunday afternoon.

Just four+ weeks before the Open and Open Doors for the Open.  We still have lodging and daily tickets and YOU can register for free lodging and tickets above.....

The 2014 Masters is over and Bubba Watson is victorious once again.

It was a marvelous Masters that was all about over after Jordan Spieth slipped up on #8 and #9 while Bubba birdied both and played magnificently over the back nine where the Masters is normally won.  Bubba didn't disappoint.  

So what did we really see during this Masters over the past 4 days? We saw a man, Bubba Watson, former winner of the Masters 2 years ago who was able to call upon the experiences of his victory in the past and be able to apply those lessons to his craft as he worked within himself and his environment in order to gain his second green jacket. 

I marveled as I watched the demeanor of Bubba and the way in which he shook off the difficulties and challenges (James 1) encountered as well as the way in which he competed against a young, energetic and extremely talented Jordan Spieth. Weren't we all aware of Bubba's former propensity to express his frustration with mistakes and "bad-bounces" and how it would effect his performances in the past. (My comment; this is an expression of spiritual maturity; I believe this is very true!  Praise Him!!)

It was a wonderful thing to see as Bubba dropped birdie putts on top of Jordan's, or, even, when Jordan had "stuffed" an approach on #6 and Bubba, putting first, nailed the treacherous putt to avoid the loss of momentum.  Or when Jordan blasted out of the bunker on #4 and "canned it" with one of the most memorable shots in Masters history, how Bubba, calmly and collectively drained his own putt on top of that shot.  In fact, the tee shot itself by Bubba on #4 was also memorable.  Amazing golf to watch.  The confidence with which Bubba slammed the drive on #13, some 330+ yards over the trees to set up a short iron to the par 5.  Jordan was quoted as saying something like; that was the most incredible drive I've ever seen.  I was amazed at the length and the confidence that he had in his swing. Can you imagine how difficult it is to square the clubface with that driver on a consistent basis and hit it where he wants to with such ferocity and as Frank Nobilo said; "All elbows and arms".  The suppleness to his swing is amazing and under pressure to boot!!

This, indeed, is another wonderful performance by Bubba Watson and a testament to the maturity of a man who has his priorities in order and is leading his fellow Tour Players not only on the course, but, in life as well.

We are quite proud of Bubba for his Masters win, indeed, but, even more so for how he is succeeding in real life.

Can't wait to see him at the U.S. Open in Pinehurst 8 1/2 weeks!!!

If you would like to attend the Men's and/or Women's U.S. Open in Pinehurst for FREE, text OPENDOORS to 41411 and follow the prompts.

Blessings to you all!

I sit here the author of this site/blog and want to project the Christian side of the Masters.

What does that mean, you say?  My focus here is on the Open Doors for the Open outreach that is forming at the Village Chapel in Pinehurst during the U.S. Open this year, so I wanted to add a Christian focus to this grand event that will be completed today on the storied links of Augusta National.  My personal caution is to ensure I am not a gong striking in the wilderness and I can write with clarity and purpose.  Lord help me.

Our main objective for Open Doors for the Open is to present a loving fellowship experience to those visiting the U.S. Open and hope they will discover Jesus Christ while they are there in Pinehurst.  We know that God is the creator of all and in all.  No debate in that unless you don't Believe and our discussion would take a much longer time to debate than these few 'bits" on these pages.  So let's assume that God "is", His Word is pretty clear about that.  In that regard, His providence is showered down upon all of us, the just and the unjust, so I don't believe any of the Pro's within 4 to 5 strokes (or possibly more) from the lead in the Masters have an edge on the other.  It will be God's will whoever wins this Sunday.

What's more at stake is the state of the souls of those folks that, I said above, I wasn't going to debate.  The grandeur of the Masters and, for that matter, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, reflect the glory of God.  It calls out to all of us to focus on the fact that He is all and in all.  This fact alone allows us to relax and know that He is God.  He is revealing Himself on the grounds of Augusta National.  He will be present and evident at the Open on Pinehurst #2 in June.  There is no need for us to debate His existence and/or His participation in all of the beauty and excitement and, results of the Masters or the Open.

I believe we have five golfers on the leaderboard who are professing Believers in Jesus Christ; Bubba, Rickie, Matt, Jordan and Kevin Streelman.  What I like best about these Pros is their dedication to their craft, their profession of faith and their enjoyment of life.  These qualities are those that speak loudly about the state of their heart and their character as Believers.

I pray all of the competitors in today's final round of the Masters will show the love and grace appropriate for those who Believe and that the next Champion will bring Him glory.  I pray for the same at the U.S. Open in Pinehurst.

Would you like more information on our outreach?  Text OPENDOORS to 41411 to learn more.